Let’s be honest—most of us spend hours on our phones every day. Scrolling through Instagram, checking WhatsApp, binge-watching TikToks. But what if just a few of those hours could help you make some real money?
I’m not talking about get-rich-quick schemes or weird pyramid apps. I mean legit apps that actually pay real people (like you and me) for doing simple stuff—from watching videos and completing tasks to sharing your opinion or walking around.
The best part? These apps work almost everywhere in the world.
Let me share 7 of the best money-making apps I’ve tried—or that real users swear by. They won’t make you rich, but they can cover data bills, small shopping, or even help you save up for something nice.
- Honeygain
This one’s interesting. You literally get paid for doing… nothing. Once you install it, Honeygain uses a bit of your internet connection to run its network and pays you for it.
You don’t need to be online all day, just install and forget. The longer it runs, the more you earn. You’ll need Wi-Fi or unlimited data though, because it does use some bandwidth.
Payout method: PayPal or crypto
Best for: Passive earners who just want money to trickle in while they do other stuff
- TimeBucks
TimeBucks feels like a little earning buffet. There’s a bit of everything—surveys, watching ads, signing up for websites, and even simple tasks like taking selfies or posting on social media.
Some of the tasks can feel repetitive, but it adds up quickly, especially if you’re consistent.
Payout method: Payoneer, Bitcoin, Airtm
Best for: People who want lots of task options and steady earnings
- Swagbucks Live (and Swagbucks in general)
Swagbucks is well-known, but its mobile version makes it super convenient. You can earn points (they call them SB) for watching videos, taking surveys, shopping online, or playing trivia.
The Live version is a trivia game that pays cash if you get the answers right. It’s actually kind of fun, especially with friends.
Payout method: Gift cards or PayPal
Best for: People who love games, quizzes, or just multitasking while watching TV
- Streetbees
Streetbees feels like a mix between a survey app and storytelling. It gives you short “missions” to complete, like answering questions about what you ate for breakfast or your opinion on a product.
They usually want photo or voice responses, so it feels more personal. And the pay per task is better than most survey apps.
Payout method: PayPal
Best for: People who don’t mind answering thoughtful questions with their real opinion
- Toloka
Toloka gives you small online tasks like checking if a website has adult content, comparing images, or categorizing products. Tasks are usually short and pay a few cents, but some higher-value jobs pop up now and then.
It’s very beginner-friendly and works in most countries.
Payout method: PayPal, Skrill, Payoneer, or local options
Best for: Consistent daily earners looking to make a few dollars each day
- Givvy
Givvy pays you for playing games and doing mini tasks. The fun part? It’s fast. You don’t need to play for hours to see results. There are small rewards for everything you do, so it feels motivating.
The app is free, but there are ads (that’s how they pay you). If you don’t mind that, it’s a nice way to kill time and still earn something.
Payout method: PayPal, Coinbase
Best for: Casual gamers and anyone who enjoys mini-games while waiting for something
- CashKarma
CashKarma focuses on surveys, but it gives you bonus points just for checking in every day. So even if you don’t qualify for every survey, you’re still moving forward.
There are also “achievement” rewards that give you extra points once you hit milestones.
Payout method: PayPal or gift cards
Best for: People who love survey apps and want that extra motivation to keep going
Final Thoughts
Making money from your phone is no longer a myth. These apps won’t pay your rent or fund a vacation overnight, but they’re solid options for daily rewards, emergency cash, or building a side income little by little.
I recommend trying a few and sticking with the ones you enjoy. Be patient, stay consistent, and don’t forget to cash out once you hit the minimum. Small streams can add up quicker than you think.
If you’ve used any of these apps—or have your own hidden gems—drop a comment and let’s compare notes.
Want more real ways to earn online without the fluff? Stick around. I’ve got a lot more coming.
