Tools for automating paid ad campaigns: what actually works?

Rodrigo Pinto · 2026-10-07

Comparison of 5 tools

1. AdEspresso

• Features: creating, managing, and optimizing ads on Facebook and Instagram; A/B testing; detailed reports.
• Price: starting at R$ 399/month.

1. Kenshoo

• Features: campaign management across multiple platforms (Google, Facebook, Amazon); bid automation; AI optimization.
• Price: custom pricing, usually starting at R$ 1.500/month depending on ad spend.

1. Smartly.io

• Features: automated ad creation; inventory integration; real-time reports.
• Price: starting at R$ 3.000/month, based on performance and ad volume.

1. Wordstream

• Features: PPC management on Google Ads and Facebook; automated recommendations; performance reports.
• Price: starting at R$ 600/month.

1. FreeSpy

• Features: Meta ad spying; competitor monitoring; insights into trends.
• Price: free forever, no card required; optional Pro plan for higher limits.

Results achieved with automation

With automation, campaigns have shown an average 25% increase in click-through rate (CTR) and a 30% reduction in cost per acquisition (CPA). Users report that, in campaigns optimized with automated A/B testing, conversions can increase by up to 40% compared to non-automated campaigns.

Impact on management time

Automation has led to significant time savings in campaign management. Professionals report that instead of spending 20 hours a week monitoring and adjusting campaigns, they now spend about 5 hours. That’s a 75% time savings, allowing them to focus on strategy and deeper analysis.

User feedback

• AdEspresso
• Pros: intuitive interface, easy for beginners.
• Cons: limitations with complex campaigns.

• Kenshoo
• Pros: powerful for large volumes, robust automation.
• Cons: high cost, steep learning curve.

• Smartly.io
• Pros: great for e-commerce, inventory integration.
• Cons: expensive, may be overkill for small businesses.

• Wordstream
• Pros: good recommendations, easy to use.
• Cons: fewer automation features.

• FreeSpy
• Pros: valuable insights, competitor analysis.
• Cons: focused only on Meta, may not work for other channels.

Suggested use

To boost productivity, combine tools. For example, use FreeSpy to monitor competitors and adjust ads in AdEspresso or Smartly.io. This can help take your campaigns to the next level with insights based on real market data.

Which tool are you currently using, and what results have you gotten compared to what you spent?