10 Free Apps That Actually Pay in 2025

Introduction to Earning with Apps

If you’ve been looking for simple ways to earn a little extra cash in 2025, you don’t always need to chase complicated side hustles. Sometimes, your phone or laptop is enough. The trick is knowing which apps are actually worth your time, and which ones just waste it.

I’ve pulled together 10 legit apps that pay in 2025. They’re all free to use, available worldwide (or at least in most regions), and perfect for stacking up small streams of income. Let’s dive in.

I dug into some of the most legit platforms out there, not just hype, and here are 10 apps worth downloading if you want to earn on the side this year.

1. Prime Opinion

Think of Prime Opinion as your VIP pass to paid surveys. Unlike sketchy survey sites, this one keeps things simple and transparent. You share your opinions, and they reward you with cash or gift cards.

• Availability: Worldwide

• Potential Earnings: $1–$5 per survey (higher for niche topics)

• Why it’s worth it: Surveys don’t drag on forever, and payouts are faster compared to old-school sites.

👉 If you enjoy sharing opinions while sipping coffee, this one’s a no-brainer.

2. Canva for Creators

Yes, the same Canva you use for designs now lets you earn by uploading templates, graphics, or elements. When people use your creations, you get paid.

• Availability: Global (you just need a Canva Creator account)

• Potential Earnings: Passive royalties; top creators earn hundreds monthly

• Why it’s worth it: You can build a portfolio once and keep getting paid as long as people keep downloading your designs.

It’s a fantastic option if you’re even slightly creative — and don’t worry, Canva makes it beginner-friendly.

Canva for Creators allows designers to sell their templates and designs on the platform. By showcasing creativity and originality, creators can earn up to 70% in royalties from every sale. The app is available on multiple platforms, enabling graphic designers to generate passive income while expanding their portfolio.

3. Dscout

Dscout offers users a unique opportunity to engage in paid research studies. By downloading the app, users can participate in real-time studies, earning between $20 and $200 for their insights. Available to users in various regions, Dscout emphasises a user-friendly experience to facilitate easy participation.

This one’s like being a digital detective. Companies want to know how you use apps, products, or websites, and you document your experience through quick “missions” or diary entries.

• Availability: Global, Mostly U.S. (though expanding)

• Potential Earnings: $20–$100 per mission

• Why it’s worth it: The payouts are way higher than typical survey sites, and some missions are actually fun.

Imagine earning $40 just for recording your thoughts while trying out a new app — not bad, right?

4. PrizeRebel

An old-school favourite that’s still going strong. PrizeRebel is a get-paid-to (GPT) platform where you can earn by doing surveys, watching videos, and completing offers.

• Availability: Most countries

• Potential Earnings: $5–$10/day with consistent use

• Why it’s worth it: Reliable, with lots of payout options (PayPal, gift cards).

It’s a solid “background” app to stack up small daily earnings.

PrizeRebel serves as an online rewards program where users can complete surveys, watch videos, and refer friends to earn points redeemable for cash or gift cards. This platform is widely accessible and offers potential earnings of up to $5 per task. Users find this app appealing due to its straightforward earning opportunities.

5. Pawns.app

Pawns.app is an innovative app that lets users monetise their unused items. Through this platform, users can sell or rent out belongings they no longer need. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices, making it easy to tap into the gig economy and turn clutter into cash.

If you don’t mind sharing a bit of your unused internet bandwidth, Pawns.app literally pays you for doing nothing.

• Availability: Global (with some country restrictions)

• Potential Earnings: $5–$20/month passively

• Why it’s worth it: You install it, and it just runs quietly. Passive income at its simplest.

👉 Not a full paycheck, but hey, it covers your Netflix subscription.

6. Freecash

Freecash is one of the fastest-growing get-paid-to (GPT) sites. You earn through surveys, app installs, and simple tasks.

• Availability: Global.

• Earnings: Many users report making $10–$30 in their first day, then about $100+ a month if consistent.

• Cash-out options: PayPal, Bitcoin, gift cards.

💡 If you want quick results and low payout thresholds, this one delivers fast gratification.

Freecash is a versatile cash rewards platform where users earn by completing offers, taking surveys, and playing games. This app has gained popularity for its low payment threshold, enabling users to cash out quickly. Earnings vary widely, but diligent users can expect up to $100 monthly.

7. Amazon Associates

Not exactly an “app” in the traditional sense, but definitely one of the top free ways to earn online. As an Amazon affiliate, you share product links and earn commission whenever someone buys.

• Availability: Global, but commissions depend on your country’s program.

• Earnings: From a few dollars to $1,000+ monthly, depending on traffic.

• Best for: Bloggers, YouTubers, TikTokers, or anyone who shares product recs.

💡 It’s free to join, and even if you start small, it can grow into a solid income stream.

The Amazon Associates program allows users to become affiliate marketers, earning commissions by promoting Amazon products. Users can integrate this program into blogs or websites and earn up to 10% on sales generated through their links. As shopping trends continue to shift online, this remains a lucrative opportunity.

8. UserTesting

Companies pay for real feedback on websites and apps, and that’s where UserTesting comes in. You record your screen and voice as you test out a product.

• Availability: Global (English speakers have more tests).

• Earnings: $10 for 20-minute tests, sometimes more.

• Extra perk: Payments via PayPal, usually weekly.

💡 If you enjoy giving your opinion and don’t mind talking while navigating a site, this is an easy gig.

UserTesting allows users to earn money by providing feedback on websites and apps. The platform pays testers $10 for every 20-minute video feedback session, making it a quick way to earn money. Available globally, this app is ideal for those interested in web usability and user experience.

9. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is one of the most recognised reward sites, allowing users to earn points by completing surveys, watching videos, and shopping online. Points can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash, with potential earnings of around $5-$10 per task. Its broad array of activities keeps users engaged and earning.

Swagbucks is a classic — it pays you for everyday online activities like searching, shopping, watching videos, and surveys.

• Availability: Global, but with more options in the U.S.

• Earnings: $20–$100 a month (depending on how much you use it).

• Cash-out: PayPal or gift cards.

💡 It’s like turning the little things you already do online into pocket money.

10. Current/Mode Earn App

This app pays you for something you’re already doing: listening to music. Just stream songs through the app, and you’ll earn points.

• Availability: Global.

• Earnings: Around $20–$100 a month if you use it regularly.

• Extra ways to earn: Playing games, charging your phone, and completing offers.

💡 It’s passive income in the most fun way, get paid while vibing to your playlists.

Users can earn money just by browsing through playlists, with earnings typically reaching $600 annually for regular participants. This engaging platform turns everyday activities into earning opportunities.

Final Thoughts

None of these apps will make you rich, but they’re all legit ways to earn extra cash in 2025. The smart move is to combine a few, like using Prime Opinion, Dscout, and Freecash for quick earnings, while building something long-term with Canva or Amazon Associates.

The best part? They’re all free, so you’ve got nothing to lose by testing them out.