The best AdSense alternatives for bloggers in 2026 include Adsterra and Infolinks for brand new blogs, Media.net and Ezoic as you grow, and Monumetric, Mediavine, and Raptive once you have steady traffic. The right one depends on how many visitors you get, so this guide sorts them from easiest to join to highest paying.
AdSense is a great start, but it is not your only choice. Maybe you were rejected, maybe you want higher pay, or maybe you just want a second income stream. Whatever the reason, these seven networks are worth knowing.
Quick Comparison
| Network | Traffic needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Adsterra | None | Brand new blogs |
| Infolinks | None | In text ads on new blogs |
| Media.net | None official, but selective | Content sites with Tier 1 traffic |
| Ezoic | None (Access Now program) | Growing blogs |
| Monumetric | 10,000 views | Mid sized blogs |
| Mediavine | 50,000 sessions | Established lifestyle blogs |
| Raptive | 100,000 views | Large blogs |
1. Adsterra: Best for Brand New Blogs
Adsterra has no minimum traffic and approves new sites fast, often within minutes. It offers many ad formats and works worldwide, which makes it a great first step for a new blog. Some of its formats are more aggressive, like popunders, so use them with care to protect your reader experience.
2. Infolinks: Best for In Text Ads
Infolinks shows ads inside your text, on certain keywords, so they blend in without taking up much space. It has no traffic minimum and approves quickly. Its pay is similar to AdSense, and it works well as an extra income stream alongside another network.
3. Media.net: The Closest Match to AdSense
Media.net is the most direct AdSense competitor. It is powered by the Yahoo and Bing ad network and shows contextual ads that match your content. There is no official traffic minimum, but it is selective and prefers quality sites with plenty of visitors from countries like the US, UK, and Canada.
4. Ezoic: Best for Growing Blogs
Ezoic uses AI to test many ad layouts and find the ones that earn the most for your site. It once needed 10,000 views, but now welcomes smaller sites through its Access Now program. Many publishers earn more with Ezoic than with AdSense, and it includes helpful tools, though it needs careful setup so it does not slow your site.
5. Monumetric: Best for Mid Sized Blogs
Monumetric pays per view, not just per click, and uses smart bidding to lift your earnings, often around 25 percent above AdSense. It needs at least 10,000 monthly views, and sites between 10,000 and 80,000 views pay a one time setup fee, so it suits blogs that are starting to grow.
6. Mediavine: Best for Established Lifestyle Blogs
Mediavine is a premium, full service network loved by food, travel, and lifestyle bloggers. It manages all your ads for you and is known for high earnings, often several times more than AdSense. You need 50,000 sessions a month to join, so it is a goal to grow toward.
7. Raptive: Best for Large Blogs
Raptive, once called AdThrive, is a top premium network for big blogs. It handles everything and offers some of the highest payouts, with strong support. It needs about 100,000 monthly views and mostly US traffic, so it is for sites that are already doing well.
How to Choose the Right One
Pick based on your traffic. If your blog is new, start with Adsterra or Infolinks, or apply to Media.net and Ezoic. As you grow past 10,000 views, look at Monumetric. Once you reach 50,000 or 100,000, Mediavine and Raptive can multiply your earnings.
You do not always have to leave AdSense either. Some networks can run alongside it, while premium ones like Mediavine and Raptive take over all your ads.
A Bonus Tip: Do Not Forget Affiliate Income
Display ads are not your only option. Affiliate marketing, where you earn a commission for recommending products, often pays more than ads, especially in high value niches. Many bloggers run ads and affiliate links together for the best of both.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving AdSense for a network you cannot qualify for yet.
- Using aggressive ad formats that drive your readers away.
- Joining a premium network before you have the traffic for it.
- Picking a network that does not fit your audience or niche.
- Forgetting that good content and traffic matter more than the network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best AdSense alternative?
It depends on your traffic. Media.net is the closest match, while Mediavine and Raptive pay more but need many more visitors.
Can I use an AdSense alternative with a brand new blog?
Yes. Adsterra and Infolinks have no traffic minimum and approve new sites quickly.
Do any pay more than AdSense?
Yes. Ezoic, Mediavine, and Raptive often pay more, but the premium ones need higher traffic to join.
Can I run two ad networks at once?
Some, like Adsterra and Infolinks, can run alongside AdSense. Premium networks like Mediavine and Raptive manage all your ads, so you use them on their own.
Why would I leave AdSense?
Common reasons are higher pay, better support, a rejected or banned account, or simply wanting to diversify your income.
Final Words
You have more choices than AdSense in 2026. For a new blog, Adsterra, Infolinks, Media.net, and Ezoic are easy ways to start earning. As your traffic grows, Monumetric, Mediavine, and Raptive can pay far more. Match the network to your traffic, and remember that affiliate income can sit happily alongside your ads.
Whichever you choose, your earnings still depend on traffic and good ad habits. Learn more in my guides on the best ad placements and how to increase your page RPM. And if you have not been approved by AdSense yet, see how to get AdSense approval with low traffic.
