Side hustle made easy – Print, sell, profit.
Your phone isn’t just for scrolling – it’s a goldmine waiting to be tapped. We’ve gathered a list of the best apps to make money in 2025 by playing games, taking surveys, and watching videos.
From instant payouts and referral bonuses to cash prizes, these money-making apps quickly put real earnings in your pocket.
Popular types of money-making apps
Not all apps are created equal. Some help you earn just by playing mobile games, while others reward you for shopping or enjoying videos. No matter your skills or schedule, there’s an app out there ready to pad your bank account.
Let’s break down the different types of money-making apps and find the best fit for you.
Survey and reward apps: Get paid for your opinions
If you’ve got opinions (and let’s be real, we all do), why not earn points just for sharing them? Survey apps like Survey Junkie or Google Play Rewards Programs pay users in gift cards, cash, or eGift cards just to answer questions about brands, products, and services.
Game apps: Play and earn
Yes, you can actually make real cash by playing games. Some game apps let you join skill-based tournaments for prizes, while others offer rewards programs where you rack up points that you redeem for gift cards or extra money. Look out for legit names like Solitaire Cube and Lucktastic – no scams here.
Gig economy apps: Turn skills into a side hustle
Why not make money doing what you love? Gig economy apps connect freelancers and independent contractors with short-term jobs and side hustles like writing, design, dog walking, or even delivering grocery orders via Uber Eats. If you’re after a full-time income or just looking to make a few dollars on your own schedule, these apps help you get paid immediately for your hustle.
Cashback and rewards apps: Get paid for shopping online
Imagine filling up your bank account just by doing what you already do – browsing online stores. With cashback and rewards apps, you earn points or snag cashback on everyday purchases at select retailers. From earning gift cards from loyalty programs to stacking up rewards from Google Play, these apps work like magic for deal hunters.
Passive income apps: Make money while you sleep
Who doesn’t want to earn money without lifting a finger? Passive income apps let you generate extra cash by renting out your unused stuff, watching new game ads, or even selling your internet bandwidth. It’s like making money without even trying. Set it, forget it, and let the payments roll in.
Investment and saving apps: Make your money work for you
If your goal is to grow your wealth, investment and saving apps are the way to go. Platforms like Acorns and Robinhood help you invest your spare change, while others increase your personal finance game with smarter saving plans and debit card round-ups. The result? A bigger bank account without lifting a finger.
How to make money online for beginners and How to earn without a job.
Top apps to make money on in 2025
From Uber Eats to game apps, let’s explore ways to earn rewards, cash, gift cards, and other prizes by performing simple tasks on your phone.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the best apps to make money on. It rewards users with Swagbucks points (SB) for watching videos, taking surveys, shopping online, playing games, and more. Redeem SB for gift cards or cash sent through PayPal. New users also get a bonus just for signing up.
Payment options: PayPal, gift cards, debit card
Pros: Multiple ways to earn, easy to use
Cons: Some tasks have low earnings
Available on: iOS, Android
InboxDollars
InboxDollars pays users for watching videos, completing surveys, shopping, and even reading emails. Unlike other platforms that use points, this one pays in real cash, making it one of the best apps to make money on.
You don’t have to wait weeks to cash out, and gift cards are also available as a payment option.
Payment options: PayPal, gift cards, checks
Pros: No confusing point system, you get paid instantly
Cons: Some tasks require a time commitment
Available on: iOS, Android
Google Opinion Rewards
Google Opinion Rewards is one of the top survey apps that pays you for completing surveys in exchange for Google Play credits or PayPal cash. These short surveys take less than a minute to complete – perfect if you’re looking for apps to make money from home with minimal effort.
Payment options: PayPal, Google Play credit
Pros: Paid instantly, short surveys
Cons: Surveys aren’t always available
Available on: iOS, Android
Fiverr
Fiverr is one of the best freelance platforms, letting users earn by offering services like graphic design, writing, video editing, or coding. You set your own schedule, and Fiverr pays out immediately once a job is completed. If you’re looking for apps you can make money on using your existing skills, Fiverr is a great option.
