Comparison
MockAPI vs json-server
json-server turns a single db.json file into a full fake REST API in seconds, which is ideal for a quick local prototype. MockAPI gives you the same “instant REST API” feeling, but hosted, with generated data, authentication, scenarios, GraphQL and logs.
At a glance
| Capability | MockAPI | json-server |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Sign up, create or import an API | npm install and a db.json file |
| Hosting | Hosted HTTPS URL, works on any device | Local Node process |
| Data | Generated realistic data from models | Whatever you write into db.json |
| CRUD, filtering, pagination | Yes | Yes |
| Authentication | API key or Bearer token per project | Not built in |
| Error, latency & rate-limit simulation | Scenarios, latency profiles, rate limits | Not built in |
| GraphQL | Yes | No (REST only) |
| OpenAPI / Postman import | Yes | No |
| Request logs & team sharing | Yes | No |
| Price | Free forever plan | Free & open source |
Based on public documentation, reviewed October 2026. json-server is a trademark of its respective owner. Report an outdated row.
Choose json-server if…
- You need a throwaway local API for a tutorial or a weekend prototype.
- You want the data in a JSON file committed next to your code.
- You do not need authentication, error simulation or access from other devices.
Choose MockAPI if…
- You are tired of hand-writing db.json fixtures and want MockAPI to generate realistic data.
- Your mock needs to be reachable from phones, CI, preview deployments or teammates.
- You want to test auth failures, slow networks and rate limits.
- You already have an OpenAPI spec or Postman collection to start from.
What is json-server?
json-server is a popular open-source Node.js package that serves a full fake REST API from a JSON file, with CRUD routes, filtering, sorting and pagination. It runs locally and writes changes back to the file.
From db.json to a real mock backend
json-server is brilliant for its simplicity: write some JSON, get a REST API. The trade-off is that the data is yours to write, and the server only lives on your machine.
MockAPI keeps the simplicity (define a model and get /users, /users/:id and the rest), but generates hundreds of realistic records, hosts them for you and adds the behaviours real APIs have: auth, latency, errors and rate limits.
Frequently asked questions
Is MockAPI a drop-in replacement for json-server?
For most front-end use it is: list, detail, create, update and delete routes with pagination, filtering and sorting. Point your app at your MockAPI base URL and add the x-api-key header.
Can I seed MockAPI with my own JSON?
Yes. You can import JSON samples to create models, and use static values or custom regex patterns for fields that need exact data.
Try the json-server alternative built for real API behaviour
Realistic data, stateful CRUD and failure scenarios in minutes. Free forever plan, no credit card.