When it comes to monetizing mobile apps, developers often face a tough choice between AdMob and AppLovin, two giants in the mobile advertising world. Both platforms promise to turn your app—whether it’s a streaming service like MXL TV or a utility tool like Google Tasks—into a revenue-generating machine. But the burning question remains: which one pays more? In this ad network comparison, we’ll dive deep into CPM rates, payout structures, and performance factors to determine whether AdMob or AppLovin is the best alternative for maximizing your earnings.
Understanding AdMob and AppLovin: The Basics
Before comparing payouts, let’s break down what each platform offers in this ad network comparison.
What Is AdMob?
AdMob, owned by Google, is a leading mobile ad network that connects developers to a massive pool of advertisers. Known for its ease of integration and variety of ad formats—banners, interstitials, rewarded ads—it’s a go-to for apps like Samsung Internet or Zoiper. AdMob leverages Google’s global reach, making it a strong contender for developers worldwide.
What Is AppLovin?
AppLovin, on the other hand, is a mobile ad platform specializing in in-app monetization, particularly for games and entertainment apps like Dubsmash. Its MAX mediation platform emphasizes real-time bidding and high-performing ad formats, positioning it as a fierce rival to AdMob. AppLovin excels in North America and Europe but has a growing global presence.
Both platforms aim to boost your revenue, but their approaches to CPM rates and payouts differ. Let’s explore which one delivers the bigger paycheck.
AdMob vs. AppLovin: CPM Rates Compared
CPM rates (cost per thousand impressions) are a key metric in determining how much an ad network pays. Here’s how AdMob and AppLovin stack up in this ad network comparison.
AdMob CPM Rates
AdMob’s CPM rates vary widely based on factors like geography, app category, and ad format:
- Banner Ads: Typically range from $0.15 to $1.50 on Android and $0.20 to $2 on iOS.
- Interstitial Ads: Average $2 to $4 on Android and $3 to $5 on iOS.
- Rewarded Ads: Can hit $5 to $15, depending on user engagement and region.
For example, a productivity app like Google Tasks in the US might see higher CPM rates than a casual game in a lower-tier market like Southeast Asia. AdMob’s strength lies in its consistent fill rates—often above 90%—thanks to Google’s vast advertiser pool.
AppLovin CPM Rates
AppLovin doesn’t publicly disclose exact CPM rates, but industry reports and developer feedback suggest they’re competitive, especially in premium markets:
- Banner Ads: Around $0.50 to $2, slightly higher than AdMob in some cases.
- Interstitial Ads: Range from $3 to $6, with peaks in North America.
- Rewarded Ads: Often $10 to $20+, particularly for gaming apps like Tango Live.
AppLovin shines in high-value regions (US, EU) and game-centric apps, where its MAX platform optimizes bids for top CPM rates. However, fill rates can dip below AdMob’s in less-served regions.
CPM Verdict
In this ad network comparison, AppLovin tends to offer higher CPM rates for rewarded and interstitial ads in premium markets, while AdMob provides more stable, globally consistent earnings. Your app’s audience and genre will tip the scales.
Payout Structures: How You Get Paid
Beyond CPM rates, payout terms affect your bottom line. Here’s how AdMob and AppLovin handle payments.
AdMob Payouts
- Cycle: Monthly, on the 21st (NET 30 terms).
- Minimum Threshold: $100.
- Methods: Wire transfer, ACH, PayPal.
- Revenue Share: 60% to publishers, 40% to AdMob.
For a small app like Google Download earning $50 monthly, you’ll need two months to hit the $100 payout. AdMob’s higher threshold can delay cash flow for new developers.
AppLovin Payouts
- Cycle: NET 15 (faster than AdMob’s NET 30).
- Minimum Threshold: $20.
- Methods: PayPal, ACH, wire transfer.
- Revenue Share: Not explicitly stated, but assumed similar to industry standard (60-70% to publishers).
AppLovin’s lower threshold and quicker payouts suit smaller apps like Zoiper, letting you access funds sooner.
Payout Verdict
AppLovin wins for flexibility and speed, making it the best alternative if cash flow matters. AdMob’s higher threshold might frustrate beginners but suits larger apps with steady earnings.
Ad Network Comparison: Features That Impact Earnings
CPM rates and payouts are just part of the story. Features like ad formats, mediation, and targeting influence which network pays more.
Ad Formats
- AdMob: Offers banners, interstitials, rewarded, and native ads. Its variety suits apps like Citrix Workspace or Chrome Browser.
- AppLovin: Focuses on high-engagement formats—interstitials, rewarded, and rich media—ideal for games like Dubsmash.
AppLovin’s emphasis on premium formats often yields higher CPM rates, but AdMob’s broader options cater to diverse apps.
Mediation and Bidding
- AdMob Mediation: Connects to 25+ networks (e.g., Unity Ads, Meta), using waterfall or bidding to boost fill rates. Great for Apps Stock.
- AppLovin MAX: Integrates 20+ bidders with real-time auctions, optimizing for top CPM rates. Perfect for Tango Live.
AppLovin’s bidding-first approach can outpace AdMob’s hybrid model in competitive markets, but AdMob’s mediation ensures global coverage.
Targeting and Optimization
- AdMob: Leverages Google’s data for precise targeting, enhancing relevance in Google Tasks.
- AppLovin: Uses advanced automation and segmentation, excelling in user acquisition for MXL TV.
Both excel, but AppLovin’s focus on performance-driven ads often edges out in gaming niches.
Which Pays More? Real-World Scenarios
Let’s apply this ad network comparison to hypothetical apps:
- Small Utility App (5,000 users, mixed regions): AdMob might earn $50-$100 monthly with stable fill rates, while AppLovin could hit $40-$80 but struggle with lower-tier markets.
- Gaming App (10,000 users, US-heavy): AppLovin could pull $200-$500 with high CPM rates on rewarded ads, outpacing AdMob’s $150-$300.
Your app’s scale, audience, and genre dictate the winner.
Pros and Cons: AdMob vs. AppLovin
AdMob
- Pros: Global reach, high fill rates, easy integration.
- Cons: Lower CPM rates in some niches, $100 payout threshold.
AppLovin
- Pros: Higher CPM rates in premium markets, faster payouts, strong in gaming.
- Cons: Less consistent fill rates globally, less versatile for non-gaming apps.
AdMob is the best alternative for broad appeal; AppLovin excels in specific high-value cases.
How to Choose the Best Alternative for You
To decide which pays more:
- Audience Location: US/EU? AppLovin. Global? AdMob.
- App Type: Games? AppLovin. Utilities? AdMob.
- Revenue Goals: Quick cash? AppLovin. Steady growth? AdMob.
Test both with A/B splits in TestFlight or Android Studio Download builds to see real results.
Maximizing Earnings: Combine AdMob and AppLovin
Why choose? Use AdMob Mediation to include AppLovin as a demand source. This hybrid ad strategy blends AdMob’s consistency with AppLovin’s high CPM rates, potentially outearning either alone. For Public App, this could mean the best of both worlds.
Conclusion: So, Which One Pays More?
In this ad network comparison, neither AdMob nor AppLovin universally pays more—it depends on your app. AdMob offers reliable, global earnings with solid CPM rates, making it the best alternative for diverse apps. AppLovin shines with higher CPM rates and faster payouts, ideal for gaming or premium markets. Test both, analyze your CPM rates, and optimize based on your audience.
Head to AdMob or AppLovin, set up your ads, and find out which pays you more today!
