20 Easy Side Hustle Ideas From Home For Beginners

Updated on June 13, 2025

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Working from home has become a norm in today’s digital world, and many people – including college students and stay-at-home moms – seek the best side hustles to boost their income. Side gigs help you earn extra money, build skills, and gain financial freedom. With options like blogging or e-commerce, beginners can find easy ways to start. Social media showcases countless opportunities, but it's key to pick the right fit. In this guide, we’ll explore top 20 side hustles you can start from home while keeping your full-time job.

1. Online surveys and GPT platforms

Some of the best hustle opportunities include taking online surveys and using Get-Paid-To (GPT) platforms. You can get rewards for microtasks that don’t require any special skills or upfront costs - perfect for your spare time or as a part-time gig.

How much can you earn: get paid to take surveys and earn anywhere from $1 to $100 per survey, depending on its length and complexity. Most surveys take 5 to 60 minutes to complete. Also, get paid to watch videos, ads or trailers. Regular users can earn approximately $20 to $100 per month by spending just a little free time each day.

How to get started: sign up on GPT platforms like JumpTask or InboxDollars. Once registered, create your profile and fill in your preferences so the system can match you with relevant tasks and surveys. Begin by completing a few simple tasks to get familiar with the process.

2. Freelance writing or graphic design

If you have creative skills like writing or design, one of the top easy side hustles from home is becoming a freelancer. It offers flexible hours, low startup costs, and the chance to earn money doing work you enjoy—even alongside a regular job or day job.

Millions of freelancers are actively working on online gigs. In fact, around 46.6% of the global workforce were self-employed in 2024. From freelance gigs to virtual interior design consultations or content creation, you can start a side hustle of freelancing and earn extra money fast.

How much can you earn: Beginner writers or designers: $10–$25/hour. Mid-level freelancers: $30–$75/hour. Highly skilled specialists: $100+/hour.

How to get started: Build a portfolio or create your own website to showcase your skills. Choose a reliable freelancing platform, like Fiverr or Upwork. Check your local laws. Finally, advertise your services and prepare marketing materials in advance.

3. Selling handmade products on marketplaces

In today’s digital world, you can sell handcrafted bracelets or sculptures to people on the other side of the world, or right in your local community through Facebook Marketplace or by partnering with local businesses and thrift stores.

How much can you earn: Earnings can vary widely depending on your product, pricing, and marketing. Many sellers on platforms like Etsy report making anywhere from $200 to $2,000+ per month.

How to get started: Firstly, browse similar products and set fair prices to stay competitive. Make sure you take high-quality photos of your products. Finally, consider running ads or optimizing product descriptions for search engines.

4. Virtual assistance services

Virtual assistants support businesses and individuals by handling tasks like sorting and writing emails, scheduling meetings, making phone calls, or conducting simple research.

How much can you earn: $15–$35/hour. With just a few clients, you could earn anywhere from $500 to $2,000+ per month, depending on your availability, flexible schedule and rates.

How to get started: As a virtual assistant, all you need is a stable internet connection, a computer, and tools like Zoom, Google Workspace, or Slack. You can begin by creating a profile on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.com and position yourself to support entrepreneurs or run tasks for an online business.

5. Create online courses and gamified learning content

If you’re an expert in a specific field, you can share your knowledge and earn additional money by creating your first course on your own schedule.

How much can you earn: Many course creators earn anywhere from $200 to over $5,000/month, depending on the topic, audience size, and digital marketing.

How to get started: Choose a topic you’re confident in. Then, pick a platform like Teachable, Outschool, or VIPKid. Plan your course by breaking it into bite-sized, easy-to-follow lessons. Record your content using slides and voice overs. Add visuals, quizzes, or videos to boost engagement. Promoting your course effectively can attract more clients and increase your earnings.

6. Dropshipping and e-commerce

Online shops have skyrocketed in popularity over the recent years. For example, retail ecommerce sales worldwide are estimated to reach $6.42 trillion in 2025. Thus, you should consider e-commerce or dropshipping business as a profitable income source if you get enough repeat customers - it can even grow into a full-time income.

How much can you earn: Beginners in dropshipping can earn $200–$2,000 in monthly income, while more established store owners can make $5,000+/month and earn good money consistently.

How to get started: Choose a platform like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Etsy. Next, pick a business model: either dropshipping or digital products. Then, find your niche and products using tools like Oberlo or Printful, and finally, launch and market your store through TikTok, Instagram, Google Ads, or email campaigns.

7. Niche blogging with affiliate marketing

Blogging is a traditional way of making money via affiliate marketing. Make sure you pick a niche that you’re passionate about and put those accurate typing skills to use. You can even get paid to write letters and self-publish them online, so the possibilities are endless. Some bloggers even become a brand ambassador for products in their niche.

How much can you earn: $100–$1,000/month (and more with traffic growth).

