How to make money from home: 25 Ideas for 2025

1. Sell online with Print on Demand (POD)

Customize and sell white-label products such as apparel, accessories, and home decor through your own online store, with each order fulfilled as it’s placed.

Print on Demand is one of the real ways to make money from home for free. It requires no inventory or upfront investment, making it accessible for beginners looking to start an online business.

• Pros: No inventory, easy setup, low startup costs, over 1,300 custom products in Printify’s Catalog.
• Cons: Limited control over quality, longer fulfillment times.
• Requirements: A computer, internet connection, and design software (optional).
• Average rate: $5-$8 per sale.
• Difficulty: Easy. Simply sign up for Printify and start designing.
• First steps: Sign up for a POD platform, choose products, design, and list them online.
• Where to get started: Printify.

2. Fill out online surveys

Participate in market research by taking surveys and earning cash or rewards. Online surveys are easy to start, require no experience or advanced skills, and offer flexible hours, making them a convenient option for earning some extra income. 

By doing thorough research, you can find the most popular survey sites that offer better payouts and reliable opportunities – like Survey Junkie.

• Pros: No experience needed, flexible.
• Cons: Low pay, possible scams.
• Requirements: A computer or smartphone.
• Average rate: From 50 cents to $5 per survey.
• Difficulty: Very easy. With surveys, you can even make money from your phone.
• First steps: Sign up on popular survey sites and start taking online surveys.
• Where to get started: Swagbucks, Branded Surveys, Survey Junkie.

3. Teach online courses

Teach subjects you’re knowledgeable about through digital platforms, providing an online course, video lessons, or live classes. Teaching online is one of the legitimate ways to earn a steady income while reaching a global audience. 

It allows you to set your own schedule and earn money by sharing your expertise on various topics.

• Pros: Flexible schedule, global audience. 
• Cons: Time-consuming.
• Requirements: Expertise in a subject, a computer.
• Average rate: $10-$40 per hour; $1,000-2,000 per course.
• Difficulty: Medium.
• First steps: Create lesson plans, sign up on teaching platforms, and start teaching.
• Where to get started: Udemy, Teachable, Skillshare.

4. Tutor online

Teach and guide people in various subjects through one-on-one tutoring sessions – the perfect way for college students to earn extra money online. Becoming a tutor lets you share your knowledge, help others learn, and profit, offering educational support to students of all ages.

Offer online tutoring through established platforms or create your own website to reach a broader audience.

• Pros: Rewarding, flexible hours. 
• Cons: Preparation time, varying student needs.
• Requirements: Subject knowledge, a computer.
• Average rate: $15-$40 per hour.
• Difficulty: Medium.
• First steps: Sign up on tutoring platforms and list the subjects offered.
• Where to get started:Tutor.com, Chegg Tutors, Wyzant.

5. Run a blog

Write articles on different topics and monetize your blog through ads, brand deals, and sponsorships. Blogging lets you share your passions, build a community, and generate income by creating engaging content that attracts readers and advertisers alike. It’s one of the easiest and most fun ways for stay-at-home moms to make extra money. 

• Pros: Creative outlet, minimal investment. 
• Cons: Time-consuming, high competition.
• Requirements: A computer, great writing skills.
• Average rate: $22.73 per hour, potentially more with sponsorships and advertising revenue.
• Difficulty: Medium.
• First steps: Get web hosting and a domain, such as Namecheap, create a blog, publish posts, and implement monetization strategies.
• Where to get started: WordPress, Blogger, Medium.

6. Try affiliate marketing

How to earn money from home while still engaging with people? Through affiliate marketing. This is a remote opportunity that lets you make a living without a job. You promote products or services online, share your expertise, and earn a commission for each sale made through your unique link.

• Pros: Flexibility to work anytime, potential for passive income, no need for inventory or product creation. 
• Cons: Requires time to build an audience, competitive space, and earnings depend on sales volume.
• Requirements: Internet access and a computer, social media presence or website, basic understanding of marketing. 
• Average rate: Varies on the contract, usually at least 3% from every sale.
• Difficulty: Easy to medium. It’s easy to start, but you need to build an audience and drive engagement that leads to sales.
• First steps: Choose a product or service relevant to your audience and sign up for an affiliate program.
• Where to get started: Join the Printify affiliate program and earn 5% commissions with monthly payouts.

