Side-Hustle Affiliate Programs Compared: 10 Sites Reviewed for Earning Potential

If you’re weighing your options for affiliate side hustles, you need more than a simple list. You need to understand how these programs stack up against each other in terms of commission rates, payment structures, and effort required. This comparison breaks down ten affiliate-friendly platforms so you can see which ones match your strengths and goals. Whether you value high payouts over quick approvals, or recurring income over one-time commissions, this review will help you make an informed choice.

1. Legiit: Service Marketplace With Tiered Commissions

   Legiit operates as a freelance services marketplace, and its affiliate program offers a notable advantage over many competitors. The commission structure is tiered, meaning the more sales you refer, the higher your percentage climbs. This contrasts with flat-rate programs where your earnings plateau regardless of performance.

   What sets Legiit apart is its focus on digital marketing services, which tend to have higher price points than generic gig platforms. Higher ticket prices mean larger commission checks per conversion. The trade-off is that you need to reach an audience interested in business services rather than mass-market products. If you have a blog, YouTube channel, or social presence in the entrepreneurship or marketing space, Legiit‘s structure rewards consistent promotion better than most one-tier programs.

2. Amazon Associates: Volume Play Versus Commission Rate

   Amazon Associates is the heavyweight of affiliate programs, but its strength is also its weakness. The commission rates are low, typically ranging from 1% to 10% depending on product category. Electronics and similar popular items often fall on the lower end, which means you need substantial traffic to see meaningful returns.

   The advantage is conversion rate. Amazon’s trusted brand and streamlined checkout process mean visitors are more likely to complete purchases compared to lesser-known merchants. You also earn commissions on anything the customer buys during their session, not just the product you linked to. This makes Amazon ideal if you have high traffic but less targeted audiences. If you’re comparing it to niche programs with 30% to 50% commissions, Amazon wins on conversion volume but loses on per-sale earnings. Your choice depends on whether you can drive thousands of clicks or prefer fewer, higher-value conversions.

3. ShareASale: Network Access Versus Direct Program Management

   ShareASale functions as an affiliate network, giving you access to thousands of merchants through a single platform. This aggregation is convenient compared to joining individual programs one by one. You get a unified dashboard, one payment for all your commissions, and easier tracking across multiple brands.

   The downside is that network programs often pay slightly less than direct affiliate arrangements because the network takes a cut. Additionally, approval requirements vary wildly by merchant. Some approve you instantly, while others scrutinize your site and audience carefully. Compared to working directly with a brand, ShareASale offers breadth but less control. If you want to test multiple niches quickly, the network approach wins. If you already know your niche and want maximum payouts, direct programs may serve you better.

4. Bluehost: Recurring Revenue Versus One-Time Payout Models

   Bluehost offers one of the most generous one-time commission structures in web hosting, often paying $65 or more per sale. This is attractive if you want immediate, substantial payouts. The challenge is that hosting is a crowded affiliate space, and you’re competing with thousands of other promoters.

   When you compare Bluehost to recurring commission programs like some SaaS platforms, the difference becomes clear. Recurring programs pay you monthly as long as the customer remains subscribed, building passive income over time. Bluehost gives you a big check upfront but nothing after that. If your goal is quick cash to reinvest, Bluehost’s model works well. If you prefer building long-term residual income, SaaS programs with lower initial payouts but ongoing commissions may be a smarter play. Your financial timeline determines which structure fits better.

5. ClickBank: High Commissions With Higher Refund Rates

   ClickBank specializes in digital products like courses, ebooks, and software, often offering 50% to 75% commission rates. These percentages crush most physical product programs. The catch is that digital products, especially in certain niches, can have high refund rates. A 70% commission sounds great until 30% of your sales get refunded.

   Compared to physical product programs with lower commissions but more stable sales, ClickBank is higher risk and higher reward. You also need to vet products carefully, as quality varies significantly. Some vendors run solid businesses with great customer support, while others have poor reputations that hurt conversion rates. ClickBank works best when you can test products yourself and promote only what you trust. If you prefer predictable, steady income, a lower-commission program with better product quality might be less stressful.

6. Shopify: Platform Scale Versus Niche Specificity

   Shopify’s affiliate program pays well for a platform service, offering commissions for both subscriptions and certain merchant referrals. The appeal is the brand’s strong reputation and the fact that anyone starting an online store is a potential lead. This broad audience makes promotion easier compared to hyper-niche products.

