Stay-at-home side hustles have become increasingly popular as flexible work opportunities continue to rise. In today’s digital age, there are countless platforms promising easy cash, but many people only know the mainstream options. Beyond well-known sites like Swagbucks or Upwork, there’s a world of secret or little-known websites to earn money online through surveys, micro-tasks, and other side gigs. These hidden gems can help stay-at-home individuals make extra income on their own schedule. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce 15 legitimate platforms – categorized by surveys, micro-tasks, and niche side hustles – and explain how each one works, their payout methods, expected earnings, and pros and cons. By the end, you’ll have a solid list of stay-at-home side hustles to explore and an encouraging outlook on making money from the comfort of home.
Remote and flexible work has seen tremendous growth, enabling people to earn money online from home on their own terms. Whether you’re a parent, student, or just seeking extra cash, online side gigs offer convenience and autonomy. You can log on at any time and pick up a task or survey without the constraints of a 9-to-5 job. This rise in work-from-home side hustles means more platforms – including some best hidden websites to earn money online – are available to connect you with paying tasks. From paid online surveys to micro freelance gigs, opportunities are plentiful. The key is finding legit micro-task websites that pay fairly for your time. Below, we’ve sorted some top lesser-known platforms into categories to help you navigate which might suit you best.
Looking for more flexible ways to start small? Check out 10 Smart Side Hustles You Can Start With $100 or Less.
Hidden Gems for Paid Online Surveys
Online surveys are a classic way to make pocket money by sharing your opinions. Many survey sites exist, but a few lesser-known, high-quality platforms stand out for their reliability and payouts. These survey sites won’t make you rich overnight, but they can be steady earners for stay-at-home workers. Here are some hidden survey websites worth checking out:
1. Prolific
Prolific is an academic research survey platform connecting everyday people with university and corporate studies. Unlike generic survey sites, Prolific’s tasks are often interesting studies from researchers, and they pay fairly for your time. In fact, Prolific enforces a minimum reward equivalent to $8.00 per hour for studies. In practice, that means you can expect to earn roughly $6–$12 per hour on Prolific – considerably higher than the $1–$3 per hour typical on many survey panels.
- How it works: You create a profile with detailed demographic info. Prolific then matches you with surveys (called “studies”) that you’re eligible for. Studies vary in length and topic – you might be asked to play a short game, answer questions about social science, or perform a quick experiment.
- Payout methods: After completing a study, the payment is approved (often within minutes) and added to your account balance. You can cash out via PayPal once you’ve earned at least about $5–$6 (the site sets a £5 minimum, roughly $6 USD). Notably, Prolific pays in cash (no point systems or gift cards) and after a few initial withdrawals, payments become nearly instant to PayPal.
- Expected earnings: Most Prolific studies pay between $0.50 and $5.00 each, for a few minutes to 30 minutes of work, aiming for that ~$8+ per hour rate. Some longer or very specific studies pay more. It’s not designed to be a full-time income – some users report earning a few hundred dollars a month, and hitting $2k in a month is rare – but it’s excellent for steady side income.
- Pros: Interesting, academic-focused surveys (not just marketing polls); higher pay rates than typical survey sites; cash payments via PayPal; no disqualifications once you’re in a study (if you see it and accept, you’re usually eligible).
Cons: You must verify your identity to start (to maintain data quality). There can be competition for spots in popular surveys, and some days offer fewer studies than others. There’s often a waitlist to join Prolific, so you might not get in immediately if they have many users (it’s worth signing up and being patient).
2. Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research is a long-running survey panel operated by Nielsen that is famous among survey enthusiasts but less known to the general public. It’s considered a “premium” survey site because it offers a flat $3 per survey reward. Pinecone often focuses on product opinions and concept testing for new products.
- How it works: Pinecone is somewhat exclusive – you usually need an invitation link or to catch when they’re accepting new sign-ups. Once you’re in, you receive survey opportunities by email. Each survey you complete typically yields 300 points (equivalent to $3). Occasionally, Pinecone may send product samples for you to test at home as part of a survey.
- Payout methods: Pinecone uses a points system (100 points = $1). You can redeem points for cash via PayPal, bank transfer, or for gift cards. The minimum cash-out is very low (around $3 for your first redemption, meaning you can cash out after just one survey). Many users prefer the PayPal option for quick cash.
- Expected earnings: Surveys pay a fixed rate (e.g., $3 each), so your hourly rate depends on survey length. Most Pinecone surveys are 10–20 minutes. That works out to an effective rate of about $9–$18 per hour if surveys are available. However, survey invites may be infrequent – you might get only a few per month. It’s quality over quantity with Pinecone.
- Pros: High pay per survey (no low-baller $0.50 surveys here); reliable payments (backed by Nielsen, a reputable market research firm); sometimes opportunities for product testing which can be fun; low payout threshold.
- Cons: Limited number of surveys; invite-only registration can be hard to come by; the panel is small, so you can’t scale up earnings beyond the occasional survey. It’s a nice extra cash trickle, but not a constant gig.
