With the rise of the gig economy, mobile apps for taking surveys have become an attractive option for people looking to earn some extra cash during their downtime. They’re convenient, require minimal effort, and can be a great addition to other side hustles. These apps allow users to complete the survey in exchange for rewards like cash, gift cards, or points redeemable for other prizes.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top five mobile survey apps, including each app’s features, earning potential, tips for maximizing earnings, and common pitfalls to avoid. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed choice on which survey app might suit your needs best.
1. Swagbucks Surveys
Swagbucks is a versatile rewards app that has grown in popularity since its launch in 2008. While it started as a platform for online shopping rewards, Swagbucks has expanded into a comprehensive platform where you can earn points (called SBs) by taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and more. Once earned, these SBs can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, or for PayPal cash.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Multiple Earning Options: Besides surveys, you can earn by watching short videos, shopping through the app, discovering new offers, and even playing games.
- User-Friendly Interface: Swagbucks has a straightforward layout and clearly labeled sections, making it easy for new users to navigate and find tasks that suit them.
- Payout Options: You can redeem your points for gift cards to popular stores or opt for cash through PayPal. PayPal payments usually have a low minimum payout threshold, making it accessible for users to cash out quickly.
Earnings Potential:
Survey earnings on Swagbucks vary widely. Typical payouts range from $0.50 to $5 per survey, depending on length and target audience. However, the app also includes high-paying survey on occasion, allowing you to earn more.
Tips to Maximize Earnings:
- Complete the Daily To-Do List: Swagbucks offers a daily list of tasks, and completing this list can give you bonus SBs. These tasks might include taking a survey, watching a few videos, or signing up for an offer.
- Participate in Special Events: Swagbucks frequently hosts events, such as “Swagbucks Live,” where you can earn additional SBs by answering trivia questions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Wide variety of earning opportunities
- Low payout threshold (starting around $5 for PayPal cash)
- Numerous payout options
Cons:
- Some surveys may disqualify you based on demographics
- Lower earnings if relying solely on surveys
Download Swagbucks: iOS | Android
2. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is widely respected in the online survey community due to its ease of use and fair payouts. Unlike Swagbucks, which offers various earning options, Survey Junkie focuses solely on paid surveys. This focus makes it an excellent choice if you're looking for a streamlined experience.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Simplicity and Transparency: The app displays the estimated time and payout for each survey, allowing you to choose which ones are worth your time.
- Points System: Points can be redeemed for either cash through PayPal or e-gift cards from popular retailers.
- Profile Customization: By completing your profile, Survey Junkie can match you with the survey relevant to your demographics, increasing your chances of qualifying for surveys.
Earnings Potential:
Survey payouts on Survey Junkie usually range between $1 and $3, though there are occasionally higher-paying surveys available for specific demographics. With a payout threshold of just $5, users can quickly cash out their earnings.
Tips to Maximize Earnings:
- Fill Out Profile Accurately: To receive a more relevant survey, complete your profile with accurate information. The platform uses this data to match you with the best-paying surveys for your demographics.
- Check Frequently: Survey Junkie updates its survey offerings regularly, so check in multiple times a day to see if there are new opportunities.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Transparent, fair payouts
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Low minimum payout threshold
Cons:
- Limited earning opportunities outside of survey
- The disqualification rate for some surveys may be high
Download Survey Junkie: iOS | Android
3. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is similar to Swagbucks, offering a range of ways to earn money beyond surveys, including watching videos, reading emails, and playing games. Instead of using a points system, InboxDollars directly displays earnings in dollars, making it easy to track how much you’re making.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Direct Cash Payouts: Unlike other platforms that use points, InboxDollars pays in cash. This transparency can be appealing to users who want to see exactly what they’re earning.
- Variety of Earning Options: Aside from the survey, you can earn by playing games, reading promotional emails, completing offers, and shopping online.
- Bonuses for New Users: InboxDollars often offers a signup bonus for new users, giving you a head start on your earnings.
Earnings Potential:
InboxDollars survey generally pays between $0.50 and $5, though high-paying surveys are occasionally available. Other activities, like watching videos, offer smaller earnings but can add up over time.
Tips to Maximize Earnings:
- Check for High-Paying Offers: Occasionally, InboxDollars features higher-paying survey opportunities or promotional offers that pay more than typical survey.
- Participate in Referral Programs: By inviting friends to join, you can earn a percentage of their earnings.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Transparent dollar-based earnings
- Multiple earning methods
- Signup bonus
Cons:
- Higher payout threshold ($30)
- Some offers may require purchases to complete
Download InboxDollars: iOS | Android
4. Toluna Influencers
Toluna Influencers is a survey app where users can participate in surveys, product testing, and polls to earn points. The app allows users to share their opinions on brands and topics and offers a community-oriented experience where users can interact with one another.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Product Testing Opportunities: In addition to surveys, Toluna sometimes offers product testing, allowing users to try new products for free and provide feedback.
- Community Interaction: The app has a social component, allowing users to create polls, interact with other users, and share opinions.
- Flexible Rewards Options: Points can be redeemed for PayPal cash, gift cards, or merchandise from Toluna’s rewards store.
Earnings Potential:
Most Toluna survey pays between $0.50 and $2, though you can occasionally earn more for specialized surveys. Product testing opportunities may offer higher rewards but are less frequent.
Tips to Maximize Earnings:
- Engage with the Community: Toluna values active users and may offer more survey opportunities to those who regularly engage with polls, forums, and other app features.
- Look for Product Testing Offers: These opportunities can provide unique rewards, including free products.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Opportunity to test products
- Engaging community experience
- Flexible reward options
Cons:
- Lower survey payouts compared to other apps
- Product testing opportunities are rare
Download Toluna Influencers: iOS | Android
5. Google Opinion Rewards
Google Opinion Rewards is a simple app developed by Google that offers short surveys on various topics. While it doesn’t pay as much as some other platforms, the surveys are extremely quick to complete, making it ideal for those who want a low-effort option.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Quick and Easy Surveys: Google Opinion Rewards surveys take less than a minute to complete, making it perfect for users with limited time.
- Instant Payment to Google Pay: Earnings are credited directly to your Google Pay account, making it easy to use for purchases within the Google ecosystem.
- Relevant Survey Topics: Google uses your location and browsing history to tailor the survey to your interests and daily activities.
Earnings Potential:
Surveys typically pay between $0.10 and $1.00, which is lower than other survey apps. However, the short survey length balances out the lower earnings.
Tips to Maximize Earnings:
- Enable Location Services: Google Opinion Rewards uses location data to generate surveys based on places you’ve visited. Turning on location services can increase survey availability.
- Check the App Regularly: New surveys don’t appear every day, so it’s best to check in frequently to catch opportunities as they arise.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Short, low-effort surveys
- Instant payout to Google Pay
- Relevant and interesting survey topics
Cons:
- Low earnings per survey
- Limited to Google ecosystem for payouts
Download Google Opinion Rewards: iOS | Android
Final Words
Whether you're looking to earn a little extra cash or just pass the time productively, survey apps offer a convenient way to make money on the go. Pick at least one and try it for yourself.