7. Host a podcast

Create and distribute content on various topics on podcast platforms, monetizing through ads and sponsorships. Hosting a podcast allows you to engage with a dedicated audience, share your insights, and build a personal brand while earning income.

• Pros: Engaged audience, flexible schedule. 
• Cons: Challenging to find an audience, time-consuming.
• Requirements: Microphone, recording software.
• Average rate: $30-$45 per hour.
• Difficulty: Medium.
• First steps: Choose a topic, record episodes, and upload them to podcast platforms.
• Where to get started: Buzzsprout, Anchor, Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts.

8. Stream games

Broadcasting yourself playing video games live while interacting with an online audience is one of the easiest and most fun ways how to make more money from home, especially if you enjoy gaming. It has the potential to build a following and monetize content through ads, donations, and sponsorships.

• Pros: Flexible, real-time engagement.
• Cons: Challenging to attract viewers.
• Requirements: Gaming setup, streaming software.
• Average rate: $3.50 per 1,000 views, up to $3,000-$5,000 monthly for top streamers.
• Difficulty: Medium to hard.
• First steps: Create accounts on streaming platforms and start streaming games.
• Where to get started: Twitch, YouTube Gaming, Facebook Gaming.

9. Become a virtual assistant

Virtual assistants provide valuable freelance services that help businesses and entrepreneurs stay organized and efficient, offering support services remotely with flexible hours.

Assist with administrative tasks such as scheduling, email management, data entry, and even selling products online from home.

• Pros: Flexible, variety of tasks. 
• Cons: Finding potential clients, high competition.
• Requirements: A computer, organizational skills.
• Average Rate: $10-$20 per hour.
• Difficulty: Medium.
• First steps: Create a profile on freelancing platforms and market your services.
• Where to get started: Upwork, Fiverr, Indeed.

10. Sell photos online

Sell digital copies of your images through stock photography websites – an excellent way how to make money on the side from home. If you have a talent for photography, turn your hobby into a source of income by licensing your images for use in advertisements, blogs, and other media, all while setting your own hours and maintaining a work-life balance.

• Pros: Easy passive income, international reach. 
• Cons: Low starting prices and strict quality standards.
• Requirements: Camera, photo editing software (optional).
• Average rate: $0.02 per image per month.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• First steps: Create a portfolio and upload it to stock photography sites.
• Where to get started: Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Getty Images, iStockPhoto.

11. Start dropshipping popular products

Want some easy ways to make money from home? Try dropshipping. Similarly to POD, you sell goods on eBay, Etsy, and other platforms for a reasonable price. Once a customer places an order, your supplier handles shipping. This remote work is a low-risk way of earning extra cash online without handling inventory or logistics.

• Pros: One of the easiest ways to make money online, huge earning potential, low risk.
• Cons: Zero control over design, fulfillment, and overall quality.
• Requirements: A computer, social media presence, and marketing skills.
• Average rate: Anywhere from 10-30% per sale.
• Difficulty: Medium.
• First steps: Research the best dropshipping suppliers, popular products, and trending niches. Create a shop on a popular sales channel, for example, eBay, and publish listings.
• Where to get started: Printify, AliExpress, or Spocket.

12. Try online publishing

If content creation is more your strong suit, forget taking online surveys or becoming a virtual assistant. Put your creativity to work and write books, educational materials, flash fiction, or anything else that can be published as eBooks, audio files, or digital downloads.

• Pros: Passive income, creative freedom, low startup cost.
• Cons: Time-consuming, requires marketing, competitive market.
• Requirements: Writing skills, computer, publishing platform.
• Average rate: $0.99-$9.99 per sale.
• Difficulty: Medium.
• First steps: Write content and choose a publishing platform. Consider giving it to an editor for proofreading.
• Where to get started: Upwork for editors and Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for the final steps.

13. Excel in social media management

Manage social media accounts for businesses to increase engagement, followers, and brand awareness. As a social media manager, you’ll handle tasks such as scheduling and creating social media posts, running ad campaigns, and interacting with customers to build a company’s online presence.

