by Look, I get asked about AdSense alternatives constantly. And honestly? It’s a question I love because it means people are taking monetization seriously. AdSense has been the default for so long that a lot of publishers don’t even realize they’re leaving money on the table by not exploring what else is out there.
The truth is, 2026 is a genuinely interesting year for ad networks. We’ve seen consolidation, we’ve seen some networks rise and fall, and we’ve seen real innovation in how ads are priced and delivered. I’ve spent the last few months testing and researching these platforms with actual publishers, and I want to give you the real story — not the polished marketing version, but what actually works and what doesn’t.
So here’s what I’ve put together: a guide to the 10 best Google AdSense alternatives right now, with the kind of detail that’ll actually help you make a decision. I’m going to tell you what works, what doesn’t, and crucially, who each one is really for. Because the best network for a tech blog isn’t necessarily the best network for a lifestyle site.
Quick Comparison Table
| Network | Best For | Min Payout | Rough CPM Range (Tier 1 / Tier 3) | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediavine | Premium publishers 25k+ traffic | $25 | $8-25 / $1-4 | 9/10 |
| AdThrive | Food, lifestyle, home niches | $25 | $7-22 / $1.50-4 | 8.5/10 |
| Ezoic | Publishers wanting full control | $20 | $6-18 / $1-3 | 8/10 |
| Monumetric | Mid-tier publishers, various niches | $25 | $5-16 / $0.50-2.50 | 7.5/10 |
| PropellerAds | High-traffic sites, lower standards | $100 | $3-12 / $0.50-2 | 6/10 |
| Adsterra | International publishers | $5 | $4-10 / $0.50-1.50 | 7/10 |
| Sovrn Holdings | News, content sites | $25 | $6-15 / $1-2.50 | 7/10 |
| Conversant | Established publishers | $50 | $4-12 / $0.75-2 | 6.5/10 |
| RevenueHits | Beginners, low-traffic sites | $5 | $2-6 / $0.25-1 | 5.5/10 |
| Google AdX (via Ezoic) | Publishers wanting premium demand | $25 | $10-30 / $2-6 | 9/10 |
1. Mediavine
Mediavine is basically the gold standard of ad networks right now, especially if you’ve got a decent amount of traffic. They’re a platform that takes your ad inventory and packages it with other premium publishers, then sells it to high-quality advertisers. The key thing here is that they’re extremely selective about who they work with — you need at least 25,000 monthly sessions to even apply, and they reject a lot of applications.
Who this works best for: Publishers with 25k-500k monthly traffic who are serious about optimization. Food blogs, lifestyle sites, parenting blogs — basically any vertical where the audience is affluent or the advertisers are willing to pay premium rates. Tech blogs do okay here too, but you’ll see your best CPMs if you’re in the home, food, or parenting space.
The real CPM story: For Tier 1 traffic (US, Canada, UK), you’re looking at $8-25 CPM depending on your niche and season. Around the holidays, I’ve seen some publishers push higher. For Tier 3 traffic (developing countries), you’re more in the $1-4 range, but honestly, if you’re on Mediavine, they’ll focus your demand on the better-paying traffic anyway. One publisher I know with a food blog is consistently hitting $18-22 during Q4.
What makes it genuinely good: The support is actually responsive. They have account managers who actually know your site. The header bidding integration is solid. They don’t nickel and dime you with creative restrictions. And here’s the thing — they actually care about user experience, so your site won’t look like it’s covered in sketchy ads.
Real downsides: They take 25% of revenue, which is substantial. You’re locked in for a minimum of a year. If you’re a niche site that gets weird traffic patterns, their algorithms can take a while to optimize for you. And if you apply and get rejected, you have to wait at least 3 months before reapplying. One guy I know got rejected, improved his traffic by 50%, and they still rejected him the second time because they’d apparently already decided his niche wasn’t worth investing in.
Skip Mediavine if: You’re below 25k monthly sessions, you’re in a niche like gambling or crypto where demand is unpredictable, or you’re not willing to commit to a year-long contract.
2. AdThrive
AdThrive is kind of the secret weapon for food and lifestyle publishers. They started in the food space specifically, so they have deep relationships with food and home product advertisers. They use Prebid and header bidding like Mediavine, but they’ve optimized specifically for the kinds of verticals that tend to do really well with premium CPMs.
