User Acquisition
2026-02-08
by RewardingHub Team
CPI vs CPA vs CPE: Which Campaign Model Wins?
Choosing the right campaign model directly impacts your ROAS. Here is when to use each.
CPI (Cost Per Install)
Pay only for installs. Best for: brand-new games needing volume. Typical US CPI: $0.50-$5.00. Learn more about CPI.
CPA (Cost Per Action)
Pay for in-app actions (tutorial complete, level reached). Best for: games that need engaged users. Higher per-conversion cost but better user quality. Learn more.
CPE (Cost Per Engagement)
Pay for time-based engagement. Best for: games that need time to demonstrate value. Learn more.
Our Recommendation
Start with CPI for volume, then graduate to CPA/CPE once you know which in-app events correlate with LTV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which model has the best ROAS?
CPA campaigns typically have the best ROAS because you pay only for engaged users.
Can I switch between models?
Yes. RewardingHub supports all three models with flexible campaign settings.