How many times a day do you pick up your phone, tablet, or laptop just to scroll the internet without a specific goal in mind? According to Forbes, people now spend over 6.5 hours per day online, and adults ages 16–24 spend closer to 9 hours daily.
Now imagine redirecting just a small portion of that time toward something that actually pays.
Companies spend millions of dollars each year researching consumer opinions. They want to know what people think about their products, advertisements, websites, and brand messaging. Instead of giving that feedback for free, you can get paid for it by taking online surveys.
Online surveys are one of the easiest ways to earn extra money with minimal effort, no experience, and no upfront costs.
Why Online Surveys Are a Legit Side Hustle
Online surveys won’t replace a full-time income, but they can reliably help cover everyday expenses like:
- Cell phone bills
- Internet service
- Streaming subscriptions
- Grocery money
- Daily spending cash
Depending on the platform and survey type, payouts range from $0.50 to $100+ per survey. Some platforms even increase your earning potential the more consistently you participate.
If you’re already spending time online, surveys are an easy way to turn passive scrolling into real cash.
The Top 5 Online Survey Sites to Make Extra Money Today
These platforms are legitimate, trusted, and actively paying users right now.
1. SwagBucks
Swagbucks is one of the most popular and well-established rewards platforms available, with millions of users earning cash and gift cards every year. What makes Swagbucks stand out is the variety of ways you can earn, which allows you to stack multiple income streams in one place instead of relying on surveys alone.
Ways to Earn Money on Swagbucks
Swagbucks offers several earning options, including:
- Paid surveys on consumer products, services, and brand feedback
- Mobile and desktop games with milestone-based rewards
- Online shopping cashback at hundreds of retailers
- Receipt scanning for grocery and in-store purchases
- Watching short videos and engaging with sponsored content
This flexibility makes Swagbucks a great option for beginners because you can earn even when surveys are limited.
How Much Can You Earn on Swagbucks?
Earnings on Swagbucks vary depending on how much time you spend and which earning methods you focus on.
Typical earning ranges include:
- Surveys: $0.50 to $5 per survey, with occasional higher-paying surveys ranging from $10 to $50
- Games: $5 to $50 per game by completing tiered milestones over several days
- Cashback shopping: 1% to 10% back on purchases you are already making
- Receipt uploads: $0.10 to $2 per receipt, depending on promotions
Many casual users earn $1 to $5 per day, while more consistent users who combine surveys, games, and cashback often earn $50 to $100 per month or more.
Swagbucks is not a get-rich-quick platform, but it is one of the most reliable options for steady, low-effort extra money.
Why Mobile Games Are One of the Best Ways to Earn
One of the easiest and most profitable ways to earn on Swagbucks is through mobile games. These offers use a tiered reward system, meaning you earn points as you reach specific milestones in the game.
You can start earning simply by:
- Installing the game through Swagbucks
- Playing naturally until you hit the required levels
- Collecting rewards automatically as milestones are completed
Because games pay out over time, they are ideal for people who prefer earning passively while playing during downtime.
Swagbucks Sign-Up Bonus
New users can earn a $10 sign-up bonus after joining and completing qualifying activities. This bonus helps you reach your first payout faster and makes Swagbucks one of the easiest platforms to start earning immediately.
How You Get Paid
Swagbucks earnings can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards from major retailers, including:
- Amazon
- eBay
- Apple
- Target
- Home Depot
- Mastercard
Redemptions are simple, and payouts are reliable, making Swagbucks a trusted choice for beginners and experienced users alike.
Join Swagbucks
2. FreeCash
Freecash is a fast-growing rewards platform that has paid out over $50 million to users and is known for its quick withdrawals and flexible reward options. Unlike some survey sites that take days or weeks to pay, Freecash is designed for people who want fast, friction-free cashouts.
This platform works especially well for short pockets of time, such as waiting in line, commuting, or taking quick breaks during the day.
Ways to Earn on Freecash
Freecash offers multiple earning methods, including:
- Paid surveys from well-known research providers
- Game offers that reward you for reaching milestones
- App downloads and trials
- Partner offers and short tasks
Because Freecash pulls offers from multiple providers, there is usually a steady stream of opportunities available throughout the day.
How Much Can You Earn on Freecash?
Earnings on Freecash depend on how often you check the platform and which offers you complete.
Typical earning ranges include:
- Surveys: $0.50 to $10+, depending on length and qualification
- Game offers: $5 to $100+ by completing milestone levels over time
- App and trial offers: $1 to $20 per completed task
Casual users often earn $5 to $10 per week, while consistent users who complete higher-value game and app offers can earn $50 to $200 per month or more.
Freecash works best when combined with other survey platforms, allowing you to earn steadily without relying on a single site.
Why Freecash Is Popular
Freecash stands out from many survey sites because of its payout flexibility and speed.
Key reasons users choose Freecash include:
- Multiple payout options, including PayPal cash, cryptocurrency, e-gift cards, and gaming skins
- Low cashout minimums, starting at just $2
- Fast withdrawal processing, often completed within minutes
Most withdrawals process in 5 to 10 minutes, and PayPal payments typically arrive within 24 hours, making Freecash one of the fastest-paying platforms available.
How to Maximize Your Earnings on Freecash
To earn more on Freecash without spending extra time:
- Focus on higher-paying game offers rather than low-pay surveys
- Complete profile information to qualify for better surveys
- Check the platform multiple times per day for new offers
- Prioritize offers with clear milestone payouts
Using these strategies helps increase your payout while avoiding low-value tasks.
Start Earning on Freecash
Create a free account and start earning right away!
3. InBox Dollars
InboxDollars is one of the longest-running and most trusted survey platforms available today. Over the past 25 years, the platform has paid out more than $1.2 billion to users, making it one of the most established names in the paid surveys and rewards space.
