10 Best Ad Networks for Publishers & Bloggers in 2026

2026 is shaping up to be the year when ad monetization officially stops being a “set it and forget it” setup — and becomes something much more intentional.

For years, most bloggers and publishers could simply plug in AdSense, add a few placements, and hope the CPMs held steady. But those days are long gone. With AI-powered yield tools, multi-demand header bidding, and fresh ad formats reshaping the landscape, “good monetization” now looks very different from what it used to.

This shift brings plenty of new opportunities — but also a bit more complexity. Running an ad stack today isn’t passive anymore. It’s hands-on. It’s strategic. And your choice of ad network isn’t just an add-on; it’s one of the most important business decisions you’ll make.

The top ad networks in 2026 aren’t just promising higher CPMs, they’re offering full ecosystems– AI optimization, brand-safe demand, faster payouts, invalid traffic protection, layout automation, and hands-on account support that create sustainable, long-term growth.

10 Best Ad Networks for Publishers & Bloggers in 2026

To cut through the noise, this list breaks down the ten platforms consistently delivering for publishers. Setupad, HilltopAds, RollerAds, MonetizeMore, Journey by Mediavine, optAd360, Publift, Venatus, Sulvo, and Freestar. For each you’ll find:

• What the network is best known for
• CPM / RPM expectations
• Payment methods and payout timelines
• Publisher eligibility requirements
• Revenue share or monetization model
  
  

1. Setupad

Setupad is a programmatic monetization & ad-ops partner that focuses on header-bidding, Prebid integrations, and managed ad operations to increase publisher yield. It positions itself as a technology partner for mid to large publishers, and is a Google Certified Publishing Partner (GCPP), an official Prebid member.

• Payment info: Setupad supports standard publisher payments (bank transfer / wire, PayPal / Payoneer in some geos). Payments are made on a net-60 basis upon reaching the minimum payment threshold of Euros 100. 
• Typical CPM / RPM (estimate): Publishers and industry case studies suggest RPM uplift of 20–50% when moving from single-partner setups to header-bidding stacks. With Setupad, if you have tier-one traffic on a niche website, you can see CPMs in the range of $5-$10. For general purpose and news based websites with US and Canadian traffic, the CPM are usually in the range of $3 to $5. CPM rates for worldwide traffic is usually in the range of $0.50 to $1.10.
• Publisher eligibility: Setupad focuses on mid-to-large sites with technical capacity (Prebid/AMP/SSP integrations helpful). They typically require publishers to have 100k monthly visitors, but smaller blogs can apply.
• Revenue model / share: Setupad works as an ad-ops/technology partner — revenue split is contractual and depends on level of service (self-serve vs managed). You can expect negotiated revenue-share or fee + rev share for managed services.

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2. RollerAds

RollerAds specializes in high-engagement Push Notification and OnClick (pop-under/onclick) formats, making it a go-to platform for publishers, affiliates, and traffic owners who monetize via push subscriptions and OnClick inventory. The platform is known for its strong global advertiser demand, smart auto-optimization, and consistently competitive CPMs across most GEOs. RollersAds accepts publishers of all scales and offers fast approvals.

• Payment info: RollerAds offers a variety of payment options. For instant payments, they offer Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Capitalist, and CoinPayments. For non-instant payments, they offer Paxum, Payoneer, and PayPal. The minimum payout amount is USD 50.
• Typical CPM / RPM (estimate): Push notification inventory and OnClick formats can command $0.50–$10 CPM equivalent depending on geo and targeting — but RPMs for content sites will vary and often be lower unless the site has premium geo and intent. These are broad industry estimates for push/pop formats. 
• Publisher eligibility: There is no minimum traffic requirement for publishers to join RollerAds. They accept publishers who can implement push or OnClick formats — smaller sites and new publishers can often join, but quality rules apply to avoid fraud.
• Revenue model / share: Standard network payouts to publishers; exact revenue share not publicly published — depends on format, campaign and negotiated terms. 

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3. HilltopAds

HilltopAds is a global ad network offering a variety of formats (display, push, pop, native) and positions itself as a “high CPM” network for wide, global reach. They optimize revenue for publishers across a wide range of verticals. The network is great for publishers of all scales, across GEOs. 

