Thanks to the internet, there are several ways to earn money in this age.
From earning through online games to watching ads for cash—it’s an excellent time to be alive.
Like several other lucrative ways to earn, online paid survey apps are becoming popular; you can make between $0.2 and $20 per hour.
While this can be a rewarding way to spend your spare time, several fraudulent survey apps exist and aim to steal your personal information through this means.
These fraudsters are everywhere, and it can take quite an effort to spot the fakers, so we’ve prepared a review of our top nine best survey apps to keep you safe and help you earn.
Best Survey Apps (At a Glance)
Here’s an overview of our best survey apps for 2023.
- Survey Junkie: Our Pick
- Swagbucks: Runner Up
- Google Opinion Rewards: Also Great
- YouGov: Most Survey Topic Variety
- Surveys On The Go: Best User-Friendly Option
- Qmee: Fastest Reward Survey
- InboxDollars: Best Secure Survey Platform
- Toluna Influencers: Best Survey Community
- Zap Surveys: Highest Paying Surveys
An Overview of the Survey Apps
It’s only best if you have a basic knowledge of survey apps before using them, so here are a few things you should know.
What Is a Survey App?
A survey app is a mobile application that allows individuals to participate in surveys and receive compensation or rewards in return for their feedback and opinions.
These apps connect users with companies or organizations seeking consumer insights and feedback for various purposes, such as product development, market research, or improving user experiences.
Users can complete surveys or air their opinion on a subject to earn rewards.
Rewards earned through survey sites can come in different forms, such as:
- Cash Payments: Some survey apps provide cash rewards through direct bank transfers or payment platforms like PayPal.
- Gift Cards: Many survey apps allow you to redeem rewards for gift cards from popular retailers or online marketplaces like eBay.
- Vouchers and Coupons: Some survey apps provide vouchers or discount codes for specific products or services.
- Sweepstakes and Prizes: On some survey sites, you may gain entry into sweepstakes or contests with the chance to win bigger prizes.
Why Are Survey Apps Important?
For one, survey sites provide a convenient and accessible avenue to supplement your income.
While you can participate in surveys at your pace, you only need to invest your spare time, which doesn’t affect your job or other activities.
You can also work from home or anywhere else since it’s accessible from any device with an internet connection.
This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer or need to work from the comfort of their homes, such as stay-at-home parents, students, or those with limited mobility.
Regarding mobility, survey apps are also a good earning opportunity for those facing barriers in traditional employment settings, like physically disabled people.
Do I Need a Survey App?
This will depend on your personal circumstances, goals, and preferences.
If you fall into the categories below, consider signing up with a survey app.
- Income Generation: You can use a survey app if you’re looking for ways to get additional income.
- Flexibility: Survey apps can offer flexibility regarding when and where you participate in surveys. If you value the ability to work on your schedule, from the comfort of your home, or while on the go, a survey app can provide the convenience you desire.
- Interest in Providing Feedback: If you enjoy sharing your thoughts and insights, participating in surveys can be an engaging experience.
- Research and Consumer Influence: By participating in surveys, you can contribute to market research and influence the company’s offerings. You can join a survey app if you’re interested in this.
The Best Survey App at a Glance
Here’s a TL;DR section in case you can’t go through the entire review.
What Is the Best Survey App to Earn Money?
The best survey app to earn money in 2023 is Survey Junkie.
It’s user-friendly and offers several surveys on various topics.
With its low payout threshold and points-based reward system, you can quickly accumulate earnings and redeem them for cash or e-gift cards.
There are pre-screening questions on the platform that help increase survey match rates and user feedback for survey quality.
What Is the Safest Survey App?
InboxDollars is one of the reputable survey apps on the internet.
With secure payment processing, privacy protection, clear terms and conditions, and reliable customer support, InboxDollars prioritizes user safety.
This helps it provide a trusted environment for earning rewards through surveys and other online activities.
Features to Look For in Survey Apps
When signing up for a survey app, consider the following features to ensure you get the best experience.
1. Reputation
Various survey scams flood the internet, so ensure you use a platform with a track record of paying active users.
One way to check this is by reading user reviews on platforms like Trustpilot. Look for survey apps that have a good reputation and positive user reviews.
You can also research the app’s history, reliability, and legitimacy to ensure that it’s a reputable platform.
2. Survey Availability
Using an app with fewer surveys can mean you get less cash.
