16 Best Ways To Get Paid To Test Apps & Games
If you're looking for some effective side hustles you can do with your phone, you might have stumbled across app testing gigs.
These days, lots of companies are willing to pay you to test apps and to then give your feedback. So, you can make easy money from the comfort of your own home, all on your phone!
However, there's a massive difference in testing opportunities and pay between many companies in this space. That's why this post is covering some of the best ways to get paid to test apps that are out there.
I've been testing out this online money maker for a few years. Below, you'll find some of my favorite app testing gigs as well as industry leaders so you can get started.
How To Test Apps For Money
There are dozens of app and website testing gigs out there. And here are some of the best ways you can begin testing apps for money:
1. PlaytestCloud
PlaytestCloud is my favorite way to make money testing apps since this user-testing platform specializes in game and app testing.
This software testing group offers users the opportunity to make money playing games, including computer based games and apps. Many of the games are still in development, so you have the opportunity to try out new games before anyone else!
You can become a PlaytestCloud tester if you're 18 or older or if you're a kid and have parental consent.
From there, PlaytestCloud has you complete a short qualification test. If you're approved, you can then claim available tests and complete them to get paid.
Like most app testing jobs, your responsible for following a series of steps the client outlines, like signing up for an app or using a specific feature. You also provide verbal feedback and share your thoughts as you test.
In return, PlaytestCloud pays $9 USD per 15 minute test. You get paid with PayPal cash a few days after the test, and there's no minimum cashout requirement.
Overall, PlaytestCloud is a legit side hustle, and it's my favorite way to make money testing apps since it specializes in games.
2. Swagbucks
One creative way you can make money testing apps is to use Swagbucks, a popular get-paid-to site.
I've actually been using Swagbucks on and off for the last few years. In fact, I've cashed out with it over a dozen times, and it was one of the main ways I made money phone farming back in college.
Now, answering surveys for cash is the main way to earn with Swagbucks. And the platform also has other earning options like shopping offers, watching ads, and more.
But you can also get paid to download apps and try them out on Swagbucks. This includes many cash games as well as a variety of mobile apps that developers want new users for.
You don't exactly have to “test” these apps to get paid. But Swagbucks sometimes requires you to reach a certain in-game level or achievement, so it's similar.
For payment, you can cash out with free PayPal cash at $5, as well as dozens of different gift cards starting at only $1. And there's even a nice $5 sign up bonus you can claim with a bit of work.
3. Rewarded Play
Like Cash Giraffe, Rewarded Play is a popular Android game that lets you get free gift cards for downloading and playing new games.
The app is free and is available in Canada and the United States. And it's one of my all-time favorite gaming apps that pays.
Again, this isn't the most straightforward way to get paid for testing apps. And there's no iPhone money game either, so it's Android-only.
However, Rewarded Play has dozens of games you can play to earn points. It then lets you cash out once you earn $5, so it's a pretty quick online side hustle you can try.
Gift card options include companies like Amazon, Best Buy, Nike, Starbucks, Sephora, and Uber Eats. And I think Rewarded Play is more fun than many companies that pay you to test apps.
Try out Rewarded Play or read my Rewarded Play review!
4. Scrambly
Scrambly is a new rewards platform that's available in the United States and Canada. And it's certainly one of the more unique testing platforms on this list.
With Scrambly, you can earn by discovering and playing new games. You can also get paid to try out new apps, products, services, and for shopping online.
This isn't a pure app testing side hustle. But if you enjoy games and trying out new products and services, websites like Scrambly could be for you. It also has versatile rewards, including PayPal cash and free gift cards.
5. Test IO
Another important addition to this list of remote jobs where you can get paid to test apps in your spare time is Test IO.
Like other app testing gigs, you have to apply to Test IO and complete a short onboarding process. From there, you can claim open tests when they become available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Tests generally pay $5 to $10 and can take 5 to 20 minutes or so. Overall, it's a nice way to get quick money while trying out some new apps in your spare time.
You also keep the apps you get to test, which might save you a bit of money or help you find a new and cool app to use.
Test IO pays app testers via an IBAN bank account or with payment processors like Skrill and PayPal.
6. Cash Giraffe
Do you have an Android phone and play mobile games? If the answer is yes, then you need to check out Cash Giraffe.
