online research studies paid

Online Focus Groups: 27 Paid Research Companies that Pay Up to $250 an Hour for Your Opinion

I recently participated in a paid focus group in San Francisco. You know, the kind with the one-way mirror on the wall.

We talked about travel habits and preferences for an hour and half, and I got paid $150 for my time and opinions. Not bad!

The whole thing was pretty quick and painless—and actually kind of interesting—which got me thinking that this could be a great side hustle . Especially if I could do it from home!

So down the rabbit hole I went, trying to find other companies that conduct paid research studies online .

And I should note before we get started that these aren’t the typical companies that pop up when you search for “online surveys.” Those companies, like Swagbucks and  InboxDollars , are legit, but pay relatively little .

The companies I was after here were the ones that pay bigger sums to make it more worth your time. I earned $100 an hour for my little focus group adventure, and you can too.

Earn $50-150/hr, with thousands of new studies added each month.

Earn an average of $75 per project, and get notified of upcoming studies you may qualify for.

Patients and caregivers can earn $120/hour while helping advance medical research.

1. User Interviews

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User Interviews facilitates in-person and online consumer conversations about products, websites, and services. The pay rates vary, but the average seems to be around $50-100 an hour.

I’ve earned $105 through the site so far, in exchange for about an hour a half.

In one of my studies, I earned a $10 Amazon gift card for completing a short online survey for bald guys! It said it should take 15 minutes, but all the questions were straight yes/no, so it probably only took 5.

User Interviews is a legit facilitator of online (and in-person) consumer research studies. Participants can get paid (generally $50-150/hr) to share their opinion and shape future products and services. While this won’t replace your day job, it can be a nice supplemental income.

• One of the best-paying survey companies I've found.
• Easy to sign-up.
• Lots of new studies added every week.
• Can be difficult to get selected.

Click here to join User Interviews .

Or check out our full User Interviews review .

Respondent is a cool service that facilitates consumer research studies online—and often pays $100+ an hour !

Once you create your account, you’ll be able to browse all the open studies you might qualify for. The research brief shares the type of person the company is looking to connect with, the expected time commitment, and pay rate .

If it looks like a fit, answer the brief screener questionnaire to throw your hat in the ring. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get selected right away—I’ve been selected for 5 studies out of 50 screeners so far.

While there are some “general population” studies, the best-paying opportunities are for industry professionals— up to $750 an hour!

The company takes a 5% processing fee, but the rest of the funds you earn will hit your PayPal account within 8-10 days of your study. (I’ve earned $395 through Respondent so far! )

Click here to join Respondent .

Read our full Respondent.io review here .

(Since recording, I’ve done a couple more studies.)

A leading source for medical research, Rare Patient Voice pays patients and caregivers $120 an hour. You can browse a full list of available studies on their site—nearly all of which are phone or webcam interviews.

If you suffer from any sort of medical condition (even if it’s not super rare), this one is worth a look.

The site is open to residents of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand.

While most Survey Junkie earning opportunities don’t pay much, you’ll occasionally get emails for better-paying focus group and product testing studies.

These admittedly are pretty rare, but pay up to $75.

Still, power users of the regular Survey Junkie site/app report earning up to $40 a month. 

Super popular survey app that rewards you for sharing your opinion.

The site boasts more than 20 million members and pays out more than $1 million every month.

Click here to sign up for Survey Junkie .

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Another well-established market research company is Product Report Card . They offer paid surveys, product testing and review gigs, and online focus groups.

The best-paying work is for in-home product tests and remote interviews and focus groups — often in the $75-$150/hour range.

Product Report Card will also give you a $5 welcome bonus for completing a short survey after you join. There’s a $25 minimum to cash-out.

Lightster is a unique money making app , where you get matched with brands and researchers based on your profile.

To get started, you’ll add some demographic information about yourself and answer some questions about your experience and interests.

After that, you may see some questions pop up in the app. Answer those to qualify for paid research conversations that pay $1 per minute.

I got invited to my first half hour session within a couple weeks of downloading the app, and got paid (via Amazon gift card) right away.

I was excited to discover PingPong as a newcomer to the online market research field. The service specializes in user experience testing for apps and websites, with pay rates ranging between €10 and €100 an hour. (Roughly $11-110.)

You might be curious—with the rates in euros—if this one is open to non-Europeans. PingPong let me join as an American and says they welcome testers from all over the world.

Since joining, I’ve received invites to several studies but haven’t been able to book one just yet.

Fieldwork was the company that hosted the San Francisco focus group I participated in. They have locations throughout the US:

• Los Angeles (Orange County)
• Minneapolis
• San Francisco

Compensation starts at $75 for participating in focus groups, which usually last between 1-2 hours. The drawback was I got paid in Visa gift cards instead of cash, so I went to the grocery store and bought Amazon gift cards with them instead.

Maven is a unique on-demand consulting platform. You can set your own rates to participate in one-off expert interviews, paid market research studies, and online industry surveys.

(Experts can also get hired for longer-term consulting projects, as well.)

Maven has been around since 2008, and routinely has projects paying anywhere from $25-$500+. 

Experience Dynamics specializes in user experience and user interface testing (UX and UI). Corporate clients pay Experience Dynamics to help “make their users smile,” and they turn around and pay people like you for honest feedback on website designs and software applications.

According to the site, they recruit testers worldwide with all levels of technology experience. Most studies pay between $50-$150 dollars.

Experience Dynamics also facilitates:

• Field Studies, 1-2 hour interviews at your home or work
• Diary Studies, where you record your thoughts over 1-2 weeks
• Phone Interviews
• Online Focus Groups
• Online Surveys

American Consumer Opinion is another market research company where you can qualify for several surveys a year.

Annoyingly, they insist on using their own “virtual currency” point system. Still, you can earn up to $50 worth of points for longer market research surveys.

There’s a $10 minimum to cash out and you can deposit your earnings directly into PayPal. To give you an incentive to complete the low-paying screener surveys, American Consumer Opinion will add your name to a monthly $50 drawing .

On L&E Opinions , I found nationwide studies paying $125-250.  The company has been in business over 30 years and pays out millions of dollars in research incentives every year.