Payment options: PayPal, direct deposit, Fiverr Revenue Card
Pros: More money for specialized skills, flexible work hours
Cons: Fiverr takes a fee from your earnings
Available on: iOS, Android
Upwork
Upwork is a freelance platform where businesses hire professionals for short-term gigs or long-term contracts. If you’re a graphic designer, writer, coder, or marketer, Upwork lets you build a full-time income or earn some cash on the side.
Payment options: PayPal, wire transfer, debit card
Pros: High-quality clients, potential for high earnings
Cons: Competitive, takes time to build a reputation
Available on: iOS, Android
TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit connects users with local gigs like furniture assembly, house cleaning, delivery, and even waiting in line for someone. It’s a great way to earn extra cash if you don’t mind completing tasks for others.
Some jobs require a valid driver’s license, but there are still plenty of options if you don’t have one.
Payment options: Direct deposit, PayPal
Pros: Flexible work, instant pay available
Cons: Some gigs require transportation
Available on: iOS, Android
Uber and Lyft
Uber and Lyft are the best gig apps for drivers who want to earn cash on their own schedule. With the instant pay feature, get paid immediately after completing a ride. New users often receive sign-up bonuses.
Payment options: Direct deposit, instant pay
Pros: More money during peak hours, flexible work
Cons: Requires a valid driver’s license, car wear and tear
Available on: iOS, Android
Rakuten
Rakuten is one of the best cashback apps. It pays you real money when you shop online at specific retailers. Just activate cashback offers before you buy, and Rakuten will deposit your earnings via PayPal or paper check.
Payment options: PayPal, paper check
Pros: Easy to use, automatic savings
Cons: Only works with partnered stores
Available on: iOS, Android
Ibotta
Ibotta is one of the best cashback apps. It lets users earn money while shopping in-store or online. Simply scan your receipt after purchasing, and Ibotta pays you back. It’s a great way to earn extra cash effortlessly, and payments are sent via PayPal, debit card, or gift card.
Payment options: Gift cards, PayPal, debit card
Pros: Easy cashback on everyday purchases, no entry fees
Cons: Must earn at least $20 in savings before receiving a payout
Available on: iOS, Android
Honey
Honey is a free app that helps users save money by automatically applying coupon codes at checkout. It also offers cashback rewards through its Honey Gold loyalty program, where users earn points and redeem them for gift cards. If you love shopping online, Honey ensures you never miss a deal.
Payment options: Gift cards, loyalty program rewards
Pros: Finds more money-saving deals automatically
Cons: Only with partnered stores
Available on: iOS, Android, Chrome Extension
HoneyGain
HoneyGain is a passive income app that pays users for sharing unused internet bandwidth. Just install the app, let it run in the background, and watch your earnings grow. It’s a great way to earn with zero effort, making it one of the best apps to make money from home.
Payment options: PayPal, Bitcoin, JumpTokens
Pros: Earn money passively
Cons: Must reach a minimum balance to get paid
Available on: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
SlideJoy
SlideJoy is an excellent way to earn money with your phone. It displays ads on your lock screen, and you earn points (called Carats) every time you unlock yours. It’s definitely one of the lowest-effort ways to earn money.
Payment options: PayPal, gift cards
Pros: No effort required, earn rewards passively
Cons: Minimal earnings, only available in select countries
Available on: Android
Robinhood
Robinhood is a commission-free investing app where users trade stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and cryptocurrency. It’s a great way to earn through smart investments. Unlike traditional brokers, Robinhood has no entry fees, making it ideal for beginners.
Payment options: Bank transfer, direct deposit
Pros: No trading fees, earn cash through investments
Cons: Market risks, requires research
Available on: iOS, Android
Poshmark
Poshmark is one of the best apps for selling clothes, shoes, and accessories. Users list pre-owned or new fashion items and earn cash by selling them directly to buyers. The app provides a shipping label, so all you have to do is package and send.
Payment options: Direct deposit, PayPal, debit card
Pros: Easy selling process, no need to meet buyers in person
Cons: Poshmark takes a small fee from each sale
Available on: iOS, Android
Mypoints
MyPoints lets users earn points by taking surveys, completing videos, shopping, and more. Once you’ve collected enough points, redeem them for gift cards, PayPal cash, or travel rewards.