This role is a key component of digital marketing, helping businesses connect with their audience.

• Pros: Creative freedom, in-demand. 
• Cons: High-stress, ever-changing platforms.
• Requirements: Knowledge of social media, a computer.
• Average rate: $13-$30 per hour.
• Difficulty: Medium.
• First steps: Build a portfolio and market your services to businesses.
• Where to get started: Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social.

14. Sell digital art

Turn physical artwork into digital goods to sell online or print on merchandise. Artists can digitize their creations and list them on online platforms, offering items such as prints, apparel, and home decor featuring their designs. 

This approach allows artists to work remotely and even start a graphic design business, showcasing their talents to a global audience.

• Pros: Cost-effective, creative freedom.
• Cons: Requires technical skills, high competition.
• Requirements: A scanner or camera, computer.
• Average rate: Varies by artwork and sales.
• Difficulty: Easy to medium.
• First steps: Create digital versions and upload them to online marketplaces.
• Where to get started: Etsy, DeviantArt, ArtStation.

15. Manage websites

Manage and maintain websites and earn money online by ensuring they run smoothly and securely for businesses. Website managers handle updates, backups, and troubleshooting, making sure the sites, including an eCommerce site – are user-friendly and optimized for search engines. 

This role can provide a steady income stream by offering essential services to keep online businesses running efficiently.

• Pros: High income, flexible schedule.
• Cons: Physically demanding, repetitive work.
• Requirements: Knowledge of web management, a computer.
• Average rate: $66 per hour.
• Difficulty: Hard.
• First steps: Market services to businesses and sign up for freelance platforms.
• Where to get started: Wix, WordPress, Squarespace.

16. Launch an online store

How to generate money from home while doing what you love? By running your own online shop. For example, sell handmade goods, thrifted gems, or stuff you no longer need. From making a little extra cash in your spare time to earning regular passive income, this is an excellent side gig for the creative type.

• Pros: Flexible schedule, creative freedom, scalable income.
• Cons: Inventory management, time-consuming setup, competitive.
• Requirements: Products to sell, eCommerce store, computer.
• Average rate: Highly variable, depending on products and sales volume.
• Difficulty: Easy to medium.
• First steps: Choose or design products, create a store, and list items.
• Where to get started: Facebook Marketplace. Or, make money on Etsy, eBay, or Shopify for individual professionally-looking sites.

17. Become a freelance writer

Write marketing content, articles, or product descriptions for various clients. Freelance writing allows copywriters to work on projects like blog posts, email campaigns, and website content. 

If you enjoy writing, use your skills to help businesses communicate effectively and elevate their online presence.

• Pros: Flexible, diverse projects. 
• Cons: Inconsistent income, stressful deadlines.
• Requirements: Good writing skills, a computer.
• Average rate: $27 per hour. Some set their own rates per word.
• Difficulty: Medium.
• First steps: Create a portfolio, sign up on freelancing sites, and market your services.
• Where to get started: Upwork, ProBlogger, Freelancer.

18. Complete online tasks

Online task sites offer opportunities to earn extra income by performing simple, quick assignments that help businesses with market research or product testing. Complete small online tasks like data entry, surveys, shopping, or watching videos for companies. 

These assignments can be a great part-time job option for those looking to make some extra cash from home.

• Pros: Easy and flexible.
• Cons: Inconsistent income, repetitive.
• Requirements: A computer or smartphone.
• Average rate: Depends on the task. Anywhere between $3 and $300.
• Difficulty: Very easy.
• First steps: Sign up on task sites.
• Where to get started: TaskRabbit, Swagbucks, Upwork.

19. Consult remotely

Provide expert advice to small businesses and individuals on specialized topics. This remote work lets you use your experience and skills to help clients improve processes, strategies, or personal development, typically over the phone or via video calls. 

This career path allows you to make a significant impact while working from the comfort of your home.

• Pros: Diverse client base, no start-up costs. 
• Cons: Stressful, market saturation.
• Requirements: Expertise in a field, a computer.
• Average rate: $44 per hour.
• Difficulty: Hard.
• First steps: Sign up on consulting platforms and market your services.
• Where to get started: Clarity, Consultport, Catalant.