How to get started: Pick a niche you're genuinely interested in. Set up your blog using a platform like WordPress or Wix, or go all-in with an e-commerce-friendly option like Shopify. Publish high-quality articles. Finally, apply to affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or niche-specific networks. You can work your own hours and grow this as a full-time business or a profitable side hustle.

8. Review websites and apps for usability

User experience is at the forefront of digitalization, so companies are looking to optimize their websites and apps for usability. If you’re looking for a time-efficient side hustle, you can sign up to become a website tester and test websites for real feedback.

How much can you earn: Payouts typically range from $5 to $60 per test, depending on complexity. Some platforms like UserTesting or TryMyUI offer up to $120 for in-depth tests or interviews.

How to get started: Sign up on trusted platforms like UserTesting, TryMyUI, or Userlytics. Complete a sample test to qualify. Once approved, you'll receive test invites via email or app. Follow the instructions, share your honest feedback, and get paid via PayPal.

It’s an exciting opportunity to work with some of the biggest brands in the world – and a great way to make more money and get paid to review the Amazon website or other apps.

9. Online community manager

Another popular side hustle that you can do from home is becoming an online community manager for Discord, Reddit, Facebook Groups, and other platforms. You’ll need to moderate discussions, engage members with creative content, and grow communities, especially in niches like gaming or personal finance.

How much can you earn: Entry-level roles often pay $15–$25 per hour, while experienced managers working with larger brands can earn $30–$60+ per hour or a monthly retainer of $500–$2,000, depending on community size and expectations.

How to get started: Join communities in your niche to observe how moderation works. Build a personal presence and showcase engagement skills. Look for openings on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour to start earning and make more money online.

Home sweet hustle

Never tried Get-Paid-To platforms? Now’s the time! Play games, complete surveys, test products—your next payout is just a click away.

10. AI prompt writer

As AI tools like ChatGPT gain traction, they’re opening up new streams of passive income for freelancers. One emerging role is that of an AI prompt writer — someone who crafts smart, context-rich prompts to guide AI responses. It’s a flexible, tech-forward side hustle to earn while working on your own terms.

How much can you earn: Companies pay $25 to $100 per hour, depending on your experience and the complexity of the tasks.

How to get started: Familiarize yourself with ChatGPT or other large language models. Try creating effective prompts. Document sample prompts and outputs tailored to industries like marketing, customer support, or finance. Not everyone needs to be a tech expert, just focus on practical application. Find gigs on Fiverr, Upwork, PromptBase, or pitch directly to startups.

11. AI chatbot trainer

AI chatbots are a crucial part of customer service – they help to manage the workload of these departments in a company and provide generic answers in a fast manner. So, start training AI chatbots.

How much can you earn: Entry-level roles typically pay $15–$25/hour, while more experienced trainers with an understanding of natural language processing (NLP) can earn up to $30/hour.

How to get started: You don’t need a tech background, but a good grasp of grammar and communication is essential. Start by exploring free resources on YouTube (e.g., "AI Explained", "All About AI") and online courses on Coursera or Udemy that cover AI and NLP basics. Then, check out job boards, like Remotive.io, Upwork, Appen, and We Work Remotely.

If you have a knack for social media trends, you should consider doing part-time side hustle as a social media manager. Many companies are actively seeking help to grow their social media presence by managing social media accounts, scheduling posts, and creating engaging content across various social media platforms.

How much can you earn: typically you can earn $25–$75 per hour, depending on experience and the scope of work.

How to get started: Pick a niche or platform. Create a simple portfolio using your own social media or case studies of past work. Use freelancing platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or LinkedIn to find your first client. Use tools like Canva for pre-made content templates and Hootsuite or Buffer to schedule posts.

13. Online mystery shopper

Companies hire mystery shoppers to evaluate customer experience for their e-commerce stores or other service platforms. As an online mystery shopper, you’ll need to give feedback on the functionality of their website or app, service quality, and more by browsing products or making purchases.

How much can you earn: $5 to $25 per assignment, with some in-depth tasks paying up to $50. Experienced mystery shoppers can earn around $100–$300 per month on the side, depending on availability and time commitment.

How to get started: Sign up with reputable mystery shopping platforms like Market Force or BestMark. Once your account is approved, you can begin taking assignments and get paid via direct deposit or gift cards.

14. Sell unwanted items

Have items lying around you no longer need? You can turn that clutter into $100 to $1,000+ per month by reselling - think garage sales, old t-shirts, farmer's market finds, or unused gadgets. Reselling is a simple, effective side hustle that anyone can start from home.

How much can you earn: $5–$50 per item for clothing, books, or small gadgets. $100–$500+ for electronics, furniture, or designer items.

How to get started: Sell your unwanted items on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Poshmark to earn extra cash. You’ll need to take high-quality photos and include item descriptions to find potential buyers. Write clear descriptions by mentioning size, condition, and any flaws. Promote items on social media or in local groups to increase visibility.

15. Rent out your Wi-Fi hotspot

Thanks to the world of digitalization, you can earn extra money by sharing your unused internet bandwidth. If you have unlimited data plans, it’s a great passive income stream for you to try.

