Let’s be real—making money while doing absolutely nothing sounds like one of those overhyped internet myths, right? But what if I told you there are actually some apps that quietly work for you in the background, earning a bit of cash or rewards without you constantly tapping your screen?
Now, don’t expect these apps to make you rich overnight. They won’t replace a full-time job, but they can definitely help cover small bills, save up for treats, or add a little something to your monthly income with almost zero effort.
I’ve tried a bunch of these apps myself, and in this post, I’ll walk you through some of the top ones that can start earning for you while you go about your normal day—whether you’re scrolling through TikTok, watching Netflix, or even sleeping.
- Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel
This one’s super easy. You basically install the app, leave it running in the background, and Nielsen pays you just for collecting anonymous data on how you use your device. It’s not invasive, and the company has been around forever in the data world, so it’s pretty trustworthy.
My experience: I barely notice it running, and after a few months I had enough points to cash out for gift cards. Super chill.
- Honeygain
If you’re okay with sharing a bit of your internet connection, Honeygain pays you for it. It sounds sketchy at first, but what they do is rent out unused bandwidth to companies for things like web research. All you do is install the app and let it sit there. The more devices and data you share, the more you earn.
Heads up: It works best with unlimited internet. If you’re on a data plan, this isn’t for you.
- MobileXpression
This is another research-based app. You install it, keep it running, and earn weekly rewards like Amazon or Visa gift cards. It’s very low effort—basically set it and forget it. Every now and then, they’ll send you short surveys to boost your rewards, but you can ignore those if you want.
What I liked: They send out bonuses randomly, which is always a nice surprise.
- Mode Earn App (a.k.a. Current)
This one’s cool because you actually earn points just by listening to music or doing simple stuff like charging your phone or unlocking your screen. It’s kind of like a rewards app built into your everyday habits.
Pro tip: Pair it with a Bluetooth speaker and just leave it playing while you’re doing chores or working. The points add up faster than you’d think.
- Panel App
Simple, quiet, and available worldwide. The Panel App runs in the background and collects anonymous location data. You earn points daily without doing anything at all. It’s slow and steady, but the rewards are consistent if you stick with it.
What to expect: You won’t earn much quickly, but it’s a reliable long-term background earner.
- Reward XP Passive (Windows users only)
If you’re a gamer or someone who’s on their PC a lot, this one’s for you. It quietly tracks your activity and rewards you for it. Whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or just using your computer, you earn XP that you can convert to PayPal cash or gift cards.
Note: You need to have the desktop app running, and earnings depend on your activity.
- CryptoTab Browser
This is a browser that mines Bitcoin while you browse. It’s not magic—it does use some of your system’s processing power—but it runs in the background, and the browser itself works just like Chrome. Not the most lucrative, but hey, it’s crypto for doing what you’d be doing anyway.
One catch: Your PC has to be on, and the earnings grow faster if you refer friends. Without referrals, it’s very slow.
My Honest Thoughts
Are these apps going to make you hundreds every week? Not really. Most of them will get you between $5 to $30 a month depending on your device, location, and how consistent you are. But that’s the beauty of it—it’s money for doing nothing.
I keep a mix of these running on my phone and PC, and while I don’t think about them daily, I do love opening my inbox and seeing a notification that I’ve got a few bucks ready to withdraw or a new gift card waiting.
A Few Tips Before You Start
- Use a dedicated device if you can. An old phone with Wi-Fi works perfectly for these apps.
- Make sure you’re connected to a secure network. You’re still sharing data, so don’t use these on public Wi-Fi.
- Don’t overload your device with 10 apps at once. That’ll slow it down and drain your battery.
- Check reviews and do your own quick research before installing anything new.
Wrapping Up
The idea of “earning in your sleep” used to sound fake to me, but after testing out these apps, I realized it’s totally possible—as long as you keep your expectations in check. If you like the idea of making a few extra bucks a month without doing anything crazy, give one or two of these a try. It’s a lazy hustle, but a hustle nonetheless.
Got any passive income apps that worked for you? Drop a comment—I’m always down to try new ones.
