Comparison

Jayson vs Hex

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Browse JSON files
  • Table or syntax highlighted text view
  • Tabbed interface
  • Multiple splits for comparison
  • Siri Shortcuts integration
  • Share Sheet Actions
  • URL schemes
Features
Read full description

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.

About

Hex

Features
Read full description

Hex is a developer multi-tool for iPhone and iPad. 21 utilities across 5 categories — everything you reach for daily but shouldn't need a laptop to use. ENCODE Base64 Encode/Decode URL Encode/Decode HTML Entity Encode/Decode JWT Token Decoder Hash Generator (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512) FORMAT JSON Formatter & Validator XML Formatter SQL Formatter Markdown Preview HTML Preview GENERATE UUID Generator (batch mode) Lorem Ipsum Generator Password Generator with strength meter Color Converter (HEX / RGB / HSL) File Checksum TIME Unix Timestamp Converter Cron Expression Parser Timezone Converter TEXT Diff Checker Regex Tester with live match highlighting Text Inspector (character, word, line count) BUILT FOR DEVELOPERS Clipboard auto-detection suggests the right tool instantly Deep link support (hex://json, hex://base64, etc.) Export results in native file formats Haptic feedback throughout Dark theme with monospace typography PRIVACY FIRST Works 100% offline — no network access, ever No analytics, no tracking, no accounts No subscriptions — one-time purchase Built by Shy Guy LLC.

Screenshots

Jayson4 screens
Hex4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Jayson at Free against Hex's $2.99. Jayson also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months) and chart position (#93 vs unranked). Hex's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Jayson is free to download; Hex costs $2.99 up front. Jayson sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Hex asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Jayson ships an update every 3 weeks, Hex every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Jayson versus Hex: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterJaysonHex
PriceFree — better$2.99
Rating4.5 (425 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews80.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings425 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#93 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size41 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSimon B. StøvringChad Neal

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
Show 1 more
  • 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
Show 4 more
  • Comment recognition in JSON files
  • Plain text editor option
  • Improved file size handling for large documents
  • Better navigation controls on mobile devices

Hex

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Jayson

One-time1
  • Unlock Everything$4.99
None

Hex

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Jayson free?
Jayson is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Hex free?
Hex costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Jayson or Hex have ads?
Neither Jayson nor Hex shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Jayson or Hex?
Jayson ships an update every 3 weeks, and Hex every 4 months. Most recently, Jayson was updated on September 28, 2026 and Hex on September 26, 2026.

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