• Payment info: HilltopAds pays publishers on a NET-7 basis and offers multiple payout methods including PayPal, Bitcoin, Wire Transfer, Webmoney, Capitalist, Tether (USDT), Paxum, Wise. They have a low minimum payout threshold of just $20. 
• Typical CPM / RPM (estimate): HilltopAds is often used for higher-yield geos, and offers competitive CPM rates within the industry, generally ranging anywhere between USD 0.30 to USD 5 for Tier 1 countries. Although rates are likely to differ for each publisher based on individual circumstances.
• Publisher eligibility: Open to a wide range of publishers including smaller sites and social accounts; format suitability is key (push/pop-friendly publishers do better). 
• Revenue model / share: Follows a typical ad-network model. Exact splits are not public and are expressed as network payout rates rather than fixed “revenue-share” percentages. 

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4. MonetizeMore

MonetizeMore is an ad-ops and optimization partner (PubGuru) that focuses on header bidding, yield management and ad operations. They act more like a managed service/technology partner than a pure network, and is a Google Certified Publishing Partner.

• Payment info: MonetizeMore typically integrates with publisher ad stacks and then funnels demand from exchanges — publishers get paid via the payment mechanisms of the demand partners or via MonetizeMore’s payout terms, which is net-30. The minimum payout threshold is $100 with payment methods such as PayPal, ACH, and Wire Transfer.
• Typical CPM / RPM (estimate): Their core proposition is RPM uplift through header bidding and optimization. Case studies/free resources indicate many publishers see double-digit percentage increases in RPM when moving from single-demand setups to MonetizeMore’s PubGuru/header-bidding solutions. Exact CPMs vary by site. 
• Publisher eligibility: MonetizeMore focuses on publishers that can benefit from programmatic optimization — mid to large publishers with a minimum of 500,000 impressions per month usually get the most value from their managed services. Smaller publishers can still benefit from specific products (traffic cop, in-app solutions).
• Revenue model / share: MonetizeMore charges for services (managed service fees and/or revenue share models depending on the engagement). Details are contractual and tailored. 

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5. Journey by Mediavine

Journey by Mediavine is Mediavine’s offering for smaller or growing publishers — a managed ad solution with Mediavine’s brand safety, ad quality standards, and typical Mediavine support but targeted at sites that don’t yet meet full Mediavine minimums. 

• Payment info: Mediavine (and Journey) pay publishers through their standard payment systems (direct deposit / bank transfer, PayPal options depending on geography). Payment frequency is typically monthly to bi-monthly.
• Typical CPM / RPM (estimate): Mediavine is known for relatively high RPMs for lifestyle and long-form content — community reports historically show RPMs ranging from $10–40+ depending on seasonality, geo, and vertical for established Mediavine publishers. Journey is the pathway for smaller sites to reach that ecosystem; expect RPMs to be lower initially but with optimization potential. (Community reports and Mediavine public guidance.) 
• Publisher eligibility: Mediavine’s main network historically required ~50,000 sessions/month (older threshold) but Mediavine introduced Journey for smaller publishers — Journey’s published guidance suggests ~10,000 sessions/month as an entry point for Journey in many cases. Always check the official Journey page for current thresholds. 
• Revenue model / share: Mediavine operates on a revenue-share model (publisher receives the majority of net ad revenue after Mediavine’s share); exact percentages are contractual but Mediavine is positioned as a full-service ad manager rather than a low-fee network. 

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6. Optad360

optAd360 is a monetization partner that provides single-tag integration, AI ad layout and access to multiple demand partners. They market fast payments and integrated tools for publishers. 

• Payment info: OptAd360 offers a 30-day billing cycle and has a minimum $100 payout threshold. Common payment methods include PayPal, Payoneer, and bank transfer.
• Typical CPM / RPM (estimate): optAd360 claims optimized CPMs via intelligent layout and multiple demand partners. Expect moderate CPMs for mid-tier traffic; exact numbers vary widely by geo and vertical. Their blog explains CPM/eCPM as advertiser metrics and how to optimize. 
• Publisher eligibility: They pitch to a broad set of publishers and app/game owners; single-tag ease means smaller publishers can integrate quickly. At least 50,000 page views per month for certain countries, and for every other country,  it is 500,000 page views per month.
• Revenue model / share: optAd360 provides tech and demand access; revenue share specifics are contractual

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7. Publift

Publift is positioned as a premium CPM ad partner focused on maximizing CPMs for mid to large publishers via programmatic direct and optimized demand. The platform delivers individualised and personalized ad strategies to each publisher they work with, and produce ample thought pieces and comparative analyses for publishers,

• Payment info: Publift issues payments via direct bank transfer in the currency of your choice. Google revenue is paid every 30 days, and all other revenues from other networks are paid in 3-month arrears.
• Typical CPM / RPM (estimate): Publift is aimed at higher CPMs for premium inventory; community guidance lists Publift among networks that often exceed standard network CPMs for quality inventory. Exact CPMs are case-specific; Publift publishes calculators and case studies. 
• Publisher eligibility: While there's no strict minimum, Publift often collaborates with websites that have substantial traffic, typically those exceeding 500,000 monthly pageviews. ​
• Revenue model / share: Publift negotiates with publishers and advertisers; revenue share is commercial and typically more favorable for premium publishers.

