Paid Online Surveys for Make Money Online in 2025

Stop Scrolling, Start Earning!

Stop scrolling and start earning! What if you could turn your spare moments into real cash, just by sharing your opinion? We’re talking about paid online surveys, one of the most popular ways to make money online in 2025.

But let’s be real. The internet is flooded with survey sites for money that promise the world but deliver nothing but frustration and scams. You’ve probably heard the horror stories wasted hours for pennies, or worse, getting your data stolen.

Forget all that. You’ve just found the only guide you’ll ever need. We’ve done the hard work for you testing, reviewing, and ranking the absolute best survey sites that actually pay out. We’ll even give you an inside look with our exclusive Prolific review, the platform everyone is talking about.

This isn’t just another list. This is your roadmap to earning real money, avoiding scams, and finally making your free time profitable. Read on, and get ready to turn your opinions into your next payday. You’ll want to share this one.

Part 1: How Paid Online Surveys Really Work

Before you sign up, it’s important to understand the basics. Knowing how these sites work will help you earn more and avoid frustration.

Why Do Companies Pay for Your Opinion?

Big companies are always trying to improve their products and advertising. To do this, they need to know what real people think. Instead of asking customers themselves, they hire market research firms. These firms then use survey sites like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie to find people like you to share their opinions.

Your opinion helps these brands make better products, which is why they are willing to pay for it.

How Much Money Can You Realistically Make from Surveys?

You won’t get rich taking surveys. Think of it as a way to earn some extra “fun money” for coffee, subscriptions, or savings.

• Per Survey: Most surveys pay between $0.50 and $3.00. Some longer, more specific studies can pay more, but they are rare.
• Per Month: If you are consistent, you can realistically earn between $25 and $75 per month. Some very dedicated users make over $100.
• Hourly Rate: The effective hourly pay is very low, often much less than the minimum wage, because you won’t qualify for every survey you start.

The Main Problems with Survey Sites (and How to Deal with Them)

1. Getting Kicked Out (Disqualified): This is the biggest frustration. You might spend 10 minutes on a survey only to be told you don’t qualify. This happens because the company has already found enough people with your specific background (like age, gender, or location).
   How to deal: Understand that this is a normal part of the process. Don’t get discouraged.
2. It Takes a Lot of Time: Earning money takes time and can feel repetitive.
   How to deal: Only do surveys in your spare time, like when you’re watching TV or on a break, so it doesn’t feel like a chore.
3. Cashing Out Can Be Slow: Some sites have high payment thresholds, meaning you need to earn $15 or more before you can get your money.
   How to deal: Choose sites with low payout thresholds (like $5) and cash out as soon as you reach the minimum.

Part 2: Top 10 Best Paid Survey Sites for 2025 (Ranked)

Not all survey sites are worth your time. We’ve tested and ranked the best platforms to help you choose the right one for you.

1. Prolific

• Best for: High-quality academic studies and the best pay rate.
• What it is: Prolific connects you with researchers from top universities and companies for academic studies. The surveys are often more interesting than standard marketing questions.
• ✅ Pros: It has the highest pay, with a required minimum of $8.00 per hour. You are pre-screened, so you almost never get disqualified from a survey once it’s offered to you.
• ❌ Cons: There is a very long waitlist to join because they carefully select participants.
• Verdict: Prolific is the gold standard of survey sites. If you can get in, it’s the best one out there. Apply to the waitlist as soon as you can.
• Link: 🔗Prolific

2. Freecash

• Best for: Cashing out quickly and earning with games.
• What it is: Freecash is a popular “Get-Paid-To” (GPT) site where you can earn from surveys, playing games, and trying new apps.
• ✅ Pros: It has an extremely low minimum payout as little as $0.10 for some rewards and $5.00 for PayPal. It has a huge variety of ways to earn, and game offers often pay more than surveys.
• ❌ Cons: The pay for surveys can sometimes be lower than on other sites.
• Verdict: Excellent for those who want fast payouts and enjoy playing mobile games to earn money.
• Link: 🔗Freecash

3. Swagbucks

• Best for: Variety and earning from shopping and special offers.
• What it is: Swagbucks is one of the biggest and most well-known rewards sites. You can earn points (called SB) from surveys, watching videos, searching the web, getting cashback on shopping, and completing special offers.
• ✅ Pros: There are more ways to earn here than on almost any other site. The special “Discover” offers, like signing up for a new service, can pay up to $100 or more.
• ❌ Cons: The pay for individual surveys is often low, and disqualifications are common.
• Verdict: A great all-around site if you use it strategically. Focus on the high-paying “Discover” offers instead of just the low-paying surveys.
• Link: 🔗Swagbucks

4. Survey Junkie

• Best for: A simple, user-friendly survey experience.
• What it is: Survey Junkie is a platform focused almost entirely on surveys. It has a clean design and is very easy to use.
• ✅ Pros: The site is straightforward and has a low $5 minimum payout via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards. It has a great reputation, with high ratings on Trustpilot and app stores.
• ❌ Cons: Like many sites, users complain about being disqualified from surveys after spending a lot of time on them. Some users also report accounts being closed without warning.
• Verdict: A solid and trustworthy choice for people who just want to focus on taking surveys.
• Link: 🔗Survey Junkie

