15 Best CPM Ad Networks for Publishers in 2025

The world of CPM ads networks isn’t what it used to be—and that’s probably for the better. Once upon a time, Google AdSense sat comfortably on the throne, barely glancing at the competition. Fast forward to nowdays, and the programmatic ecosystem is crawling with ambitious contenders, each armed with smarter targeting, real-time analitycs, and mobile ad formats slicker than ever. The old guard? They're still around—just less smug about it.

Real-time bidding, once a mysterious concept reserved for ad tech insiders in the early 2000s, is now table stakes. Meanwhile, nimble new ad networks are giving publishers tools that don’t require a PhD to use—or a corporate budget to afford. The result? CPM monetization models that are transparent, flexible, and surprisingly effective.

So, let’s take a look at the current crop of ad networks—both the veterans and the scrappy newcomers—and see who’s doing what, who’s bluffing, and when it actually makes sense to use each one.
 

What Is CPM?

CPM — or cost per mille — is a pricing model in digital advertising where advertisers pay a fixed rate for every 1,000 impressions their ad receives. Unlike CPC (cost per click), CPM doesn’t care if users engage with the ad—it only counts how many times it was shown. It’s especially prevalent in mobile advertising, where high traffic volume makes impressions the dominant metric. For publishers, CPM offers predictable revenue and is often the go-to model for monetizing passive audiences at scale.

How CPM Advertising Works for Publishers

For publishers, CPM advertising is all about scale. The more eyeballs you attract, the more revenue you generate. Ad networks or SSPs (supply-side platforms) serve display, native, or video ads to your site or app and track impressions in real time. Each time an ad is loaded on a user’s screen, you inch closer to that next thousand-impression payout.

Publishers don’t need users to click—just to show up and scroll. That’s why CPM is the backbone of mobile monetization: it's passive, predictable, and scales beautifully with traffic. The key is optimizing ad placement, viewability, and audience quality to command better rates. High impressions from low-engagement users? Still valuable under CPM.
 

Advantages of CPM ad networks for small publishers and medium ones

Publisher ad network based on CPM (cost per mille) means that payment for media owners is calculated according to the CPM revenue model. Advertisers pay the cost per thousand impressions, and it is beneficial for them because they can get more clicks from generated impressions. In the CPC ad network model, meanwhile, the advertiser pays for a fixed number of clicks. As soon as those clicks are achieved, the campaign is considered complete, and the impressions are no longer shown to the users. That's why CPM advertising is used predominantly for brand-awareness campaigns instead of performance-based. With the CPM advertising model, the publisher's ad revenue is formed according to a per-served impression basis.

Benefits of CPM ad networks:

• Ease of ad performance tracking for publishers;
• Payment is transferred to the publisher’s account each time the page is loaded (no matter if clicks occur or not);
• The high volume of traffic;
• CPM ad networks for small publishers and blog owners can feature a lower threshold traffic eligibility.

Low cost for advertisers makes this model the most widespread. Thus, it can be commonly found in different ad exchanges. Publishers are getting paid in eCPM (effective cost per thousand impressions). It comes as a standard using which publishers measure the yield they get from sold inventory. A high eCPM means that the publisher has earned a lot of money from ad serving, and a lower eCPM signifies more ordinary income. In order to figure out eCPM, use the following formula: eCPM = Total Revenue/(Impressions/1000). Using an ad network that runs on CPM publishers can increase monetization revenues up to 60% since exactly this ad revenue model implies high traffic volumes. In case you are a small or medium publisher who receives at least 1000 daily visitors, you can easily monetize this traffic on the ad networks (without traffic thresholds) mentioned below.

15 best CPM ad networks for publishers: features and peculiarities

1. SmartyAds

CPM publisher SSP (CPM ad network) from SmartyAds is a part of the vast programmatic full-stack infrastructure developed by the company over 8+ years. It incorporates proprietary DSP and ad exchange, meaning publishers are granted immediate access to myriads of premium-class advertisers and additional tools essential for effective inventory monetization.

