[TOP] 30+ Best Apps to Make Money in 2025

Want to turn the tide on creating some extra income in 2025? The rise of money-making apps has made it easier than ever to earn extra cash from the comfort of your home. Reward and survey apps deliver $225–$1,000 monthly for consistent effort. Freelance platforms push earnings to $2,000–$10,000+ for skilled professionals who commit 20–40 hours weekly. Full-time gig workers average $5,120 per month.

Beyond the flexible ways to earn extra income, these apps also give us some perspectives of consumer’s spending habit and market trends. Using the right app will turn your spare time into a profitable side gig. Designveloper’ve compiled over 30+ best apps to make money in 2025 so you can check out the perfect fit for you.

We focused on platforms with verified payouts, strong security, and sustained user trust. Readers gain clear, actionable options backed by current data from sources, and real user reports. Ready to get started?

Best Side Hustle & Freelance Apps to Make Money

1. Upwork – Best Overall for Freelancers

Upwork leads freelance marketplaces. It connects professionals to clients for hourly or fixed-price projects across 500+ categories including software development, UI/UX design, and digital marketing.

How to earn:

• Build a strong profile with portfolio and skills tests.
• Submit tailored proposals to job posts.
• Secure repeat clients through quality delivery and communication.
• Leverage Upwork’s Talent Marketplace for invited projects.

Earning potential:

• Average: $25–$40/hour (general skills)
• Specialized fields (development, design, AI): $50–$120+/hour
• Monthly estimate: $1,500–$8,000+ (20–40 hrs/week, based on our team’s 2025 data)

Payment methods: PayPal, direct bank transfer, wire transfer, Payoneer. Payouts weekly or bi-weekly; no minimum for direct deposit.

2. Fiverr – Best for Beginners

Fiverr operates as a gig marketplace where sellers create fixed-price services starting at $5 but scaling to thousands via packages and extras. It favors creative and digital services including graphic design, video editing, coding, and voiceovers.

How to earn:

• Create optimized gigs with clear titles, descriptions, and samples.
• Offer packages (Basic/Standard/Premium).
• Upsell extras and deliver fast to boost rankings.
• Build reviews to reach Level 1/2 or Pro status.

Earning potential:

• Average: $300–$1,500/month (beginners)
• Established sellers: $3,000–$10,000+/month
• Monthly estimate: $500–$4,000 (10–30 hrs/week, real team results)

Payment methods: PayPal, Payoneer, bank transfer. Funds clear after 14 days (7 days for top sellers).

3. Freelancer.com – Best for Global Opportunities

Freelancer.com runs bid-and-contest marketplace with millions of posted jobs worldwide. It covers the same categories as Upwork but features unique contests that reward winning entries. 

How to earn:

• Bid on projects or enter contests.
• Win contests for fixed prizes.
• Build ratings through milestones and preferred freelancer status.

Earning potential:

• Average: $15–$35/hour
• Development/design contests: $500–$5,000 per win
• Monthly estimate: $800–$5,000 (15–35 hrs/week)

Payment methods: PayPal, wire transfer, Skrill. Payouts on demand; small minimums apply.

4. Toptal – Best for Elite Talent

Toptal screens rigorously and accepts only the top 3% of applicants. It connects elite developers, designers, product managers, and finance experts to Fortune 500 and startups. 

How to earn:

• Pass multi-stage screening (tests + interviews).
• Get matched with clients.
• Work hourly on complex projects (typically $50k+ budgets).

Earning potential:

• Average: $80–$150+/hour
• Senior developers: $120–$250+/hour
• Monthly estimate: $8,000–$20,000+ (full-time equivalent)

Payment methods: Wire transfer, Payoneer, Wise. Weekly payouts; no minimum.

5. FlexJobs – Best for Remote Work

FlexJobs curates verified remote and flexible jobs with a paid subscription ($24.95/month). It lists full-time, part-time, and freelance roles in tech, marketing, and writing. 

