Compare
DJAX AdServer vs SaaS ad servers
SaaS ad servers such as Kevel, Epom and AdButler get you started fast with nothing to host. DJAX AdServer is for when fees, data control or custom needs make ownership the better deal.
Side by side
How they compare
A fair summary based on publicly available information. Check each vendor's current terms before you decide.
| SaaS ad servers (Kevel, Epom, AdButler…) | DJAX AdServer | |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | The vendor | You, or DJAX on your behalf |
| Pricing model | Usually usage-based: per 1,000 impressions or requests, with tiers | One-time license or source code, plus your server costs |
| Cost as you grow | Rises with traffic | Mostly flat; servers scale with traffic |
| Data location | Vendor's cloud | Your environment |
| Custom features | Vendor roadmap and APIs | Modify it yourself or with DJAX; source code available |
| White-label | Varies by vendor and plan | Yes |
| Time to start | Fastest: sign up and go | Days to weeks for deployment |
| Infrastructure work | None | Servers to run, or choose the Managed edition |
Verdict
Which one fits you?
Choose a SaaS ad server if…
- You're just starting and volumes are low
- You want zero infrastructure
- You're happy with the vendor's feature set
Choose DJAX AdServer if…
- Usage fees have become a major cost
- You need your data in your own environment
- You want to customise or resell the platform
- You want a one-time cost you can plan around
Run your numbers
See where owning beats renting.
The Own vs Rent calculator compares your current per-impression fees with the cost of running your own ad server over 1, 3 or 5 years.
Open the calculatorFAQ
Common questions
What is a SaaS ad server?
A SaaS ad server is hosted and run by the vendor. You use it through their website and API and usually pay by volume, such as per 1,000 impressions or requests. Kevel, Epom and AdButler are examples.
When is SaaS the better choice?
When you're starting small, don't want to run servers, and your volumes are low enough that usage fees stay modest.
When does owning become cheaper?
It depends on your volume and your vendor's rates. Use the Own vs Rent calculator with the numbers from your invoice to see where the line falls for you.
See DJAX AdServer on your own use case.
Tell us your formats, volumes and where you want it hosted. We'll walk you through a live demo and send a quote for your edition.