Rakuten Advertising vs ShareASale
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading affiliate marketing solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose Rakuten Advertising if you need Global publisher network and prefer comprehensive paid features. Choose ShareASale if you prioritize Real-time tracking and want plans starting at $625/once. ShareASale has a higher user rating (4.5 vs 4.3).
Rakuten Advertising vs ShareASale: At a Glance
| Criteria | Rakuten Advertising | ShareASale |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3 | 4.5 |
| Pricing | Contact for pricing | $625/once |
| Pricing Model | commission-based | commission-based |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Web, Mobile | Web |
| Category | Affiliate Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
| Founded | 1997 | 2000 |
Feature Comparison: Rakuten Advertising vs ShareASale
| Feature | Rakuten Advertising | ShareASale |
|---|---|---|
| Global publisher network | ||
| Influencer marketplace | ||
| Cross-device attribution | ||
| AI-powered insights | ||
| Brand protection | ||
| Google Analytics | ||
| Adobe Analytics | ||
| Shopify | ||
| Web support | ||
| Mobile support | ||
| Real-time tracking | ||
| Affiliate recruitment | ||
| Commission management | ||
| Payment processing | ||
| Fraud detection | ||
| WooCommerce | ||
| Magento | ||
| BigCommerce |
Rakuten Advertising vs ShareASale: Pricing Breakdown
Rakuten Advertising Pricing
Model: commission-based
- Performance-based pricing
- Global publisher access
- Advanced reporting
ShareASale Pricing
Model: commission-based
- Network access fee
- 20% network fee on commissions
- Real-time tracking
Pros and Cons
Rakuten Advertising
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.3/5)
- Rich feature set with 10+ capabilities
- Strong Global publisher network functionality
- Strong Influencer marketplace functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
ShareASale
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.5/5)
- Rich feature set with 10+ capabilities
- Strong Real-time tracking functionality
- Strong Affiliate recruitment functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- Limited platform support (Web only)
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use Rakuten Advertising vs ShareASale?
Choose Rakuten Advertising if you:
- Need Global publisher network
- Have a budget of Contact for pricing+
- Work primarily on Web and Mobile
- Value Influencer marketplace
Choose ShareASale if you:
- Need Real-time tracking
- Have a budget of $625/once+
- Work primarily on Web
- Value Affiliate recruitment
Frequently Asked Questions: Rakuten Advertising vs ShareASale
Is Rakuten Advertising better than ShareASale?
It depends on your needs. Rakuten Advertising has a 4.3/5 user rating while ShareASale has 4.5/5. Rakuten Advertising excels in Global publisher network and Influencer marketplace, while ShareASale stands out with Real-time tracking and Affiliate recruitment. Consider your budget (Contact for pricing vs $625/once), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, Rakuten Advertising or ShareASale?
Rakuten Advertising starts at Contact for pricing. ShareASale starts at $625/once. Compare the specific plan features to determine the best value for your use case.
Can I use Rakuten Advertising and ShareASale together?
While both are affiliate marketing tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core affiliate marketing needs.
What are the main differences between Rakuten Advertising and ShareASale?
The key differences include: pricing model (commission-based vs commission-based), platform support (Web, Mobile vs Web), and feature focus. Rakuten Advertising emphasizes Global publisher network, Influencer marketplace, Cross-device attribution while ShareASale focuses on Real-time tracking, Affiliate recruitment, Commission management. User ratings differ slightly: 4.3 vs 4.5 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both Rakuten Advertising and ShareASale.