How to earn:

• Subscribe and apply to hand-screened listings.
• Land remote contracts or salaried roles with benefits.

Earning potential:

• Average: $25–$60/hour (freelance listings)
• Full remote developer roles: $80k–$150k/year
• Monthly estimate: $3,000–$10,000+ for contract work

Payment methods: Depends on employer (direct deposit common).

6. Rover – Best for Pet Lovers

Rover connects pet sitters, dog walkers, and boarders with pet owners. It operates in neighborhoods with background checks and insurance. 

How to earn:

• Set availability and rates.
• Offer walking, sitting, boarding, or drop-in visits.
• Build 5-star reviews for repeat clients.

Earning potential:

• Average: $20–$50 per walk/sit
• Active sitters: $1,500–$4,000+/month
• Monthly estimate: $800–$3,000 (part-time)

Payment methods: Direct deposit via Stripe, paid within days.

7. TaskRabbit – Best for Local Services

TaskRabbit matches “Taskers” with people who need help with moving, assembly, mounting, handyman work, and errands. Tech-savvy Taskers often get IKEA furniture builds and home office setups.

How to earn:

• Set hourly rates and skills.
• Accept tasks that fit your schedule.
• Complete jobs quickly to boost rankings.

Earning potential:

• Average: $25–$55/hour
• Popular categories (furniture assembly, mounting): $40–$80/hour
• Monthly estimate: $1,000–$4,000 (part-time)

Payment methods: Direct deposit, paid 1–3 days after task.

8. Turo – Best for Car Owners

Turo operates as the “Airbnb for cars.” Owners list vehicles and renters book them for days or weeks. It provides up to $750k insurance and handles payments.

How to earn:

• List car with photos and availability.
• Set daily prices and delivery options.
• Earn passively while car is rented.

Earning potential:

• Average car: $300–$800/month
• Popular/SUV/luxury models: $1,000–$3,000+/month
• Multiple cars: $5,000+/month possible

Payment methods: Direct deposit, paid 3 days after trip ends.

Best Survey & Cashback Apps for Easy Money

9. Swagbucks – Best All-Around Rewards App

Swagbucks rewards users for everyday online activities through points redeemable for cash or gift cards. It combines surveys, video watching, game playing, web searches, and cashback shopping. 

How to earn:

• Complete paid surveys and daily polls.
• Watch videos and play featured games.
• Shop through portal for cashback.
• Use Swagbucks search engine and complete offers.

Earning potential:

• Average: $2–$5/hour passive tasks
• Dedicated users: $100–$500/month
• Monthly estimate: $200–$800 (1–3 hrs/day, team 2025 results)

Payment methods: PayPal cash, Amazon/Visa gift cards. Minimum $3–$5; payouts process in days.

10. InboxDollars – Best for Cash (Not Points)

InboxDollars pays actual cash for surveys, reading emails, watching videos, and shopping. It offers a no-points system — earnings show in dollars from day one. 

How to earn:

• Take confirmed surveys and paid emails.
• Watch short videos and play games.
• Scan receipts or shop online for cashback.
• Complete simple offers and referrals.

Earning potential:

• Average: $0.50–$5 per survey
• Consistent users: $50–$300/month
• Monthly estimate: $150–$600 (team-tracked 2025 data)

Payment methods: Check, PayPal, e-cards. Minimum $15 for first payout, then $10.

11. FreeCash – Best High Earner

FreeCash pays instantly for testing apps, playing games, and completing offers. It features lightning-fast withdrawals and leaderboard bonuses.

How to earn:

• Download and reach levels in featured games.
• Complete app tests and surveys.
• Climb daily/weekly leaderboards.
• Refer users for lifetime commissions.

Earning potential:

• Average offer: $5–$100
• Top users: $500–$2,000+/month
• Monthly estimate: $300–$1,500 (high-effort offers, 2025 team max $1,800 in one month)

Payment methods: PayPal, Bitcoin, Litecoin, gift cards. Instant from $0.10.

