Wappalyzer vs JSON Formatter
Wappalyzer and JSON Formatter overlap heavily, but they optimise for different users. Here is how they compare.
Side-by-side comparison
| Wappalyzer | JSON Formatter | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Reviews | 2,000 | 2,100 |
| Users | ~3M+ | ~2M+ |
| Pricing | Freemium · From $149/mo | Free |
| Category | Developer Tools | Developer Tools |
| Developer | Wappalyzer | Callum Locke |
| Last updated | 2026-05-25 | 2026-04-30 |
| Best for | Developers, agencies and sales teams researching what a site is built with. | Anyone poking at REST APIs directly in the browser. |
Wappalyzer features
- Feature list coming soon.
JSON Formatter features
- Feature list coming soon.
Wappalyzer: pros & cons
- Broad technology detection
- Instant popup results
- Useful for prospecting
- Free for browsing
- Bulk data is expensive
- Occasional false positives
- Detection lags new tools
JSON Formatter: pros & cons
- Automatic pretty printing
- Collapsible tree view
- Handles large payloads
- Open source
- No request editing
- Limited theming
- Only works on JSON responses
Final recommendation
Both are credible. Choose Wappalyzer if its strengths match your primary use case, and JSON Formatter if you need what it does better.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Wappalyzer and JSON Formatter?
Wappalyzer and JSON Formatter overlap in the same job, but they optimise differently: one is tuned for speed and simplicity, the other for depth and control. The side-by-side table above shows the current ratings, install base, pricing and who each one is built for, all synced from the public Chrome Web Store listings.
Can I use Wappalyzer and JSON Formatter together?
In most cases yes — Chrome runs extensions independently. Keep both only if they cover different needs, because each active extension adds memory use, page scripts and one more set of permissions to trust. If their features clearly duplicate, pick one and remove the other.
Is Wappalyzer or JSON Formatter free?
Check the pricing row in the comparison table: it reflects the current model for each extension, whether that is free, freemium with paid limits, or paid only. Free tiers change often, so the store listing linked from each card is the source of truth.
Which one is safer to install?
Compare the permissions each one requests on its Chrome Web Store page and prefer the extension asking for less. Also look at the developer, the last update date and the review count — an actively maintained extension with a large install base and narrow permissions is the safer choice.
How often is this comparison updated?
Ratings, review counts and install numbers are refreshed nightly from the Chrome Web Store, and the editorial verdict is reviewed whenever either extension ships a significant change.
Keep researching
Alternatives, shortlists and other comparisons in the same category.