In the digital age, taking online surveys for money has become a popular side hustle for many. Companies and organizations are always seeking consumer opinions to improve their products and services. And they are willing to pay for your thoughts and insights.
Survey platforms provide an easy, flexible way to earn extra income from the comfort of your home. With so many options out there, it can get overwhelming trying to determine which sites are legitimate and worth your time.
This comprehensive guide delves into the top survey sites to help you maximize your earnings:
How Online Surveys Work
Online survey platforms connect businesses looking for consumer feedback with people willing to provide their opinions in exchange for compensation.
Participants can share their perspectives on products, services, concepts, advertisements, and more. The business then utilizes these insights to shape their decisions and strategies.
Survey takers are rewarded for their time and effort with cash, gift cards, prizes, sweepstakes entries, donation opportunities, or a combination of these.
Benefits of Taking Online Surveys
- Make extra money – Surveys offer an easy way to earn extra income without a huge time commitment. Many sites allow cashing out with no minimum threshold.
- Flexible schedule – You can take surveys whenever it‘s convenient for you, fitting them around your free time. There are no set shifts or schedules.
- Variety – A diverse selection of survey topics ensures you‘ll find engaging subjects that interest you. Share your thoughts on the media, politics, technology, travel, food, and more.
- Voice your opinion – Surveys empower consumers by allowing them to provide feedback directly to businesses and brands. Your perspectives can positively impact products and services.
- Low barrier to entry – Taking online surveys has no experience requirements or qualifications. Anyone over 18 with basic English literacy can get started right away.
- Earn from home – The work-from-home format allows you to earn extra money without commuting somewhere. You can take surveys in your pajamas!
Tips for Maximizing Earnings from Surveys
Follow these tips to get the most out of your survey-taking experience:
- Register on multiple platforms – This increases the number of surveys available to you. Each company has a different member base.
- Complete your user profile – Platforms match you with relevant surveys based on demographic data like age, location, and interests. A detailed profile means more survey opportunities.
- Choose your topics selectively – Only opt into survey categories that genuinely interest you. Thoughtful responses lead to higher-paying surveys.
- Check for new surveys frequently – Open survey slots get filled up quickly. Log in multiple times per day to catch the most surveys.
- Pay attention to screener questions – Answer carefully so you qualify for surveys matching your profile and receive the incentive.
- Provide honest, thoughtful answers – Don‘t just rush through surveys. Well-considered responses lead to more survey offers.
- Meet minimum payout thresholds – Many sites require earning a certain amount before you can cash out your earnings.
Top 21 Survey Sites for Making Money
Here are the best survey platforms to help you earn cash and rewards:
1. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie lives up to its name by offering a stellar user experience. The straightforward dashboard allows you to take surveys tailored to your interests, with each one offering points towards gift cards or PayPal cash. Payouts start at just $5.
Highlights:
- Generous point system – 100 points = $1
- Broad selection of engaging survey topics
- Low $5 cash out minimum
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks rewards users for more than just surveys, including playing games, watching videos, shopping online, and searching the web. You can even earn bonus points for meeting daily goals. Cash out starts at just 1 SB.
Highlights:
- $5 bonus for earning 300 SB in your first month
- Diverse earning activities beyond surveys
- Extremely low 1 SB cash out minimum
3. InboxDollars
InboxDollars allows you to rack up earnings through surveys, games, videos, reading emails, and online shopping cash back. Flexible cash outs start at just $30.
Highlights:
- Opportunity to earn through multiple activities
- Cash out direct to your bank account
- $5 signup bonus just for verifying your email
4. PrizeRebel
PrizeRebel rewards users for completing online surveys, playing games, watching videos, shopping online, and more. The versatile earning options make it easy to rack up points for real rewards.
Highlights:
- Broad selection of surveys and earning activities
- Points can be redeemed for many gift cards or PayPal
- Referral program rewards you for bringing friends
5. Toluna
Toluna takes an engaging approach by allowing you to choose the types of surveys you receive based on your interests, ensuring a personalized experience. Cash out is easy with numerous rewards options.
Highlights:
- Customized survey options based on your preferences
- Points can redeemed for various gift cards or PayPal
- Refer-a-friend program lets you earn 500 points
6. LifePoints
LifePoints connects you with surveys tailored to your profile. Once you accumulate enough points, you can redeem them for gift cards to popular retailers or donate to charity.
Highlights:
- Broad member base provides plenty of surveys
- Rewards include gift cards and charitable donations
- Members have earned over $31 million in rewards so far
7. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys consistently provides a high volume of paid surveys on topics spanning a broad range of industries. Cash out your earnings through PayPal starting at just $5.