3. SurveySavvy
SurveySavvy is a veteran in the survey world (operating since the late 1990s) but not as flashy as newer apps. It’s a straightforward site run by Luth Research that pays you for taking surveys and even for installing a device tracker app (optional). SurveySavvy is lesser-known today, yet it’s a legitimate platform with a unique old-school payout method.
- How it works: After signing up, you fill out profile info so SurveySavvy can match you to surveys. They email you survey invitations or you can check your dashboard. Surveys cover various consumer topics and take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. Additionally, they offer “SavvyConnect,” a program where you install a safe app on your devices to share anonymous web usage data for market research – you get paid a few dollars per device each month for this passive activity.
- Payout methods: Uniquely, SurveySavvy pays by check mailed to you upon request. There’s no points system – your account shows a cash balance. You can request a check withdrawal for as little as $1 balance, though it’s practical to accumulate more to cash out. They do not offer PayPal or gift cards; it’s cash via mailed check.
- Expected earnings: Survey payouts vary; a typical survey might pay $1 to $3, with some longer ones paying $5 or more. Because invites may be occasional, you might earn around $10–$20 a month if you do all available surveys. SavvyConnect can add up to $5 per device per month (for example, ~$15 extra monthly if you install it on your phone, tablet, and computer). It’s not high volume, but it’s very effortless.
- Pros: Trusted long-running company; pays actual cash (checks); no minimum cash-out beyond $1; passive earning option via SavvyConnect; referrals can earn you money too (they pay for referral survey earnings).
- How it works: After signing up, you fill out profile info so SurveySavvy can match you to surveys. They email you survey invitations or you can check your dashboard. Surveys cover various consumer topics and take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. Additionally, they offer “SavvyConnect,” a program where you install a safe app on your devices to share anonymous web usage data for market research – you get paid a few dollars per device each month for this passive activity.
- Cons: Slow payment method (waiting for a check); interface is a bit dated; fewer surveys than big panels; some users may not like installing the tracking app (it’s optional). Also, international users might have fewer opportunities or more hassle cashing checks.
4. Respondent
Respondent (Respondent.io) is a platform that offers high-paying research studies, often in the form of one-on-one interviews, focus groups, or in-depth surveys. This site is a hidden gem for those with specific professional backgrounds or consumer experiences, as researchers are often looking for business professionals, hobbyists, or people with certain knowledge. Pay rates on Respondent can range from about $10 to $750 per hour depending on the study – making it one of the most lucrative opportunities if you qualify.
- How it works: You sign up with your demographics and work/education background. You can then browse a list of research studies posted by companies or researchers. Each listing shows the topic, the requirements (e.g., “seeking parents of teenagers” or “software developers with 5+ years experience”), the format (online interview, survey, product test, etc.), the duration, and the pay amount. If you fit the criteria, you apply by answering some screener questions. If selected, you schedule the session and complete the study (often via video call or detailed survey).
- Payout methods: Respondent pays in cash via PayPal. After you complete a study, the payment (minus a 5% platform fee) will be sent to your PayPal account. The 5% fee is Respondent’s cut from participants, so if a study pays $100, you’d net $95. Payments are usually processed quickly once the study is marked complete (often within a week).
- Expected earnings: This varies widely. Some simple online surveys on Respondent might pay $10–$30 for 10-20 minutes. Longer expert interviews or medical research studies can pay $100, $200, or even $500 for an hour or two. For example, a 75-minute focus group might pay $125, or a multi-hour in-depth interview could pay a few hundred dollars. It’s not steady daily work – you have to apply and may not be chosen often – but even doing one or two studies a month can yield a nice side income.
- Pros: Very high pay rates for your time when you do get a study; interesting projects (you might influence product development or research); professional and credible platform; you can refer friends to studies for a referral bonus if they get selected.
- Cons: Highly selective – each study is looking for a very specific participant, so you will get “weeded out” often. It can take many applications to land a study. Some studies require an interview or extensive effort. Also, you must be 18+ and sometimes pass verification (even a background check for certain finance-related studies). Not a consistent income source, but rather occasional windfalls.
5. Toluna Influencers
Toluna (also known as Toluna Influencers) is a global survey community that’s been around for years but isn’t as talked about as sites like Survey Junkie. It’s a legit platform where you earn points for surveys and community activities, which you can redeem for cash or rewards. Toluna also has a bit of a social aspect – you can engage in polls and topics with other members.
- How it works: After joining, you fill out profile surveys so Toluna knows your background. You’ll then be offered surveys on the dashboard and via email. Surveys cover consumer products, advertising feedback, current events opinions, and more. Toluna also lets users create polls and mini-topics – participating in those can earn a few points, though the main earnings are from official surveys.
- Payout methods: Toluna uses a points system. Rewards can be cashed out via PayPal or converted to gift cards (like Amazon, Starbucks, etc.) once you reach the minimum points threshold. For example, 30,000 points might equal $10. PayPal cash and popular gift cards are among the options, making it flexible. Rewards fulfillment can take a few days to a couple of weeks after you request.
