12 Best Survey Sites That Actually Pay Well: Boost Your Income With These Side Hustle Options
Looking to make some extra cash in your spare time? Online surveys can be a simple way to earn money from home.
Many companies want to know what consumers think, and they’re willing to pay for your opinions.
You can earn real money by sharing your thoughts on products and services through paid survey sites. These platforms connect you with businesses seeking feedback.
While you won’t get rich quick, taking surveys can be an easy side hustle to boost your income.
With so many options out there, it helps to know which survey sites are worth your time and actually pay well.
1) Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a top choice for making extra cash in your free time.
You can earn rewards for doing simple tasks like taking surveys, watching videos, and shopping online.
It’s easy to get started.
Just sign up for free and you’ll have access to a variety of ways to earn points called SB.
These points can be traded for gift cards or cash via PayPal.
The surveys on Swagbucks are pretty decent.
You can earn between $0.50 to $3 per survey.
The best part? You’ll often qualify for multiple surveys each day.
But surveys aren’t the only way to make money on Swagbucks.
You can also earn by playing games, searching the web, or even just installing their browser extension.
One cool feature is the ability to earn cashback when you shop online.
It’s like getting paid to buy stuff you were going to buy anyway.
Swagbucks has a good reputation for actually paying out.
They’ve given over $500 million in rewards to their members so far.
Remember, you won’t get rich quick with Swagbucks.
But it’s a legit way to earn some extra spending money in your downtime.
Give it a try and see how much you can earn!
2) Survey Junkie
Want to make some extra cash in your spare time? Survey Junkie might be just what you’re looking for.
It’s a free online platform that pays you for sharing your opinions.
You can earn money by completing surveys about products and services.
Big companies use these surveys to get feedback and test new ideas.
Survey Junkie is easy to use.
You sign up, fill out your profile, and start taking surveys.
Each survey pays between $0.50 and $3, depending on its length and complexity.
You earn points for every survey you finish.
Once you reach 500 points, you can cash out.
That’s equal to $5.
You can get paid via PayPal, gift cards, or bank transfer.
The site has a good reputation.
It has a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from over 44,000 users.
That’s pretty impressive for a survey site.
Keep in mind, you won’t get rich from Survey Junkie.
But it’s a legit way to earn some extra pocket money.
You can take surveys while watching TV or during your lunch break.
Remember to be honest in your responses.
This helps ensure you get matched with surveys that fit your profile.
It also helps maintain the quality of the research data.
3) Vindale Research
Looking to make some extra cash in your spare time? Vindale Research might be worth checking out.
This survey site pays you for sharing your opinions on various products and services.
Vindale Research offers a simple way to earn money online.
You just need to sign up, fill out your profile, and start taking surveys.
The more surveys you complete, the more money you can make.
One cool thing about Vindale is that they pay in real cash, not points.
You’ll know exactly how much each survey is worth before you start.
This makes it easier to track your earnings.
The payout threshold is $50, which is higher than some other sites.
But don’t worry, you can reach this amount faster than you might think.
Vindale often has high-paying surveys available.
You can also earn by watching videos, reading emails, and referring friends.
These extra options help you boost your earnings beyond just taking surveys.
Vindale Research works well as a side hustle.
You can do surveys while watching TV, waiting for appointments, or during your lunch break.
It’s a flexible way to earn some extra spending money.
Remember, consistency is key with survey sites.
Set aside a little time each day to check for new surveys.
This way, you’ll maximize your chances of qualifying for the best-paying ones.
4) Pinecone Research
Want to make some extra cash? Pinecone Research might be your ticket.
This survey site has been around for over 20 years and has built a solid reputation.
You can earn points for each survey you complete.
The best part? Each survey pays a minimum of $1, which is pretty sweet compared to some other sites.
Pinecone Research is owned by Nielsen, a big name in market research.
This gives them some serious cred in the survey world.
One cool thing about Pinecone is that you get to influence future products and services.
Your opinions could shape what ends up on store shelves!
The surveys usually take about 10-20 minutes to finish.
That’s not too bad for a buck or more, right?
You’ve got options when it comes to cashing out.
You can choose from PayPal, gift cards, or even have the money sent straight to your bank account.
Keep in mind that Pinecone Research is invite-only.
This means you might have to wait for an opening before you can join.
But don’t let that stop you from giving it a shot!
While it won’t make you rich, Pinecone Research can be a nice way to earn some extra spending money in your free time.
Just don’t quit your day job for it!
5) InboxDollars
Want to make some extra cash in your spare time? InboxDollars might be worth checking out.
This popular survey site lets you earn money for simple tasks you already do online.
You can make money by taking surveys, watching videos, and even playing games.
It’s a fun way to pad your wallet while relaxing at home.
One cool thing about InboxDollars is that they give you a $5 signup bonus just for joining.
That’s free money right off the bat!
The site has a good reputation too.
It’s got a 4.2 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot with over 38,000 reviews.
That’s pretty impressive.
When you’re ready to cash out, InboxDollars offers several options.
