High-RPM Alternatives to AdSense for European Publishers

Google AdSense has been the backbone of blog monetization for over two decades. Yet, in 2025, many European publishers are seeking better-paying, high-RPM alternatives that offer stability, higher CPMs, and greater flexibility. With stricter Google policies and the rising demand for premium European traffic (Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Scandinavia), publishers are no longer dependent on AdSense alone.

This guide examines the top AdSense alternatives for 2025, specifically tailored for European publishers seeking higher RPM and CPC rates. Whether you are a small blogger, a mid-sized publisher, or managing a large media site, this article will help you choose networks that maximize your earnings.

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Why Look Beyond AdSense?

While AdSense remains a trusted ad network, European publishers face several limitations:

1. Strict Policies & Bans – Many blogs face sudden suspensions without warning.

2. Lower RPM for Some Niches – Especially entertainment, gaming, and lifestyle.

3. Payment Thresholds – Smaller publishers may find alternatives more flexible.

4. Regional Ad Gaps – Some European traffic goes under-monetized in AdSense.

5. Better Alternatives Exist – Premium ad networks and programmatic platforms often outperform AdSense in RPM, CPM, and CPC.

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What Makes a Good AdSense Alternative for European Publishers?

When choosing an alternative, publishers must prioritize:

• High RPM – Revenue per 1,000 impressions should be better than AdSense.

• Strong European Advertiser Demand – Networks must have demand in Germany, the UK, France, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia.

• GDPR Compliance – Essential for legal protection in Europe.

• Ad Quality & Brand Safety – Premium advertisers ensure better CPC and CTR.

• Flexible Formats – Display, native, video, push, and in-app ads.

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Best High-RPM Alternatives to AdSense (2025 Edition)

Below is a carefully curated list of top-paying networks that outperform AdSense for European publishers.

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1. Ezoic

Ezoic has become the #1 alternative to AdSense for European publishers due to its AI-driven ad optimization. It connects you to Google AdX and multiple demand sources, resulting in higher RPM and CPM.

• Average RPM in Europe: €15–€25

• Best Niches: Finance, SaaS, education, health, technology

• Traffic Requirement: 10K+ monthly visits (Access Now available for small sites)

• Why Choose Ezoic:

  • AI optimization increases RPM over time

  • Works great for German, UK, and French audiences

  • GDPR-compliant consent tools

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2. Mediavine

Mediavine is a premium ad management company delivering some of the highest RPMs globally, especially in Europe.

• Average RPM in Europe: €20–€35

• Best Niches: Travel, food, lifestyle, parenting

• Traffic Requirement: 50K monthly sessions

• Why Choose Mediavine:

  • Premium European advertisers

  • Excellent for lifestyle bloggers

  • Consistently higher RPM than AdSense

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3. Raptive (formerly AdThrive)

Raptive offers elite-level ad monetization and is the most powerful AdSense alternative for large European publishers.

• Average RPM in Europe: €25–€40

• Best Niches: Finance, legal, SaaS, health

• Traffic Requirement: 100K+ monthly pageviews

• Why Choose Raptive:

  • Highest RPM among premium networks

  • Strongest advertiser partnerships

  • Best for established European blogs

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4. Adsterra

For publishers who monetize social and mobile traffic, Adsterra provides excellent high-CPM ad formats like Social Bar and Smartlinks.

• Average RPM in Europe: €6–€15

• Best Niches: Gaming, VPN, downloads, entertainment

• Traffic Requirement: Easy approval, no minimum

• Why Choose Adsterra:

  • Works with TikTok, Telegram, and Facebook traffic

  • Instant approval for new publishers

  • Great for monetizing mixed EU traffic

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5. PropellerAds

PropellerAds is well-known for push notifications, pop-ups, and native ads. It’s a strong AdSense alternative for publishers with non-traditional niches.

• Average RPM in Europe: €5–€12

• Best Niches: Gaming, crypto, e-commerce, VPN

• Traffic Requirement: Easy approval

• Why Choose PropellerAds:

  • Monetizes audiences, AdSense won’t accept

  • Works with mixed Tier-1 & Tier-2 traffic

  • Reliable payments and multiple ad formats

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6. Criteo

Criteo is a European powerhouse in programmatic advertising, making it an ideal choice for European publishers seeking premium advertisers.