- Expected earnings: Toluna surveys typically reward anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 points (equivalent to roughly $0.30 to $1.50) for short surveys, and longer surveys can pay 10,000+ points ($3+). It might be feasible to earn $10–$30 a month if you do many surveys, but it depends on your demographics and how many surveys you get. It’s a decent side earner if you constantly check for surveys.
- Pros: Available worldwide with support in many countries; multiple payout options (cash and gift cards); interactive community features (which can be fun and give small bonuses); plenty of surveys if you fit various demographics.
Cons: Like most survey panels, it’s time-consuming relative to pay – not all surveys pay great, and some can be long. You may get disqualified from some surveys after a few questions if you don’t meet the criteria. The points-to-cash conversions and threshold can be a little confusing at first. Overall earnings are modest, so Toluna is best paired with other sites if you’re maximizing survey income.
Legit Micro-Task Websites for Quick Gigs at Home
Micro-task platforms offer small jobs that can often be done in a few minutes each – things like data entry, tagging images, transcribing snippets, or rating content. These tasks usually pay only a few cents to a few dollars each, but they can add up if you do them in volume. The following legit micro-task websites are lesser-known or specialized platforms where stay-at-home workers can earn money by completing simple gigs online. They are “crowdsourcing” marketplaces: companies post tiny tasks, and a distributed workforce (you!) completes them for a fee.
6. Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)
Amazon Mechanical Turk, or MTurk, is one of the original micro-task platforms. It’s run by Amazon and has been around since 2005, yet many people outside the gig economy have never heard of it. MTurk is a crowdsourcing website where businesses (requesters) hire remotely located “crowdworkers” to perform small tasks that computers struggle with. If you’re looking for a wide variety of tasks and don’t mind that some pay only pennies, MTurk can be an interesting option.
- How it works: You sign in with an Amazon account and apply to be an MTurk worker (in some countries there might be a short wait or approval process). Once in, you’ll see a marketplace of “HITs” (Human Intelligence Tasks) listed with their pay and a brief description. Tasks include things like: identifying objects in a photo, transcribing a few seconds of audio, taking short surveys, moderating content, or providing search result feedback. You pick a task, complete it per instructions, and submit for the listed reward.
- Payout methods: Earnings on MTurk can be transferred to your bank account (for U.S. workers) or to an Amazon.com gift card balance (for some non-U.S. workers). Payments are available once the requester approves your work, which might take anywhere from minutes to days. Amazon sets a transfer minimum (often $1 or $10 depending on method and location) and you can withdraw manually or on a schedule.
- Expected earnings: This can vary drastically. Many simple HITs pay $0.01 to $0.10 (like tagging an image or verifying data). Longer tasks like surveys or writing tasks might pay $1 to $5. Efficient workers often sift through to find the better-paying HITs. Some dedicated MTurk workers report making $50–$100 a week or more by doing a lot of tasks and using scripts to grab good HITs. However, studies have found that if you take tasks at random, earnings could average just a couple dollars per hour. It really requires strategy (choosing tasks wisely) to earn above minimum wage. That said, if you put in the time, it’s possible to earn a few hundred extra dollars a month on MTurk as a side hustle.
- Pros: Huge variety of tasks available 24/7; you can work whenever you want, for however long you want (even 10 minutes here or there); no payout in points or anything, it’s actual money; run by Amazon, so it’s a trusted company handling payments.
- Cons: Pay can be very low for many tasks – you have to be selective to make decent money. New workers have a learning curve to find good tasks and build up a reputation (requesters can reject poor work, which hurts your stats). Some tasks may be monotonous. Competition from other crowdworkers means the best tasks get taken fast. In summary, MTurk is legit but requires effort to make it worthwhile.
7. Clickworker
Clickworker is a popular micro-task platform based in Germany that operates internationally. It’s a bit under the radar in the U.S., but it has a large user base doing tasks for various companies. On Clickworker, you’ll find short jobs like writing product descriptions, categorizing data, web research, taking surveys, or training AI by recording phrases. Pay rates on Clickworker vary widely – most tasks pay anywhere from a couple of cents up to a few euros/dollars each, roughly $0.02 to $7.00 per task in many cases
- How it works: Sign up on Clickworker’s website or app and complete your profile and some skill assessments. Once approved, you can log in to see a list of available jobs (the “Workplace” hub). Each task listing shows what you need to do and the pay. Examples include: short surveys, writing a snippet of text, proof-reading a paragraph, tagging images, or completing an AI training task (like speaking phrases for voice recognition). Some tasks are one-time, others you can do repeatedly until a quota is filled. Clickworker also connects to UHRS (Universal Human Relevance System), a partner platform with additional micro-tasks (often related to search engine results) – you may access this after passing a qualifier.
