9+ Best Gig Apps: Ranked & Reviewed

Making money on the side is always a plus, and with so many gig apps available, it’s easier than ever to find one that best suits your needs.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of gig apps available and what to look for when selecting the best gig apps.

We will also provide tips on how to get started and make the most money possible.

An Overview of Gig Apps

Multiple gig apps exist inside the gig economy.

With these platforms, earning money has never been easier.

What Is a Gig App?

Gig apps are online platforms that help you find opportunities to make side money.

They can vary from taking surveys, driving for a rideshare service, or using a shopping app.

If you select a rideshare gig app, you can set your hours and work as much or as little as you want.

Or, you might sit at home at the computer while taking surveys or completing small tasks.

Why Are Gig Apps Important?

Gig apps are crucial when you are looking to make extra money.

They offer flexible hours and competitive pay that can help supplement your full-time income.

Additionally, most apps don’t require prior experience or qualifications.

Do I Need a Gig App?

Whether or not you need to use a gig app depends on your situation.

If you are looking for a way to make money on a flexible schedule, then it’s best to look into the gig apps that help you achieve your goals.

The Best Gig Apps at a Glance

Before we reveal all the gig apps to try, we will show you the two apps we consider your best options for making money quickly.

Features To Look For in Gig Apps

In search of the app that will give you the most lucrative gig engagements?

Here are a few qualities to consider before choosing one.

Flexibility

A gig app should offer flexible working hours and shifts that allow you to work according to your availability.

Flexibility helps if you need to manage childcare or attend classes in addition to working.

With this type of flexibility, you can take on jobs when you have the time and energy available.

Variety

Gig apps open access to tasks from different industries and locations.

Instead of applying for long-term positions at one workplace, you can choose from a selection of short-term projects across various fields.

You might find yourself writing blog posts one week and driving passengers the next.

Convenience

Finding jobs on a gig app is typically fast and simple.

With no need for face-to-face meetings or lengthy applications, you can quickly search through gigs and apply immediately if interested.

It makes it easier than traditional methods such as trawling classifieds websites or staffing agencies.

Mobility

Working with gig apps allows you to take your work wherever you go.

You’ll never miss out on an opportunity if you’re away from home or the office.

All you need is access to the Internet and you’re ready to apply for gigs wherever they appear.

Accessibility

Apart from occasionally needing credentials before taking on roles, most gigs do not require long-term commitments or contracts.

The gigs you work for must be easy to apply for and shouldn’t take long to get started. Pick up work whenever it’s convenient for you.

Best Gig Apps: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]

With an in-depth look into the top gig apps, you can decide which fits your needs.

Let’s examine the best gig economy jobs.

Swagbucks – Our Pick

Swagbucks is an app that helps you earn rewards, cash back, and gift cards for online activities.

Download the app, register an account and start making money.

Once you’ve earned enough points, you can redeem them for real cash or great gift cards from popular brands like Amazon, Starbucks, and Target.

Plus, earn even more cashback bonuses when you shop through the Swagbucks app.

Key Features of Swagbucks

Swagbucks has five key features that make it an attractive money-making app.

• Earning rewards: Gain points with activities like watching videos, playing games, and shopping online. Turn these fun activities into money-making activities.
• Cash-out options: Get your rewards quickly with PayPal or gift cards from different retailers and online stores.
• Surveys: Participate in surveys to increase the value of your rewards even further. Select simple surveys that won’t take too much time to complete.
• Exclusive deals: Access special offers from top brands such as Amazon and Target. Turn on alerts so you don’t miss these features.
• No fees & minimal requirements: Enjoy free cashouts with no minimum requirement for cashing out rewards.

Pros of Swagbucks

• Wide variety of activities to earn rewards: Swagbucks offers a range of activities, from watching videos to shopping online, allowing users to find the best way to earn rewards.
• Frequent discounts and promotions: Swagbucks also periodically offers discounts and promotional offers that make it easier to get more bang for your buck.
• Mobile app available: With the Swagbucks mobile app, you can now earn rewards even when you’re on the go.

Cons of Swagbucks

• Time-consuming: While the activities offered by Swagbucks can be easy, they can also take up a lot of your time if you’re not careful.
• Unclear redemption process: It can be difficult to understand how to redeem rewards from Swagbucks, making it hard to maximize how much you can get out of the platform.
• Limited earning opportunities: Depending on your location, some activities may not be available.

