Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your phone during a coffee break, waiting in a long line, or just relaxing on the couch with a few minutes to spare? What if you could turn those little pockets of time into a little extra cash? That’s the magic of survey and microtask apps.
In this guide, we’re going to explore the best online earning apps in 2025 (survey apps and top microtask platforms) that let you earn money online from your phone or computer. This isn’t about getting rich quick—it’s a practical, flexible way to make your opinion count and your spare moments more productive. We’ll cover which apps are legit, how much you can realistically make, and pro tips to maximize your earnings.
Whether you’re a student looking for beer money, a parent juggling naptimes, or just someone wanting to monetize their downtime, there’s an app here for you. Let’s dive in!
Surveys vs. Microtasks: What’s the Difference?
Before we jump into the list, let’s clear up the distinction. While both are great for earning a little extra, they work in different ways:
- Survey Apps: You share your opinions on products, services, ads, and current events. Companies pay for your feedback to improve their offerings. It’s like being a paid focus group participant from your couch.
- Best for: Passive earning while watching TV, shorter time commitments per task.
- Microtask Apps: You complete small, quick digital tasks that computers still struggle with. This includes things like labeling images, transcribing short audio clips, verifying data, or categorizing products.
- Best for: Active earning when you have 10-15 minutes of focused time, often with a higher potential hourly rate.
Many people use a mix of both to keep things interesting and maximize their overall earnings.
The Gold Standard: Top-Tier Survey & Research Apps
These platforms are known for their legitimacy, fair pay, and variety of opportunities.
1. Prolific
Prolific is often hailed as the king of online survey sites by its users—and for good reason. It’s built for academic and professional research, which means the studies are more engaging and pay significantly better than average.
- How it Works: Researchers post studies on the platform, and Prolific matches them with participants who fit specific demographics.
- Why It’s Great:
- High Pay Rates: Studies often pay a minimum of £6/$8 per hour, and many pay more.
- Respectful of Your Time: Studies are pre-screened, so you rarely get disqualified after starting.
- Instant Cashouts: You can cash out to PayPal as soon as you reach £5.
- Best For: Anyone looking for the most rewarding survey experience.
- Realistic Earning Potential: £25-£50+ per month with regular participation.
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a jack-of-all-trades rewards platform, but its survey section is one of its strongest features. It’s a fantastic starting point for beginners.
- How it Works: You earn points (called SB) for completing surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and even searching the web. Points can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
- Why It’s Great:
- Multiple Ways to Earn: If you get disqualified from a survey, you can easily switch to another activity.
- Frequent Opportunities: New surveys are added constantly throughout the day.
- Low Cash-Out Threshold: A $5 gift card costs only 500 SB.
- Best For: Beginners and those who want variety in their money-making activities.
- Realistic Earning Potential: $25-$100 per month if you use multiple features.
3. UserTesting
This platform takes things beyond simple surveys. You get paid to speak your thoughts while using websites and apps.
- How it Works: You record your screen and your voice as you navigate a website or app and answer specific questions out loud. Companies pay for this invaluable “think aloud” feedback.
- Why It’s Great:
- Excellent Pay: Tests typically pay $10 for a 20-minute test, which is a great hourly rate.
- No Boring Questions: The tasks are interactive and interesting.
- Direct Impact: You can see how your feedback helps improve real products.
- Best For: Tech-savvy users who are comfortable talking on a microphone and providing detailed feedback.
- Realistic Earning Potential: $30-$150+ per month, depending on how many tests you qualify for.
The Hustler’s Playground: Best Microtask Platforms
If you prefer completing concrete tasks over giving opinions, microtasking is your arena.
1. Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)
MTurk is one of the largest and most established microtask platforms in the world. Requesters (often businesses or researchers) post simple tasks, known as HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks), that Workers complete for a fee.
- How it Works: You browse through thousands of available HITs, accept them, complete the work, and get paid upon approval.
- Why It’s Great:
- Sheer Volume: There are always thousands of tasks available.
- Total Flexibility: Work for 5 minutes or 5 hours, anytime you want.
- Higher Earning Potential: Skilled workers who find good Requesters can earn a decent hourly wage.
- The Catch: The interface is clunky, and low-paying tasks abound. You need to use browser extensions like MTurk Suite to filter for the best opportunities.
- Best For: Disciplined users willing to learn the platform and seek out high-quality tasks.
- Realistic Earning Potential: $100-$400+ per month for dedicated workers.
2. Clickworker
Clickworker works with businesses to handle large data-based projects by breaking them down into small tasks for its global workforce.
- How it Works: After a short assessment, you gain access to a variety of microtasks like data categorization, text creation, web research, and fact-checking.
