The truly best survey sites can be a fantastic way to earn extra cash online.
Sometimes survey apps get a bad wrap, but as someone who spent nearly a decade working for InboxDollars and later Swagbucks and other Prodege brands, I can tell you that legitimate survey sites — paying real rewards and other prizes — do exist and they can be a great side hustle for thousands of people. Over the years, I’ve earned a few thousand dollars on the side by doing surveys from my phone while watching Hulu.
Not all survey sites are worth your time though. Some sites offer more surveys, more earning activity, and better survey pay. So here’s our FreshBuck roundup of the 10 best survey sites to earn cash in 2025. Our list includes some newer survey sites and reliable favorites like Swagbucks and Pinecone Research.
Best online survey sites
1. Survey Junkie
Founded in 2013, Survey Junkie is one of the most popular online survey platforms.
It’s a straightforward site that’s easy to navigate. Members are paid promptly, and there are additional ways to earn cash beyond just surveys. Survey Junke offers Surf to Earn, a way for members to earn by sharing their digital browsing behavior through a free Chrome extension.
Members are paid in points which they can cash out for PayPal cash or gift cards. According to the team at Survey Junkie, “You won’t get rich taking surveys…but it can supplement your income and give you a little extra flexibility in your budget.” They note if you “complete three surveys daily” you could earn $40 monthly, or more if you spend more time doing surveys.
Survey Junkie is open to adults aged 18 or older who are residents of the U.S., Canada, Australia, or the United Kingdom.
Survey Junkie highlights
- Surveys typically take 10-20 minutes
- Optional focus groups and data-sharing opportunities with Surf to Earn
- No sign-up bonus
- Trustpilot score: 4.1 stars (out of 5) based on over 44,000 reviews
- PayPal or gift card payouts
- Low cash-out threshold of $5
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the most popular and well-established online survey sites. Founded in 2008 in California, Swagbucks is one of many consumer rewards sites owned by parent company Prodege. To date, Swagbucks alone has paid out over $600 million in cash rewards to its members.
Swagbucks offers members dozens of fun and engaging ways to earn through taking surveys, trying new offers, watching videos, playing games, scanning grocery receipts, shopping (claiming cash-back rebates), searching the web, live trivia games, and other trivia challenges.
Loyal Swagbucks fans, Swaggernauts, have fan groups and online forums where they exchange tips on how to find prize codes and maximize their earnings. With a wide variety of earning activities, Swagbucks members can reasonably earn $50 to $300 a month or more.
Swagbucks is open to users aged 13 or older (with parental consent) in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., or the European Union. In some local jurisdictions, there may be a higher age requirement.
Swagbucks highlights
- Earn SB points for surveys and other activities (100 SB = $1)
- Low payout threshold (300 SB points)
- $1 payout threshold (100 SB points) for first cash-out
- Earn bonus points for meeting daily goals or streaks (return visits for consecutive days)
- Trustpilot score: 4.0 stars (out of 5) based on over 37,000 reviews
- Sign-up bonus: *$10
*The bonus amount is current as of the date of this article’s publication. The bonus amount is known to fluctuate based on frequent promotions.
3. InboxDollars
Minnesota-based InboxDollars is another well-known survey site. Founded in 2000 by a group of college students, the company was later acquired by Prodege in 2019. To date, the company has paid its members over $80 million.
InboxDollars offers a similar line-up of activities for users to earn cash and gift card rewards. Earning activities include online surveys, games, scanning receipts, cash-back shopping, content discovery (trying new offers), WinIt (prize) codes, reading emails, and watching TV.
Users appreciate the site’s rewards transparency. Members earn in dollars and cents, not points, stars, or other virtual currency. The app is open to U.S. residents aged 13 or older, with parental consent required for minors.
InboxDollars highlights
- Earn rewards in dollars and cents, not points
- Low payout threshold — $5 minimum
- Earn Scratch & Win cards for prizes up to $100
- Generous referral program — earn $3 upfront for each qualified referral and then earn 10% commission for life on their qualified earnings
- Trustpilot score: 4.1 stars (out of 5) based on over 44,000 reviews
- Sign-up bonus: $5
4. AttaPoll
AttatPoll launched in 2018 as a mobile-first survey app whereas Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Survey Junkie were originally web-only. The sleek mobile experience makes AttaPoll a good fit for users who want to earn cash on the go, and users can select survey lengths that match their window of time.