SmartyAds SSP publisher platform serves billions of impressions per month and is able to generate one of the highest fill rates across popular geos, verticals, and ad formats. Top tier countries at SmartyAds SSP publisher platform are the U.S, Israel, UK, India, Germany, etc.

Core features:

• Omnichannel monetization. Rewarded videos, interstitials, native ads, banner ads, and other formats.
• Header-bidding (including lightweight header-bidding SDK solution for mobile apps).
• High-volume private marketplace deals. Private marketplace deals provide publishers with an opportunity to sell their most valuable and exclusive inventory. Choose between programmatic direct or RTB deals.
• A publisher-oriented logic enables configuring ad campaigns according to the publisher's requirements: filters for ad types, resolutions, advertisers, floor price, etc.
• Analytics. Real-time performance measurement: impressions, revenues, fill rates, etc.
• >90% viewable impressions and one of the highest fill rates across ad networks.
• Clean traffic. All requests are scanned with Protected Media and Forensiq. The ad network is featured in ads.txt file as an inventory reseller, GDPR compliant.
• Extended verticals: all verticals for blog owners, small, big, and medium-traffic publishers with the most significant segment in business and financial services, software, investment, travel, commerce, media, sports, etc.

Is it right for you?

SmartyAds is one of those platforms for publishers that can deliver the highest paying CPM ads at $8 CPM and 10 to 25 USD for tier 1 traffic. Payment method: Wire Transfer, PayPal. G2 User Rating (stars) gives it 4.5 stars out of 5 based on user reviews. You can choose it as a viable alternative to Google AdSense, whether you are a small blogger or a bigger publisher.

2. Google AdSense

Google AdSense is one of the most widely used CPM networks. It allows publishers to serve both CPM and CPC ads and offers access to Google's premium tools through AdX, which supports advanced targeting and optimization. Publishers must meet strict eligibility criteria, but once approved, they can reach over 2 million advertisers. Revenue split is 68/32 in favor of publishers.

Core features:

• Ad Balance: Displays only the highest-paying ads.
• A/B testing for creatives.
• Real-time optimization suggestions.
• Integrated analytics and GA sync.
• Easy setup with minimal coding.
• Payouts in 51 currencies via several methods.

Is it right for you?

AdSense offers strong monetization potential and high click payouts (up to $25 for tier-1 traffic). Approval is strict, but the platform is feature-rich. Rated 4.0 on G2.

3. Appnexus

AppNexus is a robust ad exchange platform offering publishers various tools for monetization, including RTB and PMP access. It handles over 11 billion daily impressions and offers broad multichannel ad support.

Core features:

• RTB and private marketplace in one platform.
• Strong video ad support and header bidding.
• Floor price and inventory controls.
• Real-time analytics with no traffic threshold.
• Built-in traffic quality tools.
• 25+ verticals supported.

Is it right for you?

AppNexus is ideal for publishers seeking quality inventory control and strong CPMs without minimum traffic. Rated 3.8 on G2.

4. 33 across

33Across connects publishers to a global ad pool, offering account managers and deep performance analytics. Known for strong support and a wide selection of verticals.

Core features:

• Detailed UI for ad control.
• Header-bidding and unified auctions.
• Ad formats for desktop, mobile, tablet.
• Performance analytics and content tracking.
• Direct advertiser access (Amazon, Airbnb).
• Flexible integration options.

Is it right for you?

With no traffic minimums and support in 150+ countries, it’s ideal for global publishers. CPM varies by geo. Supports PayPal, SEPA.

5. Media.net

Media.net, backed by Yahoo and Bing, supports multiple ad formats and offers global advertiser demand. It's beginner-friendly with no traffic threshold and suits blogs and large publishers alike.

