Imagine getting paid to do things that feel more like hobbies than work; scrolling websites, clicking through ads, or sharing your opinion. Sounds a bit too good? Well, good news: there are legitimate sites out there that will pay you real money for these small tasks. You won’t get rich overnight, but if you’re looking for extra cash during your downtime, this is a smart place to start.
For many people, these sites fit right into daily life. And the best part: almost none require signing up fees or advanced skills.
In the following sections, we’ll dive into 11 websites you can trust to pay for simple tasks. Each one has been used by real people and has a payment history to back it up. I’ll explain how they work, how much you can earn, and what to expect so you can pick the ones that fit your style and goals.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the oldest and easiest platforms that pays you to complete a variety of simple tasks. From answering surveys and watching short videos to playing games or shopping through their links, every activity earns you points called SB.
You can exchange your SB points for PayPal cash or gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, etc.). Payout thresholds start at about $5, so it’s realistic to get something within a week or two of consistent use. The key is picking tasks that pay reasonably well per minute.
Many people earn $20–$50 per month just by clicking and watching. And if you sign up during a bonus promo, you might get a few free SBs right away. It’s ideal for routines such as catching up on videos while cooking dinner.
2. InboxDollars
InboxDollars operates similarly but pays in actual dollars instead of points. You’ll find a mix of surveys, video playlists, offers (like signing up for services), and even simple reading tasks. They also award a signup bonus, usually around $5.
Watching ad clips pays a few cents each, but if you do several in a row, the accumulation is satisfying. Some people watch while folding clothes or prepping meals, turning household tasks into earnings.
Surveys and offers pay more, but make sure to avoid anything that requires payment. As long as you stick to free tasks, the platform works well. You can request payment via check or PayPal once you reach $30.
3. UserTesting
UserTesting pays you to give feedback on websites and apps. The catch: you need a microphone, a computer or phone, and a quiet space. A typical test involves completing a set of tasks while recording your screen and voice, speaking your thoughts aloud.
Most tests take 10–20 minutes and pay about $10. Some live, moderated tests pay up to $60. The work isn’t constant, but high-quality feedback gets you more invites. So, if you stick with it, earnings can be steady.
This is one of the best-paying sites for short effort. If you happen to get a few results in a good week, that could be your $100.
4. Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)
Amazon Mechanical Turk is like a digital flea market of tiny gigs called “Human Intelligence Tasks” (HITs). These include data labeling, short surveys, image tagging, and transcribing audio snippets. The pay per HIT varies widely; some are a few pennies, others a few dollars.
Working efficiently and picking the better-paying tasks can net you $5–$20 per hour. There’s some effort in identifying worthwhile jobs, but once you do, it’s like digital micro-tasking with options any time of day.
Withdrawals go through Amazon gift cards or direct deposit once you’ve earned $1. It’s not glamorous, but it’s flexible and available around the clock.
5. Clickworker
Clickworker is a platform similar to MTurk, offering microtasks like writing short texts, rating search results, identifying objects in images, or clerical work. Tasks vary in complexity and reward. Some are super quick, others need a bit more attention.
You can register for free, complete your assessment tests, and then access tasks anytime. Many users average $10–$15 per hour, and the site lets you track progress and see payment estimates before you start.
Payments are made via Payoneer or bank transfer and are typically deposited into your account every week. It’s a solid choice for people who like fast, consistent digital work without making it into a full job.
6. Prolific
Prolific delivers surveys from academic researchers rather than marketing firms. That means the surveys tend to be more interesting and the pay rates are often higher. Payouts usually range from $1 to $10, depending on length and complexity.
The platform screens participants fairly, so you likely qualify for studies that match your profile. As long as you’re honest and complete tasks in good faith, your approval ratings stay high, unlocking more opportunities.
Prolific sends payments weekly via PayPal, with a minimum threshold of just $5. Many students, retirees, and remote workers build a reliable side income here through survey testing.
7. Appen’s Crowdflower (now Figure Eight)
Figure Eight offers a range of microtasks—transcription help, sentiment analysis, search evaluation, and more. You request tasks, complete small batches, and get paid based on the type and length of work.
The pay per hour ranges from $8 to $20, depending on task skill level and speed. Qualification tests open up higher-paying tasks once you prove accuracy and consistency.
Payments go through Payoneer on a monthly basis. It’s a dependable side gig for people who like logical tasks and uploading consistent work.
8. Toluna Influencers
With Toluna, you take surveys and polls in exchange for points that redeem to cash or gift cards. Surveys are more consumer-focused than academic, covering brand preferences, shopping habits, or feedback on products.
Payouts are usually between $3 and $10 per survey, depending on how long they take. You can also participate in quick polls for more minor points if you’re short on time.
They offer PayPal payouts starting at about $10. Points add up, and if you’re active often, Toluna becomes another low-effort place to earn small cash regularly.
9. Panel Station
Panel Station is another global opinion panel that pays for consumer-style surveys. Many are short and user-friendly, covering lifestyle, technology, or health preferences.
They offer reward points that you can redeem for PayPal or gift cards. Survey payouts are reliable and often exceed other membership sites in speed.
Combined with other platforms, Panel Station can pad your monthly side income by $5–$20 with just a few surveys per day—no deep research or effort.
10. Fiverr (Simple Gigs)
Fiverr is known for freelance services, but you can also offer micro-tasks that are really simple, such as background removal, short proofreading, meme creation, or voice recordings. You set your price and your service.
The platform charges fees, but clients often find you based on search keywords. Popular low-effort gigs can bring you $5–$50 with just a few minutes of setup and work per gig.
As you earn reviews, your visibility grows. For those who want to combine micro-task sites with actual freelancing, Fiverr is a solid next step.
11. Spare5 (now Mighty AI)
Spare5 offers micro-tasks similar to other platforms: image labeling, description writing, and sentiment coding. The interface is mobile-friendly, making it easy to do quick tasks on the go.
Pay rates vary, often a few cents per task, but payouts can add up with consistency. Tasks are typically small (less than a minute each), so you can stack them during breaks.
They pay via PayPal weekly with a very low threshold. If you enjoy bite-sized digital work and want more flexibility on mobile, it’s worth a look.
Final Tips
These 11 websites offer legitimate ways to earn money without fancy skills, big time commitments, or investment. Whether you’re filling free moments with videos and surveys or doing micro-tasks that bio scan translates, every little bit adds up.
To maximize earnings, choose two or three sites that fit your schedule and interest, and commit a few minutes daily. Combine background video watching on Swagbucks or InboxDollars with occasional surveys via Prolific or Toluna. Drop in for user tests or micro-jobs when you’re alert and ready.
These platforms won’t replace a full-time income but they can reliably deliver a few extra hundred dollars a month with minimal effort. And if you’re consistent and selective, you might find your passive income habit becoming a steady side cash flow.