The app does not indicate how long surveys are or what the payouts are, but states “the amounts need to be higher” for longer surveys or those with more rigid eligibility requirements
The platform is open to users aged 18 and older in the U.S. and over 70 countries.
AttaPoll highlights
- Mobile-first survey app with a global reach
- No non-survey earning activities
- PayPal or gift card reward options
- Set preferences for survey length
- Cash out at *$3
*The minimum payout depends on the country you’re in, but it’s generally equivalent to $3 USD.
5. User Interviews
Founded in 2019, User Interviews connects participants with high-paying research studies. You can earn $50 to $200 for most activities, making it a lucrative opportunity.
Unlike other survey sites, User Interviews participants provide consumer feedback through online surveys and other formats. Marketing firms, B2C companies, and academic institutions will conduct research in person, online, or over the phone.
Participation opportunities include 1:1 interviews, surveys, usability tasks, diary studies (for long-term research projects), product testing, focus groups, or ethnographic research where participants are observed in their normal daily environment.
For most studies, participants are required to be 18 years or older. Geographic requirements vary by survey, but User Interviews does have participants from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and many other countries.
User Interviews highlights:
- Wide range of activities to provide feedback — more than just online surveys
- High-paying – opportunities can pay $200+
- Opportunities online and in-person
- Payouts through PayPal, Amazon gift cards, bank transfers, or physical prizes — depends on the study
6. Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research is a long-standing survey company. While the exact founding date isn’t publicly disclosed on its website, many third-party review sites say it launched in 1998, potentially making it the oldest survey site on our list.
The Nielsen Company, a trusted name in market research, owns and operates Pinecone. It allows users to earn rewards by participating in paid online surveys and occasionally testing products in their homes.
Unlike other paid survey sites on our list, Pinecone Research operates on an invitation basis which makes it more selective than other platforms.
While Pinecone does not directly disclose its payment structure, some Good Financial Cents claims that Pinecone pays about $3 per completed survey. Participants earn points for paid surveys, with points redeemable for cash, physical prize gifts, or eGift cards. Paypal cash may also be an option. Members can cash out when they reach 300 points or $3 USD.
The paid survey site is open to members aged 18 or older residing in the U.S., U.K., or Canada. Each month it accepts a limited number of new members who join by invitation or referral link.
Pinecone Research highlights
- Consistent survey pay of around ~ $3 per survey
- Product testing opportunities
- Low cash-out threshold
- Backed by Nielsen, a leading name among market research firms and survey websites
- Can be difficult to join; once you’re in the company will send you online paid surveys but you will not qualify for all
👉 Sign up for Pinecone Research
7. Eureka Surveys
Founded in 2019, Eureka Surveys offers fast, easy-to-complete surveys with daily opportunities to earn. It’s a no-frills platform for users who want to quickly make some extra cash.
Completing surveys is the platform’s sole focus. According to information on Eureka’s website, most surveys pay $1 to $3 and take 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
Survey members must be at least 18 years old and reside in the U.S.
Eureka highlights:
- Most surveys take 5-10 minutes and pay $1-3
- PayPal and gift card rewards
- Cash out with at least $5
- $1 sign-up bonus
8. Curious Cat (Founded 2018)
Curious Cat is a mobile survey app offering quick tasks for small payouts. With a user-friendly design, it’s ideal for people looking to complete fast surveys during downtime.
This UK-based company was founded in 2012 and has headquarters in London, England. The platform offers users a modern interface for a faster, sleeker experience and claims that its smart-matching algorithms can better connect survey takers to earning opportunities.
In addition to standard online surveys, members can also get paid for answering short questionnaires or daily polls.
Curious Cat’s terms and conditions do not specify age or residency requirements, however, their app description states you must be at least 16 years old and indicates some countries may have limited earning opportunities and redemption options. Language within the site’s privacy policy suggests that the app is for residents of the European Union, United States, Australia, United Kingdom, and other non-specified locations.
Curious Cat highlights:
- Most surveys take 5 or less
- Cash out with PayPal at 100 points or £1 (approximately $1.30 USD)
- Easy-to-use app
- Fast approach to traditional surveys or money
9. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys offers a streamlined way to earn extra income by completing surveys. Members earn points, which can be redeemed for cash, prepaid cards, or gift cards for popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks.
Surveys range from quick polls to detailed consumer research. Most activities take between 5 to 20 minutes to complete and pay up to 500 points.
