Let me be straight with you. A few years ago, I was skeptical about the idea of earning real money through a phone app. It sounded like one of those things that looked good on paper but delivered nothing in practice. Then inflation started eating into my budget, and I decided to actually test some of these apps myself — not just read about them, but genuinely use them for weeks at a time.
What I found surprised me. Some of these apps are genuinely useful. Not "quit your job" useful, but "cover your Netflix subscription and then some" useful. A few of them I still use regularly today. Others I dropped after a week because they simply were not worth my time.
In this guide, I am going to walk you through the best apps to earn money online that I have personally tested or thoroughly researched. I will tell you what each one does, how much you can realistically expect to earn, who it is best suited for, and what the catch is — because there is always something worth knowing before you invest your time.
Whether you have fifteen minutes a day or a couple of hours to spare, there is something on this list that fits your schedule and your lifestyle. Let us get into it.
Why Use Apps to Earn Money Online?
Before diving into the list, it is worth understanding why mobile earning apps have become so popular — and why they actually make sense as a side income strategy.
With inflation still affecting household budgets around the world, the desire for supplemental income has grown significantly. Traditional side jobs — driving for a rideshare service, freelancing, tutoring — require a specific skill set, a reliable schedule, or physical presence. Not everyone has those luxuries.
Money-making apps, on the other hand, offer something different:
- Flexibility: You work when you want, for as long as you want. There is no boss, no shift, no commitment.
- Zero upfront cost: The vast majority of legitimate earning apps are free to download and use.
- Low barrier to entry: You do not need a degree, a portfolio, or any special experience to get started.
- Passive and active earning options: Some apps require active participation like filling out surveys or selling items. Others run quietly in the background and reward you for things you already do, like walking or shopping.
That said, these apps are not a replacement for a steady income. Think of them as a financial supplement — a way to turn idle time or everyday habits into a small but consistent stream of extra cash. With that framing in mind, here are the apps that genuinely deliver.
The 9 Best Apps to Earn Money Online in 2024
1. Toluna — Get Paid to Share Your Opinion
If you have ever wondered whether brands actually care what ordinary people think, the answer is yes — and some of them will pay you for it. That is the core idea behind Toluna, one of the most established paid survey platforms available on both Android and iOS.
Toluna calls its users "Influencers," and the label is more accurate than it sounds. Major consumer brands use the data collected from these surveys to guide real product decisions — things like packaging design, pricing strategy, and advertising direction. Your opinion genuinely has commercial value, and Toluna converts that value into points you can exchange for rewards.
What sets Toluna apart from many survey apps is the variety of ways you can earn. Beyond standard surveys, the platform includes product reviews, community polls, interactive challenges, and even casual games — all of which contribute to your points balance. Once you have accumulated enough points, you can redeem them for gift cards from major retailers, enter sweepstakes for bigger prizes, or request a direct cash payout.
Who Is It For?
Toluna works best for people who enjoy giving feedback and have opinions about everyday products and services. If you tend to be selective about purchases and think critically about brands, you will likely find the surveys engaging rather than tedious.
Realistic Earnings
Earnings vary based on survey availability in your region and how often you participate. Most active users report earning between ten and thirty dollars per month when engaging consistently. It will not replace a paycheck, but it is genuinely easy money for time you might otherwise spend scrolling social media.
Key Features
- Multiple ways to earn points beyond surveys, including games and product reviews
- Points redeemable for cash, gift cards, or contest entries
- Active community with discussion boards and challenges
- Available on Android and iOS
Cost
Free to download and use. No payment required at any point.
2. Acorns — Invest Your Spare Change Without Thinking About It
Most people do not invest because they feel like they do not have enough money to get started, or because the whole process feels intimidating. Acorns was built specifically to address both of those obstacles.
Here is how it works. Every time you make a purchase with a linked card, Acorns automatically rounds the transaction up to the nearest dollar and invests the difference. Buy a coffee for $3.60, and Acorns invests $0.40 without you lifting a finger. It is sometimes called "micro- investing," and the principle behind it is simple: small, consistent contributions add up over time in ways that feel effortless.