Surveys don’t pay as much as most gigs; you can earn at least 20 cents for each completed one, so you’ll need to finish at least ten to earn up to $2.
Look for apps that provide a steady stream of survey opportunities.
3. Reward System
Several survey platforms offer cash payments to redeem rewards, while others might offer gift cards or vouchers.
Examine the app’s reward system to understand the compensation for your participation. It’s best if you choose one that aligns with your preferences.
4. Payout Threshold
There’s usually a minimum withdrawal value, or threshold, on survey apps.
A higher threshold will require you to complete more actions before withdrawing your earnings.
An ideal step will be to look for apps with reasonable thresholds, say $10, that you can reach within a reasonable timeframe.
5. Eligibility and Targeted Surveys
Most survey apps use demographic information to match users with surveys.
Some locations might have limited survey openings, so check if there’s a location filter.
If there is, you might have to look for another app that supports more surveys in your area.
Pro Tip: Look to register with more than one survey app, as it increases your chances of finding more survey opportunities.
Best Survey Apps: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]
Here’s a review of our best survey apps to earn real money in 2023.
While maintaining an excellent track record and high user base since 2013, Survey Junkie has proven to be one of the best in the industry.
Considering its user-friendly interface, low payout threshold, and pre-screening questions that increase survey match rates, its benefits are unmatched.
It provides you with the opportunity to participate in surveys on various topics. Combining this with its reliable points-based reward system creates a rewarding survey-taking experience.
Key Features of Survey Junkie
- Wide Range of Surveys: Survey Junkie offers various survey topics, from nutrition to shopping habits, to ensure users have more options based on their interests.
- Low Payout Threshold: Survey Junkie has a minimum payout threshold of $5. This allows users to quickly reach the required amount to redeem their earnings for cash or e-gift cards.
- Pre-Screening Questions: To improve survey match rates, Survey Junkie utilizes pre-screening questions to help identify users who fit the specific criteria for a particular survey.
- Points-Based Reward System: Users on Survey Junkie earn points equivalent to cents (1 point equals 1 cent) for completing surveys. This clear and straightforward reward system allows you to easily track your progress and understand the value of your earnings.
- Active Community: Survey Junkie has an active and engaged user community. Users can interact with each other, share tips, and seek advice, creating a sense of community and support.
Pros of Survey Junkie
- Trustworthiness and Reputation: Survey Junkie has established itself as a reputable and trustworthy survey platform with an operation history since 2013. It has garnered a large user base and positive reviews, indicating its credibility as a legitimate survey platform.
- User-Focused Experience: With a strong emphasis on providing a positive user experience, it actively seeks feedback, takes user suggestions into account, and continuously improves its platform accordingly. This user-centric approach contributes to a more satisfying experience.
- Quick and Timely Payments: Survey Junkie has an instant payment process. Once you reach the minimum payout threshold, you can expect to receive your earnings on time.
Cons of Survey Junkie
- Survey Disqualifications: You may experience frequent disqualifications from surveys. This can be frustrating since it means investing time in a survey only to be screened out based on eligibility criteria. However, Survey Junkie’s pre-screening questions help reduce disqualifications to some extent.
- Limited Availability of Surveys: Depending on your location, there may be times when there are fewer survey opportunities. This can potentially slow earnings.
- Points Expiration: Survey Junkie has a points expiration policy. If you’re inactive for 12 months, your earned points may expire, resulting in a loss of potential rewards.
Survey Junkie Income
You can earn as much as $40 monthly when you answer survey questions on Survey Junkie, with surveys paying $0.5 to $3.
Our Take: Should You Choose Survey Junkie?
Survey Junkie offers an opportunity to earn extra bucks from sharing your opinion.
It shows all the signs of a legit opportunity and has over 66% five-star ratings on trusted review platforms.
You can try this money-earning survey opportunity if you live in the US.
Swagbucks is a popular online rewards platform that allows users to earn points by performing various activities such as taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and playing games.
This versatility creates multiple ways to earn aside from surveys and makes Swagbucks stand out from the other apps.
Key Features of Swagbucks
- Multiple Earning Opportunities: On Swagbucks, you can earn rewards by taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, playing games, and more. These earning opportunities ensure that you choose the activities that best suit you.
- Swagbucks (SB) Rewards System: Like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks operates a points-based reward system. You can exchange these points for cash through PayPal, gift cards to popular retailers, and merchandise.
