Heads Up: For the sake of transparency, this post might contain affiliate links. If a sale is made, I will receive a small commission (at no additional charge for you), which helps keep the lights on and helps feed my cats. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.
Did you know 46% of Americans start a side hustle to earn more and have different income sources? In 2024, many money-making apps will be available online to help you earn money while you sleep.
Using the right apps can give you regular extra cash or even a full-time income.
I’ve always looked for ways to earn passive income, and apps are an easy start.
These apps pay you for sharing your data, shopping online, and doing other tasks. There are apps for both Android and iOS devices, so anyone can start earning easily.
Imagine making money while snuggling under your favorite blanket with just a few apps on your phone.
In this article, I’ll show you the 16 best passive income apps to earn extra cash with little effort.
What are Passive Income Apps?
Earning a passive income is easier than ever. This is thanks to the rise of passive income apps. These apps help you make money without needing constant effort or active work.
Passive income apps are mobile apps that let you earn money in the background.
You can earn by sharing your data, doing simple tasks, or even just letting your phone help with a distributed computing network.
These apps are super convenient. You can start making extra cash with just a few taps on your phone.
And the best part is, you can do it while you sleep, on vacation, or during your commute. No more juggling side hustles or giving up your free time to earn more.
If you want to make extra money, save up, or build wealth, passive income apps are a great choice.
Best Passive Income Apps
So, let’s start exploring these top passive income apps and open up a new way to earn today.
1. Honeygain
This is the first passive income app that I tested. I got a sweet surprise after signing up – a free $2!
It’s not much, but hey, free money is free money, right?
I’ve just started using the app, so I’m still in the early stages of making bank, lol.
Anyway, Honeygain lets you make money by sharing your unused internet bandwidth.
I say this is a great chance to turn your idle resources into a steady income.
Here’s how it works:
- Download and install the app on your device here.
- It will run in the background, using your unused internet to send traffic.
- Honeygain pays you for this data, with $1 for every 10 GB shared.
It’s a win-win – you earn money easily, and Honeygain uses your extra bandwidth.
The Honeygain app is super simple. No complicated setup or upkeep is needed. Just set it, forget it, and start earning. It works on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, so many people can use it.
If you want to earn money with Honeygain, feel free to use my code THEGE33507.
With my referral code, you’ll get an extra $3 when you sign up.
Good way to start earning that passive income, right?
So, why not give it a try and see how much you can earn?
2. Airbnb
You can rent out your property, like a spare room or a vacation home, to guests.
This way, you can make extra cash from your unused space. Airbnb makes earning passive income easy.
It handles bookings, payments, and insurance. You just need to set up your listing and let Airbnb do the rest.
If you’re into Airbnb passive income, renting out property on Airbnb, or making money with Airbnb, here’s why it’s a top choice:
- Earn extra cash from your unused space with minimal effort
- Airbnb handles the booking, payments, and insurance coverage
- Tap into a global network of travelers looking for unique accommodations
- Flexible hosting options to fit your lifestyle and schedule
Its easy-to-use platform and global reach make it a top pick for those wanting to rent out property on Airbnb and make money with Airbnb.
3. Rakuten
Love shopping? Imagine getting paid to do it. That’s where Rakuten comes in.
Rakuten is like your personal shopping assistant, but instead of carrying your bags, it puts cash back in your pocket.
It’s super easy to use – – just download the app or visit their website. You’ll find a ton of your favorite stores there.
Here’s how it works: Every time you shop through Rakuten, they give you a chunk of their earnings.
It’s like free money for doing what you already do.
Your cashback piles up in your account, and you can cash out whenever you want – PayPal or check, it’s your call.
So, next time you’re shopping, don’t forget to check Rakuten first. It’s a no-brainer for anyone who wants to save money and maybe even earn a little extra.
4. Ibotta
Ibotta is a top choice for making passive income. This app lets you earn rewards by shopping at your favorite stores.
You can use the Ibotta app to get cash back on your everyday buys.
Here’s how it works:
- First, you create an Ibotta account.
- Then, you unlock rebates by doing simple tasks like watching videos or answering surveys.
- After that, you shop at stores like Walmart, Kroger, and more, and confirm your purchases.
- Finally, Ibotta puts the cash back into your account, which you can use for cash or gift cards.
The Ibotta app offers a wide range of stores and products for cash back.
You can find rebates on groceries, household items, dining, and entertainment. Ibotta also updates its offers regularly, so you always have new ways to save.
