- In today’s digital age, earning extra income is easier than ever before, thanks to a wide range of money-making apps. Whether you want to make passive income, find a side hustle, or just earn a little extra cash in your free time, there’s an app for you. In this guide, we’ll explore the best apps to earn money, outlining how they work, their pros and cons, and who they’re best suited for.
1. Swagbucks – The All-in-One Rewards App
- Swagbucks is one of the most popular platforms for earning money online. This app allows users to earn points (called Swagbucks or SB) by performing simple tasks like:
Taking surveys
Watching videos
Shopping online
Playing games
Browsing the web
- Once you accumulate enough SB, you can redeem them for gift cards or PayPal cash. With a low cash-out threshold, Swagbucks is a great choice for people looking to make money in their spare time.
Key Features:
Numerous ways to earn rewards.
Low payout minimums (starting at $3).
Options to redeem via PayPal or gift cards to top retailers.
- Best For: Anyone looking for quick and easy ways to earn extra cash during their downtime.
2. InboxDollars – Earn Money by Doing Everyday Tasks
- InboxDollars is another platform where you can earn cash by completing tasks such as:
Reading emails
Completing surveys
Watching videos
Shopping online
- InboxDollars stands out because it pays in cash rather than points. You can also earn money through their referral program. The minimum payout threshold is $30, and payments are made via check or PayPal.
Key Features:
Multiple ways to earn cash.
Direct cash payouts instead of points.
Consistent income opportunities for small tasks.
- Best For: People who want to be paid in cash and enjoy simple online activities like taking surveys or watching videos.
3. Foap – Sell Your Photos and Earn Cash
- If you’re a photographer or just love snapping pictures, Foap allows you to make money by selling your photos. Brands, agencies, and individual users buy the photos, and Foap splits the revenue 50/50 with you. You can upload your work and sell the same image multiple times, which opens up passive income opportunities
- Foap also offers “missions” where brands ask for specific types of images, offering higher payouts for successful submissions.
Key Features:
Earn passive income by selling your photos multiple times.
High-paying missions from major brands.
Global marketplace of potential buyers.
- Best For: Photographers or anyone with a knack for taking high-quality images, looking to turn their hobby into cash.
4. Airbnb – Rent Out Space and Earn Big
- Airbnb is a well-known platform that allows users to rent out spare rooms, properties, or even unique spaces to travelers. Whether you have an extra room in your house or an entire property to rent, Airbnb lets you earn money by hosting guests. With flexible scheduling, you can rent your space when it’s convenient for you.
- Additionally, Airbnb now offers the ability to host experiences, such as guided tours or local workshops, for an extra income stream.
Key Features:
- High earning potential in tourist-heavy areas.
- Flexible scheduling and pricing options.
- Airbnb Experiences offer an additional way to make money.
- Best For: Homeowners with extra space who want to make money from short-term rentals.
5. Uber and Lyft – Drive and Earn
- Both Uber and Lyft offer excellent opportunities for people to earn money by driving others. These ridesharing apps allow you to set your schedule, meaning you can work as much or as little as you want. Earnings vary based on your location, but drivers often benefit from surge pricing during busy times and receive tips from passengers.
- These apps also offer incentives for completing a set number of rides, which can boost your overall income.
Key Features:
Flexible work hours.
High earning potential during peak times.
Ability to earn extra income from tips and bonuses.
- Best For: People who enjoy driving and want the flexibility to earn money on their own schedule.
6. TaskRabbit – Get Paid for Helping Others
- TaskRabbit is a platform that connects freelancers with people who need help with various everyday tasks, such as:
Furniture assembly
Cleaning
Moving and packing
Running errands
- With TaskRabbit, you can set your own rates and schedule, offering complete control over how much you work. This app is ideal for people who are handy, organized, or looking for quick side gigs.
Key Features:
High earning potential for skilled tasks.
Flexible hours and the ability to set your own rates.
Wide range of available tasks.
- Best For: People who enjoy hands-on work and want flexible, short-term gigs.
7. Upwork – Freelancing at Its Best
- If you’re skilled in areas like writing, design, programming, or marketing, Upwork is one of the top platforms for finding freelance work. You can create a profile, showcase your skills, and bid on projects. The more you work, the more credibility and reviews you’ll earn, allowing you to land higher-paying gigs over time.
- While Upwork takes a percentage of your earnings (typically 5%-20%), it offers access to a large pool of clients, making it a great option for long-term freelancing.
Key Features:
Access to a global client base.
Ability to build long-term relationships with clients.
Great for remote work across various industries.
- Best For: Freelancers who are looking for remote work in fields such as writing, design, or tech.
8. Survey Junkie – Get Paid for Sharing Your Opinions
- Survey Junkie allows users to earn money by taking surveys on a variety of topics. You accumulate points for every survey you complete, and those points can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. Survey Junkie is straightforward, requiring no special skills, making it an ideal app for people looking for easy, passive income.
Key Features:
Quick and simple surveys.
Cash-out options via PayPal or gift cards.
Suitable for all skill levels.
- Best For: Individuals looking for quick and easy ways to make money in their spare time by sharing their opinions.
9. Rakuten – Earn Cashback on Everyday Purchases
- Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) is a cashback app that rewards users for shopping at participating stores. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, Rakuten gives you a percentage of your total purchase back. The app partners with thousands of retailers, making it one of the easiest ways to earn cashback on everyday purchases.
- Payments are made quarterly via check or PayPal.
Key Features:
Cashback on both online and in-store purchases.
Wide selection of participating retailers.
Referral bonuses for inviting friends.
- Best For: Shoppers who want to earn cashback on their everyday purchases without changing their spending habits.
10. Acorns – Save and Invest Automatically
- Acorns is a micro-investing app that helps users save and invest their spare change automatically. Whenever you make a purchase, Acorns rounds up the amount and invests the difference in a diversified portfolio. Over time, these small contributions can grow significantly.
- Acorns is ideal for those who want to start investing without much effort and is perfect for beginners looking to build long-term wealth.
Key Features:
Automatic micro-investments.
Suitable for beginner investors.
Simple, hands-off saving.
- Best For: Individuals looking to save and invest in small amounts over time, with minimal effort.
Conclusion
- There are countless apps out there designed to help you earn extra money, whether it’s through freelancing, ridesharing, renting out space, or simply completing tasks online. The best app for you will depend on your skills, availability, and preferences. Try out a few of these options, and start turning your smartphone into a money-making machine today!