How much can you earn: $10–$50 per month without lifting a finger.

How to get started: Download a trusted app like Honeygain, sign up, and install it on your device. Once it’s running, the app uses a portion of your internet to support network services. You don’t need to check in, just keep the app running while you go about your day.

16. Earn through cashback & reward apps

Thanks to the rise of digital wallets and mobile shopping, cashback and reward apps have made it easier than ever to earn while spending.

How much can you earn: $5–$30 per month depending on your shopping habits and how many offers you redeem.

How to get started: Download an app like Rakuten, Fetch Rewards, or Ibotta. Sign up, link your store accounts (if needed), and start earning by activating offers, uploading receipts, or shopping through the app’s links. You’ll earn points or cash back that you can redeem for PayPal payouts or gift cards.

Your new side hustle?

Turn small tasks into earnings. Watch videos, share opinions, or test apps - all from home, all on your time.

17. Sell stock photos or videos

If you enjoy taking photos or filming everyday moments, you can make money by selling your visual content online.

How much can you earn: You might earn anywhere from $0.25 to $5 per download, and if you upload consistently, you could bring in $20 to $200 or more per month.

How to get started: Use your phone or camera to capture quality shots. Sign up for a stock site, upload your work, and add relevant tags so your content is discoverable by buyers. No professional studio needed, just creativity and consistency.

18. Start online tutoring

With the rise of remote learning, online tutoring has become a flexible and rewarding way to help others while making money from home.

How much can you earn: Around $10 to $50 per hour, depending on the subject and platform.

How to get started: Choose a beginner-friendly platform like Cambly, Preply, or Wyzant. Create a profile, set your hourly rate, and highlight your strengths. Some platforms don’t require a teaching degree, making it accessible for anyone with a good grasp of a subject.

19. Start video captioning or subtitling

With the boom of online video content, there's high demand for captions and subtitles to improve accessibility and reach. If you have strong listening skills and good attention to detail, this is an easy side hustle to explore from home.

How much can you earn: $10–$25 per hour, depending on project length and speed.

How to get started: Join platforms like Rev, GoTranscript, or CaptionHub. After signing up and passing a basic skills test, you’ll start receiving captioning tasks. Most jobs involve transcribing spoken words and syncing them to video timelines.

20. Try pet sitting

With more people traveling or working long hours, the need for reliable pet sitters has grown steadily. If you’re good with animals and enjoy spending time with them, this is a simple and rewarding side hustle you can do from home, or even combine with dog walking and get paid to walk.

How much can you earn: $15–$40 per day, depending on-the pet, duration, and location.

How to get started: Sign up on platforms like Rover, Wag!, or Pawshake. After creating a profile and passing a quick background check, you can begin accepting pet care requests. Most jobs involve feeding, walking, playing, or simply keeping pets company while their owners are away.

How to choose the best side hustle for you

Finding the most profitable side hustle requires identifying your skills, financial goals, and resources. Firstly, you should consider these questions:

Why are you starting a side hustle? Clarify your goal - do you want quick income, long-term growth, or to develop new skills? Your motivation will help narrow down the best options.
Do you enjoy the work? Choosing something you're interested in makes it easier to stay committed. If you like writing, design, or fitness, find gigs that align with those passions.
How much time can you realistically commit? Some hustles require flexible availability, while others need daily input. Choose one that fits around your job and responsibilities.
Are you okay with upfront effort? High-earning hustles often need setup time. Decide if you're ready to invest effort now for future rewards, or prefer quicker wins.
What’s your working style? Do you enjoy interacting with clients or prefer independent tasks? Pick a hustle that suits your energy and workflow.

How to manage a side hustle alongside full-time work

Balancing a side hustle with a full-time job requires smart planning. Here’s how to make it work without burning out:

Schedule downtime: Taking regular breaks helps maintain your focus and prevents long-term burnout.

Set boundaries: Commit to a specific number of hours per week and treat it like a second job.

Choose flexible hustles: Pick gigs that don’t require strict availability, such as writing or app-based income streams.

Block your time: Schedule side hustle hours in your calendar and protect that time from distractions or social obligations.

Automate what you can: Use tools for invoicing, social media scheduling, or email replies to cut down repetitive tasks.

Communicate availability: If working with clients, set clear expectations about when you’re reachable, usually evenings or weekends.

Align work with energy peaks: Do side hustle tasks when you feel most alert, whether that’s early morning or late evening.

FAQs

Online surveys, freelance writing, and selling digital products are some of the easiest options. They require minimal setup and no special equipment.

Yes, many side hustles like surveys, app reviews, or selling items need no prior experience.

Earnings vary by side hustle and time invested. You might earn $50–$500/month, while skilled gigs like freelancing can bring in even more.

Yes, apps like Swagbucks, JumpTask, Honeygain, and InboxDollars let you earn extra money with no upfront cost.

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.