📝 Continued from the previous article
This article supplements “MCP Server Setup Guide – Compiled with Claude!”
While Article 2 covered Playwright MCP setup, I discovered there are actually two options and wasn’t sure which to choose.
So I investigated and analyzed both with Claude (AI). I hope this helps others facing the same dilemma.
“Which Playwright MCP should I use?”
Article 2 recommended @executeautomation/playwright-mcp-server
, but I discovered Microsoft’s official @playwright/mcp@latest
also exists.
As a programming beginner, I had no idea which to choose… So I consulted with Claude and researched to compare them.
🤔How I Got Confused
After successfully using it for patent family searches in Article 2.1, I thought “This is great!” But while researching online, I noticed something.
“Wait… There’s an official Microsoft Playwright MCP too…”
Looking at official documentation and GitHub, both are presented as “Playwright MCP for Claude Desktop.” I couldn’t figure out the differences or which to use.
🔍Two Playwright MCP Servers
Microsoft Official: @playwright/mcp@latest
Basic Information
- Developer: Microsoft Playwright Team (official)
- Released: Around March 2025
- Setup:
npx @playwright/mcp@latest
- Features: Simple, lightweight, official support
Configuration example:
{ "mcpServers": { "playwright": { "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "@playwright/mcp@latest"] } } }
ExecuteAutomation Version: @executeautomation/playwright-mcp-server
Basic Information
- Developer: ExecuteAutomation (third-party)
- Released: Around December 2024 (preceded Microsoft’s)
- Setup:
npx @executeautomation/playwright-mcp-server
- Features: Feature-rich (screenshots, test code generation, etc.)
Configuration example:
{ "mcpServers": { "playwright": { "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "@executeautomation/playwright-mcp-server"] } } }
⚡Key Differences: Features and Approach
Through discussions with Claude, I discovered the differences between these two MCP servers. While both are based on Playwright, they differ in provided features and design philosophy.
Microsoft Official: Simple & Lightweight Focus
Focused on Core Features
Provides carefully selected core features from Playwright, prioritizing stability and lightweight operation.
Characteristics:
- ✅ Fast processing (no unnecessary features)
- ✅ Stability-focused design
- ✅ Official support
- ✅ Simple feature set
Suitable for:
- Basic web operations (search, data retrieval, etc.)
- Routine tasks like patent family searches
- Tasks prioritizing stability
ExecuteAutomation: Feature-Rich & Multi-functional Focus
Provides Rich Features
Offers additional convenient features beyond Playwright’s basic functionality.
Characteristics:
- ✅ Screenshot functionality
- ✅ Test code generation
- ✅ More detailed operation options
- ❌ Potentially heavier than Microsoft version
- ❌ Third-party development (individual project)
Suitable for:
- Tasks requiring screenshots
- Integration with test automation
- More advanced automation
📊Detailed Comparison Table
Comparison Item | Microsoft Official | ExecuteAutomation |
---|---|---|
Developer | Microsoft (official) | ExecuteAutomation (third-party) |
Design Philosophy | Simple & lightweight | Feature-rich & multi-functional |
Core Features | Basic web operation features | Basic features + additional functions |
Screenshots | Basic functionality only | Detailed capture options |
Learning Curve | Low | Somewhat high |
Future Support | High (official support) | Depends on individual project |
⚠️About Screenshot Features
Regarding ExecuteAutomation’s Screenshot Feature
While ExecuteAutomation has screenshot functionality, practical implementation requires verification:
- Functionality: Screenshots of entire pages or specific elements
- Save method: Playwright’s standard save method
- Note: Specific save locations and utilization methods in Claude Desktop environment need verification through actual use
Practical approaches:
- ✅ Use manual capture (Win+Shift+S) for important screenshots
- ✅ Utilize Claude’s own screen display confirmation
- ✅ Verify operation in actual environment before full implementation
🎯Selection Criteria for Patent Engineers
So which should we choose for our work? Let’s consider actual use cases.
Example: Patent Family Search
Typical operations:
- Access Espacenet
- Enter “EP1234567” in search field
- Click search button
- Organize results in table format
- Save screenshots if needed (manually)
With Microsoft Official:
- ✅ Reliable execution of basic web operations
- ✅ Fast processing for efficient bulk patent searches
- ✅ Stability-focused, suitable for business use
- ❌ Cannot expect advanced features
With ExecuteAutomation:
- ✅ Convenient features like screenshots
- ✅ More detailed operation options
- ❌ May be heavy due to rich features
- ❌ Third-party development continuity risk
💡Which Should You Choose? (My Decision Criteria)
Microsoft Official is recommended for:
- ✅ Mainly patent searches and information gathering
- ✅ Prioritizing stability and speed
- ✅ Valuing official support
- ✅ Simple features are sufficient
- ✅ Beginners (like me…)
ExecuteAutomation is recommended for:
- ✅ Need screenshot functionality
- ✅ Need automatic test code generation
- ✅ Seeking more advanced automation
- ✅ Prioritizing multi-functionality
- * With understanding of third-party development
🙇♂️Conclusion
As a programming beginner, I’ve shared my experience of being confused about which Playwright MCP to choose, with Claude’s help.
What’s important is understanding that “there’s no perfect answer”. Both are excellent tools, and you can try them out and switch if needed.
I hope this journey through my confusion helps others facing the same dilemma.
Disclaimer
This comparison is based on information as of July 2025, analyzed and created through dialogue with Claude. Features and specifications of each MCP server may change in the future. Please make your choice based on your own environment and requirements.
📚 Related Articles
▶️ “MCP Server Setup Guide – Compiled with Claude!” – Basic setup methods
▶️ “Outbound-Patent Engineer Tries Patent Family Search with Generative AI” – Practical usage example
▶️ “J-E Translation Review Prompt Chain by an Outbound-Patent Engineer” – Usage in translation review