Quick Overview
- 1#1: Google AdMob - Leading mobile advertising platform for serving interstitial, rewarded, banner, and native ads to monetize apps.
- 2#2: RevenueCat - Subscription management platform handling in-app purchases, paywalls, and revenue analytics across iOS and Android.
- 3#3: AppLovin MAX - AI-powered ad mediation platform optimizing fill rates and eCPM from multiple ad networks for maximum revenue.
- 4#4: Unity LevelPlay - Comprehensive ad mediation and monetization suite for games and apps integrating top demand sources seamlessly.
- 5#5: ironSource - Ad mediation platform delivering high-performance rewarded videos, interstitials, and banners for app revenue growth.
- 6#6: Meta Audience Network - Leverages Meta's vast advertiser base to deliver targeted ads like rewarded videos and natives in mobile apps.
- 7#7: Chartboost - Mobile ad network focused on direct deals, cross-promotion, and video ads tailored for game monetization.
- 8#8: Liftoff - Performance marketing platform combining user acquisition and in-app bidding for optimized app monetization.
- 9#9: InMobi - Global ad platform offering premium rewarded, interstitial, and native ad formats with advanced targeting.
- 10#10: Adjust - Mobile attribution and analytics platform tracking installs, revenue, and fraud to enhance monetization strategies.
Tools were selected based on features, reliability, user-friendliness, and long-term value, prioritizing those that deliver consistent results across app categories and audience demographics
Comparison Table
Selecting the right app monetization software is key to driving revenue and user engagement, yet diverse tools like Google AdMob, RevenueCat, AppLovin MAX, and ironSource can make comparisons complex. This table breaks down critical details—features, pricing, and integration needs—helping readers identify the tool that best fits their app's unique goals and audience.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Google AdMob Leading mobile advertising platform for serving interstitial, rewarded, banner, and native ads to monetize apps. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 | RevenueCat Subscription management platform handling in-app purchases, paywalls, and revenue analytics across iOS and Android. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | AppLovin MAX AI-powered ad mediation platform optimizing fill rates and eCPM from multiple ad networks for maximum revenue. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Unity LevelPlay Comprehensive ad mediation and monetization suite for games and apps integrating top demand sources seamlessly. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | ironSource Ad mediation platform delivering high-performance rewarded videos, interstitials, and banners for app revenue growth. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Meta Audience Network Leverages Meta's vast advertiser base to deliver targeted ads like rewarded videos and natives in mobile apps. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | Chartboost Mobile ad network focused on direct deals, cross-promotion, and video ads tailored for game monetization. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Liftoff Performance marketing platform combining user acquisition and in-app bidding for optimized app monetization. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 9 | InMobi Global ad platform offering premium rewarded, interstitial, and native ad formats with advanced targeting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | Adjust Mobile attribution and analytics platform tracking installs, revenue, and fraud to enhance monetization strategies. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
Leading mobile advertising platform for serving interstitial, rewarded, banner, and native ads to monetize apps.
Subscription management platform handling in-app purchases, paywalls, and revenue analytics across iOS and Android.
AI-powered ad mediation platform optimizing fill rates and eCPM from multiple ad networks for maximum revenue.
Comprehensive ad mediation and monetization suite for games and apps integrating top demand sources seamlessly.
Ad mediation platform delivering high-performance rewarded videos, interstitials, and banners for app revenue growth.
Leverages Meta's vast advertiser base to deliver targeted ads like rewarded videos and natives in mobile apps.
Mobile ad network focused on direct deals, cross-promotion, and video ads tailored for game monetization.
Performance marketing platform combining user acquisition and in-app bidding for optimized app monetization.
Global ad platform offering premium rewarded, interstitial, and native ad formats with advanced targeting.
Mobile attribution and analytics platform tracking installs, revenue, and fraud to enhance monetization strategies.
Google AdMob
specializedLeading mobile advertising platform for serving interstitial, rewarded, banner, and native ads to monetize apps.
