Side hustle made easy – Print, sell, profit.
The best apps to make money offer flexible ways to earn extra income online. From completing surveys on InboxDollars and selling custom products with Printify to freelancing on Fiverr, there’s an app for nearly every lifestyle.
Let’s break down the best apps to make money fast and help you find the right fit for your skills, schedule, and earning goals.
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What are the best apps to make money?
Here are some of the best apps to make money:
- Printify – Sell custom products without upfront inventory costs.
- Fiverr – Offer freelance services to clients worldwide.
- DoorDash – Make fast cash by delivering food locally.
- Rakuten – Earn cash rewards on everyday online purchases.
- YouTube – Create videos, grow an audience, and monetize your content.
- Mistplay – Play mobile games and redeem points for gift cards.
How to choose the right money-making app
Look for these factors when selecting the best app to make money.
Quick cash vs long-term income
If you need quick cash, choose apps with low payout thresholds and fast payment schedules. For a long-term side hustle, look for platforms that let you scale earnings, increase rates, or build repeat clients to create more predictable monthly income.
Active vs passive income
Active income apps require you to complete regular tasks like delivering food or playing games. Passive income apps involve a bigger initial setup – such as creating content or running an online store – before earnings become consistent.
Skill-based vs no-skill apps
Skill-based apps pay real money for specialized services, while no-skill apps offer smaller cash rewards for simple tasks anyone can do.
Local vs online
Local gigs require in-person work, while online apps let you earn using your phone or computer from anywhere.
Best money-making apps in 2026 (quick list)
Now that you know the various factors to consider, let’s explore the best money-making apps available right now.
Here’s a quick comparison of the best apps to make money:
| App | Best for | Earnings potential | Time required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printify | Selling without inventory | Scalable to thousands of dollars per month | A couple of hours for setup5-15 hours/week ongoing |
| Etsy | Selling one-of-a-kind items | ~$574/mo Top shops can earn ~$10,000+/month | 5-10 hours for setup5-15 hours/week ongoing |
| eBay | Reselling and flipping items | ~$52,000/year in revenue for active sellers | 5-10 hours for setup5-15 hours/week ongoing |
| Fiverr | Freelance services | ~$25–$250/hour | 10-30 hours/week for steady income |
| Upwork | Freelance services | ~$10–$40+/hour | 10-30 hours/week for steady income |
| Uber | Driving or delivering food | ~$19/hour | 10-30 hours/week for steady income |
| DoorDash | Delivery work | ~$4,000/month | 10-30 hours/week for steady income |
| TaskRabbit | Hands-on gigs | ~$18/hour | 10-30 hours/week for steady income |
| Rakuten | Cashback shopping | ~$100+/year | Depends on shopping time |
| Ibotta | Cashback shopping | ~$100+/year | Depends on shopping time |
| Swagbucks | Surveys and small tasks | ~$20/month | 5-15 hours/week |
| InboxDollars | Surveys and small tasks | ~$2–$5/day | 5-15 hours/week |
| Honeygain | Bandwidth sharing | ~$20 after five months | 5-10 mins setupRuns in the background |
| Shutterstock | Licensing content | ~$10,000s+/year | 10-30 hours upfront creating content |
| YouTube | Content creation | ~$45,000+/year (varies) | 10-30+ hours/week creating and editing |
| Mistplay | Playing mobile games | ~$5–$30/month | 5-15 hours/week |
We selected these platforms based on legitimacy, payout methods, ease of use, and user feedback at the time of writing. Always confirm the latest terms for each app before signing up. Note that the earnings potential listed is a rough estimate based on the data available. Actual earnings can vary.
eCommerce and selling apps
Want to build a scalable side hustle? These platforms help you earn money online by selling products.
1. Printify
Printify is one of the best apps that pays real money through eCommerce. This print-on-demand platform lets you design and sell custom t-shirts, mugs, hoodies, and more without inventory.
Best for: Starting a business with little capital.
How it works: Sign up for free, connect your online store or launch a Pop-Up Store, create and list your custom products, and Printify fulfills every order automatically.