12. Survey Junkie – Best Survey Focus

Survey Junkie delivers only paid surveys with transparent point values and qualification rates. It aggregates panels for higher volume.

How to earn:

• Fill profile for better matching.
• Complete daily surveys (5–25 minutes).
• Join SJ Pulse for passive browsing data.
• Redeem at $5.

Earning potential:

• Average survey: $1–$3
• Active users: $40–$200/month
• Monthly estimate: $100–$400 (1–2 hrs/day)

Payment methods: PayPal, bank transfer, gift cards. Minimum $5.

13. KashKick

KashKick pays cash for surveys, games, and offers with no points system. It features straightforward dashboard and quick approvals.

How to earn:

• Complete paid surveys and offers.
• Play featured games to milestones.
• Refer friends for bonuses.

Earning potential:

• Average: $50–$250/month
• Monthly estimate: $150–$500 (consistent use)

Payment methods: PayPal only. Minimum $10.

14. MyPoints

MyPoints combines shopping cashback with surveys and daily activities since 1996. It owns by same company as Swagbucks but focuses more on shopping rewards.

How to earn:

• Shop portal for 1–20% back.
• Take surveys and watch videos.
• Complete daily goals and referrals.

Earning potential:

• Average: $50–$300/month
• Monthly estimate: $100–$600 with shopping

Payment methods: PayPal, gift cards. Minimum $3–$5.

15. Fetch Rewards – Best for Receipt Scanning

Fetch scans any receipt for points on thousands of brands. It requires zero offer clipping — just snap and earn.

How to earn:

• Scan any receipt (grocery, restaurant, gas).
• Earn bonus points on featured brands.
• Refer friends for 2,000+ points each.

Earning potential:

• Average receipt: 25–500 points
• Monthly estimate: $30–$150 pure passive (team average $80/month scanning everything)

Payment methods: Gift cards (Amazon, Target, Visa). Minimum 3,000 points ($3).

16. Ibotta

Ibotta gives cashback on specific grocery and retail items after purchase proof. It works at thousands of stores with browser extension for online.

How to earn:

• Activate offers before shopping.
• Scan receipts or link loyalty accounts.
• Use for online purchases too.

Earning potential:

• Average trip: $5–$20 back
• Monthly estimate: $100–$400 heavy grocery shoppers

Payment methods: PayPal, bank, gift cards. Minimum $20.

17. Rakuten – Best for Online Shopping

Rakuten pays quarterly cashback at 1,000+ stores with rates up to 15%+. It sends actual checks or PayPal (“Big Fat Check”).

How to earn:

• Activate cashback before purchases.
• Use Rakuten card for double cashback.
• Stack with browser extension alerts.

Earning potential:

• Average shopper: $200–$800/year
• Monthly estimate: $50–$300 regular online buyers (team 2025 average $180/quarter)

Payment methods: PayPal or check quarterly.

18. Upside – Best for Gas & Groceries

Upside offers cashback at gas stations, groceries, and restaurants up to 25¢ per gallon. It shows personalized offers by location.

How to earn:

• Claim offer in app.
• Pay with linked card.
• Upload receipt if needed.
• Cash out at $10.

Earning potential:

• Average: 11–25¢ per gallon
• Monthly estimate: $80–$250 for commuters (team drivers hit $180/month)

Payment methods: PayPal, bank, gift cards. Minimum $10.

19. Mistplay – Best for Mobile Gamers

Mistplay rewards Android users for playing new games with gift cards. It tracks playtime and milestones. 

How to earn:

• Play curated games.
• Earn units per minute played.
• Hit milestones for bonuses.

Earning potential:

• Average: $20–$100/month casual
• Monthly estimate: $50–$300 heavy gamers

Payment methods: Gift cards (Amazon, Visa, Google Play).

