Microtasks That Pay: 7 Sites That Actually Work
"Discover the best 7 sites that offer Microtasks That Pay seriously, to increase your income from simple and quick online tasks in a reliable and flexible manner."
In today’s fast-paced digital world, earning money online has become more accessible than ever before. One of the most popular ways to do this is through microtasks that pay. Microtasks are small, simple online jobs that you can complete in a short amount of time—sometimes in just a few seconds. While each task pays only a few cents to a couple of dollars, they add up quickly, especially if you’re consistent.
But here’s the challenge: not all microtask sites are worth your time. Some pay very little, some don’t pay at all, and others have limited availability depending on where you live. That’s why today, I’m going to walk you through seven legitimate microtask sites that actually work. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle to make a little extra cash or a flexible way to fill your spare time, these platforms can help.
What Are Microtasks?
Before we dive into the list, let’s clarify what microtasks really are.
Microtasks are small, simple assignments that companies outsource to freelancers around the world. These tasks can include things like:
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Tagging images or categorizing content
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Transcribing short audio clips
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Data entry or data verification
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Online research
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Content moderation
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Testing websites or apps
Because the tasks are usually straightforward and don’t require specialized skills, anyone with an internet connection and some free time can start earning.
The biggest advantage of microtasking is flexibility. You don’t need to commit to a schedule, and you can log in anytime to complete tasks when it’s convenient for you.
The Downsides of Microtasks
While microtasks that pay are real, it’s important to manage expectations. These platforms will not make you rich or replace a full-time job. Instead, they are best suited for earning small amounts of extra money in your spare time.
Common challenges include:
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Low pay per task – Many microtasks only pay a few cents.
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Availability of work – Some sites have fewer tasks for certain countries.
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Time-consuming – Tasks can feel repetitive.
That said, with the right approach and platform, you can maximize your earnings. Now, let’s get into the list of the 7 best sites for microtasks that pay.
1. Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)
Amazon Mechanical Turk, often called MTurk, is one of the most popular microtask platforms in the world. It’s run by Amazon and connects businesses with “Turkers” (freelancers) who complete small tasks known as Human Intelligence Tasks (HITs).
Types of tasks available on MTurk:
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Categorizing products
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Transcribing short recordings
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Completing surveys
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Image labeling
Pros:
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Reliable payments through Amazon Payments.
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Huge variety of tasks.
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Great for people in the U.S. (more task availability).
Cons:
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Pay can be very low per task.
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International users may have limited access.
Pro Tip: On MTurk, your reputation matters. The more accurate your work, the more access you’ll gain to higher-paying HITs.
2. Clickworker
Clickworker is another well-established microtask platform that has been around for years. The site is known for its global availability and variety of work.
Tasks you’ll find on Clickworker:
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Writing short articles or product descriptions
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Categorizing data
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Web research
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Proofreading
Pros:
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Available worldwide.
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Easy to get started—just sign up and complete a profile.
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Mobile app available, so you can earn on the go.
Cons:
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Some tasks require language skills (English or German).
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Pay can fluctuate depending on availability.
Pro Tip: Complete Clickworker’s assessments to qualify for more tasks. This will unlock higher-paying opportunities.
3. Appen
Appen is well-known in the remote work world for offering both microtasks and larger freelance projects. They specialize in improving artificial intelligence (AI) systems, which is why many of their tasks involve language, search engines, and data.
Tasks on Appen include:
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Rating search engine results
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Transcription
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Data annotation
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Speech collection
Pros:
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Higher-paying projects available compared to other microtask sites.
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Opportunities for long-term, part-time contracts.
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Global availability.
Cons:
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Some projects require specific skills or qualifications.
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Approval process can take time.
Pro Tip: Apply for their longer-term projects. These often pay much better than one-off microtasks and can provide a steady side income.
4. Microworkers
As the name suggests, Microworkers specializes in microjobs. The platform offers small online tasks that range from simple clicks to more involved activities.
Tasks on Microworkers:
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Signing up for websites
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Testing apps
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Data entry
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Online surveys
Pros:
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Wide variety of tasks.
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Straightforward to use.
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Available globally.
Cons:
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Payments are processed in batches, so it can take longer to cash out.
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Some tasks may require personal information—always proceed with caution.
Pro Tip: Stick to reputable tasks with clear instructions. This ensures you don’t waste time on low-quality jobs.
5. Figure Eight (Now Part of Appen)
Formerly known as Figure Eight, this platform is now integrated into Appen but still functions as a microtask provider. It’s often accessed through other freelancing platforms.
Tasks include:
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Data categorization
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Sentiment analysis
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Content moderation
Pros:
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Flexible and user-friendly.
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Available worldwide.
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No specialized skills needed.
Cons:
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Pay can be inconsistent.
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Limited number of tasks at times.
Pro Tip: Keep checking in regularly. New tasks often appear unexpectedly, and the best ones go quickly.
6. Swagbucks
While Swagbucks is best known as a rewards platform, it also offers plenty of microtasks that pay in the form of points, which you can redeem for cash or gift cards.
Ways to earn on Swagbucks:
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Taking surveys
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Watching videos
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Playing games
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Testing apps
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Searching the web
Pros:
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Multiple ways to earn—not just microtasks.
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Well-established and reliable.
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Available in several countries.
Cons:
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Some tasks pay very little.
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Payouts are in points, which you convert to cash or gift cards.
Pro Tip: Focus on higher-paying surveys and offers. Avoid time-consuming tasks with low rewards.
7. RapidWorkers
RapidWorkers is another crowdsourcing site where businesses post small jobs. Many tasks are similar to those on Microworkers.
Tasks include:
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Following social media accounts
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Testing websites
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Signing up for newsletters
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Completing short surveys
Pros:
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Quick and easy sign-up.
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Available worldwide.
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Simple tasks, even for beginners.
Cons:
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Some tasks are location-specific.
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Pay is relatively low compared to other platforms.
Pro Tip: Combine RapidWorkers with other microtask sites to maximize your income.
How to Maximize Your Earnings with Microtasks
If you want to make the most out of microtasks that pay, here are some strategies:
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Join multiple platforms – Don’t rely on just one site. The more platforms you’re on, the more tasks you’ll have access to.
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Work efficiently – Time is money. Learn to complete tasks quickly without sacrificing accuracy.
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Qualify for better-paying jobs – Many platforms offer tests or assessments. Pass these, and you’ll unlock higher-paying work.
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Be consistent – Doing a few tasks here and there won’t earn much. Consistency is key if you want to see results.
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Cash out wisely – Some platforms charge fees or have minimum payout thresholds. Plan your withdrawals strategically.
Final Thoughts
Microtasks are a simple and flexible way to earn extra money online. While they won’t replace a full-time income, they’re perfect for filling spare time and building a small side hustle.
The 7 sites we covered—Amazon Mechanical Turk, Clickworker, Appen, Microworkers, Figure Eight, Swagbucks, and RapidWorkers— are all legitimate platforms where you can find microtasks that pay. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so the best approach is to try a few and see which ones work best for you.
If you’re ready to start earning, pick one site today and sign up. The sooner you begin, the sooner those small tasks will start adding up to real rewards.