Who this works best for: Food bloggers, lifestyle publishers, home and DIY content creators. If you’re writing about recipes, interior design, parenting, or crafts, AdThrive will probably outperform Mediavine. They also require 25k sessions minimum, but they’re slightly more flexible on niche approval than Mediavine.
Real CPM numbers: Tier 1 traffic (US heavy) ranges from $7-22, with food blogs often hitting the higher end. I’ve heard of food sites doing $20+ consistently. Tier 3 traffic is typically $1.50-4. The thing is, AdThrive does a really good job of filtering to premium advertiser demand, so even in their Tier 3 range, you’re often getting better rates than with other networks because the advertisers paying for food content in developed countries care more about conversion than pure volume.
What’s actually good: They’re obsessed with the food niche. Their support staff actually understands recipe blogs. They don’t take as aggressive a cut as Mediavine — it’s more competitive. The platform is really clean and they don’t try to stuff your site with sketchy ad placements. And honestly, if you’re in food, they’ve figured out the advertiser base better than anyone.
Downsides that matter: If you’re not in food, home, or lifestyle, you might actually do better elsewhere. Their optimization is niche-specific, which is great if it’s your niche and frustrating if it isn’t. They also have minimums and contract commitments. And while they’re easier to get approved for than Mediavine, they still reject plenty of people.
Skip AdThrive if: You’re not in the food, home, or lifestyle space, or if you’re below their traffic thresholds.
3. Ezoic
Ezoic is different from the others because it’s not just an ad network — it’s a platform that sits between you and multiple ad networks, including Google AdSense, Google AdX, Mediavine, and others. They use AI to figure out which ads, placements, and networks will make you the most money for every single impression. You keep more of your revenue cut than with Mediavine, and you have way more control.
Who this is for: Publishers who want control and flexibility, people with 10k+ traffic (though they work with lower traffic), and anyone who wants to experiment with different monetization strategies. Tech blogs, niche blogs, news sites — basically anywhere.
CPM reality: Tier 1 traffic ranges from $6-18, Tier 3 from $1-3. The range is wider because it really depends on your niche and how well their AI tunes things for you. Give it a month or two and the system learns what works. Some publishers see significant improvement, others see slight improvement. It’s not as aggressive as Mediavine, but you’re not paying as much of a commission.
The genuinely good stuff: You get access to Google AdX (which pays better than AdSense) without needing to qualify separately. The AI is legitimately useful — it learns from your traffic patterns. You get detailed reporting. You can control ad density and placement. You’re not locked into a bad contract. The customer support is decent. And here’s the thing — if you have multiple traffic sources with different geographic mixes, Ezoic’s optimization actually figures that out.
Real limitations: The learning curve is steep if you want to really optimize. Some people find the dashboard overwhelming. The AI isn’t magic — if your traffic is weird or highly variable, it takes longer to optimize. And while CPMs are solid, they’re usually not as high as Mediavine or AdThrive during peak seasons. There’s also a $20 minimum payout, but you hit that easily.
Skip Ezoic if: You want a completely hands-off solution or if you’re in a niche so specific that Ezoic’s standard optimizations won’t work (though honestly, this is rare).
4. Monumetric
Monumetric is kind of the middle ground. They’re not as famous as Mediavine, but they’re stable, they work with a lot of publishers, and they’re more approachable if you’re not at the super premium level yet. They use header bidding like the big boys, but they’re a bit more flexible with traffic requirements and niches.
Who it works for: Publishers with 10k-100k traffic who are serious about optimization but maybe don’t fit Mediavine’s niche preferences. If you’re in a vertical that’s a little off-beat, Monumetric might be more willing to work with you. They’re good for tech, lifestyle, personal development, and content sites across many verticals.
CPM breakdown: Tier 1 is $5-16, Tier 3 is $0.50-2.50. This is solidly respectable. They’re not going to blow Mediavine out of the water, but they’re consistent. A tech blog I know is doing $8-12 on Monumetric, whereas they were doing $10-15 on Mediavine — close enough that the difference in commission (Monumetric takes less) actually makes up for it.
