If you’re hunting for the best money-making apps to earn extra cash without a big time commitment, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re after a steady side hustle, passive income, or just a little extra spending money, there’s likely an app that can help. There are countless ways to earn from your phone – no fancy setup or resume needed.

Here are the 19 best apps to make money, grouped into five key categories to help you find the right fit 📱

Freelance and gig apps to earn real money

If you’re good with creative work or handy with odd jobs, you’ll want to check out the best gig apps to make money right from your phone.

Here is a quick cheat sheet to compare the apps and make it easy to pick the right one for you:

App	✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Upwork	Message clients and manage contracts on the go; Handy for quick check-ins away from your desk.	Buggy app: slow, crashes, unread messages; Can’t update profile or request payments in-app.
Fiverr	Huge range of services in creative and tech fields; Simple interface for buyers and sellers; Payments are protected until the job is done.	20% commission feels steep; Inconsistent rating system; Slow start for new sellers.
Freelancer	Milestone payments protect both sides; Access to jobs across many global industries.	Fake or low-quality job posts are common; Buggy mobile app and messy messaging; Interface can be hard to navigate.
TaskRabbit	50+ task categories and flexible scheduling; Set your own rates; up to $10k protection for issues.	High fees: up to 45% taken out; App issues: chat bugs, duplicate posts, booking glitches; Ratings and booking system often feel unfair.

Upwork

If you’re into freelancing and want to find jobs that could turn into steady work, Upwork’s where a lot of people start. You can browse gigs in stuff like writing, design, customer support, and coding. Many clients post ongoing projects, so if you click with someone, it might lead to regular gigs 💼

How to get started:

1. Create an account and complete your profile with skills, work history, and rates.
2. Take relevant skill tests (optional but helps).
3. Submit proposals to job listings that match your expertise.
4. Once hired, complete the job and get paid through the platform.

App Rating: ⭐3.9-4.6 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

Fiverr

Fiverr is all about setting up your own gig. You list what you can do – like voiceovers, social media posts, or graphic design – and people hire you. You set your price and can offer packages for upselling.

How to get started:

1. Sign up and set up your seller profile.
2. Create “Gigs” offering specific services (like writing, design, video editing).
3. Add descriptions, pricing, and delivery time.
4. Wait for orders or promote your gig to attract buyers.

App Rating: ⭐4.4-4.9 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

Freelancer

This platform is similar to Upwork but often offers more one-off projects. It’s beginner-friendly, and bidding on jobs is easy. Just keep your rates competitive.

How to get started:

1. Register and set up your freelancer profile.
2. Browse available projects in your niche.
3. Place bids and write short proposals.
4. Once hired, complete the task and receive payment via Freelancer.

App Rating: ⭐4.0-4.7 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

TaskRabbit

If you’re more into in-person work, TaskRabbit connects you with local people who need help. Tasks include moving, furniture assembly, cleaning, and yard work. Great for hands-on types and quick local gigs 🛠️

How to get started:

1. Sign up and select your location and skills (moving, cleaning, delivery, etc.).
2. Complete a background check.
3. Attend an onboarding session (virtual in some cities).
4. Start accepting local tasks through the app.

App Rating: ⭐3.0-4.8 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

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Apps to sell and resell

Clear out your space and fill up your wallet – these apps make reselling simple.

Pros and cons of the best mobile apps to make money:

App	✅ Pros	❌ Cons
eBay	Millions of daily buyers; Auction or fixed-price options; Secure PayPal integration.	Fees can cut into profits; You handle shipping and returns; High competition in top categories.
Poshmark	No listing fees; easy to post; Built-in labels make shipping simple; Active resale community.	20% commission or $2.95 under $15; Slow support and hidden seller ratings; Visibility drops without constant sharing; US only.
Facebook Marketplace	Fast, local sales – no shipping; Easy to list with photos and chat; Huge user base for quick exposure.	Lots of scams, no buyer/seller protection; Flaky buyers and low offers; No real support for issues; Glitchy interface and linked personal profile.

eBay

Sell pretty much anything – electronics, clothes, antiques, and more. Snap good photos, write honest descriptions, and watch your stuff turn into cash. The bidding format can even help you get more than expected 📦

How to get started:

1. Create an account and set up a seller profile.
2. Take photos of your items and write detailed descriptions.
3. List your products for sale with pricing and shipping options.
4. Ship sold items and get paid via PayPal or direct deposit.

App Rating: ⭐4.7-4.8 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

Poshmark

This one is all about fashion. Sell gently-used or brand-new clothes, accessories, and even home goods. You’ll be surprised how fast things sell if you price smartly and share often.

How to get started:

1. Download the app and sign up.
2. Take photos of clothes, shoes, or accessories you want to sell.
3. List them with prices and descriptions.
4. Once an item sells, print the prepaid label, ship it, and get paid.

App Rating: ⭐4.5-4.8 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

Facebook Marketplace

No listing fees and a huge audience in your area make this a go-to for selling locally. You can offload anything from furniture to electronics with ease.