Core features:

• Intuitive dashboard and creative editing.
• Real-time performance reporting.
• Supports CPM, CPC, CPA, and search ads.
• Demand pool not reliant on cookies.
• Wide vertical and format support.

Is it right for you?

Great for publishers wanting diverse ad types without traffic limits. Extra 10% revenue bonus via referral. Rated 4.0 on G2.

6. Propeller Ads

Propeller Ads serves 150K+ publishers with varied ad formats and global language support. It features flexible payments and no traffic threshold, making it beginner-friendly.

Core features:

• High CPMs for tier-1 traffic.
• Minimum payment is just $5.
• Anti-fraud ad rendering system.
• Proprietary ad-block bypass.
• Rich ad format selection, including pop-unders.

Is it right for you?

Ideal for high-traffic tier-1 publishers who value format variety and fraud protection. Rated 4.0 on G2.

7. Revcontent

Originally a native ad platform, Revcontent now supports video, display, and mobile formats. It delivers 250B+ content recommendations monthly with premium CPMs.

Core features:

• Wide access to direct advertisers.
• High-quality widgets for customization.
• Premium CPM rates across geos.
• Real-time audience insights.
• Desktop and mobile monetization.

Is it right for you?

Great for high-traffic (50K+ views/month) publishers seeking quality native ad options. Strict approval process. Rated 3.3 on G2.

8. RhythmOne

RhythmOne is a tech-driven ad network offering secure monetization through RTB and programmatic direct ads. It focuses on safety, working with several fraud detection partners.

Core features:

• Certified safe traffic (IAB, TAG).
• Rich format support (video, banners).
• SDK for mobile apps.
• Real-time inventory analytics.
• Private marketplace access for premium publishers.

Is it right for you?

Best for publishers with 5K+ monthly views wanting secure, multi-format monetization. Rated 3.4 on G2.

9. Conversant Media

Conversant Media specializes in mobile and cross-device campaigns. It’s transparent, with a strong focus on revenue and campaign performance.

Core features:

• Campaign tools: filters, floors, sizes.
• Supports CPM and CPC models.
• Global advertiser network.
• Header bidding and first-party cookie support.
• Real-time analytics and integrations.

Is it right for you?

Works well for mobile-focused publishers with English content. Low $25 payout threshold. Rated 3.1 on G2.

10. BuySellAds

BuySellAds connects publishers directly with advertisers, allowing inventory sales at fixed rates. It supports multiple ad types and has no traffic minimums.

Core features:

• Campaign optimization and ad unit control.
• Direct and PMP deals for better revenue.
• AdSense compatibility.
• Diverse verticals and omnichannel support.
• Real-time revenue analytics.

Is it right for you?

Ideal for small to large publishers wanting fixed-rate ads. Fast bi-monthly PayPal payouts from $20. Rated 2.9 on G2.

11. Exponential

Exponential is considered to be one of the best CPM ad networks when it comes to website-friendly ad formats that complement user experience. Formerly known as Tribal Fusion, this network carefully selects publishers and lets them monetize their inventory through a variety of ad formats like In-stream, display, and mobile.

This network features a reasonably high CPM but, at the same time, requires at least 500,000 monthly views to join the system. Upon entering, publishers will be able to gain 55% of the revenues they receive from ad serving.

Core features:

• Great variety of ad formats suitable for all environments like mobile, in-app, desktop, and table (pre-rolls and rising stars).
• Context-friendly targeted ads are easily adjusted to the design of inventory.
• The strong publisher controls designed to determine price floors and creative details.
• Global advertisers in top-tier countries like the U.S.
• Performance statistics are generated in real-time via custom reports.
• Most extensive range of business categories Including games, arts & entertainment, computers, electronics & technology, science & education, and 19 more.

Is it right for you?

The minimum payment threshold of Exponential is 45 days, which makes it convenient for publishers to get their payment via PayPal or check frequently.

