In the rapidly evolving world of digital finance, cryptocurrency has moved from a fringe investment to a mainstream asset class. But you don’t need thousands of dollars to start building your crypto portfolio—your smartphone can be your gateway to the world of digital currencies. Using specialized apps to earn crypto, you can accumulate Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other tokens through everyday activities like shopping, browsing, walking, or playing games. This comprehensive guide explores nine legitimate applications that enable you to earn cryptocurrency with minimal effort.
Why Use Apps to Earn Crypto in 2025
Before diving into specific applications, let’s understand why earning crypto through apps has become increasingly popular.
The Growing Value of Digital Currency
Cryptocurrency has established itself as more than just a passing trend:
- Bitcoin has become recognized as “digital gold” and a hedge against inflation
- Major companies like Tesla, PayPal, and Square have added crypto to their balance sheets
- Traditional banking institutions now offer cryptocurrency services
- Countries are developing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)
“Five years ago, earning $5 in Bitcoin seemed insignificant. Those same rewards would be worth substantially more today,” notes crypto analyst Maria Chen. “Even small crypto earnings can grow into meaningful amounts over time.”
Low-Barrier Entry to Cryptocurrency Markets
Using apps to earn crypto offers several advantages over traditional investment methods:
- No need for complex wallet setup or exchange registration in many cases
- Zero financial investment required to start earning
- Learn about cryptocurrency ecosystems while earning actual tokens
- Diversify into multiple cryptocurrencies without purchasing them directly
Now, let’s explore the most effective apps to earn crypto available in 2025.
Coinbase Learn: Earn While You Learn
Coinbase, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, offers an educational program that rewards users with free cryptocurrency for learning about different blockchain projects.
Educational Reward Structure
The process is straightforward:
- Watch short educational videos about specific cryptocurrencies (typically 2-3 minutes each)
- Complete a simple quiz to verify your understanding
- Receive cryptocurrency directly to your Coinbase account
“I’ve earned over $200 in various cryptocurrencies just by spending about 30 minutes on each new coin offering,” shares university student Jake Thompson. “It’s basically paid studying that also helps me understand which projects have real potential.”
Available Cryptocurrencies
Coinbase regularly rotates the cryptocurrencies available through their Learn program. Recent offerings have included:
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Stellar Lumens (XLM)
- Graph Token (GRT)
- Compound (COMP)
- Algorand (ALGO)
The rewards typically range from $3 to $10 per completed lesson, and new opportunities are added monthly. This makes Coinbase Learn one of the most straightforward apps to earn crypto with immediate value.
Brave Browser: Passive Crypto Earnings
The Brave browser has revolutionized how we think about web browsing by introducing a new attention-based economic model.
BAT Token Rewards System
By replacing traditional web advertisements with Brave’s privacy-focused ad system:
- Users earn Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) for viewing non-intrusive notifications
- Earnings accumulate passively while browsing normally
- Monthly payouts are deposited to connected wallets
- Users can tip their favorite content creators with earned BAT
Privacy-Focused Browsing Benefits
Beyond cryptocurrency earnings, Brave offers:
- Built-in ad and tracker blocking
- HTTPS Everywhere encryption
- Tor integration in private windows
- Significantly faster loading times than conventional browsers
“I switched to Brave to earn some crypto, but honestly, the privacy features and faster browsing experience are what kept me using it long-term,” explains tech reviewer Samantha Lee. “Earning about $5-10 monthly in BAT is just a nice bonus at this point.”
Sweatcoin: Convert Steps to Cryptocurrency
Combining fitness tracking with cryptocurrency rewards, Sweatcoin has evolved from its proprietary coin system to include actual cryptocurrency rewards.
Fitness Tracking to Crypto Conversion
The app works by:
- Tracking outdoor steps via your phone’s pedometer
- Converting approximately 1,000 steps into 1 Sweatcoin (SWC)
- Offering cryptocurrency exchange options for accumulated SWC
- Providing additional crypto bonuses for premium subscribers
Marketplace and Cash-Out Options
Sweatcoin’s marketplace has expanded significantly to include:
- Direct conversion to Bitcoin and Ethereum through partner exchanges
- Gift cards for major retailers
- Physical products and services
- Charitable donation options
“I’ve walked my way to about $300 worth of Bitcoin over the past year,” shares fitness enthusiast Carlos Mendez. “It’s not life-changing money, but it definitely helps motivate me to get my steps in every day.”