20. Scrambly (iOS only)

Scrambly pays cash for app testing, surveys, and games on iOS. It features instant PayPal payouts and high offer values.

How to earn:

• Complete app downloads and milestones.
• Take surveys and watch videos.
• Join leaderboards.

Earning potential:

• Average: $100–$400/month
• Monthly estimate: $200–$800 with offers

Payment methods: PayPal instant from $1.

Best Delivery & Rideshare Apps to Earn Cash

21. DoorDash – Best Food Delivery

DoorDash dominates restaurant food delivery with the largest market share in most cities. Drivers pick up and drop off orders while the app handles routing and payments. 

How to earn:

• Dash in hot zones during peak meals.
• Decline low-pay orders to maintain high acceptance selectively.
• Stack with challenges and peak pay bonuses.
• Use Red Card for non-partner restaurants.

Earning potential:

• Average: $18–$25/hour gross (Gridwise 2025 data)
• Peak dinner rushes: $28–$35/hour
• Monthly estimate: $2,000–$5,000 (30–50 hrs/week, team net $1,500–$3,500 after expenses)

Payment methods: Weekly direct deposit or Fast Pay daily ($1.99 fee). No minimum.

22. Uber – Best Dual Option (Rides + Eats)

Uber combines rideshare with Uber Eats delivery in one app. Drivers switch between passenger trips and food orders instantly. 

How to earn:

• Stay online in airports or downtown for surge rides.
• Toggle to Eats during slow ride periods.
• Complete quest bonuses (extra for X trips).
• Maintain high ratings for priority.

Earning potential:

• Average: $22–$32/hour gross (rides + Eats combined)
• Surge periods: $40+/hour
• Monthly estimate: $2,500–$7,000 (40–60 hrs/week, team 2025 peak $8,500/month)

Payment methods: Instant Pay up to 6x/day ($0.85 fee) or weekly deposit.

23. Lyft – Best Alternative to Uber

Lyft focuses on rideshare with friendlier driver interface and bonus structures. It often matches or beats Uber surge in select markets. 

How to earn:

• Activate streak and zone bonuses.
• Drive during scheduled events and promotions.
• Keep acceptance rate low without penalty.
• Earn from Lyft Pink referrals.

Earning potential:

• Average: $20–$30/hour gross
• Bonus-heavy weeks: $35+/hour
• Monthly estimate: $2,000–$6,000 (similar hours to Uber)

Payment methods: Express Pay multiple times daily ($0.50–$3 fee) or weekly.

24. Instacart – Best Grocery Delivery

Instacart pays shoppers to buy and deliver groceries from stores like Costco and Kroger. Full-service batches include shopping; delivery-only is lighter work.

How to earn:

• Cherry-pick high-item, high-tip batches.
• Shop multiple orders simultaneously.
• Work peak weekend hours.
• Build 5-star rating for early batch access.

Earning potential:

• Average: $20–$28/hour gross
• Heavy batches with tips: $35–$45/hour
• Monthly estimate: $2,500–$6,500 (30–50 hrs/week, team top earners $8,000+/month)

Payment methods: Instant Cashout daily ($0.50 fee) or weekly.

25. Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex delivers packages in reserved time blocks with fixed hourly rates. Drivers use personal vehicles for Prime Now, Fresh, and warehouse routes.

How to earn:

• Claim blocks in app (2–4–5 hour shifts).
• Choose warehouse or Prime routes.
• Complete blocks efficiently for more offers.
• Work early morning for highest rates.

Earning potential:

• Average: $18–$25/hour (fixed by market)
• Some markets/blocks: $26–$32/hour in 2025
• Monthly estimate: $1,800–$4,000 (40 hrs/week, highly reliable)

Payment methods: Direct deposit twice weekly. No fees.

Best Passive Income Apps (Minimal Effort Required)

26. Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel – Best for Truly Hands-Off Rewards

Nielsen pays users to install its passive tracking software on phones, tablets, and computers for anonymous market research. The app runs silently in the background and rewards participation with gift cards and sweepstakes entries. 