It can suit all kinds of publishers, including those who have blogs and niche websites. Still, the publisher has to have at least 500,000 monthly views to join the network.

12. PopAds

PopAds features a cost-per-mille option for publishers and a CPV model, which stands for cost-per-view (advertisers pay for every interaction with a video triggered by a user).

The unique feature of this network is that it serves only pop-under ads and offers pretty high CPMs.

PopAds can be regarded as a most loyal network because it accepts all kinds of websites and inventory, including adult content. As well, with PopAds, publishers can get payouts on request starting from a minimum of $5.

Core features:

• On-request payments from $5 available in more than 50 countries all over the world.
• Ability to configure the look and feel of pop-up campaigns individually.
• Real-time statistics for ads with essential metrics.
• Above-average CPM rates for pop ad formats.
• Daily account payments are easy to track in statistics.
• Publishers can set up minimum bids, frequency of impressions, and floor prices.

Is it right for you?

PopAds can be a perfect choice for publishers who are not afraid to be limited in their ad format options. This network offers only pop-up campaigns.

At the same time, those who monetize inventory solely through pop-ups can count on the highest CPM rates and exceptionally favorable and convenient payout conditions. Apart from this, PopAds frequently rolls referral commission programs. The payment methods are PayPal or AlertPay. The current user rating on G2 is 4.5 out of 5.

13. EMX

EMX is a CPM publisher network that joins publishers and advertisers at an open marketplace for unbiased media trading.

What differentiates EMX from other networks is that it specializes in fixed CPM pricing units. Primarily, this marketplace is created for those publishers who want to trade with advertisers in the U.S, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Due to the proprietary modules and in-built functions, reportedly, the network is able to increase the density of bids and also maximize the value of each served impression.

Core features:

• Biddr360 function will maximize the number of bids, which consequently will attract more premium media buyers.
• The worldwide network of advertisers spans across various countries, including top tier ones: the US, UK, Canada, etc.
• Digital header-bidding wrapper helps publishers to participate in unified auctions.
• Private marketplace deals help to trade with advertisers directly.
• Campaign controls: ability to choose among all sizes, resolutions of popular video ads, a function to limit the number of views, floor price configuration, etc.
• Automatically generated statistics across performance metrics in real-time.
• A friendly support team is ready to assist publishers with questions about campaign configuration, optimization, etc.

Is it right for you?

This CPM ad network can be right for everyone as soon as they achieve a minimum of 30,000 monthly views. It will also suit those publishers who strive to have fixed CPMs and collaboration with advertisers primarily in top-ties countries.

It provides decent CPMs for video ads; however, it is the only format available on this network (which can be a limitation for certain publishers). Payment method - credit card or PayPal.

14. Undertone

Undertone can be regarded as one of the TOP CPM ad networks for publishers searching for a variety of ad formats in different sizes and categories.

Apart from standard IAB rising star formats, publishers can monetize their ads with video ads, in-banner, and pre-rolls that drive excellent user engagement.

This network claims to deliver CPM rates, which are significantly higher when compared to other similar networks. As the company claims, ad placements are regularly reviewed to avoid possible cannibalization of existing ad products.

Core features:

• CPM, CPC, CPA, and CPV - those are available pricing models at the ad network.
• Cross screen ad formats for different traffic channels.
• Publisher controls help to easily adjust advertising up to the tastes of every publisher: appearance, performance, floor price, etc.
• A real-time reporting by the campaign.
• CBA compliant, user-initiated ad experiences.
• Mobile-friendly campaigns. The network offers a variety of controls to make the user mobile experience seamless and non-intrusive.
• Ability to choose between traditional and programmatic deals.

Is it right for you?

Undertone has pretty steep requirements regarding ad quality, but it also requires publishers to reach a minimum of 500,000 monthly impressions to be eligible for ad serving.

Plus, it will also suit those who want to keep their options open when it comes to advertising models: CPM, CPC, CPA, and CPV. Payment method - check PayPal, Wire Transfer.

