Searching Google is something we all do countless times per day. But when it comes to searching Google for SEO purposes, getting accurate and up-to-date search engine results page (SERP) data can be challenging.
This is where Google SERP APIs come into play. SERP APIs allow you to programmatically fetch search results data from Google to help with your SEO efforts.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll be exploring the 14 best SERP APIs available in 2023 based on factors like accuracy, features, ease of use, and pricing.
Why Do You Need a Google SERP API?
Here are some of the key reasons an SEO would want to use a SERP API:
- Check rankings for target keywords – See where your site and competitors rank for key terms.
- Track ranking changes over time – Identify trends and patterns in rankings.
- Analyze SERP features – Understand which sites are ranking for featured snippets, image packs, etc.
- Inform keyword research – Discover new keyword opportunities.
- Competitive analysis – Research what strategies rivals are using.
- Location-based tracking – Check rankings by country/city.
Manually analyzing SERPs is very tedious and inaccurate. APIS automate this process so you can focus on strategy.
Top 14 Google SERP APIs for 2023
Based on accuracy, features, support, and ease of use, these are my picks for the top SERP APIs available this year:
1. Smartproxy
Smartproxy is an all-in-one web data extraction platform that offers a highly accurate and fast SERP API.
Key features:
- 99.99% uptime
- Global proxies to retrieve accurate geo-specific results
- JSON and HTML formats
- Customizable based on needs
Pricing: Starts at $75/month
Ideal for: Large scraping projects that require flexibility and scalability.
2. Serpstack
Serpstack provides real-time, accurate Google results through an easy-to-use JSON API.
Key features:
- Results for web, news, images, videos, and shopping
- Support for batch requests
- Proxy rotation
- 99.6% SLA uptime
Pricing: Free 100 requests/month. Then $29.99+/month.
Ideal for: SEOs that want an affordable but well-rounded API.
3. BrightData
BrightData leverages a robust proxy network to deliver speedy and precise SERP scraping.
Key features:
- Results in 5 seconds or less
- Concurrent scraping capability
- HTTP proxy support
- SQL-like API query language
Pricing: Free 7-day trial. Then customized subscription plans.
Ideal for: Data scientists or developers that want maximum scale and flexibility.
4. ScrapeStorm
ScrapeStorm focuses specifically on providing an enterprise-grade solution for scraping Google SERPs.
Key features:
- Detailed docs and client libraries for easy integration
- Broad global proxy network
- Custom parsers for handling complex SERP markup
- Affordable pricing that scales
Pricing: Free 14-day trial. Then $99+/month.
Ideal for: Companies that need to scrape Google at scale for business intelligence.
5. ZenSERP
ZenSERP is a relative newcomer but stands out for its speed and ease of use.
Key features:
- Results typically under 500 ms
- Easy integration for JS, Python, PHP, etc
- JSON/CSV outputs
- Helpful client libraries
Pricing: Free 50 requests/month. Then $29.99+/month.
Ideal for: Developers wanting a fast, coding-focused API solution.
6. SerpApi
With top-notch infrastructure and documentation, SerpApi is trusted by leading enterprise users.
Key features:
- Automatic CAPTCHA solving
- Location spoofing
- Historical data archive
- Query builder UI to test requests
- Bulk ordering options
Pricing: Free 100 requests/month. Then $49+/month.
Ideal for: Larger businesses that want rock-solid reliability and support.
7. SeoToolsForExcel
Focusing solely on Microsoft Excel users, SeoToolsForExcel makes fetching SERP data straightforward.
Key features:
- Native Excel Add-In for simple access
- Broad keyword data supported
- Management UI to control requests
- Generous free tier
Pricing: Free 100 requests/month. Then $9+/month.
Ideal for: Excel power users performing SEO analytics.
8. DataForSEO
DataForSEO is designed for ease of use, with detailed metrics on each query.
Key features:
- Usage stats dashboard to optimize
- Postback webhook support
- Location and device filtering
- Historical data archive
Pricing: Pay per use, approx $50+/month
Ideal for: Marketing managers who want easy analytics.
