Head to head · Best Ad Networks for Publishers
Google AdX (via GAM) vs Media.net
Google AdX (via GAM) and Media.net score within 0.2 of each other, so the decision comes down to fit rather than quality.
| Criterion | Google AdX (via GAM)Strong Choice | Media.netStrong Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.0 | 4.1 |
| Capability45% of composite | 4.2— higher score for Google AdX (via GAM) | 3.8 |
| Publisher fit40% of composite | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Total cost of ownership15% of composite | 2.2 | 3.8— higher score for Media.net |
| Best for | Small, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Pricing | Free 'Small Business' tier available for up to 90-200 million monthly impressions; Ad Manager 360 requires custom enterprise pricing. | Free for publishers to join; operates on a revenue-share model where the platform takes a percentage of ad earnings. |
Google AdX (via GAM)
- Access to premium advertiser demand typically offering significantly higher CPMs
- Publishers utilizing AdX's dynamic flooring, Google Open Bidding, and preferred deals can expect 20-50% revenue increases
- Seamless integration within Google Ad Manager allows unified management of direct sales and programmatic inventory
- Requires an existing Google Ad Manager account and technical expertise to manage complex header bidding configurations effectively
- Significantly more challenging and complex to manage and optimize
- Access through third-party MCM partners typically costs 10-20% of monthly AdX revenue
Media.net
- Unmatched search demand
- Smooth approval process as compared to Google AdSense
- Dedicated account manager provides hands-on optimization support
- Performance heavily dependent on tier-1 geographic traffic
- Weak performance on generic content
Common questions
Is Google AdX (via GAM) or Media.net better?
Google AdX (via GAM) and Media.net score within 0.2 of each other, so the decision comes down to fit rather than quality. Google AdX (via GAM) scores 4.0/5 and Media.net scores 4.1/5 on Benchmark Grid's independent assessment. Scores are set editorially by SODP against published criteria and cannot be purchased.
Which is cheaper, Google AdX (via GAM) or Media.net?
On total cost of ownership — which covers pricing transparency, entry cost, implementation, hidden-fee risk and ongoing cost — Google AdX (via GAM) scores 2.2/5 and Media.net scores 3.8/5. 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.
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Both tools are scored in Best Ad Networks for Publishers. See alternatives to Google AdX (via GAM) or alternatives to Media.net.
