What People Love About JSONLint
Before we get into where Start Page HQ goes further, credit where it's due.
- A simple, fast, no-frills JSON validator that has been the default for over a decade.
- Pretty-prints valid JSON with a single click and points at the exact line of any syntax error.
- Works in any browser with no install or sign-up required.
- Strips trailing commas and other common copy-paste artifacts during validation.
- Free to use without an account.
Where Start Page HQ Goes Further
Specific differences, not vague claims.
Lives on Every New Tab
JSONLint is a separate site you have to open. Start Page HQ ships a JSON Formatter widget that's already there every time you open a new tab — paste, format, copy, move on.
Sits Alongside 50+ Other Widgets
JSONLint is a single-purpose tool. Start Page HQ pairs the JSON Formatter with Regex Tester, Text Diff, Base64, QR Codes, Image Compression, and 45+ more — all on the same dashboard.
Format and Minify in One Place
Start Page HQ's JSON Formatter lets you pretty-print, minify, validate, and copy results in one widget — no scrolling between separate forms.
No Ads, Ever
JSONLint runs ads on the free site. Start Page HQ is paid software — never ad-supported on any plan.
Custom Pages for Your Dev Workflow
Build a "Dev Tools" page with JSON, regex, diff, and base64 in a single grid. Build a separate "Personal" page with notes, todos, and weather. Switch between them with a click.
Cross-Device Sync Built In
Dashboard layout syncs across every browser and device automatically. Sign in once and your work setup follows you to a new laptop or phone.
Runs Locally in Your Browser
JSON parsing happens in-browser — no upload, no server round trip, sensitive payloads never leave your machine.
Side-by-Side Comparison
An honest line-by-line look at how the two stack up.
| Feature | JSONLint | Start Page HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free (with ads) | $25/yr or $49 lifetime |
| Free tier | Yes | Free demo only |
| JSON validation | Yes | Yes |
| Pretty-print / format | Yes | Yes |
| Minify | No | Yes |
| Syntax highlighting | Yes | Yes |
| Lives on every new tab | No | Yes |
| Chrome | Web only | Yes |
| Firefox | Web only | Yes |
| Safari | Web only | Yes |
| Edge | Web only | Yes |
| Hosted web app | Yes | Yes |
| Browser extensions | No | Yes |
| No ads | No | Yes |
| Multi-page dashboards | No | Yes |
| Regex / Diff / Base64 / QR tools | No | Yes |
| Notes, todos, RSS, weather | No | Yes |
| AI tools (answers, translate, image) | No | Yes |
| Cross-device sync | No | Included |
Widgets That Replace JSONLint
Drop these onto your dashboard and you've covered JSONLint's core features — plus a lot more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — for the everyday job of pasting JSON, validating it, pretty-printing or minifying it, and copying the result, the JSON Formatter widget covers the whole flow. JSONLint is a great free fallback for one-off URL bookmarking, but if you format JSON daily, the new-tab widget saves the trip.
No. The JSON Formatter widget runs entirely in your browser — parsing, formatting, and minifying all happen client-side. Sensitive payloads never leave your machine.
There is a free public demo at startpagehq.com/demo where you can use the JSON Formatter and every other widget without signing up. Full access requires a paid plan: $25/year or $49 one-time. Both plans include all 50+ widgets, cross-device sync, and AI credits.
JSONLint is free with ads. Start Page HQ Annual is $25/year and the Lifetime plan is $49 once — and you get the JSON Formatter plus 49 other widgets, never ad-supported. If JSON formatting is the only tool you use, JSONLint is fine; if you also reach for regex, diff, base64, or QR codes, the dashboard pays for itself fast.
Yes. The JSON Formatter widget supports both pretty-printing and minification in the same widget — JSONLint only pretty-prints.
Yes. Start Page HQ has native extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, plus a hosted web app at startpagehq.com that works in any modern browser — the same as JSONLint itself.