45 Apps that Pay Real Money - Best Apps for Making Money in 2024

As crazy as it sounds, there are actually a number of apps out there that are next to gold for making money on the side. And if you play your cards right, it could even replace your 9 to 5 job.

The internet comes with its fair share of "get-rich-quick" schemes and endless side hustle ideas- but if you don't watch out, you might potentially find yourself wasting your time on scams or low-paying gigs. That's why we have found and reviewed the best apps that you can make money with, so that you can make money with your phone.

Let's get started.

Top 45 Apps For Making Money Online

We've broken these apps up into categories, from survey apps to apps that pay you to exercise.

Survey Apps That Pay Real Money

Swagbucks: The OG of Online Rewards

Swagbucks has long been a favorite for those wanting to make extra cash online. It’s practically considered the top survey app of all time. 

With payouts exceeding a grand total of $550 million in the last 10 years, this survey app is an easy way to pocket an extra $20-$50 each month for everyday expenses or little treats.

Pros:

• Variety of ways to earn
• Simple and user-friendly
• $10 bonus when you join
• Earn cashback on purchases
• Redeem rewards as gift cards

Cons:

• Pocket change for people eyeing the big bucks

Survey Junkie: The Voice of the People

Survey Junkie puts you in the driver's seat, and you are paid to influence hundreds of partner brands with your opinions. By far, it’s one of the most top-paying survey apps out there, offering not only popular gift cards, but also convenient cash-out options via PayPal. Just three surveys a day can easily add up to $100 a month. Join the 20+ million members who've already discovered the rewards of sharing their thoughts.

Pros:

• High-paying surveys
• Easy cash-outs via PayPal
• Redeem rewards as popular gift cards

Cons:

• Takes time to reach higher earnings

KashKick: Turn Your Online Time into Cash

KashKick lets you earn real money for everyday online activities like watching videos, taking surveys, and browsing the web. Cash out anytime with a low $10 threshold via PayPal or gift cards.

Pros:

• Variety of ways to earn
• Low cash-out minimum
• Instant payments via PayPal
• Supportive community forum
• Sign-up bonus

Cons:

• Inconsistent task availability
• Geographic restrictions

InboxDollars: The Reliable Earner

InboxDollars is a great option for anyone looking for a super low-maintenance way to make the occasional extra few dollars. With a variety of ways to earn and a loyal user base, it’s a solid choice in the online rewards space.

Pros:

• Diverse earning activities like surveys, reading emails, and playing games
• Cash out via PayPal or choose from a wide selection of gift cards
• $5 signup bonus

Cons:

• $30 cash-out threshold might take some time to reach

Lightster: The Quick Survey Earner

Simply put, Lightster is a survey platform where your opinions truly matter. By participating in surveys, user testing, and interviews, you can connect with some of the world’s most innovative companies and help shape the future. 

Signing up is free, and with Lightster’s auto-qualify feature, you receive invitations that are a perfect match, so there’s no need to spend time applying. Your insights are valuable, and Lightster rewards you for sharing them. 

Pros:

• Auto-matching ensures you receive relevant invitations
• Earn rewards simply by sharing your experiences and opinions
• Early access to new products and exclusive perks
• Intuitive and easy-to-use platform 
• Opportunities to engage in surveys, interviews, and user testing

Cons:

• Survey and testing opportunities can sometimes be limited

The Most Promising Cashback Apps

Rakuten: Cashback Made Easy

Rakuten is a cashback platform that lets you earn a percentage back on your online purchases from thousands of stores. It's a popular choice for savvy shoppers looking to save money without sacrificing their favorite brands.

Pros:

• Free to Join
• Wide Variety of Stores
• Easy to Use
• Welcome Bonus
• Double Cashback Opportunities

Cons:

• Minimum payout threshold of $5.01 before you can request a payout
• Quarterly Payout Schedule

Pogo: Cashback for Everyday Purchases

Pogo, trusted by over a million users, is the ultimate passive cashback app. Link your cards and watch cashback accumulate effortlessly on everyday purchases like groceries and gas, with no receipt scanning required.