- Payout methods: Clickworker pays in cash. They automatically pay out weekly via PayPal, SEPA (bank transfer in Europe), or Payoneer once you hit the minimum balance of $10/€10. So if you have earned at least ten bucks by the weekly payout day, you’ll get paid without needing to request it. This regular payment cycle is convenient for active users.
- Expected earnings: It depends on the tasks you do. Clickworker itself notes that payment per task can range from cents to double-digit euros, and it depends on task complexity and your speed. For example, a simple tagging task might pay $0.05 each but you can do 20 in a few minutes, whereas a research or writing task might pay $5 but take an hour. Realistically, if you spend a couple of hours a day on Clickworker and focus on higher-paying tasks, you might earn $5–$10 per hour of work. Some experienced Clickworkers report earning $50+ per week in their spare time. Keep in mind it’s not a fixed wage – if there are plenty of tasks and you work quickly, you earn more; if tasks are scarce or you work slowly, earnings are less. Clickworker themselves caution that it shouldn’t be seen as a full-time job replacement but rather a flexible way to earn extra money.
- Pros: International availability; mobile app makes it easy to work on the go; variety of tasks keeps it interesting; weekly automatic PayPal payments are hassle-free; you can pick tasks that suit your skills (e.g., writing tasks if you’re good at writing, or simple clicks if you’re not).
Cons: Task availability can ebb and flow – sometimes there may be little work available for your profile. Some tasks pay too little for the time, so you need to choose wisely (the platform does show an estimated time for each task to help judge this). Quality control is important: rushing could lead to mistakes and rejections. Also, to access certain higher-paying tasks (like UHRS tasks), you might need to pass additional exams.
8. SproutGigs (formerly Picoworkers)
SproutGigs, which rebranded from the name Picoworkers, is a micro-job marketplace that offers tiny gigs posted by individuals or businesses. It’s a lesser-known site that basically pays people to do small online actions. If you’ve ever seen “Get paid $0.10 to follow someone on Twitter” or “Earn $0.25 to sign up for a newsletter,” those kinds of tasks are common on SproutGigs. This platform is like a job board for micro-tasks, many of which are related to digital marketing or simple online actions.
- How it works: After signing up, you can browse “small jobs” listed by employers. Each job listing shows the task (e.g., “Download and try this app and rate 5 stars” or “Complete a short survey on this site”), the country eligibility (some tasks are global, others target specific countries), and the payment amount. If you accept the job, you follow the instructions and usually have to provide proof of completion (like a screenshot or a username you created). Then you submit, and the employer will review and mark it complete, releasing the payment to you. There are also higher-paying “ongoing” jobs (now called “Gigs” on the platform) that are more involved projects you can apply for.
- Payout methods: SproutGigs pays in dollars and cents which you accumulate on your account. You can withdraw your earnings via several methods: PayPal, Skrill, Airtm, crypto (like Litecoin), or other regional payment gateways. The minimum withdrawal amount is around $5 to $10 depending on the method (for example, $5 for crypto, around $7 for PayPal due to fees). Payments aren’t instant; there’s usually a processing time and a fee for each cashout.
- Expected earnings: Each micro-task on SproutGigs might pay anywhere from $0.03 to $0.50 typically. For instance, liking a YouTube video might pay $0.05, signing up for a website account $0.20, or writing a short review $0.75. Because each task is so small, the strategy is to do them in bulk. New users might earn a few dollars in their first few sessions. Some dedicated “workers” on the site manage to earn $30–$50 a month or more, by spending a little time each day doing many tasks. Keep in mind, some tasks are quick 1 minute things, others might take 10 minutes for $0.50 – so it varies. It’s definitely low-paid work, but it can be done while multitasking or in spare time.
- Pros: Very easy tasks that anyone can do – no special skills required; instant gratification on small wins (completing lots of tiny tasks feels productive); low payout threshold means you can cash out relatively soon; a wide variety of tasks and constant additions; open worldwide (great for international users where other gigs are scarce).
- Cons: Very low pay per task – you have to be okay with earning cents for your efforts; some tasks might feel spammy or ethically gray (e.g., upvoting content, which you should judge for yourself if comfortable); you rely on the task poster to approve your work – occasionally, a dishonest poster might reject valid work to avoid paying (though their reputation suffers). You need to follow instructions meticulously to get paid. In short, SproutGigs is not high income, but it’s an accessible starter side hustle.
9. Yandex Toloka
Toloka (by Yandex) is a microtask platform similar to MTurk but operated by Yandex (a major tech company often called “Russia’s Google”). Toloka has a global crowd of workers completing AI training and data processing tasks. It’s a legit micro-task website that many people haven’t heard of, and it can be a good side hustle especially if you are in a country where other platforms don’t pay out. On Toloka, you help improve algorithms by doing things like evaluating search results, labeling images, or checking map data.
