We scoured the internet to help you get paid to download apps. What follows is the mega list of every app we could find, plus some advice on how to get the best experience when downloading apps to get paid.
But first, let’s take a step back and look at the big picture.
There are several ways to get paid to download apps:
- Participate in paid app beta testing programs: Many app developers offer paid beta testing programs where users can test out new apps and get paid for providing feedback.
- Join paid survey websites: Some websites and apps offer paid surveys that ask users to download and test out new apps in exchange for payment.
- Get paid to download apps through referral programs: Some app developers offer referral programs that pay users for downloading and using their apps.
But first, a warning:
It’s important to be cautious when downloading apps that promise to pay you for using them.
Some of these apps may be scams or may not pay as much as they claim.
It’s always a good idea to do your research and read reviews before downloading any app that promises to pay you.
That being said, we’ll look at the apps we’ve used in the past. We’ll tell you when we start to list cash apps that we have not personally used and tested.
Tried and Tested Apps For Cash
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a rewards and cashback website that allows users to earn points (called “Swagbucks”) for participating in a variety of activities like:
- Taking surveys
- Shopping online
- Watching videos
- Even playing minigames
Users can then redeem their Swagbucks for gift cards or cash through PayPal.
In addition to these activities, Swagbucks also offers opportunities to earn points by downloading and using apps.
These offers may include downloading a new app and using it for a certain period of time, or completing specific tasks within the app.
But, it’s important to note that Swagbucks is not the developer of the apps that it offers for download.
Swagbucks partners with app developers to offer users the opportunity to earn points by downloading and using their apps.
As with any website or app that promises to pay users for completing tasks, it’s essential to research and read reviews before signing up for Swagbucks or participating in any of its offers.
So what was my experience with Swagbucks?
I love it. There’s a reason it ranks as our #1 App to download if you want to get paid.
In fact, we used the cash we made from Swagbucks to pay for the equipment for our first internet business. We turned our Swagbucks in for Amazon gift cards and used them to buy the equipment we needed for our $250 per hour home business.
Pro Tip: Converting Swagbucks to Amazon gift cards is usually the best bang-for-your Swagbucks. They often have a discount if you save up to buy a certain amount ($25 last time we checked).
Even after our business was up and running, I kept using Swagbucks to let ads run in the background while I graded papers or did other tasks.
I can’t even tell you how many gifts and books we’ve paid for thanks to Swagbucks.
Survey Junkie
OK, this is my second favorite of these “download to get paid” apps. This was phase #2 of raising capital to start our home business.
Survey Junkie is a paid survey website that allows you to earn money for participating in online surveys and other research studies.
The website is available on a desktop computer or mobile device.
To use Survey Junkie, you must create an account and complete a profile.
You will then receive invitations to participate in surveys and other research studies based on your profile information.
You can earn money for each study you complete, which you can redeem through PayPal or for gift cards and other rewards.
Survey Junkie is owned by Lightspeed, a global market research company.
The website is available in a number of countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and more.
*Survey Junkie is a legitimate paid survey website and is not a scam.
However, as with any website or app that offers rewards for completing surveys or other tasks, it’s always a good idea to read the terms of service and privacy policy before signing up.
Shopkick
Ok, this one is a little more active.
It’s not the sort of thing you can just let run while grading papers.
But we still love it because it is still very passive.
So what is Shopkick and how does downloading it get you paid?
Shopkick is a shopping rewards app that allows users to earn points (called “kicks”) for visiting stores, making purchases, and completing other tasks.
These points can then be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, and other rewards.
That’s the active part and where we made the most money.
Getting paid to run your errands is pretty sweet.
But here’s where you can get paid to download apps:
See, you can also get paid to download and use certain apps. These offers may include downloading a new app and using it for a certain period of time, or completing specific tasks within the app.
I’ll give the same warning I gave with Swagbucks: It’s important to note that Shopkick is not the developer of the apps that it offers for download. Instead, it partners with app developers to offer users the opportunity to earn kicks by downloading and using their apps.
As with any app that promises to pay users for completing tasks, it’s essential to research and read reviews before downloading Shopkick or participating in any of its offers.
Instacart
And this one is even more active!
You can get paid to download the Instacart app if you are willing to do the leg work and become an Instacart shopper.
To become an Instacart shopper, you will need to apply and be accepted to the program.
Requirements for becoming a shopper vary by location, but generally, you will need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license and insurance, and be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. You will also need to have a reliable vehicle to use for deliveries.
As an Instacart shopper, you will be responsible for selecting and delivering grocery orders to customers. You will be paid a base rate per order, as well as additional fees for certain tasks, such as shopping at multiple stores or delivering large orders. You will also receive tips from customers.
So how much does an Instacart shopper make?
