Best Side Hustle Apps for Making Extra Money in 2024

Today, making extra money is easier than it has ever been before. There are a number of side hustle apps that allow you to earn money in your spare time. Regardless of whether you have two hours per week or twenty hours per week, you’ll find plenty of options that are sure to put a few extra bucks in your pocket.

For Online Side Hustles

If you’re looking for the ultimate in flexibility and you want to be able to make money from your couch or anyplace with an internet connection, an online side hustle would be the right choice for you.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a popular website/app that makes it possible to earn money in several different ways. You can take online surveys, play games, watch videos, install apps, and even print coupons to earn some extra money. Swagbucks also has a cashback system for online shopping that is similar to Rakuten.

You’ll earn points that they refer to as “Swagbucks” or SB, and then you can redeem the SB for your choice of rewards. You can choose a gift card to your favorite store or website, or redeem your points as cash through PayPal.

The tasks on Swagbucks will pay different amounts. Many of them are small, but they won’t take much time and they can add up to something significant. You’re not going to get rich with Swagbucks, but it’s extremely flexible and anyone can do it. It can be a great option if you’re looking for a small amount of extra money.

Highlights of Swagbucks:

• Lots of different ways to earn Swagbucks.
• Redeem your Swagbucks for gift cards or cash.
• Some of the tasks will pay very low amounts, so focus on the ones with higher payouts.

InboxDollars

InboxDollars is similar to Swagbucks, and in fact, it was purchased by the parent company of Swagbucks last year.

With a free InboxDollars account, you can make money from online surveys, watching videos, playing games, taking advantage of special offers, and even reading your email.

When you login to your InboxDollars dashboard, you’ll see a list of the latest offers. These offers are usually the best way to maximize what you make on the platform. Sometimes they’ll involve signing up for a trial, installing an app, or creating an account. As I’m writing this article, my dashboard is showing an offer for a $150 bonus to create a bank account.

Unlike Swagbucks, you’ll earn cash with InboxDollars instead of points. Once you earn $30, you can cashout.

Highlights of InboxDollars:

• Lots of different ways to earn money.
• You’ll earn cash instead of points.
• You’ll need a balance of at least $30 before you can withdraw your cash.

Survey Junkie

While Swagbucks and InboxDollars both offer opportunities to make money with surveys, Survey Junkie focuses exclusively on surveys.

In order to make decent money with surveys you need to be using a few different apps. That way you’ll have more surveys available and you can pick the ones that offer the highest pay for the time needed to take the survey.

You’ll earn cash for the surveys you complete with Survey Junkie and you can withdraw once you have a balance of $10 or more.

Highlights of Survey Junkie:

• One of the best apps for making money with surveys.
• Earn cash for the surveys that you complete.
• Best when used in combination with other apps like Swagbucks and InboxDollars.

Poshmark

Poshmark is a popular app for buying and selling clothes and accessories. If you have some clothes that you no longer wear, listing them on Poshmark could be a good way to make some extra money quickly.

If you want to turn it into a more consistent side hustle, you can buy and resell items on Poshmark. You may be able to find very cheap items at yard sales, flea markets, auctions, or thrift stores and resell at a higher price on Poshmark.

Highlights of Selling on Poshmark:

• Great way to make money from the clothes you no longer need.
• Buy cheap items at yard sales and resell on Poshmark for a profit.
• Establishing a strong seller profile is a key to long-term success on the platform.

Fiverr

Fiverr is a marketplace where individuals and business can purchase specific services from freelancers. If you’re looking to make some extra money, you can create a profile on Fiverr and list the services that you want to offer.

Regardless of your skills or experience, there’s no doubt that you have something to offer on Fiverr. It could be a service like graphic design or recording voiceovers, or something as simple as recording an unboxing video.

It will take some time and effort to build up your profile and get lots of great reviews, but there is plenty of potential with Fiverr.