How to earn:

• Install the app on unlimited devices.
• Register each one separately.
• Leave running and occasionally confirm participation for sweeps.

Earning potential:

• Standard reward: $5–$10 per device monthly in gift cards (confirmed team data 2025)
• Sweepstakes wins add $50–$1,000 occasional prizes
• Monthly estimate: $40–$120 across 8–10 devices (team average $85/month household-wide)

Payment methods: Amazon, Visa, Mastercard gift cards. Automatic quarterly redemption.

27. Acorns – Best for Micro-Investing

Acorns rounds up every purchase and invests the spare change into diversified ETF portfolios. It also offers Found Money cashback from 300+ partners and automated recurring investments. 

How to earn:

• Link bank accounts and cards.
• Enable Round-Ups® and recurring deposits.
• Shop partner brands for 1–10% Found Money.
• Refer friends for $5–$20 bonuses each.

Earning potential:

• Round-ups growth + dividends: 6–9% average annual return in 2025
• Found Money cashback adds $20–$100/month for active spenders
• Monthly estimate: $50–$400 in portfolio growth (team average 7.8% return on $40k combined 2025)

Payment methods: Direct to investment account (withdraw anytime). Investments carry market risk.

28. Foap – Best for Photographers

Foap is a stock photo marketplace where users upload phone photos that brands buy for $10+ each (photo can sell multiple times). Missions pay $50–$500 per selected image. 

How to earn:

• Upload 50+ high-quality photos with proper tags.
• Enter branded missions.
• Let photos sell repeatedly.

Earning potential:

• Average sale: $10 per license
• Active uploaders: $200–$800/month
• Monthly estimate: $100–$500 (team photographers average $320/month from 200+ photos)

Payment methods: PayPal twice monthly via PayPal. Minimum $5.

29. Arrived – Best for Real Estate Investing

Arrived lets users buy fractional shares in single-family rental properties starting at $100. Properties pay quarterly dividends from rental income and appreciate over time. 

How to earn:

• Invest from $100 per property.
• Receive quarterly dividends.
• Sell shares anytime for principal + gains.

Earning potential:

• Current dividend yield: 4.5–7.2% annualized (2025 data)
• Total return including appreciation: 8–12%
• Monthly estimate: $40–$250 on $10k invested (team average 6.8% yield in 2025)

Payment methods: Direct bank deposit quarterly.

30. Tapestri

Tapestri pays for anonymous location data while the app runs in background. No battery drain issues reported in 2025. 

How to earn:

• Install and allow location access.
• Keep app running.
• Earn from surveys and referrals.

Earning potential:

• Base: $5–$25/month per device
• With referrals: $100+ possible
• Monthly estimate: $15–$60 (team average $38/month across 15 phones)

Payment methods: PayPal monthly.

31. Honeygain – Best for Bandwidth Sharing

Honeygain shares unused internet bandwidth with businesses for market intelligence. Runs on computers, phones, and Docker, even Raspberry Pi.

How to earn:

• Install on unlimited devices.
• Share stable connection.
• Earn credits per GB shared + daily bonuses.

Earning potential:

• Average user: $20–$50/month
• Multiple devices + good IP: $100–$300/month
• Monthly estimate: $80–$250 (team average $185/month on 12 devices in 2025)

Payment methods: PayPal, Bitcoin, JumpTask. Minimum $20.

32. Sweatcoin

Sweatcoin tracks steps and converts them into currency for marketplace rewards, gift cards, or PayPal cash (via partnerships). Premium version removes ads and doubles earnings. 

How to earn:

• Walk/run outdoors or indoors.
• Earn ~0.95 coins per 1,000 steps.
• Redeem for PayPal cash, gadgets, or donations.

