Head to head · Best Affiliate Networks for Publishers
PartnerStack (an AppDirect company) vs Rakuten
Rakuten scores higher overall (3.4 vs 2.4), but the right pick depends on which dimension matters most to you.
| Criterion | PartnerStack (an AppDirect company)Limited | RakutenFair Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 2.4 | 3.4— higher score for Rakuten |
| Capability45% of composite | 3.5 | 3.4 |
| Publisher fit40% of composite | 1.0 | 4.0— higher score for Rakuten |
| Total cost of ownership15% of composite | 3.0— higher score for PartnerStack (an AppDirect company) | 1.8 |
| Best for | Mid-Market, Enterprise | Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Pricing | Custom pricing only; estimates for 2026 suggest base plans start around $1,500/month plus transaction fees (1.5%–3.5%) on partner payouts. | Custom pricing models typically based on performance commissions, plus negotiated monthly platform and setup fees; free for publishers to join. |
PartnerStack (an AppDirect company)
- Recurring commission model — earn monthly for each referral's subscription
- Access to 400+ B2B SaaS affiliate programmes
- Good for B2B content publishers reviewing software and tools
- B2B SaaS focus — limited value for consumer lifestyle publishers
- Lower volume of campaigns than consumer affiliate networks
- Requires B2B audience for meaningful conversion rates
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 PartnerStack (an AppDirect company) or Rakuten better?
Rakuten scores higher overall (3.4 vs 2.4), but the right pick depends on which dimension matters most to you. PartnerStack (an AppDirect company) scores 2.4/5 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, PartnerStack (an AppDirect company) or Rakuten?
On total cost of ownership — which covers pricing transparency, entry cost, implementation, hidden-fee risk and ongoing cost — PartnerStack (an AppDirect company) scores 3.0/5 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.
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Both tools are scored in Best Affiliate Networks for Publishers. See alternatives to PartnerStack (an AppDirect company) or alternatives to Rakuten.