How to get started:

1. Log in to Facebook and go to Marketplace.
2. Tap “Create new listing” and upload product photos.
3. Add price, location, and description.
4. Respond to buyer messages and arrange pickup or delivery.

App Rating: ⭐4.4-4.5 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

Survey, gaming, and task apps for quick rewards

If you’re killing time on your phone anyway, try the best apps to make money playing games or answering questions. They make it easy to earn some rewards without needing to hustle or commit long hours.

Compare in seconds:

App	✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Swagbucks Trivia for Money	Multiple ways to earn (surveys, shopping, etc.); Low $3 cash-out; Trusted with PayPal/gift card rewards.	Low pay per hour; Surveys often disqualify; Some offers need sensitive info; Limited to select countries.
Mistplay	Earn gift cards by playing games; Fun variety, legit payouts.	Glitches and missing points; Slow earnings.
InboxDollars	$5 bonus to start; Many ways to earn; Pays reliably.	$15 payout minimum; Frequent disqualifications; Occasional bugs.
Survey Junkie	Legit with fast $5 payouts; Simple interface, no hidden fees.	Very low pay; Limited survey options; US/Canada/Australia only; Disqualifications are common.
SurveyMonkey Rewards	Easy to use with pro templates; Great for building surveys; Trusted brand.	Not for earning money; Free plan is limited; Can be complex for beginners.

Swagbucks Trivia for Money

Do small tasks like surveys, watching videos, or shopping through their portal to earn “SB” points. You can redeem them for gift cards or PayPal cash. Great for multitasking 🎁

How to get started:

1. Sign up and create a free account.
2. Start completing activities like surveys, quizzes, or watching videos.
3. Earn SB points and redeem for gift cards or PayPal.

App Rating: ⭐4.3-4.8 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

Mistplay

This app pays you to play mobile games. The more you play, the more points you earn, which can be turned into gift cards. Ideal if you’re already gaming on your phone 🎮

How to get started:

1. Download the app.
2. Sign up and browse recommended games.
3. Play games to earn points.
4. Redeem points for gift cards.

App Rating: ⭐4.5 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

InboxDollars

Read emails, answer surveys, watch short videos, and earn real cash. It’s been around for years and pays out reliably. It’s not huge money, but it adds up.

How to get started:

1. Register and claim your $5 bonus.
2. Take surveys, watch videos, read emails, or play games.
3. Accumulate earnings to reach the $15 payout threshold.
4. Cash out via PayPal or gift cards.

App Rating: ⭐4.2-4.5 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is one of the best money making survey apps that pays you for sharing your honest opinions. Surveys usually take between 5 and 30 minutes, and you can cash out quickly once you reach the payout minimum.

How to get started:

1. Sign up and complete your profile.
2. Get matched with surveys based on your info.
3. Take surveys to earn points.
4. Redeem points for cash or gift cards once you hit $5.

App Rating: ⭐4.3-4.5 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

SurveyMonkey Rewards

Best known for business surveys, but individuals can also use it to earn rewards by completing consumer feedback tasks. Easy and intuitive interface.

How to get started:

1. Download the app and sign up.
2. Enable notifications for when surveys are available.
3. Complete surveys and earn credits.
4. Cash out once you reach the minimum.

App Rating: ⭐4.4-4.7 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

MAKE MONEY ONLINE

Investment and cashback apps to grow your money

Let your money work while you sleep – or shop. These apps make it easy to invest or get cashback on everyday purchases.

Use this table to weigh your options and find the one that fits you most:

App	✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Acorns	Auto-invest spare change; Starts with just $5; Offers ESG, Bitcoin, and IRAs; Beginner-friendly with education.	Monthly fee can outweigh returns; Limited ETF-only investments; No tax-loss harvesting.
Rakuten	Cashback at 3,500+ stores; $5 min payout via check or PayPal; Big referral bonuses and promos.	Quarterly payouts, not instant; In-app tracking bugs; In-store offers must be activated.
Ibotta	Cashback from receipts or linked cards; Frequent bonuses and real savings; Trusted by long-time users.	Must activate offers first; $20 cash-out minimum; Some valid rebates get denied.

Acorns

Among the best money making apps for iPhone and Android, Acorns stands out by helping you invest small amounts without lifting a finger. It rounds up your everyday buys and puts that spare change to work.

How to get started:

1. Download the app and sign up.
2. Link a checking account to start round-ups.
3. Choose your investment portfolio and risk level.
4. Start auto-investing your spare change.

App Rating: ⭐4.7 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available on: iOS and Android

Rakuten

Earn cashback when shopping online at thousands of popular stores. Just shop through the app or browser extension and enjoy getting a little money back each time 🛍️

How to get started:

1. Sign up and install the browser extension or app.
2. Shop through Rakuten links to earn cashback.
3. Cashback is tracked and added to your balance.
4. Get paid quarterly via PayPal or check once you reach $5.

App Rating: ⭐3.4-4.8 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

Ibotta

Great for grocery shopping. Snap a pic of your receipt or link your store loyalty card to earn cashback. Works at most major stores 🧾

How to get started:

1. Download the app and create an account.
2. Browse offers and add them before shopping.
3. Upload receipts or link loyalty cards to claim cashback.
4. Withdraw funds once you hit the $20 minimum.

