I use affiliate ads as well as network ads and based on my experience it is easy to earn from network ads compared to affiliate ads. You will earn from affiliate ads only when there is conversion, however, you can earn from network ads just for engagement or impression.
My experience has also been that it is easier to earn via ad networks (such as BuySellAds and Adsense) than it is to earn from affiliates. Perhaps if your website is very specific, it might be easier to earn from affiliate ads. E.g. if you had a web hosting related site or forum, promoting hosting affiliate offers might be a good option.
What ad networks and affiliate programs, have you had success with @nomad?
I make most of my money through Adsense. I have also made money from Media.net and Infolinks but these days I am making a negligible amount. As far as making money from affiliate ads is considered, I have made money from Amazon but affiliate programs like Namecheap affiliate, semrush affiliate, etc. have been more profitable to me.