Highlights of Freelancing on Fiverr:

• Many different services you could offer.
• Set your own rates and terms.
• Great long-term potential.

Mercari

Mercari is an app, originating in Japan, that is pretty similar to eBay. Just like eBay, you can list almost anything for sale on Mercari and then you’ll ship the item to the buyer.

While eBay is more popular in the U.S., Mercari still has plenty of buyers on the platform. The fees for sellers are lower than eBay’s fees and you’ll generally face less competition from other sellers on Mercari.

Highlights of Selling on Mercari:

• Sell just about anything.
• Lower fees for sellers as compared to eBay.
• Less competition from other sellers than eBay.

Working on marketplaces can be a great way to earn extra money, especially if you have access to analytical tools that help you optimize sales. Dmitrii Voistrochenko, founder of MPsimple, an analytics service for Wildberries, one of the largest marketplaces in the world, says: “Using the right analytical tools can significantly increase your profits by providing data on demand, competitor prices and sales trends. On the Wildberries platform, we see suppliers using analytics to improve their bottom line and achieve consistent growth.

Robinhood

In 2020, day trading and hobby investing has received more publicity than ever (both positive and negative). Thanks to investing apps like Robinhood, there are no barriers preventing anyone from investing. You can get started with just a few dollars and purchase a fractional share of your favorite company.

Robinhood allows you to make commission-free trades of stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrency.

As always, just make sure that you're not investing money that you can’t afford to lose.

Highlights of Robinhod:

• Commission-free trades.
• No minimums.
• Purchase fractional shares.

Webull

Webull is another popular investment app that offers commission-free trades of stocks, options, ETFs, and cryptocurrency. One key difference between Robinhood and Webull is that Webull does not currently offer the possibility to buy or sell fractional shares.

While Robinhood provides a simple platform that emphasize ease of use, Webull has more to offer in terms of advanced reporting and analysis. Seasoned investors may appreciate these features.

Highlights of Webull:

• Commission-free trades.
• No minimums.
• Advanced reporting and analysis.

For Side Hustles in Your Local Area

When it comes to side hustles, online options tend to get a lot of attention. While the flexibility of an online hustle is appealing, there are some great opportunities to make money in your local area that should not be overlooked.

Shipt

Shipt is a delivery service for groceries and household goods. Working with Shipt would be similar to working with Instacart, except all Shipt shoppers also provide delivery services.

Another difference between Shipt and Instacart is that Shipt uses a membership platform for customers. As a Shipt shopper, you’ll only deliver to people who have a Shipt membership. Some shoppers prefer this setup of delivering to members because customers are very familiar with the process.

Highlights of Becoming a Shipt Shopper:

• Shop for and deliver groceries and household goods.
• You’ll be delivering to Shipt members.
• Start making money quickly.

Airbnb

If you have a room, unit, apartment, or house to rent out, Airbnb gives you an ideal way to earn extra money. The biggest perk of a rental-based side hustle is the fact that you’re using one of your existing assets to generate money rather than relying strictly on your work or your time. You can turn space that you’re not using into an income-generating asset.

An Airbnb side hustle also offers some flexibility, as you’ll be in control over when you choose to make your rental available. Some people do extremely well by only renting during peak times that bring the highest demand and highest prices.

Although a rental business is somewhat passive, there’s still work involved to clean the unit between renters. You could outsource this by hiring someone to do the cleaning, but obviously that will cut into your profit.

Highlights of an Airbnb side hustle:

• Turn your unused space into an income-generating asset.
• Make money without spending lots of time working.
• Seasonality will lead to fluctuation in income (in most locations).
• Only a viable option if you have the space to rent out.

Instacart

Instacart is a grocery delivery service that offers two different options for workers. You could work as an independent contractor doing grocery shopping and deliveries (using your own car), or you could do the shopping only with no deliveries and work as a part-time employee of Instacart. Either way, you’ll benefit from a flexible schedule and the opportunity to monetize your spare time.

