16 Websites to Earn Extra Income in 2025: Proven Ways to Earn Free Money Online

16 Websites to Earn Extra Income in 2025: Proven Ways to Earn Free Money Online

“The best time to start earning online was yesterday; the second-best time is now.”

In today’s digital age, making money online for free is not just a dream—it’s a reality.

Did you know that over 60% of internet users explore side hustles online to boost their income?

Whether you’re looking for passive income streams or something you can dive into actively, there’s a wealth of websites that pay without you spending a dime.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 16 effective websites where you can start earning free money online today!

From cashback offers to freelancing gigs, there’s a strategy here for everyone. So, buckle up and let’s explore how you can turn your screen time into earnings!

1. Survey and Task Websites

These websites allow users to earn money by completing surveys, small tasks, or online activities such as watching videos. They offer flexible ways to make extra income, but the earnings are usually modest.

• ySense
  • ySense is a platform where users can earn money by completing various online tasks such as surveys, offers, and even small tasks like watching videos or testing apps. It also has a referral program where you can earn by inviting others to join. The earnings can be redeemed through PayPal, gift cards, or other reward options.
  • Example: A user completes a 15-minute survey and earns $1.50. After accumulating enough, they cash out $10 via PayPal.
  • Website: ySense
• Swagbucks:
  • Swagbucks allows you to earn points (SB) by completing surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and more. Points can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
  • A user completes a survey and earns 100 SB, which can be redeemed for a $1 gift card.
  • Website: Swagbucks
• InboxDollars:
  • Similar to Swagbucks, InboxDollars pays you to take surveys, watch videos, and even read emails. Instead of points, you earn cash directly.
  • Example: A user watches a short video ad and earns $0.10.
  • Website: InboxDollars

2. Cashback Websites

Cashback websites give users a percentage of their spending back when they shop online through specific retailers. It’s a way to save or earn money on everyday purchases.

• Rakuten:
  • Rakuten offers cashback on purchases from thousands of online retailers. You get a percentage of your spending back in the form of cashback.
  • A user makes a $100 purchase at a partnered retailer and earns 5% cashback, receiving $5 back.
  • Website: Rakuten
• TopCashback:
  • Another cashback website that offers higher rates than many competitors. It provides cashback for online shopping at various stores.
  • A user shops at Walmart through TopCashback and earns 6% back on their $50 purchase, getting $3 back.
  • Website: TopCashback

3. Freelancing Platforms

Freelancing platforms connect individuals offering skills, such as writing, design, or programming, with clients looking for services. Freelancers can bid on projects and earn income based on their work.

• Fiverr:
  • A freelancing platform where you can offer services starting at $5. It covers a wide range of skills, from graphic design to writing.
  • Example: A graphic designer creates a gig offering logo design for $20 and attracts several customers.
  • Website: Fiverr
• Upwork:
  • A larger freelance marketplace where clients post jobs, and freelancers can bid on projects in various fields, such as writing, programming, and marketing.
  • Example: A web developer bids on a project for $500 to build a website and gets hired.
  • Website: Upwork

4. Microtask Websites

Microtask websites pay users to complete small, simple tasks such as data entry, research, or categorization. These tasks are quick to finish but generally offer lower payouts.

• Amazon Mechanical Turk:
  • Amazon Mechanical Turk allows users to earn money by completing microtasks such as surveys, data entry, and content moderation. Tasks, known as “Human Intelligence Tasks” (HITs), are quick but typically low-paying. Users can work at their own pace and choose tasks based on their skill level.
  • Example: A user completes a 5-minute survey and earns $0.50. Completing multiple tasks can lead to a higher cumulative payout.
  • Website: Amazon Mechanical Turk
• Clickworker:
  • Clickworker offers microtasks like writing, editing, web research, and data entry. Users can choose tasks that fit their skills and work on their own schedule. The pay varies depending on the complexity of the task, with more skilled tasks often paying more.
  • Example: A user completes a task requiring basic product description writing, earning $10 for an hour of work.
  • Website: Clickworker

5. Affiliate Marketing Platforms

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for each sale or lead generated through a unique referral link. It’s a passive way to make money through recommendations.