Income type: Scalable, with passive income potential over time.
Earnings potential: $100-$10,000/month, depending on your niche and audience. George McConnell is a highly successful example who has built million-dollar businesses on the platform. Read our guide on the profitability of Print on Demand for more information.
Pros:
- 100%free to start selling
- Over 1,300 custom products in the Catalog
- Global network of vetted Print Providers
Cons:
- Product quality can vary by Print Provider
- Requires marketing to generate consistent sales
Available on: iOS, Android, Web
2. Etsy
Etsy is one of the most popular apps for selling custom goods, digital downloads, craft supplies, and vintage items.
Best for: Creative entrepreneurs.
How it works: Set up an Etsy shop, upload product listings, set pricing, and ship orders yourself or through a production partner.
Income type: Scalable, with passive income potential for digital and print-on-demand products.
Earnings potential: On average, Etsy sellers make $574/month. Top-performing shops can generate $10,000/month or more. For an in-depth breakdown, see our guide on how much you can make on Etsy.
Pros:
- Large built-in audience
- Simple store setup
- Integrated payment processing
Cons:
- Etsy fees can reduce profit margins
- Traditional dropshipping isn’t allowed
Available on: iOS, Android, Web
3. eBay
eBay is one of the best apps for making money online. While it’s known for selling used or collectible items, many sellers also list new products like custom apparel and trending goods.
Best for: Resellers, flippers, and side hustlers.
How it works: List an item, choose auction or fixed price, ship the product once it sells, and get paid.
Income type: Scalable.
Earnings potential: The average US eBay seller makes around $52,000/year, though income varies widely by pricing strategy and sales volume.
Pros:
- Extensive product categories
- More pricing flexibility than many marketplaces
- Built-in analytics to track sales performance
Cons:
- The platform attracts bargain hunters, making price competition common
- Many sellers find listing creation too time-consuming
Available on: iOS, Android, Web
Curious how to make eBay work for Print on Demand? Check out our interview with Andrew Kasemeyer and learn how he built his eBay business.
Freelancing and skill-based apps
These remote side hustle apps let you monetize your skills and choose tasks that fit your availability.
4. Fiverr
On Fiverr, you can offer services like design, copywriting, coding, and more to clients worldwide.
Best for: Freelancers looking to start a side hustle.
How it works: Create a profile, publish service gigs, set your rates, and complete jobs for clients. Fiverr keeps 20% of each transaction.
Income type: Active.
Earnings potential: Fiverr rates vary widely by skill level, demand, and experience. For example, designers may charge $25–$100/hour, while web developers often charge $50–$250/hour.
Pros:
- No upfront costs
- Access to global clients
Cons:
- 20% commission fee
- High competition in popular job categories
Available on: iOS, Android, Web
5. Upwork
Upwork is where professionals can bid on projects across writing, design, development, marketing, and more.
Best for: Freelancers who want to build ongoing client relationships.
How it works: Create a profile, submit proposals to job listings, agree on the pricing terms, and complete gigs. Upwork charges a service fee between 0%–15% per contract.
Income type: Active.
Earnings potential: Beginner freelancers may charge $10–$25/hour, while experienced professionals often earn $40+/hour.
Pros:
- Lower fees than Fiverr
- Access to long-term contracts
Cons:
- Competitive bidding process
- Time investment required to win proposals
Available on: iOS, Android, Web
Gig economy apps
If you need some quick cash, these are the best mobile apps to make money fast.
6. Uber
Uber lets you earn extra money by driving passengers or delivering food.
Best for: People with their own vehicle who want a flexible side hustle.
How it works: After passing the background check, you can start accepting ride or delivery requests. Uber takes a service fee that varies by trip.
Income type: Active.
Earnings potential: Uber drivers in the US earn about $19.72/hour.
Pros:
- Flexible schedule
- Weekly or instant payout options
Cons:
- Maintaining five-star ratings is important to receive more ride requests
Available on: iOS, Android
7. DoorDash
DoorDash is one of the best apps to earn money quickly by delivering food, groceries, and retail orders.