Open Bidding and waterfall mediation powered by real-time machine learning for automatic revenue maximization across multiple ad networks
Google AdMob is a premier mobile app monetization platform that allows developers to earn revenue by integrating targeted ads into their iOS and Android apps. It supports diverse ad formats such as banners, interstitials, rewarded videos, and native ads, leveraging Google's massive advertiser network for high fill rates and eCPM. AdMob features advanced mediation, A/B testing, and machine learning-driven optimization to maximize earnings while providing robust analytics through integration with Firebase and Google Analytics.
Pros
- Extensive ad network with billions of daily impressions for superior fill rates and revenue potential
- Advanced mediation platform supporting multiple ad networks for optimized bidding and higher eCPM
- Seamless integration with Google ecosystem (Firebase, Analytics) and comprehensive reporting tools
Cons
- Google takes a significant revenue share (approximately 30-40%) on ad earnings
- Strict policy compliance requirements with risk of account suspension for violations
- Limited customization options for ad creatives compared to some competitors
Best For
Mobile app developers and publishers seeking scalable, high-volume ad monetization with reliable payouts and optimization tools.
Pricing
Free to implement; Google takes ~30-40% revenue share on ad earnings, with no upfront costs.
RevenueCat
specializedSubscription management platform handling in-app purchases, paywalls, and revenue analytics across iOS and Android.
Backend-as-a-Service for subscriptions with real-time data sync and automatic platform-specific optimizations
RevenueCat is a comprehensive backend platform for managing in-app purchases and subscriptions across iOS, Android, React Native, and web apps. It simplifies subscription lifecycle management by handling receipt validation, entitlement checks, paywall delivery, and churn recovery automatically. Developers benefit from real-time analytics, A/B testing, and integrations with marketing tools, enabling scalable monetization without building custom infrastructure.
Pros
- Seamless cross-platform SDKs with automatic receipt validation and entitlement management
- Powerful experimentation tools for paywalls and pricing A/B tests
- Real-time dashboards and integrations with analytics/marketing stacks like Amplitude and Braze
Cons
- Pricing scales as a percentage of tracked revenue, which can become expensive at high volumes
- Primarily optimized for subscriptions over one-time purchases or ad monetization
- Advanced features like custom entitlements require Pro plan or higher
Best For
Mobile app developers and teams building subscription-based apps that need reliable, scalable monetization infrastructure without managing backend servers.
Pricing
Free up to $2,500 Monthly Tracked Revenue (MTR), then Scale plan at 0.8-1.2% of MTR depending on tier; volume discounts available for enterprises.
AppLovin MAX
specializedAI-powered ad mediation platform optimizing fill rates and eCPM from multiple ad networks for maximum revenue.
AI-driven in-app bidding engine that runs real-time auctions across networks for maximum eCPM per impression
AppLovin MAX is a powerful mobile ad mediation platform designed to help app developers maximize in-app advertising revenue by aggregating and optimizing demand from over 100 ad networks through a single SDK. It employs AI-driven algorithms combining waterfall prioritization and in-app bidding to dynamically select the highest-paying ads in real-time, ensuring optimal fill rates and eCPMs. The platform also provides advanced analytics, A/B testing, and user acquisition tools tailored especially for mobile games.
Pros
- AI-powered bidding and waterfall optimization delivers significant revenue uplift
- Broad network support with high fill rates and direct premium demand
- Robust analytics, A/B testing, and mediation rules for fine-tuned control
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to advanced configuration options
- Occasional dashboard latency and support response delays
- Revenue share on AppLovin demand can reduce net publisher earnings
Best For
Mid-to-large scale app publishers, especially mobile game developers, aiming to scale ad monetization with sophisticated optimization.
Pricing
Free to integrate and use; AppLovin takes 20-30% revenue share on its direct demand, with third-party networks passed through at full eCPM.
Unity LevelPlay
specializedComprehensive ad mediation and monetization suite for games and apps integrating top demand sources seamlessly.
