5 Best Paid Research Studies To Earn Money Online In 2025
Paid studies are becoming a go-to way to earn extra income from home. Participating in them could be a great fit if you're looking for convenient ways to get paid online.
This guide covers where to find legit research studies, what’s usually required, and how to participate in a way that earns you more money – all from the comfort of your own space.
What are paid research studies?
Paid studies are organized by companies, universities, or researchers who want real feedback. You might test a new product, a new technology, join a focus group, or complete behavioral surveys. These studies can be quick or in-depth, and they’re done online, in-person in a research facility, or both.
Unlike quick surveys that pay cents, in-depth studies often offer $50 to $250+ per session. It’s a great way to make money without investment.
Why do organizations pay participants?
Feedback is essential for product development, improving services, and advancing academic research. Companies pay participants to gain valuable insights into consumer preferences, helping them improve. Universities also rely on diverse demographic input to support studies in various fields, from psychology to economics.
These studies rely on honest input – which is why your time and opinions are worth paying for. It’s also a great side hustle idea for students who want to earn from home.
Types of paid research studies
There are several types of paid studies, each offering different formats and payout ranges. Understanding the options will help you decide which is the best fit for your time and interests.
- Online Surveys: These are short, easy questionnaires that typically require minimal effort. They’re the quickest option and tend to offer lower pay. However, they’re great for those looking to earn some extra cash on the side. You can find surveys that pay instantly through various platforms if you're interested in them.
- Focus Groups: In these group discussions, participants share their thoughts on products, marketing strategies, or social issues. Focus groups are usually more interactive and may require a bit more time, but they also pay more than basic surveys.
- User Testing (Usability Studies): These studies involve testing apps, websites, or software, often while recording your screen and providing feedback on user experience. It’s a popular type of study, particularly for those interested in new technology. Becoming a paid product tester can give you access to a variety of these opportunities.
- Academic Studies: These are conducted by universities and often include surveys or behavioral experiments. Researchers need input from a wide range of participants, and you might be asked to share your experiences or opinions on various topics.
- Medical Studies/Clinical Trials: These studies usually have higher payouts but have stricter eligibility requirements and more risks. They include testing new treatments, a new medical technology, or gathering data on health. Because of the potential risks, these studies are more serious and require careful consideration before participation.
Each type of study can be done remotely, in-person, or via video calls, offering flexibility based on your preferred format.
Reviewing 5 most popular paid studies
Here are five top-rated platforms offering paid studies in 2025:
1. User Interviews
User Interviews is a trusted platform that connects participants with companies and researchers looking for honest feedback. Participants take part in interviews, focus groups, or surveys to share their thoughts on products, services, and new technology.
- What you’ll do: Participate in remote interviews, usually via video call, answering questions or testing products.
- Compensation: Most studies pay between $20 to $100 or more, depending on length and topic.
- Study length: Sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes.
- Requirements: Some studies target specific illness, demographics, or interests, while others are open to all.
- How to start: Create a profile, fill out screener surveys, and apply for studies that are a good fit for you.
It’s a simple way to participate in research and gain income for your opinion – no special skills or setup required.
2. Respondent
Respondent is a platform that pays participants to join research studies focused on business, tech, health, and consumer topics. Participation includes interviews, product feedback sessions, or surveys.
- What you’ll do: Share your opinion in one-on-one interviews or group discussions. Topics range from everyday consumer habits to business tools.
- Compensation: Most studies pay between $50 and $250, often through PayPal.
- Study length: Sessions usually last 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the project.
- Requirements: Some studies seek participants in certain fields, while others are open to students, parents, or general consumers. Your location, work background, or interests might help determine if you’re a good fit.
- How to start: Visit Respondent, create a profile, verify your identity, and apply to any available studies that match your skills or experience.
It’s a great option if you’re looking to earn cash while contributing to meaningful research.
3. Prolific
Prolific is a research platform used primarily by universities and academic institutions to conduct online research studies in the fields of psychology, social behavior, and consumer decision-making.
- What you’ll do: Complete surveys and tasks designed by academic researchers. These may involve answering questions, solving problems, or responding to various scenarios.