The Ibotta app is a great pick for anyone wanting to earn cash back with Ibotta and increase their passive income.
It’s easy to use and offers many ways to earn extra money while shopping.
5. Acorns
It’s this awesome app that takes your spare change – you know, that annoying extra bit from your coffee or that burger – and magically turns it into investments.
Let’s say you grab a quick bite that costs $8.50. Acorns round it up to $9 and invest that extra fifty cents.
It’s like finding surprise money in your pocket, except it’s growing.
The cool thing is, you don’t need to be a financial genius to use it. Acorns does all the fancy investing stuff for you. Just pick how much risk you’re okay with, and let it grow.
You can watch your money grow right on your phone. No more confusing spreadsheets or financial jargon. Acorns makes investing simple and fun.
6. Swagbucks
It’s this super simple app where you earn points – called Swagbucks, or SB – by doing stuff you already do online, like watching videos, taking surveys, or just browsing the web.
You can swap those points for gift cards to your favorite stores or straight-up cash through PayPal. It’s a total no-brainer.
People love Swagbucks because it’s easy and there are tons of ways to earn. If you’re looking for a fun way to make a little extra, give Swagbucks a shot. You won’t regret it.
7. Fundrise
Want to dip your toes into real estate without the hassle? Fundrise might be your answer. It’s one of those apps that lets you earn money while you chill.
You know, that passive income thing? With Fundrise, you team up with other investors to buy properties – think houses, apartments, and those big warehouse things.
You get a slice of the rental income and any profit when the property value goes up.
Setting up your Fundrise account is super easy. It takes like five minutes.
They keep you in the loop about how your investments are doing, so you know what’s up with your money.
But hey, remember, investing in real estate isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There are risks involved. So, make sure you understand the deal before diving in.
The best thing about Fundrise is that you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket.
Your money gets mixed with others to buy different kinds of properties. This spreads out the risk, which is always a good thing.
8. Freecash
Want to make some extra cash without lifting a finger? Check out Freecash.
It’s an app that pays you to do simple stuff like taking surveys or downloading apps.
What’s cool about Freecash is that you can make money just by telling your friends about it. Yep, you heard right.
Invite your buddies to join and you’ll score a percentage of what they earn. It starts small but can add up.
So, if you’re looking for a super easy way to boost your income, Freecash is worth checking out.
9. Neighbor
Want to turn that dusty old garage into cash? Try the Neighbor app.
Neighbor connects people who need storage with those who have space to spare. It’s a win-win!
You set the prices, pick your renters, and Neighbor even gives you a million-dollar liability cover. Plus, you get paid automatically every month.
You can rent out that empty garage or spare room and earn up to $15,000 a year.
So, if you’ve got a garage, driveway, or any unused space, turn it into a money-maker. Give Neighbor a try.
Read Neighbor’s full review here: Neighbor.com Review – Does Renting Your Extra Space Earn You Extra Money?
10. SurveyJunkie
You know how you’re always sharing your two-cent opinions on everything? With Survey Junkie, those opinions can turn into actual cash.
Just imagine you’re relaxing on the couch, snacking away, and earning a few bucks just by answering some questions.
That’s what Survey Junkie is all about. It sounds too good to be true, but it works.
Sure, “Surveys? That sounds boring.” But trust me, some of these surveys are kinda fun.
You sign up, take surveys, and just like that – you’re earning. It’s not going to make you a millionaire overnight, but it’s a nice little extra cash flow.
Plus, you might even come across some cool new things while you’re at it.
11. InboxDollars
Okay, let’s talk about InboxDollars.
What’s cool about this app is that you get an automatic $5 just for signing up. Nice, right?
We spend a lot of time on our phones watching videos, playing games, or scrolling through social media.
Why not get paid for it? That’s where InboxDollars comes in.
Think of it as getting rewarded for your everyday online activities. Take surveys, play games, shop online, or watch videos, and you start earning money.
So, why not give it a try?
You’ve got nothing to lose except some time (which you’re probably wasting anyway).
12. Arrived
So, you’re eyeing the real estate market but don’t have a million bucks for a down payment? No worries. Meet Arrived.
Imagine investing in real estate without the hefty price tag. Instead of buying an entire house, you can buy a slice of it.
That’s right, you can own a small part of a rental property.
You can start with as little as a hundred bucks. Arrived picked the properties and handled all the landlord duties.
You just sit back and collect your share of the rent. Plus, as the property value goes up, so does your investment.
13. OnMyWay
Texting while driving? Yeah, that is dangerous.
That’s where the OnMyWay app comes in. It’s about driving safely and getting rewarded for it
It rewards you with cash for every mile you drive without texting or using distracting apps. Can you believe it?
Maps and music apps are okay, though.
I say it’s a bonus for doing something you should be doing anyway, right?
Not only is it a great way to earn some extra cash, but it also helps keep you safe by keeping your eyes on the road.
Want to make even more? Tell your friends about OnMyWay. If they sign up and drive safely, you get a bonus for every mile they rack up.
14. Mistplay
Gaming just got a whole lot more exciting! Imagine getting paid to play your favorite games—sounds like a dream, right?
With Mistplay, it’s a reality. This app rewards you with points that you can turn into real cash or gift cards. The more you play, the more you earn.
Think of it as a win-win situation where your love for gaming translates into extra money.
So, the next time you’re looking for a fun way to pass the time, fire up Mistplay and start earning.
Your future self will thank you for it.
15. Pawns.app
Tired of your internet bill climbing even though you hardly use it? Pawns.app has a genius fix that feels like getting paid for doing nothing.
Think about it: you probably have extra internet bandwidth just sitting there, not doing much.
Pawns.app lets you sell that unused bandwidth to researchers and companies that need it, and you get paid in return.
It’s similar to Honeygain – no crazy effort is needed.
Just download the app, and it quietly works in the background, using the internet power you’re not even touching.
It’s safe and secure, and the Pawns.app handles all the technical stuff. You even get to choose who uses your bandwidth, so no sketchy connections.
Next time you see your internet bill, you can smile, knowing you’re making money from it.
16. Sweatcoin
You’ve probably heard about getting paid to listen to music or chat with lonely people. But did you know you can also cash in on your steps?
Yeah, seriously. Imagine getting paid to walk around your neighborhood, go for a hike, or even just pace around your living room.
It sounds like a dream, right? Well, Sweatcoin makes it a reality. Every step you take earns you digital coins that you can swap for cool stuff.
Who would’ve thought walking could be so rewarding?
How to Choose the Right Passive Income App
Choosing passive income apps can be tough with so many choices. It’s important to think about what you want and need.
To pick the best apps for beginners, consider a few key factors.
- User Reviews: Look for apps with good feedback from users. This can give you a sense of their success and earnings.
- Fee Structures: Know about any fees the app charges. Some apps take a cut of your earnings, which can affect your profits.
- Ease of Use: A simple and friendly interface makes the app more enjoyable. You want something that fits easily into your daily life.
- Time Commitment: Apps vary in how much time they require. Whether it’s earning while shopping or doing surveys, know how much time you can give.
When picking passive income apps, think about what you want to achieve. Do you want to make extra money or invest your time?
Choosing apps that match your goals makes the experience better.
Knowing how to pick apps that fit your needs can make earning passive income more rewarding.
Tips for Maximizing Earnings with Passive Income Apps
To increase earnings with passive income apps, being proactive is key.
Here are some top tips for using these apps well:
- Regularly check for new opportunities: Many apps often add bonuses or new features. Keeping an eye out can lead to extra cash.
- Utilize referral programs: Most passive income apps offer referral bonuses for bringing in new users. This can significantly boost your earnings.
- Combine multiple apps: Using various apps allows you to diversify your income streams. This strategy can be particularly useful for maximizing income apps.
By following these strategies, your passive income can grow from a simple side benefit into a more substantial source of revenue.
Challenges of Using Passive Income Apps
Looking into passive income apps, I found they’re not all easy to use.
The drawbacks can make you doubt if you’re ready. It’s key to know the challenges these apps bring.
Technical issues were a big problem for me. Apps might crash or have bugs, which can stop you from earning.
Also, payout limits can be a letdown. Some apps require you to earn a certain amount before you can cash out, which can take a long time.
Security is another big worry. You might need to share personal info to get rewards, which can be risky.
Always think carefully about which apps you give your data to.
Income levels vary among apps, making it hard to compare them. Each app’s way of making money affects how much you can earn.
So, be aware of the potential downsides of these apps as you look into them.
Doing your homework before diving in can help you avoid these issues. This way, you can have a better experience with passive income apps.
If this blog post added a sprinkle of joy to your day, why not spread the love? Share it with your pals and let the good vibes flow! Plus, follow me on Pinterest for more gems like this.