Pros:

• Automatic cashback on essentials
• Bonus points for loyalty cards
• Truly passive income
• Instant PayPal/Venmo payouts

Cons:

• Limited store selection
• Requires GPS access

Fetch Rewards: Effortless Cashback

Fetch Rewards is an effortless cashback app loved for its simplicity. Snap any receipt, earn points, and redeem for gift cards or cash.

Pros:

• Any receipt works: No store restrictions
• User-friendly interface
• Bonus points for featured brands
• Variety of rewards

Cons:

• Lower point values compared to some apps
• Points expire after 90 days

Ibotta: Cashback for Your Everyday Buys

Ibotta is your pocket-sized savings sidekick, turning grocery runs and online shopping sprees into cashback opportunities. With a vast array of offers spanning groceries, online retailers, gas, and more, Ibotta puts money back in your wallet with every purchase.

Pros:

• Cashback on groceries and essentials
• Easy to use with receipt scanning and linking loyalty cards
• Payouts to PayPal or gift cards

Cons:

• $20 minimum payout

Game Apps That Pay Out Real Dollars 

Rewarded Play: Game On, Rewards On

Rewarded Play lets you earn gift cards for playing popular mobile games. It's a fun way to get rewarded for your gaming hobby, but keep your expectations realistic.

Pros:

• Variety of games (Solitaire, Yahtzee, and more)
• Easy to earn
• Gift cards from reputable brands like Amazon, Target, etc.
• No purchase necessary

Cons:

• Slow earning potential
• Repetitive gameplay

Cash Giraffe: Play and Earn, But Slowly

Cash Giraffe offers rewards for playing games, taking surveys, and watching videos. It's legit, but low payouts and repetitive tasks require patience.

Pros:

• Variety of earning options
• Free to use

Cons:

• Low earning potential
• Repetitive tasks

Free Apps That Pay Real Money for Using Your Phone

Caden: Making Money With Data

Caden is a platform that practically pays you to use your phone. The app tracks your data, anonymizes it, and shares it with third parties. In exchange, you earn money for data you already generate.

Pros:

• Earn money for data you already generate
• Easy setup
• Data is anonymized and secure
• Bonus points for connecting accounts

Cons:

• Low earning potential

MobileXpression: True Passive Income

MobileXpression is a market research panel that rewards you for simply having their app installed on your phone. It's a truly passive income opportunity, but raises concerns about data collection and privacy.

Pros:

• Earn rewards without lifting a finger
• Redeem points for gift cards
• Simple and straightforward

Cons:

• The app collects information about your browsing habits and app usage.
• Privacy concerns
• Low earning potential

Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel: Everyday Habits Rewarded

"Just be yourself and you'll be rewarded," said no one else ever. But Nielsen offers customers exactly that.

With the Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel, your everyday digital habits translate into effortless earnings. Simply use your devices as you normally would, and Nielsen will reward you for contributing to their market research.

Pros:

• Effortless earnings
• Variety of rewards

Cons:

• Slow earning potential
• Privacy concerns

Honeygain: Monetize Your Internet Connection

Honeygain lets you earn money by sharing your unused internet bandwidth with researchers and businesses. It offers you a super easy way to generate passive income. But sharing your bandwidth may impact your internet speed and data usage limits.

Pros:

• It's simple to use - just install the app and start earning
• Enjoy passive income while you browse, stream, or even sleep
• Maximize earnings by installing on multiple devices
• Boost your income further through their referral program
• Enjoy flexible payouts with options for PayPal or cryptocurrency

Cons:

• Earnings are modest and won't replace your full-time income
• Data consumption can be significant, so it's best for those with unlimited data plans
• Be aware of the data being shared and consider any privacy concerns
• You have limited control over which specific data is shared

Apps That Pay You For Investing

Fundrise: Real Estate for Everyone

Fundrise makes real estate investing accessible to the masses, letting you own a piece of the property market with a small investment. It's tempting for its low barrier to entry and potential for easy earnings.

Pros:

• Start investing with just $10
• Build a diversified portfolio across various property types and locations
• Potential for steady passive income through dividends
• User-friendly platform for tracking investments and performance

Cons:

• Your money is locked in for the long term, with limited liquidity
• Fundrise charges management fees that can impact your returns
• No direct control over which properties Fundrise invests in

Robinhood: Investing Made Simple, But Not for Everyone

Robinhood, known for its commission-free trading and user-friendly app, has democratized investing for millions. It's a great starting point for beginners, but its simplicity comes with tradeoffs.