- Compensation: Most studies pay between $6 to $12 per hour, with some higher-paying options depending on the study's complexity.
- Study length: Most sessions last 5 to 45 minutes, with time and pay clearly listed before you begin.
- Requirements: You must be 18 or older. Some studies are open to all, while others may require specific illness, demographics, or interests.
- How to start: Sign up at Prolific, create a detailed participant profile, and check for new studies regularly. Matching your profile to available research improves your chances of participation.
Prolific is known for fair compensation, quick payments, and a steady flow of academic studies.
4. Rare Patient Voice
Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with researchers conducting clinical studies and surveys about rare and chronic diseases. It’s designed for participants who want to contribute to medical research and help improve future treatment options.
- What you’ll do: Share your experiences by answering surveys, participating in interviews, or joining phone or video studies.
- Compensation: Participants typically earn $100 per hour, depending on the type and length of the study.
- Study length: Most studies range from 30 minutes to 1 hour, though some may be longer.
- Requirements: You must have a qualifying illness or be a caregiver for someone who does. Studies vary by disease, location, or cohort, so eligibility depends on each project.
- How to start: Visit Rare Patient Voice, create a profile, and join a panel. You’ll be contacted when a study matches your background.
It's a powerful way to participate in trials while making a real difference in people’s lives – and getting paid for it.
5. IntelliZoom Panel
IntelliZoom Panel pays participants to test websites, apps, and digital products. It's a simple way to give feedback on technology and services, helping companies improve the online user experience.
- What you’ll do: Participate in usability studies by completing tasks on a website or app while speaking your thoughts out loud. Some sessions may include screen and voice recordings.
- Compensation: Pays between $2 and $10 per study, depending on complexity. More in-depth tasks may pay higher.
- Study length: Most take 10 to 20 minutes to complete.
- Requirements: You need to be at least 18, fluent in English or Spanish, and have a computer or smartphone with a microphone. A quiet place to record is essential.
- How to start: Sign up on IntelliZoom Panel, complete a practice test, and wait for studies that match your profile and interests.
It’s an easy way to participate in research studies for money, especially for participants who want to give feedback on digital products and get paid quickly.
How to choose the right paid online research study
Before joining any paid studies, think about what works best for you. Some studies require a bigger time commitment, like clinical trials or detailed interviews, while others are quick surveys you can finish in minutes. Look at the payment method, how comfortable you are sharing personal information, and whether the topic matches your interests or skills.
It’s a good idea to review your schedule and only apply to studies that feel like a good fit. If you’re between invitations or just want to earn a little extra, you can also get paid to take surveys on JumpTask. It’s a flexible option that lets you earn without set appointments. You just log in, answer questions, and get paid quickly.
For more casual, low-effort tasks, JumpTask also offers microtasking. These bite-sized jobs are available anytime and can help fill the gaps while you wait for the next big research opportunity.
Waiting for your next research study?
Try JumpTask to earn extra cash with simple surveys and tasks in the meantime.
Key Takeaways
- Paid studies offer real money for honest opinions
- Choose from focus groups, usability tests, surveys, or academic research
- Compensation varies – $8/hour to $250/hour depending on the study
- Keep your profile on the platforms updated and check for studies regularly
FAQs
Most people can, but eligibility depends on the study. Some are open to all, while others search for specific health conditions, jobs, or age groups. Check each study’s requirements before applying.
Payment varies by platform. Most offer financial compensation via PayPal, gift cards, or direct deposit. Details are usually listed in the study description.
It depends. Online surveys can take 5-15 minutes, while clinical studies or interviews may last up to an hour or more. Each study lists its expected time.
Yes! You can apply to as many studies as you qualify for. Many users sign up for multiple platforms to find more frequent opportunities and earn cash consistently.
Monika Ivanauskaite
Content Manager
Meet Monika, your go-to person for turning side-hustle ambitions into real income. As a content manager at JumpTask, she makes digital earning opportunities easy to understand and follow. With a Communication degree from Vilnius Tech and studies in International Communication at Hanze, Monika knows how to turn tricky money earning topics into practical tips. She’s been where you are and knows how hard it can be to start. That’s why her advice is always honest and clear. No empty promises, just real ways to make money online.
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