Well, it depends.
According to information provided by Instacart, the average hourly earnings for a shopper are $15-25, although some shoppers may earn more or less depending on their location and the demand for deliveries.
In addition to their base pay, shoppers may also earn additional fees for completing certain tasks, such as shopping at multiple stores or delivering large orders.
The amount an Instacart shopper earns can vary significantly depending on their availability and the demand for deliveries in their area.
Some shoppers may be able to complete a high volume of orders in a short period of time, while others may have a slower schedule.
Either way, if you’re looking for a side hustle, Instacart might be right for you.
Rakuten
Rakuten is a cashback and rewards website that allows users to earn cash back on their online purchases at participating retailers.
So to get paid, just download the app or the web extension and continue shopping like you normally would.
Rakuten also offers a variety of other ways to earn cash back, including by taking surveys, watching videos, and referring friends.
These are all fine and legit, but you’re here to learn how to get paid for downloading apps.
Well, Rakuten does that too!
These offers may include downloading a new app and using it for a certain period of time, or completing specific tasks within the app, just like we’ve seen before.
Also, Rakuten is a seriously large company that is always evolving. Who knows what they’ll add next?
Ibotta
Similar to Rakuten, Ibotta is a cashback and rewards app that allows users to earn cash back on their purchases at participating retailers. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
To use Ibotta, users first need to download the app and create an account. They can then browse the available offers and select the ones they want to redeem.
To earn cashback, users can either scan their receipts or link their credit or debit card to their Ibotta account.
Ibotta offers cash back on a wide range of purchases, including groceries, household essentials, clothing, and more.
Users can also earn cashback by completing surveys and tasks within the app.
AND users can also earn bonuses by inviting friends to join Ibotta and by reaching certain earning milestones within the app.
You can redeem your ibotta cash back through PayPal or by requesting a physical gift card.
All of the above apps have been personally downloaded and tested by us.
That means we have downloaded each of these and actually gotten paid by the apps.
So who paid us the most money?
By far the app that has paid us the most cash is Swagbucks. Since we first downloaded that app, we have been paid hundreds of dollars.
Remember, we used Swagbucks to pay for our first online business.
And it pays for a healthy chunk of my reading addiction.
But enough about us, let’s move on to the rest of the list.
Here it is, every single get-paid-to-download app we could find. We haven’t vetted these, so please do your due diligence!
Get Paid to Download Apps: The Biggest List Anywhere
InboxDollars
InboxDollars is a rewards and cashback website that allows you to earn money for participating in a variety of activities, including taking surveys, shopping online, and watching videos.
You can also earn money by reading emails and playing games.
InboxDollars also offers opportunities to earn money by downloading and using certain apps.
These offers may include downloading a new app and using it for a certain period of time, or completing specific tasks within the app.
Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel
The Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel is a market research program that allows users to earn rewards for allowing Nielsen to collect data on their internet usage.
The panel is available through a website and mobile app.
To participate in the panel, users must first download the Nielsen app and create an account.
They will then need to install the app on their computer, smartphone, or tablet, and keep it running in the background.
Nielsen will then collect data on the websites and apps that users visit and use, as well as other information about their internet usage.
Users who participate in the panel will earn rewards for each month that they have the app installed and running. These rewards can be redeemed for gift cards or other rewards.
Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel is a legitimate market research program and is not a scam.
(Nielsen has been around for more years than I have)
However, as with any app or program that collects data on your internet usage, it’s always a good idea to read the privacy policy and terms of service before signing up.
MyPoints
MyPoints is a rewards and cashback website that allows you to earn points for participating in a variety of activities, including taking surveys, shopping online, and watching videos.
You can also earn points by reading emails and playing games.
In addition to these activities, MyPoints also gives you opportunities to earn points by downloading and using certain apps.
These offers may include downloading a new app and using it for a certain period of time, or completing specific tasks within the app.
Users can redeem their points for gift cards, cash through PayPal, or other rewards.
LifePoints
LifePoints is a market research panel that allows you to earn rewards for participating in surveys and other research studies. The panel is available through a website and mobile app.
To participate in LifePoints, you need to create an account and complete a profile.
You will then receive invitations to participate in surveys and other research studies based on your profile information.
You can earn points for each study you complete, which can be redeemed for cash through PayPal or gift cards and other rewards.
LifePoints is owned by Lightspeed, a global market research company. The panel is available in a number of countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and more.
It’s important to note that LifePoints, like Neilsen, is a legitimate market research panel and is not a scam.
However, as with any website or app that offers rewards for completing surveys or other tasks, it’s always a good idea to read the terms of service and privacy policy before signing up.
Mistplay
Mistplay is a mobile app that allows you to earn rewards for playing mobile games. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
To use Mistplay, you need to download the app and create an account.