Pros:

• Commission-free trading: No fees for buying and selling stocks, ETFs, and options
• User-friendly interface: Easy to navigate, even for first-time investors
• Fractional shares: Invest in expensive stocks with small amounts of money
• Crypto trading: Buy and sell popular cryptocurrencies alongside traditional investments

Cons:

• Limited research and tools: Lack of in-depth analysis and educational resources
• Customer service

Arrived: Own a Slice of Paradise

Arrived lets you own a piece of vacation rentals and other real estate, offering a unique investment opportunity with low minimums. While the potential for passive income is enticing, it's vital to understand the associated risks.

Pros:

• Invest in real estate with just $100
• Access diverse properties across various locations.
• Potential for passive income through rental dividends
• User-friendly platform for easy investing.

Cons:

• Inability to move your funds for an extended period
• Management fees can impact your overall returns

Apps That Pay You To Shop

Field Agent: Your Smartphone, Your Side Gig

Field Agent turns your smartphone into a money-making tool, paying you to complete quick tasks like taking photos, checking prices, or reviewing products at local stores. It's a popular option for those seeking flexible, on-the-go gigs.

Pros:

• Easy tasks that anyone can do
• Quick and convenient payouts via PayPal
• Flexible schedule
• Discover new stores and products

Cons:

• Limited availability of jobs

iSecretShop: Mystery Shopping, Mixed Experiences

iSecretShop offers paid mystery shopping gigs at various retailers and restaurants. It's a popular platform, but user experiences vary widely.

Pros:

• Wide variety of gigs (Retail, dining, and more.)
• Flexible schedule
• Get paid to shop and dine

Cons:

• Inconsistent availability
• Requires users to file in detailed reports

Apps For Making Money With Reselling

Poshmark: Your Closet, Their Treasure

Poshmark is a social marketplace for fashion lovers to buy and sell new or used clothing, shoes, and accessories. It's a popular platform for fashionistas and bargain hunters alike.

Pros:

• Easy to list and sell
• Community-driven
• Streamlined shipping process.

Cons:

• High markup fees
• High competition

Amazon Seller App: Making Money With Ecom

In the internet marketing space, there's a common saying — if you are looking to make big bucks, you need to get your feet wet in Ecom.

When you're ready to take the plunge, the Amazon Seller App could be your ticket to success. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this app empowers you to manage your Amazon business from anywhere, providing a full suite of tools to streamline operations and boost your profits.

From keeping tabs on sales in real time to managing inventory on the go, the Amazon Seller App equips you with everything you need to thrive in the competitive e-commerce world. You can efficiently communicate with customers, create and optimize your product listings, and stay on top of important account activity with timely notifications. It's like having your entire business at your fingertips, 24/7.

Pros:

• Real-time sales and performance tracking
• Inventory management on the go
• Efficient customer communication
• Listing creation, editing, and optimization
• Notifications for important account activity

Cons:

• Limited features compared to the desktop version
• Occasional bugs and slow performance

Mercari: Your Marketplace for Anything

Mercari is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell almost anything from clothing and electronics to collectibles and handmade goods. It's a popular choice for its wide reach and ease of use.

Pros:

• Makes it easy to reach millions of potential buyers
• No listing fees
• User-friendly interface
• Option for local meetups and contactless delivery

Cons:

• High buyer fees (12.9% + $0.50 per transaction)
• Shipping can be tricky

Declutter: Turn Your Clutter into Cash

Declutter is a hassle-free platform for selling used tech, books, games, and even Legos! Simply scan barcodes, get instant quotes, ship for free, and get paid. It's a popular choice for those seeking a quick and easy way to declutter and earn some extra cash.

Pros:

• Fast and convenient
• Wide range of accepted items
• Reliable payments

Cons:

• Limited Item Categories
• Potentially Lower Offers

Apps That Pay You For Driving

Lyft: Your Ride to Flexible Earnings

Lyft offers a flexible side hustle for those with a car and a clean driving record. Earn money on your own schedule by giving rides to passengers in your area. It's a popular choice for its ease of use and potential for decent earnings, but consider the pros and cons before hitting the road.