The invested funds go into a diversified portfolio of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) curated by financial experts. You do not have to pick stocks or understand the market. You just connect your accounts, set your risk preference, and let the app do the work. You can also set up recurring investments or deposit lump sums whenever you want.
Beyond round-ups, Acorns has a feature called "Found Money," where partnered brands like Nike and Chevron automatically invest a percentage of your purchase back into your Acorns account. It is essentially cashback that goes straight into your investment portfolio.
Who Is It For?
Acorns is ideal for people who want to start building wealth but feel overwhelmed by traditional investing. It is also excellent for younger users who are building financial habits from scratch. If you spend regularly with a debit or credit card, the round-up feature will work quietly in the background with almost no effort on your part.
Realistic Earnings
This depends heavily on how much you invest and how long you stay invested. Acorns is not a get-rich-quick tool — it is a long-term wealth-building instrument. The value comes from compound growth over months and years, not overnight returns.
Key Features
- Automatic round-up investing from everyday purchases
- Expertly built diversified ETF portfolios
- Acorns Later: a retirement account option
- Acorns Early: investment accounts for children
- Educational content on investing through articles and videos
- Bank-grade security with SIPC protection
Pricing
- Lite — $1/month: One investment account
- Personal — $3/month: Investment account, retirement account, and checking account
- Family — $5/month: Everything in Personal plus an early investment account for children
3. Mistplay — Earn Rewards by Playing Mobile Games
Imagine getting rewarded for doing something you already enjoy. That is the basic pitch behind Mistplay, an app that pays Android users to play mobile games.
The way Mistplay works is fairly straightforward. The platform maintains a curated list of games spanning genres like strategy, card games, puzzle, and casual games. For each game you play, you earn units — Mistplay's internal reward currency. The longer and more consistently you play, the more units you accumulate. Those units can then be redeemed for gift cards from platforms like Amazon, Google Play, Steam, and various retail stores.
Mistplay is not magic. The earnings per hour are modest, and you will not be replacing any income with it. But if you already spend time playing games on your phone, having an app quietly track that time and reward you for it is a genuinely smart use of your existing habits.
One thing worth noting: Mistplay is currently available only to Android users. If you are on iOS, you will need to look at other options on this list.
Who Is It For?
This app is best suited for people who already play mobile games regularly and would like to get something back for their time. It is also a good option for anyone looking to discover new games, since Mistplay's recommendation engine surfaces titles based on your preferences.
Realistic Earnings
Most users earn between five and fifty dollars per month depending on how much time they invest. The app itself caps earnings at $50 per month for standard users.
Key Features
- Personalized game recommendations based on your interests
- Units earned scale with time spent playing and game loyalty
- Gift card redemptions from popular platforms
- In-app chat to connect with other players
- Avatar system with achievement badges
- Referral program: earn bonus units when friends join through your link
Cost
Completely free to download and use. Available on Google Play for Android users.
4. Swagbucks — The Most Versatile Money-Making App Available
If I had to recommend just one app from this entire list to someone who wanted maximum flexibility and the widest variety of earning options, it would be Swagbucks.
Swagbucks has been around since 2008, which in the world of online earning platforms is essentially an eternity. The fact that it has maintained its reputation and user base for that long tells you something important: it actually delivers on its promises.
The platform rewards you in its own currency, called SB points, which can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards from hundreds of major retailers. What makes Swagbucks stand out is the sheer number of ways you can earn those points:
- Online Shopping: Shop through Swagbucks at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Starbucks and earn a percentage back in SB points.
- Surveys: Participate in paid surveys (including "Gold Surveys" which are higher-value and clearly labeled with estimated time and payout).
- Watching Videos: Earn points by watching short video clips on topics ranging from news and entertainment to cooking and sports.
- Web Searching: Use the Swagbucks-enhanced search engine (powered by Yahoo) and earn random SB bonuses for searches.
- Playing Games: Earn points through in-app games and by making in-game purchases.