The platform also features a Branded Elite loyalty program that rewards members with bonus points as they complete more surveys. Referrals provide additional opportunities to earn.
To be eligible, members must be 18 years or older and reside in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
Branded Surveys highlights
- PayPal payouts start at 500 points or $5
- Bonus points through challenges and loyalty levels
- Surveys customized to your profile
10. Toluna Influencers
Toluna Influencers is an engaging survey platform with a community-driven approach. Members can share opinions on products and services, earning rewards through surveys, polls, and discussions. For over a decade, it’s been recognized as one of the internet’s best online survey sites and the community has a large global presence across 50 countries.
The platform emphasizes social interaction, encouraging users to influence brand decisions while enjoying instant rewards. Points earned for surveys can be exchanged for PayPal cash, gift cards, or free products.
Users must be at least 16 years old to join, and the platform is accessible via desktop or mobile apps for flexible participation
Toluna highlights
- Community-based approach
- Payouts vary by survey length
- Some surveys may take up to six weeks to credit
- Point-based rewards system — 3,000 points = $1 USD
- Payouts through PayPal, gift cards, or products
- Cash out at 30,000 points or $10 USD
👉 Sign up for Toluna Influencers
Final thoughts
Whether you’re looking to earn an additional stream of income or just monetize your downtime, this round-up of paid online survey sites offers the best reputable survey sites of 2025.
Completing paid surveys from your phone or laptop, with persistence, can pay an additional $50 to $100 a month. And with the best survey sites like InboxDollars and Swagbucks that offer a wide range of other earning activities, there’s potential to earn $300+.
🤲 Stacy and James, the editors at FreshBuck, have deep inside knowledge and relationships with all of the sites on our list and all of the fact-based information comes directly from the survey websites.
Common survey FAQs
Why should I trust the information in this article?
James and Stacy are two real-life side hustlers who have tried most survey sites and hundreds of different gigs, including Fiverr, Poshmark, DoorDash, and Uber. We stand behind all our recommendations.
Additionally, James and Stacy have over 20 combined years working in market research and the loyalty rewards industries. Stacy worked for Prodge (parent company of Swagbucks, InboxDollars, MyPoints, Tada, Upromise, and more) for nearly a decade.
Is all the information on this site accurate?
Yes. As of the date of this article’s publication, all of the information is up-to-date and fact-checked.
You may find discrepancies on the web. Other listicle articles for the top survey sites may list different payout amounts, membership requirements, or reward options. This article is the more accurate one.
Many of these articles rely on chatbots and old listicle articles with dated information. Even when the article looks updated, often it’s an article several years old with an editor merely updating the year in the title (changing “Best of 2022” to “Best of 2023”) or changing the publication date.
Is taking online surveys a scam?
No, taking surveys for money is a legitimate way for everyday people to earn extra cash. However, asking if surveys are a “scam” is like asking if the internet is a scam. There are scam survey sites out there but there are also dozens of reliable paid survey sites too. We’ve shared our favorite reliable and legitimate options for 2025.
How do I qualify for surveys?
Sign up for the survey site with valid information and complete the user profiles. The more information the survey app has, the easier it is for them to match you with qualifying earning activities.
Survey takers will also need to pre-screener to qualify for any featured survey in the online survey site.
Why? This is usually a requirement from the third-party company that’s conducting the research. They have a broad sense of who you are (i.e., 33-year-old man in Nebraska), but then they need to ask more focused questions to make sure you match their demographic.
Additionally, this is an important means of quality control to prevent participants from speeding through surveys without carefully reading all of the questions.
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Survey Junkie and Inbox Dollars are both terrible;Inbox Dollars has an extremely low payout.
Survey Junkie used to be halfway-decent ;then they started hosting companies that have the survey-taker complete 85-90% of the survey(YOU’RE DOING GREAT!JUST A FEW MORE QUESTIONS AND YOU’LL RECEIVE YOUR REWARD!)And then suddenly terminate the survey and pay out 3 cents.
If that happens after 2 minutes, it’s fine;it means the person didn’t qualify.
If it happens after 18/19/20 minutes, it’s theft AND fraud.
Oh wow, I’m sorry you had a negative experience. That certainly wasn’t anything that I’ve seen from my account. I have heard that if you get disqualified like that, that you can reach out to support and they will usually credit you for the survey. I know a lot of the surveys are by a bunch of different companies and they sometimes have errors. You shouldn’t lose your reward because of an error like that.