App Rating: ⭐4.6-4.8 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

Delivery and ride-share apps to earn on the go

Turn your car, scooter, or bike into a money-making machine with these delivery and ride-share apps.

Here is a comparison table of the best driver apps:

App	✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Uber – Driver: Drive & Deliver	Flexible hours, no shifts; Instant cash out (up to 5x/day); Switch between rides and deliveries.	Gas and car costs on you; Low ratings affect opportunities; Inconsistent demand.
Lyft Driver	Easy app to find rides; Fast, secure payouts; Multiple service options.	You cover all vehicle costs; Ratings impact ride offers; City/time affects demand.
DoorDash – Dasher	Simple delivery process; Keep 100% of tips.	Slow outside peak times; Vehicle expenses add up; Weather can be a challenge.
Instacart Shopper: Earn Money	Choose full-service or in-store; Independent work style; Batch deliveries boost earnings.	Substitutions and delays slow you down; Earnings unclear until accepted; All car costs are yours.

Uber – Driver: Drive & Deliver

Drive people around or deliver food with Uber Eats. You set your schedule and can earn good money during peak hours 🚗

How to get started:

1. Sign up online or via app and submit your documents (license, insurance).
2. Pass a background check and vehicle inspection.
3. Set your availability and start accepting ride or delivery requests.
4. Get paid directly to your account.

App Ratings: ⭐4.5-4.6 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

Lyft Driver

If you’ve tried Uber and want something a little different, Lyft is still one of the best driving apps to make money. It’s often praised for being more intuitive and easier to navigate.

How to get started:

1. Download the Lyft Driver app and apply.
2. Upload documents and pass a background check.
3. Get approved and start driving.
4. Earnings can be withdrawn instantly.

App Ratings: ⭐4.3-4.6 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

DoorDash – Dasher

Deliver food from local restaurants and earn per delivery plus tips. Flexible hours and quick payouts make it perfect for side hustlers.

How to get started:

1. Apply on the DoorDash website or app.
2. Complete background check and orientation.
3. Activate your Dasher kit (optional).
4. Start accepting delivery orders.

App Ratings: ⭐4.3-4.7 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

Instacart Shopper: Earn Money

Instacart gives you the freedom to work on your terms, and that’s why it’s one of the best delivery apps to make money. If you enjoy grocery shopping and driving around town, this one’s worth checking out.

How to get started:

1. Sign up and select Full-Service or In-Store Shopper.
2. Pass background check and verify your ID.
3. Schedule hours or go online when ready.
4. Shop and deliver or prep grocery orders.

App Ratings: ⭐4.2-4.8 based on user reviews on Apple App Store & Google Play

Available On: iOS and Android

UNLOCK MONEY DEAL

Another cool way to make money from home – dropshipping with AliDropship

If you’re looking for something a bit different but still want to work from home, dropshipping is a solid option – and AliDropship makes it super easy. It’s an all-in-one platform that helps you launch your own online store without holding any inventory or dealing with shipping yourself.

Here’s why AliDropship stands out:

• Free turnkey store: AliDropship gives you a ready-made, fully functional online store. You don’t have to start from scratch or hire expensive developers.
• Built-in tools: The platform includes everything you need to run your business smoothly – from product import tools and automated order fulfillment to marketing integrations and analytics.
• Access to millions of products: Choose from a huge catalog of products from reliable suppliers, so you can pick trending or niche items that fit your target audience.
• No upfront inventory costs: Since you only buy products after customers order, you don’t tie up money in stock. This lowers risk and makes it easier to test products.
• Automated processes: AliDropship handles order tracking and updates, which means less manual work for you and more time focusing on growing your store.

In short, if you want to start an online business but don’t want the hassle of managing stock or shipping, AliDropship’s all-in-one platform is a great pick. It’s beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and designed to help you make money from home without fuss.

Ready to try dropshipping? AliDropship could be your shortcut to a legit, profitable online store.

Getting started with AliDropship is super easy and quick:

• Grab your free turnkey store: Sign up for an AliDropship subscription and enjoy a 14-day free trial that comes with a dropshipping store. After the trial, it’s just $39/month.
• Pick a name and design: During sign-up, you’ll choose a store name and design template from the available options.
• Choose your niche: Go with one of our proven, high-performing niches or select something you’re passionate about.
• Add products: Your store will already include best-selling items, but you can always add more from our huge product catalog.
• Launch and sell: Once your store is ready, start promoting it through social media, ads, or influencers and begin taking orders like a pro.

Which app should you try first?

That depends on your goals. Want a steady freelance gig? Try Upwork or Fiverr. Into online selling? Check out eBay or Poshmark. Prefer something casual while chilling on the couch? Mistplay or Swagbucks could be your jam.

These 19 of the best money-making apps are all available to try and perfect for hustle culture. It doesn’t matter if you’re chilling at home or on the move – your next paycheck might be just an app away 💸

Pick one today and start making your phone work for you!

Looking for a way to make money online without upfront risk?🔥 AliDropship’s affordable, all-in-one platform is built to help you win.

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