20. Translate

This career path is the perfect way for linguists to make money online. Translate documents, videos, or other content from one language to another. Translation services are a popular type of freelance work in high demand globally.

Translators can work on a variety of projects, for example, legal documents, marketing materials, website localization, and educational content – all from the comfort of their homes, allowing them to earn more money while enjoying flexibility.

• Pros: Variety, freedom.
• Cons: Low income, stressful deadlines.
• Requirements: Language skills, a computer.
• Average rate: $0.15 per word.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• First steps: Sign up on freelance and translation platforms, and offer your services.
• Where to get started: TransPerfect, Rev, Lionbridge, Upwork.

21. Offer petsitting services

Want fun and easy ways to make money at home? How about scouting clients that have adorable fluffy, feathery, or scaly companions? Earn extra money by petsitting beloved animals while getting all the snuggles to yourself. If you’re into that kind of thing – it’s time well spent. 

• Pros: Easy cash, flexible hours, enjoyable for animal lovers.
• Cons: Requires trust, potential for pet-related mishaps, irregular demand.
• Requirements: Love for animals, reliability, basic pet care knowledge.
• Average rate: $20-$30 cost per day, $45-$75 cost per night.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• First steps: Advertise yourself locally or online and build a client base. Ask for friends and family to give feedback.
• Where to get started: Rover, Wag, or local Facebook groups.

22. Start a YouTube channel

Create and share YouTube videos, monetizing through ad revenue, sponsorships, an affiliate link, and merchandise. 

Starting a YouTube channel allows you to express creativity, share knowledge, or entertain viewers, potentially earning a substantial income as your subscriber base grows.

• Pros: Creative freedom, potential high income.
• Cons: High competition, negative feedback.
• Requirements: Camera, video editing software.
• Average rate: Varies, typically $2-$12 per 1,000 views.
• Difficulty: Hard.
• First steps: Create a YouTube account and upload videos regularly.
• Where to get started: YouTube, VidIQ, TubeBuddy. 

23. Transcribe

Convert audio recordings into written text for companies or individuals. Transcription work is needed for meetings, interviews, and podcasts, allowing you to work from home at your own pace, earning money by accurately typing out spoken words.

• Pros: Flexible, easy to start. 
• Cons: Low pay, repetitive.
• Requirements: A computer, typing skills.
• Average rate: $20 per hour.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• First steps: Sign up on transcription platforms and start taking assignments.
• Where to get started: Rev, TranscribeMe, Scribie.

24. Test websites and apps

How to make easy money from home? Provide feedback on usability, design, and functionality by testing websites and apps. Usability testing helps companies improve their digital products, and testers can earn money by sharing their experiences and opinions on new or beta versions.

• Pros: No experience needed, flexible.
• Cons: Inconsistent work, low pay.
• Requirements: A computer or smartphone.
• Average rate: $2-$90 per test.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• First steps: Sign up on testing platforms and start testing.
• Where to get started: UserTesting, TryMyUI, Testbirds.

25. Test products

Wondering how to make extra money from home part-time? Test new products and provide feedback to companies in exchange for money or free items. Product testing is a popular remote job that allows you to try out the latest goods before they hit the market. 

It’s a great way of making money online by sharing your opinions and insights.

• Pros: Free products, no investment. 
• Cons: Repetitive, potential scams.
• Requirements: A computer or smartphone.
• Average rate: $10-$40 per hour.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• First steps: Sign up on product testing sites and apply for tests.
• Where to get started: UserTesting, SheSpeaks, BzzAgent, NCP.

Honorable mentions

If you’re looking for more creative ways to make money from home, these honorable mentions offer a variety of opportunities to suit different interests and skills. 

• Buy and flip domain names: Invest in valuable domain names and sell them for profit.
• Childcare: Offer babysitting or daycare services for families.
• Sell fonts: Create and sell custom fonts for designers.
• Online fitness trainer: Provide virtual fitness classes or coaching sessions.
• Voice acting: Record audio files for ads, audiobooks, or online content.
• Data entry: Perform simple remote tasks for pay on data-focused platforms.
• Google AdSense: Monetize your blog or website by hosting targeted ads.
• Sell digital templates: Design and sell templates for planners, resumes, or presentations.