- User-Friendly Interface: Swagbucks has a user-friendly interface that’s intuitive and easy to navigate.
- Daily Goals and Bonuses: You can set daily goals on Swagbucks. By meeting these goals, you earn bonuses and additional SB points.
- Referral Program: Unlike other survey apps, Swagbucks offers a referral program where you can earn additional SB points by referring friends and family to join the platform.
Pros of Swagbucks
- Large User Base and Established Platform: Swagbucks has an active user base with over $883 million paid to members. This contributes to the platform’s reliability and credibility.
- Available in Multiple Countries: Swagbucks is available in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and more. This international availability expands the earning opportunities for users across different regions, allowing them to participate and earn rewards regardless of their location.
- Community and Support: There’s a thriving online Swagbucks community where users can interact with each other, share tips and strategies, and seek advice. This provides a platform for support and discussion, enhancing the overall user experience.
Cons of Swagbucks
- Time-Consuming Tasks: Some earning activities on Swagbucks can be time-consuming, requiring a significant investment of time for a relatively small reward.
- Limited Survey Qualification: Not all users may qualify for every survey on Swagbucks. Depending on demographic criteria or specific survey requirements, Swagbucks may disqualify you.
- Potential for Account Suspension: Swagbucks has strict guidelines and policies to prevent fraudulent activities. You can lose your earned reward when you violate these rules. For instance, using VPNs or engaging in suspicious behavior can lead to immediate sanctions or a ban from Swagbucks.
Swagbucks Income
Swagbucks claims that its members can earn at least $1 daily, which translates to $365 per year or $30 per month, as the case may be.
Our Take: Should You Choose Swagbucks?
The multiple opportunities to make money with this app sell it as one of the best.
Besides surveys, you can earn money by watching videos or shopping on the platforms. This can come in handy when there’s no survey available at a time.
Google developed the Google Opinion Rewards (GOR) mobile app in 2020 that gives credits for participating in surveys.
The app sends users surveys based on their demographics and interests. Upon completion, users receive credits they can use to make purchases on the Google Play Store or get Google Play Store gift cards.
With Google’s reputation, we can say it’s an authentic opportunity.
Key Features of Google Opinion Rewards
- Easy-To-Use Interface: The app is designed to provide a hassle-free survey-taking experience, ensuring that users can easily access and participate in surveys.
- Personalized Surveys: Google personalizes surveys to your demographics and interests. This approach ensures you receive only relevant ones, increasing your chances of qualifying.
- Google Play Store Rewards: Users earn credits on completing surveys. They can exchange these credits for digital content like apps, games, movies, and books.
- Frequent Survey Opportunities: GOR provides users with a steady stream of survey opportunities. You can expect to receive surveys regularly and earn rewards consistently over time.
- Integration With Google Services: As a product developed by Google, Google Opinion Rewards seamlessly integrates with other Google services and apps. You can use your earned credits for in-app purchases, subscriptions, or digital content within various Google products and services.
Pros of Google Opinion Rewards
- Trust and Reliability: Considering the reputation and high standards of the developer, users can have confidence in the security and privacy of their data while using the app.
- Short and Convenient Surveys: The surveys on GOR are typically short. You can complete them quickly. This allows users to participate in surveys even with limited time available.
- International Availability: Google Opinion Rewards is currently available in up to 29 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and various European countries.
Cons of Google Opinion Rewards
- Limited Reward Options: Unlike other survey apps, Google Opinion Rewards primarily offers rewards such as Google Play Store credits or gift cards. This limitation may be less appealing if you prefer cash or other reward options.
- Eligibility and Survey Availability: As with most other survey apps, eligibility is often a profound issue. Users may not receive surveys as frequently as they like due to demographics and specific survey requirements.
- Geographic Limitations: While Google Opinion Rewards is available in multiple countries, it’s still limited to specific regions. Users residing in countries like China, where the app isn’t currently available, may be unable to use it.
Google Opinion Rewards Income
Each survey completed on GOR pays between $0.1 and $1.
So for completing ten surveys, you can earn up to $10, all things being equal.
Our Take: Should You Choose Google Opinion Rewards?
If you prioritize the safety of your data and love a secure app, Google Opinion Rewards might be your favorite survey app. Google follows a strict compliance policy that ensures user data stays secure.
Notable Mentions: Other Survey Apps to Check Out
Let’s see the rest of our list.
4. YouGov: Highest Survey Topic Variety
YouGov focuses on data-driven research and analysis to help shape public opinion and influence decision-making.
