Head to head · Best Affiliate Networks for Publishers
Awin vs Rakuten
Awin scores higher overall (3.7 vs 3.4), but the right pick depends on which dimension matters most to you.
| Criterion | AwinFair Fit | RakutenFair Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.7— higher score for Awin | 3.4 |
| Capability45% of composite | 4.3— higher score for Awin | 3.4 |
| Publisher fit40% of composite | 3.0 | 4.0— higher score for Rakuten |
| Total cost of ownership15% of composite | 3.8— higher score for Awin | 1.8 |
| Best for | Small, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Pricing | Subscription-based tiers: Awin Access at $29/mo, Awin Accelerate at $149/mo, and Awin Advanced with custom pricing. | Custom pricing models typically based on performance commissions, plus negotiated monthly platform and setup fees; free for publishers to join. |
Awin
- It has a clean and user-friendly interface. You can easily find products and campaigns, and create trackable referral links or images
- Track your affiliate marketing earnings, including sales and order value. All users converted from your page are tracked back to you and recorded within your dashboard, ensuring accurate commission evaluation
- With accelerated payments, you get rewards when customers purchase through your link
- Could provide faster responses to improve support
Rakuten
- Premium advertiser base including luxury retail and top travel brands
- Curated advertiser marketplace maintains quality
- Strong global reach across US, UK, JP, and AU
- Higher approval standards than open networks
- Interface and reporting less intuitive than Impact or CJ
- Commission tracking less transparent for some advertisers
Common questions
Is Awin or Rakuten better?
Awin scores higher overall (3.7 vs 3.4), but the right pick depends on which dimension matters most to you. Awin scores 3.7/5 and Rakuten scores 3.4/5 on Benchmark Grid's independent assessment. Scores are set editorially by SODP against published criteria and cannot be purchased.
Which is cheaper, Awin or Rakuten?
On total cost of ownership — which covers pricing transparency, entry cost, implementation, hidden-fee risk and ongoing cost — Awin scores 3.8/5 and Rakuten scores 1.8/5. 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.
Still deciding?
Answer four questions about your publication and we'll recommend a full stack — with the reasoning for each pick and what it will cost.
Both tools are scored in Best Affiliate Networks for Publishers. See alternatives to Awin or alternatives to Rakuten.