FocusGroups.org is an aggregator service that lists focus groups and paid research opportunities around the country. When I registered, I saw online focus group options that paid anywhere from $75 to $625!

Topics included pets, hygiene, cooking, luxury cars, and lots more. There are some handy filters you can use to select only online or “National” studies.

Another site that pulls in lots of different paid studies, FindFocusGroups.com was a great find. 

At press time, they had the best-looking interface of most of these sites, but hadn’t been updated in several months.

When I checked, the compensation for these ranged from $50 to $200.

Through “compensated interviews” and focus groups, SIS helps brands figure out direction for their products. You’ll have to register for their database to get notified about upcoming paid studies.

I found rates from $25-200, depending on the time required and complexity of the topic. SIS recruits participants from all around the world, not just the US.

Similar to FindFocusGroups above, SurveyFeeds isn’t a market research company itself, but instead a promising “feed” of paid survey opportunities.

I found their Facebook page updated more frequently than their website, so it might be worthwhile to check there and see what you might qualify for.

The online studies I saw ranged from $75 to $300 .

Recruit and Field is one of the longest-running national market research companies. Since 1977, they’ve built up a participant database of over 300,000 consumers, business leaders, and medical professionals.

The company works with lots of name-brand clients and typically pays $100-275 for in-person and online surveys.

I recently earned $250 for a 1-hour call about business banking!

FocusGroup.com offers nationwide paid research opportunities. (The site is powered by Sago, a leading market research company.)

Be on the lookout for the “National” studies that pay between $75 and $200 . These are scheduled over the phone or webcam so you can take the calls from anywhere at times that are convenient to you.

It took a while, but I eventually earned $115 for an online study related to a well-known Seattle-area company.

The next one I did was an hour-long online focus group on credit cards that paid $100.

Other studies I saw were  related to cars, technology, and banking.

I receive a few email notifications every month with studies. Those range from around $2 for 20-minute surveys, up to $150 for 90-minute in-person or online focus groups.

Check out my full FocusGroup.com review to learn more.

When I checked out Field Voices , I found a couple available studies to apply for. One was a neighborhood improvement interview that paid $150 for one hour, and the other was a group workshop on snacking habits that paid $300!

This firm works directly with companies as well, which means they’re not just pulling together lists of other research projects.

Consumers, medical professionals, and executives are in demand for Probe Market Research’s panels. Focus groups pay between $50 and $400, and you can often participate online or over the phone.

Major brands enlist Probe to conduct online surveys, mystery shopping gigs , mock juries, product trials, and more .

The popular and well-rated dscout app connects you with “engaging research missions.” Through those, you can get paid to share your feedback on a product or service.

Typical studies pay anywhere from $2 to $100 , paid out via PayPal. The biggest complaints from users are that the often in-depth screener surveys are unpaid.

Less of a market research firm and more of a consulting marketplace, GLG Insights aims to match you up with their clients looking for industry-specific expertise. Request to become a “Council Member” to get notified when relevant paid studies are available.

On GLG, you’ll be asked to connect your LinkedIn profile and upload a resume (or link to an online resume) to verify your career credentials. You can also name your own consulting rate — usually $100-150 and up .

After that, I answered a series of ethics questions based on GLG’s terms and conditions.

Since 2007, Zintro has been connecting researchers with industry experts. According to the site, the vast majority Zintro’s consulting and online focus groups pay between $150 and $300 per hour.

Popular industries include:

• Software and tech
• Banking and finance
• Healthcare and insurance
• E-commerce and retail
• Travel and hospitality
• and lots more

It’s free to set up your expert profile and start to get invited for calls.

WatchLab has an obnoxiously inadequate website, but they claim to facilitate all sorts of focus groups, usability tests, interviews, mock juries, and more.

The pay varies depending on the research, and may be in the form of gift cards or cash. I saw ranges from $100 to $175 for 1-2 hour focus groups. WatchLab has locations in San Francisco and Chicago, as well as online options.

For in-person focus groups, you get paid on the spot — online may take 4-6 weeks.

Mindswarms is a unique video consumer research platform. They’ll pay you $50 via PayPal to answer 10 questions about a product or service.

These studies normally take around 10 minutes and can be recorded via your webcam or smartphone, but competition to get selected can be fierce.

To create your account you’ll need to record a 60-second video about one of your passions. Or you can do this through the Mindswarms app on iOS or Android .

Earn $50-150 for online focus groups and studies. While the website doesn’t necessarily inspire confidence, 20|20 Panel has been around for over 30 years.

I found several online focus groups paying $50-200 on Focus Insite . The company popped up in my Instagram feed, a signal they’re actively recruiting new participants.

You can join their panel database as a medical, technical, or business professional, or just as a general consumer. Alternatively, you can apply directly to the available market research studies listed.

The companies listed above certainly aren’t the only research companies around, and for this side hustle, it makes sense to join as many firms as you’re comfortable with.

That way, you’re presented with all the opportunities available, not just the projects managed by one company.

Here are a few more to consider:

• Prolific  — When academic and research institutions need opinions from the general population, they turn to Prolific. The pay is a bit lower — often in the $8-15/hr range — but in my Prolific review , I found plenty of quick and easy surveys available, and you can cash out to PayPal.
• Ascendency Research — On average, studies pay $60-350. Many are local to the Twin Cities, MN, but they have some national studies, too.
• Elliott Benson — Conducting paid market research since 1995.
• PRC Market Research — You can browse upcoming projects (and their pay rate) before registering. Most studies pay $100-300/hour.
• NewtonX — Strictly for industry professionals to share their insight and get paid.
• UserTesting – Earn $10 for completing 20-minute online user tests of websites, apps, shopping portals, and more. This is pretty fun but you have to be fast because these tests get snatched up quickly.
• Pulse Labs – Earn up to $100 a week providing video feedback on products.
• Intellizoom – Get paid an average of $10 testing and reviewing websites.
• UserBrain – Receive new websites to test every week, and earn $5 for each 5-15 minute test.
• Google User Experience – Google pays gift cards for feedback on their products.
• Nelson Recruiting — Nationwide market research company established in 1980.
• Marketade – Specializes in remote usability testing, market validation, navigation research, and more.
• Engage Studies – Earn as much as $100 per focus group through this research company.
• Tell Us Your Opinion – Mainly operating in Tulsa but may have online/phone opportunities as well.
• Adler Weiner Research – In-person studies in Chicagoland and Southern California, plus remote studies nationwide.
• Advanced Focus – Hosts market research panels and focus groups in New York City.
• Nichols Research – Get paid to participate in in-person focus groups, primarily in Northern California.
• Herron Associates — In-person studies in Indianapolis, IN and Tampa, FL.
• PrizeRebel – Earn $10-12 an hour doing surveys or completing other tasks. (Just avoid the low-paying ones.)

