Top 10 Mobile Apps for Earning Money in 2025

In today’s digital age, earning money through mobile apps has become a viable option for many people. Whether you’re looking for side income or want to turn your skills into full-time work, mobile apps provide a convenient and flexible way to make money. Below, we explore the top 10 mobile apps for earning in 2024, breaking down how each one works, what you can expect, and how to maximize your earnings.

1. Swagbucks

Swagbucks has been one of the most popular apps for making money online for years. The platform allows users to earn “SB” points by performing various activities, including watching videos, answering surveys, shopping online, and playing games. Once you accumulate enough SB points, you can redeem them for gift cards or cash via PayPal.

How it Works:

Sign up and log into the Swagbucks app.
Choose from a variety of tasks like watching videos, shopping through their affiliate links, or taking surveys.
Earn SB points for each task you complete, and once you have enough points, you can cash them out.

Why It’s Popular:

Offers multiple ways to earn, making it a versatile app.
Low payout threshold – you can start redeeming rewards with as little as 300 SB points.
Consistent payouts and an easy-to-use interface.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings:

Combine tasks (e.g., shop and watch videos at the same time).
Participate in the daily poll, search engine, and special offers to quickly accumulate points.

2. InboxDollars

InboxDollars operates similarly to Swagbucks, offering users various ways to earn money, including reading emails, completing surveys, playing games, and even shopping online. You can cash out your earnings through PayPal or request gift cards from a variety of retailers.

How it Works:

Sign up and choose from tasks such as playing games, watching videos, or completing surveys.
Each task earns you a certain amount of money, not points.
Cash out once you reach a minimum of $30.

Why It’s a Good Option:

You earn actual money, not points.
The platform frequently offers bonuses and promotions to help you reach the payout threshold faster.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings:

Focus on high-paying surveys and offers.
Regularly check your email for new opportunities to earn.
Participate in their referral program for additional income.

3. Fiverr

Fiverr is a marketplace for freelancers where you can sell services starting at $5. Over the years, it has grown into a more robust platform, allowing freelancers to offer everything from writing and graphic design to video editing and marketing. You can use the Fiverr app to find clients and manage your freelance business from your phone.

How it Works:

Create a profile and list the services (gigs) you offer.
Potential clients will find your gig and place an order.
Deliver the service and get paid.

What Makes Fiverr Stand Out:

You can offer any skill you have, ranging from creative work to technical services.
Fiverr’s user-friendly interface helps freelancers manage orders, communicate with clients, and receive payments.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings:

Offer multiple “gig extras” to increase the value of each sale.
Build a professional profile with examples of your previous work.
Deliver excellent service to receive high ratings and gain more visibility.

4. Upwork

Upwork is a freelance platform that connects skilled professionals with clients looking for specific services. The app covers a wide range of jobs, from marketing and consulting to web development and writing. With the Upwork mobile app, freelancers can manage their profiles, apply for jobs, and communicate with clients from anywhere.

How it Works:

Create a detailed profile highlighting your skills and experience.
Browse and apply for jobs posted by clients.
After completing a job, get paid securely through the platform.

Why It’s a Leading Platform for Freelancers:

Thousands of jobs are posted every day in various fields.
You can negotiate your rates with clients.
Secure payment systems ensure you get paid for your work.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings:

Start with smaller projects to build up your profile and ratings.
Write personalized, compelling proposals for each job.
Maintain excellent communication with clients to build long-term relationships.

5. Foap

Foap is an app designed for photographers, allowing users to upload and sell their photos and videos to brands and businesses. It’s a straightforward platform that’s great for both amateur and professional photographers looking to make money from their work.

How it Works:

Create a free account and upload your photos and videos.
Foap partners with big brands, and if your content is selected, you earn 50% of the sale.
You can also participate in “missions” where brands request specific types of images.

What Makes Foap Special:

You don’t need to be a professional photographer – anyone with a smartphone can start uploading.
Earn passive income as your photos can be sold multiple times.
Missions offer a chance to earn higher payouts.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings:

Upload high-quality photos with proper lighting and composition.
Participate in as many missions as possible to increase your chances of making sales.
Tag your photos correctly so they are easily searchable by potential buyers.

6. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)

Rakuten is a cashback app that lets users earn money by shopping through their platform. Whether you’re making purchases online or in-store, Rakuten provides cashback offers from thousands of retailers. It’s a simple way to earn money back on purchases you’re already making.

