Replace the Google
Custom Search JSON API.

What Google says

Google’s Custom Search JSON API overview page, checked on October 28, 2026, says:

• The API is not available to new customers.
• Existing customers can use it until the service is discontinued on January 1, 2027.
• Paid queries cost $5 per 1,000, up to 10,000 queries per day.

After that date, code that calls customsearch/v1 needs a new search source.

How the PacketStream Search API differs

• It searches all of Google. Custom Search queries a Programmable Search Engine that you configure, identified by cx. PacketStream runs a live Google search from the country you pick. There is no engine to configure.
• $2.50 per 1,000 successful searches. Each search costs $0.0025 from a prepaid balance. Failed searches are free. There is no subscription; the minimum purchase is $50.
• More than web results. Besides web results, you get news, shopping, places, autocomplete, Google Scholar and Google AI Mode, plus the AI overview, related questions and related searches when Google shows them.
• JSON or Markdown. Markdown output is ready for a language-model prompt.
• Rate limit: 20 requests per second per key, with bursts of 200.

Request parameters

Custom Search takes query parameters on a GET. PacketStream accepts the same fields as a JSON body on POST /v1/search or as query parameters on GET /v1/search. Send the key in an Authorization: Bearer header, not in the URL.

PacketStream also accepts location (such as Austin,Texas,United States), uule, device, autocorrect and type, which Custom Search does not have. An unknown field returns 400 invalid_request instead of being ignored, so remove Custom Search parameter names when you switch. See all parameters.

Response fields

Python, before and after

Before, with Custom Search:

import os
import requests

response = requests.get(
    "https://customsearch.googleapis.com/customsearch/v1",
    params={
        "key": os.environ["GOOGLE_API_KEY"],
        "cx": os.environ["GOOGLE_CSE_ID"],
        "q": "coffee grinders",
        "gl": "us",
        "hl": "en",
        "start": 11,
    },
    timeout=30,
)
response.raise_for_status()
for item in response.json().get("items", []):
    print(item["title"], item["link"])

After, with PacketStream:

import os
import requests

response = requests.post(
    "https://api.packetstream.io/v1/search",
    headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {os.environ['PACKETSTREAM_API_KEY']}"},
    json={
        "query": "coffee grinders",
        "country": "us",
        "language": "en",
        "page": 2,
    },
    timeout=35,
)
response.raise_for_status()
for result in response.json()["results"]:
    print(result["title"], result["url"])

The server finishes or gives up within 25 seconds, so use a client timeout of at least 35 seconds.

JavaScript, after

Run this on a server, never in a browser, so the key stays private. The API sends no CORS headers.

const response = await fetch("https://api.packetstream.io/v1/search", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: {
    Authorization: `Bearer ${process.env.PACKETSTREAM_API_KEY}`,
    "Content-Type": "application/json",
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({ query: "coffee grinders", country: "us", language: "en", page: 2 }),
  signal: AbortSignal.timeout(35_000),
});
const payload = await response.json();
if (!response.ok) throw new Error(`${payload.error.code}: ${payload.error.message}`);
for (const result of payload.results) console.log(result.title, result.url);

Switch in four steps

1. Create a PacketStream account and add funds. The minimum purchase is $50.
2. Create an API key on the Search API page of the dashboard. It is shown once, so copy it when it appears.
3. Change the endpoint, move the key into the Authorization header, and rename the fields using the tables above.
4. Read results instead of items, and url instead of link.

Run both side by side before January 1, 2027 to compare results on your own queries. GET /v1/account shows your balance and usage for free.