9. SERP Robot
With responsive support and transparent pricing, SERP Robot simplifies access to Google data.
Key features:
- Affordable monthly plans
- Helpful client libraries
- CPU-based pricing model
- Historical archive access
Pricing: ~$0.003 per request, discounts at scale
Ideal for: Developers wanting maximum control over costs.
10. MozBar API
Moz‘s browser extension provides an API for fetching SERP data.
Key features:
- Established solution from industry leader
- Local caching for improved speed
- Free with Moz Pro subscription
Pricing: Free for Moz Pro users
Ideal for: Existing Moz subscribers wanting integrated SERP data
11. SERP Cache API
A scalable solution focused specifically on accurate SERP caching.
Key features:
- Caches common queries for speed
- Browserless rendering
- Generous free tier
- Pay-as-you-go pricing
Pricing: 1000 free requests. $1 per 1000 after.
Ideal for: Developers wanting cached SERP query results.
12: SERP Junkie
With flexible outputs and formats, SERP Junkie makes getting Google results easy.
Key features:
- PDF, CSV, XML, HTML outputs
- Custom field selection
- Helpful Postman integration
- AWS marketplace listing
Pricing: Free trial. ~$30/month after.
Ideal for: Creative agencies or teams wanting output flexibility.
13. ProxyCrawl
ProxyCrawl focuses on flexibility and control for programmatic SERP scraping.
Key features:
- Rotating proxy IPs
- Whitelabel solution
- Postman integration
- Developer-focused features
Pricing: Customized subscription plans
Ideal for: Developers or engineers that want maximum control.
14. SERPApi
With top infrastructure and documentation, SERPAPI suits enterprise users‘ reliability needs.
Key features:
- Automatic CAPTCHA solving built-in
- Historical results archive access
- Client libraries for all languages
- USA-based support team
Pricing: From $79/month. Volume discounts available.
Ideal for: Fortune 500 companies wanting a premium solution.
Key Factors in Selecting a SERP API
With numerous options available for accessing Google results, here are the main factors to evaluate as you choose:
- Accuracy – Does it reflect real user experience?
- Speed – What are typical API response times?
- Features – Can it fetch all needed SERP data elements?
- Scale – Does it handle high monthly volumes well?
- Support – What docs, libraries, assistance is offered?
- Pricing – Is it affordable for your budget and needs?
Ideally, strike a balance across these areas to suit your specific use case.
For most SEOs, I recommend starting with Serpstack, ZenSERP or SerpApi which offer excellent overall value. They provide great accuracy and features at very reasonable costs.
For big enterprise projects, ProxyCrawl, BrightData and Smartproxy are proven solutions that can handle incredible scale. They also provide high-touch customer support and customization.
Checking SERPs Manually
While SERP APIs make gathering ranking data easy, sometimes a manual check is still useful to verify accuracy.
However, manual checks introduce inconsistencies due to personalization and locations. Following these tips can help increase accuracy:
- Use incognito/private browsing mode
- Disable location services
- Clear cookies and cache
- Try different devices and browsers
- Check from different WiFi networks
But even with precautions, manual checks remain unreliable compared to professional SERP APIs. The top services listed leverage industrial-grade proxy networks to fetch ranking data precisely how Googlebot sees it.
Wrap Up
I hope this guide has shed light on the impressive range of programmatic SERP solutions available today to supercharge your SEO efforts.
Each API featured caters to different needs and budgets. Identify your must-have features, accuracy demands and cost limitations to select the best match.
For most SEOs doing competitive keyword research or tracking rankings, I recommend Serpstack, ZenSERP or SerpApi as perfect balances of price and capabilities.
But enterprises managing large projects should evaluate ProxyCrawl, BrightData or Smartproxy which provide superior support and customization.
By leveraging an automated SERP API, you save massive hours previously wasted with manual checks. And you gain access to far more accurate and insightful Google ranking data to drive strategic decisions.
What other innovative ways have you found to use SERP API data for SEO domination? Share your ideas and questions below!
