Google Custom Search JSON API replacement (shuts down 1 Jan 2027)
Google is shutting down the Custom Search JSON API on 1 January 2027, after Microsoft retired the Bing Search APIs in August 2025. Gridlode is building a drop-in replacement that accepts the same parameters and returns the same items[] shape, so migration means changing one URL.
| Google Custom Search JSON API | Gridlode | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Ends 1 January 2027 | Launching December 2026 |
| Price | $5 per 1,000 queries (after 100/day free) | 2 credits ($2.00 → $0.60 per 1,000) |
| Daily limit | 10,000 queries per day | No daily cap |
| Response shape | items[] with title, link, snippet | Same items[] shape, plus optional full SERP features |
| Search engine ID (cx) | Required | Not needed (optional site filters) |
Competitor details come from their public websites and documentation on 9 Nov 2026. Spotted something outdated? Email [email protected].
Choose Google Custom Search JSON API if…
- Nothing: the API is going away.
Choose Gridlode if…
- You want a replacement live before the shutdown.
- You want lower prices and no daily cap.
Questions about switching
How will migration work?
When the endpoint launches, you replace https://www.googleapis.com/customsearch/v1 with https://api.gridlode.com/v1/search/cse and your Google key with a Gridlode key, and keep q, num, start, gl, lr and safe as they are.
Can I join early access?
Yes. Use the form on our contact page with the topic 'CSE migration' and we'll add 2,000 extra free credits to your account.