One-click activation and deep Unity engine integration for effortless ad implementation across multiple formats
Unity LevelPlay is a powerful app monetization platform tailored for mobile game developers using the Unity engine. It provides advanced ad mediation by aggregating demand from top networks like Google AdMob, Meta, and AppLovin to maximize revenue through formats such as rewarded videos, interstitials, and banners. The platform offers AI-driven optimization, A/B testing, and detailed analytics to help developers boost eCPM and fill rates while minimizing user disruption.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Unity editor for quick setup
- High-performing mediation with bidding support for optimal revenue
- Comprehensive analytics and waterfall optimization tools
Cons
- Primarily optimized for Unity projects, less ideal for non-Unity apps
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization
- Occasional latency in real-time reporting
Best For
Mobile game developers using Unity who seek a robust, integrated solution for ad monetization.
Pricing
Free to implement; revenue share model via connected ad networks (no direct platform fees).
ironSource
specializedAd mediation platform delivering high-performance rewarded videos, interstitials, and banners for app revenue growth.
LevelPlay hybrid ad mediation with automated bidding and waterfall optimization
ironSource, now integrated with Unity, is a comprehensive app monetization platform specializing in mobile ad mediation, user acquisition, and analytics to help developers maximize revenue from their apps. Its flagship LevelPlay technology combines waterfall and in-app bidding from over 14 ad networks to deliver high fill rates and eCPMs, particularly excelling in rewarded videos and interstitials for games. The platform also provides ROAS optimization, audience segmentation, and real-time performance insights to scale monetization efficiently.
Pros
- Advanced LevelPlay mediation for optimal revenue across multiple networks
- Robust analytics and A/B testing for data-driven decisions
- Strong performance in mobile gaming with high eCPM uplift
Cons
- Integration complexities post-Unity acquisition
- Reporting delays during peak traffic
- Higher revenue share compared to some lighter alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large mobile game developers seeking high-revenue ad mediation and UA tools.
Pricing
Performance-based revenue share (typically 10-20% of ad revenue); no upfront fees.
Meta Audience Network
specializedLeverages Meta's vast advertiser base to deliver targeted ads like rewarded videos and natives in mobile apps.
Hyper-precise audience targeting leveraging Meta's proprietary user data across apps and the web
Meta Audience Network is a comprehensive ad monetization platform from Meta (Facebook) that allows app developers to earn revenue by displaying targeted ads within their mobile and web applications. It offers a range of ad formats including banners, interstitials, native ads, and rewarded videos, powered by Meta's vast advertiser network and user data for precise targeting. The platform integrates via the Facebook SDK, enabling high fill rates and competitive eCPMs, though performance can vary by region and compliance with privacy regulations.
Pros
- Massive global reach via Meta's 3B+ user ecosystem
- Advanced targeting using Facebook's rich user data
- Support for multiple high-performing ad formats
Cons
- Stringent ad policy reviews and approval delays
- Impacted by iOS ATT and privacy changes reducing targeting efficacy
- Dashboard and reporting can feel cluttered and less intuitive
Best For
App developers with Facebook-integrated apps seeking scalable ad revenue through precise audience targeting.
Pricing
Free to use; Meta retains 30-40% revenue share from ad earnings.
Chartboost
specializedMobile ad network focused on direct deals, cross-promotion, and video ads tailored for game monetization.
Cross-promotion network enabling cost-effective user acquisition alongside monetization via game-to-game ad swaps
Chartboost is a mobile-focused ad monetization platform designed primarily for app developers, especially in gaming, offering SDK integration for interstitials, rewarded videos, banners, and native ads. It provides mediation with direct deals from advertisers, high fill rates, and detailed analytics to optimize revenue. Acquired by Zynga, it emphasizes performance-based earnings through targeted in-app advertising.
Pros
- Strong performance in mobile gaming with high eCPMs
- Comprehensive mediation supporting multiple ad networks
- Detailed real-time analytics and A/B testing tools
Cons
- Less optimized for non-gaming apps
- SDK integration can have occasional latency issues
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Mobile game developers aiming to maximize in-app ad revenue through gaming-focused mediation and direct deals.
Pricing
Free to integrate with a revenue share model (Chartboost typically retains 20-30% of ad earnings).