- How it works: You sign up on Toloka’s website with a Yandex account. Once in, you’ll see a list of available tasks along with their pay rate and any special requirements (some tasks require passing a short quiz or training first). Examples of tasks: looking at two web search results and deciding which is more relevant, drawing boxes around objects in a photo, comparing two audio recordings, etc. Each task is usually quick, but you might do many of them. Toloka also has mobile app tasks like taking photos of businesses near you, but most tasks can be done from home.
- Payout methods: Toloka offers a variety of payout options depending on your country. Common methods include PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill, and YooMoney. There’s typically a low minimum threshold (around $1 or so) to withdraw. Payments might have a small fee depending on method. Withdrawal processing can take a couple of days. The flexibility in payment options makes Toloka accessible to workers worldwide, including those who prefer not to use PayPal.
- Expected earnings: Task pay on Toloka can range from a few cents to a couple of dollars each. Many simple tasks pay under $0.10 but can be done in under a minute. More complex tasks that require more judgment might pay $0.20–$0.50 each. Your hourly earning rate will depend on the tasks you qualify for and how fast you work. Some users report earning $3–$5 per hour on average, while those who get access to higher-paying tasks (like advanced content review tasks in certain languages) might make closer to $7–$10 per hour. It’s very much a your-mileage-may-vary platform. Consistency and doing the qualification quizzes to unlock better tasks can increase your earnings over time.
- Pros: International and available in many languages; a wide range of task types – if you enjoy AI-related tasks or have good analytical skills, it can be engaging; low cashout minimum and multiple payment methods; you work as much or as little as you want, with tasks available around the clock.
- Cons: Pay is low for many tasks, and you need to maintain accuracy (there are quality checks – too many wrong answers can suspend you from a task type). The interface can be a bit overwhelming at first with all the task options. Some tasks might involve sensitive or dull content (like moderating adult content, which you can skip if you want). Also, because Toloka is global, if you’re in a region with a higher cost of living, the pay might feel especially low. Treat it as a side gig for extra bucks, not a primary job.
10. Remotasks
Remotasks is a platform that provides small tasks focused on training artificial intelligence – for example, labeling images, transcribing audio, or analyzing data. It’s somewhat lesser-known but has gained traction among people looking to work from home in countries around the world. Remotasks is backed by the data AI company Scale AI, and many tasks are related to things like self-driving car research (e.g., drawing boxes around cars and pedestrians in images) or improving machine learning models. If you have a bit of patience and attention to detail, Remotasks can be a solid side hustle.
- How it works: After creating an account, you’ll go through Remotasks’ training center. You need to learn the guidelines for each type of task (they have modules for image annotation, categorization, etc.) and pass a small test to unlock that category of tasks. Once you’re qualified, tasks will appear in your dashboard for that category. For example, you might see a task to outline objects in a street image (annotating 10 cars in a photo for a few cents each) or listen to an audio clip and transcribe it. You do the task in Remotasks’ interface and submit. Some tasks are projects that involve a sequence of steps and might take longer.
- Payout methods: Remotasks pays via PayPal. The platform processes payments on a weekly schedule (often every Friday) for the tasks you completed the prior week. There’s no fixed minimum, but you must have a verified PayPal account linked. As long as your earnings are approved, they’ll be sent out automatically on payout day. (In some regions they have other payment methods like AirTM, but PayPal is most common.)
- Expected earnings: Earnings depend on task type and accuracy. Simple image tagging might pay a few cents per image. More complex annotation tasks (drawing detailed boundaries or 3D labeling LIDAR data for autonomous vehicles) pay more per task and can add up if you’re efficient. Some Remotaskers who dedicate significant time have reported earning a few hundred dollars per month. For a casual user, you might earn $20–$50 in a month of spare-time work. The platform occasionally offers “Bonuses” or higher-paying tasks if you become part of special projects. Keep in mind, if you do tasks incorrectly and they’re rejected, you won’t get paid for those, so accuracy is key.
- Pros: If you enjoy detailed, puzzle-like tasks (like tracing objects or transcribing audio), Remotasks can actually be engaging. There’s a clear training system to help you learn tasks, which is great for newbies. Weekly PayPal payments are convenient. The work you do contributes to cutting-edge tech (like self-driving car AI), which can feel rewarding. It’s open to many countries, providing a legitimate earning opportunity where some other platforms may not operate.
Cons: The work can be tedious and require a lot of focus. Some tasks take quite a while and only pay a few dollars, so until you get faster it might feel like low hourly pay. There’s sometimes competition or scarcity – e.g., a lot of people might be working on the same project, and tasks can run out. If your accuracy drops or you fail qualification tests, you might get fewer tasks. Support and communication from Remotasks can be hit or miss if you encounter issues. Essentially, it requires self-discipline to learn the task guidelines thoroughly to make it worthwhile.
Niche Stay-at-Home Side Hustle Platforms
Beyond surveys and traditional micro-tasks, there are other niche side hustles that you can do from home. These often involve using a specific skill or participating in unique types of gigs – such as testing websites, doing short freelance tasks, or offering virtual services. The following platforms are stay-at-home side hustles that are a bit under the radar but offer legit ways to earn extra income online. Each of these may cater to a particular type of work, from user experience testing to transcription to virtual assistance.
