Our ad tracking software is based on sophisticated mechanisms designed to meticulously capture and track user-generated events throughout the marketing funnel. This software allows marketers to examine aggregate data at various levels of detail, analyze it, and optimize their funnels in numerous ways.
Different platforms achieve the common goal using various approaches and with varying degrees of success. The truth is that ad tracking software is often created for specific groups of marketers. What tracks a visitor’s path well might be less effective in analyzing large volumes of data.
The Blowew ranking uses a data-based approach to determine which ad tracking software suits most use cases.
Who is Ad Tracking Software For? 🤔
It is designed for individual affiliate, in-house marketing departments, agencies, and anyone interested in the performance (views, time on site, and other statistics) of their website. This software works with both paid and organic (search) traffic. You can use it regardless of your goals: optimizing the funnel for conversions (purchases, app installs, etc.) or increasing brand awareness.
What Can the Best Ad Tracking Software Offer You? 🌟
In addition to knowing how many people visited your site and how many clicked through, there are many other things you can learn and do using ad tracking software:
Check visit statistics:
- Visits
- Clicks
- Impressions
- Conversions
- CTR/iCTR
- CR/CV
- eCPA/eCPC
Calculate cost data:
- Expenses
- Profit
- Revenue
- ROI
Analyze traffic data:
- Device type
- Device brand
- Country of origin
- Browser type and version
- City
- Language
- Time of day/Day of the week
Monitor traffic status:
- Install/click time
- Bot detection
- Conduct A/B testing of different page variants to see which one gets more responses.
- Segment your audience.
- Create a customer journey map.
It’s important to note that ad tracking software can vary significantly in its approach to data collection, analysis, and optimization. Some allow deeper data analysis but may lack the ability to alter the visitor’s path through automatic A/B tests. Some ad trackers are better suited for recording smaller, more detailed data volumes, ideal for small online store owners, while others handle massive data volumes.
How to Choose the Best Ad Tracker? 🧐
First, consider paid and free solutions. While the latter offer obvious benefits, the former might provide greater control over your data ownership.
Second, look at the feature set that best fits your use case. Evaluate the strengths of each ad tracker to understand if it was designed for a marketer like you. Check if they have case studies similar to yours and how the advertised features can benefit you.
Some trackers boast automation features, while others allow seamless integration with external platforms. Very few have it all.
Third, consider the data volumes you want to analyze. For high-traffic campaigns, an ad tracker capable of handling hundreds of thousands of events is a must. While you’re at it, check each platform’s track record regarding server uptime. The more reliable the tracker, the better.
Ranking of the Best Ad Tracking Software
1. Peerclick 🌟
Peerclick is a comprehensive ad tracking platform that outshines many counterparts. Unlike Google Analytics, can manage your traffic, not just analyze it.
Traffic management is handled through automatic A/B testing based on machine learning algorithms and automatic rules, as well as API integration with most popular ad platforms, including Google Ads and Facebook, allowing campaign management automation via if/then logic.
Peerclick is a paid solution: high-performance servers capable of handling the largest traffic streams come at a cost, but in return, you gain control over your data. Peerclick does not use your data for media buying algorithm training, focusing solely on providing the best ad tracking solution.
Peerclick is one of the best-known platforms on the market, the first cloud platform available to affiliate marketers, offering a decade of experience. It works well with both paid and organic traffic; it’s great for individual advertisers and agencies. Combined with anti-fraud solutions, it becomes a true marketing hub.
Pros of Peerclick:
- Fully GDPR-compliant and privacy-focused.
- Includes traffic management features, such as A/B testing and automatic rules.
- Reliable integration with popular ad platforms like Google Ads and Facebook.
- Suitable for both individual advertisers and agencies.
- Supports tracking third-party offers and postbacks.
Cons of Peerclick:
- Can be intimidating for beginners and may require educational resources.
2. Google Analytics 📊
It’s hard to compile a list of the best ad tracking software without mentioning the most popular and free solution from one of the world’s largest tech companies. Google Analytics is widely used not only by marketers or online store owners but by anyone interested in knowing how their site performs. Google Analytics is widespread, integrated with most ad networks, landing page builders, and similar software, and is especially intertwined with other Google properties.
It’s important to understand that when discussing Google Analytics, people might refer to different versions of this ad tracking software. Google Analytics 3 (or Universal Analytics) is currently being replaced by Google Analytics 4. The newest iteration not only includes new features but also expands to new platforms. While GA3 supported only web sessions and could track mobile sessions in a separate property, GA4 combines web and mobile environments in a single property.
Transitioning to the new GA can confuse marketers worldwide, as they will need to not only migrate their data but also learn the new platform from scratch. This reveals one of GA’s biggest weaknesses: a steep learning curve.
This is expected from a solution that serves both individual advertisers and multinational corporations. Versatility comes at the cost of a relatively high entry threshold.
