Software · head to head
Amazon Associates vs Awin
Amazon Associates
Software
The world's largest affiliate marketing program
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Amazon Associates commission rates are among the lowest in affiliate marketing at 4-20% by category; Awin pricing not published, available by quote only
- They diverge on capability: Amazon Associates covers Product linking tools, Awin covers Global publisher network.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Amazon Associates and Awin actually diverge.
| Attribute | Amazon Associates | Awin |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unknown | quote |
| Platforms | Web, Browser plugin, Mobile browser | Web, Mobile |
| Founded | 1996 | 2000 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Amazon Associates
- Product linking tools
- Native shopping ads
- SiteStripe toolbar
- Commission tracking
- Real-time reporting
- WordPress
- Blogger
- YouTube
Only in Awin
- Global publisher network
- Cross-device tracking
- Payment processing
- Compliance tools
- Publisher recruitment
- Shopify
- Magento
- WooCommerce
Both cover
- Web support
- Mobile support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Amazon Associates
- affiliate marketing managementnot Awin
- Workflow automationnot Awin
- Reportingnot Awin
Awin
- Affiliate network for content creators and publishersnot Amazon Associates
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Amazon Associates
- Commission rates are among the lowest in affiliate marketing at 4-20% by category
- Requires $100 minimum earnings threshold before payment is issued
- Cookie duration limited to 24 hours for click tracking, compared to 60-90 days at competitors
Awin
- Pricing not published, available by quote only
- Commission structure and payment thresholds not disclosed
Pricing, plan by plan
Amazon Associates
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Amazon Associates review.
Awin
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Awin review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Amazon Associates if
- You need product linking tools.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Browser plugin, Mobile browser.
- You also want native shopping ads.
Choose Awin if
- You need global publisher network.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Mobile.
- You also want cross-device tracking.
Questions people ask
- Is Amazon Associates or Awin better?
- Neither clearly leads. Amazon Associates starts at Free and Awin at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Amazon Associates or Awin?
- Amazon Associates starts at Free and Awin at Free.
- Does Amazon Associates or Awin run on more platforms?
- Amazon Associates runs on Web, Browser plugin, Mobile browser. Awin runs on Web, Mobile.
- Can I use Amazon Associates for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Amazon Associates best used for?
- Amazon Associates is most often used for affiliate marketing management, workflow automation, reporting. Of those, affiliate marketing management and workflow automation are not what Awin is typically brought in for.
- What can Amazon Associates do that Awin cannot?
- Amazon Associates covers Product linking tools, Native shopping ads, SiteStripe toolbar, Commission tracking. Awin covers Global publisher network, Cross-device tracking, Payment processing, Compliance tools. Both handle Web support, Mobile support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Amazon Associates: Is it free to join Amazon Associates?
Yes. There are no signup fees, monthly costs, or commissions paid to Amazon. Joining and participation are completely free.
SourceAmazon Associates: How long does a click cookie last?
Amazon gives you 24 hours to earn a commission once a visitor clicks an affiliate link. You also earn a commission if a person adds a product to their cart within 24 hours and purchases it within 90 days.
SourceAmazon Associates: What are the commission rates?
Commission rates vary by product category. Amazon Games earns 20%, Luxury Beauty at 10%, Kitchen at 4.5%, and All Other Categories at 4%. Commission rates change frequently.
SourceAmazon Associates: How often does Amazon pay affiliates?
Amazon Associates provides reports updated hourly for most orders. Earnings can be tracked in real-time through the Associates Central dashboard. Payments are issued monthly if earnings exceed $100.
SourceAmazon Associates: Can I earn commissions internationally?
Yes. Amazon Associates operates in multiple countries. OneLink allows US Associates to earn commissions internationally by automatically directing customers to their local Amazon store.
Source