Looking for legitimate ways to earn money online? Explore the top 20 paid survey websites that offer cash rewards, gift cards, and more. Learn how they work and maximize your earnings efficiently.
1. What are paid online surveys?
Paid online surveys are no longer an unfamiliar way to make money. But what exactly are paid online surveys, and how do they work? Let’s explore the details below.
1.1. What are paid online surveys?
Paid online surveys are market research tools used by companies to gather consumer opinions about products, services, and trends. Businesses value consumer feedback and are willing to pay users for their time and insights. By completing surveys, individuals can earn cash, gift cards, or other rewards.
1.2. How do survey websites work?
Survey websites act as intermediaries between companies and consumers. Users sign up, complete their profiles, and receive survey invitations based on their demographics. After completing surveys, participants earn points or cash, which can be redeemed for rewards. While some surveys take only a few minutes, others may require more in-depth responses.
1.3. Can you make money with paid surveys?
Yes, but it's essential to have realistic expectations. Making money with online surveys won’t replace a full-time income, but they can provide extra cash for daily expenses. The key is to sign up for multiple reputable sites and remain consistent. Some surveys pay more than others, and users who qualify for high-paying studies can earn a decent side income.
2. Top 20 best paid online survey websites
Here is a list of 20 paid online survey websites you can check out when looking for opportunities to make money online.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the most well-known rewards platforms, allowing users to earn money not only through surveys but also by watching videos, shopping online, and playing games. The platform is highly rated due to its flexibility and multiple earning options. The payout threshold is low, making it easy for users to cash out their rewards.
- Trustpilot rating: 4/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards
- Minimum payout: $3
- Pros: Multiple ways to earn, low payout threshold
- Cons: Some surveys may disqualify users midway
2. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a dedicated survey platform that focuses on providing users with straightforward surveys. The user interface is simple, making it ideal for beginners. Surveys vary in length and payout, but the site consistently provides users with opportunities to earn.
- Trustpilot rating: 4/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards
- Minimum payout: $5
- Pros: Easy-to-use platform, decent payout rates
- Cons: Limited availability outside the U.S., Canada, and Australia
3. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is a well-established platform that has paid out millions to users. It offers various earning methods, including surveys, playing games, watching ads, and even reading emails. While it has a slightly higher payout threshold compared to some competitors, the multiple earning options make it a popular choice.
- Trustpilot rating: 4.1/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards, checks
- Minimum payout: $10
- Pros: Multiple ways to earn, sign-up bonus
- Cons: Higher payout threshold compared to competitors
4. MindSwarms
MindSwarms rewards participants for engaging in research studies. While many users complete online surveys using their mobile app, the platform also provides webcam study opportunities that offer $50 per session. Payments are made in cash through PayPal. To join MindSwarms, you must be at least 18 years old and reside in the United States.
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards, check
- Minimum payout: $3
- Pros: High payout per survey, early access to new products
- Cons: Invite-only registration
5. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is a popular platform known for its frequent survey availability. The more surveys you complete, the higher your ranking on the platform, which can lead to better earning opportunities. The user-friendly dashboard and quick payout process make it a go-to for many users.
- Trustpilot rating: 4.1/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, direct deposit, gift cards
- Minimum payout: $5
- Pros: Regular survey availability, quick payout process
- Cons: Survey disqualifications are common
6. PrizeRebel
PrizeRebel has been around for years, offering users the chance to earn money through surveys, watching videos, and completing small tasks. It stands out due to its fast payout process and flexibility in choosing rewards.
- Trustpilot rating: 3.2/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards
- Minimum payout: $5
- Pros: Low payout threshold, multiple earning methods
- Cons: Survey availability varies by region such as the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia.
7. Toluna Influencers
Toluna is more than just a survey site; it’s an interactive community where users can participate in polls and discussions. The platform offers frequent surveys, but its points system requires a higher accumulation before cashing out.
