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Google Ads vs AdMob: What App Publishers Need to Know

April 28, 2026 · RevenueFlex Team

Two Very Different Products

Google Ads is an advertiser platform for running campaigns. AdMob is a publisher platform for displaying ads in apps. One buys, the other sells.

AdMob: The Starting Point

Free, easy to integrate, provides Google demand. Supports banner, interstitial, rewarded video, native. AdMob Mediation lets you add third-party networks. Limitations: no AdX premium demand, limited floor price control, basic reporting, no direct deals.

Google Ad Manager: The Upgrade

Enterprise-grade ad serving with AdX access, granular waterfall control, line item management, direct deals, advanced reporting, and Open Bidding.

Revenue Potential

A mid-core game with 500K DAU can earn $75K-$110K/month on AdMob vs $115K-$175K/month on GAM — a potential $40K-$65K monthly uplift from the same traffic.

When to Upgrade

RevenueFlex manages the migration from AdMob to GAM, handling setup, waterfall optimization, and ongoing management.