- Exclusive Offers: Take advantage of limited-time promotions that can deliver significant point bonuses.
- Referrals: Earn a percentage of your referred friend's lifetime earnings — one of the most sustainable long-term strategies on the platform.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the low withdrawal threshold. You can cash out as soon as you have accumulated the equivalent of just $3, which means you do not have to wait months before seeing any return on your time.
Who Is It For?
Swagbucks works for nearly anyone. Whether you prefer taking surveys, watching videos, or shopping online, there is an earning method that fits your habits. It is also available in multiple countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, and several others.
Realistic Earnings
Casual users typically earn anywhere from five to twenty dollars per month. Power users who actively pursue higher-paying surveys, stack promotional offers, and leverage referrals can earn significantly more — some report over one hundred dollars monthly.
Key Features
- Multiple earning methods in a single platform
- Gold Surveys with clear time and payout estimates upfront
- Daily survey option for a quick daily SB bonus
- Low withdrawal threshold of $3
- $10 sign-up bonus for new members
- Available on Android and iOS
Cost
Free to sign up. New users receive a $10 bonus upon registration, which gives you a head start before you have even completed your first task.
5. Robinhood — Commission-Free Investing for Everyone
There was a time when investing in the stock market felt like something reserved for wealthy people with financial advisors and brokerage accounts that charged fees on every transaction. Robinhood changed that narrative in a meaningful way.
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Robinhood democratized investing by eliminating commissions entirely. You can buy and sell stocks, options, and cryptocurrencies without paying a single fee per trade. For someone just starting out who wants to put twenty dollars into a stock without losing a chunk of it to brokerage fees, this matters a great deal.
The mobile app is clean, intuitive, and genuinely easy to navigate even if you have never invested before. You can browse stocks, view price charts, read news tied to specific companies, and execute trades within a few taps. Robinhood also offers fractional shares, meaning you can invest in companies like Apple or Tesla without having to buy a full share.
New users who sign up through a referral link receive a free stock — the value of which ranges from $2.00 to $225.00, assigned randomly. You can sell the stock immediately and transfer the proceeds to your bank account if you choose. It is a genuine cash bonus just for opening an account, which makes Robinhood one of the more straightforward opportunities on this list for people who want an immediate return.
Who Is It For?
Robinhood is particularly well-suited for beginner investors who want a simple, low-cost way to enter the market. It is also a strong option for more experienced traders who want a clean mobile interface without paying per-trade commissions.
Realistic Earnings
Earnings depend entirely on your investment decisions and market performance. Robinhood itself does not generate income — it is the vehicle through which you invest. As with all investing, there is risk involved, and results are not guaranteed.
Key Features
- Zero commissions on stocks, options, and cryptocurrency trades
- Fractional shares available — invest any dollar amount
- Free stock for new users who sign up via referral
- Clean, beginner-friendly mobile interface
- Wide asset selection including crypto and options
- Robinhood Gold: a premium subscription with additional research tools and margin investing
Cost
Free to use. Robinhood Gold is available for $5 per month for users who want advanced features, but the standard version is fully functional at no cost.
6. Ibotta — Real Cashback on Real Purchases
Here is a situation most people have experienced at least once: you are standing in the checkout line at a grocery store, and you realize you forgot to clip coupons for the items already in your cart. That missed savings opportunity is exactly what Ibotta was designed to eliminate.
Ibotta is a cashback app that rewards you for purchases you are going to make anyway. The process is simple: before you shop, open the app and browse available cashback offers for specific products. After your shopping trip, upload a photo of your receipt. Ibotta verifies your purchase and deposits the cashback directly into your account. Once you have reached the minimum threshold, you can transfer your earnings to PayPal, Venmo, or exchange them for gift cards.
The app works for in-store grocery shopping, online purchases, and even dining and travel. The product catalog includes household staples — things like dairy, beverages, snacks, and personal care items — so you are almost guaranteed to find offers that match your regular shopping list.
From personal experience, I used Ibotta consistently for one week across two grocery trips and earned $20 in cashback. That is not a hypothetical figure — it is what happened when I simply matched my existing purchases to available offers before heading to the store.
