Let’s be real. Most of us carry around a smartphone that’s more powerful than the computer that sent astronauts to the moon. It streams shows, tracks packages, reminds us when to hydrate… and yep, it can help bring in some extra income too.
Not talking about quitting your job and running off into the sunset with your phone. This is about side cash — for groceries, gas, or that weekend Airbnb with your friends. There’s a whole ecosystem of money-making apps out there, but they’re not all worth your time (or your data).
So we rolled up our sleeves, tested a bunch of them, checked the fine print, and sorted the gems from the junk. Here’s a down-to-earth look at the apps that actually pay, without wasting hours or making you jump through a dozen hoops.
Paid Survey & Opinion Apps That Don’t Waste Your Time
Survey apps are like the gig work of your thumbs. Companies want feedback, and they’ll toss a few bucks your way to get it. But let’s get something straight — most surveys won’t make you rich, and some of them are so long and dull, you’d rather reorganize your junk drawer.
Here are a few that actually respect your time:
1. Prolific
- What it does: Academic researchers post studies. You answer questions. It’s often about human behavior, perception, or decision-making.
- Payout: $6–$10 per hour (yes, per hour, not per survey)
- Pros:
- Transparent about how long each survey takes
- Usually short and surprisingly interesting
- Cons:
- You’ll need to grab tasks fast — spots fill up quickly
- Not a ton of volume every day
Pro tip: Keep the tab open in your browser and turn on email alerts. The good ones don’t last.
2. Swagbucks
- What it does: Mix of surveys, video watching, online shopping cashback, and small tasks
- Payout: SB points convert to gift cards or PayPal
- Pros:
- Reliable payouts
- Lots of ways to earn beyond surveys
- Cons:
- Surveys can screen you out midway (super annoying)
- Points system isn’t always intuitive
Still, Swagbucks has been around forever, and if you’re just messing around while watching TV, it’s a decent side hustle snack.
Selling Stuff — Photos, Clothes, and More
If your camera roll is 90% latte art and sunset pics, or your closet could use a purge, there’s money waiting for you.
3. Foap
- What it does: Upload your photos and videos, and brands can buy them for use in campaigns
- Payout: $5 per photo sold (split 50/50 with Foap)
- Pros:
- Super easy to use
- Brands sometimes post “missions” with higher payouts
- Cons:
- Your pics really have to be good (think quality and creativity)
- Sales aren’t guaranteed — it’s more passive than active
Hint: Photos of “real people doing real things” tend to sell best.
4. Poshmark & Mercari
Got a pile of clothes you swear you’ll wear again (but never do)? Time to flip them.
- What they do: Online marketplaces for secondhand clothing, gadgets, household items
- Payout: You set the price, platform takes a cut (Mercari: ~10%, Poshmark: flat $2.95 under $15, then 20%)
- Pros:
- Millions of users = higher chances of sales
- Easy shipping labels and tracking
- Cons:
- You have to ship stuff yourself
- Buyer drama happens occasionally
People are way more comfortable buying pre-loved stuff now, especially if you take solid photos and write clear descriptions. Just don’t ghost buyers. That’s the fastest way to tank your ratings.
Microtasks and Freelance Gigs — Flex Your Brain, Not Just Your Thumbs
Maybe you’ve got a few skills you can monetize in bits and pieces — writing, editing, graphic design, voice work. Or maybe you just want to earn doing quick, low-skill tasks while you’re bored on the bus.
5. TaskRabbit
- What it does: Connects people with gigs in their area — moving help, assembly, cleaning, deliveries
- Payout: Varies a ton depending on task and city; $20–$50/hr common
- Pros:
- Set your own schedule and rates
- You get paid for physical work, not phone tapping
- Cons:
- Not remote — must be willing to go places
- Initial setup and background check takes time
6. Fiverr
- What it does: Freelance marketplace for everything from social media management to drawing pet portraits
- Payout: You set your price, Fiverr takes 20%
- Pros:
- Fully remote
- Can scale from small side cash to full-time gig
- Cons:
- Super competitive
- Building your reputation takes time and hustle
Start small, price smart, and treat your gigs like a real business — even if it’s just you in sweatpants on your couch.
Play Games, Earn Rewards — But Read the Fine Print
Gaming apps that pay you to play sound awesome until you realize some want you to spend more than you earn. But not all are traps.
7. Mistplay (Android only)
- What it does: Earn points while playing new mobile games
- Payout: Points convert to gift cards
- Pros:
- No purchases required to earn
- Good for casual gamers
- Cons:
- Only works on Android
- You need to play new games to earn — not your old favorites
8. Skill-based Games (like Solitaire Cube, Blackout Bingo)
- What they do: Let you win real cash in tournaments
- Payout: Depends on your skills and entry fees
- Pros:
- Quick, fun, competitive
- Cons:
- Some games have entry fees, so don’t go wild
- Not every match guarantees a return
And yes, there are online slot games that pay too — just be mindful of RTP (return to player) percentages. If you’re curious, check out high RTP slot games online. Some of them offer better odds than you’d think, especially when compared to typical mobile games with sneaky in-app purchases.
Apps That Pay You to Drive (Or Just Move Around)
If you’re already commuting, shopping, or hitting the gym, there are apps that’ll toss you a few bucks (or at least a little something) for just… being on the move.
9. Upside (formerly GetUpside)
- What it does: Get cashback on gas, groceries, and restaurants
- Payout: Paid via PayPal or gift cards
- Pros:
- No work — just claim offers and upload receipts
- Often stacks with other discounts
- Cons:
- Not every gas station or grocery chain is included
- Payout minimums apply
10. Sweatcoin
- What it does: Counts your steps and rewards you with digital currency
- Payout: Rewards in the app’s marketplace
- Pros:
- Passive — it just runs in the background
- Encourages daily activity
- Cons:
- Rewards are hit-or-miss (some cool, some gimmicky)
- Conversion to PayPal cash is rare unless through promo offers
If you’re already hitting 10,000 steps a day, why not earn a little something?
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to launch a startup or master crypto to put your phone to work. There’s money on the table — not a fortune, but enough to make things a little easier or fun again. Whether it’s flipping a jacket you haven’t worn in two years, playing games during lunch break, or taking a survey while waiting for your food delivery, it all adds up.
Choose your apps like you choose snacks — the good ones should fit your life, not take it over.
Have you tried any of these apps or have one you swear by?