Are online surveys a viable way to earn some extra cash or just a time-consuming endeavor with minimal pay? We took the plunge to find out, testing various apps in an attempt to assess the worth of taking surveys online. Here’s a breakdown of their experience and findings:
Survey Apps Leading in 2023:
In a search for the most popular iOS apps for paid surveys, several apps stood out, boasting over 100,000 reviews and ratings of 4 stars or better:
- Make Money
- Eureka
- Zap
- InboxDollars Surveys
- Google Opinion Rewards
While these apps received positive reviews, it’s crucial to note that users generally acknowledged the modest payouts, suggesting that people might view survey-taking as a pastime rather than a significant income source.
Paid Online Surveys Overview:
Here’s a brief overview of some survey sites tested in 2017, including the average hourly earnings:
- OneOpinion:
Average earnings: $2.03 per hour
Effective screening process
Points system with a cashout requirement of 25,000 points ($25 equivalent)
- Survey Junkie:
Average earnings: $1.57 per hour
Clean, easy-to-use dashboard
Requires 500 points for cashout
- Opinion Outpost:
Average earnings: $1.50 per hour
Simple and intuitive website
Straightforward points system (10 cents per point)
- Ipsos iSay:
Average earnings: $1.01 per hour
Fewer surveys but a consistent experience
Some confusion with repeated survey displays
- MyPoints:
Average earnings: $1.01 per hour
Most survey opportunities (75)
Low success rate (9.33%) and unclear disqualification reasons
- Swagbucks:
Average earnings: $0.89 per hour
Abundant survey opportunities with frequent disqualifications
Points system with an extensive rewards marketplace
- Toluna:
Average earnings: $0.71 per hour
Allows users to pick survey topics
Low pay rate (71 cents per hour)
- InboxDollars:
Average earnings: $0.41 per hour
Lowest hourly rate among tested sites
Occasionally redirects to promotions requiring personal information
Are Paid Surveys Worth It?
While the prospect of earning through surveys may be tempting, the income generated is frequently modest in comparison to alternative avenues. Hourly rates varied from 41 cents to $2.03, with numerous platforms mandating a minimum points threshold for withdrawal. Moreover, participants divulged valuable personal information during the survey, triggering apprehensions regarding data usage and privacy—a factor worth considering in the context of net worth and retirement planning.
What to Know if You Take Online Surveys:
For those considering online surveys, here are some key takeaways:
Avoid Oversharing: Refrain from providing sensitive information like Social Security numbers or bank details.
Make a Separate Email Address: Use a separate email address for survey sites to avoid cluttering your primary inbox.
Install Anti-Malware Software: Protect against potential spam or malware by using anti-malware software.
Take Breaks: To prevent eye strain, follow the 20/20/20 rule—take a 20-second break every couple of minutes and focus on something 20 feet away.
While surveys may offer a simple way to express opinions and earn pocket money, individuals should weigh the risks of sharing personal data and consider alternative online income-generating methods.