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JSON vs XML

JSON vs XML compared — verbosity, schema, attributes, parsing and use cases, with free formatters and converters for both.

JSON and XML both serialise structured data, but JSON is lighter and now the default for web APIs, while XML offers richer document features — attributes, namespaces and schema validation — that still matter in enterprise and document-centric systems.

JSON vs XML at a glance

JSON XML
Verbosity Compact Verbose (closing tags)
Attributes No (key/value only) Yes (element attributes)
Schema JSON Schema (optional) XSD/DTD (mature)
Namespaces No Yes
Parsing Native in JS, fast Heavier (DOM/SAX)
Typical use Web/REST APIs Documents, SOAP, config, feeds

When to use JSON

Choose JSON for web and mobile APIs — smaller payloads, native browser support and simpler parsing make it the modern default.

When to use XML

Choose XML when you need attributes, namespaces, mixed content or strict schema validation — document formats, SOAP services and many enterprise integrations still rely on it.

Tools for JSON & XML

JSON Formatter

Format, validate, and minify JSON online. Free, no signup — your data never leaves your browser.

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XML Formatter

Beautify or minify XML using your browser's native parser. No dependencies, fast and accurate.

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JSON to XML Converter

Convert JSON to XML in your browser. Configurable root element, attribute prefix, and text key.

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XML to JSON Converter

Convert XML to JSON in your browser. Native DOMParser with configurable attribute prefix, text key, and compact mode.

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JSON vs XML

Is JSON replacing XML?

For web APIs, largely yes — JSON is lighter and easier to consume in browsers. XML remains common for documents, SOAP, RSS/Atom feeds and systems needing schema validation or namespaces.

Can I convert between JSON and XML?

Yes, with caveats: XML attributes and mixed content have no direct JSON equivalent, so converters use conventions (e.g. @attributes). Use the JSON to XML and XML to JSON tools.