   The flip side is that platform programs like Shopify require more education in your content. You’re not just linking to a product someone can impulse-buy. You need to explain why someone should start a store, how Shopify works, and what makes it better than competitors. This demands more content depth than promoting a simple product. Compared to quick-hit affiliate offers, Shopify requires more work per conversion but offers higher commissions and better long-term value. If you enjoy creating tutorials and guides, Shopify’s program rewards that effort. If you want fast, easy links, simpler products convert with less explanation.

7. ConvertKit: Creator-Focused Tools Versus Broad Market Appeal

   ConvertKit targets email marketing for creators, offering a recurring commission structure of around 30% for the lifetime of the subscription. This is one of the best recurring rates available, especially compared to other email platforms that offer lower percentages or cap your earnings after a set period.

   The limitation is audience fit. ConvertKit appeals specifically to bloggers, podcasters, and course creators. If your audience isn’t in that creator economy, conversions will be low no matter how good the product is. Compare this to a general productivity tool like Evernote or a broad software solution. Those have wider appeal but often pay less per conversion. ConvertKit is a classic example of niche richness versus mass-market reach. If your content aligns with their target user, the recurring 30% is hard to beat. If you serve a different audience, broader tools will perform better despite lower commissions.

8. Udemy: Course Marketplace With Attribution Challenges

   Udemy lets you earn commissions by referring students to courses, but the attribution window is short compared to other programs. If someone clicks your link but doesn’t purchase immediately, you often lose the commission. Amazon gives you 24 hours for most items, while some programs offer 30 to 90 days. Udemy’s shorter window means you need highly motivated traffic.

   The advantage is course variety. You can promote almost any topic, making it flexible for different content niches. Commission rates are moderate, typically around 20% to 30%, which falls in the middle range. Compared to specialized course platforms that might pay 40% to 50% but have fewer options, Udemy offers breadth over depth. If you cover multiple topics and want a single affiliate partner, Udemy provides convenience. If you focus on one subject and want maximum commissions, finding a dedicated course creator in that niche will likely pay more per sale.

9. Kinsta: Premium Pricing With Premium Commissions

   Kinsta offers managed WordPress hosting at a higher price point than budget hosts, and their affiliate program reflects that with commissions that can reach several hundred dollars per sale depending on the plan. This is substantially more than typical hosting affiliates that pay $50 to $100.

   The trade-off is audience qualification. Kinsta customers are typically agencies, developers, or serious business owners, not beginners looking for cheap hosting. Your content needs to speak to that professional audience and explain why premium hosting matters. Compared to promoting budget hosts to a general audience, Kinsta requires more targeted traffic but rewards you better per conversion. If you serve an audience that values performance and is willing to pay for quality, Kinsta’s higher commissions justify the narrower market. If your readers are price-sensitive beginners, budget hosting programs will convert more frequently despite lower payouts.

10. Fiverr: Marketplace Reach Versus Commission Structure

    Fiverr is one of the largest freelance marketplaces, which means strong brand recognition and good conversion potential. Their affiliate program pays for both first-time buyers and sellers you refer. The issue is that commissions are relatively modest, often $15 to $50 per action depending on the user’s first purchase.

    When you compare Fiverr to niche service marketplaces or direct service provider affiliates, the difference becomes apparent. Fiverr wins on volume and ease of promotion but loses on per-conversion value. A specialized platform might pay you 20% to 30% of the service value, which could be $100 or more on a $500 project. Fiverr’s flat fee is easier to predict but caps your upside. If you’re promoting to a general audience that needs various services, Fiverr’s brand strength and simple commission structure work well. If you serve a specific professional niche, a more targeted program with percentage-based commissions could earn you significantly more per referral.

Choosing the right affiliate program isn’t about finding the one with the highest commission rate. It’s about matching program structure to your audience, content style, and income goals. Recurring commissions build passive income but require patience. High one-time payouts give you fast cash but no residual value. Broad market programs convert easily but pay less, while niche programs demand more targeted traffic but reward you better per sale. Review your strengths honestly, test a few options, and double down on what actually converts. The best affiliate program is the one that aligns with what you’re already doing well.