Head to head · Best Ad Networks for Publishers
Freestar vs PubMatic
Freestar and PubMatic score within 0.2 of each other, so the decision comes down to fit rather than quality.
| Criterion | FreestarStrong Choice | PubMaticStrong Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| Capability45% of composite | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| Publisher fit40% of composite | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Total cost of ownership15% of composite | 2.2 | 2.3 |
| Best for | Mid-Market, Enterprise | Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Pricing | Operates on a transparent revenue-share model; custom enterprise pricing typically requires a minimum of 1M to 5M monthly pageviews and 12 months of historical traffic data. | Revenue share, taken from auction proceeds |
Freestar
- Dedicated audience development team
- World-class yield management experts provide ongoing optimization
- NET 60 payment schedule via Tipalti or PayPal
- High traffic requirement (1M+ monthly pageviews and 12 months of history) excludes smaller publishers
- Moderate script overhead
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 Freestar or PubMatic better?
Freestar and PubMatic score within 0.2 of each other, so the decision comes down to fit rather than quality. Freestar 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, Freestar or PubMatic?
On total cost of ownership — which covers pricing transparency, entry cost, implementation, hidden-fee risk and ongoing cost — Freestar scores 2.2/5 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 Freestar or alternatives to PubMatic.