Other issues with GA include GDPR compliance. Google Analytics can be configured to be somewhat GDPR-compliant, but this does not solve the issue of handling EU citizens’ data outside the EU jurisdiction.
Moreover, Google Analytics is intended for tracking the performance of pages you control. You need to place a Google script on the page to track it properly, so if you want to track the performance of third-party offers or report conversions with postbacks — look for another tracker.
Finally, while you get the platform for free, you pay with your data. Rest assured, Google scans your data to train its algorithms, and if you have issues with that, you might want to take your data elsewhere.
Pros of Google Analytics:
- Free and widely used.
- Integrated with most ad networks and other Google properties.
- Comprehensive tracking capabilities for websites and mobile apps.
- Extensive documentation and community support.
Cons of Google Analytics:
- Steep learning curve, especially with the transition to Google Analytics 4.
- GDPR compliance issues with handling EU citizens’ data.
- Requires placing a Google script on the page for tracking performance.
- User data is scanned by Google for algorithm training.
3. ThriveTracker 📈
ThriveTracker is an ad tracker for marketers offering the usual set of features you might expect: various tracking options, AI optimization algorithms, and bot filters. It is a reliable ad tracking software, though it lags behind Peerclick in terms of automation features. The tracker has some automation features through integration with AdGenius.ai, its own automation tool.
The tool integrates with some of the most popular native ad networks (including Content.ad, MGID, Outbrain, Taboola, and Revcontent) and offers features like pausing or automatic bidding.
ThriveTracker’s pricing depends on the expected number of clicks, and if you work with small volumes, the pricing plans are competitive.
ThriveTracker is a versatile tool that can easily replace spreadsheets. However, it is not the all-in-one solution some marketers expect.
Pros of ThriveTracker:
- Various tracking options and AI optimization algorithms.
- Integration with popular native ad networks.
- Competitive pricing plans for small volumes of clicks.
Cons of ThriveTracker:
- Lacks automation capabilities compared to competitors.
- Not a comprehensive all-in-one ad tracking solution.
4. Brax.io 📊
Brax.io specializes in native ad tracking, offering features designed specifically for this ad type. These features include reliable A/B testing, automation, and integration.
Brax can be integrated with popular native ad networks, including:
- Taboola
- Outbrain
- Revcontent
- Yahoo Gemini
- Content.ad
The platform can even be configured to pull data from Google Analytics. In this setup, data collected by Brax is enriched with page tracking information recorded by GA.
Brax positions itself at the center of native advertisers’ workflows. Integration with ad networks allows Brax to make changes to campaigns in those networks. Bulk editing allows changes to be made to multiple campaigns at once. Advertisers can also use multi-currency support.
Native advertising involves a lot of testing and tweaking content, and Brax certainly allows for that.
Pros of Brax.io:
- Specializes in native ad tracking.
- Reliable A/B testing, automation, and integration features.
- Bulk editing for multiple campaigns.
- Multi-currency support.
Cons of Brax.io:
- Limited to native advertising, not suitable for other ad types.
- Full functionality may require additional tools like Google Analytics.
5. Trackier 🌐
On paper, Trackier is one of the most versatile ad tracking software on the market. It allows tracking both web and mobile traffic, suitable for iGaming operators or e-commerce owners.
For mobile app owners, it allows users to track multi-touch attribution and ETL costs. With branded domains and reliable reporting, it is well-suited for tracking your app’s performance.
Trackier also has something for performance marketers. It integrates via API with popular tools, ad networks, and other platforms, allowing you to connect all the dots on one dashboard.
Trackier cannot compete with many specialized ad tracking software designed for performance marketers in terms of the level of data detail presented and lacks automatic A/B testing tools.
However, Trackier is good for those marketers who want to see all marketing channels in one place.
Another area where Trackier loses some points is pricing — it’s only available upon request. Trackier’s pricing is flexible and depends on activity and the number of conversions, but the lack of information even on the most basic plan makes it hard to quickly compare with other trackers and is therefore not consumer-friendly.
Pros of Trackier:
- Versatile, tracking both web and mobile traffic.
- Suitable for iGaming operators, e-commerce owners, and marketers.
- API integrations with popular tools and ad networks.
Cons of Trackier:
- Less detailed data and no automatic A/B testing tools.
- Pricing information not always available, making comparisons difficult.
6. Hyros 🔍
Not long ago, Hyros made waves with bold claims. The focus is on its hyper-accurate tracking mechanisms, which are said to be better than Google’s.
Hyros can be viewed more as an extension of Google Ads rather than a standalone tracker. It does not support postbacks and lacks its own automation features. The strength of Hyros lies in improving Google Ads’ performance by more accurately tracking conversions with Hyros’s pixel technology, which in turn allows Google’s algorithms to work better.
For e-commerce owners or agencies that can use pixels to track their pages and ads in Google Ads, Hyros could be a good option.