Swagbucks Income

The money you can make with Swagbucks depends on how much time and effort you put into it.

Generally speaking, you might earn anywhere from $10 to $50 per month.

Depending on the type of activities you engage in, earnings potential could go higher.

The key is to open the app each time you shop to avoid missing any opportunities to get cash back from your purchases.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Swagbucks?

Swagbucks is our top choice when your goal is earning extra money without getting a formal job.

With careful navigation and the right strategies, you can maximize your earnings potential with Swagbucks and get a great return on your investment.

Survey Junkie – Runner-up

Survey Junkie is an easy and legitimate way to make extra money.

You can take surveys and earn rewards such as cash, gift cards, and more.

Create a free account, allow Survey Junkie to match you with relevant surveys, start taking surveys that interest you, and get rewarded for your time.

Key Features of Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie offers the following features to help you earn extra income.

• Simple signup: All you need to do is answer a few questions before you start taking surveys.
• Varied surveys: There are plenty of different surveys to choose from.
• Rewarding experience: Every survey you complete will reward you with cash or gift cards. The more surveys you take, the more rewards you receive.
• Secure payments: All payments for completed surveys are securely processed through Survey Junkie’s trusted payment partners.
• Helpful support: Need help or have questions? The friendly support team is on hand 24/7 to assist you with anything you need help with.

Pros of Survey Junkie

• Flexible schedule: You can take surveys whenever you have free time, so you don’t have to adjust your lifestyle or routine.
• Easy to understand: The user-friendly interface makes it easy to understand how each survey works and what your rewards will be for completing them.
• No risk involved: Joining is free and there is no risk involved.

Cons of Survey Junkie

• Low payout: The surveys typically provide a low payout rate, so you need to take a lot of them to make a substantial profit.
• Time-consuming: Surveys can take anywhere from five minutes to an hour or more, depending on the length and complexity of the survey.
• Limited availability: Not everyone is eligible for every survey, and sometimes it takes a while to find one that fits your demographic.

Survey Junkie Income

According to the website Survey Junkie, you can expect to earn anywhere from $1 to $50 per survey.

However, the exact amount varies depending on the type of survey and its complexity.

The potential earnings with Survey Junkie may vary but you can expect to earn a few hundred dollars per month taking surveys with Survey Junkie.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Survey Junkie?

Survey Junkie is an excellent platform when you want to earn extra money with minimal effort.

The payout process is fast so you can enjoy your earnings without delay.

Surveys are interesting and entertaining, spanning topics like movies and music to finances and healthcare.

No matter what your financial goals may be, Survey Junkie allows you to start reaching them today.

Ibotta – Also Great

Ibotta is an easy and convenient way to earn money.

You can link your loyalty cards or debit/credit cards and shop at any of their partner stores including Priceline, Home Depot, Best Buy, Groupon, Old Navy, and more.

When you purchase an eligible item from any of these stores, upload the receipt with the Ibotta app and get cash back for your purchase.

Key Features of Ibotta

The Ibotta app offers several features to improve your shopping experience.

• Cash back rewards: Ibotta offers cash back rewards when you use their app to purchase items from participating stores.
• Personalized offers: Ibotta personalizes its offers and tailors them to your shopping history and habits. The feature makes the process more enjoyable and speeds up the process the more you use the app.
• Scan & Go: The feature allows you to easily scan your purchases and submit for cash back without taking a picture of receipts.
• Referral program: You can earn bonus rewards by referring friends and family to join Ibotta’s platform and start saving.
• In-app coupons: With exclusive in-app coupons, you can save even more money when you shop with Ibotta.

Pros of Ibotta

• Variety of stores: Ibotta offers cash-back rewards at a variety of stores including grocery stores, drugstores, restaurants, and more. You should find that most stores you already frequent can start saving you money.
• Cash-out anytime: You can easily cash out your rewards with PayPal or Venmo whenever you wish.
• Many payment options: Ibotta offers various payment options, but also accepts gift cards from select retailers for even more convenience.

Cons of Ibotta

• Limitations: Ibotta’s offers are sometimes limited to specific stores.
• Wait periods: You may have to wait up to 3 days to earn cashback from Ibotta.
• Fees: There is a small fee associated with redeeming cash rewards once you reach $20 in earnings.