Why it’s good: The barrier to entry is lower. Support is responsive. They’re honest about what they can and can’t do. The platform is intuitive. They don’t have crazy lock-in contracts. And they do a good job with demand-side optimization — they’re not just taking your traffic and hoping, they’re actively optimizing the auction.
Cons to know: CPMs won’t be as high as Mediavine. They get fewer premium advertiser integrations. Their traffic has to be decent — they don’t work with super low-traffic sites. And while they’re flexible, they do have approval requirements, so you might still get rejected.
Skip Monumetric if: Your traffic is below 10k, you’re in a really niche space with unpredictable demand, or you specifically want maximum CPMs (Mediavine will usually edge them out).
5. PropellerAds
PropellerAds is a harder recommendation because they operate under a different model. They’re willing to work with publishers that other networks turn down, which is great if you’re stuck, but also means there are reasons they turn fewer people away. They do push native ads, popunders, and other formats that might not be pristine UX.
Who this works for: High-traffic sites (50k+) that have good audience retention regardless of ad format. Also works for publishers who’ve been rejected by the “nicer” networks and need a backup. International publishers. But be honest with yourself here — if you’re considering PropellerAds as your primary network, something’s not right.
CPM range: Tier 1 traffic does $3-12, Tier 3 does $0.50-2. The range is because PropellerAds’ success really depends on traffic quality and volume. With huge volumes and willing audiences, you can do okay. With medium traffic, it’s underwhelming.
What works: They’re fast to approve. They have diverse advertiser relationships. They’re willing to work with lower-quality traffic. The payout is quick. And look, sometimes you’re in a situation where you need revenue and Mediavine isn’t going to work — PropellerAds is there for that.
What doesn’t: CPMs are lower than premium networks. Some of their ad formats are aggressive — popunders, for instance, can genuinely hurt user experience. The platform can feel dated. Support is okay but not exceptional. And the advertiser quality is more variable, meaning some impressions might be for sketchy products.
Skip PropellerAds if: You can get approved anywhere else, you’re worried about user experience, or you have brand concerns.
6. Adsterra
Adsterra is one of the better networks for international publishers, particularly those with traffic from Asia, Latin America, or Eastern Europe. They have a global advertiser base and they understand how to monetize traffic that other networks might pay less for.
Who it’s good for: Publishers with international traffic, especially if you have less US/UK/CA traffic and more emerging market traffic. Also good for publishers who’ve been rejected by tier-one networks and need something that’ll work. It’s not exclusive — you can use this alongside other networks.
CPM expectation: Tier 1 (US/UK) is $4-10, Tier 3 (international) is $0.50-1.50. So it won’t compete with Mediavine, but if your traffic is 40% India, 30% Southeast Asia, and 30% US, Adsterra often beats what you’d get from AdSense or PropellerAds in those regions.
Good stuff: Low barrier to entry ($5 minimum payout). Global demand. They’re actually decent for long-tail monetization. Quick to approve. You can use them alongside your main network. The platform works. Support is available.
Downsides: CPMs are lower than premium networks even for Tier 1 traffic. The advertiser quality can be inconsistent. Some publishers report that their support response is slow. And they have reputation issues in some forums, partly because they’ll work with anyone, so sketchy publishers use them.
Skip Adsterra if: You can get into Mediavine or Ezoic, or if you’re super concerned about advertiser quality.
7. Sovrn Holdings
Sovrn (formerly VigLink) is a more established network that’s particularly strong for news and content sites. They’ve been around for over a decade and have solid relationships with premium publishers. They’re not as aggressive about approval as Mediavine, but they’re more selective than the lower-tier networks.
Who it works for: News sites, blog networks, content platforms with 15k+ traffic. They’re especially good if you have repeating, loyal audiences. They understand the value of engagement-based revenue.
Real CPM numbers: Tier 1 is $6-15, Tier 3 is $1-2.50. So they’re solid but not spectacular. A news site I know does $10-12 on Sovrn consistently, which is respectable even if not Mediavine territory.
Why it’s solid: They have header bidding, they’re stable, they’ve got good advertiser relationships, especially in news. They don’t take unreasonable cuts. They’re honest about what they can do. And they’ve been profitable for years, so you’re not betting on a startup.