StormX: Shop and Earn Crypto Rewards
StormX has positioned itself as the crypto equivalent of cashback services like Rakuten or Honey.
Cashback Structure in Cryptocurrency
When shopping through the StormX app or browser extension:
- Earn up to 30% back in cryptocurrency from thousands of retailers
- Choose from Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, or StormX token rewards
- Stack rewards with traditional credit card cashback
- Receive rewards in about 30-90 days after purchases
Tiered Membership Benefits
StormX uses a membership system to enhance rewards:
- Basic (no staking): 0.5x rewards multiplier
- Purple (staking 3,000 STMX): 2x rewards
- Platinum (staking 30,000 STMX): 3x rewards
- Diamond (staking 500,000 STMX): 6x rewards
“I was already shopping at Nike and Samsung anyway, so routing those purchases through StormX was a no-brainer,” says e-commerce specialist Tina Johnson. “The 14% back in Bitcoin I got from my last electronics purchase was significantly more than my credit card rewards.”
Pi Network: Mine Crypto Without Battery Drain
Pi Network has created a novel approach to cryptocurrency mining that doesn’t require specialized hardware or significant energy consumption.
Mobile Mining Innovation
Unlike traditional cryptocurrency mining, Pi works by:
- Using a consensus algorithm that doesn’t drain battery or computing resources
- Requiring just a daily check-in to activate mining sessions
- Increasing mining rates based on your network of active users
- Building security circles to validate network transactions
Community Building Aspects
Pi Network has integrated social elements that make it unique among apps to earn crypto:
- Team building incentives that increase mining rates
- Role-based mining boosts for various contributions to the network
- Community voting on development directions
- Local marketplace features for Pi transactions
“The real innovation with Pi is creating a cryptocurrency that regular people can mine without specialized equipment,” explains blockchain developer Raj Patel. “Whether it becomes valuable depends on the utility they build, but the distribution model is genuinely inclusive.”
It’s important to note that Pi is still in its development phase, with the currency expected to have full transfer capabilities and exchange listings in the near future.
Axie Infinity: Play-to-Earn Gaming
Axie Infinity pioneered the play-to-earn gaming model that has since spawned hundreds of imitators.
NFT Gaming Ecosystem
This game combines cryptocurrency earnings with NFT (Non-Fungible Token) assets:
- Players collect, breed, and battle fantasy creatures called Axies
- Each Axie is a unique NFT that can be bought, sold, or rented
- Players earn Smooth Love Potion (SLP) tokens through daily quests and battles
- Axie Infinity Shards (AXS) governance tokens are earned through tournament play
Income Potential and Initial Investment
Axie Infinity presents both opportunities and challenges:
- Earning potential: $200-2,000 monthly depending on skill level and time investment
- Initial investment: Requires purchasing at least 3 Axies to start playing
- Scholarship programs: Allow new players to borrow Axies for a revenue split
- Daily time commitment: 1-3 hours for optimal earnings
“Axie changed my life during the pandemic when I lost my tourism job,” recounts Filipino player Marco Santillan. “It’s evolved a lot since then, with lower entry costs but also more balanced earning potential. I still make about $700 monthly playing around 2 hours daily.”
CryptoTab Browser: Mining While Browsing
CryptoTab offers a unique approach by combining a Chrome-based browser with background Bitcoin mining capabilities.
Background Bitcoin Mining
The browser leverages your device’s unused processing power:
- Mines Bitcoin in the background while you browse normally
- Adjusts mining intensity to prevent device overheating
- Accumulates satoshis (small Bitcoin fractions) continuously
- Works on both mobile devices and computers
Referral System Multipliers
CryptoTab has implemented a robust 10-level referral system:
- Earn 15% of your direct referrals’ mining
- Smaller percentages from their referrals up to 10 levels deep
- Permanent earnings boost from your network’s activity
- Built-in sharing tools to grow your mining network
“I wouldn’t recommend CryptoTab for serious Bitcoin acquisition, but it’s perfect for absolute beginners who want to understand mining with zero risk,” advises crypto educator Helen Morris. “My network of about 50 people generates roughly $30-40 worth of Bitcoin monthly.”