- Trustpilot rating: 4.1/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards
- Minimum payout: $10
- Pros: Engaging community, frequent surveys
- Cons: Points expire if not redeemed in time
8. Vindale Research
Vindale Research is one of the highest-paying survey platforms, offering users the opportunity to earn significant rewards by completing quality surveys. The platform is well-known for its competitive payouts.
- Trustpilot rating: 3.6/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, check
- Minimum payout: $50
- Pros: High-paying surveys, reliable platform
- Cons: High payout threshold
9. Opinion Outpost
Opinion Outpost allows users to complete quick and easy surveys with decent payouts. The platform is user-friendly, making it a great choice for beginners.
- Trustpilot rating: 4.2/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, Amazon gift cards
- Minimum payout: $5
- Pros: Fast payments, low payout threshold
- Cons: Limited surveys available at times
10. YouGov
YouGov focuses on political and brand research, offering engaging surveys that contribute to real-world studies. Users can earn points redeemable for rewards.
- Trustpilot rating: 4.6/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards, prepaid cards
- Minimum payout: $15
- Pros: Interesting surveys, reputable company
- Cons: Takes time to accumulate enough points
11. Ipsos i-Say
Ipsos i-Say is a well-established and trusted international survey platform with a strong reputation. Users can participate in surveys covering a wide range of topics, from consumer products to social issues, and earn rewards for sharing their opinions. The platform provides various redemption options, including gift cards and cash rewards.
- Trustpilot rating: 4.2/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards
- Minimum payout: $10
- Pros: Reliable platform, frequent survey opportunities
- Cons: Surveys can be lengthy
12. MyPoints
MyPoints allows users to earn rewards not only through surveys but also through shopping, watching videos, and other activities. It’s a great option for those who want multiple ways to earn.
- Trustpilot rating: 4.3/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards
- Minimum payout: $3
- Pros: Multiple earning methods, low payout threshold
- Cons: Some surveys may disqualify users midway
13. LifePoints
LifePoints is a user-friendly survey platform known for its frequent survey opportunities and relatively low payout threshold. This makes it an excellent choice for users who want to earn rewards quickly. Participants can redeem their points for gift cards, PayPal cash, or other rewards.
- Trustpilot rating: 4.1/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards
- Minimum payout: $5
- Pros: Easy to use, quick payouts
- Cons: Some surveys can be low-paying
14. Valued Opinions
Valued Opinions offers a rewarding experience by allowing users to exchange their earned points for Amazon gift cards. The platform provides surveys on different subjects, including brands, products, and services, making it a great way for users to voice their opinions while earning incentives.
- Trustpilot rating: 4.2/5
- Payout methods: Amazon gift cards
- Minimum payout: $10
- Pros: Reliable rewards, good survey frequency
- Cons: No PayPal or direct cash options
15. OneOpinion
OneOpinion is a well-regarded survey platform catering to international users. It provides various earning opportunities, including product testing and opinion-based surveys. The platform offers a straightforward reward system, allowing participants to redeem their earnings for cash or gift cards.
- Trustpilot rating: 3.9/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards
- Minimum payout: $25
- Pros: Good survey availability, reputable platform
- Cons: High payout threshold
16. Prime Opinion
Prime Opinion is a survey platform that offers high-paying survey opportunities. However, these surveys tend to be less frequent than those available on other platforms. Despite this, users appreciate the platform for its competitive payouts and reliable payment methods.
- Trustpilot rating: 4.3/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, check
- Minimum payout: $10
- Pros: High rewards, reputable company
- Cons: Fewer survey opportunities
17. Prolific
Prolific stands out as one of the best platforms for academic research surveys. Unlike many general survey sites, Prolific ensures fair compensation for participants by connecting them with high-quality research studies conducted by universities and institutions. This makes it a top choice for those looking for well-paying, ethically conducted surveys.
