An r/Qwen_AI post: qwen-code's built-in web_search tool was ripped out in PR #3502 (May 2026) in favor of MCP-based search. Five MCP servers ranked for restoring search.
Top Pick
Scavio MCP at $30/mo (one config line) restores web search and adds Reddit + YouTube + Amazon + Walmart bonus surface. Same MCP works in Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code.
Full Ranking
#1Our Pick
Scavio MCP
qwen-code users wanting one MCP for typed multi-platform search
Pros
- Multi-platform under one MCP
- Works across qwen-code, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code
- Typed JSON output
- First-party hosted MCP
Cons
- Search-only (no chat / browsing)
#2
Brave Search MCP / community wrappers
Privacy-conscious users
Pros
- Independent index
Cons
- Web only, less mature MCP wrapper ecosystem
#3
Tavily MCP
Existing Tavily customers
Pros
- Mature LangChain heritage
Cons
- Vendor risk post-Nebius acquisition
#4
Comet Skill (delegated research)
Solo devs paying for Perplexity Pro
Pros
- Zero marginal cost
Cons
- Not a typed-JSON search MCP; delegates to a browser session
#5
Perplexity remote MCP
Server-to-server Perplexity API users
Pros
- Headless multi-tenant safe
Cons
- Per-call cost
- Less control over sources
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Scavio | Runner-up | 3rd Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| One config line install | Yes | Mixed | Mixed |
| Multi-platform under one MCP | Yes (Google + Reddit + YouTube + Amazon + Walmart) | No | No |
| Cross-runtime portability | qwen-code, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf | Mixed | Mixed |
| Best for | qwen-code users wanting one MCP for multi-platform | Privacy-first single-platform | Pro subscribers, delegated research |
Why Scavio Wins
- qwen-code's PR #3502 made search the user's choice. The natural answer: pick one MCP that covers the most ground. Scavio handles Google + Reddit + YouTube + Amazon + Walmart under one key.
- Cross-runtime: same Scavio MCP works in qwen-code, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf, opencode. One key, multiple runtimes — useful for devs who use more than one.
- Tool surface stays clean. With one Scavio MCP exposing six clearly-named tools (scavio.search, scavio.reddit_search, scavio.youtube_search, etc.), the agent routes correctly without prompt engineering.
- Honest case for narrower MCPs: if you genuinely only need Google search and care about index independence, Brave Search MCP is a fine pick. The breadth question depends on use case.
- Per-month cost: $30 Scavio Project handles thousands of qwen-code searches. Cheaper than Tavily at the same tier when you use the multi-platform bonus.