Pros:

• Flexible Schedule
• Minimal requirements and a straightforward onboarding process
• Potential for Good Earnings
• Interact with diverse passengers and explore your city
• Opportunity to earn through tips and bonuses

Cons:

• May incur higher maintenance costs
• Unpredictable Income
• Dealing with strangers and late-night driving can be risky
• Ridesharing can be competitive in some areas.

Uber: Hit the Road, Earn on Your Terms

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about ridesharing? Uber, that's what. It's a popular way to earn by driving people around your city. Easy to use, with potential for good earnings, but weigh the pros and cons first.

Pros:

• Flexible hours, drive when you want
• Easy to start, minimal requirements
• High demand, plenty of ride requests

Cons:

• Factor expenses like gas and maintenance costs when doing Uber gigs

Uber Eats: Delivering Flexibility and Food

Is it just me, or is there something noble about doing your part to satisfy those hunger pangs? Uber Eats is where it all happens. When you sign up as a delivery person, you transform your free time into a fulfilling side hustle, bringing delicious meals to eager customers.

Pros:

• Set your own schedule and work whenever you're available
• Easy to start with minimal requirements and a simple sign-up process
• Deliver in your local area or explore new neighborhoods

Cons:

• Hard to predict earnings beforehand as earnings tend to fluctuate depending on demand and time of day

DoorDash: Turn Mealtime into Money-Making Time

DoorDash is a popular food delivery platform that allows you to earn money by delivering meals from restaurants to customers' doorsteps. It's a flexible gig with the potential for decent earnings.

Pros:

• Work on your own schedule, day or night
• Simple sign-up process and minimal requirements
• High demand for deliveries offers plenty of opportunities
• Earn tips and bonuses in addition to base pay

Cons:

• Expenses for gas, vehicle maintenance, and parking can add up
• Deliveries can be physically demanding, involving heavy bags and stairs
• Dealing with challenging customers or order issues can be stressful

Instacart: Grocery Shopping Your Way to Dollar Bills

Instacart provides a flexible side hustle where you shop for and deliver groceries to customers' doors. It's appealing for its freedom, but earnings can be unpredictable, and the work is physically demanding.

Pros:

• Set your own hours and work whenever you want
• Choose orders that fit your schedule and preferences
• Earn tips for providing excellent service

Cons:

• Involves lifting and carrying heavy grocery bags
• Earnings depend on order size, distance, and tips

HopSkipDrive: Unique Driving Opportunities

HopSkipDrive isn't your average rideshare app. It's a specialized service for transporting kids, offering a unique and fulfilling way to earn money while making a difference in your community.

Pros:

• Help busy families and contribute to your community
• Earn more per ride compared to traditional rideshare apps
• Enjoy a flexible schedule and choose rides that work for you

Cons:

• Strict screening process

Apps To Make Money Online With Gig Work

Sharetown: The Mattress Flipping Side Hustle

Sharetown partners with mattress companies to handle returns, offering a unique side hustle opportunity. Gig workers pick up returned mattresses, clean them, and then resell them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, keeping the profit above Sharetown's cost.

Pros:

• Tap into a unique market with high demand
• Work as much or as little as you want
• Sharetown provides guidance and support throughout the process

Cons:

• Physically demanding
• You'll need a place to keep the mattresses until sold

TaskRabbit: Your Skills, Their Needs, Your Paycheck

TaskRabbit connects you with people in your neighborhood who need help with various tasks, from furniture assembly and cleaning to errands and delivery. It's a popular choice for those seeking a flexible way to earn money using their skills and time.

Pros

• Find gigs that match your skills and interests
• Flexible working schedule
• Potential for good pay

Cons

• Need to actively bid on tasks and build your reputation
• Dealing with difficult clients can be stressful

Oppizi: Turn Your Free Time into Cash

Oppizi offers a flexible way to earn money as a brand ambassador, distributing flyers and promoting products in your local area. It's a great option for those seeking on-the-go gigs, but earnings can vary, and physical effort is required.

Pros:

• Flexible schedule
• Easy to start
• Potential for bonuses

Cons:

• Requires physical activity
• Tasks may feel repetitive

Wonolo: Find Gigs, Work Now, Get Paid

The people behind Wonolo are practically visionaries.