Best for: Local delivery work.
How it works: Pass the background check, add your vehicle and bank details, then schedule shifts. Dashers earn a base pay of $2–$10+/order plus 100% of customer tips.
Income type: Active.
Earnings potential: Average monthly earnings in the US can reach around $4,400.
Pros:
- Income-boosting features available
- Ability to cash out daily or instantly, making it possible tomake money in one hour
Cons:
- Pay depends on location and order volume
Available on: iOS, Android
8. TaskRabbit
Make money by completing in-person jobs like furniture assembly or cleaning with TaskRabbit.
Best for: Hands-on side gigs.
How it works: Create a profile, choose the service categories, set your hourly rate, and accept client bookings.
Income type: Active.
Earnings potential: The average Tasker hourly rate is $18.69.
Pros:
- Set your own schedule and take jobs as they come in
- 100% of tips go to Taskers
Cons:
- Work availability depends on local demand
Available on: iOS, Android
Cashback and rewards apps
These cashback platforms let you earn rewards and gift cards from everyday purchases.
9. Rakuten
Rakuten rewards you by sharing the commission it earns when you shop through its links.
Best for: Shoppers who want passive rewards.
How it works: Stores pay Rakuten for referring customers, and the platform shares part of that commission with you as Cash Back.
Income type: Active.
Earnings potential: You need at least $5.01 in confirmed Cash Back to get paid. Some long-time users report earning thousands over time.
Pros:
- No cap on cashback earnings
- Partners with popular retailers
Cons:
- You get paid every three months
Available on: iOS, Android, Web
10. Ibotta
Ibotta gives you cash or gift cards on groceries, turning routine shopping into a fun way to earn extra money.
Best for: Regular grocery shoppers.
How it works: Add specific product offers from the Ibotta app, buy those items at a participating store, then upload your receipt. If the purchases match the activated offers, Ibotta credits the cash back to your account.
Income type: Active.
Earnings potential: Cash out once you reach $20 to your bank account, PayPal, or a gift card. Ibotta users earn an average of $261/year.
Pros:
- Works with major grocery chains
- Real cash, not points
Cons:
- $20 minimum payout
- Receipts must meet submission guidelines
Available on: iOS, Android, Web
Survey and microtask apps
These apps pay you to complete small online tasks, letting you earn extra money from home.
11. Swagbucks
Swagbucks lets you earn rewards by completing simple online tasks in your spare time.
Best for: Low-skill side hustles.
How it works: Earn SB points by taking surveys, watching videos, answering polls, testing offers, playing games, or shopping from your phone. 100 SB equals $1. You can redeem once you have enough points, starting at 300 SB for gift cards and $25 for PayPal.
Income type: Active.
Earnings potential: Many Reddit users report earning $20–$100 per month.
Pros:
- Low $3 gift card redemption
- Multiple earning methods
Cons:
- Surveys require screening, and not all users qualify
Available on: iOS, Android, Web
12. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is one of the more straightforward apps that pays real money – not points – for completing online tasks.
Best for: Finding easy side gigs for extra cash.
How it works: Choose tasks – such as taking surveys, watching videos, reading promotional emails, or playing games – then accumulate earnings in your account.
Income type: Active.
Earnings potential: The minimum payout starts at $15. Most users earn about $2–$5 per day.
Pros:
- Pays real money, not points
- Various earning options
Cons:
- Higher payout threshold than similar apps
Available on: iOS, Android
Passive income apps
This app helps you earn money online with minimal ongoing effort.
13. Honeygain
Honeygain lets you earn cash by sharing your unused internet bandwidth.
Best for: Making passive income with almost no active work.
How it works: Install the app and let it run. You earn credits based on the traffic you share.
Income type: Passive.
Earnings potential: Minimum payout is $20. One Medium user reported it took about five months to reach this amount.
Pros:
- Truly hands-off
- Encrypted traffic and vetted partners reduce security risks
Cons:
- Slow earnings
- Income varies by location and demand
Available on: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Creator and digital content apps
Earn money online by creating content for platforms with built-in global audiences.
