Google AdSense is one of the most popular advertising platforms for website monetization, but it is not always the best option for every publisher. Many website owners find that AdSense revenue is lower than expected or that their site does not meet Google’s strict requirements. In these cases, alternative ad networks can provide better results.
This guide compares Google AdSense with some of the top alternative ad networks, exploring their pros and cons to help you determine the best option for maximizing your earnings.
1. How Google AdSense Works
Google AdSense allows website owners to display ads on their sites and earn money when users view or click on them. Advertisers bid for ad space through Google Ads, and AdSense automatically places the highest-paying ads on your site.
Pros of Google AdSense
- Easy to set up with minimal technical knowledge.
- Access to high-quality ads from Google’s extensive advertiser network.
- Automatic ad placement using machine learning.
- Works with almost any niche as long as it follows Google’s policies.
Cons of Google AdSense
- Strict approval process that makes it difficult for new websites to get accepted.
- Lower earnings for some niches due to lower competition among advertisers.
- Risk of account suspension for policy violations.
- Revenue sharing with Google, reducing the publisher’s earnings.
If your website is struggling with low AdSense earnings, alternative networks may offer better monetization opportunities.
2. The Best Google AdSense Alternatives
Several alternative ad networks provide competitive payouts, better customization options, and more lenient approval policies. Below are some of the best options for different types of websites.
Mediavine – Best for High-Traffic Blogs
Mediavine is a premium ad network that delivers high RPMs, often surpassing AdSense earnings. However, it has strict traffic requirements.
Pros:
- Higher RPMs, often between $20 and $50 per 1,000 pageviews.
- Access to premium advertisers, resulting in better ad quality.
- Strong support to help publishers optimize ad placements.
Cons:
- Minimum requirement of 50,000 monthly sessions.
- Lengthy approval process that can take several weeks.
- Requires exclusivity, meaning you cannot use other ad networks simultaneously.
Ezoic – Best for Sites with Moderate Traffic
Ezoic uses artificial intelligence to optimize ad placements and maximize earnings. It is an excellent alternative for sites that do not qualify for Mediavine.
Pros:
- No strict traffic requirements; websites with as little as 10,000 monthly visits can apply.
- AI-driven ad optimization that continuously improves ad performance.
- Higher RPMs than AdSense, with many publishers reporting a 50 to 200 percent revenue increase.
Cons:
- Requires name server integration, which may be complicated for some users.
- Learning curve due to the large number of settings available.
- Can increase ad density, which may affect user experience.
AdThrive – Best for Large Publishers
AdThrive is similar to Mediavine but caters to websites with at least 100,000 monthly pageviews. It provides some of the highest ad payouts available.
Pros:
- Premium advertisers that offer higher CPMs than AdSense.
- Excellent customer support with personalized assistance.
- Faster payments on a Net-45 basis.
Cons:
- Requires a minimum of 100,000 monthly pageviews.
- Selective approval process that favors high-quality content sites.
MGID – Best for Native Advertising
MGID is a native advertising platform that integrates ads naturally into content, making them less intrusive and more engaging.
Pros:
- Works well for news, viral, and entertainment websites.
- Higher engagement rates compared to traditional display ads.
- Flexible customization options.
Cons:
- Lower RPMs than premium ad networks like Mediavine or AdThrive.
- Requires manual optimization to improve performance.
PropellerAds – Best for Pop-Under and Push Notifications
PropellerAds is an alternative for websites that struggle with AdSense approval or want to monetize additional traffic sources.
Pros:
- No traffic requirements, making approval easy.
- Allows pop-unders, push notifications, and interstitial ads.
- Can be used alongside AdSense for additional revenue.
Cons:
- Some ad formats can be intrusive and negatively impact user experience.
- Lower quality ads than premium networks.
3. AdSense vs. Alternative Networks – Which One Pays More?
Revenue potential depends on several factors, including niche, traffic source, and ad format. Here’s how AdSense compares to alternatives in key areas:
| Feature | Google AdSense | Mediavine | Ezoic | AdThrive | MGID | PropellerAds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPM Potential | Low to Medium | High | Medium to High | Very High | Medium | Low |
| Traffic Requirement | None | 50,000 sessions | 10,000 sessions | 100,000 pageviews | None | None |
| Ad Type | Display & Text | Display & Video | AI-Optimized | Display & Video | Native | Pop-Under & Push |
| Approval Process | Strict | Selective | Moderate | Selective | Easy | Easy |
| Best For | General Websites | Blogs | Growing Sites | Large Publishers | Viral & News | Alternative Monetization |
If you are just starting out, AdSense or Ezoic may be the best options. For high-traffic websites, Mediavine or AdThrive offer much higher RPMs than AdSense.
4. Can You Use Multiple Ad Networks Together?
Many publishers wonder if they can use AdSense alongside other ad networks. The answer depends on the specific network’s policies.
- AdSense + Ezoic – Allowed, as Ezoic is an AdSense Certified Partner.
- AdSense + Mediavine/AdThrive – Not allowed, as these networks require exclusivity.
- AdSense + MGID/PropellerAds – Allowed, but careful placement is necessary to avoid policy violations.
Checking the terms of each ad network before combining them is essential to prevent any issues.
5. Which Ad Network Should You Choose?
The best choice depends on your website’s traffic, niche, and monetization goals.
- Websites with low traffic can start with AdSense or Ezoic.
- Websites with moderate traffic (50,000+ sessions per month) may benefit from Mediavine.
- High-traffic websites (100,000+ pageviews per month) can achieve higher earnings with AdThrive.
- News or viral websites can explore MGID for native ads.
- Websites with low-quality traffic or those looking for additional revenue sources may consider PropellerAds.
Finding the right ad network requires testing different options and analyzing performance data. Some publishers see significant revenue improvements by switching from AdSense to a premium network, while others benefit from using multiple networks together. Selecting the best monetization strategy depends on traffic volume, audience engagement, and the type of content published.
For assistance in optimizing ad revenue and choosing the right network for your site, reach out for expert guidance.