If you've ever needed dummy data for testing, you know the pain.
You either:
- Use Mockaroo (limited free tier, slow)
- Write custom Faker.js scripts (takes time)
- Or just hardcode 10 rows and cry 😭
I was building a project and needed 50,000 rows of realistic user data — fast.
So I tested the 3 most popular options. Here's what happened.
🥊 The Contenders
| Tool | Free Limit | Export Formats | Speed | No Signup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mockaroo | 1,000 rows | CSV, JSON, SQL | Medium | ❌ |
| Faker.js | Unlimited | Code only | Fast | ✅ |
| Data Forge (Zlvox) | Unlimited | CSV, JSON, SQL | Instant | ✅ |
Mockaroo
The OG dummy data tool. Clean UI, lots of field types.
Problem?
- Free plan caps at 1,000 rows
- Need more? Pay up 💸
- Requires account signup
- Gets slow on large exports
Good tool — but in 2026, a paywall for basic data generation feels outdated.
Faker.js
Developer favorite. Powerful library, runs locally.
Problem?
- You need to write code every time
- Setup time for every new project
- No visual UI — not great for non-devs on your team
- No direct CSV/SQL export without extra setup
Perfect if you love terminal. Not great if you just need data right now.
Data Forge (Zlvox)
I built this because I was tired of both above options.
What it does:
- Generate millions of rows instantly
- Realistic data — names, emails, addresses, UUIDs, numbers
- Export to CSV, JSON, SQL in one click
- Zero signup. Zero paywall. Zero bloat.
- Runs in browser — nothing to install
Real test: I generated 100,000 rows of user data in under 4 seconds.
Mockaroo timed out. Faker.js needed a custom script.
My Verdict
If you need data right now with no friction — Data Forge wins.
If you need programmatic generation inside your codebase — Faker.js.
If you love paying for things that should be free — Mockaroo. 😅
Try it yourself
👉 Data Forge on Zlvox — free, instant, no signup.
Would love your feedback in the comments.
What dummy data tool do you use? 👇
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