If you’ve ever dipped your toes into affiliate marketing, you know just how crucial it is to find the best affiliate networks. When I first got started, I spent hours (okay—days) testing different platforms, trying to figure out which ones paid, had good products, and didn’t make me want to pull my hair out from frustration.
Now, several years and thousands of affiliate dollars later, I’ve got a pretty solid sense of what works—and what’s not worth your time. So, whether you’re just getting started or looking to diversify your income streams, this post is your no-BS guide to the best affiliate networks in the game today.
What Makes an Affiliate Network “The Best”?
Let’s set the stage first.
The best affiliate networks don’t only include ones that pay high commissions. They’re about support, trust, and quality of the tracking system, relevancy to the product and prompt payments. And not having to have a Ph.D. to use their dashboard is a huge benefit, too.
Here’s what I look for:
- Reliable payouts (because what’s the point if you don’t get paid?)
- Quality merchants and legit products
- Easy-to-use dashboards and tracking
- Responsive support teams
- Flexible approval processes for newbies
Alright, let’s dive into the ones that check all the boxes.
1. Impact
Visit the Impact website for access to top companies like Airbnb, Canva, and Adidas if you’re serious about affiliate marketing.
Why I Love It:
Don’t be discouraged if some applications need your approval. Write a clear pitch about your specialization and marketing strategy. It works!
Pro Tip:
Don’t get discouraged if some programs require approval. Just write a short but genuine pitch about your niche and how you plan to promote it—it works!
2. ShareASale
An oldie but a goodie. ShareASale has been around forever, and there’s a reason why it’s still one of the best affiliate networks today.
What’s Cool:
It’s beginner-friendly, with thousands of merchants in almost every niche imaginable—from fashion to SaaS tools.
My Experience:
One of my first commissions came from a ShareASale partner. I still remember the thrill of that $18 email notification. It may sound small, but that moment hooked me.
3. CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)
This one’s perfect for bloggers and site owners who get decent traffic and want to work with big-name brands.
Pros:
- Massive selection of trusted advertisers
- Detailed performance reports
- Strong reputation in the industry
Cons:
A bit of a learning curve with the interface, but once you get the hang of it, it’s powerful.
4. Amazon Associates
I know, I know—it’s controversial. But hear me out.
Why It Still Works:
Amazon converts like crazy. Even if someone clicks your link for a book, they might end up buying a $300 espresso machine—and you still get paid.
Just Know:
Commissions are on the lower side, and their policies can change fast. But as a passive income add-on? Still worth considering.
5. PartnerStack
If you’re into promoting SaaS tools (and honestly, there’s great money in that), PartnerStack is gold.
Why I Recommend It:
They work with fast-growing startups and offer recurring commissions on subscriptions—hello, compounding affiliate income!
My Take:
This one’s been a hidden gem in my portfolio. Tools like Grammarly, ConvertKit, and Notion have programs here or similar platforms.
6. ClickBank
Okay, this one’s a bit of a wildcard.
The Real Talk:
ClickBank has a mixed reputation. There’s a lot of junk in there, but also some high-converting digital products if you’re picky.
Who It’s Good For:
Email marketers, bloggers with niche audiences, or folks who want to experiment with info products.
Bonus: Rakuten Advertising
Rakuten might not have the hype of others, but companies like Walmart and Best Buy trust it.
Why It’s Underrated:
It has a professional interface, strong brand partners, and reliable payments. It’s not flashy—but it works.
FAQs
Q: Which affiliate network is best for beginners?
A: ShareASale and Amazon Associates are very beginner-friendly, with easy sign-up processes and tons of niches.
Q: Do I need a website to join affiliate programs?
A: Not always. Some networks accept social media influencers or YouTubers, but having a blog or website boosts your chances.
Q: How do I get approved for affiliate programs?
A: Provide transparent and detailed information regarding your strategy for promoting their products. Even with limited traffic, a well-crafted presentation can yield significant results.
Q: What’s the average commission rate?
A: It varies. Amazon is around 1-10%, while SaaS programs on networks like PartnerStack can offer 20-50%, sometimes recurring.
Q: Can I join multiple affiliate networks at once?
A: Absolutely. It’s smart to diversify your income sources and test what performs best with your audience.
Conclusion
There’s no universal size that fits all. The most effective affiliate programs will depend on your market, your niche, and the way you intend to market your items.
This is my suggestion:
Begin with at least two or three websites that you feel comfortable with, try a couple of offerings, then track the results. It is important to endorse products you believe in. That’s how your information remains genuine,e and those who read it can believe in your recommendations. Remember: success in affiliate marketing isn’t about selling. It’s about helping.