And they believe that you don’t have to wait to get hired. No need for you to jump through hoops and endless applications.

With Wonolo, you're in control. Find local gigs across a variety of industries, apply with a tap, and start earning today.

Same-day pay puts cash in your pocket fast, while flexible scheduling means you work when you want, where you want.

Pros:

• Same-day pay
• Flexible schedule
• Variety of jobs
• No experience required
• Easy-to-use app

Cons:

• Job availability fluctuates
• Some gigs pay more than others.

Apps That Pay You To Exercise

Cashwalk: Walk Your Way to Rewards, One Step (and Ad) at a Time.

Cashwalk turns your daily steps into rewards, offering gift cards for reaching walking goals. It's appealing for its simplicity but comes with some caveats.

Pros:

• Earn rewards for walking
• Simple interface
• Tracks steps automatically
• Variety of gift cards: Choose from popular retailers like Amazon
• Passive income potential: Earn while going about your day

Cons:

• Low earning potential
• Requires intrusive lock screen ads
• Only gift cards, no cash payouts

Rover: The Flexible Side Hustle App for Real Pet Lovers

Consider yourself a real pet lover?

Rover is your dream come true! 

It's a platform where pet owners find caring sitters and walkers, and you get to earn money doing what you're passionate about. It's a favorite among people who adore animals and want to make a living from their love for pets.

Pros:

• Set your own rates and schedule
• Work with various pets: dogs, cats, and more
• Build a loyal client base
• Rover provides insurance and support

Cons:

• Earnings may vary from person to person
• Competition can be high in some areas

StepN

StepN gamifies fitness and rewards users with cryptocurrency for their steps. It's a unique blend of health and wealth, but it comes with its share of challenges.  

Pros:

• Offers users the option to earn crypto while exercising
• Fun and engaging
• Potential for high returns

Cons:

• Requires purchasing NFT sneakers

Apps That Pay For Your Spare Space

Airbnb: Your Home, Their Getaway

Airbnb lets you rent out your space to travelers, offering a flexible income source. It's a popular choice for homeowners and renters alike, but it comes with pros and cons.

Pros:

• Makes it easy to earn passive income by monetizing your spare room or entire property
• Set your own rules and prices
• Meet people from around the world

Cons:

• Requires effort and upkeep
• Unpredictable income generation

Getaround: Rent Your Car; Get Paid

Getaround lets you rent out your car to others, turning your idle vehicle into a source of income. It's a popular option for car owners who don't need access to their car 24/7.

Pros:

• Earn money from your car: Offset ownership costs or even profit
• Flexible scheduling: Set your own availability and pricing
• Getaround handles insurance and roadside assistance: Peace of mind for owners

Cons:

• Increased wear and tear on your car

Neighbor: Rent That Unused Floor Space

Got unused space? Turn it into cash with Neighbor! Rent out your garage, driveway, or spare room for storage, and earn passive income effortlessly.

Pros:

• Monetize unused space
• Set your own prices
• Neighbor provides insurance

Cons:

• Limited demand

Best Apps For Monetizing Your Content

TikTok: Everyone's Favorite Feed

TikTok is a platform where content creators turn passion into profit. Traditionally, this was through ads, brand partnerships, and live gifting. However, TikTok's evolving ecommerce tools and influencer marketing scene are opening new avenues. Creators can now promote products directly in videos, collaborate with brands, or launch their own merchandise.

Pros:

• Massive Reach & Viral Potential
• Easy Content Creation
• Diverse Audience
• Multiple Monetization Opportunities
• Creative Freedom

Cons:

• High Competition
• Unpredictable Algorithm
• Time-Consuming
• Monetization Challenges

Instagram: Gen Z's Playground, Creator's Goldmine

An all-time favorite among Gen Zs and Gen Alphas, Instagram is a creator's paradise, offering endless opportunities for self-expression and community building. But beyond its social appeal, savvy creators have tapped into Instagram's potential as a lucrative platform.

Features like shoppable tags and the "Flipping Page" option allow creators to showcase and sell products directly to their engaged audience. Instagram also serves as a digital storefront for services, where captivating visuals and compelling captions attract potential clients.

