13 Best SERP API for 2024: Ultimate Guide

Did you know that a whopping 90% of users never click past the first page of search results? That means valuable insights about your competitors and industry trends are buried beneath the surface. SERP APIs are your shovel, unearthing a treasure trove of data to give you the edge.

Here's what we'll cover in this ultimate guide:

P.S., did we mention that API League offers a suite of top-notch APIs to supercharge your next project? If you're looking for a reliable source for jokes, trivia, or even news from around the world, we've got you covered. Check out our ever-growing collection and get your free API key today.

What Exactly Is a SERP API?

A SERP API is a software interface that allows applications to retrieve and analyze search engine results pages (SERPs). It provides data on rankings, keywords, and other metrics, enabling businesses to monitor SEO performance and competitor strategies. Using a SERP API helps in optimizing search visibility and marketing efforts.

Think of it like this:

But why would you need this? Well, the data extracted by SERP APIs can be incredibly valuable for:

So, whether you're a seasoned SEO pro, a data-driven marketer, a savvy business owner, or a creative developer, a SERP API can be an invaluable asset in your toolkit. It's like having a superpower that lets you see beyond the surface of search results and unlock a world of hidden insights.

How Does a SERP Scraper API Work?

Now that you understand the what, let's talk about how. SERP scraper APIs operate behind the scenes, employing a combination of clever techniques to fetch and deliver data efficiently. Here's a simplified breakdown of the process:

  1. Request: You send a request to the API, specifying the search engine (Google, Bing, etc.), the search query, and any additional parameters (e.g., location, language, number of results).

  2. Mimicking user behavior: The API then acts like a real user, sending the search query to the chosen search engine. This is crucial to avoid being flagged as a bot and getting your access blocked.

  3. Data extraction: Once the search results are loaded, the API swiftly scrapes the relevant data points, including:

    • Organic search results (titles, URLs, descriptions)

    • Paid search results (ads)

    • Featured snippets

    • Images

    • Videos

    • Local pack results

    • Knowledge graph data

    • ...and much more.

  4. Data parsing and structuring: The extracted data is then parsed and organized into a clean, structured format (usually JSON), making it easy to work with and analyze.

  5. Response: Finally, the API returns the structured data to you, ready to be integrated into your applications, dashboards, or reports.

Behind the scenes, SERP scraper APIs tackle several challenges to ensure reliable and accurate data extraction:

API League offers several APIs that streamline this process, handling the complexities of SERP data extraction, so you can focus on what truly matters – analyzing the data and gaining valuable insights.

What Kind of Data Can SERP APIs Extract?

The beauty of SERP APIs lies in their versatility. They can gather a vast array of data points, transforming raw search results into actionable insights. Here's a glimpse into the treasure trove of information these APIs can unlock:

Organic search results

Paid Search Results (Ads)

Other valuable data points

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Depending on the specific API you choose, you can access even more granular data, such as:

API League offers a wide range of APIs to help you collect, analyze, and leverage this wealth of data. With the right tools at your disposal, you can gain a deeper understanding of your audience, your competition, and the ever-changing search landscape.

Why Choose a SERP API?

Sure, you could manually search Google and copy-paste the results into a spreadsheet. But let's be real, who has time for that? SERP APIs offer a slew of benefits that make them indispensable for anyone serious about data-driven decision-making.

Here's why you should ditch the manual labor and embrace the power of SERP APIs:

API League isn't just about SERP APIs. We offer a smorgasbord of data-driven tools to supercharge your projects. Need a quick laugh? Our Joke API will tickle your funny bone with a constant stream of one-liners. And for the trivia buffs out there, our Trivia API is a treasure trove of brain-teasing facts, guaranteed to keep you on your toes.

Best SERP APIs for 2024

Ready to transform your search engine data into actionable insights? Let's dive into our handpicked selection of the best SERP APIs for 2024. We've scoured the digital landscape to bring you a diverse range of options, each with its own unique strengths and features.

Whether you're an SEO pro, a data-hungry marketer, or a curious developer, you'll find the perfect API to supercharge your projects.

1. API League's Web Search API — Starts at $7

API League's Web Search API

Need to tap into search engine data beyond Google? API League's Web Search API is your passport to a world of information. Seamlessly access search results from a multitude of search engines, including Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Yandex. This comprehensive API empowers you to compare results across different platforms, uncover regional trends, and gain a broader perspective on the search landscape.

Key features

Why API League's Web Search API might be the perfect fit:

Bonus Tip: Combine API League's Web Search API with other APIs in our collection, like the Sentiment Analysis API or the Extract Entities API, to gain even deeper insights from your search data.