Liftoff
specializedPerformance marketing platform combining user acquisition and in-app bidding for optimized app monetization.
Cortex AI engine for automated, predictive campaign optimization towards maximum ROAS.
Liftoff (liftoff.io) is a mobile app marketing platform focused on user acquisition (UA), attribution, and performance optimization to drive app growth and revenue. It leverages machine learning for ROAS maximization, audience segmentation, and cross-network campaign management, helping developers acquire high-value users efficiently. While strong in UA, it indirectly supports monetization by scaling profitable cohorts for apps relying on ads, IAPs, or subscriptions.
Pros
- AI-driven ROAS optimization for scaling profitable campaigns
- Broad ad network integrations and real-time attribution
- Advanced audience insights and predictive modeling
Cons
- Less emphasis on direct in-app monetization tools like ad mediation
- Complex setup requiring technical expertise
- Costs scale with ad spend, potentially high for large campaigns
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise app developers focused on optimizing UA spend for long-term monetization ROI.
Pricing
Performance-based (CPI/CPE models); no setup fees, pay only for results with customizable bidding.
InMobi
specializedGlobal ad platform offering premium rewarded, interstitial, and native ad formats with advanced targeting.
Wingman AI engine for real-time bid optimization and personalized ad delivery
InMobi is a comprehensive mobile advertising platform designed for app developers to monetize their applications through high-performance ad formats like banners, interstitials, native ads, and rewarded videos. It utilizes advanced AI and machine learning via its Wingman technology to optimize ad delivery, fill rates, and eCPM across global markets. The platform provides detailed analytics, audience insights, and mediation tools to help publishers maximize revenue while maintaining user experience.
Pros
- Strong global reach with high fill rates in emerging markets
- AI-powered optimization (Wingman) for superior eCPM
- Diverse ad formats and robust mediation support
Cons
- Complex SDK integration for beginners
- Reporting dashboard can feel overwhelming
- Revenue share slightly higher than top competitors like AdMob
Best For
Mid-to-large app publishers with international audiences aiming to optimize ad revenue through AI-driven personalization.
Pricing
Free SDK integration with revenue share model (typically 60-70% to publisher, 30-40% to InMobi).
Adjust
enterpriseMobile attribution and analytics platform tracking installs, revenue, and fraud to enhance monetization strategies.
Advanced fraud prevention suite (Protect360) that blocks billions in fraudulent installs annually, ensuring clean data for monetization ROI
Adjust is a mobile app analytics and attribution platform that helps developers track user acquisition, engagement, and revenue streams to optimize monetization strategies. It provides detailed insights into campaign performance, in-app purchase attribution, and ad revenue tracking through integrations with mediation platforms like ironSource and AppLovin. With strong fraud prevention tools, Adjust ensures accurate data for data-driven decisions that maximize app profitability. It excels in privacy-compliant measurement post-iOS 14.
Pros
- Industry-leading attribution accuracy and fraud prevention with Protect360
- Deep integrations with ad networks and monetization SDKs for revenue optimization
- Scalable analytics with real-time dashboards and cohort analysis for LTV insights
Cons
- Complex SDK integration and setup for beginners
- Custom enterprise pricing can be expensive for small apps or startups
- More focused on analytics than direct ad mediation or creative tools
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise app publishers optimizing UA spend and ad revenue through precise attribution and analytics.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing tiered by monthly tracked users (MTUs); free starter plan up to 2,000 MTUs, then starts ~$1,000+/month for growth plans.
Conclusion
The top tools present diverse solutions, with Google AdMob leading as the definitive choice for its broad range of mobile advertising formats and market dominance. RevenueCat and AppLovin MAX follow closely—each offering distinct strengths, from subscription management to AI-driven optimization—ensuring there’s a strong option for nearly every monetization goal. Together, these tools highlight the evolving landscape of app monetization, with clear leaders and reliable alternatives.
Begin monetizing your app effectively by trying Google AdMob, the top pick for driving revenue through versatile and performance-focused ads.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison