In today’s ever-changing world, where making money often feels like a constant hustle, the allure of passive income through smartphone apps is undeniable. This article explores the fascinating realm of apps that reward users for simply running them in the background of their devices. These apps offer the potential to earn money effortlessly, whether you’re actively using your phone or not. By shedding light on how these applications function and which ones are worth considering, this article invites readers to tap into a world where their smartphones become silent but efficient money-making tools, all while influencing the future of products and services through data collection.
48 Apps that Pay You to Run in the Background
- Honeygain
- National Internet Observatory
- Fetch Rewards
- InboxDollars Web Search
- Nielsen Computer And Mobile Panel
- Swagbucks
- Mobile Performance Meter App
- Panel App
- Money SMS
- SavvyConnect
- Safe 2 Save
- McMoney
- Killi
- PK Rewards
- Evidation
- Runtopia
- Get Pei
- MobileXpression
- PermissionResearch
- S’mores Lockscreen
- Screenlift
- Drop
- UBDI
- Bumped
- Stepbet
- AppOptix
- WiseBanyan
- PhonePaycheck
- Digital Reflection Panel
- Pogo
- Sweatcoin
- Ebesucher
- Adfun App
- OnMyWay
- Rakuten
- Mobilio
- Datacoup
- CashMagnet
- Capital One Shopping
- Dosh
- Mistplay
- SJ Pulse
- Current Music
- Current
- Google Opinion Rewards (formerly Cross Media Panel)
- Media Rewards
- Frequent Flyer App
- Pawns.app
1. Honeygain
If you’re interested in generating income by selling your internet bandwidth, Honeygain is an app worth considering. Honeygain transforms your phone into a node within a VPN network, allowing its clients to use your IP address from anywhere in the world.
- Reward – Earn $1 for every 10GB of data shared. Once you’ve sold 200GB of bandwidth, you can cash out with $20 via PayPal.
- Requirement – A robust network with low ping and high speed enhances your income potential.
- App Compatibility – Android and iOS smartphones, as well as Windows, macOS, and Linux devices.
- Earning Potential – Users typically make around $55 per month when using three IP addresses with Honeygain.
- Bonuses – Upon registering for a free Honeygain account, you’ll receive an initial $5 as a sign-up bonus.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – JMPT, PayPal, or Bitcoin.
2. National Internet Observatory
Participating in the National Internet Observatory is a straightforward process. To get started, you simply need to download their browser extension. From there, your involvement in the project primarily involves sharing your insights and opinions through occasional surveys and activities. The more you participate, the more cash rewards you can earn.
- Bonuses – As a welcome gesture, installing the extension instantly puts $10 in your pocket.
3. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards stands out as a prominent receipt-scanning rewards application that compensates you for your purchases at a vast array of partner stores. Simply shop at any of Fetch Rewards’ partner retailers, capture and upload photos of your shopping receipts, and accumulate points that can be exchanged for a variety of complimentary gift cards.
- Rewards – Many of the gift cards available through Fetch Rewards can be obtained with as little as 3,000 points (equivalent to $3).
4. InboxDollars Web Search
To embark on your journey of earning free money, simply sign up for a free account. Rather than relying on Google for your online searches, consider using the InboxDollars search engine to earn money for every query you make.
- Bonuses – Receive a generous $5 welcome bonus.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – PayPal cash or gift cards from various retailers such as Amazon, Home Depot, etc.
5. Nielsen Computer And Mobile Panel
The Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel is a reputable application that rewards you for allowing it to run in the background. This company aims to gain insights into internet behavior, including your online searches and internet usage patterns.
- Reward – By granting the app access to your data, you can earn up to $50 in gift cards annually, enter a $10,000 competition, and receive gaming tokens.
- Earning Potential – For your participation, you can earn approximately $60 in credits each year, which you can redeem for various physical products. There are also regular sweepstakes that offer a chance to win up to $1000.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – PayPal cash or gift cards from retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
6. Swagbucks
Swagbucks stands as a well-known app, offering you the opportunity to accumulate free PayPal funds during your leisure time. It boasts a multitude of earning options, including participating in paid surveys, downloading applications, making online purchases, engaging in gaming activities, referring friends to join, watching advertisements and videos, etc. Many of its gift card rewards have a low threshold of just $1 for cashing out.
- Bonuses – New members can kickstart their journey with a $5 sign-up bonus.
7. Mobile Performance Meter App
Embee Meter, also known as Mobile Performance Meter, is an Android-exclusive opportunity that offers a hassle-free way to earn passive income. Simply download and install the app without the need for personal information entry.
- Earning Potential – You can earn between $0.10 and $0.30 each day. Users can earn around $6 per month, adding up to a potential annual income of $72.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – Cash via PayPal or a variety of gift cards.
8. Panel App
The Panel app, designed for smartphones, operates discreetly in the background and compensates you for this service. While the app collects your data, you can continue using your tablet or phone as usual.
- Requirement – Your device must maintain an online connection and have GPS enabled.
- Earning Potential – On average, most users accrue around 33 points daily, with each point equivalent to one cent.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – Gift cards from Amazon, Walmart, and more, starting at a minimum of $1.
- App Compatibility – Both Android and iOS platforms.
9. Money SMS
Money SMS is a user-friendly app available for download, allowing you to earn money by receiving test text messages.
- Earning Potential – You can earn approximately $0.20 for each test message received.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – BitCoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, PayPal
10. SavvyConnect
SavvyConnect, a user-friendly data collection tool provided by SurveySavvy, operates discreetly in the background of your computer, tablet, or phone, quietly gathering valuable insights into your online browsing habits.
- Earning Potential – Up to $15 per month for each type of device.
- Bonuses – New U.S. users currently enjoy a sign-up incentive, earning $5 per month for each active device with SavvyConnect installed. You can also earn a referral bonus of up to $15 per user referred.
- Minimum Payout Threshold – $1
- Can Be Redeemed Via – Check
11. Safe 2 Save
Safe2Save is an excellent rewards program that you can enroll in to accumulate points for distraction-free driving. The platform’s primary goal is to encourage safer driving habits.
- Earning Potential – You can earn approximately 2 points for every minute you spend driving above ten mph without using your phone.
12. McMoney
McMoney is a premier platform where you can sign up to earn money by sharing your mobile number.
- Reward – Upon installing the app, you’ll receive random text messages, with each one typically earning you around $0.06.
- Requirements – You’ll need an Android phone and a stable internet connection.
13. Killi
Killi empowers you to have control over the extent of data sharing you’re comfortable with while allowing you to earn cash by completing tasks within the app. Typically, the more data you choose to share, the greater your potential earnings.
- Earning Potential – You can expect to earn up to $10 per week.
14. PK Rewards
With PK Rewards, you can harness rewards as motivation for your fitness journey. Simply sync the app with your Apple Watch or another compatible Bluetooth tracker, and it will diligently track your exercise activities.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – Amazon gift cards
15. Evidation
Evidation is an excellent opportunity to earn money while achieving weight loss goals. This app enables you to earn points through various health-conscious activities.
- Reward – By participating in surveys and answering basic questions, you can accumulate up to 200 points.
- Payout Threshold – Once you’ve reached an accumulation of 10,000 points, you have the option to convert them into $10 in cash.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – PayPal
16. Runtopia
Runtopia provides you with the flexibility to establish fitness goals, whether they involve running, cycling, or even walking. Every time you engage in a workout session or participate in a daily challenge, you’ll accumulate Sports Coins.
- Reward – You can trade in 599 coins for a $10 cash reward via PayPal.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – PayPal, Discounts & Prizes
17. Get Pei
Get Pei is a highly sought-after cash-back application that recognizes and rewards your spending habits.
- Reward – By simply using your connected credit or debit card at participating merchants, you have the opportunity to accumulate cash back, with potential rewards of up to 20 percent.
18. MobileXpression
MobileXpression ranks among the top apps that compensate you for data collection. This market research company collects data regarding its members’ internet usage.
- Reward – Earn a $5 gift card every few weeks for keeping the app active in the background. Receive $0.50 for each survey completed.
- App Compatibility – iOS or Android
- Can Be Redeemed Via – Gift cards from Amazon, Starbucks, Best Buy, or PayPal cash.
19. PermissionResearch
Unlike traditional survey companies, PermissionResearch operates by having members install software on their devices, allowing them to collect valuable data sold to various companies. Additionally, you may receive survey invitations via email, which can further enhance your earnings.
- Earning Potential – Prizes ranging from $2,500 to $100,000 per month.
20. S’mores Lockscreen
S’mores is an Android application that transforms your smartphone’s lock screen by advertising the background. Users are under no obligation to interact with the advertisement and can simply unlock their phones as usual.
- Reward – S’mores rewards users with $0.10 each day for unlocking their phones.
- Minimum Payout Threshold – Once you accumulate $1 in points, you can exchange them for Amazon gift cards.
21. Screenlift
ScreenLift allows you to view lock screen ads and earn rewards by clicking on them.
- Reward – To earn $5 in cash, you’ll need approximately 7,100 lifts.
- Earning Potential – Upto $60 per year
- Minimum Payout Threshold – $5, i.e. 7100 lifts
- Can Be Redeemed Via – Amazon gift card or through PayPal.