As with any side hustle, there’s an opportunity cost. As in, what else could you be doing with your time?

I encourage you to check out our monster list of side hustle ideas , but here are a few that are similarly flexible.

Become a Bookkeeper

One of the first jobs that many companies hire out is “someone to keep the books.” If you have experience in this field, or just love numbers, becoming a remote bookkeeper could way to make extra money.

Most businesses don’t need a full-time bookkeeper so they’re open to hiring someone part-time. Most virtual bookkeepers charge $100-300 per client per month.

Network with business owners locally or online and let them know about your service. It might make sense to check out this  free training on how to start a remote bookkeeping business .

Alternative Investments

If you’re after passive income , you might consider adding some alternative investments .

For example,  Fundrise  allows you to invest in professionally-vetted commercial real estate. This spreads your risk around with properties in multiple geographical locations–and minimums as low as $10 .

Disclosure: I’ve been a Fundrise investor since 2015, and earn a commission when you join through my referral link. Opinions are my own.

Resell Furniture Returns

Reselling furniture returns is a unique low-risk side hustle .

How it works is you join Sharetown as a local “reverse logistics” rep. Sharetown partners with direct-to-consumer mattress and furniture brands to handle their return requests.

When customers decide they don’t want to keep the item, you’ll get dispatched to go pick it up. After that, you’ll:

• clean it up
• photograph it
• list it for resale on sites like Facebook Marketplace

The Sharetown reps I’ve connected with target $150-250 per flip — and, importantly — you don’t have to pay Sharetown for the inventory until the item sells.

Check out my full Sharetown review to learn more.

Sharetown reps make money by reselling gently-used furniture and bed-in-a-box mattresses. Top reps earn $4000+ per month.

• Low startup costs
• Great earning power
• No hunting for inventory
• Requires a truck or SUV
• Bulky items to store
• Not available in all areas

Mobile Notary Service

Becoming a mobile notary loan signing agent is one of the most popular gigs among the Side Hustle Nation community. The flexible, part-time side hustle involves walking new homeowners through their stack of mortgage documents.

Appointments typically take around an hour and pay $75-150.

One big drawback to focus groups or online surveys is you’re limited in how much you can earn. It’s a great side hustle, but it’ll never be a full-time income.

Focus groups or paid research studies won’t pay your mortgage, but one or two a month will definitely help build your side hustle snowball .

Have you had any success in landing paid focus group studies? What do you think of this little supplemental side hustle?

Let me know in the comments below!

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Is there such thing as an online focus group?

Yes! Several companies facilitate online consumer research focus groups, which is great because that means you can earn money from the comfort of your home or office. Check out our full list to learn more.

How much do focus groups pay?

The pay for focus groups depends on how long the session lasts. Most commonly, you’ll find rates average around $100 an hour.

Where can I find legit paid focus groups?

Companies like Respondent, Fieldwork, and FocusGroup.com are all legit facilitators of paid focus groups. Or, for the best results, you might try an aggregator service like FindFocusGroups.com, which pools together focus group opportunities from several sources. Be sure to check the list of providers on Side Hustle Nation as well.

How do online focus groups work?

Online focus groups work either via conference call or more commonly, through a group video chat to more closely mimic the in-person experience. A moderator will lead the group discussion and participants can chime in through their webcam and computer microphone or phone line.

********* Stock photo  by Akhenaton Images via Shutterstock

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About the Author

Nick Loper is a side hustle expert who loves helping people earn more money and start businesses they care about. He hosts the award-winning Side Hustle Show, where he's interviewed over 500 successful entrepreneurs, and is the bestselling author of Buy Buttons , The Side Hustle , and $1,000 100 Ways .

His work has been featured in The New York Times, Entrepreneur, Forbes, TIME, Newsweek, Business Insider, MSN, Yahoo Finance, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Financial Times, Bankrate, Hubspot, Ahrefs, Shopify, Investopedia, VICE, Vox, Mashable, ChooseFI, Bigger Pockets, The Penny Hoarder, GoBankingRates, and more.

59 thoughts on “Online Focus Groups: 27 Paid Research Companies that Pay Up to $250 an Hour for Your Opinion”

Nice job, Nick! I have only ever been able to score low paying “mystery shopper” gigs. I get a free meal and $15 or $20 for my trouble. It usually takes about an hour, so am making $15 – $20 per hour. I have repeatedly mystery shopped a “Roy Rogers” restaurant that is on the NYS thruway. Almost every time I have had to travel to or from my daughter’s college campus I have been able to get a free meal, $10 or $15, and a portion of my tolls paid. I wouldn’t make the effort except that I am already driving by and there is a good chance that I would need a bathroom break anyway. Everybody wins. :>) I will be checking on a couple of the sites you provided to see if there is anything I qualify for.

Thanks Kevin. I’ve been half-heartedly attempting to find a mystery shopping expert to school me on how it really works :)

Hi Nick – If you are still reading these comments, I hope you will remove User Interviews from your list. After reading your article, I applied with them and was excited at first, but they have a serious flaw. They do not screen what the companies post for the surveys. First you have to take a questionnaire to see if you will be selected for the survey. Time after time you spend time answering the flawed questionnaire, and then not being selected, probably because of being forced to complete an answer that is not correct. Here’s an example that I just sent to Tabitha at User Interviews:

“I was applying for the Medical Injectibles survey, and the first several questions went well. Then there was the question “Do you care for a child with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis?” with the options of yes or no. I checked no, and I cannot imagine there are vast numbers of people who would have been able to check yes.

The next question was required, and it asked for the age of the person I care for, and had a box, also required, asking for the required medications.

Why was I prompted with that question when I had answered no?”