Not only that, but there’s also the opportunity to make money by flipping pages. 

Pros:

• Visual storytelling platform
• Engaged community building
• E-commerce integration & direct selling
• Influencer marketing opportunities

Cons:

• Algorithm fluctuations
• Time-consuming growth
• High competition

X: Microblogging For Money

X, the microblogging platform that thrives on real-time conversations and trending topics, has evolved into a dynamic space where content creators can monetize their influence and expertise. While building a substantial following takes time and effort, X offers several avenues for turning tweets into treasure.

Beyond sponsored tweets and affiliate links, X's new features, like "Subscriptions" and "Super Follows," allow creators to offer exclusive content for a monthly fee, creating a direct revenue stream and fostering a deeper connection with their audience.

Pros:

• Real-time engagement and community building
• Potential for viral reach through trending topics
• Monetization through subscriptions, brand partnerships, and more
• Opportunity to establish thought leadership in your niche

Cons:

• Algorithm fluctuations can impact content visibility
• High competition requires consistent effort and quality
• Building a substantial following takes time and dedication

YouTube: Making Money Vlogging

YouTube is the original video platform where creators turn passion into profit. Traditionally, this was through ad revenue, brand partnerships, and channel memberships. Today, YouTube's ecosystem offers even more opportunities: merchandise sales, Super Chat, and even crowdfunding.

Pros:

• Massive audience and potential reach
• Creative freedom
• Variety of monetization options
• Long-term earning potential through evergreen content
• Community building and engagement

Cons:

• High competition and saturation
• Algorithm changes can affect visibility

Whop: Where Digital Dreams Become Reality

Whop is the ultimate monetization platform where you can buy and sell almost anything digital – from software and memberships to ebooks, online courses, and paid community access.

Whop fosters a thriving community of creators and consumers, making it more than just a transaction hub. It's a place to discover new digital trends, connect with like-minded individuals, and even build a following around your creations. Thousands of creators are making more than $2000 a month with Whop, with top creators earning more than $250,000 a month.

Pros:

• Can make and sell almost anything
• User-friendly interface
• Secure transactions
• Engaging community
• Wide range of payment processor support
• Entrepreneurial opportunities

Cons:

• Small sales commission fees on sales (3%)

Can You Really Make Money With Apps?

Now that we have explored the top apps for making money online let's answer one burning question - can you actually make money with these apps? The answer is a resounding yes. You absolutely can make money with online apps, and the numbers speak for themselves. While some apps offer modest rewards like gift cards for completing surveys or watching videos, others can generate a substantial income if you're dedicated and strategic.

While it’s possible to make money with apps, it's important to be realistic about your expectations. Headlines might tout the average side hustler raking in over a thousand dollars a month, but the reality is that most people earn closer to $200.

However, if you want to increase that to $500 or more, you have to work at least 5 hours weekly. 

Here's a glimpse of the earning potential for some popular categories:

• Cashback Apps: Earn anywhere from $10-$50 per month on average, depending on your spending habits and the app you use.
• Gig Economy Apps: Delivery drivers and rideshare drivers can potentially earn $15-$25 per hour, depending on the platform, location, and demand. 
• Freelance Platforms: Skilled freelancers can charge premium rates and earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month 
• Investment Apps: While the potential for high returns exists, remember that investment comes with inherent risks, and past performance doesn't guarantee future results.

It's crucial to set realistic expectations and choose apps that align with your interests and skills. With research and dedication, you can find apps that help you boost your income significantly.

Whop: The "Set It and Forget It" Digital Empire You've Been Craving...

What if you could create a reliable, scalable income stream that practically runs itself?

Where your knowledge, expertise, and unique skills transform into digital products that people beg to buy... month after month, year after year.

That's the power of Whop.

Not just another ecommerce platform, Whop is the streamlined, user-friendly platform that makes building your business effortless.

No tech skills? No problem.

Whop's intuitive interface lets you launch your store, list your products, and start accepting payments faster than you can say "passive income."

Crypto coach? Sales guru? Creative genius? MMO master?

Whatever you're selling, Whop is your stage.

Start your journey on Whop toward predictable income and limitless scalability.