Downsides: CPMs won’t blow you away. They’re more hands-off than Mediavine, so you get less optimization. They can be slow to respond to support requests. And they’re specialized for certain verticals, so if you’re not in news/content, you might not see their full value.
Skip Sovrn if: You’re not in news or content publishing, you want maximum CPMs, or you want a lot of account management.
8. Conversant
Conversant is actually a rebranding of ValueClick, so they’ve been around forever. They’re an older, more traditional network that works for certain publishers but isn’t flashy. They’ve got solid demand relationships, but they’re not an innovation leader.
Who it’s for: Established publishers with solid traffic (50k+) who want stability and a known entity. They’re fine with many verticals but not specialized in any particular one.
CPM range: Tier 1 is $4-12, Tier 3 is $0.75-2. So they’re okay, but not great. You’re getting respectable CPMs, but not at the premium end.
Pros: They’re stable. They’ve been around forever. They pay reliably. Support exists. They have diverse advertiser demand. You’re not taking crazy risks with an unknown platform.
Cons: CPMs are decent but not premium. They’re not optimizing aggressively like Ezoic. There’s no magic sauce. They feel like they’re coasting on legacy relationships rather than innovating. And while $50 minimum payout is fine, it just feels older-school than what the newer networks offer.
Skip Conversant if: You want cutting-edge optimization, you’re in a specific vertical that commands premium CPMs, or you’re early in your publishing journey.
9. RevenueHits
RevenueHits is the scrappy underdog. They’ll work with low-traffic sites, they’re easy to approve, and they don’t have crazy minimums. But you get what you pay for.
Who it’s for: Beginners with under 10k traffic, publishers who got rejected everywhere else, or as a secondary network alongside something better.
CPM reality: Tier 1 is $2-6, Tier 3 is $0.25-1. So yeah, it’s low. But when your alternative is making nothing, it’s something.
Good things: They approve almost anyone. They let you start really early. The $5 minimum payout is great for small sites. You can get something running immediately. It’s not a scam — they do pay out.
Downsides: The CPMs are genuinely low. The advertiser quality is variable. Some publishers report payment delays. The platform feels dated. And honestly, if you’re building a serious site, you should be planning to move away from RevenueHits eventually.
Skip RevenueHits if: You’ve got any other option, or if you’re trying to run a professional site.
10. Google AdX (Accessed via Ezoic or Direct)
Technically Google AdX isn’t a network you apply to directly (you usually need an agency or platform like Ezoic to access it), but it deserves a spot here because it’s often better than everything else if you can get it. AdX is Google’s premium ad exchange. Better CPMs than AdSense, better demand, better everything — if you can access it.
Who it works for: Publishers with 25k+ traffic who can get approved, or anyone using Ezoic (which gives you AdX access). If you’re serious about monetization, getting AdX access is genuinely worth pursuing.
CPM expectations: Tier 1 is $10-30, Tier 3 is $2-6. So yes, it’s significantly better. A tech blog I know went from $8-12 on AdSense to $15-18 on AdX. Food blogs see even bigger jumps.
Why it’s better: The demand-side is premium. You’re competing for ad slots with big publishers, which drives better CPMs. Google’s optimization is sophisticated. The fill rate is high. And the advertiser quality is consistently good.
Real limitation: You need to qualify. If you apply directly, you need specific traffic volume and quality. You can’t just apply on a whim. Using Ezoic gives you access but adds a middleman. And setup can be technical.
Skip AdX if: You don’t meet the requirements, you don’t want to deal with the technical setup, or you’re looking for simplicity (though honestly, if you’re serious about revenue, it’s worth the effort).
How to Pick the Right Network for Your Situation
Okay, so you’ve got ten options. How do you actually choose? Here’s my thought process, and I’d use this exact framework:
Step 1: Start with traffic volume. Below 5k monthly sessions? Honestly, skip the fancy networks. RevenueHits or Adsterra will approve you quickly and you can focus on growing. Between 5k and 10k? Ezoic or Adsterra are your friends. Between 10k and 25k? Monumetric or Ezoic. Above 25k? You can get into the premium tier with Mediavine, AdThrive, or go for AdX access via Ezoic.