2. SerpApi — Starts at $75

SerpApi

Tired of wrestling with Google's ever-changing algorithms? SerpApi swoops in as your trusty sidekick, effortlessly extracting data from Google Search and a variety of other search engines (think Bing, Baidu, Yandex, and even DuckDuckGo). It's like having a direct line to the heart of the search engine results page, minus the headache of manual scraping and parsing.

Key features

Why SerpApi might be your perfect match:

Bonus Tip: SerpApi's "Search Archive" feature lets you access historical search data, allowing you to track changes over time and uncover valuable trends.

3. Zenserp — Starts at $49.99

Zenserp

Zenserp is a SERP API designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. It boasts a user-friendly interface, comprehensive documentation, and a range of features that cater to both beginners and experienced users. If you're looking for a hassle-free way to access Google search results, Zenserp might be your ideal companion.

Key features

Why Zenserp might be your ideal choice:

Bonus Tip: Zenserp's "Related Searches" feature provides a treasure trove of potential keywords and content ideas, helping you stay ahead of the competition.

4. DataForSEO — $0.0006 per SERP page

DataForSEO

DataForSEO is more than just a SERP API – it's a comprehensive suite of SEO tools designed to supercharge your data-driven strategies. With a vast array of APIs covering everything from keyword research and rank tracking to on-page SEO analysis and content optimization, DataForSEO is your one-stop shop for all things SEO.

Key features

Why DataForSEO might be your ultimate SEO companion:

Bonus Tip: DataForSEO's "Keyword Suggestions" API can help you uncover hidden keyword opportunities and expand your reach.

5. Serpstat — Starts at $50

Serpstat

Serpstat isn't just a SERP API; it's an all-in-one SEO platform designed to empower businesses with actionable data and insights. While their SERP API is a standout feature, it's just one piece of a larger puzzle that includes rank tracking, backlink analysis, site audits, and more. If you're looking for a comprehensive solution to boost your online visibility, Serpstat is worth considering.

Key features

Why Serpstat might be your SEO secret weapon:

Bonus Tip: Serpstat's "Missing Keywords" report can identify valuable keywords that your competitors are ranking for, but you're not, giving you a roadmap for content optimization.

6. Ahrefs SERP API

Ahrefs SERP API

If you're serious about SEO, you've probably heard of Ahrefs. Renowned for its comprehensive suite of SEO tools, Ahrefs also offers a robust SERP API that gives you direct access to their vast database of search data. This API is a treasure trove of information, empowering you to analyze search results, track rankings, and uncover valuable insights to refine your SEO strategies.

Key features

Why Ahrefs SERP API might be your SEO game-changer:

Bonus Tip: Ahrefs' SERP API offers a "SERP Overview" endpoint that provides a quick snapshot of the top ranking pages for a given keyword, saving you time and effort in your initial analysis.

7. Bright Data (formerly Luminati) — Starts at $3/CPM

Bright Data

Bright Data, previously known as Luminati, is a leading provider of web data collection solutions. While not exclusively a SERP API, their platform offers a wide range of tools and services for gathering data from various websites and sources, including search engines. Bright Data SERP API is a powerful tool that enables you to access search results from a multitude of platforms, including Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and more.

Key features

Why Bright Data might be your data collection powerhouse:

Bonus Tip: Bright Data's "Custom Datasets" feature allows you to create tailored datasets based on your specific needs, giving you even more control over your data collection process.

8. Oxylabs — Starts at $49/month

Oxylabs

Oxylabs is a leading provider of premium proxies and data gathering solutions. Their SERP scraper API leverages a vast network of residential proxies, allowing you to extract search data with unparalleled anonymity and reliability. Whether you need to bypass geo-restrictions, avoid IP blocks, or simply ensure the highest level of data accuracy, Oxylabs' SERP API has got you covered.

Key features

Why Oxylabs might be your ideal SERP scraping partner:

Bonus Tip: Oxylabs' "Real-Time Crawler" allows you to scrape search results as they appear, giving you the most up-to-date data possible.

9. ScrapingBee — Starts at $49/month

ScrapingBee

ScrapingBee is a user-friendly Google SERP API that simplifies the process of extracting data from search engine results pages. With a focus on ease of use and affordability, Scrapingbee's Google Search API is a great option for individuals and businesses looking for a straightforward solution for their SERP web scraping needs.

Key features

Why ScrapingBee might be your go-to SERP scraping tool:

Bonus Tip: ScrapingBee's "API Playground" allows you to test different queries and parameters before integrating the API into your application.

