Best Survey Sites to Make Extra Money in Your Free Time

Earn extra cash in your spare time with our guide to the best survey sites. Discover trusted platforms, tips, and rewards to maximize your earnings.

 In today’s fast-paced digital world, finding ways to make extra money online has never been easier. Whether you’re a college student, a stay-at-home parent, or just someone looking for a little extra cash, online survey sites can be an excellent option. They don’t require special skills, and you can complete surveys anytime and anywhere—even while sipping your morning coffee.

But here’s the thing: not all survey sites are created equal. Some offer decent rewards and a smooth user experience, while others can waste your time with low payouts or endless screening questions. That’s why I’ve put together this detailed guide on the best survey sites that are worth your time.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly where to sign up, what to expect, and how to maximize your earnings.

Why Choose Online Survey Sites?

Before we jump into the list, let’s talk about why survey sites can be a great option for making extra income:

• Flexibility—Work whenever you want, whether it’s during your lunch break or late at night.

• No Special Skills Needed—If you can read and answer questions honestly, you’re qualified.

• Instant Start—Many sites let you start earning the same day you sign up.

• Extra Perks – Some offer gift cards, product testing, or even cash bonuses just for joining.

Of course, survey sites won’t replace a full-time salary, but they can be a reliable side hustle for some extra spending money.

Tips to Make the Most Out of Survey Sites

To get the best results, keep these strategies in mind:

1. Sign Up for Multiple Sites – This increases the number of survey opportunities.

2. Use a Separate Email – Keeps your main inbox clutter-free.

3. Be Honest—Many platforms have systems to detect false answers.

4. Cash Out Early—Don’t let your rewards sit unused for months.

5. Check for Bonus Offers – Some sites reward you for completing your profile or daily logins.

Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s look at the best survey sites that actually pay and treat their users well.

1. Swagbucks

Best for: Variety of earning options beyond surveys.

Swagbucks is one of the most popular and trusted names in the online rewards world. You can earn points (called SB) not just from surveys, but also by watching videos, shopping online, or even playing games.

Pros:

• Multiple earning options

• Flexible rewards (PayPal, gift cards)

• Daily bonus challenges

Cons:

• Some surveys can screen you out halfway.

• Point values vary by task

Payment Options: PayPal, Amazon, and hundreds of gift card choices.

Pro Tip: Use Swagbucks’ daily goal feature to stay consistent and earn extra bonus points.

2. Survey Junkie

Best for: High-quality surveys and a clean interface.

Survey Junkie focuses mainly on—you guessed it—surveys. Their platform is straightforward, and most surveys are targeted based on your profile.

Pros:

• Simple, user-friendly design

• Transparent point system (100 points = $1)

• Surveys matched to your profile

Cons:

• Limited earning options compared to others

• Some surveys fill up quickly.

Payment Options: PayPal or e-gift cards.

Pro Tip: Complete your profile fully to receive more relevant surveys.

3. InboxDollars

Best for: Earning cash directly without points conversion.

InboxDollars pays you in actual dollars from the start—no confusing point system. You can earn from surveys, reading emails, playing games, and even printing coupons.

Pros:

• $5 sign-up bonus

• Multiple earning activities

• Cash payments (no points)

Cons:

• Higher payout threshold ($15)

• Survey availability can vary

Payment Options: Check, PayPal, or gift cards.

Pro Tip: Complete the “Easy Cash” offers for quick earnings when you first join.

4. Pinecone Research

Best for: High-paying surveys and product testing.

Pinecone Research is a bit exclusive—you usually need an invite link to join. But once you’re in, you’ll notice that their surveys often pay more than average, sometimes $3–$5 each.

Pros:

• Higher-than-average payouts

• Opportunities for product testing

• Low payout threshold ($3)

Cons:

• Harder to get accepted

• Limited number of surveys

Payment Options: PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards.

Pro Tip: Watch for open registration announcements online to grab your spot.

5. Toluna Influencers

Best for: Global audience and community engagement.

Toluna is more than just a survey site—it’s a community where members can create polls, discuss topics, and influence brand decisions.

Pros:

• Active community features

• Surveys and fun opinion polls

• Available worldwide

Cons:

• Points expire if unused for 12 months.

• Surveys can be long.

Payment Options: PayPal or various gift cards.

Pro Tip: Engage in quick polls daily to earn extra points with minimal effort.

6. YouGov

Best for: Surveys about current events and politics.

YouGov is well-known for political polling, but it also covers consumer opinions, brand perceptions, and social issues.

Pros:

• Interesting, topical surveys

• Trusted by media outlets

• Transparent reward system

Cons:

• Payout threshold can take time to reach

• Limited survey frequency for some users

Payment Options: PayPal or gift cards.

Pro Tip: Check your email regularly—many YouGov surveys are time-sensitive.

7. PrizeRebel

Best for: Fast payouts and variety of tasks.

PrizeRebel offers a flexible platform where you can complete surveys, watch videos, and sign up for offers. Points can be redeemed quickly with a low minimum cashout.

Pros:

• Low payout threshold ($5)

• Multiple reward options

• Frequent promotional codes

Cons:

• Some offers require purchases

• Occasional disqualification from surveys

Payment Options: PayPal, gift cards, or prepaid cards.

Pro Tip: Follow PrizeRebel’s social media for bonus codes.

8. MyPoints

Best for: Earning points from shopping and surveys combined.

MyPoints is a sister site to Swagbucks, but it focuses heavily on rewarding users for online shopping in addition to surveys.

Pros:

• Earn points from surveys, shopping, and more

• Large selection of gift cards

• Cashback offers for purchases

Cons:

• Surveys can be hit-or-miss in quality.

• Point values vary

Payment Options: Gift cards or PayPal.

Pro Tip: Use their shopping portal before making any online purchase to stack your earnings.

Are Survey Sites Really Worth It?

The truth is, survey sites won’t make you rich, but they can definitely help cover small expenses like coffee runs, subscriptions, or even a weekend getaway fund. The key is to treat them as a casual side hustle, not a full-time job.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Patience Pays Off – Consistent participation leads to steady earnings.

• Variety is Key – Using multiple sites maximizes your opportunities.

• Cash Out Smart—Redeem your rewards regularly to avoid losing them.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for flexible, low-effort ways to make money in your spare time, joining some of the best survey sites is a smart move. Whether you prefer Swagbucks for its variety, Survey Junkie for its simplicity, or Pinecone Research for its higher payouts, there’s something here for everyone.

The beauty of survey sites is that you’re in control—you decide when, where, and how much you participate. So why not sign up for a few today and start turning your free time into extra income?