Fold: Crypto Rewards on Everyday Purchases
Fold has bridged the gap between traditional debit card usage and cryptocurrency rewards.
Bitcoin Cashback System
Fold operates through two primary methods:
- Fold App: Purchase gift cards for popular retailers and earn Bitcoin cashback
- Fold Card: A physical debit card that provides Bitcoin rewards on all purchases
Rewards typically range from 1-10% back in Bitcoin, with boosts for specific merchants that rotate weekly.
Spin Wheel Rewards
Fold incorporates gamification through a daily spin wheel:
- Earn sat-backs (Bitcoin micropayments) with each spin
- Unlock boosts that multiply your rewards
- Win special prizes and limited-time offers
- Earn additional spins through card usage
“The genius of Fold is that it makes Bitcoin accessible to people who might otherwise never buy it directly,” notes financial advisor Derek Chen. “My non-tech-savvy parents are accumulating Bitcoin through their regular grocery shopping without having to understand exchanges or wallets.”
Presearch: Decentralized Search Engine Rewards
Presearch is challenging Google’s dominance by offering a decentralized search alternative that rewards users.
PRE Token Compensation
For every search conducted (up to 30 daily):
- Earn 0.1 PRE tokens per search
- Additional rewards for running nodes that power the network
- Bonuses for early adoption and community participation
- Staking opportunities for enhanced rewards
Privacy-Focused Search Alternative
Beyond cryptocurrency earnings, Presearch offers:
- No tracking or data collection
- Customizable search providers
- Community-driven development
- Integration with other decentralized services
“I’ve replaced Google with Presearch as my default search engine, and the quality has improved tremendously,” says privacy advocate Laura Schmidt. “The PRE tokens are accumulating nicely—about 90 per month—and I expect they’ll increase in value as the platform grows.”
Tips for Maximizing Your Crypto Earnings
To get the most from these apps to earn crypto, consider these expert strategies:
Strategic App Combinations
Create synergies between different earning methods:
- Browse with Brave while running Presearch as your search engine
- Shop through StormX while using the Fold Card
- Play Axie Infinity during downtime while passively mining with Pi Network
- Learn through Coinbase while earning BAT tokens on Brave
“The real magic happens when you stack multiple earning methods without duplicating efforts,” explains crypto strategist Alex Wong. “I earn in at least four different cryptocurrencies daily just by optimizing my normal online activities.”
Tax Implications to Consider
Cryptocurrency earnings are taxable in most jurisdictions:
- Earnings may be considered income at the fair market value when received
- Later appreciation or depreciation creates capital gains/losses
- Different tokens may have different tax classifications
- Thresholds exist for reporting requirements
Record Keeping Best Practices
Maintain detailed records to avoid tax headaches:
- Screenshot or export earnings statements monthly
- Note the market value of tokens when received
- Track different earning categories separately
- Consider specialized crypto tax software
“Many people using apps to earn crypto don’t realize they need to report these earnings,” warns tax consultant Jennifer Yoon. “Setting up a simple system from the beginning can save enormous headaches during tax season.”
Conclusion: Building Your Crypto Portfolio Through Apps
As we’ve explored, there are numerous legitimate apps to earn crypto that can help you build a digital asset portfolio without significant initial investment. The key is finding methods that align with activities you already enjoy or can easily integrate into your daily routine.
For beginners, starting with educational platforms like Coinbase Learn provides both knowledge and immediate rewards. Passive earning methods like Brave Browser and Fold offer ways to accumulate cryptocurrency without changing your habits significantly.
Those willing to dedicate more time might explore play-to-earn games like Axie Infinity or community-building platforms like Pi Network. Meanwhile, shoppers can redirect their existing spending through StormX or Fold to earn crypto cashback.
Remember that while none of these apps will make you rich overnight, they provide accessible entry points to cryptocurrency ownership. The beauty of digital assets is their potential for appreciation—small accumulations today could have significant value in the future.
As with any financial endeavor, diversification is wise. Experiment with several apps to earn crypto to discover which ones provide the best return on your time investment. Most importantly, use these platforms as opportunities to learn about blockchain technology and the growing cryptocurrency ecosystem while building your digital portfolio one token at a time.