11. UserTesting
UserTesting is a well-known platform among UX professionals, but many outside that sphere haven’t heard of it as a side gig. It pays you to test websites and apps – essentially, you navigate a website or app and speak your thoughts aloud while your screen and voice are recorded. Companies use your feedback to improve their user experience. It’s a great side hustle if you’re articulate and enjoy sharing opinions on design/usability. UserTesting typically pays $10 for a standard 20-minute test (sometimes more for longer or live interviews).
- How it works: Sign up on usertesting.com as a tester (you’ll need to take a sample test to qualify, demonstrating that you can follow instructions and speak your thoughts clearly). Once approved, you’ll get access to the dashboard where tests appear. Each test has a short screener to see if you fit the target demographic (e.g., they might look for “online shoppers aged 25-40” or “users of a certain mobile app”). If you qualify and grab the test, you’ll follow a set of tasks like “Go to XYZ.com and find the pricing page. What do you think of it?” You’ll record your screen and audio as you do this, providing verbal feedback. Some tests are unmoderated (you just record and submit), and others are live interviews (a video call with a moderator – these pay more, like $30 to $60 for 30 minutes to an hour).
- Payout methods: Payments are made via PayPal. UserTesting issues payments exactly one week after you successfully complete a test. So if you did a 20-minute test on Tuesday, you’d receive $10 in your PayPal account the following Tuesday. There’s no need to request payment or any threshold – it’s automatic for each test.
- Expected earnings: Earnings depend on how many tests you get. Each standard test $10, and maybe you can do a few in a day if available. Some days you might not get any that you qualify for; other days you might do 2-3. There are also occasional high-paying live interviews ($40, $60, even $100 for specialized ones). Many testers treat it as occasional extra cash – perhaps making $50–$100 per month. Some who check constantly and qualify for many tests (especially those in in-demand demographics like certain professionals or tech users) can earn several hundred a month. Keep in mind it’s not guaranteed or consistent; it’s more about being quick to respond when a test pops up that matches you.
- Pros: High payout per test relative to time spent (e.g., $10 for ~20 minutes is $30/hour rate in theory); interesting and fun – you get to see new websites/apps and give feedback; straightforward work if you’re comfortable speaking your thoughts; reliable payment on schedule; you’re helping improve products which can feel satisfying.
- Cons: You need to have the right equipment (computer or phone, stable internet, microphone) and a quiet environment when taking tests. Tests can be competitive – you often have to be quick to take the screener as soon as a test appears. There’s no guarantee of tests, so income can be sporadic. Also, you must be fluent in English (for most tests in the U.S. at least) and clearly communicate. If your feedback quality drops or you rush through, your rating can fall and you’ll get fewer opportunities.
12. TryMyUI (Trymata)
TryMyUI is another usability testing site similar to UserTesting, but it’s smaller and hence lesser-known. (It has recently been rebranded under the name Trymata, but many still refer to it as TryMyUI.) It allows you to earn money by testing websites and apps and giving your user experience feedback. The pay rate is comparable to UserTesting, around $10 for a typical test, which usually takes 15-20 minutes.
- How it works: You sign up as a tester on TryMyUI’s website. Like UserTesting, you’ll need to complete a qualification test where you follow a sample scenario and record your feedback to ensure you can do the job. Once approved, you’ll receive emails when new tests are available (or you can check the TryMyUI dashboard). The tests involve following a scenario on a site/app and speaking aloud your thoughts, and sometimes answering a short written questionnaire at the end. Each test has specific tasks (e.g., “Find the contact page of this website and try sending a message. Was it easy?”) and you’ll record your screen and voice.
- Payout methods: TryMyUI pays via PayPal, and they typically pay out weekly (tests completed by a cutoff time in the week will be paid the following Friday). There’s no points or minimum – each test completed and approved is a flat payment.
- Expected earnings: TryMyUI testers might get a handful of tests per month. It’s not as consistently busy as UserTesting, but it’s a nice one to be signed up with in addition. You might earn $10 here, $20 there. Some months you could get zero tests if you don’t match any target demographics, other months you might get a few. Realistically, you might make an extra $50 in a good month from TryMyUI. It’s best thought of as supplemental to other testing sites.
- Pros: The work is the same fun, interesting style as UserTesting – if you enjoy that, this doubles your chances of getting paid tests by being on another platform. Pay is good for the time spent (few gigs pay ~$10 for 20 minutes from home). Payment is reliable via PayPal. Having multiple usability testing sites increases your overall opportunities.
- Cons: Fewer tests available than larger platforms; you might go weeks without an invite. You also must maintain quality – the recordings are reviewed (and rated by the requester). If you submit a poor-quality test (e.g., you were distracted or didn’t speak your thoughts), you might not get paid or could be removed. Also, the demographics needed are beyond your control (some tests look for very specific user profiles, and you’ll just be screened out if you don’t fit).
