Head to head · Best Affiliate Networks for Publishers
PartnerStack (an AppDirect company) vs Skimlinks
Skimlinks scores higher overall (4.3 vs 2.4), but the right pick depends on which dimension matters most to you.
| Criterion | PartnerStack (an AppDirect company)Limited | SkimlinksBest-in-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 2.4 | 4.3— higher score for Skimlinks |
| Capability45% of composite | 3.5 | 3.8— higher score for Skimlinks |
| Publisher fit40% of composite | 1.0 | 5.0— higher score for Skimlinks |
| Total cost of ownership15% of composite | 3.0 | 4.0— higher score for Skimlinks |
| Best for | Mid-Market, Enterprise | Small, 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. | Free for publishers to join; operates on a 75/25 revenue share model where the publisher retains 75% of earned commissions. |
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
Skimlinks
- Access to analytics suite with performance reports per merchant with real-time data on clicks and revenue sources
- Accelerated mobile pages (AMP) integration to easily affiliate your commerce links on AMP articles
- Skimlinks Editor Toolbar to help you browse merchant websites for offers and commission rates
- Could offer more transparency
- Could release commission payouts faster
Common questions
Is PartnerStack (an AppDirect company) or Skimlinks better?
Skimlinks scores higher overall (4.3 vs 2.4), but the right pick depends on which dimension matters most to you. PartnerStack (an AppDirect company) scores 2.4/5 and Skimlinks scores 4.3/5 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 Skimlinks?
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 Skimlinks scores 4.0/5. 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?
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Both tools are scored in Best Affiliate Networks for Publishers. See alternatives to PartnerStack (an AppDirect company) or alternatives to Skimlinks.