Payment options: Gift cards, PayPal, travel rewards
Pros: Multiple ways to earn cash, bonus for new users
Cons: Some tasks have low earnings
Available on: iOS, Android
5 Other ways to make money from home
Not a fan of game apps or taking surveys? No worries. There are many ways to earn money from home while keeping your work-life balance intact. Here are some fantastic options if you want to sell custom products, freelance, or monetize other skills.
1. Print on Demand (POD): Sell custom products with zero inventory
Turn your creativity into cash with Print on Demand. Design t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, tote bags, and more without stocking a single item. When someone buys, your supplier prints and ships the product for you.
Your job? Create eye-catching designs and market them. With no upfront costs, POD is one of the easiest ways to earn while running a low-risk online business from home.
How to start a print-on-demand business and sell t-shirts online for maximum profit.
2. Dropshipping: Run an online store without holding stock
Think of dropshipping as POD’s cousin, but instead of designing products, you sell non-customized, trending items from trustworthy suppliers.
You set up an online store and list products, and when a customer buys, your supplier ships directly to them – no warehouses, no upfront inventory, and no hassle. With the right marketing, dropshipping can bring in consistent earnings while you focus on growing your brand.
How to start a dropshipping business and Dropshipping ideas to try in 2025.
3. Flipping: Buy low, sell high, make bank
Love treasure hunting? Flipping is all about finding undervalued items (from thrift stores, garage sales, or even your own home), fixing them up, and selling them for a profit.
Whether vintage furniture and collectibles or rare books and sneakers, there’s a market for reselling valuable items. It’s like a real-life cash tournament, where your business skills determine the payout.
Consider marketplaces like eBay and Facebook or platforms like Decluttr.
4. Subscription box business: Curate and sell monthly surprises
People love surprises, especially when they arrive at their doorstep each month. A subscription box business lets you curate niche products (like eco-friendly beauty items, gourmet snacks, or quirky pet toys) and sell them repeatedly on sites like Cratejoy.
The best part? Loyal customers mean predictable income. Build a strong brand, and soon, you’ll have a steady stream of earnings rolling in.
5. Monetizing your skills: Turn your passion into profit
Are you a fantastic cook, fitness guru, or DIY expert? People pay big money for these skills. Offer one-on-one coaching, create an exclusive membership site, or even host virtual workshops in your area of expertise on sites like Skillshare, YouTube, or Patreon.
Teach anything from knitting to personal finance, and charge a premium for your knowledge. It’s a fantastic way to earn extra cash doing what you love.
Set up a website on a platform like WordPress or Squarespace to advertise your services.
Secret websites to make money and How to make money in one hour for those spare-time hustles.
Tips for maximizing earnings with money-making apps
With so many apps allowing users to earn cash, you’ll want to make the most of your time.
Follow these tips to increase your income and efficiency:
- Diversify your apps – Don’t stick to just one app. Use multiple to maximize earnings across different categories.
- Take advantage of sign-up bonuses – Many apps offer free cash or rewards just for joining.
- Complete other tasks for extra perks – Some apps let you watch videos, refer friends, or complete challenges for bonus earnings.
- Check for special offers and cashback – Always claim offers and limited-time deals to increase your rewards.
- Use passive income apps – Some apps, like Honeygain, let you earn without active effort, so keep them running in the background.
- Watch out for fees and withdrawal limits – Check if there are entry costs, payout minimums, or withdrawal restrictions before investing your time and energy.
- Stay safe and avoid scams – Stick to reputable platforms, read reviews, and never provide sensitive financial info to unverified sources.
FAQ
The best app depends on how you want to earn. For surveys, Swagbucks and InboxDollars are great. For freelancing, Fiverr and Upwork dominate. And for shopping rewards, Rakuten and Ibotta pay well.
Yes, some mobile games and cash tournaments pay out real money but always check if there are entry fees and other factors, such as whether winnings can be withdrawn via PayPal, direct deposit, or gift cards.
Most legit apps that let users earn money are secure but always read reviews, check privacy policies, and avoid shady apps that demand sensitive information upfront.
Earning money with apps: Conclusion
Making money with apps is more than just a side hustle – it’s a game-changer! If you’re into taking surveys, playing mobile games, or passive earning, there’s an app for you.
Use several apps at a time, claim offers, and stay consistent. You’ll be surprised how quickly your balance grows.
Ready to turn screen time into cash? Start today and watch that extra cash flow in!