13. Rev (Transcription)
Rev.com is a well-known transcription service that hires freelance transcriptionists and captioners. While Rev itself is a prominent company, working for Rev as a freelancer is a side hustle many people don’t know they can do from home. If you have good English listening and typing skills, you can get paid to transcribe audio or video files into text. Rev is legitimate and has a steady flow of work, making it a go-to platform for beginners in online transcription.
- How it works: To get started, you apply on Rev’s website by taking a transcription test (you’ll transcribe an audio sample following their style guidelines). If accepted, you become a Rev freelancer and can log into the Work Marketplace. There, you can pick from a list of available transcription jobs, which range from short dictations to hour-long interviews. Each job shows the length of the audio and the pay for that file. You transcribe the audio, carefully following Rev’s formatting rules, and submit the transcript. Rev also offers captioning (transcribing and syncing with video) and translation, if you have those skills.
- Payout methods: Rev pays via PayPal, and they pay out weekly (usually on Mondays) for the work completed in the prior week. There is no minimum payout – if you transcribed only a small file, you’d still get a few dollars deposited. You just need a valid PayPal account.
- Expected earnings: Rev’s pay rates are per audio minute: about $0.30 to $1.10 per audio/video minute for transcription or captioning. This means if you transcribe a 10-minute audio file, you might earn between $3 and $11 for that job. How that translates to hourly earnings depends on how fast and accurate you are. For beginners, it might take 1 hour to transcribe 10 minutes of audio (especially if audio is tricky), meaning the hourly rate could be low. Experienced transcriptionists with fast typing might do 20-30 minutes of audio per hour of work. So, a skilled Rev transcriber might make around $8–$15 per hour of work, whereas a newbie could start lower until they improve. The volume of work on Rev is substantial, so you could potentially work many hours if you wanted, but bear in mind it is a skill-based gig.
- Pros: Flexibility – you choose which files to work on and when; weekly reliable PayPal payments; a good platform to practice transcription and improve if you aim to do it long-term. Rev has a reputation for a steady stream of files, so there’s usually something you can grab. You also get feedback and grades on your work, which can help you get better.
Cons: The pay per audio minute, when factoring in actual work time, can be low especially if the audio is difficult (heavy accents, background noise) or if you type slower. Some files have tight deadlines. Rev also has a grading system – you need to maintain a certain accuracy or you risk being let go. The work itself can be tiring (lots of listening and typing). It’s not passive at all – full focus is needed. So, while it’s a solid side gig, it requires effort for the dollars earned.
14. TranscribeMe
TranscribeMe is another platform in the transcription space, often considered one of the more beginner-friendly transcription sites. It’s a bit less famous than Rev but still widely used in the transcription community. TranscribeMe offers very short audio clips to transcribe (often just 1-2 minute clips), which can be good for those who want to work in very small increments. If you’re new to transcription, TranscribeMe’s approach of micro transcription tasks can help you get started.
- How it works: You sign up and take an entrance exam testing your transcription ability and knowledge of their style guide. Once you pass, you log into their WorkHub. The work is queued as very short audio segments (part of a larger project). You play a short clip, transcribe it to text, and submit. Then you can move on to another clip. Over time, as you do tasks accurately, you might become eligible for higher-paying projects or longer segments. TranscribeMe also has special teams/projects you can qualify for (like medical transcription, if you have that background, which pay more).
- Payout methods: TranscribeMe pays via PayPal. Their pay cycle is typically once a week or once every two weeks (they used to have a minimum threshold of $10 or so before you could request payout). You request a withdrawal and then they process it to your PayPal.
- Expected earnings: TranscribeMe’s base pay rate is around $15 to $22 per audio hour for general transcription, which means $0.25 to $0.37 per audio minute. If you transcribe a 2-minute clip, that’s roughly $0.50-$0.75. It might take a beginner 5-6 minutes to transcribe a 2-minute audio, yielding maybe $5-$8 per hour of work at first. As you improve, you might transcribe 2 minutes of audio in 2-3 minutes of work, which would double that rate. Many people might earn roughly $5 – $10 per work hour when starting out. It’s modest, but there are opportunities to earn more: TranscribeMe often touts that their top monthly earners make $200-$300, and if you climb into special teams (like medical or QA roles), pay can go higher. Still, as a side hustle, making maybe an extra $50 to $100 a month with very part-time effort is a reasonable expectation.
- Pros: Very flexible – you can transcribe a few minutes here or there, and you’re not forced to commit to a lengthy file; good for improving your transcription skills; the short clips mean you don’t get overwhelmed by a long audio. The platform community and support can be helpful as you learn. They also sometimes reimburse for an occasional difficult audio if it was bad – so they try to be fair.
