Head to head · Best Ad Networks for Publishers
Amazon Publisher Services (APS) vs PubMatic
Amazon Publisher Services (APS) and PubMatic score within 0.2 of each other, so the decision comes down to fit rather than quality.
| Criterion | Amazon Publisher Services (APS)Strong Choice | PubMaticStrong Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| Capability45% of composite | 3.7 | 3.6 |
| Publisher fit40% of composite | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Total cost of ownership15% of composite | 2.3 | 2.3 |
| Best for | Mid-Market, Enterprise | Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Pricing | Revenue share, rate not publicly disclosed | Revenue share, taken from auction proceeds |
Amazon Publisher Services (APS)
- Direct access to Amazon advertiser demand
- Server-side setup can reduce page latency
- Backed by Amazon's infrastructure
- Limited transparency into fee structure
- Primarily benefits publishers with scale for Amazon demand
PubMatic
- Owns infrastructure rather than renting cloud capacity
- Publicly traded with disclosed financials
- Broad CTV and mobile format support
- Smaller demand pool than some larger competitors
- Advanced features may need dedicated account support
Common questions
Is Amazon Publisher Services (APS) or PubMatic better?
Amazon Publisher Services (APS) and PubMatic score within 0.2 of each other, so the decision comes down to fit rather than quality. Amazon Publisher Services (APS) scores 3.8/5 and PubMatic scores 3.8/5 on Benchmark Grid's independent assessment. Scores are set editorially by SODP against published criteria and cannot be purchased.
Which is cheaper, Amazon Publisher Services (APS) or PubMatic?
On total cost of ownership — which covers pricing transparency, entry cost, implementation, hidden-fee risk and ongoing cost — Amazon Publisher Services (APS) scores 2.3/5 and PubMatic scores 2.3/5. A higher score means better value, not a lower sticker price.
How are these scores calculated?
Each tool is assessed across 12 criteria grouped into Capability (45% of the composite), Publisher Fit (40%) and Total Cost of Ownership (15%). Assessment is carried out by SODP's editorial team against a published methodology. Vendors cannot pay for inclusion, scores or rankings.
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Both tools are scored in Best Ad Networks for Publishers. See alternatives to Amazon Publisher Services (APS) or alternatives to PubMatic.