5. Branded Surveys

• Best for: People who take surveys frequently.
• What it is: A popular survey site that rewards you for being consistent. Its “Branded Elite” program gives you bonus points as you complete more surveys.
• ✅ Pros: The loyalty program is a great incentive to stick with it. It has a high volume of surveys available and a low $5 payout threshold.
• ❌ Cons: You will still face the usual problem of being disqualified from surveys.
• Verdict: If you plan to take surveys regularly, the loyalty bonuses make this a very attractive option.
• Link: 🔗Survey Branded

6. Prime Opinion

• Best for: Fast payouts and a good selection of surveys.
• What it is: A newer site that has become popular for its user-friendly design and quick payments.
• ✅ Pros: You can cash out with as little as $1 to $5, depending on the welcome bonus you choose. It has a good mobile app and is available in many countries.
• ❌ Cons: You have to check the site regularly for new surveys, as it doesn’t always send email notifications.
• Verdict: A strong contender, especially if you want to get your earnings quickly without waiting to hit a high threshold.
• Link: 🔗Prime Opinion

7. InboxDollars

• Best for: A sign-up bonus and a variety of tasks.
• What it is: One of the oldest rewards sites, InboxDollars is very similar to Swagbucks. You can earn from surveys, reading emails, playing games, and shopping.
• ✅ Pros: You get a $5 bonus just for signing up and confirming your email.
• ❌ Cons: It has a high minimum payout for your first withdrawal you need to earn $15 before you can cash out.
• Verdict: A good site to try, but be prepared to spend some time earning before you can get your first payment.
• Link: 🔗InboxDollars

8. Five Surveys

• Best for: Simplicity and straightforward pay.
• What it is: This site has a very simple promise: complete 5 surveys and earn $5.
• ✅ Pros: The payment system is easy to understand no confusing points. Each survey is worth $1. The minimum payout is just $5.
• ❌ Cons: The variety of surveys may be more limited than on larger platforms.
• Verdict: Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a simple, no-fuss way to earn without complicated points systems.
• Link: 🔗Five Surveys

9. LifePoints

• Best for: A user-friendly app and decent-paying surveys.
• hat it is: A global platform where you can earn points (LPs) for taking surveys and redeem them for PayPal cash or gift cards.
• ✅ Pros: It’s known for having some higher-paying surveys compared to other sites and a clean, easy-to-use app.
• ❌ Cons: Your points can expire if your account is inactive, and surveys can fill up quickly.
• Verdict: A reliable choice with a good mobile experience, but make sure to stay active so your points don’t disappear.
• Link: 🔗LifePoints

10. Toluna

• Best for: A large community and earning from polls and games.
• What it is: Toluna is a global community where you can earn points for your opinions on products and services through surveys, polls, and even games.
• ✅ Pros: It’s a trusted site that works with major brands and offers a variety of ways to earn.
• ❌ Cons: Some users report that there aren’t always a lot of surveys available. The points system can be a bit confusing (e.g., 55,000 points for a £10 voucher).
• Verdict: A good option if you want to do more than just surveys and interact with a community, but it may not have as many earning opportunities as other top sites.
• Link: 🔗Toluna

Part 3: Smart Tips to Make More Money with Surveys

Signing up is just the first step. Follow these tips to earn more money and waste less time.

Create the Perfect Profile to Get More Surveys

Your profile is the key to getting matched with more surveys.

• Fill Out Everything: Complete every profile section a site offers (like technology, health, travel, etc.). The more the site knows about you, the better it can match you with surveys you’ll actually qualify for.
• Be Honest and Consistent: Always provide truthful information. Survey sites have systems to catch inconsistent answers. If you say you’re 30 in your profile but 40 in a survey, you could get banned.

Golden Rules for Earning More

• Use a Separate Email: Create a new email address just for survey sites. This keeps your main inbox clean and helps you track survey invitations easily.
• Sign Up for 3-5 Sites: Don’t just use one site. Joining several platforms gives you more opportunities to earn.
• Act Fast: The best surveys fill up quickly. Turn on email or app notifications so you don’t miss out.
• Cash Out Early and Often: Don’t leave a large balance in your account. As soon as you hit the minimum payout amount, redeem your reward. This protects you in case your account gets suspended.

How to Avoid Getting Kicked Out of Surveys (Disqualification)

You can’t avoid disqualifications completely, but you can reduce them.

• Pay Attention: Read questions carefully. Many surveys include “attention checks” (like “select ‘agree’ for this question”) to catch people who are speeding. If you fail one, you’ll be kicked out.
• Don’t Rush: Answering too quickly is a red flag. Take your time to provide thoughtful answers.
• Use a Stable Internet Connection: A weak connection can cause the survey to freeze or crash, which will disqualify you.
• Turn Off VPNs and Ad Blockers: Most survey sites prohibit VPNs and ad blockers. Make sure they are disabled before you start.