You can then browse the available games and select the ones you want to play.
As you play games, you will earn rewards in the form of points, which can be redeemed for gift cards and other prizes.
Mistplay partners with game developers to offer users the opportunity to earn rewards by playing their games. The app includes a variety of games in different categories, including action, puzzle, strategy, and more.
Mistplay is not a gaming app itself, but rather a platform that rewards users for playing games.
GrabPoints
GrabPoints is a rewards app that allows you to earn points for participating in a variety of activities, including taking surveys, watching videos, and downloading and using certain apps.
You can then redeem their points for gift cards, cash through PayPal, and other rewards.
To use GrabPoints, you must first download the app and create an account. you can then browse the available offers and select the ones you want to complete. In addition to earning points for completing offers, users can also earn points by inviting friends to join Grab Points and by participating in special promotions.
AppKarma
AppKarma is a rewards app that allows users to earn points for downloading and using certain apps. Users can then redeem their points for gift cards, cash through PayPal, and other rewards.
To use AppKarma, users must first download the app and create an account. They can then browse the available offers and select the ones they want to complete.
In addition to earning points for downloading and using apps, users can also earn points by inviting friends to join AppKarma and by participating in special promotions.
It’s important to note that AppKarma is not the developer of the apps that it offers for download.
Instead, it partners with app developers to offer users the opportunity to earn points by downloading and using their apps.
As with any app that promises to pay users for completing tasks, it’s always a good idea to research and read reviews before downloading and using AppKarma.
Boom Gift
Boom Gift is a rewards app that allows users to earn points for downloading and using certain apps. Users can then redeem their points for gift cards, cash through PayPal, and other rewards.
To use Boom Gift, users must first download the app and create an account. They can then browse the available offers and select the ones they want to complete.
In addition to earning points for downloading and using apps, users can also earn points by inviting friends to join Boom Gift and by participating in special promotions.
FeaturePoints
FeaturePoints is a rewards app that pays you for downloading and using certain apps.
You can then redeem their points for gift cards, cash through PayPal, and other rewards.
You can also earn points by inviting friends to join FeaturePoints and by participating in special promotions.
CashPirate (Android)
To use CashPirate, users must first download the app and create an account. They can then browse the available offers and select the ones they want to complete.
In addition to earning money for downloading and using apps, users can also earn money by taking surveys, watching videos, and completing other tasks within the app.
Users can redeem their earnings through PayPal or by requesting a physical gift card.
iRazoo
Irazoo is a website and mobile app that allows users to earn rewards for completing various tasks, such as taking surveys, watching videos, and playing games.
The website and app are owned and operated by Side Money LLC, a company that specializes in creating digital experiences that engage and reward users. With Irazoo, users can earn points for completing tasks, which can then be redeemed for gift cards or other rewards.
The website and app are available in the United States and may offer different tasks and rewards depending on the user’s location.
App Flame (Android)
App Flame is a rewards app that allows users to earn points for downloading and using certain apps. Users can then redeem their points for gift cards, cash through PayPal, and other rewards.
(Are these starting to sound repetitive?)
We have basically gotten to the clone state here. Each of these will still help you get paid to download apps, but there is very little difference between them.
So from here on out, we’ll just save you some eyestrain and list them out. Google might hate it, but hopefully, it will be easier for you.
Get Paid to Download Apps: All the Clones
AppNana
Cash for Apps
Free My Apps
instaGC
AppBounty(Android)
Make Money
Grana Cash App
CashOut
GiftPanda
AppDown
Whaff Rewards
FreeAppsFast
MeshBean
Diamond Cash
AppMan
Gift Bay
AppRedeem
Ok, enough of the apps that pay you to download other apps. What other ways are there to make a little extra money?
How to Earn Money by Downloading Apps And Completing Surveys
There are a number of websites and apps that allow users to earn money or other rewards for downloading and completing surveys.
These offers may include downloading a new app and using it for a certain period of time, or completing specific tasks within the app.
In addition to earning money by downloading apps, many of these websites and apps also offer other ways to earn rewards, such as by taking surveys, watching videos, and participating in special promotions.
We’ve personally made money by surveys through Swagbucks, but Survey Junkie tends to get all the glory here.
But no one ever talks about the surveys on (my personal survey favorite) mTurk. These tend to be academic surveys (you’re helping college students do research) and the movie is legit. “I’ve made up eight bucks an hour doing this.
My most recent win: I bought a $400 Chromebook with mTurk surveys.
Safety Check: Important Things To Consider Before Downloading Apps
I know I know, you just want to get paid.
But there’s no sense in getting money from these apps if you aren’t going to be safe.