So that was yet another questionnaire that was flawed that completely wasted my time because I could not proceed. I have asked them to remove me from all further communication as I want nothing to do with them anymore, and I honestly don’t think you should be recommending them.

Hmm sorry for the trouble, Balinda. I agree, their conditional logic on the screener surveys could be better — or they could just advance to a “thanks but you’re not a fit” page. When those types of funky follow-up questions happen for me, I just back out and go back to the list since it’s clear I’m not going to qualify.

Nick, this list is AWESOME! I’ve been using User Interviews for about a month and a half and it seems like I hardly ever get selected for any of the surveys. In fact, I’ve only been selected for 1 so far (which literally took 10 minutes and I got a $30 Amazon gift card) and the second one I got approved for, by the time I got around to actually confirming my spot that evening, it was already fully booked up! I’m wondering with all the different options available if it would be feasible to make some decent side money – assuming the time commitment doesn’t get overwhelming. I’m gonna dig into this a little I think and see what I can come up with.

Hey Kyle, I hope you found some good “side jobs.” You mentioned that you used user interviews and only got 1 job. I’m so surprised by that. I have been using them for a few months and I have made a good bit of money. I had a 20 minute telephone survey and was paid $150! I had another that was in person. They came to my apt (they originally said to see my wardrobe in closet, but never did) they interviewed me on camera for about 10-15 minutes and then we went to a clothing store! They asked me if I liked the store, clothes, etc. In all I was with them about an hour. I got $350! I could have made another $100 for doing “homework,” but I was too busy. That’s just 2 of jobs I had from them. Anyway, I just wanted you to know, bcuz you should keep trying with them. I plan on hitting all these new ones, thanks to Nick! Good Luck!

It’s funny you bring this topic up. I LITERALLY started signing up for focus groups last Monday (going on two weeks) and I’ve already made $650. Most have came from respondent. I also signed up for the Reddit r/paidstudy group as well as the cool work ideas.com FB which posts multiple studies a day. I’m loving it so far!

Hi Nick, I’ve been using ACOP for a few years now it does take a long time to gather up money. I usually wait till I get up around $50 or so to cash in. The problem I find is it takes two to three months for it to show up in my Pay Pal account, very slow turn around.

Nick, I’ve been doing these for several years. I probably average about $1,000 per year doing these. This a great comprehensive list!

I tried Mindswarms. I had no trouble creating a profile video (though it really does not flatter me, nor had I trouble applying for studies. However, I have been on there for over a month, and I have been rejected for every. Single. Study. Besides that, they do not ever bother telling me, or giving me helpful suggestions. Their FAQ section is so useless as to be counterproductive. And I suspect that my mind and my interests are not average enough to make Mindswarms (or online studies/surveys in general) worth my while.

Here is a good rule of thumb: if you prefer the musical works of Vasily Kalinnikov (or just know who Vasily Kalinnikov was) over “Lady” Gaga, do not bother with surveys. Only the most average individuals with the most average minds can succeed with this rubbish. Or so my experiences would indicate.

Actually, the opposite is true. just regular surveys do kind of suck. However, the focus groups and interviews and so forth, all the ones that I’ve actually gotten into have been because I’m weird or different. That’s why so many people get declined. They look for people who don’t conform, mostly because they’re looking for new and innovative ideas. Why would you research the monotonous and mundane?

Thanks so much for the information. I signed up on Respondent today and have a 71% match on 1 survey. We’ll see how it goes.

I just tried to sign up with Respondent, and probably I’m the only one in the world with this problem of not having any social media sites. They want to verify your work on LinkedIn or your FB profile. I don’t have a FB account nor do I have a LinkedIn account. I know, I must be living in a cave, but the work I do does not allow me to use social media. What to do? I guess Respondent is out. Bummer.

This is pretty much the same for me too, Shari. Even if I had an account on social media I would only have my family and close friends on it. I wouldn’t want to give some site access. I also ran into one (can’t remember the name) where they wanted you to upload a video of yourself in order to get the surveys. I am also not comfortable with that. I’ve signed up with all that was listed above. We’ll see how it goes. Good luck to you!

Since I haven’t seen it noted in the comments or main blog anywhere I just wanted to put it out there that technically if you make over $600 with any single company like this they are supposed to issue a 1099 for your payouts. Normally if you accumulate that much over a year they may not bother BUT I was lucky enough to get into a study that paid $875 which immediately put me over that threshold. So then they issued a 1099 for all my earnings from them in that year. That hurt at tax time. This year I’m going to spread it out over as many companies as I can to hopefull get a lot but no single one over $600. And if you are lucky enough to get into a single high paying study, keep the tax implication in mind.

Very nice blog post. Thanks for sharing. On respondent I made $30 today. Not bad!

Thanks Nick, this list is AWESOME! I’ve been doing surveys and focus groups for about a year. I’ve had some great paying, easy jobs. I’ve also spent, what felt like like forever, time trying to qualify for them to no avail. However, from my experience, I can definitely say not to give up! Surveys are time consuming with little pay, for the most part. Focus groups, interviews, etc., is where the money is! I have been looking for more sites and you just gave me a bunch! I am gonna try them all! Keep the info coming! Thanks again!

I’m wondering if the earning need to be claimed on our taxes? Is there a record that we are being paid? Do these companies ask for any personal information? Thanks

Try Jackson/Adept in Los Angeles. They have a Beverly Hills and Encino location.

Here are Metro Detroit Focus Groups and my reviews of them

Morpace Inc. 31700 Middlebelt Road Suite 200 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 Phone: (248) 737-5300 http://www.morpace.com Pays $80-$250 Focus Group Surveys (In Person). If they over fill the group which happened to me on one occassion then you get paid instantly without doing the survey. They pay by check or cash after the 1-2 hour in person survey. They offer surveys 1-2 times a year.

Shifrin Hayworth 26400 Lahser Rd #430, Southfield, MI 48033 Phone: (248) 223-0020 https://www.shifrin-hayworth.com/ Pays $50-$300 Focus Group Surveys (In Person). They pay by check or cash in person after the 1-2 hour survey. They offer surveys about 1-2 times a year.

I recently learned that you can only participate in 1 survey every 6 months which is why after being asked if you’ve done one recently you get disqualified.