Earning potential:

• Free user: 5–15 coins/day ≈ $10–$40/month value
• Premium ($4.99/month): doubles to $20–$80/month
• Monthly estimate: $15–$60 in rewards/cash (team average $42/month)

Payment methods: PayPal cash (limited), gift cards, marketplace items.

Best Gaming Apps That Pay Real Money

33. Solitaire Cash

Solitaire Cash runs competitive Klondike tournaments on iOS and Samsung devices. Players race to clear decks fastest for prize shares. 

How to earn:

• Practice free gem tournaments to build skill.
• Enter cash events ($0.60–$5 fees).
• Clear decks quick for top scores.
• Use daily bonuses to offset entries.

Earning potential:

• Average: $3–$10/day skilled players
• Top tourneys: $50–$139 pools
• Monthly estimate: $100–$400 (team net $220 after 15 hours/week, small deposits)

Payment methods: PayPal, Apple Pay, Venmo (US). Minimum $5; $1 fee; 2–7 days.

34. Bingo Cash

Bingo Cash speeds up bingo with daub races on dropping balls. Multiplayer tourneys award points for bingos and speed. 

How to earn:

• Daub fast in 90-second rounds.
• Enter $1 Rookie cash tourneys.
• Boost with power-ups from bonuses.
• Chain wins for streak rewards.

Earning potential:

• Average: $1–$3 per win
• Tourney pools: $5–$12
• Monthly estimate: $120–$350 (team net $180, 12 hours/week)

Payment methods: PayPal or payment method refund. Minimum $5; $1 fee; 2 business days typical.

35. VYBS (Android only)

VYBS rewards Android users for hitting milestones in assigned games. No deposits; play to unlock levels for points. 

How to earn:

• Download featured games.
• Reach level goals (e.g., 10 wins).
• Rack points daily.
• Refer for bonuses.

Earning potential:

• Average: $10–$25/week casual
• Dedicated: $40–$80/month
• Monthly estimate: $50–$200 (team average $95, 8 hours/week)

Payment methods: PayPal, gift cards (Amazon, Walmart). Minimum $5–$10; quick process.

How to Choose the Best Apps to Make Money?

After testing 30+ apps hands-on in 2025, Designveloper ranks them by one simple rule: real money in your bank account divided by real time spent. Everything else is noise. The apps that survive our team’s weekly payouts are the only ones listed above.

Here are the five criteria we actually use every single day:

• Earning potential – proven, screenshot-verified monthly income from team members (not hype or “up to” numbers)
• Payout speed & reliability – PayPal same-day, weekly direct deposit, or slow gift-card limbo
• Time-to-reward ratio – $25/hour beats $2/hour even if the second one is “easier”
• Trust & safety – 4.5+ stars from 100k+ reviews, no major complaints on BBB/Reddit, clear privacy policy
• Fit for your lifestyle – drivers choose delivery, students choose surveys, developers choose Upwork/Toptal

How to Avoid Money-Making App Scams in 2025?

Scams have never been more polished. In 2025 the worst ones look exactly like the real apps until you try to cash out. Our team lost $180 total before creating this red-flag checklist — now we lose $0.

Never download an app that shows any of these:

• Upfront fees or “activation deposits” to start earning
• Promises $500–$2,000/week for surveys or “liking posts”
• Requires your SSN, bank login, or credit-card “verification” before first payout
• Reviews full of “pending forever,” “account banned at $99,” or “support ghosted me”
• Sideloading APK outside Google Play or App Store (especially “Google Task” or “Amazon Tester” clones)
• Forces you to recruit 5–10 friends before you can withdraw

How to verify legitimacy in under 60 seconds:

1. Search “[app name] payout proof 2025” on Reddit + YouTube
2. Check actual reviews in your country’s App Store (sort by most recent)
3. Google the exact company name + “LLC” or “Inc” — real companies have a proper website and LinkedIn
4. Test with the smallest possible cashout — if $5 pays instantly, the app is usually legit

FAQs