You can get paid via PayPal, gift cards, or even a good old-fashioned check in the mail.
There’s a $30 minimum payout, which might take a bit to reach.
But once you do, you become a Gold Member.
This means faster payments and some extra perks.
InboxDollars isn’t going to make you rich overnight.
But it’s a legit way to earn some extra spending money.
You might even have fun doing it!
6) MyPoints
Want to earn rewards while shopping online? MyPoints might be the survey site for you.
It’s been around for over 20 years and has paid out millions to its members.
You can earn points by taking surveys, but that’s not all.
MyPoints lets you rack up rewards for everyday online shopping too.
Just click through their links to your favorite stores and watch the points add up.
Feeling lazy? You can even earn by watching videos or printing coupons.
It’s an easy way to make a little extra cash on the side without much effort.
When you’re ready to cash out, MyPoints gives you options.
You can transfer your points for gift cards to popular retailers.
Or if you prefer cold, hard cash, go for a PayPal payout instead.
Keep in mind, you won’t get rich quick with MyPoints.
But if you’re already shopping online, why not earn some rewards while you’re at it? It’s a simple way to put a few extra bucks in your pocket each month.
Just remember to read the terms carefully.
Some offers have specific requirements to earn points.
And don’t go overboard with spending just to earn rewards.
Stick to your regular shopping habits and let the points accumulate naturally.
7) Opinion Outpost
Opinion Outpost is a popular survey site that can help you earn some extra cash in your spare time.
It’s free to join and easy to use, making it a great side hustle option.
You can take surveys on various topics and get paid for sharing your opinions.
The surveys are usually short, taking about 10-15 minutes to complete.
The pay varies, but you can expect to earn between $0.50 and $5 per survey.
Some special surveys might even pay up to $10 or $20, depending on your demographics.
Opinion Outpost uses a point system.
Each point is worth 10 cents, so a 25-point survey would earn you $2.50.
This is pretty straightforward compared to some other survey sites.
When it’s time to cash out, you have several options.
You can choose PayPal, e-gift cards, or even a prepaid Visa card.
The minimum payout is $15, which is lower than many other survey sites.
One nice feature is that Opinion Outpost lets you donate your earnings to charity if you prefer.
It’s a cool way to give back while doing your side hustle.
The site is legit and has over 2 million users worldwide.
It’s owned by a reputable market research company, so you can trust that you’ll actually get paid for your time.
Remember, while Opinion Outpost can be a decent way to earn some extra cash, it won’t replace a full-time job.
But for a flexible side gig you can do from home, it’s worth checking out.
8) Toluna
Want to make some extra cash in your spare time? Toluna might be worth a look.
It’s a survey site that lets you earn points for sharing your opinions.
Toluna offers a variety of surveys on different topics.
You can take them on your computer or phone whenever you have a few minutes free.
The site pays you in points for each survey you complete.
These points can be exchanged for cash via PayPal or gift cards.
You’ll need to build up a minimum amount before cashing out.
How much can you expect to earn? In tests, Toluna paid about $3.43 per hour.
Your actual earnings may vary based on factors like your age and background.
One downside is that you might not qualify for every survey.
Tests showed a 64% disqualification rate.
But don’t let that discourage you – there are usually plenty of surveys available.
Toluna is open to people in over 20 countries.
You need to be at least 18 years old to join.
It’s a legit way to make some extra money, but don’t expect to get rich quick.
Remember, taking surveys is just one way Toluna lets you earn.
They also have polls and other activities that can boost your points balance.
9) Branded Surveys
Want to make some extra cash in your free time? Branded Surveys might be just the ticket.
This site lets you earn money by sharing your thoughts on products and services.
Getting started is a breeze.
You’ll even get 50 points just for signing up.
Then, you’ll snag another 50 points after finishing your first survey.
It’s like a welcome bonus to kick things off.
Most surveys on Branded Surveys pay between $0.50 and $5.
That’s not too shabby for giving your opinion on stuff.
You can cash out once you hit 500 points, which equals $5.
The best part? You can get your money through PayPal or even grab some gift cards.
It’s up to you how you want to treat yourself with your earnings.
Some folks have reported making $10 to $25 a month by doing a few surveys each day.
That could cover a nice dinner out or help with your streaming subscriptions.
Don’t expect to get rich quick, though.
It’s more of a way to pad your wallet while you’re chilling at home.
Plus, Branded Surveys has paid out over $19.5 million to users like you.
Remember to keep your profile up to date.
This helps you get matched with more surveys that fit you.
The more surveys you qualify for, the more chances you have to earn.
10) Prolific
Prolific stands out as a top-notch survey site that can boost your side hustle income.
This platform connects you with researchers who need participants for academic studies.
You’ll find a wide range of surveys on Prolific.
Topics can include psychology, consumer behavior, and social issues.
The best part? You get paid for every survey you complete.
Prolific pays well compared to other survey sites.
Most studies offer at least $6 per hour, with some paying even more.
This means your time is valued fairly.
One great feature of Prolific is its transparency.
