Criteo vs AppLovin: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Criteo 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:
Criteo
The Commerce Media Platform for the Open Internet, connecting brands, retailers, and media owners.
Best for you if:
- • You need marketing automation features specifically
- • Connects brands, retailers, and media owners across the open internet.
- • Leverages AI and a vast commerce dataset for personalized advertising.
AppLovin
Empower businesses with profitable advertising, customer acquisition, and monetization technologies.
Best for you if:
- • You need advertising features specifically
- • Enables profitable advertising for businesses.
- • Provides tools for customer acquisition and monetization.
| At a Glance |  Criteo |  AppLovin |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Marketing Automation | Advertising |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Criteo | AppLovin |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Marketing AutomationAdvertising | AdvertisingAttribution |
How Criteo and AppLovin Compare
Criteo
The Commerce Media Platform for the Open Internet, connecting brands, retailers, and media owners.
Paid
AppLovin
Empower businesses with profitable advertising, customer acquisition, and monetization technologies.
Paid
Criteo is a marketing automation tool. AppLovin is in advertising.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Criteo
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Criteo
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Criteo
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Criteo is a marketing automation tool. AppLovin is in advertising. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Criteo
- Our pick for this comparison
AppLovin
- Better fit for advertising
The Bottom Line
Criteo is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Criteo or AppLovin better?
Criteo scores high/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Criteo and AppLovin used for?
Criteo: The Commerce Media Platform for the Open Internet, connecting brands, retailers, and media owners.. AppLovin: Empower businesses with profitable advertising, customer acquisition, and monetization technologies..
What does Criteo cost vs AppLovin?
Criteo is a paid tool. AppLovin is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.