What is the best ad network for a new blog in 2026?

Start with AdSense or Ezoic (no traffic minimum), then move to a premium network as soon as you qualify. Mediavine's Journey tier now accepts sites from ~1,000 sessions/month, and Raptive dropped to 25,000 pageviews/month in late 2025 — both pay multiples of AdSense.

How much more do premium networks pay than AdSense?

AdSense typically returns a low single-digit to low-double-digit RPM, while premium networks like Mediavine and Raptive commonly run $20–$50 RPM on Tier-1 traffic. The gap is large enough that staying on AdSense after you qualify leaves significant money on the table.

Do ad networks require exclusivity?

Some do. Mediavine and Raptive generally require you to run their ads exclusively, while AdSense and Ezoic are more flexible. Factor exclusivity in before switching.

Networks & RPM · Living reference

AdSense vs Mediavine vs Raptive vs Ezoic

The real RPMs and 2026 qualification thresholds for the major display ad networks — including the 2025 changes that quietly lowered the bar for premium networks.

Updated Jun 28, 2026

The RPM gap at a glance

Full comparison

Network	Requirement	RPM (Tier-1)	Exclusive	Setup
Google AdSense The on-ramp. Anyone can start; you leave money on the table once you qualify for more.	No traffic minimum	$1–$15	No	—
Ezoic AI-driven optimization with no traffic floor; full value tends to kick in around 10k sessions.	No minimum (Access Now)	$5–$25	No	—
Media.net The classic contextual AdSense alternative (Yahoo/Bing demand); manual approval, no ad-stuffing. Strongest with Tier-1 (US/UK/CA) traffic and English content.	No strict minimum	$3–$15	No	—
Sovrn Accessible ad exchange + commerce monetization for any size; a step up from AdSense via header bidding.	No minimum	$3–$10	No	—
Mediavine (Journey) Entry tier of a premium network — a notable 2025 lowering of the bar. Official tier needs $5k annual ad revenue.	1,000 sessions/mo	$10–$25	Yes	—
Monumetric Hands-on management between Ezoic and the big premium networks.	10,000 pageviews/mo	$8–$20	No	$99 one-time (Propel plan)
Raptive Top-tier RPMs; dropped from 100k to 25k pageviews in late 2025 (formerly AdThrive + CafeMedia). Sites under 100k pageviews need ≥50% Tier-1 traffic.	25,000 pageviews/mo	$25–$50	Yes	—
Playwire Premium managed platform (RAMP) for sites at scale; about a 5-month commitment.	500,000 pageviews/mo (full value)	$20–$45	Yes	—
Freestar Fully-managed header bidding for large publishers; top-tier demand. Also needs roughly 6 months of traffic history.	1,000,000 pageviews/mo	$20–$50	Yes	—

RPM ranges are approximate and vary by niche, season, and layout. Figures verified Jun 28, 2026 from public network docs and industry reporting; requirements change often.

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FAQ

What is the best ad network for a new blog in 2026?: Start with AdSense or Ezoic (no traffic minimum), then move to a premium network as soon as you qualify. Mediavine's Journey tier now accepts sites from ~1,000 sessions/month, and Raptive dropped to 25,000 pageviews/month in late 2025 — both pay multiples of AdSense.
How much more do premium networks pay than AdSense?: AdSense typically returns a low single-digit to low-double-digit RPM, while premium networks like Mediavine and Raptive commonly run $20–$50 RPM on Tier-1 traffic. The gap is large enough that staying on AdSense after you qualify leaves significant money on the table.
Do ad networks require exclusivity?: Some do. Mediavine and Raptive generally require you to run their ads exclusively, while AdSense and Ezoic are more flexible. Factor exclusivity in before switching.