You’ll see exactly how long each survey should take and how much you’ll earn before you start.
This helps you pick the surveys that fit your schedule and pay goals.
Getting paid is easy too.
Once you reach £5 (about $6.50), you can cash out via PayPal.
The money usually arrives in your account within a few days.
Prolific also has a user-friendly interface.
It’s easy to see available surveys and track your earnings.
Plus, you can use it on your computer or phone, making it convenient for earning on the go.
Keep in mind that survey availability can vary.
Some days you might find lots of options, while other days could be slower.
But with patience, Prolific can be a solid way to make extra cash in your spare time.
11) YouGov
YouGov is a popular survey site that can help you make some extra cash in your spare time.
It’s known for its political polls, but they cover many other topics too.
When you sign up, you’ll get emails about new surveys.
Most of these take between 5 and 15 minutes to finish.
It’s rare to see one that’s longer than 20 minutes.
You earn points for each survey you complete.
These points can be traded for cash or gift cards.
The payout threshold is high, but you can usually reach it every six months or so.
One cool thing about YouGov is that they work in over 40 consumer markets.
This means you might get surveys about finance, health, electronics, and more.
The downside? Some users say it can take a while to earn enough for a payout.
But if you’re patient, it can be a decent way to make some extra money.
YouGov has mixed reviews online.
While some people like it, others have had issues.
The company has an F rating with the Better Business Bureau, mostly due to customer complaints.
Despite this, many users find YouGov to be legit and interesting.
If you enjoy sharing your opinions and don’t mind waiting for payouts, it could be worth a try.
Remember, survey sites won’t make you rich.
But YouGov could be a fun way to earn a little extra cash while sharing your thoughts on various topics.
12) LifePoints
LifePoints is a popular survey site that can help you earn some extra cash in your spare time.
You can join this online community and share your opinions on various topics.
The site offers surveys that typically pay up to 125 points and take about 20 minutes to complete.
Many surveys pay 75 points and only need 10 minutes of your time.
You can start earning rewards once you’re 16 years old.
This makes LifePoints a good option if you’re a teen looking for a side hustle.
LifePoints sets itself apart by offering some of the highest-paying surveys.
If you’re consistent, you could potentially earn over $200 a month.
To maximize your earnings, respond quickly to survey invites.
Be honest in your feedback and try to complete surveys before they reach their quota.
LifePoints is known for being reliable. Many users find it cool and proven to pay, which is important when you’re looking for a trustworthy side gig.
While it takes time to build up points, patience can pay off.
If you stick with it and answer surveys regularly, you’ll see your rewards grow.
Remember, LifePoints is just one of many survey sites out there.
It’s a good idea to sign up for multiple sites to increase your earning potential.
How To Maximize Your Earnings
Want to make the most money from online surveys? It’s all about being smart with your time and effort.
Here are some key tips to boost your earnings.
Profile Completion
Fill out your profile info completely on survey sites.
This helps match you with more surveys.
Be honest about your demographics, interests, and habits.
Many sites give bonus points just for finishing your profile.
Update it regularly to stay current.
Some places even offer special high-paying surveys only to members with full profiles.
Don’t skip any sections.
The more details you provide, the better your chances of qualifying for surveys.
This can lead to more invites and higher payouts over time.
Survey Timing
Timing is crucial when it comes to taking surveys for money.
Check for new surveys early in the morning or late at night.
These off-peak hours often have less competition.
Set up email alerts so you don’t miss out on high-paying opportunities.
Act fast when you get an invite – the best surveys fill up quickly.
Try to complete surveys soon after they’re posted.
Some sites offer bonuses for quick responses.
Avoid rushing through questions, though.
Careful, thoughtful answers can lead to more survey invites in the future.
Consider using a survey router.
This tool can match you with surveys you’re likely to qualify for, saving you time and boosting your earnings.
Payment Methods Explained
Survey sites offer different ways to get your earnings.
You can choose the option that works best for you.
Some methods are faster than others.
PayPal
PayPal is a popular choice for getting paid from survey sites.
It’s quick and easy to use.
Many sites let you cash out to PayPal once you reach a certain amount, often $5 or $10.
With PayPal, you can:
- Transfer money to your bank account
- Use it for online shopping
- Send money to friends and family
Some sites, like Swagbucks, offer PayPal as a payment option.
Keep in mind that PayPal may charge fees for certain transactions.
Gift Cards
Gift cards are another common payment method.
You can often choose from popular retailers like Amazon, Target, or Walmart.
Some benefits of gift cards:
- No fees to cash out
- Can be used for everyday purchases
- Sometimes offered at a discount
PrizeRebel is one site that offers gift cards as a reward.
Gift cards are great if you shop at specific stores often.
Bank Transfers
Direct bank transfers are less common but still offered by some survey sites.
This method puts cash straight into your account.
Things to know about bank transfers:
- May take a few days to process
- Usually requires a higher minimum payout
- Might need to provide your bank details
Prime Opinion is an example of a site that offers bank transfers.
This option is good if you prefer having cash directly in your account.