With over 20 years of experience serving 40 different industries, it provides a platform for users to have their voices heard on various social, political, and consumer topics.
Users can actively participate in online surveys, contribute to meaningful discussions, and be part of a community that impacts the world while consistently earning.
Why is YouGov a Great Option?
- Influence on Public Opinion: YouGov provides users a platform to share their opinions and contributes to discussions with several benefits. By participating in surveys and polls, you can directly impact public opinion, influence decisions in various industries, and earn points.
- Community Engagement: On the platform, you can connect with several like-minded individuals who share similar interests and opinions.
- Social and Political Impact: You contribute to vital social and political conversations and help drive positive societal changes.
Drawbacks to YouGov
- Limited Survey Opportunities: Although YouGov has more surveys than several other apps, there’s the issue of location and demographic. Some surveys might target specific segments of the population, which can result in fewer survey invitations.
- Long Redemption Time: It can take time to accumulate enough points on YouGov to reach the minimum redemption threshold of 55,000 points. You may need to participate in multiple surveys before being able to redeem your earnings.
- Survey Disqualification: Most surveys there have specific criteria for qualification. Finding a suitable one might be tasking and might take several disqualifications.
YouGov Income
Earning points on YouGov depends on the survey length.
You can earn 50 points on an 8-minute survey, approximately $0.05.
Surveys On TheGo rose to fame due to its convenience and accessibility.
The app offers a streamlined and user-friendly interface that helps to improve the survey-taking experience.
You can earn cash or gift cards by sharing your opinions and feedback on several topics.
Why is Survey On the Go a Great Option?
- Timely Notifications: Surveys On The Go sends users notifications when new surveys become available. This proactive approach ensures that users stay informed about survey opportunities.
- Transparent Reward System: Users can easily see the estimated time required to complete a survey and the corresponding payout. This way, they can make better decisions on which surveys to prioritize based on their preferences.
- User Feedback Integration: On this platform, users can provide feedback on their survey experience, report any issues or concerns, and suggest improvements. This helps shape the app’s ongoing development.
Drawbacks to Survey On the Go
- Inaccurate Survey Time: There’s an estimated duration for each survey on this app. However, it usually takes a lot longer.
- Cash-Out Threshold: The app requires you to earn at least $10 before withdrawals. While this is similar to most survey sites, it takes longer since the pay here for surveys is lower.
- Survey Disqualifications: This is common with most survey apps, and this app makes no exceptions. You can get disqualified from a survey after spending time on it.
Survey On the Go Income
You can earn between $0.5 and $2 per survey on this app.
6. Qmee: Fastest Reward Survey
Taking user research to another level, Qmee is a browser extension that allows users to earn cash rewards by participating in surveys, online shopping, and searching the web.
It also offers a low cash-out threshold and provides instant PayPal transfers, making it convenient for users to access their earnings quickly.
With its user-friendly interface and multiple earning opportunities, you can earn rewards daily while investing minimal effort.
Why is Qmee a Great Option?
- Flexibility in Earning: Beyond surveys, you can earn through online shopping and web searching. This flexibility allows you to choose the earning methods that align with your preferences and daily online activities.
- Real-Time Earnings Tracking: You can easily track your progress, see your rewards, and monitor your pending or completed transactions.
- Mobile App Convenience: In addition to the browser extension, Qmee offers a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. This mobile app allows users to conveniently participate in surveys, earn rewards, and access their accounts on the go.
Drawbacks to Qmee
- PayPal Limitation: Qmee uses your first withdrawal through PayPal to verify your identity. This can be a challenge if you don’t have an account or you live in PayPal-restricted areas.
- Variable Rewards: The rewards for completing surveys and other activities on Qmee can vary significantly. Some may offer high-paid surveys, while others may provide lower compensation. This variability can make it challenging for users to predict the potential earnings from each activity.
- Annoying Notifications: You’ll often get notifications reminding you of available surveys even when there aren’t any. It can get annoying sometimes.
Qmee Income
From our experience using this app, we can estimate earnings on Qmee to be $2 per hour.
7. InboxDollars: Best Secure Survey Platform
InboxDollars online reward platform creates a more secure means to earn cash rewards by completing various activities, such as taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online.
It also stands out as one of the best survey apps to earn cash rather than just points or gift cards.
Why is InboxDollars a Great Option?