14. Shutterstock
Monetize your photos, videos, illustrations, or music by licensing them to Shutterstock’s global stock marketplace.
Best for: Artists looking to make passive income.
How it works: Upload Shutterstock-approved content and earn a royalty each time a customer licenses your work. Contributors earn 15%–40% of the license price.
Income type: Semi-passive after uploading your work.
Earnings potential: Minimum payout is $25. One YouTuber shared making $15,000 in an active upload year and $8,000 the following year, largely from existing uploads.
Pros:
- Generate earnings repeatedly from a single upload
- Millions of worldwide customers
Cons:
- Competitive market
Available on: iOS, Android, Web
15. YouTube
Turn content into income by monetizing your YouTube channel.
Best for: People who are comfortable on camera or willing to learn video content creation.
How it works: Create and upload videos, and apply to the YouTube Partner Program once eligible. You can earn money from watch-page ads, channel memberships, sponsorships, affiliate links, and even selling your own YouTuber merch.
Income type: Active.
Earnings potential: Income varies by niche, views, engagement, and monetization strategies. One creator with around 280K subscribers reported earning about $225K over five years from ad revenue alone.
Pros:
- Multiple income streams
- Potential to build a personal brand
Cons:
- Requires consistent content and audience growth
Available on: iOS, Android, Web
Gaming apps
If you love playing games, these money-making apps let you turn that screen time into real money.
16. Mistplay
Mistplay pays you in gift cards for playing games on your phone.
Best for: Mobile gamers.
How it works: Download the app and install games through the Mistplay launcher. The platform tracks your playtime and awards points called Units, redeemable for gift cards.
Income type: Active.
Earnings potential: Most users report making $5–$30 per month, depending on time spent. Around 1,500–1,800 Units typically equals a $5 gift card.
Pros:
- Real rewards from recognized brands
- Fun way to earn extra money if you already enjoy mobile games
Cons:
- Low earning rate for the time invested
- Daily earning cap of two hours per game
Available on: Android, iOS
How to make money on apps and maximize profits
Here’s how to make the most out of your money-making apps:
- Be realistic – most money-making apps won’t replace a full-time income, but they can provide extra cash as a side hustle.
- Use multiple apps to boost your income.
- Take advantage of sign-up bonuses that offer free cash or gift cards just for joining.
- Look for limited-time deals and cashback boosts to increase your returns.
How to stay safe and avoid scam apps
Before downloading any app that makes money, take a few simple steps to protect your time and data:
- Do your research, read reviews, andstick to well-known companies with a track record of real payments and transparent earnings policies.
- Never pay upfront fees to access “exclusive” earning opportunities or higher rewards.
- Avoid apps that promise unrealistic earnings for simple tasks like playing games or watching ads.
- Check app store ratings and look for consistent reviews mentioning successful cash rewards and payouts.
FAQ
The best app to earn money depends on your skills and financial goals.
Printify is one of the best apps to make money without upfront costs or inventory, with long-term scaling potential. For freelance work, Fiverr can help you find clients. If you’re looking for quick side income, apps like TaskRabbit let you earn cash through in-person jobs.
Some legit apps can generate $100 a day, but only with high-demand skills. Freelancing platforms like Fiverr and Upwork can reach that level if you charge strong hourly rates. Gig apps such as Uber or DoorDash may also hit $100 in busy markets.
Earning $1,500 per day without investment is possible, but it takes time. With Printify, you can create and sell products without buying inventory upfront, keeping startup costs low. However, reaching that level of earnings takes strategy, strong marketing, and consistent sales.
If you want to earn money fast, gig economy apps like DoorDash or Uber are the most practical options because you can sign up, get approved, and start earning cash quickly in your area.
Best apps to make money: Conclusion
Whether you want to start a business with Printify, freelance on Fiverr, or earn cash passively with Honeygain, you can find the best apps to make money for your financial goals. The key is to experiment, mix and match different platforms, and stay consistent to maximize earnings.
Want more control and creativity in how you earn? Use Printify to create and sell custom products with no inventory and earn real profit from your designs.