- Why It’s Great:
- Varied Work: The tasks change often, preventing boredom.
- Clear Instructions: Tasks usually come with very specific guidelines.
- Weekly Payouts: You can be paid weekly via PayPal once you reach a $5 threshold.
- Best For: Those who enjoy research and data entry-style work.
- Realistic Earning Potential: $50-$200 per month.
2. Fiverr Microtasks
Why Fiverr?
- Diverse Tasks: Fiverr offers a wide range of microtasks, including data entry, content writing, and graphic design.
- Flexible Pricing: You can set your own rates and choose the tasks that suit your skills.
- Global Reach: Fiverr connects you with clients from around the world.
How to Use Fiverr:
- Create a Fiverr account and set up your profile.
- Offer your services as microtasks, specifying the price and task details.
- Complete the tasks and earn money for each one.
- Build your reputation and attract more clients.
Fiverr Link: fiverr.com
3. TaskRabbit
Why TaskRabbit?
- Local Tasks: TaskRabbit connects you with local tasks, such as handyman services, delivery, and errand running.
- Flexible Scheduling: You can choose when and how often you work.
- Secure Payments: TaskRabbit provides secure payment options for both you and the client.
How to Use TaskRabbit:
- Sign up and complete your profile.
- Browse the available tasks in your area.
- Accept tasks that match your skills and schedule.
- Complete the tasks and get paid.
TaskRabbit Link: taskrabbit.com
Maximize Your Earnings: Pro Tips and Strategies
Simply having the apps won’t make you money; you need a strategy. Here’s how to get the most out of these platforms:
- Create a Dedicated Profile: Fill out every single demographic detail in your profile. This is how apps match you with the most relevant, highest-paying surveys and tasks. The more they know about you, the more opportunities you’ll get.
- Consistency Beats Marathon Sessions: Logging in for 15 minutes every day is far more effective than spending 3 hours once a month. New surveys and tasks are posted constantly, and the best ones get taken quickly.
- Download Multiple Apps: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Have 3-4 of these apps on your phone. If you get disqualified from a survey on Swagbucks, you can quickly check Prolific or Clickworker for something else.
- Be Honest and Pay Attention: Researchers can detect speeding or inconsistent answers. Your quality rating on platforms like Prolific and MTurk is crucial for getting access to the best work. Always provide thoughtful, honest responses.
- Track Your Time: Keep a mental note of how long tasks take. If a survey says it’s 10 minutes for 50 cents but actually takes 20, it’s not worth your while. Focus on the tasks with the best pay-per-minute ratio.
- Cash Out Regularly: Don’t let your earnings just sit there. Cash out as soon as you hit the minimum threshold. This makes your efforts feel more rewarding and protects your earnings in the unlikely event an app changes its policies.
The Reality Check: Pros and Cons
It’s important to go into this with realistic expectations.
The Pros:
- Ultimate Flexibility: Work from anywhere, anytime. You are in complete control.
- No Commitment: There’s no obligation to log in. It’s perfect for irregular schedules.
- Low Barrier to Entry: Most apps require no special skills, just a smartphone and internet access.
- Legitimate Extra Income: These are real ways to make money from your phone for small, achievable goals like a weekly coffee treat or saving for holiday gifts.
The Cons:
- Not a Full-Time Income: For users, this is side hustle money, not a replacement for a salary.
- Can Be Repetitive: Some tasks and surveys can feel boring or monotonous.
- Screen Time: You’re trading your spare screen time for cash. Be mindful of your digital wellness.
- Inconsistent Opportunities: Some days are flush with work; other days are dry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Relying on a Single App: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your earnings by using multiple apps.
- Skipping Instructions: Pay close attention to task instructions. Missing a step or not following instructions can lead to rejection or low ratings.
- Not Tracking Your Progress: Keep a record of your earnings and the tasks you complete. This will help you stay motivated and identify areas for improvement.
- Neglecting Privacy: Be mindful of the information you share on these apps. Avoid apps that ask for sensitive data unless necessary.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q: Can I really make money with these apps?
A: Absolutely. While you won’t make a full-time income, you can definitely earn a consistent side income. It’s perfect for funding small luxuries without impacting your budget.
Q: How do I get paid?
A: Most apps pay via PayPal, which is fast and secure. Some also offer gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Target, or Starbucks.
Q: Are survey and microtask apps a scam?
A: The reputable ones listed here are absolutely not scams. However, be wary of any app that asks for an upfront payment to join. Legit apps will never ask you to pay them.
Q: Which one app is the best?
A: There’s no single “best” app for everyone. Prolific is often ranked highest for survey pay, while MTurk has the highest ceiling for microtasks. Your best bet is to try a few and see which interface and task types you prefer.