Instacart, and groceries delivery in general, had been increasing in popularity for several years, but the pandemic has significantly increased demand for this service. Today, fewer people want to do their own shopping in the store, and that means more opportunities for side hustlers like you. And it seems like the demand for grocery deliveries is likely to remain higher than it ever was pre-pandemic.

Highlights of Working for Instacart:

• Two options: shop and deliver or only shop.
• Both options offer a flexible schedule.
• Increasing demand that appears likely to continue.

Rover

Rover is a popular app that helps pet owners to find dog walkers and pet sitters in their local area. If you’re looking to make money, you can create a free profile so that pet owners in your local area can find you.

Dog walking can be a great option because just about anyone can do it. As long as your healthy enough to walk every day, there are no particular skills or experience needed. It’s also a service that’s in high demand, and with a few repeat clients, you can make a nice amount of money on the side.

If you want to maximize your income through Rover, you can offer both pet sitting and dog walking. Many pet sitters offer walks as an optional service at an additional price.

Highlights of making money with Rover:

• Simple side hustle that is perfect for pet lovers.
• Lots of demand and opportunities to make money, even in small towns.
• Strong income potential, and could even turn into a full-time business.

DoorDash

Another way to make money with your car is to work as a delivery driver. DoorDash is a very popular restaurant delivery service that allows you to sign up and start making money quickly.

DoorDash allows drivers to use any car or vehicle. If your vehicle doesn’t meet the requirements for Uber or Lyft, DoorDash could be the perfect solution.

Another nice perk compared to rideshare driving is the fact that you don’t need to have strangers in your car. Instead, you’re simply delivering food to people at home or at work.

Highlights of driving for DoorDash:

• Use any car or vehicle.
• Start making money quickly.
• Maximize your income by delivering during peak times (lunch and dinner).

Postmates

Postmates is another delivery service, but as a part of the Postmates fleet, you’ll be delivering a wide variety of things. It could be restaurant orders, similar to what you would be doing with DoorDash, but it could also involve deliveries from other stores.

Highlights of side hustling as part of the Postmates Fleet:

• Deliver a wide variety of products.
• Cashout your earnings at any time.
• Very quick signup and approval process.

Uber and Lyft

Uber and Lyft, ridesharing apps, are among the more popular side hustle options. You can make money by providing rides to people in your local area, essentially acting as a taxi.

Rideshare driving offers the opportunity to start making money quickly. You’ll need to sign up and submit to a background check, but once you’ve been cleared, you can start picking up shifts whenever you’re available.

Although it’s a great way to make extra money, there are a few drawbacks that you should be aware of. First, you’ll need a vehicle that meets specific requirements in order to work as a rideshare driver. If you have an older car, it’s not likely to meet the requirements.

Second, you’ll need to factor added maintenance and depreciation costs for your car into the amount of money that you’re making. You’ll be responsible for all of the costs associated with your car, and driving a lot of miles will eventually lead to more expenses.

Highlights of Rideshare driving:

• You can start making money quickly.
• Vehicle requirements may not allow you to use an older car.
• Will increase the costs of maintaining your car.
• Better option in major cities than smaller towns.

Turo

Turo is sort of like Airbnb for cars. When someone wants to rent a car, they can rent directly from an owner through Turo rather than going to a major car rental chain.

As a car owner, you can list your car for rent. Just like with Airbnb, you’re making money because of an asset that you own, so you might be able to make decent money without working a lot of hours.

When you list your car or vehicle on Turo, you’ll have control over the days when it’s available and when it’s not available. This makes it possible to get a little extra money by renting out your car when you don’t need it.

Of course, your location and the type of car that you’re renting out will have a big impact on the amount that you can make with this side hustle. This is a better opportunity in major cities than smaller towns.

Just like other side hustles that involve your car, you’ll be responsible for the maintenance costs that result from the added mileage, so be sure to factor that into your decision.