Earning Beyond Surveys: Games and Special Offers

On sites like Swagbucks and Freecash, the best way to earn is often not through surveys.

• Play Games: You can earn big rewards (from $10 to $100) for downloading a mobile game and reaching a certain level within a time limit.
• Complete Special Offers: Look for “Discover” or “Offer” sections. You can get paid for signing up for services, like a new bank account or a free trial. These often pay much more than surveys.
• Get Cashback: Use the site’s shopping portal before you buy something online to earn a percentage of your purchase back in points.

Part 4: How to Stay Safe and Avoid Survey Scams

The survey world has its share of scams. Here’s how to protect yourself.

7 🚩Red Flags of a Fake Survey Site

Watch out for these warning signs. If you see any of them, stay away.

1. They Ask You to Pay: Legitimate survey sites are always free. If a site asks for a membership fee, it’s a scam.
2. They Promise You’ll Get Rich: No survey site will make you rich. If it sounds too good to be true (like “Earn $100 in 5 minutes!”), it’s a scam.
3. They Ask for Sensitive Information: Never give out your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card details.
4. There’s No Privacy Policy: A real company will have a clear privacy policy explaining how they use your data. If you can’t find one, don’t sign up.
5. The Payout Process is Unclear: A legitimate site will clearly explain how you get paid and what the minimum payout is.
6. The Website Looks Unprofessional: Typos, bad grammar, and a sloppy design are all signs of a scam site.
7. Aggressive Ads and “Limited Time” Pressure: Scammers try to create a sense of urgency to make you act without thinking.

Protecting Your Personal Information

• What’s Safe to Share: It’s normal to share general demographic information like your age range, gender, and household income. This is how they match you to surveys.
• What’s NOT Safe to Share: Never share your Social Security number, specific bank account details, driver’s license number, or passwords.
• Safety Tips: Use a separate email address, install anti-malware software, and use a different, strong password for every site.

How to Report a Scam Site

If you find a scam, you can help protect others by reporting it. In the U.S., you can report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 🔗ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Part 5: The Final Verdict: Are Paid Surveys Worth Your Time?

So, should you start taking paid surveys? The answer depends on what you’re looking for.

Who Should Try Paid Surveys?

• People with Small Pockets of Free Time: If you have downtime during your commute, on your lunch break, or while watching TV, surveys are a productive way to fill that time.
• Anyone Looking for “Fun Money”: It’s a flexible, low-stress way to earn a little extra cash for hobbies, treats, or savings goals.
• Strategic Gamers and Offer Hunters: If you enjoy playing mobile games or hunting for deals, you can make good money on GPT sites by focusing on their high-paying offers.

Who Should Avoid Them?

• Anyone Needing a Real Income: This is not a job. The pay is too low and inconsistent to replace a real income.
• People Who Get Frustrated Easily: If you don’t have patience for repetitive tasks and frequent disqualifications, this will probably just annoy you.
• Anyone Highly Concerned About Privacy: While you can protect your most sensitive data, the entire business is based on collecting information about you.

If you fall into this category and are looking for ways to earn more substantial income, paid surveys might not be the right fit. But don’t worry, there are plenty of other options out there. For a comprehensive list of ideas, check out our 75+ Easy Side Hustles to Start in 2025 Actionable Ultimate Guide.

Our Final Recommendation for a Winning Strategy

To make the most money, use a combination of sites and strategies:

1. Apply to Prolific Immediately: Get on the waitlist for the highest-paying, most respected survey platform.
2. Use a GPT Site for Offers: While you wait, sign up for Swagbucks or Freecash. Focus on the high-paying game and sign-up offers in the “Discover” section.
3. Add a Dedicated Survey Site: If you want a steady stream of surveys, sign up for Survey Junkie or Branded Surveys.

This approach gives you the best of all worlds: the highest pay (Prolific), the biggest one-time bonuses (Swagbucks/Freecash), and a consistent flow of surveys (Survey Junkie/Branded Surveys).

Part 6: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much can I really make per month?

Most people can make between $25 and $75 a month. Very dedicated users might make over $100.

2. Which survey site pays the most?

• Prolific pays the most per hour (at least $8.00/hour).
• Swagbucks and Freecash have the potential for the biggest single payouts through their special offers, which can be over $100.

3. Are paid survey sites real or scams?

Many are real and legitimate. Sites like Prolific, Swagbucks, and Survey Junkie have paid out millions to their members. However, scams do exist, so always be careful. A real site will never ask you to pay to join.

4. How do I get paid?

The most common ways are through PayPal or with e-Giftcards for places like Amazon and Walmart.

5. Why do I keep getting kicked out of surveys?

This usually happens because the survey has already filled its quota for your demographic group (e.g., they have enough men, so they don’t need any more). It can also happen if you fail an attention check question.

6. Can I do surveys on my phone?

Yes, almost all major survey sites have mobile apps for both iPhone and Android.

7. Do I have to pay taxes on my earnings?

In the U.S., money earned from survey sites is considered taxable income. If you earn over $600 from a single site in a year, they may send you a tax form. It’s a good idea to keep track of your earnings.