Looking to make extra income from the palm of your hand? Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home parent, or just someone looking to cash in on their spare time, there’s a growing number of apps that promise to put money in your pocket. But not all money-making platforms are created equal. Some are quick and simple, while others may waste hours of your time for pennies.
To save you the hassle, we’ve researched and ranked the top money-making apps based on their earning potential, ease of use, payout methods, and user experience. Whether you’re hunting for a quick gig, steady side income, or even investing opportunities, read on to find out which apps are worth your time.
What to Look for in a Money-Making App
Before jumping into the rankings, here’s what we evaluated to measure each app:
Earnings Potential – How much money can you realistically make, and how consistent are the earnings?
Ease of Use – Is the app user-friendly and accessible, even for beginners?
Payout Methods – Does the app pay in cash, gift cards, or other options? How fast can you access your earnings?
Time vs. Reward – Is the time spent on the app worth the income generated?
Now, let's rank the top contenders.
1. Swagbucks
Best for Quick and Easy Rewards
Overview: Swagbucks is one of the most popular task-based money-making apps, offering users a variety of ways to earn, including surveys, watching videos, shopping, playing games, and exploring deals.
Earnings Potential:
Earn $0.05–$2.50 per survey or task. Points (called SBs) can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards.
Average monthly earnings range from $25 to $50 for casual users, with higher potential for committed earners.
Ease of Use:
The app is extremely user-friendly and flexible. You can complete tasks on your phone or desktop, making it perfect for multitasking.
Payout Methods:
Redeem for PayPal cash, gift cards, and even merchandise.
Minimum payout threshold is only $1 (100 SBs), making it easy to cash out frequently.
Drawbacks:
Some tasks, such as surveys, can disqualify you halfway through, which can feel like wasted time.
Verdict: If you like variety and quick-hit tasks, Swagbucks is a great option for casual extra income.
2. Fiverr
Best for Freelancers and Skilled Workers
Overview: Fiverr connects freelancers and gig workers with clients who need specific tasks completed, such as graphic design, writing, editing, or digital marketing.
Earnings Potential:
Offers highly scalable earnings, starting at $5 per task with no income cap.
High-demand creators can earn $1,000+ per month.
Ease of Use:
Setting up a profile and listing gigs is straightforward, but standing out in a competitive marketplace may take time and marketing effort.
Payout Methods:
PayPal transfers
Bank deposits or Fiverr’s Revenue Card (prepaid debit card)
Payments are processed within 2 weeks after completing a gig.
Drawbacks:
Fiverr takes a 20% commission on earnings, which can add up. It's also highly competitive, and some gigs may underpay skilled workers.
Verdict: Fiverr is perfect for leveraging your skills to earn. If you have expertise and can market your value, the earning potential is huge.
3. Upwork
Best for Serious Freelancers
Overview: Upwork is a go-to platform for freelancing professionals offering services like website development, virtual assistance, writing, and more.
Earnings Potential:
Skilled professionals earn anywhere between $10 and $100+ per hour depending on their field and experience.
Some contracts pay on a project basis, providing even greater flexibility.
Ease of Use:
The app features advanced filtering to find the right job opportunities, but the application and interview process can be time-consuming.
Payout Methods:
PayPal, bank transfers, direct to U.S. bank accounts, and wire transfers.
Payments are processed weekly after completing a job or milestone.
Drawbacks:
Upwork has steep service fees for newcomers (up to 20%), though the percentage decreases with higher lifetime earnings from a single client. Freelancers often have to compete aggressively for jobs, especially as beginners.
Verdict: Upwork is ideal for professionals looking to build a freelance career, though it requires persistence and effort, especially at the start.
4. Acorns
Best for Passive Investing
Overview: Acorns is a micro-investing app that allows you to grow wealth by automatically investing your spare change from everyday purchases.
Earnings Potential:
Earnings depend on market performance but tend to grow long-term. Most users see annual returns ranging from 3% to 7%.
You can start investing with as little as $5.
Ease of Use:
The app simplifies investing for beginners by automating the process. All you need to do is link your debit or credit card, and Acorns handles the rest.
Payout Methods:
Payouts depend on investment performance. Withdrawals can take 3–6 business days.
Drawbacks:
Fees start at $3/month, which can eat into the returns for those with small portfolios.
Verdict: Acorns is great for hands-off investors or anyone looking to dip their toes into investing without managing complex portfolios.
5. TaskRabbit
Best for Local Gig Workers
Overview: TaskRabbit connects users to local gigs like furniture assembly, home cleaning, moving help, and other on-demand tasks.
Earnings Potential:
Taskers set their own hourly rates, often earning $20–$80 per hour depending on the task.
Some skilled tasks (e.g., handyman jobs) pay even higher.
Ease of Use:
Requires creating a profile, a background check, and responding to client requests. Once approved, finding gigs in high-demand areas is fairly easy.
Payout Methods:
Direct deposits within 3–5 days after task completion.
Drawbacks:
Availability varies by location, and platform fees cut into your earnings.
Verdict: TaskRabbit is an excellent option if you have hands-on skills and want to complete tasks in your local area.
6. UserTesting
Best for Website and App Reviewers
Overview: UserTesting pays you to test apps, websites, and digital products by providing detailed feedback on usability.
Earnings Potential:
Earn $10 for each completed 20-minute test.
Some specialized tests offer higher payouts, particularly for professionals.
Ease of Use:
Minimal setup is required, but you’ll need a computer or smartphone with a reliable internet connection plus a microphone.
Payout Methods:
Payments are made via PayPal seven days after completing a test.
Drawbacks:
Tests are not always available, and competition for them can be high. Pre-qualification surveys are often required.
Verdict: UserTesting is great if you enjoy providing feedback and have a flexible schedule to grab tests as they come.
Final Thoughts on Money-Making Apps
With so many money-making apps available, it’s easier than ever to start earning some extra cash or even build a scalable income stream. From paid survey platforms to freelancing hubs and investing tools, there’s likely a platform tailored to your skills, schedule, and earning goals.
To maximize your success, choose apps that align with your needs. Looking for quick cash? Swagbucks and UserTesting are great picks. Want to build a long-term income source? Upwork and Fiverr might be perfect for you. If you prefer passive income opportunities, Acorns could be a smart move.
Start exploring these platforms today and unlock your earning potential!