I just did a study for them last week. They promised a $200 virtual gift card within 48 hours but it’s been a week and still nothing. They’ve stopped answering my emails and I can’t find a phone number for them, which seems pretty shady.

Did they ever get back to you/pay you?

So I have had really good luck with a lot of these companies you listed. I am a stay at home mom have been looking into all this and actively participating for about 6 weeks and made over 3000 dollars I have made 630 dollars on users interviews, 585 on respondents, 310 on user testing, 270 on validately usability studies , 250 on 20/20 panel, about 140 on intellizoom/ what users do Usability studies, 90 dollars on TrymyUI, and 50 on ping pong research. I have also made 375 dolars from focus point global. plus more companies that i got under 20 each from so there is money to be made here if you invest the time. I have done one on one studies with a web cam, phone interviews, product testing (shampoos, and even new cereal), online diary studies (usually about things you eat), and lots of usability studies. the key is knowing how to answer the screener questions. Thank you so much for your list I am going to check out the companies I have not uses yet

Whoa that’s awesome Casondra – thanks for sharing!

Hi Nick-I just found this post and thank you for “heads up”… I’m writing to share with you two top performers here in Seattle for in-person focus groups. In-Sight Space and Fieldwork / Seattle.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have had a few gigs with each of these company’s who conduct only focus groups. Most of the time the pay is cash on the spot and the groups range from 45 minutes to 2 hours. These two company’s have frequent remarkably high-paying gigs. It’s fairly common to attend a 90 minute focus group that pays anywhere from 150.00 – 350.00. On occasion I’ve landed one of their mock jury groups, sometimes held at one of Seattle’s finest hotels and lasts close to 8 hours. These mock jury groups have paid me between 300.00 to 550.00 for the gig and always provide a catered breakfast and lunch. Again, thanks for sharing your information and I hope you’re able to use my information and experience to help others.

Sincerely, Jason B.

Nice, Jason — thanks for sharing!

I’m registered with two companies for focus group and mock jury participation. I’ve done both and found them enjoyable and worthwhile. Usually payment was cash. One time it was a VISA gift card. The mock juries required more hours than the focus groups. One was Friday evening, all day Saturday, and Saturday evening. My experience has been food and beverages were provided when the event was more than 3 hours.

Participants were usually limited to one event in 6 months.

I’ve seen a large dropoff in opportunities since I reached a certain age. Sigh.

Very occasionally the local newspaper has a classified ad for focus group participants.

I need the mock jury site

Ok…I see several people are interested in Mystery Shopping so I thought I’d share a little info. I have done a lot of mystery shopping in the past and love it. Not amazing money but interesting and I enjoyed it. So…here are a few sites to start with…I hope this is OK…I see a few people said they would send information, but a lot of others requested info and I don’t know if they got what they needed. I hope this helps. So…first… this is the official website of the Mystery Shopping Professionals Association…it has a ton of good info and resources https://www.mspa-global.org/index.html Work available always depends on the type of job you are interested in and where you are located so the best companies to work with will vary for different people. Here are some other resources that may help… https://www.mysteryshopperjobfinder.com/members/resources/mspa-interview/ https://www.mysteryshopforum.com/ https://www.mysteryshoppermagazine.com/?source=forum-top-discussions and last but not least… https://www.shadowshopper.com Shadow Shopper…the first thing that pops up when you google Shadow Shopper will be scam alerts. I’m here to tell you it is not a scam. I have used them for years off and on. They do have a fee option, and to get anywhere, you probably will want to use it at least for a short time. But a lot of job boards charge a small fee. Basically it is where companies post work that they need to get done and shoppers go to find work. It’s a great way to see what is available in your area and skill set and interest and sign up with those companies offering that work. You can go out on your own and start just looking into shopping sites, but that sign up processing can be lengthy and if you pick one that doesn’t offer work in your area or jobs you want, you have wasted time and effort. Once you sign up with a few companies that you’ve found on Shadow Shopper, move on until you want to look for more. No need to keep your subscription if you have the work your want. Just my suggestion, but it has landed me several really good opportunities. One lasted years and was around made me around $2000/yr. Oh…and if you are wanting a list of companies…go here… it’s a tedious process to choose, but it’s an option… https://www.mysteryshopforum.com/companies/ Good luck and enjoy :)

Thank you Anna!

I’ve used Focus Pointe Global and Schlesinger in the Boston area for years. I’ve made really good money with them ($75-200 per session). People seem to over-estimate how difficult this all is. Sign up in the database, fill out a survey if you get an e-mail, if you pre-qualify for a study they call you to screen you again, you either qualify or you don’t on that phone call. If you’re picked, you go to their office and sit with the other people picked and just give your opinion for about 90 minutes. The hardest part for me is fighting traffic to get to the office in the city. These focus groups have been a lifesaver for me in periods of unemployment.

Will you get called every week about a survey? No, you definitely won’t, maybe not every month either. But if you sign up with 5-10 companies your chances of getting picked go up. And I agree that sites like Swagbucks are more or less a waste of time. It’s very small money.

Everyone is asking: How do I join? You have to go to the companies website and sign up for the panel (“Join the Panel”) and then wait. Also, the bigger companies post surveys on their Facebook pages so sign up for their notifications.

I do the best with Respondent, User Interviews and UTest.com. Also check out Affectiva’s job listings if you’re in the Boston area. I’ve made a lot helping to test out their automotive AI.

I have been doing focus groups online for prob 3 years or so. I have done a lot of them with watchlab and user interviews. Also accelerant research is a good one. Field work is another I’ve done them with. I’m sure there is more that I’ve used but i gotta tell u that these have been a life saver for me at times. I most recently did one that paid $400 which is the most I’ve made. I am signed up and in the databases of all that u listed plus a few others like accelerant research. Oh yeah another great place is Elliot Benson research.

Thanks for sharing Shelley!

you might try Mturk if you money to pay…

Great job on this article! I’ve been doing focus groups for many years. Probably made about $2,000 or so altogether.

I’d also recommend instapanel. I’ve been using them for several years to complete video surveys. They pay $20 for about 5-10 minutes of work. Here’s a link: https://instapanel.com/ .