Who Is It For?
Ibotta is an excellent fit for anyone who shops for groceries regularly and wants to reduce their spending without changing what they buy. It is particularly useful for families with recurring grocery lists, where the same products generate cashback week after week.
Realistic Earnings
Users who shop consistently and match their purchases to available offers report earning anywhere from twenty to one hundred dollars per month in cashback. Your results depend on how closely the available offers align with your regular purchases.
Key Features
- Cashback on a wide variety of grocery, household, and personal care products
- Works for in-store, online, and restaurant purchases
- Referral bonus: friends earn $5 when they sign up through your link
- Special promotions and bonus cashback events
- Withdrawal via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards
- Available on both Android and iOS
Cost
Completely free to download and use.
7. Sweatcoin — Your Steps Are Worth Something
Most people already know they should walk more. What most people did not expect is that their daily steps could translate into actual purchasing power. That is the idea behind Sweatcoin, an app that tracks your steps and converts them into a digital currency called — naturally enough — sweatcoins.
The mechanics are simple. Download the app, create an account, and give Sweatcoin permission to run in the background and access your phone's step-tracking capabilities. As you walk throughout the day, the app awards you 1 sweatcoin for every 1,052 steps you take. If you consistently hit the popular 10,000-step daily goal, that translates to roughly 9.5 sweatcoins per day.
Those sweatcoins can then be spent in the app's marketplace, which features a rotating selection of offers. These range from fitness products and sporting goods to restaurant gift cards, tech discounts, and even occasional high-value prizes like Apple Watch or iPhone discounts. The marketplace updates regularly, and what is available depends on your region and the current promotional partners.
There is something genuinely motivating about seeing your daily walk convert into tangible rewards. For people who are already active — or who want a little extra push to stay active — Sweatcoin adds a financial incentive to a habit that is already good for you.
Who Is It For?
Sweatcoin works well for people who walk regularly as part of their commute, exercise routine, or daily life. It is also a useful motivational tool for anyone trying to build a more active lifestyle, since the reward structure provides consistent positive reinforcement.
Realistic Earnings
The value of sweatcoins fluctuates based on what is available in the marketplace. This app is better thought of as a reward platform than a direct cash earner. The free plan caps earnings at 10 sweatcoins per day, which is sufficient for most users.
Key Features
- Passive earning — just walk and the app tracks everything automatically
- Rotating marketplace with fitness, tech, and lifestyle rewards
- Available on both Android and iOS
- Community challenges and leaderboards for additional motivation
Pricing
- Free plan: 1 sweatcoin per 1,052 steps, capped at 10 sweatcoins per day
- Premium plan — $1.49/month: 2x earning rate with no daily cap
8. Facebook Marketplace — Turn Clutter Into Cash
Before you spend time filling out surveys or downloading a new app, there is a straightforward and often overlooked way to earn fast money: selling things you already own. Facebook Marketplace is one of the most effective platforms for doing exactly that, and the odds are you already have an account.
The premise is simple. Facebook Marketplace connects buyers and sellers within the same geographic area, removing the need for shipping, packaging, or payment processing fees in most cases. You list an item, someone nearby sees it, you arrange a meetup, and you walk away with cash. No middleman, no waiting period, no fees from the platform itself.
Here is an exercise worth trying. Set aside one hour and walk through your home with a critical eye. Look at your closet, your garage, your kitchen cabinets, your storage boxes. I would bet a significant amount that you have at least ten items in reasonable condition that you have not used in over a year. Those items have monetary value to someone else, and they are currently just taking up space.
For those who want to take this further, there is a more active strategy worth considering. Buy underpriced or undervalued items from Marketplace listings, clean them up or make minor repairs, and relist them at a higher price. This approach — sometimes called "flipping" — can generate surprisingly consistent returns for people who develop an eye for value. Furniture, electronics, vintage clothing, and sports equipment are particularly strong categories for this.
Who Is It For?
