Jayson vs JSONSpruce
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Jayson
This app allows you to view and edit JSON files directly on your device. It offers features like tabbed browsing, split-screen comparisons, and integration with Siri Shortcuts and the Share Sheet for easy JSON parsing and management.
- Browse JSON files
- Table or syntax highlighted text view
- Tabbed interface
- Multiple splits for comparison
- Siri Shortcuts integration
- Share Sheet Actions
- URL schemes
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Jayson is a JSON viewer and editor for iPhone and iPad. Browse JSON as a structure, edit values, and save your changes back to the file. Whether you're inspecting an API response, checking a config file, or making a quick fix on the go, Jayson turns raw JSON into something you can actually read and change. BROWSE AND EDIT - Open JSON files stored on your device or in iCloud Drive. - Toggle between a structured table view and syntax highlighted text. - Add new values and keys, and save your changes back to the file. - Parse text or the contents of a URL from your clipboard into JSON. - Highlight a key from a child of an array to get a quick overview of your data. TABS, SPLITS, AND WINDOWS - Switch between files, or different objects in a single file, using tabs. - Compare JSON in a single file or across files using multiple splits. - Open multiple windows on the iPad. WORKS WITH SHORTCUTS Jayson integrates with Shortcuts, which comes in handy for debugging API calls, previewing JSON files, and building workflows around JSON. - Pass a response from Get Contents of URL to Jayson to see how it is structured. - Open JSON as a document you keep working on, or as a temporary preview. - Format JSON and hand the result to the next action, using spaces or tabs. FREE, WITH AN OPTIONAL UPGRADE Jayson's core functionality is free. Browsing, editing, saving, splits, Shortcuts, and working with up to two tabs at a time cost nothing. A one-time in-app purchase enables having more than two tabs open at once, switching between light and dark themes, and personalizing the app icon, accent color and type icons. One purchase, no subscription.
JSONSpruce
This Safari extension automatically formats raw JSON data encountered on webpages into a readable, syntax-highlighted display. It offers interactive features like collapsible sections and one-tap actions for easy data manipulation and analysis.
- Automatic JSON detection
- Syntax highlighting
- Collapsible sections
- Expand/collapse all
- Copy formatted JSON
- Raw view toggle
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JSONSpruce is the essential IOS Safari extension for developers, data analysts, and anyone who works with JSON data. It automatically detects and transforms raw JSON content into a beautifully formatted, easy-to-read display with syntax highlighting and interactive features. KEY FEATURES: • Automatic JSON Detection - Instantly recognizes JSON content on any webpage • Syntax Highlighting - Color-coded elements make JSON structure crystal clear • Collapsible Sections - Expand and collapse nested objects and arrays with a single tap • One-Tap Actions - Expand all, collapse all, or copy formatted JSON instantly • Raw View Toggle - Switch between formatted and original view anytime • Universal Compatibility - Works on all websites, from APIs to data files PERFECT FOR: • Developers debugging API responses • QA testers validating data structures • Students learning programming • Data analysts exploring JSON datasets • Anyone working with web services SIMPLE SETUP: 1. Install JSONSpruce 2. Enable in Safari Settings > Extensions 3. Browse any JSON content - it just works! No configuration needed. JSONSpruce respects your privacy - it processes everything locally on your device and never sends your data anywhere.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: JSONSpruce at 5.0 against Jayson's 4.5. JSONSpruce also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (100% vs 81%). Jayson's advantage is ratings volume (425 vs 1) and chart position (#86 vs unranked). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Jayson sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. JSONSpruce asks for nothing beyond the download.
JSONSpruce holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Jayson has 425 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of Jayson's written reviews are positive against 100% of JSONSpruce's.
| Parameter | Jayson | JSONSpruce |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (425 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 80.7% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 425 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Best chart rank | #86 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 41 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Simon B. Støvring | Brandon Kepros |
Customer experience
Jayson
JSONSpruce
Bugs and requests
Jayson
Reported bugs
6 issues- App crashes when opening large JSON files (89MB+)
- Crashes on regular use despite functionality
- Device freezing for extended periods
- Safari compatibility broken in recent updates
- Navigation back through JSON structure is unreliable
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- Accidental file exit when attempting to navigate
Requested features
9 requests- Search/find functionality within files
- JSON editing and modification capabilities
- XML format support
- Split-view for comparing different arrays
- Export functionality for edited JSON
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- Comment recognition in JSON files
- Plain text editor option
- Improved file size handling for large documents
- Better navigation controls on mobile devices
JSONSpruce
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Jayson
- Unlock Everything$4.99
JSONSpruce
No in-app purchases









