So, you’re building a mobile app and looking for ways to earn some ad revenue. You tried AdMob or AdSense and quickly found out they’re not always the best fit. Maybe they slow your app down or don’t pay as well as you expected. The good news? There are better, lighter, and more rewarding options out there.
TL;DR:
If AdMob and AdSense feel too heavy or don’t earn you much, you’re not alone. Many developers have switched to alternatives that are mobile-first and developer-friendly. In this article, we’ll explore four ad networks that are lighter, faster, and surprisingly profitable. They’re all trusted by devs around the world and easy to plug into your app.
1. AppLovin – The Lightweight Powerhouse
AppLovin is a favorite among game developers. It’s slick, it’s fast, and it knows how to show ads without tanking your app’s performance. AppLovin is especially good at monetizing users through rewarded videos and interstitial ads.
- Pros: High eCPMs, smooth SDK, global reach
- Cons: Might be overkill for simple utility apps
It’s great for both Android and iOS. You get analytics, campaign tools, and even user acquisition features if you’re looking to promote your own app.
And what’s cool? Developers often report better fill rates and faster load times compared to AdMob.
2. IronSource – Built With Developers In Mind
IronSource is another popular alternative, especially when it comes to video ads. They’ve put a lot of effort into keeping things light and easy to integrate. Developers love it because it honestly feels like it was made for them.
- Pros: Strong analytics, amazing support, simple integration
- Cons: Focused mostly on gaming apps
IronSource also shines with its mediation platform. You can plug in multiple ad networks and let IronSource optimize who shows an ad. That means better results without the ad-editing headache.
One standout tool is the Revenue Manager, which gives you a live breakdown of your ad earnings by location, network, and more.
3. Unity Ads – Made for Games, Pays Like a Pro
If your app is a game (or even close to it), then Unity Ads is worth checking out. Since it’s built into the Unity engine, it’s ridiculously easy to implement if you’re using Unity as your dev platform. Even if you’re not, it’s still simple to add.
- Pros: Seamless Unity integration, high retention from rewarded ads
- Cons: Limited if your app isn’t game-related
Unity Ads focus on rewarded video ads, a favorite format for devs and users alike. Why? Because users get something they want (like coins or lives), and you get paid. It’s a win-win.
Plus, Unity knows how to blend ads into gameplay so it doesn’t feel like a pop-up party.
Monetization is solid in the top countries like the U.S., U.K., and Japan. Unity’s analytics also give clear insights so you know exactly what’s working.
4. Start.io – Small Footprint, Big Revenue
Start.io (previously StartApp) is gaining love for keeping things light while still paying well. It uses less data and memory than many mainstream networks, which is great for low-mid performance devices.
- Pros: Lightweight SDK, smart targeting, hands-off monetization
- Cons: Not as well known, limited premium advertisers
Start.io shines in markets like Latin America, India, and Southeast Asia. If your users are global, this option can really boost your overall earnings thanks to less competition in those ad markets.
The SDK is super quick to set up. In some cases, it can be done in under 10 minutes. Then it just does its thing without bloating your app.
Image not found in postmetaOne standout feature is their audience intelligence platform. It helps you understand who your users are and how to target better—without being creepy or crossing privacy lines.
Bonus Point: Mediation Is Your Secret Weapon
Here’s a trick many developers use: ad mediation. Instead of picking just one network, you can use mediation to combine several. This boosts fill rates and automatically serves ads from the highest-paying partner.
Some great mediation tools include:
- Max by AppLovin
- IronSource Mediation
- Unity Mediation
Mediation can sound technical, but most platforms now offer user-friendly UIs. So it’s just a few clicks to get it working.
Final Thoughts – Go Lighter, Earn Smarter
Let’s be honest. AdMob and AdSense are good, but not always the best for everyone—especially mobile-first developers. These four ad networks: AppLovin, IronSource, Unity Ads, and Start.io offer better customization, lighter SDKs, and often higher earnings.
Your users will thank you for faster load times. Your wallet will thank you for improved monetization. And you’ll thank yourself for breaking free of the AdMob mold.
Try one (or all) of these options on your next app—your future self will be glad you did!
Let’s Recap Quickly
- AppLovin: Best for game devs wanting rich monetization tools
- IronSource: Great for devs who love clean interfaces and smart mediation
- Unity Ads: Made for Unity game developers, super easy to integrate
- Start.io: Perfect for global reach and app speed fans
Time to take your monetization game to the next level (without the lag)!