Facebook Marketplace is ideal for anyone who wants quick, no-fee income from items they already own. It is also a strong platform for entrepreneurial types who enjoy the buy-and- resell model.
Realistic Earnings
A single decluttering session could realistically generate $100 to $500 depending on what you have and how you price it. Consistent flippers report earning several hundred dollars per month as a reliable side income.
Key Features
- Access to a massive built-in audience — every Facebook user can see your listings
- No listing fees or selling commissions for local transactions
- Category browsing makes it easy for buyers to find your items
- In-app messaging for seamless buyer-seller communication
- Integrated ratings and review system for trust building
Cost
Free to use. The only requirement is a Facebook account, which is also free.
9. Survey Junkie — A Reliable Platform for Consistent Survey Earnings
Survey Junkie is one of the most well-regarded paid survey platforms online, and for good reason. It has built a reputation for reliability, transparency, and a user experience that respects your time — which is more than can be said for every survey site out there.
The way Survey Junkie works is familiar if you have used other survey apps. You create a profile detailing your demographics, lifestyle, and interests. The platform then matches you with surveys that fit your profile. You complete the survey, earn virtual points, and eventually redeem those points for PayPal cash or gift cards from major brands.
What makes Survey Junkie particularly trustworthy is its transparency. Before starting a survey, you can see clearly how many points it is worth and how long it is estimated to take. This means you can make informed decisions about which surveys are worth your time and which ones to skip. No unpleasant surprises halfway through a thirty-minute questionnaire.
Survey Junkie also has a feature called Survey Junkie Pulse, an optional browser extension that passively tracks your online behavior (in an anonymized, privacy-respecting way) and rewards you with additional points for participating. It is an optional layer of passive earning that requires no effort after installation.
Who Is It For?
Survey Junkie is best for people who have consistent opinions about the products and services they use and want a structured, reliable platform for converting those opinions into cash. It is also a good fit for anyone who has tried other survey apps and been frustrated by poor user experience or hidden disqualification traps.
Realistic Earnings
Most users earn between $40 and $150 per year, with more active participants earning toward the higher end. It is not a major income source, but it is consistent and reliable.
Key Features
- Clear upfront disclosure of survey length and point value
- Gift cards from major brands including Amazon, Target, Sephora, Starbucks, iTunes, and Walmart
- Direct PayPal cash redemption
- Survey Junkie Pulse for passive earning
- Clean, easy-to-navigate interface
- Strong community ratings and transparent business practices
Cost
Completely free to sign up and use.
How to Choose the Right Money-Making App for You
With nine solid options in front of you, the natural next question is: which one should you actually start with? The answer depends on your habits, your goals, and the time you have available.
Here is a practical way to narrow it down:
- If you shop for groceries regularly: Start with Ibotta. It requires the least behavior change and generates cashback on purchases you are going to make regardless.
- If you want to build long-term wealth: Acorns is the most sensible starting point. The round-up feature makes investing automatic and painless.
- If you enjoy giving feedback and opinions: Survey Junkie and Toluna are both strong choices. Try both for a week and see which one delivers better survey availability in your area.
- If you want the most versatility from a single app: Swagbucks offers more earning methods than any other platform on this list.
- If you already play mobile games: Mistplay is an obvious addition. It costs nothing and rewards behavior you are engaged in anyway.
- If you walk daily: Sweatcoin is a no-brainer. Install it, let it run, and periodically check the marketplace for offers that interest you.
- If you want quick cash from things you already own: Spend an afternoon listing items on Facebook Marketplace before committing to anything else.
- If you are curious about investing without paying fees: Open a Robinhood account, collect your free stock, and explore the platform at your own pace.
There is no rule that says you can only use one of these apps. Many people run two or three simultaneously and combine their earnings. The key is to pick apps that align with your existing habits so using them does not feel like work.
Important Tips Before You Start
A few practical considerations before you dive in:
- Stick to reputable platforms: Every app on this list has a documented track record and verifiable user base. Be cautious of obscure apps that promise unusually high returns — the earning app space does have its share of scams.
