Why Take Online Surveys?
Online surveys are a fantastic way to earn money without needing any special skills or experience. Whether you’re working full-time, studying, or just looking for something to do in your free time, surveys offer a simple way to earn a bit of cash while you’re at it. Here’s why surveys are a great side hustle:
- Flexibility: You can take surveys at any time, anywhere – whether you’re on your lunch break, watching TV, or lying in bed.
- No experience required: You don’t need specific skills to complete surveys. Your honest opinions are all that’s needed.
- Extra cash: While you won’t get rich, surveys can help cover small expenses like groceries, gas, or that new gadget you’ve been eyeing.
While there are countless survey sites, not all of them are equally rewarding. To help you make the most of your time, we’ve rounded up the best-paying platforms that offer real money (or gift cards) for your opinions.
1. Swagbucks – Earn Points for More Than Just Surveys
Swagbucks is one of the most well-known survey sites, and for good reason. It doesn’t just offer surveys; you can earn money by watching videos, shopping online, searching the web, and even playing games. This variety of ways to earn means you can keep your earning potential high, even if surveys are in short supply.
How it Works:
After signing up for free, you’ll start earning SB points for completing surveys, shopping through affiliate links, watching videos, and more. These points can be redeemed for PayPal cash, gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, or even donated to charity.
Earnings Potential:
Swagbucks offers surveys that pay anywhere from $0.40 to $2 per survey, depending on the length and type of survey. The real advantage of Swagbucks, though, is that you can earn in other ways – watching videos, completing daily tasks, and shopping through their portal all contribute to your earnings.
Pros:
- Multiple ways to earn, including surveys, shopping, and watching videos.
- $5 sign-up bonus to help get you started.
- High payout options, including PayPal cash and gift cards to well-known stores.
Cons:
- Some surveys may take longer than expected to qualify for.
- Surveys are not always available, so you might need to diversify your earning methods.
2. InboxDollars – Earn Cash for Surveys and More
InboxDollars is another popular platform that lets you earn cash for completing surveys, watching videos, reading emails, and even playing games. Unlike many other platforms, InboxDollars pays in actual cash, not points.
How it Works:
Once you sign up (and receive a $5 sign-up bonus), you can start earning money by completing surveys, reading emails, watching video ads, and trying out products. You can cash out via PayPal, get a check mailed to you, or choose from a range of gift cards.
Earnings Potential:
Surveys generally pay between $0.50 and $5 depending on the complexity and length. InboxDollars also offers other ways to earn, like reading promotional emails, completing paid offers, or signing up for free trials.
Pros:
- Pays in real cash, not points.
- $5 sign-up bonus right after registration.
- Offers multiple earning options, including surveys, email reading, and product trials.
Cons:
- You need to earn at least $30 to cash out, which may take a while.
- Some offers can require more time than you might expect.
3. Pinecone Research – High-Paying Surveys & Product Testing
Pinecone Research is an exclusive, invitation-only platform that focuses on product testing and high-quality surveys. Though it’s harder to get into, Pinecone is known for its higher payouts and reliable payment system.
How it Works:
Once you’re accepted into Pinecone Research (usually through an invite or referral link), you’ll receive surveys focused on consumer feedback and product testing. You may also be sent products to test and review. For each survey you complete, you earn points that can be redeemed for PayPal cash, checks, or other rewards.
Earnings Potential:
Each survey typically pays $3 to $5, which is much higher than most other survey platforms. The platform also offers the opportunity to test new products and keep them, which is a nice bonus.
Pros:
- High-paying surveys, typically ranging from $3 to $5 per survey.
- Fast payments – you can cash out quickly via PayPal or check.
- Opportunity to receive free products to test and keep.
Cons:
- Invitation-only, so it can be difficult to join.
- Fewer surveys available compared to other platforms.
4. LifePoints – Global Access for High-Quality Surveys
With over 40 countries covered, LifePoints is a great option for survey takers around the world. The platform offers frequent surveys on a variety of topics, making it an ideal choice for those looking for diversity in their survey opportunities.
How it Works:
After creating a free account and filling out your profile, LifePoints will match you with surveys based on your demographic information. The platform uses a point system, where you earn points for completing surveys, and you can redeem them for PayPal cash, gift cards, or even donate to charity.
Earnings Potential:
LifePoints surveys typically pay 50 to 200 points each. You’ll need 1,250 points to earn $10, so the payouts are fairly reasonable. LifePoints also offers the opportunity to test products, which can help you earn extra points.
Pros:
- Available in over 40 countries, making it a great option for international users.
- Frequent surveys and product testing opportunities.
- Wide range of reward options including PayPal and gift cards.
Cons:
- Points expire if you don’t redeem them in a timely manner.
- Some surveys may be lengthy and take more time to complete.
5. Toluna – A Community-Focused Platform with High-Quality Surveys
Toluna is a survey platform that prides itself on high-quality surveys and a large community of users. The platform offers surveys across various categories, from everyday products to political opinions and consumer feedback.
How it Works:
Toluna lets you complete surveys on a variety of topics, and you earn points for each survey you complete. You can redeem your points for PayPal cash, gift cards, or entries into sweepstakes. The more surveys you take and the more active you are, the more points you can earn.
Earnings Potential:
Most surveys pay between $0.50 to $3, and some of the higher-paying surveys can yield more. Toluna also frequently holds polls and community challenges, which offer additional ways to earn.
Pros:
- A large selection of high-quality surveys.
- Opportunity to earn gift cards, PayPal cash, or sweepstakes entries.
- A fun, community-driven experience.
Cons:
- Points can expire after a year.
- Sometimes, surveys may be longer than expected.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings from Surveys
To make the most of your time and maximize your earnings from online surveys, here are some tips:
1. Sign Up for Multiple Survey Sites
To increase your chances of qualifying for surveys, sign up for several platforms. The more sites you use, the more survey opportunities you’ll have. This will help you earn more money in a shorter amount of time.
2. Fill Out Your Profile Completely
Many platforms reward you with more survey opportunities if your profile is filled out completely. Be honest and thorough when answering demographic questions – this ensures you’re matched with surveys relevant to your background.
3. Stay Consistent
Check your survey sites daily to stay updated on new surveys. Some sites offer bonus opportunities for completing surveys regularly, so the more often you log in, the more you can earn.
4. Focus on Higher-Paying Surveys
Some surveys pay more than others. Focus on completing surveys that offer higher payouts for the time you invest. If a survey only pays $0.25 but takes 30 minutes, it might not be worth your time. Look for surveys that pay $1 or more for a similar amount of effort.
5. Refer Friends
Many platforms offer a referral program where you can earn extra cash or points by inviting friends. This is an easy way to boost your earnings without any extra effort.