Google's Custom Search JSON API shuts down January 1, 2027

Google has closed its Custom Search JSON API to new customers and is moving existing ones off it; the API stops working on January 1, 2027. There is no official drop-in replacement for general web search: Vertex AI Search only covers your own sites, and full web search is partner-only with no public pricing.

• The API using key, cx and q stops working on January 1, 2027
• It offered 100 free queries a day, then $5 per 1,000
• Vertex AI Search only covers your own content or up to 50 domains
• Full web search is partner-only with no public pricing