The Best Apps to Make Money on the Side
In today’s gig economy, earning extra income has never been easier. With the rise of mobile apps, you can now make money on the side from the comfort of your home or while on the go. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for a vacation, or simply boost your monthly income, there are countless apps designed to help you monetize your skills, time, and resources. In this article, we’ll explore the best apps to make money on the side and provide detailed insights into how each one works.
Why Use Apps to Make Money?
Before diving into the list, let’s discuss why using apps is a convenient and effective way to earn extra cash:
- Flexibility : Most apps allow you to work whenever and wherever you want, making them perfect for side hustles.
- Low Barrier to Entry : Many apps require minimal qualifications or upfront investment.
- Variety of Opportunities : From freelancing to selling items, there’s an app for almost every skill set or resource you have.
- Instant Payments : Several apps offer quick payouts, ensuring you don’t have to wait long to see the fruits of your labor.
Now, let’s dive into the top apps that can help you make money on the side.
1. Fiverr
Overview:
Fiverr is a popular freelance marketplace where you can offer services (called “gigs”) in areas like graphic design, writing, programming, video editing, and more.
How It Works:
- Create a profile and list your services, starting at $5 (though higher rates are encouraged).
- Clients browse your gigs and place orders.
- Complete the task within the agreed timeframe and get paid.
Key Features:
- Wide range of categories to suit various skills.
- Opportunity to upsell additional services.
- Global client base.
Who It’s For:
Freelancers with creative, technical, or professional skills who want to monetize their expertise.
2. Upwork
Overview:
Upwork is another leading platform for freelancers, offering opportunities in fields such as web development, content writing, virtual assistance, and consulting.
How It Works:
- Create a detailed profile highlighting your skills and experience.
- Bid on projects posted by clients.
- Once hired, complete the project and receive payment.
Key Features:
- Long-term contracts available.
- Payment protection for completed work.
- Advanced filtering to find jobs matching your niche.
Who It’s For:
Professionals seeking consistent freelance work or long-term contracts.
3. DoorDash
Overview:
DoorDash is a food delivery service that allows you to earn money by delivering meals from local restaurants to customers.
How It Works:
- Sign up as a “Dasher” and complete a background check.
- Use the app to accept delivery requests.
- Pick up food from restaurants and deliver it to customers.
Key Features:
- Flexible scheduling—you choose when to work.
- Tips included in earnings.
- Access to promotions and bonuses.
Who It’s For:
People with a vehicle who want to earn money during free hours.
4. Instacart
Overview:
Instacart connects shoppers with customers who need groceries delivered to their doorsteps.
How It Works:
- Shop for groceries based on customer orders.
- Deliver the items to the specified address.
- Earn through base pay, tips, and incentives.
Key Features:
- No car required for in-store shopping roles.
- Flexible shifts.
- Bonuses for completing multiple orders.
Who It’s For:
Individuals who enjoy grocery shopping and want a flexible side hustle.
5. Rover
Overview:
Rover is a pet care platform where you can earn money by walking dogs, pet sitting, or providing other pet-related services.
How It Works:
- Create a profile showcasing your love for animals.
- Set your rates and availability.
- Book jobs directly through the app.
Key Features:
- High demand for pet sitters and walkers.
- Ability to build recurring clients.
- Insurance coverage provided.
Who It’s For:
Animal lovers who want to turn their passion into profit.
6. TaskRabbit
Overview:
TaskRabbit connects users with “Taskers” who can help with odd jobs, moving, assembly, cleaning, and more.
How It Works:
- Sign up and pass a background check.
- Browse available tasks in your area.
- Complete the job and get paid.
Key Features:
- Wide variety of tasks to choose from.
- Hourly or fixed-rate payments.
- Opportunity to specialize in specific services.
Who It’s For:
Handy individuals or those willing to do manual labor for extra cash.
7. Poshmark
Overview:
Poshmark is a social commerce app where you can buy and sell clothing, accessories, and home goods.
How It Works:
- List items from your closet or purchase wholesale inventory.
- Set prices and upload photos.
- Ship items to buyers once sold.
Key Features:
- Low startup cost—sell items you already own.
- Built-in community for promoting listings.
- Simple shipping process.
Who It’s For:
Fashion enthusiasts or anyone looking to declutter and monetize unused items.
8. Swagbucks
Overview:
Swagbucks is a rewards app that pays you for completing simple online tasks like surveys, watching videos, and shopping online.
How It Works:
- Sign up and start earning SB (Swagbucks points) by performing tasks.
- Redeem points for gift cards or PayPal cash.
Key Features:
- Multiple ways to earn: surveys, searches, referrals, etc.
- Passive income potential.
- Low commitment required.
Who It’s For:
Anyone looking for an easy, low-effort way to make extra money.
9. Turo
Overview:
Turo is a car-sharing platform that lets you rent out your vehicle to others when you’re not using it.
How It Works:
- List your car on the app and set rental prices.
- Renters book your car through the platform.
- Earn money while Turo handles insurance and support.
Key Features:
- High earning potential depending on your car’s value.
- Flexible rental durations.
- Protection plans available.
Who It’s For:
Car owners who want to offset ownership costs or generate passive income.
10. Honeygain
Overview:
Honeygain is a unique app that pays you for sharing your unused internet bandwidth.
How It Works:
- Download the app and install it on your device.
- Allow Honeygain to use your spare bandwidth for data collection purposes.
- Earn passive income without lifting a finger.
Key Features:
- Completely passive income stream.
- Secure and anonymous data usage.
- Payouts via PayPal or Bitcoin.
Who It’s For:
Tech-savvy individuals comfortable sharing their internet connection.
11. Survey Junkie
Overview:
Survey Junkie is a survey-taking app that compensates users for sharing their opinions on products and services.
How It Works:
- Join the platform and fill out demographic information.
- Take surveys tailored to your profile.
- Redeem points for cash or gift cards.
Key Features:
- Quick and easy to use.
- Transparent reward system.
- Mobile-friendly interface.
Who It’s For:
People with spare time who want to earn small amounts of money effortlessly.