15. Bidvertiser

Bidvertiser is a part of Bpath LTD network, it has been founded as a PPC network, but now it also offers CPM and CPA campaigns. The platform claims to deliver very high CPM rates because publishers earn money not only from clicks (according to CPC) but also from and conversions.

Ad formats that CPM ad network supports include banners, skyscrapers, pop-unders, rectangles, and smart links.

Their proprietary point-and-click mechanism allows each ad to be optimized and suited to a particular website layout so that ads complement the design and don't irritate the visitors.

Core features:

• User experience-friendly ad formats that can be explicitly suited for inventory type via publisher controls.
• High-quality targeting helps publishers to segment their visitors, package this data, and use it to improve CTR and revenues generated from ads.
• Contextual ads compatibility. Bidvertiser works well with Google AdSense so that publishers could improve bid density, fill rate, and ad revenues.
• Transparent stats can show publishers the clicks, click-through rates, incoming bids, winning bids, and revenues made during the period.
• Automated quick approval for publishers ensures that inventory is monetized as soon as possible.

Is it right for you?

Bidvertiser network is a very flexible network in terms of payment threshold; the minimum is only $10. This feature makes Bidvertiser a number one choice for small publishers who only tap into monetization. As well, the inventory approval is very convenient, and there's no traffic bar that publishers have to meet.

At the same time, publishers should be prepared to set a list of advertisers they prefer to work with to reach the best CPMs. Payment method - PayPal, Bitcoin, Check, Bank Wire. The user rating on G2 is 4.0 out of 5.

Tips to Maximize Revenue with CPM Ad Networks from SmartyAds

Optimizing revenue with CPM ad networks isn’t just about plugging in a script and waiting for the cash to roll in. Here’s how publishers can fine-tune their strategy for maximum yield:

1. Prioritize Viewability
CPM rates improve when ads are actually seen. Place units above the fold, use sticky formats, and optimize for fast-loading pages to increase viewability scores.

2. Segment Your Inventory
Split your ad inventory by geolocation, device type, or content category. High-performing segments can be sold at premium CPM rates through direct or programmatic deals.

3. Use Header Bidding
Header bidding levels the playing field by letting multiple demand partners bid simultaneously. This boosts competition and drives higher CPMs compared to traditional waterfall setups.

4. Go Multiformat
Don’t limit your inventory to just banners. Native, interstitial, and video formats often command significantly higher CPMs, especially on mobile.

5. Optimize for Mobile
Mobile traffic dominates—and so does mobile ad spend. Use responsive ad units, test ad refresh strategies, and lean into mobile-first demand partners to extract more value.

6. Refresh Ads Intelligently
Ad refresh can multiply impressions, but only when done right. Use time- or scroll-based triggers and respect viewability thresholds to keep both fill rates and CPMs high.

7. Leverage Real-Time Analytics
Monitor performance daily. Real-time stats let you react quickly—whether it's blocking low-performing creatives or doubling down on high-value placements.

8. Partner with Premium Demand Sources
Work with trusted networks that offer consistent fill and quality demand. Platforms like SmartyAds can help publishers access top-tier DSPs and global brand advertisers.

Final Thoughts: The CPM Jungle Is Bigger Than You Think

Sure, Google AdSense is still the big elephant in the room—but let’s not pretend it’s the only show in town. As this list proves, there’s no shortage of smart, agile CPM ad networks out there giving the old guard a serious run for their money. Each comes with its own perks: better rates here, more ad formats there, and sometimes even dashboards that won’t make you want to cry.

If you're trying to pick the best cpm network, don’t just chase logos—chase alignment with your goals. Is it all about high CPM rates? Flexible formats? Fine-grained control over your inventory? Set your priorities straight, and the right choice will practically pick itself.

Ready to squeeze more value from every single impression? Might be time to register at SmartyAds SSP—because your traffic deserves better than "default settings."