#6 of 15 · checked November 3, 2026

Google Ad Manager review

Google Ad Manager combines an ad server with Google's ad exchange. The standard version is free up to an impression threshold and then billed, and Ad Manager 360 serves large organisations.

Go to Google Ad Manager
6.9/10

Our verdict

Google Ad Manager gives publishers the biggest pool of programmatic demand and very broad format support, which is why so many sites use it. It is free to start, but costs at scale are not published in full, and the platform takes experience to run well. Direct support from Google is reserved for Ad Manager 360, so standard accounts mostly rely on the Help Center and forums. Because the same company runs the ad server and a major exchange, many publishers weigh it against an independent ad server.

Key facts

Pick it if
Google programmatic demand is your priority and you have experienced ad ops staff.
What it costs
Free until you pass an impression threshold, then billed; Ad Manager 360 is priced separately.
Based in
Mountain View, California, USA
Can serve
Display, Native, Video (VAST), Rich media, In-app, CTV, Audio
Website
admanager.google.com

Where it shines

  • The largest programmatic demand pool
  • Free to start for smaller publishers
  • Very broad format support

Watch out for

  • Ad server and exchange run by the same company
  • Takes experience to run well
  • Direct Google support only on Ad Manager 360

How it scored

Cost clarity
7

No charge below an impression threshold; above it, and for Ad Manager 360, you pay.

Time to launch
7

Free signup, but setup takes ad ops experience.

Support
4

Standard accounts rely mainly on the Help Center and forums.

Formats
9

Display, native, video, rich media, in-app, CTV and audio.

Publisher fit
8

General web and app publisher ad server.

Integrations & API
9

Extensive API and built-in programmatic demand.

Independence
4

Google also runs one of the largest ad exchanges.

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