• Amazon Associates:
  • A crowdsourcing platform where you can complete small tasks, known as HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks), for payment.
  • Example: A user completes a data validation task and earns $0.05 per task, completing 20 tasks in an hour for $1.
  • Website: Amazon Mechanical Turk
• Clickworker:
  • Clickworker offers various microtasks, including writing, categorization, and web research, that users can complete for pay.
  • Example: A user categorizes 100 products in an hour, earning $10.
  • Website: Clickworker
• Amazon Associates:
  • Amazon’s affiliate program allows you to earn commissions by promoting Amazon products and referring customers through your links.
  • Example: A blogger writes a review of a kitchen gadget and includes an affiliate link; if someone buys it through the link, the blogger earns a commission.
  • Website: Amazon Associates
• ShareASale
  • An affiliate marketing network that connects affiliates with merchants to promote a variety of products and services.
  • Example: A fitness influencer promotes a brand’s workout gear and earns a commission on each sale made through their referral link.
  • Website: ShareASale

6. Gig Economy Apps

Gig economy apps allow users to offer services or rent out assets, such as cars or homes, for short-term use. These platforms provide flexible ways to earn, often based on demand.

• TaskRabbit:
  • A platform that connects people with local service providers for various tasks, such as cleaning, handyman work, or delivery.
  • Example: A user signs up as a tasker and completes a furniture assembly job for $50.
  • Website: TaskRabbit
• Thumbtack:
  • A platform for professionals to find customers for their services. You can list your services and get leads directly from clients.
  • Example: A photographer offers their services for events and receives inquiries from potential clients through Thumbtack.
  • Website: Thumbtack

7. Content Creation and Selling

This involves creating and selling digital goods, such as printables, eBooks, or online courses. It allows individuals to monetize their creative skills or expertise online.

• Etsy:
  • An online marketplace focused on handmade, vintage, and unique goods. Creators can set up shops to sell their items.
  • Example: A seller creates and lists handmade jewelry, making sales to customers around the world.
  • Website: Etsy
• Teachable:
  • A platform for creating and selling online courses. You can develop courses based on your expertise and market them to an audience.
  • Example: An expert in digital marketing creates a course on social media strategies and earns money from enrollments.
  • Website: Teachable

8. Passive Income and Investment Platforms

These platforms let users earn money with minimal ongoing effort by investing in assets such as stocks, real estate, or other financial products. The returns grow over time through dividends or appreciation.

• Fundrise:
  • A real estate crowdfunding platform that allows you to invest in real estate projects and earn passive income through rental yields and property appreciation.
  • Example: A user invests $1,000 in a real estate project and earns dividends as the property generates rental income.
  • Website: Fundrise
• Stash:
  • Stash is a micro-investing app that allows users to start investing with as little as $5. It provides personalized investment recommendations based on your interests and financial goals.
  • Example: A user wants to invest in companies related to renewable energy. They choose specific ETFs offered on Stash, making their first investment of $50.
  • Website: Stash

9. Selling Photos and Videos

Photographers and videographers can earn money by selling their work as stock content, which can be licensed for use by businesses, marketers, or creators in need of media.

• Shutterstock:
  • A stock photography site where you can sell your photos, videos, and illustrations. You earn royalties each time someone downloads your content.
  • Example: A photographer uploads their travel photos and earns $0.25 for each download.
  • Website: Shutterstock
• Adobe Stock:
  • Adobe Stock is a marketplace for selling stock photos, videos, and graphics. You can submit your content to earn royalties whenever someone licenses your work.
  • Example: A graphic designer uploads a collection of digital illustrations and earns $0.33 for each download made by users.
  • Website: Adobe Stock

10. Music and Media Platforms

These platforms pay users for reviewing music, creating playlists, or simply listening to songs. It’s a fun way to earn small amounts of money while engaging with media.

• SliceThePie:
  • SliceThePie pays users to review new music tracks. The more detailed your reviews, the more you can earn. It’s a way to share your opinion and get paid for it.
  • Example: A user listens to a song and writes a detailed review, earning $0.15 for each track reviewed.
  • Website: SliceThePie
• Current:
  • Current is a music app that pays users for listening to songs and creating playlists. You can earn rewards based on your listening habits and interactions within the app.
  • Example: A user listens to curated playlists and completes tasks within the app, earning points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
  • Website: Current

11. Rental Platforms

Rental platforms allow people to rent out personal assets like homes, cars, or storage space to others. This offers a way to generate income by leveraging unused or underutilized resources.

