Looking for ways to boost your income? There are tons of apps to make money right from your smartphone in 2025. Whether you’re saving for a vacation or just need some extra cash to make ends meet, these mobile applications can help you earn on the side without committing to a second job. I’ve tested dozens of these apps and compiled this list of the most legitimate, highest-paying options available today.
1. What Are Money-Making Apps?
Money-making apps are mobile applications designed specifically to help users earn extra income through various activities. Some require active participation, while others can generate passive income with minimal effort. The beauty of these apps is their accessibility—anyone with a smartphone can start earning.
1.1 How These Apps Actually Work
Most apps to make money operate on simple business models. Companies are willing to pay for your data, opinions, skills, or even just your attention. They partner with these apps as middlemen, who then distribute small payments to users for completing specific actions. The app developers make money by taking a small cut of each transaction or through advertising.
1.2 Types of Income-Generating Apps
Money-making apps generally fall into several categories:
- Task-based apps: Earn by completing small jobs or surveys
- Shopping apps: Get cashback or rewards for purchases you already make
- Skill-based apps: Sell your professional services or talents
- Sharing apps: Make money by renting out your assets or time
- Investment apps: Grow your money through micro-investing
2. Top Money-Making Apps for Beginners (Apps 1-5)
If you’re just starting your side hustle journey, these beginner-friendly apps offer the easiest entry point with minimal skills required.
2.1 Survey and Task-Based Apps (Apps 1-3)
Survey apps are among the most popular ways to make a few extra bucks. While you won’t get rich, they’re super easy to use during downtime.
App #1: Swagbucks This oldie-but-goodie lets you earn points for surveys, watching videos, and even playing games. Most users report making $50-100 monthly with consistent use. The beauty is you can literally earn while waiting in line or watching TV!
App #2: TaskRabbit Need something a bit more substantial? TaskRabbit connects you with people in your area who need help with everything from furniture assembly to grocery shopping. Some “Taskers” earn $20-35 per hour depending on the gig and their skill level.
App #3: UserTesting Got opinions? UserTesting pays you $10 for each 20-minute session testing websites and apps. The catch? You need to think out loud and provide honest feedback, but hey, that’s $30 an hour if you can chain a few tests together!
2.2 Cashback and Shopping Apps (Apps 4-5)
Why not earn money on purchases you’re already making? These apps give you a percentage back on everyday spending.
2.2.1 Best Grocery Cashback Options
App #4: Ibotta Simply upload your grocery receipts and earn cash back on specific items. What’s cool about Ibotta is that it works at virtually any grocery store, and users report saving $25-50 monthly on average. The app to make money has even expanded to include online shopping rebates too!
2.2.2 Retail Shopping Rewards
App #5: Rakuten Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten gives you cashback for shopping at over 3,500 stores. The trick with this money-making app is to always start your online shopping here. Some users report earning hundreds in quarterly “Big Fat Checks” during heavy shopping seasons.
3. Freelance and Gig Economy Apps (Apps 6-9)
Got skills? These apps help you monetize your talents and time.
3.1 Skill-Based Earning Platforms (Apps 6-7)
App #6: Fiverr If you’ve got marketable skills like graphic design, writing, or programming, Fiverr lets you create “gigs” starting at $5. Don’t let the name fool you though—top sellers on this app to make money earn thousands monthly by bundling services and adding premium options.
App #7: Upwork For more serious freelancing, Upwork connects you with clients worldwide. While the competition can be stiff, establishing yourself with positive reviews can lead to long-term, higher-paying contracts. I personally know people making full-time incomes of $60K+ annually through this platform!
3.2 Delivery and Transportation Apps (Apps 8-9)
3.2.1 Food Delivery Services
App #8: DoorDash DoorDash “Dashers” deliver food from local restaurants to hungry customers. The flexible schedule makes this perfect for fitting around your main job. Earnings vary wildly by location, but urban Dashers report making $15-25 hourly during peak meal times.
3.2.2 Rideshare Opportunities
App #9: Uber/Lyft The OG side hustle apps still offer solid earning potential. Rideshare drivers typically earn $15-25 per hour after expenses, but strategic drivers who work airport runs and surge pricing times can push that significantly higher.
4. Passive Income Apps (Apps 10-15)
Want to make money while you sleep? These apps can help generate income with minimal ongoing effort.
4.1 Investment Apps for Beginners (Apps 10-12)
App #10: Acorns Perfect for investment newbies, Acorns rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference. It’s not going to make you rich overnight, but it’s a painless way to start building wealth. Some users report accumulating $1,000+ in their first year just from spare change!
App #11: Robinhood This commission-free investment app democratizes stock market access. While all investments carry risk, Robinhood makes it easy to start with as little as $1. The app to make money even offers fractional shares, meaning you can own a tiny piece of expensive stocks like Amazon or Google.
App #12: Fundrise Want to invest in real estate without being a landlord? Fundrise lets you invest in commercial and residential properties for as little as $10. Returns typically range from 8-12% annually, outperforming many traditional investment vehicles.
4.2 Asset-Sharing Apps (Apps 13-15)
4.2.1 Rent Your Possessions
App #13: Turo Got a car sitting idle? Turo lets you rent it out to travelers and locals. Car owners report earning $500-800 monthly renting out a single vehicle part-time, effectively covering their car payments and then some.
App #14: Fat Llama This unique app lets you rent out almost anything you own—cameras, drones, musical instruments, you name it! Some users report paying off expensive equipment by renting it out when not in use.
4.2.2 Share Your Space
App #15: Airbnb The ultimate space-sharing app can turn your spare room or vacation property into serious income. While earnings vary dramatically by location, even renting out a spare room in a moderately desirable area can generate $500-1,000 monthly.
5. Tips to Maximize Earnings From Money-Making Apps
Not all approaches to these apps are created equal. Here’s how to get the most bang for your buck (or time).
5.1 Creating an Effective Strategy
To maximize your earnings with apps to make money, try these proven strategies:
- Stack complementary apps – Use Ibotta while shopping for your Instacart deliveries, or invest your Swagbucks earnings with Acorns.
- Set specific income goals – Having a target makes you more likely to stick with it.
- Track your hourly rate – Some opportunities seem great until you calculate your actual hourly earnings.
- Focus on your strengths – If you’re a great writer, you’ll earn more on Fiverr than delivering food.
- Leverage peak times – Rideshare and delivery apps pay significantly more during high-demand periods.
5.2 Avoiding Scams and Low-Value Opportunities
Unfortunately, not all apps to make money are legitimate. Watch out for these red flags:
- Upfront fees – Legitimate money-making apps don’t charge you to join.
- Unrealistic promises – No app will make you rich overnight.
- Poor reviews – Check app store ratings and online forums before committing.
- Payment thresholds – Some apps require earning $50+ before cashing out, hoping you’ll give up before reaching it.
6. Conclusion: Building Your App-Based Income Stream
Apps to make money have revolutionized the side hustle landscape, making it easier than ever to earn extra cash on your own terms. The key is finding the right mix of apps that match your skills, resources, and available time.
Start with one or two apps that appeal to you most, master them, and then gradually expand your money-making app portfolio. Many successful side hustlers use 3-5 different apps to create a diversified income stream that’s both stable and flexible.
Remember that while none of these apps will replace a full-time job overnight, the combined earnings from several can add up to significant money. Whether you’re saving for a specific goal or just want some extra spending cash, there’s never been a better time to start making money with your smartphone.
Which app will you try first? Whatever your skills or schedule, there’s an app to make money that’s perfect for your situation. The only question is: how will you spend your extra earnings?