How it Works:

Sign up for Rakuten and shop through the app or browser extension.
Rakuten partners with retailers and gives you a percentage of your purchase back as cashback.
Earn cashback and get paid through PayPal or a check every quarter.

Why Rakuten is Popular:

Wide variety of retail partners, including popular stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
No points system – you get real cash back on purchases.
They often offer additional promotions, including double cashback days.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings:

Always check Rakuten before making any online purchase to ensure you’re getting cashback.
Use Rakuten’s referral program to earn bonuses for inviting friends.

7. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a survey platform that pays users for sharing their opinions. While surveys alone won’t make you rich, it’s a legitimate and easy way to earn a little extra money during your free time. The app is user-friendly and allows you to earn rewards through PayPal or e-gift cards.

How it Works:

Sign up and create a profile to match with relevant surveys.
Complete surveys and earn points, which can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards.
The more surveys you complete, the more points you accumulate.

Why It’s Worth Your Time:

Surveys are often short and easy to complete.
You can complete surveys on the go using the mobile app.
Low payout threshold, meaning you can cash out as soon as you reach 500 points.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings:

Fill out your profile in detail to ensure you get matched with the highest-paying surveys.
Check the app frequently, as new surveys become available daily.
Be honest in your responses to avoid being disqualified from surveys.

8. Uber / Lyft

Uber and Lyft are ridesharing apps that allow you to earn money by driving passengers or delivering goods. If you own a vehicle and have some spare time, driving for Uber or Lyft can be a flexible way to earn money. You can set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.

How it Works:

Sign up as a driver on Uber or Lyft, pass a background check, and get your car inspected.
Once approved, you can start accepting ride or delivery requests.
Drive passengers to their destinations and get paid weekly.

Why It’s a Flexible Option:

You can choose when and where to work, making it ideal for people looking for a flexible schedule.
Uber and Lyft often offer bonuses and promotions to drivers.
Payments are weekly, so you get access to your earnings quickly.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings:

Drive during peak hours or events to earn more in surge pricing zones.
Track mileage and expenses to maximize tax deductions.
Keep your car clean and be professional to maintain a high rating from passengers.

9. Acorns

Acorns is an investment app that makes it easy for anyone to start investing. The app automatically invests your spare change from everyday purchases into a diversified portfolio. It’s a simple way to grow your money over time, even if you’re new to investing.

How it Works:

Link your debit or credit card to Acorns.
Every time you make a purchase, Acorns rounds up the amount to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change.
You can also set up recurring deposits to invest more actively.

Why Acorns Stands Out:

It’s a great app for beginners, as it handles all the investing for you.
You can start with as little as a few dollars, making it accessible to everyone.
The app’s portfolio is diversified, which means your money is spread across different types of investments to reduce risk.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings:

Set up recurring investments, even small amounts, to grow your portfolio faster.
Take advantage of Acorns’ Found Money program, which gives you cashback when you shop at certain retailers.

10. Ibotta

Ibotta is another cashback app that rewards users for shopping both online and in physical stores. The app works with hundreds of brands and retailers, allowing users to earn cashback on everyday purchases. Whether you’re buying groceries, clothes, or electronics, Ibotta offers a simple way to get money back.

How it Works:

Before shopping, open the app and find cashback offers from retailers.
After making a purchase, upload a photo of your receipt or link your store loyalty card.
The app will verify your purchase, and you’ll receive cashback that can be withdrawn via PayPal or gift cards.

Why It’s a Great Option:

You can earn cashback on everyday purchases, including groceries and household items.
Ibotta frequently offers bonus earnings and promotions to help you earn more.
There’s no minimum spending requirement, so you can earn cashback on small purchases.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings:

Always check the app before shopping to ensure you’re getting cashback on as many items as possible.
Use the app’s referral program to invite friends and earn bonuses.
Stack Ibotta with other cashback apps for maximum savings.

Conclusion

These top 10 mobile earning apps provide a variety of ways to make money, whether it’s through completing simple tasks, freelance work, or earning cashback on your purchases. Whether you’re looking to make a little extra money on the side or dive into full-time freelance work, there’s an app on this list for everyone. With the flexibility of working from your smartphone, these apps make it easier than ever to earn money from anywhere at any time.

When selecting an app, consider your skills, the amount of time you have available, and the kind of work you enjoy. By strategically using these apps, you can start earning extra income and even explore new ways to grow your personal wealth in 2024.

Top 10 Mobile Apps for Earning Money in 2025