• Airbnb:
  • Airbnb allows you to rent out your home, spare room, or unique property to travelers. It’s a popular platform for hosting and earning extra income from short-term rentals.
  • Example: A homeowner lists their extra bedroom on Airbnb and earns $100 per night from guests visiting the area.
  • Website: Airbnb
• Turo:
  • Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform where you can rent out your vehicle to others. You can earn money while your car would otherwise be sitting idle.
  • Example: A car owner lists their SUV on Turo and rents it out for $50 a day while they’re on vacation.
  • Website: Turo

12. Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is the process of raising funds from a large number of people for personal, creative, or business projects. Supporters often receive rewards or early access in return for their contributions.

• Kickstarter:
  • Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform that helps creators fund their projects through backer support. You can launch campaigns to raise money for creative ventures, from films to products.
  • Example: A filmmaker launches a campaign to raise $20,000 for a short film, offering exclusive rewards to backers who contribute.
  • Website: Kickstarter
• Patreon:
  • Patreon is a membership platform that allows creators to earn a stable income by offering exclusive content and experiences to their subscribers (patrons).
  • Example: An artist offers different subscription tiers on Patreon, providing patrons with access to behind-the-scenes content, exclusive art, and monthly Q&A sessions.
  • Website: Patreon

13. Focus Groups and Research

Participants in focus groups or research studies share their opinions on products, services, or trends. These paid opportunities offer insights to companies while compensating participants for their time.

• Respondent.io:
  • Respondent.io connects researchers with participants for paid research studies and focus groups. You can earn money by sharing your opinions and experiences.
  • Example: A user participates in a 60-minute focus group about new product features and earns $100 for their time.
  • Website: Respondent.io
• User Interviews:
  • User Interviews is a platform for finding paid opportunities to participate in interviews and focus groups. Researchers use it to gather feedback and insights from users.
  • Example: A user is selected to participate in a usability test for a new app and earns $50 for their feedback.
  • Website: User Interviews

14. Loyalty and Reward Programs

Loyalty programs reward users for regular purchases or activities with points or cashback, which can be redeemed for gift cards, discounts, or other perks.

• Ibotta:
  • Ibotta is a cashback app that allows users to earn money by scanning receipts from grocery purchases or completing offers for cash rewards.
  • Example: A user buys specific brands of cereal, scans their receipt, and earns $0.50 back per box purchased through the app.
  • Website: Ibotta
• Fetch Rewards:
  • Fetch Rewards allows users to earn points by scanning grocery receipts from any store, which can be redeemed for gift cards to various retailers.
  • Example: A user scans a receipt and earns points for buying participating brands, accumulating enough points to redeem a $10 gift card.
  • Website: Fetch Rewards

15. Web and App Testing

In web and app testing, users are paid to test websites or apps, offering feedback on usability and design. This helps companies improve user experiences while compensating testers.

• UserTesting:
  • UserTesting pays you to test websites and apps, providing feedback on user experience. You record your screen and voice while navigating a site.
  • Example: A user tests a new e-commerce website, completing tasks while sharing their thoughts and earns $10 for a 20-minute test.
  • Website: UserTesting
• TryMyUI:
  • Similar to UserTesting, TryMyUI pays users to test websites and apps, providing feedback to improve usability. Users receive a recording of their session and feedback.
  • Example: A user completes a test for a new mobile app and earns $10 for a 15-minute session.
  • Website: TryMyUI

16. Video and Ad Watching

Users can earn small rewards by watching videos or ads online. This form of earning is typically done in exchange for points or cash, and it can be done during free time.

• MyPoints:
  • MyPoints rewards you for shopping online, taking surveys, watching videos, and printing coupons. Points can be redeemed for gift cards or cash.
  • Example: A user shops through MyPoints at an online retailer and earns 1,000 points, which they later redeem for a $10 gift card.
  • Website: MyPoints

My Take

“Success is not about how much money you make, but the difference you make in people’s lives.” – Michelle Obama.

Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for a rainy day, or simply enjoy some extra income, the internet offers countless opportunities to earn free money.

From taking surveys and watching videos to freelancing your skills and testing websites, these 16 methods give you the power to choose how and when you earn.

The best part? You don’t need to invest anything upfront. Just time, effort, and a bit of consistency. So why wait?

Try out a few of these websites and see which ones fit your lifestyle. And don’t forget to share your own tips or experiences in the comments below. Who knows, your next online adventure could inspire someone else!