15 Best Money Making Apps in 2025: Earn Extra Cash Easily

Key Takeaways

• Money making apps let you earn cash, rewards, or savings using just your phone.
• Top options include gig apps, cash back tools, surveys, and investment apps.
• Combining multiple apps can significantly increase monthly earnings.

TL;DR

Money making apps in 2025 cover everything from side hustles and gig work to passive rewards and investing. This guide lists the 15 best apps with descriptions, key tips, alternatives, and direct links so you can start earning more today.

Introduction

Let’s be honest — we all want extra money without making huge sacrifices. Whether you’re saving for a big goal, paying off debt, or just padding your budget, the right apps to make money can be a game-changer. But not all apps are created equal. This carefully curated list features the best money making apps of 2025, breaking down how each works, why it’s worth your time, alternatives you should know, and practical tips to help you squeeze every dollar of value from them.

Can You Make Money From Apps?

Yes, but not every app pays equally. Some offer passive earnings with minimal effort, while others require time, skills, or upfront work. By combining different types — such as gig work, surveys, and investment apps — you can create multiple income streams right from your phone. The key is picking apps that match your time commitment, skills, and earning goals.

List of the Best Apps to Make Money

Best Apps to Make Money From Your Phone

These top picks help you turn spare time into extra cash, all from the convenience of your mobile device.

Cashback Apps

1. Rakuten

Rakuten gives you cash back at thousands of major retailers when you shop online or in-store. Simply shop through their app or browser extension, and you’ll earn a percentage of your purchases back.

Action Tip: Install the Rakuten extension to never miss a cash back offer.

Alternatives: TopCashback, BeFrugal, Dosh

2. Ibotta

Ibotta focuses on grocery and household cash back but also includes clothing, pet supplies, and travel. You upload receipts or link loyalty cards to claim rewards.

Action Tip: Stack Ibotta rewards with store sales and manufacturer coupons for bigger payouts.

Alternatives: Fetch Rewards, Shopkick, Checkout 51

Passive Income Apps

3. Acorns

Acorns automatically rounds up your purchases and invests the spare change, helping you passively build a portfolio without needing to micromanage.

Action Tip: Set recurring weekly deposits to grow your investment faster.

Alternatives: Stash, Digit, Qapital

4. Honeygain

Honeygain pays you for sharing unused internet bandwidth. It’s truly passive — install it, let it run, and earn.

Action Tip: Run it on multiple devices (if allowed) and enable content delivery mode for more earnings.

Alternatives: PacketStream, Pawns.app, Peer2Profit

Gig and Freelance Apps

5. EarnIn

EarnIn allows you to access money you’ve already earned before payday, helping you avoid overdraft fees or payday loans. The app links to your bank account and tracks hours worked.

Action Tip: Use their balance shield alert to avoid overdrafts.

Alternatives: Dave, Brigit, MoneyLion

6. DoorDash

DoorDash lets you deliver meals locally and get paid per delivery, plus tips. You can work whenever it suits you.

Action Tip: Focus on lunch and dinner rushes, and stack in-app bonuses.

Alternatives: Uber Eats, Grubhub, Postmates

7. Uber / Lyft

Driving passengers with Uber or Lyft can help you set your own hours and earn based on distance, time, and tips.

Action Tip: Sign up for surge zones and bonus challenges to increase earnings.

Alternatives: Bolt, Via, Curb

8. Fiverr

Fiverr lets freelancers sell services globally — anything from graphic design to voice acting to video editing.

Action Tip: Focus on niche services and build a strong portfolio for repeat work.

Alternatives: Upwork, Freelancer, PeoplePerHour

9. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit connects you with local clients who need help with chores, handyman tasks, or moving services.

Action Tip: Apply for the highest-demand categories in your city and maintain strong reviews.

Alternatives: Thumbtack, Handy, Porch

10. Steady

Steady curates part-time jobs, freelance gigs, and side hustles suited to your skills and location.

Action Tip: Use their income tracker and apply regularly to grow your gig portfolio.

Alternatives: Gigwalk, Wonolo, Field Agent

Survey and Small Task Apps

11. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a survey and microtask platform where you earn points (SB) by answering questions, watching videos, or shopping online.

Action Tip: Focus on daily bonuses and high-reward tasks.

Alternatives: PrizeRebel, MyPoints, Toluna

12. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie pays you to share opinions on products and services, with payouts in cash or gift cards.

Action Tip: Keep your profile updated for the best matches.

Alternatives: Pinecone Research, YouGov, InboxPounds

13. InboxDollars

InboxDollars rewards you for watching videos, playing games, and reading promotional emails.

Action Tip: Check in daily and complete bonus tasks for extra earnings.

Alternatives: InboxPays, FusionCash, CashCrate

14. UserTesting

UserTesting pays you to review websites and apps for user experience feedback.

Action Tip: Take tests seriously — top-rated testers get more (and higher-paying) invites.

Alternatives: TryMyUI, Validately, Userlytics

15. Airbnb

Airbnb lets you rent out spare rooms or entire homes for short-term stays, earning serious side income.

Action Tip: Use professional photos and maintain great guest communication to boost ratings.

Alternatives: Vrbo, Booking.com, Plum Guide

FAQs: Best Apps for Earning

Are money making apps legit?

Yes — stick to trusted, well-reviewed apps. Avoid anything requiring upfront fees or sounding too good to be true.

How much can I realistically earn?

Passive apps may bring in $50–100/month, while active gigs can generate hundreds or more.

Do these apps charge fees?

Most are free, but some may charge transaction or service fees. Always check app details.

What’s the best passive income app?

Honeygain and Acorns offer passive income, while Airbnb offers high earning potential if you have the space.

Should I use multiple apps?

Definitely! Combining several apps to make money maximises your monthly income.

Final Thoughts

Money making apps offer accessible, flexible ways to boost your income. Whether you’re freelancing, investing, or earning cash back, the right combination of apps can help you build financial resilience. Start exploring, test what works, and watch your income streams grow.

For even more financial tips, check out How to Make My Money Work for Me and How Are Bonuses Taxed to strengthen your money journey in 2025 and beyond.