22. Drop
If you’re a regular online shopper using your mobile device, then Drop stands as one of the most noteworthy passive income apps available.
- Reward – Cashback in the range of 0.5-1.5% in the form of Drop Points for your purchases.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – Gift cards at stores like Starbucks, Amazon, and many others.
23. UBDI
Universal Basic Data Income (UBDI) offers you the opportunity to receive compensation in exchange for sharing your data and insights.
- Earning Potential – Up to $1,000 annually
24. Bumped
Bumped is yet another passive income app, but with a unique twist – it rewards users with stocks from the companies they shop at instead of cash.
- Reward – You can anticipate earning between 1-5% of your purchase value in the form of stock.
- Requirements – Users are required to provide their Social Security Number (SSN) since having an investment account is a prerequisite for using the app.
25. Stepbet
StepBet is a platform that offers rewards to users who make bets and achieve their fitness goals.
- App Compatibility – Android and iOS smartphones.
26. AppOptix
AppOptix is a standout choice among mobile apps that reward you for data collection. After installation, the app operates quietly in the background, gathering data related to your phone’s performance.
- Earning Potential – As an average user, you have the potential to earn up to $50 worth of gift cards annually.
27. WiseBanyan
It operates as a free robo-investment advisor, assisting you in investing money for your future, starting with as little as $5.
- Other Bonuses – $20 sign-up bonus
28. PhonePaycheck
PhonePaycheck is a well-regarded app that compensates you for utilizing your phone’s processing power while you’re asleep. The app exclusively operates when your phone is plugged in, charging, and connected to a Wi-Fi network.
- Reward – By using the app for 8 hours daily during your sleep, you can potentially earn up to $80 per year.
- Minimum Payout Threshold – $10
- Can Be Redeemed Via – PayPal or as a gift card.
29. Digital Reflection Panel
The Digital Reflection Panel offers a rewards program that monitors aspects of your internet usage.
- Earning Potential – You can swiftly earn $50 in your initial month and a minimum of $170 in your first year.
- Other Bonuses – Installation Bonus: $50 in your first month
30. Pogo
Pogo is a relatively new passive income app that rewards you for your shopping activities.
- Reward – Payout ranging from approximately $0.02 to $0.05 worth of points per transaction.
- App Compatibility – It’s available for both Android and iOS devices
- Minimum Payout Threshold – 3,000 points, equivalent to $3
- Can Be Redeemed Via – PayPal, and Venmo
31. Sweatcoin
Sweatcoin operates in the background of your phone, tracking user activity while walking outdoors and rewarding them with Sweatcoins, which can be exchanged for various prizes, discounts, or even cash.
- Reward – It rewards you with 0.95 Sweatcoins for every 1,000 steps taken.
- App Compatibility – Both iOS and Android devices
32. Ebesucher
Ebesucher offers a simple way to earn passive income by merely keeping your web browser open. By opening a new tab and entering their “surfbar” link, Ebesucher will automatically browse the web for you. There’s no need for active engagement or attention to the websites they visit.
- Earning Potential – $65 per year from just one device if you leave it running continuously.
- Requirement – Each device must operate on a unique IP address.
- Other Bonuses – Ebesucher offers a referral program with an 8% bonus for each friend you refer and 5% of their referrals.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – Cash or directly deposited into your PayPal account.
33. Adfun App
The Adfun app offers you the opportunity to earn passive income by running videos on your phone. The best part? You can run the app on as many phones as you’d like, with the only restriction being one account per household.
- Earning Potential – With five phones, you can earn approximately $15 per month adding up to an impressive $900 per year.
- Requirement – A stable internet connection is essential
34. OnMyWay
When you start your journey, the app activates automatically and tracks your mileage. You will accumulate rewards for the entire duration of your drive as long as your phone remains locked.
- Reward – OnMyWay offers the opportunity to earn rewards of up to $0.05 for each safe mile you drive.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – PayPal cash or gift cards
- App Compatibility – Both Android and iOS smartphones
35. Rakuten
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, stands out as a premier cashback website in the market. The concept is straightforward: when customers make purchases from partnered merchants through Rakuten, they receive cashback rewards.
- Cashback Sent Via – PayPal or Check
- Other Bonuses – Sign-up bonus of $30
36. Mobilio
Mobilio offers an opportunity to earn money while driving without distractions. The app automatically activates when you travel at speeds exceeding 12 mph, making it an effortless way to generate income.
- App Compatibility – Both Android and iOS smartphones
37. Datacoup
Datacoup offers a unique opportunity to earn money by tracking your social media usage. To boost your earnings, you can link more than just social media accounts, including credit cards and bank accounts.
- Earning Potential – By connecting all your accounts to Datacoup, you can expect to earn around $5 per month.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – PayPal
38. CashMagnet
CashMagnet is a unique app that offers payment for simply browsing the internet and visiting specific websites. The app effectively transforms your phone into a traffic network node, assisting marketers in boosting their click numbers and improving their overall web traffic.
- Reward – You accumulate points every 5 minutes while your phone runs CashMagnet. It typically takes 10 points to earn $0.01.
- Earning Potential – $20 per month
- Minimum Payout Threshold – $1 or 1,000 points.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – PayPal, Amazon gift cards, Ethereum, Bitcoin
39. Capital One Shopping
You can benefit from the Capital One Shopping app even if you don’t hold a Capital One credit card. This handy application automatically adds coupons to your online purchases while you shop for your family’s needs, effortlessly saving you money in the process.
- Credits Can Be Exchanged For – Gift cards from companies such as Amazon, eBay, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Nike, Sephora, and Walmart.
40. Dosh
Dosh is a widely acclaimed mobile app that rewards you for data collection and offers a way to earn passive income through your everyday purchases. Whenever you purchase at a participating retailer, you’ll receive cashback.
- Reward – Dosh offers up to 10% cashback on shopping and dining purchases at over 1000 stores and restaurants.
- Requirement – You need to use a credit card for your purchases.
- Minimum Payout Threshold – $15
- Can Be Redeemed Via – PayPal payment or through a direct bank transfer.
41. Mistplay
If you’re an avid mobile gamer looking to earn passive income, Mistplay is undoubtedly one of the best free passive income apps available. Mistplay rewards players with units, and the more units you accumulate, the better your chances of cashing out for larger prizes.
- Minimum Payout Threshold – $0.50
- Can Be Redeemed Via – Gift cards for Visa, Xbox, Uber, and PayPal money.
42. SJ Pulse
Survey Junkie is a well-known platform that offers enticing rewards to users who complete various tasks. One of the standout benefits of being a Survey Junkie member is gaining access to the SJ Pulse community, a feature that allows you to earn money while browsing the web.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – PayPal cash or gift cards to popular retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Visa.
43. Current Music
Select from a vast array of over 100,000 radio stations to enjoy and accumulate in-app points through activities such as listening to music, engaging in games, and watching advertisements.
- Earning Potential – $600 per year by simply enjoying music
- App Compatibility – iOS and Android
- Can Be Redeemed Via – Gift cards from well-known companies, including Amazon, Target, Walmart, Google Play credits, and Starbucks.
44. Current
- Current is one of the best – Digital banking apps you can try for passive income generation.
- Earning Potential – You can enjoy a 4% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on savings up to $6,000.
- Other Bonuses – Current offers a $50 sign-up bonus for new members who meet the criteria of a qualifying direct deposit.
45. Google Opinion Rewards (formerly Cross Media Panel)
Google Opinion Rewards, previously known as Cross Media Panel, offers a simple way to earn passive income while doing something you already do daily – browsing the web. Once you install their browser extension, they collect your data and use it for market research.
- Earning Potential – Up to $144 per year
- Other Bonuses – Installation Bonus of $2 per device
- Minimum Payout Threshold – $5
- Requirements – To be eligible for Google Opinion Rewards, you must reside in the US and use Google Chrome, Firefox, or Internet Explorer browsers.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – Electronic gift cards for popular retailers like Amazon.
46. Media Rewards
If you’re comfortable with sharing your data with a market research app, Media Rewards is another well-known passive income app worth considering.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – PayPal cash and gift cards
47. Frequent Flyer App
The recently launched Frequent Flyer App offers one of the easiest ways to kickstart your passive income journey. The only step required is to install the app and let it run in the background.
- Earning Potential – $5 per month or $60 per year.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – Gift cards for travel-related expenses, including Southwest Airlines, Airbnb, and various hotels.
48. Pawns.app
Pawns.app is another passive income platform that enables you to monetize your unused internet bandwidth by selling it for cash.
- Reward – You receive $0.20 for each gigabyte of data you share
- Earning Potential – Between $5 and $140 per month
- Minimum Payout Threshold – You can withdraw your earnings once they reach $5.
- Can Be Redeemed Via – PayPal Cash and Bitcoin
Conclusion
These apps offer a simple way to earn extra money effortlessly, turning your everyday activities into a source of income. Whether you’re looking to supplement your earnings or simply want to make the most of your downtime, these apps provide a convenient solution to boost your income without much effort.
When using passive income apps, keep a few key tips in mind. Avoid VPNs to prevent being banned, consider a secondary device to preserve your phone’s battery, and maintain realistic expectations about earnings. Stay open to new opportunities as these apps continue to evolve.