InboxDollars is especially appealing to users who want simple tasks, clear payouts, and traditional payment options.
Ways to Earn Money on InboxDollars
InboxDollars offers multiple ways to earn extra money, including:
- Paid surveys covering products, services, and consumer behavior
- Online shopping cashback at partner retailers
- Reading promotional emails, which often pay just for opening them
- Watching videos and sponsored content
Because InboxDollars pays in cash instead of points, it’s easier for beginners to understand exactly how much they are earning.
How Much Can You Earn on InboxDollars?
Earnings on InboxDollars vary depending on activity level and task selection.
Typical earning ranges include:
- Surveys: $0.50 to $5 per survey, with some higher-paying surveys offering $10 or more
- Emails: $0.02 to $0.05 per email
- Videos: Small amounts per video that can add up over time
- Shopping cashback: Varies by retailer and promotion
Casual users may earn $5 to $15 per month, while consistent users who check the platform daily can earn $30 to $100+ per month, especially when combining surveys with shopping offers.
InboxDollars works best as a steady, low-effort income source rather than a fast-cash platform.
Why InboxDollars Stands Out
InboxDollars is one of the few survey platforms that still allows users to receive payment by mailed check, making it a great option for those who prefer traditional payout methods.
Other benefits include:
- Clear cash payouts instead of confusing point systems
- Long-standing reputation and reliability
- Multiple payout options for flexibility
How You Get Paid
Once you reach the payout threshold, you can choose from the following reward options:
- PayPal cash
- Mailed checks
- eGift cards to popular retailers
All eGift cards are delivered electronically by email. Physical gift cards are not available.
Create a Free InboxDollars Account
4. Paid ViewPoint
PaidViewpoint is a survey platform that specializes in short, high-quality surveys that pay consistently. Unlike many survey sites that frequently disqualify users after several minutes, PaidViewpoint focuses on transparency and efficiency.
Founded in 2008, the platform built its reputation by valuing users’ time. Once you qualify for a survey, you are rarely disqualified, which makes it one of the least frustrating survey platforms available.
Why PaidViewpoint Works Well
PaidViewpoint stands out because it removes many of the common pain points associated with online surveys.
Key benefits include:
- Very short surveys, often taking under one minute to complete
- Clear payout amounts shown upfront before you begin
- Minimal disqualifications, saving time and frustration
Because of this structure, PaidViewpoint is especially appealing to users who want fast, predictable earnings.
How Much Can You Earn on PaidViewpoint?
PaidViewpoint surveys typically pay based on length and complexity.
Typical earning ranges include:
- Short surveys: $0.50 to $1.50
- Longer surveys: $2 to $5+
It is possible to earn around $1.50 in less than one minute, which makes PaidViewpoint one of the highest-paying survey platforms on a per-minute basis.
Most users earn $5 to $20 per month using PaidViewpoint casually, while consistent users who respond quickly to survey invitations may earn $30 to $60 per month over time.
PaidViewpoint works best as a supplemental survey site that you check regularly rather than a primary income source.
How You Get Paid
PaidViewpoint pays users in cash via PayPal, which keeps the payout process simple and reliable.
There are no confusing point systems or gift card restrictions. Once you reach the payout threshold, you can request payment directly to your PayPal account.
Tips to Maximize Earnings on PaidViewpoint
To get the most out of PaidViewpoint:
- Complete your profile accurately to receive more survey invitations
- Enable email notifications so you can respond quickly
- Check the platform daily, even if surveys are limited
Because surveys fill quickly, being prompt can significantly increase your monthly earnings.
Join PaidViewpoint
Create a free account and join millions who are getting paid to speak their mind!
5. YouGov
YouGov is one of the largest and most reputable research networks in the world, with more than 26 million registered members across multiple countries. Governments, major corporations, and global media outlets rely on YouGov data, which gives the platform strong credibility compared to many smaller survey sites.
Because of its reputation, YouGov surveys tend to be higher quality and more engaging than average online surveys.
What YouGov Surveys Are About
YouGov surveys often focus on meaningful and timely topics, including:
- Brands and consumer products
- Politics and current events
- Public opinion and social trends
- Consumer behavior and lifestyle choices
Many users find YouGov surveys more interesting than typical product-only surveys, which makes participation feel less repetitive.
How Much Can You Earn on YouGov?
YouGov pays users with points that can be redeemed for cash or rewards.
Typical earning expectations include:
- Surveys: $0.50 to $5 per survey, depending on length and topic
- Higher-value surveys: Occasional opportunities paying more for in-depth research
While YouGov does not always offer as many surveys as some platforms, the surveys that are available often pay more per minute.
Many users earn $5 to $20 per month casually, while consistent participants who respond quickly to survey invitations may earn $25 to $50 per month over time.
YouGov is best used as a supplemental platform alongside faster-paying survey sites.
Tracking Your Progress and Earnings
One standout feature of YouGov is its real-time progress dashboard. As you complete surveys, your point total updates instantly, allowing you to track progress toward your next payout.
This transparency helps users stay motivated and plan their earnings more effectively.
Why YouGov Is Worth Joining
YouGov stands out because of:
- Its long-standing reputation and trustworthiness
- Engaging survey topics
- Clear progress tracking and rewards system
While payouts may take longer to accumulate, YouGov offers a reliable and legitimate way to earn extra money for sharing your opinions.
Get Started With YouGov
Are Online Surveys Really Worth It?
Online surveys are not a get-rich-quick scheme, but they are one of the easiest and lowest-risk ways to earn extra money online.
By signing up for multiple platforms, staying consistent, and choosing surveys wisely, you can realistically cover everyday expenses or build a steady side income stream.
If you’re already online every day, you might as well get paid for it.
