Monetizing your website or blog is one of the smartest ways to earn passive income online, and choosing the right ad network is critical to maximizing your earnings. While Google AdSense is the most popular, it’s far from the only—or best—option.
In this article, we’ll break down the top 20 high-paying ad networks for publishers, including their strengths, payment methods, traffic requirements, and who they’re best for.
🔝 1. Google AdSense
Best For: Beginners and general websites
Minimum Traffic: None
Payout: $100 (via bank, PayPal, Western Union)
AdSense is still the go-to for new publishers because it’s simple and reliable. It offers contextually relevant ads and supports nearly every niche. However, competition is high, and rates may be lower than premium networks.
💰 2. Ezoic
Best For: Sites with 10,000+ monthly visits
Minimum Traffic: 10,000 sessions/month (but Access Now program available for small sites)
Payout: $20 (PayPal, Payoneer, Bank Transfer)
Ezoic uses AI to test multiple ad layouts, sizes, and placements to maximize earnings. It’s partnered with Google and offers better RPM than AdSense.
🎯 3. Mediavine
Best For: Lifestyle, food, parenting, and travel blogs
Minimum Traffic: 50,000 sessions/month
Payout: $25 (PayPal, ACH, Wire)
Mediavine is a premium ad network known for high RPMs and an excellent user experience. Requires Google Analytics verification and high-quality content.
🏆 4. AdThrive
Best For: U.S. traffic-heavy sites
Minimum Traffic: 100,000 monthly pageviews
Payout: $25 (via PayPal or Bank Transfer)
AdThrive often pays some of the highest RPMs on the market, especially for lifestyle niches. They offer personalized support and detailed revenue analytics.
⚙️ 5. Raptive (formerly CafeMedia)
Best For: Female and lifestyle audience
Minimum Traffic: 100,000 monthly pageviews
Payout: $25
Focused on premium advertisers and large brands, Raptive is closely related to AdThrive but specializes in female-centric content.
🌍 6. Media.net
Best For: Tech, business, and finance blogs
Minimum Traffic: No strict minimum
Payout: $100 (PayPal or Wire)
Powered by Yahoo and Bing, Media.net offers contextual display ads and performs especially well for U.S. and U.K. traffic.
📈 7. Monumetric
Best For: Mid-sized websites
Minimum Traffic: 10,000 monthly views
Payout: $10 (PayPal, Bank Transfer)
Monumetric combines display and native ads with good UX. Their setup fee of $99 (waived if you have 80K+ views) and support team make them ideal for scaling.
🖼️ 8. PropellerAds
Best For: Pop-under, push notifications, and non-AdSense-friendly niches
Minimum Traffic: None
Payout: $5 (PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill, Crypto)
Great for global and Tier 2/3 traffic, PropellerAds supports a wide range of formats including push, interstitial, and on-click ads.
📺 9. Setupad
Best For: Publishers with international traffic
Minimum Traffic: 100,000 monthly impressions
Payout: $100
Setupad provides access to premium advertisers through header bidding and supports video, native, and display ads.
🧪 10. AdPushup
Best For: Experienced publishers looking to A/B test ad placements
Minimum Traffic: 100,000 monthly views
Payout: $50
AdPushup increases your revenue using A/B testing and layout optimization. Requires approval and typically targets U.S./EU traffic.
📊 11. Revcontent
Best For: Content-heavy and viral websites
Minimum Traffic: 50,000 monthly visitors
Payout: $50
Revcontent offers native ads with great customization and higher engagement than standard banners.
🧱 12. Sovrn //Commerce (VigLink)
Best For: Affiliate + content hybrid sites
Minimum Traffic: None
Payout: $10
Converts outbound links into affiliate links automatically. Great passive earnings for publishers with lots of outbound links.
📰 13. Taboola
Best For: News, media, and viral content
Minimum Traffic: 500,000 monthly views
Payout: $50
Taboola is a native ad network seen on major publishers like NBC, MSN, and Business Insider. High volume, high earnings—but only for big sites.
📢 14. Outbrain
Best For: News and media publishers
Minimum Traffic: 10 million monthly pageviews (strict)
Payout: $50
Outbrain is another premium native ad provider with powerful analytics and trusted brand partnerships.
🧪 15. Infolinks
Best For: Bloggers and small sites
Minimum Traffic: None
Payout: $50 (PayPal, Payoneer)
Uses in-text ads, overlays, and smart tags to monetize text content without damaging user experience. Easy to integrate.
💡 16. Adsterra
Best For: Global and non-Google-compliant niches
Minimum Traffic: None
Payout: $5 (PayPal, WebMoney, Crypto)
Supports pop-under, push, and banner ads. Good for adult or grey-zone content.
🎮 17. ylliX
Best For: Beginners with global traffic
Minimum Traffic: None
Payout: $1 (Instant PayPal available)
Known for fast approval, multiple ad formats (CPM, CPC, CPA), and very low payout threshold.
📽️ 18. Playwire
Best For: Gaming, kids’ content, and video
Minimum Traffic: 500,000 monthly views
Payout: Custom
Focused on video monetization with high CPMs and great ad support for interactive content.
🛍️ 19. Amazon Publisher Services
Best For: Amazon affiliates and review blogs
Minimum Traffic: 100,000 monthly views
Payout: Through Amazon Associates
Offers header bidding and native ads tailored to Amazon shoppers. Great when paired with affiliate marketing.
📲 20. Bidvertiser
Best For: Non-English websites and mobile
Minimum Traffic: None
Payout: $10
Offers both display and pop-under ads, plus direct advertiser bidding for higher rates.
✅ Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Right Ad Network
- For beginners: Google AdSense, Infolinks, ylliX
- For mid-tier sites: Ezoic, Monumetric, Media.net
- For premium income: Mediavine, AdThrive, Raptive
- For native ads: Taboola, Outbrain, Revcontent
- For global/grey niches: PropellerAds, Adsterra
Choosing the right network depends on your niche, audience location, traffic volume, and content type. Don’t be afraid to experiment—many publishers run multiple ad networks for maximized earnings.
