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Utilities Free tier

web_search

$0.00 per call

Real-time web search with structured, citation-backed results. Unlike LLM training data that goes stale, web_search fetches live information from the current internet. Returns ranked results with titles, snippets, and source URLs. Perfect for fact-checking claims, researching competitors, finding documentation, or grounding AI responses in current data..

Quick start

# REST API

curl -X POST https://api.50c.ai/tools/web_search \

-H "Authorization: Bearer cv_YOUR_KEY" \

-H "Content-Type: application/json" \

-d '{"query": "best practices for MCP tool development"}'

PLAYGROUND

Live API
POST /tools/web_search
Click "Run web_search" to see results...

HOW TO USE

1

Get an API Key

Credit packs start at $5. Get your key instantly from the dashboard.

2

Call the API

REST API, MCP (Cursor/Claude), or CLI. Use the playground above to test.

3

Pay Per Call

web_search costs $0.00 per call. No subscriptions required.

PROBLEMS WEB_SEARCH SOLVES

When should you use web_search?

LLM responses based on outdated training data

Need current information during AI conversations

Fact-checking without leaving your IDE

Research tasks that require live web data

USE CASES

What can you build with web_search?

Ground AI responses with real-time citations

Research competitor pricing and features

Find latest API documentation and changelogs

Verify claims before publishing content

Stay current on breaking news during development

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common questions about web_search

How is this different from Google Search API?

web_search is optimized for AI consumption — structured JSON output, concise snippets, and direct integration with MCP clients like Cursor and Claude Desktop. No API key management for Google, no quota headaches.

Can I use this to ground my AI app responses?

Yes. web_search is specifically designed for RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) workflows. Call it before or during LLM generation to inject fresh facts.

Does it work inside Cursor?

Yes. As an MCP tool, web_search is available directly in Cursor, Claude Desktop, Windsurf, and any MCP-compatible client.

HOW WEB_SEARCH COMPARES

Web Search vs alternatives

alternative to Google Custom Search API alternative to SerpAPI alternative to Bing Search API simpler than Tavily search

web_search is part of 50c.ai's 127-tool platform. All tools work via REST API, MCP (Cursor, Claude Desktop, Windsurf), and CLI. Start for $5 with pay-as-you-go pricing.

web_search is an AI-powered web search tool for developers, DevOps engineers, and technical teams. When you need current, factual information that may not be in the LLM's training data. Ideal for checking latest versions, pricing, API changes, or any time-sensitive information. Available as an MCP tool for Cursor, Claude Desktop, and Windsurf, as a REST API at api.50c.ai/tools/web_search, and via CLI with npx 50c run web_search. Part of the Utilities suite on the Free tier. Free to use. Get started with a $5 credit pack at 50c.ai.

Try web_search now

Part of the Free tier · $0.00 per call

Get started with a $5 credit pack — enough for unlimited free calls.