This Android game for money pays you with free gift cards and PayPal money for downloading and playing various games. And you can cash out via PayPal at just $0.20!
Again, this isn't a pure way to get paid to test apps. But I think it's more fun since you can explore new games you enjoy and receive rewards for leveling up and playing them.
Cash Giraffe also has a wide variety of genres, including action, adventure, puzzle, strategy, and word games. And it adds new games all the time so you can keep testing new apps.
Try out Cash Giraffe or read my post: is Cash Giraffe legit?
7. Trymata
Another great addition to this list of places to test apps is Trymata, formerly known as TryMyUI.
This company asks its testers to create video recordings of their screen and voice their feedback as they try out various apps or websites. You also provide some written feedback via a short survey at the end of each test.
Like other app testing gigs, you have to claim tests on a first-come, first-serve basis. So, you might get zero tests some months and a couple other months.
Trymata pays anywhere from $5 to $30+ per test depending on the requirements. You then get paid weekly via PayPal, so it's a nice way to get real money in exchange for some short and easy tests.
8. UserTesting
If you are wanting to get paid to test websites and get paid to test apps, UserTesting is a great place to get started.
This is one of the most well-known companies in the paid testing space. It pays you $10 per test you complete, and tests generally take 10 to 20 minutes or so to complete.
You provide feedback and follow instructions to complete tests. And on a good month, you might be able to snag a few testing opportunities for some nice, free cash.
Sites like UserTesting can't replace your full-time income or become an online job. But it's one of the largest companies in this space with the most opportunities.
You also get paid seven days after you complete a test via PayPal, so it's real cash and not gift cards.
Extra Reading – Is UserTesting Legit?
9. Upwork App Testing Gigs
Much like Fiverr and FlexJobs, Upwork is a freelancer marketplace where you can sell your skills online to different companies and people.
There are also plenty of easy jobs on Upwork, including ones in quality assurance and app testing. And when I searched Upwork for app tester jobs, I found gigs paying anywhere from $5 to $100 or more.
Plenty of the jobs are entry-level, so it's an opportunity to earn money online as a beginner. And some of the gigs are long-term contracts, which is more lucrative than most app testing gigs.
Payments from your Upwork projects typically become available 10 days after completing a project Multiple payment options are available as well, including PayPal.
Just note that you pay a 10% freelancer fee on your Upwork earnings. And while basic features on Upwork are free, to receive a larger variety of projects, you can upgrade to its $15 monthly premium freelancer plan which lets you pitch more clients.
10. Ubertesters
If you're still searching for ways to get paid to test apps, Ubertesters is worth signing up for.
This company specializes in website and app testing, and it lets you make money by completing short test sessions with your laptop, smartphone, and even tablets.
You complete a short sign-up form to apply. Once you're approved, you get invited to tests as they become available. And the higher quality feedback you produce, the more tests you get in the future.
Payment varies depending on test length and complexity, but making $10 to $20 a test is possible. And Ubertesters pays monthly via PayPal, bank transfer, and with free Amazon gift cards.
11. Enroll
Another company you can use to find app testing work is Enroll.
This company pays users to test websites and apps on any device including computers, phones and tablets. And unlike some of the companies on this list, a webcam and microphone is not required to record your tests and feedback.
Enroll pays testers via PayPal. Most tests only take a minute or two and pay $0.50 to $1. But you can earn $5 to $10 or more if tests take a bit longer.
You only need $1 to cash out, which I like. Overall, Enroll is an easy way to get free PayPal money without needing any skills or prior app testing experience.
12. Amazon MTurk
A popular microtask website, Amazon MTurk, pays users to complete small tasks like data entry, quality assurance, surveys for money, and website and app testing jobs.
App testing jobs aren't always available on Amazon MTurk. But you can find them, and this is one of the largest microtask marketplaces in the entire world.
Tasks can pay anywhere from a few pennies to $5 to $10 per hour or more depending on the task. You claim open tasks on the marketplace, and sites like Amazon MTurk are useful if you want to complete a variety of gigs.
As for payment, Amazon MTurk pays via direct deposit or with free Amazon gift cards. If you want a flexible way to make money with Amazon, it's one of the best ways to get started.
