Best Apps for Earning Money Doing Small Tasks

If you’re looking for ways to make some extra cash, using your phone might be the easiest place to start. These days, there are tons of apps available that can help you earn money by doing small tasks in your spare time. Whether you’re waiting in line, sitting on the couch, or even on your commute, these opportunities allow you to make money on the go with minimal effort. If that sounds appealing, read on—you’ll find some of the best apps here that can help you make extra money by completing simple tasks. Get ready to turn those free moments into dollars!

1. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is one of the most popular money-making apps out there, and for good reason. You can earn points (called Swagbucks, or SB) by doing a wide variety of small tasks—things like taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, or even just searching the web. The tasks are straightforward and won’t take much time, which makes it perfect for when you have a few spare minutes. Once you accumulate enough SB, you can cash them out for PayPal money or gift cards.

Swagbucks offers flexibility and fun since you can mix up how you’re earning. If you’re into multitasking, consider watching videos in the background while you’re working or cooking dinner. The best part is that there are no entry requirements—you don’t need special skills, and anyone can get started. While you may not make a fortune, it’s a consistent and enjoyable way to earn some extra cash.

2. TaskRabbit

If you prefer tasks that involve a bit more hands-on activity, TaskRabbit might be the perfect app for you. This app connects you with local people who need help with a variety of tasks, such as assembling furniture, running errands, cleaning, or even helping them move. You set your own rates and pick the tasks you’re comfortable with.

With TaskRabbit, you’re in control—you get to choose when and where you work, making it ideal for someone with a busy schedule. One tip to maximize your earnings here is to focus on tasks that are in high demand in your area, such as furniture assembly or yard work. The app does take a commission from your earnings, but if you’re consistent and reliable, you can turn this into a lucrative side hustle.

3. Fiverr

Fiverr is a great app for those of you who have specific skills you can offer. Fiverr allows you to create “gigs” where you offer services starting at $5. The services you can provide vary widely—graphic design, proofreading, writing, video editing, voiceovers, you name it. You set your own prices and can offer add-ons to increase your income.

If you’re already skilled in something, why not get paid for it? For example, if you’re good at designing logos or writing short articles, Fiverr can be an excellent way to monetize those talents. Keep in mind that your earnings may start small, but as you build up positive reviews and deliver quality work, you can increase your rates. Fiverr is a platform where reliability pays off, quite literally.

4. Field Agent

Field Agent is perfect for those of you who don’t mind getting out and about to complete tasks. This app pays you to do things like checking prices at stores, taking photos of product displays, or giving feedback on customer service. Essentially, it’s like being a mystery shopper, and you can get paid for each “mission” you complete.

The key to making the most with Field Agent is to take advantage of opportunities whenever you’re already out running errands. The tasks often involve visiting local stores, so plan them around your weekly shopping or daily routine to make the best use of your time. The app pays directly to your bank or PayPal account, and the rates are often better than typical survey apps.

5. Uber and Lyft

If you have a car, becoming a driver for Uber or Lyft is one of the most well-known ways to make money on the side. You can pick up passengers whenever you have free time, and it’s entirely up to you when and how long you work. What makes these apps convenient is that you don’t need to commit to long hours; you can work a couple of hours after your regular job or pick up passengers on weekends only.

To maximize your earnings, consider driving during peak hours or in areas with high demand. It also helps to keep an eye out for promotions and incentives that are offered to drivers from time to time—these can give your income a nice boost. Plus, ridesharing offers you the chance to meet new people, and sometimes that social interaction is a bonus.

6. Instacart and DoorDash

Instacart and DoorDash allow you to make money by delivering groceries or food. If you prefer something that’s a little more active and involves less driving strangers around, these apps might be more up your alley. With Instacart, you’ll shop for and deliver groceries to people in your area, while DoorDash focuses on delivering meals from restaurants.

Both of these apps allow you to work when you want, so they’re perfect if you need a flexible schedule. To earn more money, make deliveries during peak hours or promotions, and take on multiple orders at once when possible. This side gig can be particularly lucrative if you live in a busy urban area where people are frequently ordering food.

7. Survey Junkie

Another well-known app for earning money doing small tasks is Survey Junkie. It allows you to make money simply by sharing your opinions. While the earnings per survey are relatively low, they’re easy to complete, and you can do them while watching TV or waiting for an appointment.

The app is extremely user-friendly, and once you accumulate enough points, you can redeem them for cash or gift cards. To make the most of Survey Junkie, make sure to check in regularly and complete as many surveys as you can. It’s not going to make you rich, but it’s an easy way to earn a little extra cash without much effort.

8. Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)

Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is an online platform where you can perform simple Human Intelligence Tasks (HITs) for small payments. These tasks can range from data entry, categorizing images, transcription, and more. While the pay for each task is small, they are often quick, and you can complete them in bulk to make it worth your while.

To maximize your earnings on MTurk, it’s best to look for HITs that have good pay-to-time ratios. There are even online communities and forums where MTurk workers share insights into the best tasks, so tapping into that can help you boost your earnings. It’s a good option if you have downtime during the day and want something productive to do.

9. Gigwalk

Gigwalk is another location-based task app that pays you to complete simple gigs around your local area. These tasks can involve verifying street signs, confirming product displays, or mystery shopping. Similar to Field Agent, Gigwalk is a great way to make extra cash while you’re out and about.

All you need to do is download the app, sign up, and start picking gigs near you. The app pays directly to PayPal, and the pay varies depending on the gig—some pay just a few dollars, while others can be much higher. One great thing about Gigwalk is that it can be done completely on your own schedule, making it perfect for people who want to earn extra income during their regular routine.

10. Decluttr

If you have old electronics, books, DVDs, or even Legos lying around, Decluttr is an app that allows you to sell them for quick cash. It’s a great way to declutter your home while earning some extra money. You simply scan the barcode of the items you want to sell, and Decluttr will give you an instant offer. They even cover shipping costs, making it super convenient.

While this isn’t a continuous stream of income, it’s a good way to make some quick cash and clear out things you no longer need. You could use it as a springboard for other earning opportunities by using the cash you make from Decluttr to start a small side project.

11. UserTesting

UserTesting is an app that pays you to test websites and provide feedback. You get to share your opinion about the usability of websites, apps, or digital products, which can help businesses improve their online presence. You’ll need to complete tasks like navigating websites, talking about your experience, and giving feedback.

The pay for each test is typically $10 for a 20-minute session, and sometimes even more. To qualify for these opportunities, you’ll need to complete an initial assessment to make sure your feedback aligns with what businesses are looking for. This app pays pretty well compared to other simple tasks, but the opportunities can be somewhat sporadic, so it’s best used alongside other money-making apps.

12. Foap

If you love taking photos, Foap is an app that allows you to turn your snapshots into cash. You simply upload your photos to the app, and if someone purchases a license to use them, you make money. The best part? You can sell the same photo multiple times, which means there’s potential for passive income.

Foap also runs “missions,” which are contests where brands ask for specific types of photos, and the winning photographer can earn hundreds of dollars. To make the most of Foap, focus on uploading high-quality images that might be useful for brands, such as nature shots, lifestyle images, or travel pictures. While it’s not a consistent source of income, it’s a fun way to make some extra cash if you enjoy photography.

13. Honeygain

Honeygain is a unique way to make money by sharing your unused internet bandwidth. You install the app, and it works in the background while you earn passive income. The app uses your bandwidth to help companies gather internet statistics and perform research. It doesn’t require you to do anything—just let the app run, and you can earn a few extra dollars each month.

This isn’t going to replace your day job, but it’s genuinely passive, and that’s what makes it attractive. You just need to make sure you have an unlimited data plan, as the app does use some of your internet.

14. Rakuten

Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a cashback app that rewards you for shopping at specific retailers. When you make a purchase through the Rakuten app, you get a percentage of your money back. It’s an excellent way to make some extra money if you’re already planning to shop. They also often have promotions that can help you maximize your cashback earnings.

To make the most of Rakuten, try to always start your online shopping through the app to ensure you’re getting cashback whenever possible. It won’t make you money directly for doing tasks, but if you’re smart about it, you can save a decent chunk on your everyday expenses, which effectively puts more money in your pocket.

15. Rover

If you love animals, Rover is an app that pays you to walk dogs or pet sit. You can set up your profile, list your services, and start earning money for spending time with furry friends. You set your own rates and availability, which makes it an ideal gig for pet lovers who want to earn extra money on the side.

To get started, it helps to build up your reviews by providing excellent service. Dog walking and pet sitting can become a steady source of income if you’re consistent and dependable. Not only do you get to make extra money, but you also get to spend time with adorable pets—a win-win.

Final Thoughts

There are so many apps available today that offer opportunities for earning extra cash by completing small tasks, and many of them require little to no prior experience or qualifications. Whether you want something completely passive like Honeygain or prefer hands-on work like TaskRabbit, there’s an app out there for you. The key is to choose the ones that best fit your schedule, skill set, and interests.

Keep in mind that none of these apps will make you rich overnight, but if you’re consistent, they can help you bring in some extra income—whether that’s for a rainy day fund, saving for something special, or just having a little extra spending money. It’s all about making the most of your spare time and getting creative with the resources available. Good luck, and happy earning!