Highlights:
- New paid surveys available every day
- Points convert directly into cash earnings
- Fast PayPal cash outs starting at $5
8. OnePoll
OnePoll offers exciting surveys on behalf of major brands, media companies, and more. Payout is either through PayPal or Love2Shop vouchers. Qualified surveys can pay quite generously.
Highlights:
- Surveys created by well-known brands
- Higher paying surveys compared to most platforms
- £40 minimum payout threshold
9. YouGov
YouGov stands out for providing surveys on pressing topics like politics, public policy, and current events. Your opinions even contribute to reports cited by major news outlets.
Highlights:
- Surveys on compelling topics in the news
- See your survey feedback quoted in the media
- No minimum to cash out rewards
10. Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research offers insightful surveys aimed at improving leading brands. Sharing your perspectives leads to rewards redeemed as cash or gift cards. Just $3 required to cash out.
Highlights:
- Reputable survey provider since 1999
- Panelists selected based on demographic criteria
- Only need 300 points minimum to redeem ($3)
11. Opinion Outpost
Opinion Outpost rewards your thoughts on a variety of topics through engaging surveys tailored to your interests. A points-based system allows cash outs through PayPal or gift cards.
Highlights:
- 10 points = 10 cents system for cashing out
- Answers contribute to product research
- Referral program to earn bonus points
12. Google Opinion Rewards
The Google Opinion Rewards app pays you in Google Play credit for sharing perspectives on brands, products, services, and media. Short surveys paid 10-50 cents credit.
Highlights:
- Instantly earn Google Play credit
- Very short surveys taking just a few seconds
- Credits redeemable towards apps, games, music, movies
13. SurveyClub
SurveyClub provides access to surveys and focus groups from a broad range of member companies. Cash out earnings through Paypal starting at just $10.
Highlights:
- Work with many well-known survey providers
- Rewards include sweepstakes entries
- Refer friends and earn 20% of their earnings
14. MyPoints
At MyPoints, you can earn rewards not only by taking surveys but also by playing games, shopping online, watching videos, and more. Redeem your points for gift cards or as cash.
Highlights:
- Diverse earning activities like games and shopping
- Rewards include popular gift cards
- Sweepstakes entries for bonus rewards
15. Ipsos-iSay
Ipsos-iSay provides surveys tailored to your profile on behalf of major brands. Each survey contributes points towards gift cards or sweepstakes entries.
Highlights:
- Reputable survey provider since 2006
- Points can be redeemed for gift cards
- Entries into sweepstakes for big prizes
16. Valued Opinions
Valued Opinions rewards your perspectives with chances to win cash prizes. The more surveys you take, the more entries you earn. Payouts are through PayPal.
Highlights:
- 10 points per survey = one prize draw entry
- Guaranteed 1 entry just for registering
- Chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes
17. PanelBase
PanelBase offers surveys paying up to £10 each on topics related to your interests and demographics. Cash out is easy through PayPal, with a minimum of £10.
Highlights:
- Well-paying surveys from top providers
- Strict quality control for robust data
- Payment within 5 working days after request
18. New Vista Live
New Vista Live provides surveys on behalf of businesses seeking consumer insights. Cash out your earnings via bank transfer when you reach the £50 threshold.
Highlights:
- In-depth surveys taking 15-20 minutes
- Pays around £4 hourly rate
- Payment within 7 working days
19. Hiving
Hiving offers quick surveys paying around 50p each. You can cash out your earnings through PayPal with a minimum balance of just £4.
Highlights:
- Broad range of survey topics
- Lower minimum payout threshold
- Loyalty points program for engaged users
20. YLive
YLive provides surveys focused on consumer goods, media, entertainment, and more. Cash out earnings via bank transfer or redeem for Amazon vouchers.
Highlights:
- Surveys take just 5-15 minutes
- Quality checks ensure valid responses
- Payment made every Wednesday
21. Qmee
Qmee has an extremely flexible rewards system allowing you to cash out your earnings instantly with no minimum balance required. Surveys pay from 10c to $2.
Highlights:
- Instant PayPal cash outs with no minimum
- Extension delivers surveys while web browsing
- Refer friends and earn 10% of their earnings
Final Takeaways on Survey Sites
Taking surveys online can become a lucrative side hustle as long as you stick to reputable platforms. Look for sites that offer plenty of earning opportunities, reasonable minimum payouts, and rewards that suit your preferences.
Maximize your survey participation by being selective in the screener questions and providing thoughtful answers. Consistently checking for new surveys will help you earn more over time as well.
With so many survey options out there, it’s easy to find interesting topics that you enjoy voicing your perspectives on. Just one hour a day spent taking surveys can lead to a nice amount of extra spending money.
So don’t miss out on sharing your consumer opinions and making some cash along the way!