I work for one of the market research companies that hire these focus group facilities/recruiters to get us the research we need. For in person focus groups (in facility) you can expect to get paid around $100 per hour, and more expensive if you’re in a specialty group (certain ailments, professionals such as tech). For online focus groups they run around $75 per hour.

If you want to know the panels to join around your area to join focus groups, I’d recommend going on Green Book (for research) and search on recruiters or facility around your neighborhood. This is where researchers go to find panels to do research with and you’ll get more opportunities with the facilities/recruiters there.

I don’t recommend online surveys bc you might terminate out of many surveys before you complete one and they won’t pay you more than $5 for one, and that’s on the rare end. Hope this helps!

Appreciate the insight — thanks Michelle!

I love love love all the great information I just obtained by reading your blog. OMG ! If anyone has any leads for Indiana specifically please let me know. I know of Herron Associates does a lot of research focus groups. Just go to their website and sign up. Ive done a few for them in the past and made anywhere from $50-150 for about an hour or so in person focus group. I think those are great and very interesting. If anyone wants to contact me to give me some tips on the mystery shopping I’d greatly appreciate it. TIA ( Thanks in Advance) Carrie

Thanks a bunch for the informative post! I signed up for several of the ones you have on this list and already got selected for a study. Just curious – most of the prescreen questions ask if you’ve recently participated in a study. If you have (I’ll fall into this bucket once I complete the study I just got picked for), does that greatly reduce your chances of being selected for another one?

Hi, are any of these open to people under 18?

All clinical trials are for ages 18-99.

Amalia, I apologize. I read your question to quickly & transposed the numbers. I thought you said 81.I’m rarely asked to prove my age, but they may have some way of checking. Product reviews are open to 16+, I believe. I’ve never had to show my ID online, only when I do things in person. Obviously medical care you’d show your ID.

Withpower.com is a great website to checkout medical trials. There are all sorts & bonus if you need medical care & don’t have the money to pay for it. Some just monitor or interview you…all the way up to getting medicated treatment for your condition. I even saw dental work on there.

Every clinical research compensated me for my time & travel. It’s always paid out very well for me & it’s definitely worth the time. I got $365 for downloading an app on my phone that I recorded how long I slept the night before.They sent a little survey with 4 questions every day to the app & I told them what time I went to bed, did I wake up during the night, how long did it take me to get back to sleep, and what time I woke up. I got paid in intervals at week 2, 6, 10, & 14. Super easy money.

I’m on #4 of this list now. User interviews has been fair to me. I’ve seen product reviews, online, and focus groups on there. If they let you know that you are qualified, act quickly!

Clinical research & focus groups are my favorite. I used to like doing product reviews & I still do. But once you really start getting into it, the rewards get better & better. Thank you so much, Nick. Yes, I referred you when signing up. You deserve it.

Hi Nick, this is a great job.

Many of these websites do not authorize participants from Nigeria and Africa. They have country-based restrictions. It sucks.

I have a master’s degree in business administration. I have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. I have a postgraduate diploma in economics, a postgraduate diploma in education and a professional diploma in early childhood education. I have a CEFR Level C1 in IELTS exam. I have done some surveys in my country, Nigeria and I performed well.

What survey sites do you recommend that do not have country-based restrictions? I am really curious Nick.

Great article! Was certain of when it was published until I checked the comments, so it is a few years old. Has anyone ever worked with SCR (SmartConnectResearch) and have any feedback to share here?

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35 Paid Online Research Studies Seeking Participants

How can one participate in paid online research studies and get paid for your brain, your health, and your opinions?

• Inbox Dollars - Get paid to check your email. $5 bonus just for signing up!
• Survey Junkie - The #1 survey site that doesn't suck. Short surveys, high payouts, simply the best.
• Nielsen - Download their app and get paid $50!

Well, you’re in the right place.

Today, let’s look at 35 different opportunities to get paid as a participant in research studies.

Types of Paid Online Research Studies

A medical study involves a group of people within an age group, gender, race, ethnic group, or individuals with the same specific health issues.

Participating in these studies often involves answering a combination of interviews, tests, surveys, or experimentation to be able to answer questions on how to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure health disorders and diseases.

Aside from paid medical studies, market research makes use of paid online research to find out what customers want or need from various products and companies.

The cool thing about paid online research studies available today is that even if you are not a part of the target audience, you can still participate in the study in another capacity.

Online research studies can be either quantitative or qualitative.

Quantitative studies are the ones with static, pre-planned answers. A questionnaire with multiple-choice answers is a good example of this study. It is made as such so that the researcher can easily analyze the results.

Qualitative studies are a bit more complex since they involve open-ended answers.

However, this type of study ends up with better data. Focus groups and interviews are both methods used in qualitative studies.

How Much Can You Earn from Paid Research Studies?

Imagine earning up to $1,000 just for sharing your opinion, review of a product, or thoughts about a particular experience without even stepping out of the house.

You don’t even have to spend a cent to participate in these research studies.

Most of the time, you’d only have to be at least 18 years old and currently live in the US.

Even when you’re below 18 years old, researchers sometimes allow you to participate as long as you had a waiver from your parent or legal guardian.

The amount you earn from joining research studies depend on the following:

• Method of research — Did you join a focus group? Answered a lengthy interview? Filled out a survey form?
• Length of study — Some interviews only take an hour and earn you $150. Some focus groups could take several sessions and end only after several weeks.
• Type of payment — Not all companies pay cash. Some use PayPal, while others prefer checks, gift cards, prepaid cards, and so on.

Quick surveys can be as little as $10 and high as $100.

Focus group sessions range between $50 and $500 per session.

Interviews can earn you somewhere from $50 to $400 for an hour of your time.

Simply put, the amount you’ll be paid will vary from study to study.

Join These to Start Making Money Today!

Before digging into the list below, I suggest you sign up for the 3 best focus group/market research companies.

Anyone can participate and you will be invited to take part in research studies, focus groups, and product testing opportunities.

These companies pay in cash and offer cash signup bonuses to get you started.

• SurveyJunkie - Get paid CASH to share your thoughts on some of the world's biggest brands.
• Branded Surveys - Work directly with companies like Nike, Samsung, Amazon, and Disney to improve their product lines.

On to the list!