- Read the privacy policy: Apps like Mistplay and Sweatcoin access certain phone data to function. This is standard and disclosed, but you should understand what data you are sharing before you install anything.
- Track your time: Some survey apps pay very little per hour once you account for disqualifications and low-value surveys. If an app is not delivering a return you find worthwhile, it is fine to move on.
- Set realistic expectations: These apps can meaningfully supplement your income, but they are not replacements for a career or a serious side business. Treat them for what they are — convenient, low-effort ways to earn a bit more from your existing routine.
- Check regional availability: Some apps are limited to specific countries. Mistplay, for example, is not available everywhere, and Survey Junkie survey availability varies significantly by region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are money-making apps actually legitimate?
Yes, the apps featured in this article are legitimate and have established track records. Platforms like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Ibotta have been operating for years and have paid out millions of dollars to their users. That said, the earning app space does attract scams, so it is important to stick to well-reviewed platforms with transparent business models.
How much can you realistically earn from money-making apps?
This varies widely by app and by how actively you use them. Casual users of survey apps might earn $10 to $30 per month. Active users of cashback apps like Ibotta can earn $50 to $100 monthly. Apps like Swagbucks, when used across multiple earning methods, can deliver $50 to $200 or more for dedicated users. The key word in all of this is "supplement" — these apps add to your income, they do not replace it.
Do I need to pay anything to use these apps?
Most of the apps on this list are completely free. Acorns charges a small monthly subscription fee starting at $1, and Sweatcoin has a premium tier at $1.49 per month — but both offer fully functional free versions. Robinhood is entirely free for standard use.
Which app is best for beginners?
Ibotta and Swagbucks are both excellent starting points for beginners. They have intuitive interfaces, multiple ways to earn, and low withdrawal thresholds that let you see results quickly. If you prefer a completely passive approach, Sweatcoin requires the least active engagement.
Are these apps safe for my financial information?
Apps like Acorns and Robinhood use bank-grade encryption and are regulated financial platforms. Ibotta and Swagbucks connect to your purchase history but do not have access to your bank accounts. Always review the privacy and security policies of any app before linking personal or financial information.
Can I use multiple apps at the same time?
Absolutely. Many people stack these apps to maximize their earnings. For example, you might use Ibotta for grocery cashback, Swagbucks for surveys and online shopping, Acorns to invest your spare change, and Sweatcoin to earn rewards from your daily walk — all simultaneously and without any conflict between the platforms.
What is the best app to earn money online without any investment?
If you want to earn without spending a single cent, Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Toluna, Mistplay, Facebook Marketplace, and Sweatcoin's free plan all cost nothing to use. They require only your time and attention.
How long does it take to receive payments from these apps?
Payment timelines vary by platform. Swagbucks processes PayPal withdrawals within a few business days. Ibotta transfers to PayPal are typically instant or same-day. Survey Junkie payments via PayPal are usually processed within one to three business days. Gift card redemptions across all platforms are generally instant or near-instant.
Final Thoughts
The best apps to earn money online are not magic solutions to financial problems. But they are genuinely useful tools for people who want to make their time and habits work a little harder for them.
Whether you are supplementing a fixed income, saving toward a specific goal, or simply looking for a smarter way to handle everyday spending, the nine apps in this guide offer something meaningful. Some will work better for your lifestyle than others, and that is perfectly fine. The right app is the one that fits naturally into how you already live.
Start small. Pick one or two apps from this list that align with your current habits — maybe Ibotta for your grocery runs and Swagbucks for your commute. Use them consistently for thirty days. Then evaluate whether they are worth your continued time and whether you want to add more to your stack.
The money will not make you rich overnight. But it will add up, and that is the entire point.
Start Earning Today
You have already done the research. Now comes the part that most people skip: actually getting started. Choose one app from this list that matches your lifestyle and download it today. Not this weekend. Today.
If you are not sure where to begin, start with Swagbucks — it offers the most earning flexibility, works on both Android and iOS, and gives you a $10 bonus just for signing up. From there, you can explore the other options at your own pace.
Every dollar earned is a dollar you did not have before. That is worth something.
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