10. Google Search Console API

Google Search Console API

Who better to provide insights into Google's search results than Google itself? The Google Search Console API grants you direct access to a wealth of data about your website's performance in Google Search. While it's not a traditional SERP API in the sense of scraping data from competitors, it offers invaluable information about your own website's visibility, clicks, impressions, and more.

Key features

Why Google Search Console API might be your SEO compass:

Bonus Tip: The Google Search Console API can be used in conjunction with other SERP APIs to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your website's SEO performance.

11. Moz Pro API — Starts at $5/month

Moz Pro API

Moz is a well-respected name in the SEO industry, known for its in-depth research, educational resources, and powerful SEO tools. Their Moz Pro API gives you programmatic access to a wide range of SEO data, including keyword rankings, link metrics, and on-page analysis. This API is a valuable resource for SEO professionals and agencies looking to streamline their workflows and gain deeper insights into their website's performance.

Key features

Why Moz Pro API might be your SEO partner in crime:

Bonus Tip: Moz Pro API's "Page Optimization" feature provides detailed recommendations for improving individual pages on your website, helping you maximize their SEO potential.

12. SEMrush API

SEMrush API

SEMrush is a powerhouse in the SEO industry, offering a vast array of tools and features to help businesses improve their online visibility. Their API is no exception, providing access to a wealth of data and insights, including keyword rankings, backlinks, traffic analytics, and more. Whether you're an SEO professional, a digital marketer, or a business owner, SEMrush API can be a valuable asset in your arsenal.

Key features

Why SEMrush API might be your ultimate SEO solution:

Bonus Tip: SEMrush API's "Keyword Magic Tool" can help you generate hundreds of keyword ideas in seconds, saving you valuable time and effort.

13. SE Ranking API

SE Ranking API

SE Ranking is a comprehensive SEO platform designed to cater to the needs of businesses and SEO professionals alike. Their API offers a wide array of features, allowing you to automate tasks, gather data, and streamline your SEO workflows. Whether you're tracking keyword rankings, analyzing backlinks, or auditing your website's technical health, SE Ranking's API can help you save time and effort while improving your SEO performance.

Key features

Why SE Ranking API might be your SEO command center:

Bonus Tip: SE Ranking's "Lead Generator" tool can help you identify potential clients and track their website's SEO performance, making it a valuable asset for SEO agencies and freelancers.

Best SERP APIs Compared: Head-to-Head Showdown

With so many Google SERP APIs vying for your attention, choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze. We've created a handy comparison table to help you cut through the noise and find the perfect fit for your needs. Let's break down the key features and pricing of the top contenders:

Feature API League SerpApi Zenserp DataForSEO Serpstat Ahrefs SERP API Bright Data Oxylabs ScrapingBee Google Search API Moz Pro API SEMRush API SE Ranking
Search Engines Supported 1 20+ 2 240+ 20+ 10 100+ 195+ 10+ 1 (Google) 1 (Google) 20+ 20+
Data Points Moderate Extensive Moderate Extensive Extensive Extensive Extensive Extensive Moderate Limited Moderate Extensive Extensive
Location Targeting No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Historical Data No Yes Limited Yes Limited Yes Yes Yes No Yes Limited Yes Yes
JavaScript Rendering No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes N/A Yes Yes Yes
Pricing Model Freemium, starts at $7 Starts at $75 Freemium, starts at $49.99 $0.0006 per SERP page Starts at $50 Enterprise plan $3/CPM $49 $49/month Free $5/month Subscription Subscription
Ease of Use High High High Moderate High Moderate Moderate Moderate High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Criteria for Choosing the Best SERP API

With a plethora of SERP APIs at your disposal, how do you determine which one reigns supreme for your specific needs? Fear not, intrepid data explorer. We've distilled the essence of SERP API selection into a concise checklist, empowering you to make an informed decision.

By carefully evaluating these criteria and comparing different SERP APIs, you can confidently select the ideal tool to empower your data-driven decision-making. Remember, the best API for you is the one that aligns with your specific needs, budget, and technical capabilities.

Ready, Set, and Scrape Google Search Results with API League

Armed with this ultimate guide, you're now equipped to conquer the SERP landscape and unlock a wealth of data-driven insights. Remember, choosing the right SERP API is just the first step. The real magic happens when you unleash the power of this data to refine your SEO strategies, outsmart your competition, and achieve your business goals.

Key takeaways:

Speaking of APIs, have you checked out API League's Web Search API yet? It's a fantastic option for those seeking a comprehensive and user-friendly tool to tap into global search data. With multi-engine support, global reach, and structured data, it might just be the perfect addition to your SERP scraping arsenal.