Ibotta Income

If you use Ibotta regularly, you could easily earn up to $50 or more each month.

With Ibotta’s cash-back rewards and referral program, your earnings can quickly add up.

Plus, with the variety of stores participating in the rewards program, there are plenty of opportunities to save money and maximize your earnings every month.

The key is to strategize and plan how to most effectively use the Ibotta app before making any purchases.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Ibotta?

With Ibotta, you can enjoy up to 10% cash back on select items, plus bonus rewards of 25%, 50%, or higher.

Strongly consider using Ibotta if you want to earn extra every month.

Give yourself time to get used to using the app each time you shop.

If you remain diligent, you will begin to see more money in your bank account at the end of every month.

Notable Mentions: Other Gig Apps To Check Out

Before you decide which gig app to use to start earning money, consider the additional options listed below.

Uber – Simple Rideshare Option

With Uber, you have the opportunity to drive your car and set your hours.

You’ll make money from each fare that you collect from passengers.

Sign up and start making money immediately. It’s easy, safe, and fun.

You can decide to supplement your regular income or turn driving into a full-time job.

Why Is Uber a Great Option?

You don’t need any special licenses or qualifications to make money with Uber.

With Uber, you have the opportunity to earn more than just from fares.

Rideshare companies like Uber also offer various bonuses and incentives that can help boost your income even further.

Additionally, you can drive whenever you want. Whether it’s in the morning, evening, or on the weekend.

Drawbacks to Uber

You may experience surges in demand during peak hours which could lead to higher fares but also more competition amongst drivers.

Additionally, the cost of gas and car maintenance fees can add up quickly, making it hard to turn a profit.

Lastly, driving for Uber requires flexibility, both in terms of when you can work and how long your trips last.

You might end up waiting for rides for long periods.

Uber Income

The amount of income you can expect to make driving for Uber depends on various factors.

These include your location, how often you drive, and the type of Uber service you provide.

Most rideshare drivers will earn somewhere between $15 to $20 an hour before vehicle expenses.

If you want to use Uber for a full-time income, you can earn upwards of $1,000 per week.

To do so, expect to work 10+ hours per day.

Lyft – Make Money Driving

The gig-type work that is offered on Lyft allows drivers to connect with passengers looking for a ride.

You will download the app and use it to find passengers in the area.

When a passenger requests a driver, they can view your profile, which includes photos and ratings, as well as details about your vehicle.

You can accept or reject ride offers from passengers, pick them up at their location, and drop them off at their destination.

Why Is Lyft a Great Option?

You can set your hours and drive when you choose.

You have access to real-time passenger requests, so you never miss out on an opportunity to earn income.

Additionally, you can track your earnings and get paid directly into your bank account.

Furthermore, you can see passengers and determine if you want to serve them.

Drawbacks to Lyft

You are responsible for all of the expenses that come with driving, such as gas and insurance.

Additionally, your income can fluctuate depending on how busy the city is at any given time.

Finally, you may run into unruly or unpleasant passengers which can be stressful and difficult to deal with.

Lyft Income

Factors that play into how much Lyft drivers make include the number of hours they work, the city they drive in, and the type of vehicle they’re using.

Generally speaking, however, you can expect to earn between $15 and $20 an hour in most major markets such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City.

Additionally, if you drive at times when demand for ridesharing is highest, you can expect to earn more than average.

These times include weekends or during peak commute hours.

DoorDash – Best Delivery Option

As a driver for DoorDash, your job is simple: pick up meals from local restaurants and deliver them to customers in the area.

All you need is a valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, a smartphone, and good customer service skills.

With DoorDash, you will get paid weekly and keep 80% of each delivery fee.

There are no restrictions on how much or how little you work.

Why Is DoorDash a Great Option?

DoorDash offers flexibility as a driver.

You can decide when you want to work and how much you want to make, allowing you to take control of your income.

Plus, most DoorDash orders are quick, easy, and hassle-free.

With DoorDash, you don’t have to worry about working long hours or dealing with difficult customers.

These factors make it an ideal option for supplemental income.

Drawbacks to DoorDash

You won’t always receive consistent orders since demand and supply can fluctuate.

You may have periods of slow business.

Additionally, you are responsible for your taxes since you’re not an employee.

You will need to pay out of pocket for expenses such as vehicle maintenance and repairs.

