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Browser Extensions · head to head

JSON Viewer vs React Developer Tools

JSON Viewer logo

JSON Viewer

Browser Extensions

View JSON documents in the browser

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
React Developer Tools logo

React Developer Tools

Browser Extensions

Debug React applications in your browser

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: JSON Viewer the project is MIT licensed open source code hosted on GitHub with no vendor and no paid tier; React Developer Tools react Developer Tools is only available as a Chrome browser extension. No support for other browsers mentioned.
  • They diverge on capability: JSON Viewer covers JSON formatting, React Developer Tools covers Component inspection.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which JSON Viewer and React Developer Tools actually diverge.

Attributes where JSON Viewer and React Developer Tools differ
AttributeJSON ViewerReact Developer Tools
Founded20152004

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Chrome, Firefox, Edge), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Browser Extensions).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in JSON Viewer

  • JSON formatting
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Tree view
  • Search functionality

Only in React Developer Tools

  • Component inspection
  • Props/State viewing
  • Performance profiler
  • Hooks debugging

Both cover

  • Chrome support
  • Firefox support
  • Edge support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

JSON Viewer

No use cases recorded yet. See the JSON Viewer review.

React Developer Tools

  • Debugging React components during developmentnot JSON Viewer
  • Inspecting component state and propsnot JSON Viewer
  • Performance profiling of React applicationsnot JSON Viewer

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

JSON Viewer

  • The project is MIT licensed open source code hosted on GitHub with no vendor and no paid tier

React Developer Tools

  • React Developer Tools is only available as a Chrome browser extension. No support for other browsers mentioned.

Pricing, plan by plan

JSON Viewer

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Syntax highlighting
    • Collapsible tree
    • Search

React Developer Tools

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Component tree
    • Props inspection
    • State tracking

Which should you pick?

Choose JSON Viewer if

  • You need json formatting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
  • You also want syntax highlighting.
JSON Viewer review

Choose React Developer Tools if

  • You need component inspection.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
  • You also want props/state viewing.
React Developer Tools review

Questions people ask

Is JSON Viewer or React Developer Tools better?
Neither clearly leads. JSON Viewer starts at Free and React Developer Tools at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, JSON Viewer or React Developer Tools?
JSON Viewer starts at Free and React Developer Tools at Free.
Does JSON Viewer or React Developer Tools run on more platforms?
Both run on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use JSON Viewer for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What can JSON Viewer do that React Developer Tools cannot?
JSON Viewer covers JSON formatting, Syntax highlighting, Tree view, Search functionality. React Developer Tools covers Component inspection, Props/State viewing, Performance profiler, Hooks debugging. Both handle Chrome support, Firefox support, Edge support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

React Developer Tools: How much does React Developer Tools cost?

React Developer Tools is completely free. It is a free browser extension with no subscription fees or costs.

Source
React Developer Tools: Is React Developer Tools available for download?

Yes. React Developer Tools is available as a free extension on the Chrome Web Store for download at no cost.

Source
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