- Referral Program: Under the InboxDollars referral program, you can earn additional rewards by referring others to join the platform.
- Daily Deals and Cashback: Being one of a kind, InboxDollars provides access to exclusive daily deals and cashback offers on online purchases from partnered retailers.
- Sweepstakes and Contests: This app creates an opportunity to earn cash giveaways of up to $10,000 in sweepstakes and contests.
Drawbacks to InboxDollars
- High Cash-Out Threshold: The highest threshold for most apps is $10, but InboxDollars exceeds this at $30. Considering the low earnings, meeting this might be tasking.
- Low Earnings: Surveys here pay a lot less than other platforms. You could earn $1 per hour taking surveys, which is typically low.
- Payment Processing Fees: InboxDollars charges $3 for every withdrawal through a check.
InboxDollars Income
InboxDollars pays between $0.1 to $5 per survey.
Toluna Influencers is an online survey platform that allows users to share their opinions and earn rewards.
Its emphasis on community engagement and influence is one of the reasons it’s on our review list.
Users can participate in surveys, polls, and discussions on several topics, providing valuable feedback and influencing product development.
Why is Toluna Influencers a Great Option?
- Product Testing Opportunities: As a member of the Toluna Influencers, you can try out new products before they launch.
- Sweepstakes: Sweepstakes are becoming a regular on Survey apps like Toluna. You can participate and win additional rewards, such as cash prizes and gift cards.
- Community Rewards: Toluna Influencers often reward active community members through various initiatives. This can include bonus points, badges, or special privileges for users actively engaging in surveys, discussions, or other community activities.
Drawbacks to Toluna Influencers
- Survey Disqualifications: This is common with most survey platforms, but it’s worth mentioning that you might not get paid for a survey after answering it if you don’t meet the qualifications.
- Lengthy Survey Times: Some surveys on Toluna Influencers are long and might require a significant time investment to complete. You may find this a challenge if you prefer shorter surveys.
- Point Expiration: Toluna Influencers has a point expiration policy; your points may expire if you don’t earn or redeem them within a specified period.
Toluna Influencers Income
On average, you can earn up to $3.4 per hour.
9. Zap Surveys: Highest Paying Surveys
Like every other survey app, Zap Survey rewards you for answering surveys and completing other tasks.
But a unique feature here is its charitable feature that allows you to donate a portion of your earnings to a cause you care about.
Why is Zap Surveys a Great Option?
- Community Engagement: Zap Surveys encourages community engagement through social initiatives and challenges. Users can participate in community-driven activities, interact with other users, and share their experiences.
- Extra Earning Opportunities: In addition to surveys, Zap Surveys offers users various ways to earn rewards, such as watching videos, shopping, and referring friends. There’s also a 40% cashback on every item you purchase on the platform, making it one of the highest-paying survey apps on the block.
- Personalized Recommendations: Through personalization, you can receive surveys that align with your interests and backgrounds, increasing the chances of qualifying for surveys.
Drawbacks to Zap Surveys
- Limited Survey Availability: You may not receive a consistent flow of survey invitations due to your location or demographics.
- Redemption Restrictions: There are several restrictions when redeeming rewards, like limited redemption options.
- Technical Issues: Occasionally, the app experiences a loading delay, which can be time-consuming.
Zap Surveys Income
Earnings on Zap Surveys can range from $0.2 to $1 per survey.
Other Options Relevant to Survey Apps
Here are some similar ways to make money you might find interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Make $100 a Day From Surveys?
It’s possible, but the chances of achieving this are slim.
High-paying survey apps pay up to $5 per survey, which can take up to an hour, so you’ll have to put in about 20 hours to arrive at $100.
And this calculation only assumes that your earnings are constant without disqualifications.
Why Do Survey Apps Pay You?
Paid surveys are for research purposes. When companies aim to understand a target audience’s behavior, they usually use a survey.
A reward comes with this as a means of attraction. This mutually beneficial arrangement ensures higher-quality data collection and increased user satisfaction.
Wrapping Up
Survey sites pay you to carry out simple actions online.
It’s one way to earn money on the side without investing anything but your time and energy.
Some of the top survey apps for 2023 are Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and Google Opinion Rewards.
These apps combine a secure platform, a support community, and a user-friendly interface to give you the best experience. Compared to other survey websites, these ones have a verifiable track record and an active user base.
Tell us about your favorite survey app in the comment section, and don’t forget to share this post if it’s helpful.