If you’re a developer who relies on Bing Search API, you’ve likely noticed Microsoft’s recent policy adjustments. These changes have caught many developers off guard, forcing them to seek reliable SERP API alternatives.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of mainstream SERP API alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
Essential Reading: What is SERP API? | SERP API Pricing Comparison | Bing Search API Integration
What Happened to Bing’s Official API?
Microsoft’s Bing Search API was once a crucial channel for developers to access search data. However, with policy adjustments and pricing changes, many small and medium developers have found:
Higher Entry Barriers
Stricter enterprise verification requirements
Price Increases
Significantly higher costs for high-frequency use cases
Quota Limitations
Drastically reduced free tiers
These changes have forced developers to reevaluate their tech stack.
Comparing Major Alternatives
1. SerpApi
Pros:
- Supports multiple search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.)
- Comprehensive documentation, active community
- High data quality
Cons:
- Expensive ($50/month starting, only 5,000 searches)
- Can be slow for some regions
Best for: Enterprise users with sufficient budget
2. Serper
Pros:
- Focused on Google search
- Fast response times
- Relatively reasonable pricing
Cons:
- No Bing search support
- Limited to Google only
Best for: Projects that only need Google data
3. Bright Data (formerly Luminati)
Pros:
- Enterprise-grade solution
- Supports complex data collection needs
Cons:
- Expensive
- Complex configuration, steep learning curve
- Primarily targets large enterprises
Best for: Large enterprises with dedicated data teams
4. SearchCans
Pros:
- Highly competitive pricing: As low as $0.55 per 1,000 searches �?10x cheaper than competitors
- Supports both search and web content extraction: One API for two needs
- No rate limits: Pay-as-you-go, no throttling
- Both Google and Bing support: Global site supports both engines
Cons:
- Newer brand with growing recognition
Best for: Cost-conscious developers, AI Agent developers, startups and SMBs
Migration Cost Analysis
Migrating from Bing’s official API to a third-party SERP API involves these considerations:
Code Changes
Most SERP APIs use RESTful design, so migration effort is typically minimal. With SearchCans, the core change is:
# Original Bing API call
# response = requests.get(
# "https://api.bing.microsoft.com/v7.0/search",
# headers={"Ocp-Apim-Subscription-Key": BING_KEY},
# params={"q": query}
# )
# Migrated to SearchCans
response = requests.get(
"https://www.searchcans.com/api/search",
headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {SEARCHCANS_KEY}"},
params={"q": query, "engine": "bing", "num": 10}
)
Data Format Adaptation
Different APIs return slightly different data structures, requiring parsing logic adjustments. However, core fields (title, URL, snippet) are generally consistent.
Testing & Validation
We recommend thorough comparison testing before full migration to ensure the new API’s data quality meets your business requirements.
Recommendations by Use Case
Scenario 1: AI Agent Development
Recommended: SearchCans
AI Agents typically require high-frequency API calls, making cost control crucial. SearchCans’ low pricing and no rate limits make it ideal for this scenario.
Scenario 2: SEO Tool Development
Recommended: SearchCans or SerpApi
For comprehensive SEO tools, SearchCans offers both Google and Bing data at competitive prices. For enterprise-grade features, consider SerpApi.
Scenario 3: Enterprise Data Platform
Recommended: Based on budget
Sufficient budget: SerpApi or Bright Data Cost-conscious: SearchCans
Scenario 4: Personal Projects / Learning
Recommended: SearchCans
Free 100 credits upon registration, enough for learning and small-scale testing.
Quick Migration Guide
If you’ve decided to migrate to SearchCans, here’s how to get started:
-
Create an account Visit www.searchcans.com and sign up
-
Get your API Key Generate an API key from your dashboard
-
Test the API Use the Playground to test online and confirm data format
-
Migrate your code Follow the API documentation to update your calls
-
Add credits Choose a plan that fits your usage
Conclusion
While Bing’s official API policy changes have caused short-term disruption, they’ve also driven SERP API market development. Developers now have more choices and can find solutions that best fit their needs and budgets.
For most developers, especially those building AI applications, SearchCans offers a compelling choice: stable service, competitive pricing, and comprehensive support.
Related Resources
Migration Guides:
- Bing SERP API Shutdown Analysis - Industry analysis
- Bing Search API Integration - Implementation guide
- Migration Case Study - Real migration experience
API Comparisons:
- Complete SERP API Comparison - All providers
- SERP API Pricing Comparison - Cost analysis
- What is SERP API? - Beginner’s guide
Technical Resources:
- SERP API Documentation - API reference
- Integration Best Practices - Production tips
Get Started:
- Free registration - 100 credits included
- View pricing - From $0.33/1K
- API playground - Test instantly
Looking for a Bing API alternative? SearchCans offers search API services starting at $0.55 per 1,000 searches. New users get 100 free credits. Try it now →