• Average RPM in Europe: €12–€20

• Best Niches: E-commerce, SaaS, travel, retail

• Traffic Requirement: Medium to large publishers

• Why Choose Criteo:

  • Strong advertiser base in Europe

  • GDPR-compliant by design

  • Perfect for publishers with shopping audiences

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7. Revcontent

Revcontent is one of the best-performing native ad platforms and a true AdSense alternative for mid-sized blogs.

• Average RPM in Europe: €12–€22

• Best Niches: Tech, news, lifestyle, education

• Traffic Requirement: Moderate traffic

• Why Choose Revcontent:

  • Higher RPM than Taboola/Outbrain for EU sites

  • More control over native ad placements

  • Premium look, better CTR

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8. SHE Media Partner Network

Perfect for female-focused audiences in Europe, SHE Media delivers high RPMs for lifestyle and parenting content.

• Average RPM in Europe: €15–€25

• Best Niches: Parenting, lifestyle, fashion, health

• Traffic Requirement: 20K+ monthly visits

• Why Choose SHE Media:

  • Works best for European women-driven traffic

  • Brand partnerships in EU + US

  • Stable alternative to AdSense

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9. Taboola & Outbrain

These native ad giants are excellent for large publishers with heavy European traffic.

• Average RPM in Europe: €8–€18

• Best Niches: News, sports, politics, entertainment

• Traffic Requirement: 50K+ monthly visits

• Why Choose Taboola/Outbrain:

  • Huge advertiser demand in Europe

  • High RPM for news and viral blogs

  • Strong fill rate

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10. Media.net

Although Media.net focuses heavily on the US market, it’s expanding into Europe with contextual ads that rival AdSense.

• Average RPM in Europe: €7–€14

• Best Niches: Finance, education, SaaS

• Traffic Requirement: Moderate

• Why Choose Media.net:

  • Backed by Yahoo + Bing

  • Works well with English-language EU content

  • Better CPC in finance & tech

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Comparison Table – High-RPM AdSense Alternatives (2025)

Network	Avg RPM (Europe)	Best Niches	Entry Requirement	Why It’s a Good Alternative
Ezoic	€15–€25	SaaS, finance, tech	10K+ visits	AI optimization, AdX access
Mediavine	€20–€35	Food, travel, lifestyle	50K sessions	Premium lifestyle ads
Raptive	€25–€40	Finance, law, tech	100K pageviews	Highest RPM in industry
Adsterra	€6–€15	Gaming, VPN, social	Easy approval	Social Bar & Smartlink ads
PropellerAds	€5–€12	Gaming, crypto	Easy approval	Push ads, flexible formats
Criteo	€12–€20	E-commerce, travel	Medium traffic	EU demand, GDPR-compliant
Revcontent	€12–€22	Tech, lifestyle	Medium traffic	High CTR native ads
SHE Media	€15–€25	Parenting, lifestyle	20K+ visits	Female-focused monetization
Taboola/Outbrain	€8–€18	News, sports	50K+ visits	Huge advertiser demand
Media.net	€7–€14	Finance, education	Moderate	Contextual ads, CPC focus

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Best Niches for High RPM in Europe (2025)

1. Finance & Banking – CPC €3–€12

2. Insurance & Legal Services – CPC €4–€15

3. SaaS & B2B Software – CPC €2–€10

4. Healthcare & Wellness – CPC €2–€6

5. Travel & Hospitality – CPC €1–€5

Targeting these high-CPC niches ensures that European publishers earn significantly higher RPM than with AdSense alone.

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Strategies to Maximize RPM in 2025

• Header Bidding – Use Ezoic or Prebid.js to increase competition.

• Native Ads Blending – Place Revcontent or Outbrain units inside articles.

• GDPR Consent Management – Use a CMP to stay compliant.

• Mobile-First Optimization – 70%+ of European traffic is mobile.

• Hybrid Monetization – Combine CPM ad networks with affiliate marketing.

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Final Thoughts

In 2025, AdSense will no longer be the only option for European publishers. Alternatives like Ezoic, Mediavine, and Raptive outperform Google in RPM and CPM, especially in premium niches. For small publishers, Adsterra and PropellerAds provide easy approval and fast monetization, while Criteo and Revcontent cater to mid-sized and large blogs.

By diversifying monetization, European publishers can reduce risk, increase RPM, and maximize income in one of the world’s most valuable traffic regions. Read More