/ Plugin Category

/ User Management & Authentication

/ User Registration & Login

/ JSON API User

JSON API User

By Ali Qureshi

User Management & Authentication / User Registration & Login

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

JSON API User Review - In-Depth Analysis

Enhances the JSON API Plugin for RESTful user registration and authentication. Supports BuddyPress functions and user meta management.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.73/10

User Rating

3.9/5 (based on 21+ reviews)

Active Installations

1,000+

Update Frequency

Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

7.2 / 10 (High Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

JSON API User extends the JSON API Plugin with a new Controller to allow RESTful user registration, authentication, password reset, RESTful Facebook Login, RESTful User Meta and BuddyPress xProfile get and update methods. This plugin is for WordPress/Mobile app developers who want to use WordPress as mobile app data backend.

JSON API Plugin, that is required, was closed on August 7, 2019 from WordPress repository. You can download JSON API Plugin from GitHub until it is republished and available on WordPress.

Features include generating Auth Cookie for user authentication, validating Auth Cookie, RESTful User Registration, RESTful Facebook Login/Registration with valid access_token, RESTful BuddyPress xProfile fields update, and more.

The plugin was created for mobile apps integration with the web app using WordPress as backend for all the data. It helps in putting together the web app quickly and then Mobile iOS and Android apps were integrated via this plugin.

A pro version, JSON API User Plus, is available that supports additional BuddyPress features to integrate BuddyPress functions in your mobile app via REST API.

Comparing to Alternatives

JSON API User is a plugin designed to handle user authentication via JSON API, with some direct competitors offering similar JWT-based authentication solutions.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Supports user authentication through JSON API endpoints.
Has a pro version offering additional features.
Generally well received by a majority of users.
Saves time by simplifying API user management.

Weaknesses

Has known security vulnerabilities that have been patched in recent updates.
Some users report issues with password reset functionality.
Less reliable email sending for password resets compared to alternatives.
User interface and documentation may be lacking for some users.

User Sentiment Analysis

With a 3.9 average rating from 21 reviews, most users rate the plugin highly, but there is a notable minority expressing dissatisfaction, particularly regarding functionality and reliability.

Positive highlights

"Really great plug-in" — danilopaulinodasilva
"Many thanks for this plugin is done my job quickly." — proeyes
"Saves a lot of time!" — job

Common complaints

Plugin does not work as expected for some users.
Password reset emails do not include proper reset links.
Plugin uses its own API system which some find obsolete.

Weaknesses

Issues with password reset functionality.
Email sending for password resets is unreliable.
Some users find the plugin misleading or a waste of time.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Developers and site administrators who need a JSON API-based user authentication solution and are comfortable applying updates to address security issues.

Not ideal for

Users who require a fully stable and secure plugin without the need for frequent updates or those who rely heavily on password reset features working flawlessly.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version provides basic JSON API user authentication features suitable for many standard use cases.

Pro version

Offers additional premium features to enhance API user management and authentication capabilities.

Final Verdict

JSON API User is a useful plugin for managing user authentication via JSON API with a majority of users reporting positive experiences. It offers a pro version with enhanced features and competes well with other JWT-based authentication plugins.

However, it has had significant security vulnerabilities in the past that have been fixed, and some users report issues with password reset functionality and email reliability. Users should weigh these factors and consider their technical ability to maintain security updates when choosing this plugin.