AdMob vs AppLovin: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between AdMob and AppLovin comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
AdMob
Maximize app revenue with real-time bidding for every ad impression.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Maximizes app revenue through real-time ad impression bidding.
- • Simplifies ad mediation by replacing waterfall setups.
AppLovin
Empower businesses with profitable advertising, customer acquisition, and monetization technologies.
Best for you if:
- • Enables profitable advertising for businesses.
- • Provides tools for customer acquisition and monetization.
| At a Glance |  AdMob |  AppLovin |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Advertising | Advertising |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | AdMob | AppLovin |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AdvertisingMobile Analytics | AdvertisingAttribution |
How AdMob and AppLovin Compare
AdMob
Maximize app revenue with real-time bidding for every ad impression.
Free
AppLovin
Empower businesses with profitable advertising, customer acquisition, and monetization technologies.
Paid
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
AdMob is free. AppLovin is paid.
Go with: AdMob
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: AdMob
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: AdMob
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
AdMob is free. AppLovin is paid. Go with AdMob if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are advertising tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
AdMob
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
AppLovin
The Bottom Line
AdMob is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AdMob or AppLovin better?
AdMob scores high/100 in our evaluation. AdMob is free and AppLovin is paid.
What are AdMob and AppLovin used for?
AdMob: Maximize app revenue with real-time bidding for every ad impression.. AppLovin: Empower businesses with profitable advertising, customer acquisition, and monetization technologies..
What does AdMob cost vs AppLovin?
AdMob is completely free. AppLovin is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.