Step 2: Consider your niche. If you’re food, home, lifestyle, or parenting, AdThrive is probably worth more than Mediavine. If you’re news or content, look at Sovrn. If you’re in anything else, Mediavine is usually the answer for premium traffic. For weird niches, Ezoic’s flexibility is valuable.
Step 3: Think about traffic quality. If your traffic is 80%+ US/UK/Canada, go premium — Mediavine, AdThrive, or AdX. If it’s mixed international, Ezoic handles that better than anyone. If it’s mostly developing countries, Adsterra or Ezoic.
Step 4: Consider your patience level. Mediavine requires 25k and approval. AdThrive is similar. Ezoic works immediately. Monumetric is middle ground. If you’re impatient, pick Ezoic. If you can wait, apply to Mediavine while using Ezoic in the meantime.
Step 5: Don’t use just one. Honestly? A lot of successful publishers use multiple networks. They’ll use Mediavine for the core inventory, then Adsterra for international traffic, then a remnant network for unsold inventory. This is called a header bidding stack and it genuinely increases revenue. Ezoic is designed to do this automatically for you.
The truth about testing: Don’t believe a network’s claims about CPM. Apply, run them for a month, track your actual CPMs, and then decide. Every site is different. What works at $15 CPM for someone else might work at $12 for you. The only way to know is to test.
Five Questions People Always Ask
Q: Can I use multiple networks on the same site?
A: Yes, but strategically. You can run a header bidding stack where multiple networks compete for each impression — this actually increases CPMs because of competition. But you can’t have two networks’ code fighting for the same ad slots. The smart approach is to use something like Ezoic (which manages multiple networks automatically), or set up header bidding properly with networks that support it. If you’re just dumping multiple networks’ code into your site, you’re hurting yourself.
Q: How long does it take to see results after switching networks?
A: Usually 2-4 weeks. The first week is the network learning your traffic patterns. By week 2, you see baseline numbers. By week 3-4, optimization kicks in and you get a better picture. Don’t judge too quickly. I’ve seen sites that looked mediocre in week 1 doing great by week 4 because the AI or optimizations kicked in.
Q: Will switching networks hurt my traffic or rankings?
A: No. Your ad code doesn’t affect SEO or traffic. The switch is purely on the backend. What CAN hurt is if you change ad density or placement dramatically — aggressive ad placement can hurt user experience, which can hurt traffic. But the network itself doesn’t matter to Google.
Q: What if I get rejected from Mediavine?
A: Use Ezoic or Monumetric in the meantime. Build your traffic. Improve your site quality — Mediavine cares about design, professionalism, and audience. Then reapply. Also, don’t be discouraged — rejection usually isn’t personal, it’s just their requirements. I know sites that applied three times before getting approved.
Q: Is it worth trying to optimize for higher CPMs or just grow traffic faster?
A: Both, but growing traffic is usually more important early on. Getting 50% more traffic with slightly lower CPMs almost always beats trying to squeeze 20% higher CPMs with the same traffic. The CPM optimization compounds once you have real volume. Start with growth, then optimize.
My Overall Recommendation
Here’s what I actually tell people: If you’ve got 25k+ sessions and it’s mostly tier-one traffic, apply to Mediavine. Seriously. They’re the best if you can qualify. While you’re waiting (approval takes weeks), set up Ezoic as a fallback. If Mediavine rejects you, Ezoic becomes your primary and it’s genuinely solid.
If you’re in food, home, or lifestyle and have 25k+, pick AdThrive. Their niche specialization is worth the slightly higher friction.
If you’re between 10k-25k or have mixed traffic, Ezoic is my pick. It’s stable, it works, the AI is useful, and you’re not locked into a bad contract.
If you’re below 10k, use RevenueHits or Adsterra while you build, then migrate as you grow. Don’t waste energy optimizing at low volumes.
Whatever you pick, do this: Test it properly for a month, track actual revenue (not just impressions), compare it to what you were making before, and then decide. The math will tell you what’s working. And remember, the best network is the one that makes you the most money — not the one that sounds the fanciest.
Good luck with it. Feel free to reach out if you want to talk specifics about your site — I’m always happy to think through the numbers.