DoorDash Income

The amount of money you can make while driving for DoorDash depends on several factors, including your hours worked and the size of the order.

Generally, drivers earn $2 to $10 per order plus 100% of customer tips.

However, there are some promotions or certain types of orders that pay more.

Instacart – Earn Without Passengers

Instacart is an online grocery delivery service that allows people to shop for groceries from the comfort of their own homes.

As an Instacart shopper, you pick up orders from local stores and deliver them to customers’ doorsteps.

It’s easy, convenient, and best of all, you get paid for your efforts.

Why Is Instacart a Great Option?

With Instacart, you can set your flexible schedule, work wherever and whenever you have time, and even get tips from customers.

Plus, you’ll get paid quickly, with payouts weekly or sometimes even daily.

Additionally, you can set up direct deposit so your earnings will go directly into your bank account.

Drawbacks to Instacart

Due to the nature of the business, you’ll need to have access to reliable transportation.

Some customers can become demanding which may cause stress.

Instacart does take a commission from your earnings so you won’t make 100% of what you earn through your delivery work.

Instacart Income

Income depends on the area you work in, the availability of orders, and how well you complete tasks.

Generally speaking, most shoppers make between $15-$25 per hour plus tips.

To get the most from your Instacart experience, be sure to take advantage of peak hours and other high-demand periods for optimal pay.

Decluttr – Best eBay Alternative

Decluttr is a free app and website that allows you to make money by selling your unwanted items.

With Decluttr, you can easily list your items for sale, get an instant price quote, and receive fast payment.

The gig app focuses on tech items. You can sell cell phones, Apple watches, iPods, laptops, CDs, and more.

Why Is Decluttr a Great Option?

Decluttr is simple, fast, and secure.

With Decluttr, you can get an instant price quote for your items and receive payment quickly and securely.

Plus, it’s free and easy to use.

Drawbacks to Decluttr

While you can earn good money on high-value items like electronics and books, you’re unlikely to make much money when selling CDs or DVDs.

Their prices tend to be low.

Decluttr does not accept all types of items, so only certain items will qualify for sale.

If your customer isn’t happy with your item’s condition, they often return it on Decluttr.

Decluttr Income

The amount you can earn each month on Decluttr depends on the items you have to sell and the current market value of those items.

In general, you can expect to make anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars each month from selling your unwanted belongings with Decluttr.

VIPKid – Monetize Your Teaching Skills

VIPKid is an online platform that provides English language lessons to students.

It’s a way to earn a substantial income each month while working from the comfort of your own home.

Why is VIPKid a Great Option?

VIPKid allows you to set your hours and customize your schedule.

With flexible payment options and 24/7 support, VIPKid makes teaching easy and rewarding.

Whether you want to make a full-time commitment or just pick up some extra cash each month, teaching with VIPKid is the perfect choice for earning money online.

Drawbacks to VIPKid

While pay rates are competitive, you’ll receive payment based on the number of classes taught rather than hours worked.

It means that teachers may not make as much if they only teach a few classes in a month.

Since all lessons take place online there can be connection issues.

These issues lead to frustration and wasted time for both teacher and student.

VIPKid Income

Pay rates start at $14 per hour and can climb up to $22 per hour based on experience and qualifications.

VIPKid provides bonuses based on criteria such as teacher ratings and student referrals.

Taking all of these factors into consideration, the average VIPKid teacher earns between $1,000 to $2,000 each month.

Other Companies Relevant to Gig Apps

Take the time to consider these three additional gig app options.

• Gig Economy Platforms: Websites like Fiverr allow you to find and apply for gigs quickly and easily. You can set your rates, decide when to work, and control the type of gig you take on.
• Passive Income Apps: Apps like Acorns and Qmee allow you to make passive income from your phone. You can invest spare change into stocks or passively earn money by taking surveys and playing games.
• Best App to Make Money: If you’re looking for the best app to make money, look into apps like Rakuten. These apps offer cashback rewards for purchases made both in-store and online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about the best gig apps?

Wrapping Up

When it comes to the best gig apps, Swagbucks comes in as our winner.

It offers everything a gig app should concerning flexibility, variety, convenience, and making money on the go.

Survey Junkie is our top runner-up for making it simple to earn money from your laptop.

Research the gig apps we’ve provided above.

Look into the top three or five that interest you and then start using a couple to test how much money you earn each month.