Paid online surveys are a great way to make some extra money. Below we have listed only the best survey sites that really pay and are totally legit.
Are you looking for a quick and easy to way to make some extra money at home?
Of course! We all are!
Taking surveys online was one of the first side hustles I tried when I wanted to supplement my income. I love paid surveys because they are so easy to do and they can be done at any time.
I remember sitting on the couch in my PJs and watching TV while I took one survey after another. I belonged to a number of different sites and at one point I was earning a couple hundred dollars or more every month through online surveys.
It’s pretty cool to earn money while you’re sitting around watching Fixer Upper or Dancing with the Stars!
I still do some surveys once in awhile, but I’ve cut back a bit because I’ve been spending all my extra time writing and promoting this blog instead. But if you’re looking for an easy way to increase your income, you may want to give this list of the best survey sites a chance.
The list below consists of only legitimate survey sites that really pay. These sites are a great way to make some extra money, but you shouldn’t expect to earn a full-time income taking surveys.
Remember, you won’t qualify for every survey offered so you should sign up for several survey sites to maximize your earnings.
Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research was the first survey site I ever signed up for and I did quite a few surveys for them. What I liked best about them is they would sometimes send actual products for me to try at home. I got to try some really yummy candy and some shredded cheese, and also some pretty nasty crackers that tasted like cardboard. Yuck.
Then I’d take a survey where I’d answer some questions about my experience with the product and get paid for sharing my opinion.
The tough part about Pinecone Research is that they don’t just accept anyone. You have to fill out an application and in order to get approved you need to fit the demographic they’re looking for. Still, it is worth applying because if you get it means easy money.
Apply for Pinecone Research here.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is my favorite site because there are a whole bunch of ways to earn extra cash beyond just taking surveys. You can earn points by watching videos, playing online games, searching the internet, and shopping online.
A few times a day they send out a Swag Code which is a quick way to get free points (called Swag Bucks) just for being a member. When you earn enough Swag Bucks you can redeem them for cash via Paypal or gift cards to a number of popular retailers.
Sign for Swag Bucks here.
Inbox Dollars
InboxDollars pays members to take surveys online, read emails, watch videos, play games, and shop online. New users also receive $5 just for joining.
You can also download printable coupons that you can use at the supermarket. In addition to the money you save by using the coupon itself, you’ll receive a 10 cent bonus for each coupon redeemed. That may not sound like much but it adds up quickly if you use coupons on every shopping trip.
Sign up for Inbox Dollars here.
MyPoints
MyPoints has been around for ages and it’s still one of the most popular paid survey programs. You can earn points for answering surveys and then redeem your points for gift cards to popular retailers.
You can also earn points by watching videos, reading emails and visiting partner sites, playing games, and shopping online.
Sign up for MyPoints here.
More Paid Survey Sites
I earned $100 or more every month using only the 5 paid survey sites listed above. But there are many other great survey sites out there including:
Tips For Best Survey Sites
Sign up for as many free online survey sites as you can. You won’t make a ton of money from any one individual site, but if you sign up for a bunch of the best survey sites you will make a lot more money.
Be honest. Don’t try making up fake responses to try and game the system. Remember you don’t even know exactly what they’re looking for so you could end up hurting yourself in the end.
Create a new email account dedicated to survey sites. Even the best survey sites will flood your inbox with survey opportunities and other offers. Creating a new email address will help you stay organized and prevent your regular email from getting overwhelmed.
Watch out for scams. There are a lot of sites out there that supposedly offer you access to only the highest-paying and best survey sites available…for a fee. You should never pay to get access to surveys. Why should you? I’ve already given you a list of the best survey sites around completely free. 🙂
Be realistic. Paid surveys are a great way to earn some extra spending money while sitting on your couch. But you shouldn’t expect to earn anything near a full-time income.
Do you ever take online surveys to earn extra money? What are the best survey sites you’ve used?
Good list, i’ll have to check these out. I use e-rewards.com when i’m killing time and that’s how i get all my magazines for free each year through their e-rewards points.
Hey Christine, thanks for stopping by! I’ll have to check e-rewards out.
Great info! I never thought about taking surveys while I wait in a doctors office or somewhere!
Nice list – I just signed up for Survey Junkie using your link :). Christmas is a great time for people so sign-up for cash back sites like Ebates and Swagbucks – literally they can make $100’s of dollars back from their xmas shopping! Anyway I shared your post on Pinterest from a facebook group that we are both in. Have a good holiday season!
Thanks Russell! You’re right people can make some good extra money for the holiday season.
Interesting. I haven’t heard of some of these! I do take surveys with Harris Poll and American Consumer Opinion though, and at least for me American doesn’t send that many surveys. Harris Poll sends a good amount that aren’t too long and are interesting, but they offer cash/Paypal/check, only prizes or other gift cards.
Thanks for the feedback! You definitely won’t get rich taking surveys but they are a great way to pad your income.