35 Ways to Get Paid for Research Studies Online

The following universities have year-long research studies in a wide range of topics.

1. Northwestern University Department of Psychology

Earn from $10 to $40 an hour if you participate in one of the school’s online studies.

The studies change regularly and vary widely from topics such as phone usage, changes in thoughts and feelings, Artificial Intelligence,  sleeping patterns, psychosis, aging, and even products like hearing aids.

2. Harvard University Psychology Study Pool

Join Harvard’s Psychology Study Pool and earn from $10 to $25 an hour, paid via gift cards.

The online studies are available year-round for both Harvard students and guests.

3. Carnegie Mellon University

If you’re at least 18 years old, can read and speak English, and have never joined any research studies at the Center for Behavioral and Decision Research at Carnegie Mellon, you can sign up for their paid online research studies.

Topics range from personal beliefs, attitudes, decision-making, human judgment, interpersonal perceptions, and group performance, among others.

You’ll earn $8 an hour, paid in gift cards. Each study takes anywhere from 5 and 20 minutes.

Paid participants are needed for in-person studies in labs on campus, but may sometimes be able to participate online on a home computer.

Note that only students are accepted (ID will be requested).

4. Center for Decision Sciences Columbia Business School

For participating in an online survey or study, you can earn $16 an hour, as long as you’re 18+ years old and have a PayPal or Amazon.com account to receive payments.

No need to be a student at Columbia Business School, but you need to register in the CDS Virtual Lab Online Panel.

5. MIT Behavioral Research Lab

There are in-person and paid online research studies available at MIT.

Payment amounts vary from study to study, but participants usually earn $11 to $20 per hour for online studies.

Anyone aged 18 or older, residing in the United States, and proficient in spoken and written English can join the BRL participant pool.

Membership is open to all; you don’t need any association with MIT to participate. Other requirements may be needed for studies requiring specific respondents.

6. University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business

As long as you’re a current Smith student (and eligible for certain studies), you can get paid for research studies online here.

Make sure you create an account, sign up for the studies that you want to participate in, and get paid once you fulfill your role.

7. Purdue University

You can find a lot of paid online studies here.

Currently, they have studies on Parkinson’s disease (and other neurodegenerative diseases), flavored water, biosensors, mushroom nutrition, linguistics, cancer, and so on.

Participants are paid somewhere between $10 and $500.

What’s great about Purdue University is that the studies are varied and open to the public.

8. Stanford Graduate School of Business

You’ll be paid up to $25 an hour for online research studies, but you’d have to be eligible and complete a prescreen form.

You also can’t participate in the same study more than once.

9. UCLA Anderson School of Management

The behavioral lab has some paid online studies, if you’re interested in topics like consumer behavior, organizational behavior, judgment, and other similar topics.

Most studies here pay from $10 to $20 an hour.

They also have in-lab and in-person studies.

10. Boston University Behavioral Lab

If you’re interested in human behavior and is willing to participate in online studies, try to join if you’re eligible.

These studies pay between $10 and $20 an hour.

The studies from Boston University’s Behavioral Lab is open to both BU students and the general public.

11. University of Maryland Department of Psychology

You need to create an account at the SONA System website to see available research studies.

Each of the studies have different eligibilities and payment.

12. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

This college holds a wide range of research studies revolving MRI research, human brain, behavior, and so on.

There are studies exclusively for seniors, and those that are for teens.

There are two ways to volunteer for these studies:

• Join the CB3 Research Participant Volunteer Registry (and wait for them to e-mail you)
• Pick the study and contact researchers directly.

Pay can go as high as $80 per study.

13. American University Psychology Department

Topics vary widely, but they are related to psychology and human behavior.

You can earn up to $20 an hour for just filling out a form as a smoker’s first-hand experience during stressful situations.

14. Respondent.IO

This next one isn’t a university, but it’s a comprehensive resource if you plan to participate in numerous market research and other online studies.

Pay ranges from $25 to $200.

Eligibility requirements vary between studies.

Make sure to check details and never pay to join a focus group or study.

15. Brand Institute

Want to be at the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry?

Join consumer market research panel groups by signing up with Brand Institute.

16. mindswarms

It’s sort of like an interview since you are required to answer ten questions with a video.

In exchange for your thoughts, you’ll be paid $50.

Earn somewhere between $50 and $250 by participating in healthcare or consumer market research studies.

18. Probe Market Research

The company pays people for online, phone or group interviews about their clients’ products, services, ads, or other campaigns.

Payment goes as high as $400.

19. Penn State University

(Quick shoutout to my Alma Mater… We Are!)

… and they are seeking just about anyone who’s alive to participate in a research study. With over 200 current open studies, odds are, you’ll qualify for something they have available.

Keep an eye out for “Total Compensation” to see just what the study pays.

20. User Interviews

Get paid for your feedback on real projects.

Create an account by filling up a form and wait for project invitations if you’re eligible.

There are online and in-phone interviews available.

21. Yale School of Management

If you live anywhere near Yale campus, be sure to sign up for their newsletter as they frequently put out requests for both in person and paid online research studies.

You will be paid, in cash, at the completion of your study.

They also have a Facebook group that announces when new studies are available to participate in.

22. Georgetown University Department of Psychology

Georgetown’s Department of Psychology is regularly looking for both students and non-students alike to participate in studies.

Average pay will run you about $10 per hour, so it can be some nice change to pick up in your spare time.

Their research includes personality, memory, and impulse control tests to name a few.

23. UCLA Semel Institute

UCLA offers both in-person and online research studies to check out.

They have a massive list of open opportunities for you to click through. The highest paying ones often need you to come into their offices for scans and interviews, but there are a lot of remote positions available too.

24. PingPong

Web designers and developers working on websites and applications value the input of real-life users and are willing to pay for these users’ opinions and insights

You can get paid anywhere from €15 to €40 per hour and even up to €100 for special projects.

Payment is credited through Transferwise or PayPal.

25. American Consumer Opinion

Yet another survey site, American Consumer Opinion (ACOP) pays you for your answers to their survey questions.

You can even get paid up to $100 if you fit a certain demographic and able to participate in special projects.

Research studies on this site may not be constantly available, though. It’s best to check back frequently.