- Trustpilot rating: 4.6/5
- Payout methods: PayPal
- Minimum payout: $5
- Pros: High-quality surveys, fair pay
- Cons: Limited survey availability
18. GG2U
GG2U is a fun and diverse platform where users can earn money not only through surveys but also by playing games and watching videos. This makes it an engaging option for those who want to earn rewards in different ways while enjoying entertaining activities.
- Trustpilot rating: 3.7/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, Bitcoin, gift cards
- Minimum payout: $7
- Pros: Fun and diverse earning options, low payout threshold
- Cons: Some offers may have lower pay
19. KashKick
KashKick is a reliable survey platform where users can earn money by completing surveys, playing games, and trying out special offers. It offers direct cash payments through PayPal, making it a convenient choice for those looking for quick earnings. With a low payout threshold, users can cash out faster compared to many other survey sites.
- Trustpilot rating: 3.9/5
- Payout methods: PayPal
- Minimum payout: $10
- Pros: Simple interface, multiple earning options, low payout threshold
- Cons: Some surveys may disqualify users
20. FreeCash
FreeCash is a dynamic platform that allows users to earn money not only through surveys but also by completing offers, playing games, and participating in promotions. It supports a variety of payout methods, including cryptocurrencies, making it appealing to those who prefer digital assets. The platform offers competitive payouts and daily bonuses to boost earnings.
- Trustpilot rating: 4.6/5
- Payout methods: PayPal, Bitcoin, gift cards, bank transfer
- Minimum payout: $0.10
- Pros: Very low payout threshold, multiple earning options, fast payouts
- Cons: Some tasks may have lower pay rates
3. How to maximize your earnings when doing paid online surveys?
To increase your earnings from paid surveys, consider these strategies:
- Sign up for multiple websites: Completing profile surveys accurately ensures you receive relevant surveys that match your demographic.
- Look for high-paying opportunities: Check for special promotions. Using survey apps on your mobile phone can also help you complete surveys more conveniently.
- Avoid disqualifications by answering consistently: Many survey platforms use algorithms to detect inconsistent responses, which may lead to fewer survey invitations.
Additionally, you can create multiple accounts to participate in paid online surveys and maximize your earnings. However, most survey platforms impose restrictions on multiple account creation to prevent fraud. To bypass these limitations, you can use a combination of proxies and an antidetect browser like Hidemyacc.
Proxies help change your IP address. Websites use your IP to determine your location, and if they detect suspicious activity, they may blacklist your IP. By assigning a different proxy to each profile, you can ensure that each account has a unique IP address. However, using proxies alone is not a foolproof solution, as websites can still track users based on their browser fingerprint.
Browser fingerprinting collects various details about your device, such as OS, browser type, browser version, device memory, screen resolution… Even if you change your IP, websites can still identify and block you based on your fingerprint.
By combining Hidemyacc with proxies, you can create multiple browser profiles, each with a unique browser fingerprint and a separate IP address. These profiles function as independent devices, allowing you to run multiple accounts on the same computer without detection.
Moreover, you can optimize Hidemyacc’s Automation feature to efficiently complete surveys across multiple accounts. You can create automation scripts by dragging and dropping commands, recording actions, or importing custom scripts to streamline the survey-taking process.
4. Warning signs & common scams you should avoid
While many survey sites are legitimate, scams do exist. Never pay to join a survey website, as reputable platforms do not charge fees. Be cautious of sites that ask for sensitive personal data beyond basic demographic information. Reading user reviews on Trustpilot can help verify a website’s legitimacy. Additionally, if a survey site promises unusually high payouts for minimal effort, it is likely a scam.
5. Conclusion
Paid online surveys can be a great way to earn extra cash with minimal effort. While they won't make you rich, they can provide a steady side income when used strategically. By signing up for multiple reputable platforms, staying active, and avoiding scams, you can maximize your earnings. Start exploring the top survey websites today and turn your opinions into real rewards.
