orjson

Fast, correct JSON library for Python.

EstablishedOpen SourceLow lock-in

Pricing

Free tier

Flat rate

Adoption

Stable

License

Open Source

Data freshness

Aging · Jun 8, 2026

Overview

What is orjson?

orjson is a high-performance JSON parser and generator written in Rust. It offers significant speed improvements over the standard json module in Python, making it ideal for applications where performance is critical.

Key differentiator

orjson stands out as one of the fastest Python libraries for JSON processing, offering significant speed improvements without sacrificing correctness.

Capability profile

Capability Radar

Ease of StartEcosystemValueMaturityFlexibilityScale Ready

Honest assessment

Strengths & Weaknesses

↑ Strengths

High performance JSON parsing and generationmedium

Written in Rust for speedmedium

Supports Python's datetime objects directlymedium

↓ Weaknesses

Limited language supporthigh

orjson is primarily designed for Python and lacks native support for other languages, limiting its use in polyglot environments.

Complex setup for non-standard configurationsmedium

Setting up orjson in complex or non-standard Python environments (like embedded systems) can be challenging due to Rust dependencies and compilation requirements.

Small community supporthigh

The community around orjson is relatively small compared to more established JSON libraries, which may result in slower resolution of issues and fewer resources for troubleshooting.

Fit analysis

Who is it for?

✓ Best for

Developers working on high-performance Python applications that require frequent JSON operations

Projects needing to optimize the speed of JSON parsing and generation in their critical paths

✕ Not a fit for

Applications where simplicity is prioritized over performance

Scenarios where the overhead of integrating a new library outweighs potential performance gains

Cost structure

Pricing

Free Tier

Available

Open source — free to use

Starts at

$0

Model

Flat rate

Enterprise

None

Performance benchmarks

How Fast Is It?

Ecosystem

Relationships

Next step

Get Started with orjson

Step-by-step setup guide with code examples and common gotchas.

View Setup Guide →