- Cons: Low pay rate for the time spent until you become more experienced. The entrance exam can be challenging for some (you might have to retry after studying the style guide). Work availability can fluctuate – sometimes the queue is empty if there aren’t projects at the moment. Also, because files are chopped into bits, you don’t get context for the conversation which can make transcription a bit harder (you might not know the overall topic of the conversation in a 2-min clip, which could make some words harder to decipher). Patience is key with TranscribeMe, both in the work and in building up earnings.
15. Fancy Hands
Fancy Hands is a different sort of platform on this list – it’s not surveys or typing per se, but rather a virtual assistant micro-task service. As a Fancy Hands assistant, you get paid to do small administrative or research tasks for clients. Tasks could be making a phone call, scheduling an appointment, finding information online, data entry, etc. Fancy Hands has been around for years but remains somewhat under-the-radar. It’s a great side hustle if you are organized, a good communicator, and enjoy varied tasks that often involve internet research or phone skills.
- How it works: Apply on Fancy Hands to be an assistant. Once approved, you’ll have access to the task pool. Clients submit requests which range widely: for example, “Call this restaurant to book a reservation for Friday” or “Find 5 quotes for auto insurance given this info” or “Schedule a vet appointment near this ZIP code” or even “Transcribe this voicemail.” Each task is tagged with a reward (in dollars) and an estimated number of minutes it should take (they generally consider tasks to be ~20 minutes). You claim a task, complete it according to the instructions, and mark it done. Communication with the client usually goes through Fancy Hands (you might send a text update or result through their interface).
- Payout methods: Fancy Hands pays assistants twice a month. They used to use Dwolla (a payment service) for payouts, but in recent times they may also offer direct deposit or other methods – we’ll stick to general: you get paid bi-monthly for tasks completed. No points or thresholds; they tally what you did.
- Expected earnings: Fancy Hands tasks typically pay around $3 to $7 per task, depending on complexity and time. Simple tasks assumed to be 15-20 minutes pay on the lower end of that scale; some more involved tasks or rush tasks might pay more. If a task ends up taking longer than expected, unfortunately the pay usually doesn’t increase (it’s a flat rate), so efficiency is important. If you manage to do, say, 3–4 tasks in an hour (some quick calls or quick research tasks), you could earn about $10+ per hour. However, tasks are not guaranteed back-to-back; you pick them when they’re available. Some active assistants report earning a few hundred dollars a month, while others just pick up tasks occasionally for a little pocket money. It really depends on how often you log in and how many tasks you grab.
- Pros: Tasks can be genuinely interesting or at least varied – one minute you’re pretending to be someone’s assistant making an appointment, the next you’re comparing prices for a product. It’s a good fit if you have generalist skills and like helping people with random to-dos. You can do most tasks from home with a phone and computer. No long-term commitments – each task is discrete. If you’re efficient and a good problem-solver, you can complete tasks quickly and boost your effective hourly rate.
Cons: The pay per task can feel low if tasks run over the expected time. There is competition to grab tasks when they appear, so being online at the right times (and having fast reflexes to claim tasks) is key. Some tasks require making phone calls, which not everyone is comfortable with (also, if you’re not in the U.S., calls might be an issue unless done via VOIP). Clients can rate the task; consistently low ratings might affect your standing. Also, some tasks can be vague or complicated beyond what the description suggests, which can be frustrating if it takes longer than the pay would justify. It’s important to quickly assess if a request is worth doing. Overall, Fancy Hands is a legitimate way to earn with your time and wits, but you have to approach it strategically to make it pay off.
Empowering Your Stay-at-Home Earning Journey
The world of online side gigs is vast and ever-growing. These 15 lesser-known websites to earn money online from home illustrate that there’s more out there than just the commonly advertised apps. Whether you prefer sharing opinions in paid online surveys, doing micro-tasks in rapid-fire fashion, or leveraging a personal skill in a niche side hustle, there’s something for everyone. Importantly, all the platforms we covered are legitimate and proven – they may not make you rich overnight, but they do pay real money to real users.
As you explore these stay-at-home side hustles, remember to set realistic expectations. Pick a couple that sound appealing and give them a try. Figure out which ones fit your lifestyle and interests best. Maybe you’ll find that doing a few Prolific studies each week and a couple of UserTesting sessions each month is perfect for you, or perhaps clicking away on MTurk or Toloka in the evenings suits you better. It might take a little trial and error, but the flexibility means you’re in control.
The rise of flexible, remote work means earning extra income from home is more attainable than ever. You can start small, using just your computer (or phone) and spare minutes of your day, and gradually build up your earnings. Every bit of extra cash can help – whether it’s to cover a bill, save for a goal, or just provide some spending money. The key is consistency and finding the right mix of platforms that keep you motivated.
Want to turn your online work into something long-term? Read How to Turn Your Daily Habits Into Passive Income.
In summary, these “hidden gem” websites and apps offer a buffet of opportunities. Stay-at-home parents, students, or anyone looking to supplement their income can tap into these resources. With patience and dedication, even the most secret side hustles can turn into reliable income streams. So go ahead and dive in – your next earnings could be a click away. Happy hustling from home!
