Head to head · Best Affiliate Networks for Publishers
Rakuten vs Skimlinks
Skimlinks scores higher overall (4.3 vs 3.4), but the right pick depends on which dimension matters most to you.
| Criterion | RakutenFair Fit | SkimlinksBest-in-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.4 | 4.3— higher score for Skimlinks |
| Capability45% of composite | 3.4 | 3.8— higher score for Skimlinks |
| Publisher fit40% of composite | 4.0 | 5.0— higher score for Skimlinks |
| Total cost of ownership15% of composite | 1.8 | 4.0— higher score for Skimlinks |
| Best for | Mid-Market, Enterprise | Small, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Pricing | Custom pricing models typically based on performance commissions, plus negotiated monthly platform and setup fees; free for publishers to join. | Free for publishers to join; operates on a 75/25 revenue share model where the publisher retains 75% of earned commissions. |
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
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 Rakuten or Skimlinks better?
Skimlinks scores higher overall (4.3 vs 3.4), but the right pick depends on which dimension matters most to you. Rakuten scores 3.4/5 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, Rakuten or Skimlinks?
On total cost of ownership — which covers pricing transparency, entry cost, implementation, hidden-fee risk and ongoing cost — Rakuten scores 1.8/5 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?
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 Rakuten or alternatives to Skimlinks.