13. Tester Work
Test apps and get paid while helping major companies refine upcoming projects with Tester Work.
This addition to our list requires a little more work than some of the opportunities on this list since you do need to find errors and bugs on the apps that you are testing. New testers may not qualify for this, but those more experienced may find it a great fit.
To get started, apply for Tester Work and then complete their assessments to see if you qualify. If you qualify, you then receive invites for tests which arrive almost daily. And Tester Work pays you as soon as your testing cycle is complete.
TesterWork pays via PayPal or through Upwork. Payment is either a flat rate for testing, or for each bug found, and can range from $5 to $20 or more.
14. Userlytics
Userlytics is another popular user-testing platform you can use to make quick cash on the side.
This company pays users to test apps and websites, and the work is similar to the gigs you find on UserTesting and PlaytestCloud.
You have to share feedback verbally and answer some short questions following a test. Once you submit a test, it gets reviewed and approved before Userlytics sends you money.
Tests can pay anywhere from $5 to $90 or more depending on test length and complexity. So, this is one of the highest-paying apps in the app testing market.
You also get paid via PayPal, so add Userlytics to your list of testing gigs if you want some higher-paying opportunities.
15. UserCrowd
Like Userlytics, UserCrowd is another easy way to test apps for money you can check out.
You have to be 18 or older to sign up. Once you're a tester, you can complete short test sessions as they become available and earn credits in return.
Each credit is worth $0.20, and most tests pay one or two credits. This is only $0.40 or so, but tests often involve looking at an app, logo, or some simple element and quickly giving your feedback.
So, if you want a quick and snappy way to get paid for answering questions, UserCrowd is up your alley.
You can cash out with PayPal after earning $10. Overall, I'd keep UserCrowd in your back pocket and just use it to complete the odd test or two once in a while.
16. Qmee
Last, but not least on our list of app testing websites is Qmee.
This rewards website pays you for completing a wide range of tasks, including paid surveys, cash-back shopping offers, and searching the web.
Like Swagbucks, you can also get paid to download apps and use them, including many games. And I like that Qmee has a wide variety of apps and download offers.
There's no minimum cash out requirement either, so this is great news if you want to get paid the same day. Qmee also offers PayPal payments and various gift cards.
App Tester Job Requirements
Now that you know how to make money testing apps, I want to cover some of the common job requirements for this line of work so you know what to expect:
- Specific Devices: Some app testing jobs want testers who have specific phone models or an Android or iPhone depending on the app's being tested. Keep this in mind, and if you have an old spare phone, don't be afraid to use it as well.
- A Microphone: Website testing gigs almost always require having a webcam and microphone. Some app testing jobs want microphones as well, although this is less common.
- Attention To Detail: To do this gig well, you have to follow instructions carefully to meet client requirements. So, always read your instructions a few times and try to give as much honest feedback as possible.
- Willingness To Hustle: Most companies send out tests on a first-come, first-serve basis. This means you need to hustle and claim open tests quickly before they're gone.
Tips For Making More Money
After trying out plenty of testing gigs over the past few years, here are a few tips that I've found helpful to make as much money as possible as a user-tester:
- Apply To Numerous Websites: Since tests can run out if other testers claim them, signing up for several sites is the best way to get more tests per month.
- Use A Different Email Address: I use a different email address for website testing gigs so I can quickly spot open test invitations and claim them.
- Set Specific Income Goals: Do you want to make $10 fast once in a while, or a few hundred dollars per month? Set some earning targets to hold yourself accountable, but also be realistic.
Also, be weary of app testing scams that are out there. For example, companies like TesterUp claim you can earn hundreds of dollars per test but actually make it impossible to cash out. And there are many similar scams, so watch for red flags like high cash out requirements or negative online reviews.
Extra Reading – The Best Online Phone Jobs.
Final Thoughts
I hope my guide on getting paid to test apps helps you make some beermoney on the side with a flexible, fun side hustle.
This type of gig can't replace your full-time income or make $5,000 a month. But I think it's beginner-friendly, and I like that you earn a decent hourly rate for the work you do.
And as long as you sign up for a few platforms, there's a decent chance you can complete a few tests per month to make some nice, steady side income.
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