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8. Venatus

Venatus is an ad-tech platform focused on gaming, entertainment and high-engagement verticals. Their platform emphasizes direct demand, higher viewability and CPMs for niche verticals like gaming. The platform has partnered with renowned publishers such as EA, Rovio, Miniclip, and leading advertisers to offer innovative ad solutions like Programmatic Advertising, Direct Sales, and In-Game Advertising.

• Payment info: As standard, Venatus has a Net 90 payment term, although this can vary case-by-case. The net payment frequency is agreed at contract stage. Payment methods include bank transfer, PayPal, and wire transfer. The minimum payout threshold typically starts at $100.
• Typical CPM / RPM (estimate): For gaming and entertainment verticals Venatus highlights strong CPM increases in case studies; niche, brand-safe gaming inventory can command premium CPMs relative to general display. Exact CPMs are campaign and publisher specific. 
• Publisher eligibility: Ideal for gaming/entertainment publishers and sites with engaged audiences; integration is through Venatus’s platform (check technical requirements). 
• Revenue model / share: Venatus offers platform access and demand channels; revenue split / pricing are commercial and usually negotiated. They emphasise direct campaigns and premium demand. 

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9. Sulvo

Sulvo is positioned as a programmatic monetization optimizer/ad-tech tool that helps publishers increase yield — often described as an optimization layer (ad server/recapture/adblock recovery). Sulvo is usually used as part of a publisher’s stack rather than a stand-alone network. 

• Payment info: Sulvo integrates with a publisher’s ad stack and demand partners; payouts depend on the underlying demand channels. Sulvo itself pays publishers on a net 60-day basis, payment methods include Wire transfer, paper check, direct deposit, PayPal, and even Bitcoin.
• Typical CPM / RPM (estimate): Sulvo focuses on viewability and ad-block recapture — publishers may see incremental RPM gains (often in the low double-digit percent uplifts) depending on their existing stack. Exact CPMs are dependent on the demand sources Sulvo unlocks. 
• Publisher eligibility: Often targeted at publishers with some traffic scale (used to be 1 million page views per month) to join with them. 
• Revenue model / share: Sulvo commonly operates as a technology/optimization partner (fee or rev share model).

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10. Freestar

Freestar is a publisher monetization company offering header-bidding, yield management, and full ad-ops services — positioned as a premium partner for publishers who want a managed, tech-forward solution. 

• Payment info: Freestar pays publishers via agreed methods and cadence as part of their partnership; they commonly handle large publisher partnerships and support managed setups.
• Typical CPM / RPM (estimate): Freestar focuses on maximizing yield with header bidding and adops; case studies suggest significant RPM improvements over unmanaged setups. Exact CPMs vary by vertical/geo/season. 
• Publisher eligibility: Generally mid to large publishers (1,000,000 pageviews monthly), who need managed ad-ops and header-bidding expertise. Freestar’s services are best suited where their tech and commercial model produce net uplift beyond DIY setups. 
• Revenue model / share: Freestar is a managed partner — they typically operate on a revenue share or managed fee model; exact splits are negotiated. 

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Final Thoughts

As the industry shifts, one thing is becoming clear: publishers who treat monetization as a living system—not a static setup—are the ones pulling ahead. The tools are smarter, the demand is broader, and the opportunity is bigger than ever. But growth now depends on knowing which partners amplify your strengths, protect your traffic, and help you navigate an ad ecosystem that changes by the quarter.

2026 isn’t just another year of optimization. It’s the beginning of a more intentional, data-aware, and tech-forward era of publishing—and the creators who embrace that shift will define the next decade of digital media.

• If you're a growing blog aiming for stability and premium demand, networks like Journey by Mediavine or optAd360 offer a strong starting point.
• If you're a mid-to-large publisher, platforms such as Setupad, Freestar, or MonetizeMore offer significant RPM uplift through header bidding and full-service ad ops.
• If you're exploring aggressive monetization formats, RollerAds and HilltopAds are powerful additions to your stack.
• For niche categories—especially gaming and entertainment—Venatus provides unmatched vertical-specific demand.