Highlights of Renting Your Car on Turo:

• Turn your car into an income-generating asset.
• Use your car when you need it, and rent it out when you don’t need it.
• Not a lot of time required on your part.
• The extra mileage and wear-and-tear on your car may be a concern.

Neighbor

Neighbor is another rental platform that is great for passive income. With Neighbor, you can rent out storage space. This could be your basement, garage, shed, or other unused space.

This will not be a viable option for everyone, but if you happen to have some extra space, it’s a great way to earn extra cash.

Storage unit rentals can be expensive. People who are looking for cheaper alternatives turn to Neighbor. You can rent your space at a price that attracts renters and still make a nice chunk of money.

Highlights of Renting Space Through Neighbor:

• Very little work needed on your part.
• Turn your unused space into extra money.
• Could be done on top of other side hustles since it takes so little time.

TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is an app where people can get help with a very wide variety of different tasks. You can sign up as a tasker and list the services that you provide. Others in your area can view your profile and hire you.

The services you can offer through TaskRabbit include car washing, cleaning, delivery, furniture assembly, moving, minor home repairs, painting, power-washing, and more.

TaskRabbit also has a deal with Ikea. As a tasker, you can be hired by customers who want to have their Ikea furniture purchases assembled.

You’ll be able to choose when you work, set your own rates, and decide on the services that you’re going to offer.

Highlights of Becoming a Tasker:

• You choose the services that you want to offer, your rates, and the hours that you want to work.
• Customers in your area will find your profile and hire you.
• Potentially, you can earn a pretty nice hourly wage with some services.

Thumbtack

Thumbtack is similar to TaskRabbit in terms of allowing you to offer a wide variety of services. However, some of the services available on Thumbtack are different than what’s available on TaskRabit.

As a pro on Thumbtack, you can offer services like plumbing, electrician services, handyman services, roofing, general contracting, personal training, web design, photography, and much more.

You’ll create your profile with details of the services you offer and people in your area can find you. Establishing a strong profile with great reviews is key to long-term success on this platform.

Creating a Thumbtack profile is free, but you’ll pay a fee when a customer reaches out to you. As a result, this platform is ideal for someone who is already in business and looking to grow their side hustle.

Conclusion

There are many different ways to make money in your spare time and a lot of apps that can help to present opportunities. The key is finding something that fits your interests and works around your other commitments. For many people, the biggest hurdle is simply getting started. Pick one, take action, and you’ll be on your way to making extra money.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the best apps for making money online in my spare time?

For those seeking flexibility and the convenience of earning from anywhere with an internet connection, popular apps include Swagbucks, InboxDollars, Survey Junkie, Poshmark, Fiverr, Mercari, Robinhood, and Webull. These platforms offer various ways to earn, from taking surveys to selling goods or offering freelance services.

How can I earn extra money through online surveys and small tasks?

Swagbucks and InboxDollars are excellent platforms for earning extra cash through activities like taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online. These sites reward users with points or cash for completing simple tasks, which can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.

Can I make money by selling clothes and accessories online?

Yes, platforms like Poshmark and Mercari allow users to buy and sell clothes, accessories, and other items. Whether you're decluttering your wardrobe or looking to resell finds from thrift stores or yard sales, these apps can help you turn your items into cash.

What are some options for making money in my local area outside of online activities?

For those preferring to work locally, options include becoming a Shipt shopper, renting out space with Airbnb, delivering groceries with Instacart, walking dogs with Rover, or driving for DoorDash, Postmates, Uber, and Lyft. These side hustles offer the chance to earn extra income based on your availability and location.

How do investment apps like Robinhood and Webull fit into earning extra income?

Investment apps like Robinhood and Webull provide opportunities for earning through the stock market by offering commission-free trades of stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies. While investing involves risks, these apps make it accessible for beginners to start with small amounts and potentially grow their savings over time.