Java JSON Libraries

Which is faster for large JSON datasets: Jackson or Moshi?

Jackson is generally faster than Moshi for large JSON datasets, particularly in backend applications. Jackson uses streaming APIs and optimized parsers that excel with large payloads, often 10-20% faster in benchmarks. Moshi prioritizes safety and simplicity over raw speed, making it slightly slower but more predictable. Jackson's performance advantage increases with file size—for multi-megabyte JSON, the difference becomes significant. However, Moshi's performance is adequate for most mobile applications where files are smaller. Jackson offers more configuration options for performance tuning including afterburner module for bytecode generation. For Android, consider that Moshi has smaller binary size despite lower throughput. Profile your specific use case before choosing. Use our JSON Formatter at jsonconsole.com/json-formatter to prepare test data for benchmarking. Jackson wins for backend services processing large API responses, while Moshi suffices for typical mobile app needs. Choose based on actual performance requirements, not just benchmarks.
Last updated: December 23, 2025

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