However, if you need automation, postback tracking, or a good API, you should look for other trackers on this list.
Finally, the cost of paid tracking is available only upon request.
Pros of Hyros:
- Hyper-accurate tracking mechanisms.
- Enhances Google Ads performance with improved tracking.
- Suitable for e-commerce owners and agencies using pixels.
Cons of Hyros:
- Limited standalone functionality, no postback support, and no automation features.
- Pricing available only upon request.
7. Kintura 📈
Kintura can be an excellent tracker for beginners with its free plan limited to 1,000,000 events. With this free plan, you miss out on Kintura’s valuable AI optimization, but it might not be as crucial on a smaller scale.
The basic plan costs $199 and includes all Kintura features with a limit of 3,000,000 events.
Kintura integrates with several native ad networks. Tracked data can be viewed in real-time reports, although its reporting mechanism does not allow for deep analysis with grouping and drilling down.
Kintura lacks automation backed by auto-rules, which should be part of a tracker in this price category. However, as an entry-level tracker, Kintura should work great, especially if you work with colleagues — Kintura also supports multi-user collaboration.
Pros of Kintura:
- Free plan for beginners with up to 1,000,000 events.
- Integrates with native ad networks.
- Supports multiple users.
Cons of Kintura:
- Relatively expensive basic plan ($199/month).
- Lacks advanced reporting and automation features.
8. AdsBridge 🚀
AdsBridge is a long-term solution for affiliate marketing or traffic arbitrage. It comes with a set of features you’d expect from one of the best ad tracking software: traffic distribution system, split-testing options, flexible campaign flows, and bot filters.
The tracker has data centers worldwide and works in all geos, offering lightning-fast redirects or pixel tracking. It lacks automation features, but with very flexible pricing options, it can be a very good option for affiliate marketers, as it is one of the most niche ad tracking software on this list.
Pros of AdsBridge:
- Long-term, niche solution for affiliate marketing and traffic arbitrage.
- Features like traffic distribution, split-testing, and flexible campaign flows.
- Global data centers for fast redirects and pixel tracking.
Cons of AdsBridge:
- Lacks automation features.
- May not suit marketers looking for a more universal solution.
9. RedTrack 🔴
RedTrack is one of those tracking software that has outgrown its original affiliate ad tracker design and has become a powerful tool for various types of marketers. It offers a range of features that are essential for any basic ad tracker.
RedTrack sets itself ahead of the pack with automation features that allow marketers to use auto-rules to pause their campaigns or blacklist placements. As expected, it also supports cost synchronization.
It lags behind some features that more advanced users could use. It does not allow for recording conversions without a click ID (a crucial feature in the post-iOS 14.5 world) and does not support shared reports — a feature especially loved by agencies.
At $124 for the cheapest plan (which does not include API access), RedTrack is an expensive option, but its versatility and decent feature set should help justify the cost.
Pros of RedTrack:
- Offers automation features like auto-rules and cost synchronization.
- Versatile option for various types of marketers, going beyond affiliate tracking.
Cons of RedTrack:
- Does not record conversions without a click ID.
- Lacks shared report features.
- Expensive ($124/month) for the cheapest plan without API access.
10. BeMob 📉
BeMob is another example of a decent tracker offering a multitude of essential features: various tracking methods, detailed reports, bot protection, cookie-less tracking, or customizable conversions.
It has a free tier, which is a good way to start familiarizing yourself with the concept of a tracker. However, it is at the bottom of our list due to its complicated pricing policy. Besides the free plan, which is more of a trial than a real business solution, it has three paid plans, but most features are reserved only for the higher plans. With the lowest paid plan priced at $49, you do not get domain tracking and lose much data detail. The first serious plan without artificial limitations starts at $249, which is much higher than you would expect from a basic tracker. For this money, you should expect more, like automation, which BeMob lacks.
Overall, BeMob is a good way to dip your toes into the world of ad tracking, but if you are more serious about your business, you should look for a solution closer to the top of this list.
Pros of BeMob:
- Various tracking methods and extensive reporting capabilities.
- Free tier available to get started.
- Features like bot protection, cookie-less tracking, and customizable conversions.
Cons of BeMob:
- Complicated pricing plans, as essential features are reserved for more expensive plans.
- The cheapest paid plan lacks domain tracking and data detail.
- Expensive ($249/month) for the first serious plan without automation.
Conclusion
As you can see from the list above, trackers vary greatly in their focus, clients and niches they serve, pricing schemes, and more. While it might seem that any software capable of recording a click will do the job, the reality is that marketers need to go beyond that.
You are tracking not just for your satisfaction, but to make informed decisions that help you run your business more efficiently. And a basic event recorder will not help you with that. You need actionable insights, analytical capabilities, and reliability that only the best ad tracking software can offer.
For more detailed information on how Peerclick compares to the most popular ad trackers on the market, check out our comparison page.