So please remember a few important things before installing apps on your device:
- Permissions: Make sure to read and understand the permissions that the app is requesting before installing it. If an app is requesting access to sensitive information or functions on your device, you may want to think twice before granting those permissions.
- Reviews: Check the reviews for the app to see what other people have experienced. If there are a lot of negative reviews or complaints about the app, it may be best to avoid it.
- Security: Consider the security of the app and the company behind it. Make sure the app has a good track record of protecting user data and ensure that the company has a good reputation.
- Compatibility: Check to make sure the app is compatible with your device and operating system. If an app is not designed to work with your device, it may not function correctly or could even cause problems with your device.
- Cost: Consider the cost of the app and whether it is worth the price. If an app is free, be aware that it may include in-app purchases or display ads to generate revenue. All of these apps are free to download and should remain that way. In my opinion, if they charge, dump them. There are a ton of free apps out there.
What Is The Best Way To Make Money By Downloading Apps?
The best way to make money by downloading apps will depend on your interests and goals. Some options that may be worth considering include:
- Participating in paid surveys: If you enjoy giving your opinion and providing feedback, you may be able to earn money by taking surveys through apps.
- Completing tasks and offers: Some apps will pay you to complete tasks or offers, such as signing up for a free trial or completing a survey. This can be a good way to earn some extra money, but be aware that these tasks may require a significant time investment.
- Referring friends: Some apps will pay you to refer your friends to download the app. This can be a good way to earn passive income, as you can earn money for each friend that signs up.
- Using cashback apps: Cashback apps allow you to earn a percentage of your purchase back when you shop at certain stores. This can be a good way to save money on your everyday purchases and earn some extra cash in the process.
- Selling your data: Some apps will pay you for access to your data, such as your location, browsing history, and search history. This can be a good way to earn passive income, but be aware that you will be giving up some privacy in exchange for this income.
In the end, I achieved my highest returns by putting a system in place.
What was that system?
I think it’s going to depend on each person and situation. I had lots of passive time while I graded papers, so I downloaded more apps that featured ad-watching or timers.
If I could download an app and then get paid to just leave it open while I graded papers, I did it.
But when it came to apps that required input like survey sites, I did less of those.
(But I would queue up all the surveys to do while I was visiting my inlaws).
So you’ll just have to experiment for yourself.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Now might be a good time to answer a few questions about downloading money-making apps.
Which apps do you recommend?
My personal favorite is Swagbucks.
From the non-vetted list, Survey Junkie is generally regarded as the best of the cash apps.
How do I make money?
For most of these, you are going to download apps and try them out for a set period of time.
Swagbucks will have more variety and in my opinion more fun opportunities.
But some of these, like Survey Junkie, will give you surveys to complete.
Almost all of these pay out in gift cards or PayPal.
What kind of phone do I need?
I used some off-brand burner phones for mine, so you don’t need anything spectacular. Get something used or something with a broken screen to save some money.
How much money can I make?
Everyone’s going to be different, but I’ve paid for a Chromebook, a bunch of Christmas presents for my kid, and I-don’t-even-know-how-many books with gift cards from Swagbucks.
But don’t set your hopes too high. This is for side money and pocket change. Yes, you can make hundreds of dollars, but it isn’t going to change your life.
For that kind of money, you want to check out our list of flexible work-from-home jobs.
Can I download the same app on different reward apps?
Sure. They will almost always pay because the different apps can’t compare notes about what you’ve downloaded.
Can I uninstall the app after I get paid?
Yep!
Do you ever have to pay?
I’ve heard that there are pay options out there but that just doesn’t sound legit to me. These companies get paid to distribute apps. They should pay you, not the other way around.
Closing Thoughts
Our goal here at Three Month Millionaire is to help you achieve freedom, both financially and in your working life. The dream is to build a million-dollar business that can be run in three months or less per year.
We believe that the key to freedom is small business ownership.
And we believe that you can start a business from your home that will change your life.
We believe it because it happened to us.
And remember, the money we needed to start that business… It came from downloading apps just like these (although there were far fewer apps to download back then).
We have amassed over half-a-million dollars in assets since 2014 and it all started with gift cards from Swagbucks.
To see how we did it, check out our Income Reports.
To learn more about what we do here and how to achieve the 3MM dream, check out:
- 7 Tactics for Investing Like The Best Investors In History
- Our Ultimate Guide to Building a Business
- Our Ultimate Productivity Guide
- Our Ultimate Guide to Investing
We also publish unbiased reviews of business tools and software. To see some of our top review posts, Check out:
- Our reviews of the Best Online Course Creation Software
- Our reviews of the Best Books For Following the Three-Month Millionaire Journey
- Our reviews of the Best Business Tools No One Ever Told Us About
- Our reviews of the Best Social Media Management Tools