26. Recruit and Field

Recruit and Field is a market research company that hosts paid online research studies all around the US and even in international locations.

They look for participants from any gender and age for their studies, including professionals and medical professionals (doctor, nurse, lab technician).

They normally pay via PayPal but also offer Amazon or digital gift cards.

The pay ranges from $100 to $275 for phone interviews, online surveys, and sometimes in-home product testing.

27. Focus Group

Focus Group is an aptly named online community comprised of participants interested in sharing opinions and views on popular products and brands through in-person, telephone, or online surveys.

The pay ranges from $75 to $200, and specialized health studies may pay more.

28. 20|20 Panel

Since 1986, 20|20 Panel has been recruiting participants to share their opinion on various companies.

They specialize in qualitative market research, which is achieved via in-person or online roundtable discussions. You can get paid from $50 to $350 to participate in these discussions.

They also send out quick surveys for which you can get paid smaller amounts (from $1 to $10).

29. FindFocusGroups

Wouldn’t it be great if there were a directory of all the paid research opportunities in the country?

FindFocusGroups is probably the closest one, as it lists more than 75,000 verified and legitimate focus groups in the country.

It’s quite simple to search by city and state, and check the information for details on whether the discussions are online or in-person.

It’s difficult to know how much the average payment would be, but upon browsing the first few studies on the homepage, they range from $50 to $300.

30. SIS International

SIS International conducts focus group discussions in cities all over the US and globally and collects consumer feedback on anything from appliances, skincare products, gadgets, and just about anything.

Rates range from $25 to $200 for 2 to 3 hours of your time.

31.  Apex Focus Group

Apex Focus Group connects regular people like you and me with researchers, who will pay for participants to join clinical research trials, phone interviews and focus groups.

As a participant at any Apex Focus Group study, you can be paid up to $750 a week.

Online and in-person studies are available.

32.  Fieldwork

If you live near New Jersey, New York City, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, or Minneapolis, you can participate in current Fieldwork research studies.

Most of the paid focus groups are face-to-face (but online are sometimes available).

Each study lasts about 1 or 2 hours. Participants earn between $75 and $100 for their time.

33. Rare Patient Voice

This company mostly looks for participants who have rare diseases and medical conditions. As such, only eligible people can benefit from the studies.

However, anyone who qualifies will receive $120/hour.

You can share your views via online surveys, clinical trials, or web-assisted phone interviews.

34. ClinicalTrials.gov

The federal government continually seeks individuals willing to participate in clinical trials testing different medications and treatments.

Studies are often conducted by the National Institutes of Health.

You can check out a list of ongoing clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov.

Unlike other paid online research studies on this list, DScout is an app you can download.

You need to register to become a “scout” and participate in research “missions,” which will earn you money after completion.

DScout studies are usually 1-on-1 interviews or video responses, so you’d have to be comfortable in front of the camera.

Missions pay from $50 to $100, each lasting about 30 minutes.

Can I turn these Paid Online Research Studies into a Full-Time Job?

While paid online studies are highly interesting and offer legitimate side cash, this gig cannot replicate the steady income and benefits you can get with a full-time job.

You’d have to consider that many research studies:

• have eligibility requirements (which means you’re not guaranteed a slot every time)
• cannot be joined twice (once you’ve participated in a specific study, you can’t do a repeat)
• have varying payments (there’s no stability in such income)

I do think it’s a legitimate side gig if you’re in between jobs or have a lot of free time on your hands.

You can also get paid answering surveys , joining focus groups , or testing products .

READ THIS NEXT: The EASIEST ways to make money online. See how.

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Updated: February 13, 2024

Paid Research Studies

34 sites to find legit paid research studies and focus groups....

This is the definitive guide to finding online paid research studies that you can earn from.

Today you’ll learn:

• What online paid research is
• What types of research you could participate in
• Legit places to find well paying research studies you can do from home
• Tips on how to succeed making money from paid research

I’ve spent a week researching and learning about all the different places you can earn cash from taking part in studies.

🏆 Best Sites for Paid Research Studies

If you’re in a hurry, these are the top sites we recommend:

🌎 Worldwide

🇺🇸 Inside USA

• FindFocusGroups.com

Reddit r/PaidStudies

Keep scrolling for more info and resources.

Jump to…

• What is online paid research?
• How much can I earn?
• Best International Sites
• Best Sites for the USA
• 30+ More Legit Sites
• Are paid research studies legit?
• Are $350+ focus groups real?
• What skills do I need?
• General Tips

Pros and Cons

• Can I be a full-time participant?
• Share your experience

🏡 Want to Work From Home? 🏡

Join 23,346 subscribers to our twice-weekly newsletter and we'll send you tips, insights and opportunities to help you earn a living from home.

We'll first send a confirmation email to make sure it’s you 🔒 Check out our privacy policy to see how we protect and manage your data.

🤔 What Is Online Paid Research?

Online paid research is a broad term. It mainly includes activities like:

• Focus Groups Providing feedback with a bigger group of testers or participants.
• In-home Interviews Talking directly with people over the phone or internet.
• One-on-one Interviews Sharing your opinion via video conferencing software.
• Answering Questionnaires Giving feedback to short questions based on your opinions or experiences.
• Taste / Product Testing Receiving a “first-look” at products and testing them.
• Mock Trial / Mock Jury Participating in a simulated court trial to help legal workers train.

You’ll sometimes see paid research called “paid studies” or “paid focus groups” too. 

Generally you’ll be providing companies information about their products or services to help them improve. Or you might be helping scientists or researchers gather information about things like diseases or human behavior.

The subject of research can be varied.

Note that we differentiate between paid research studies and paid surveys, though there can be some overlap. Both are considered GetPaidTo (GPT), but you’ll usually earn more money with research studies.

• See our list of best survey sites

🤑 How Much Do Research Studies Pay?

Typically, research studies can pay anything between $8 – $450 per hour .

While generally not a consistent source of income, they can be a great way to earn some extra money.

An example of a paid online research study that many people could potentially qualify for:

Potential earnings rely on a few factors:

• Method of research Online studies tend to pay less than in-person ones. This is because the range of information a researcher can receive is limited to text or speech. Sometimes the higher paying studies need more information (i.e. health metrics in clinical research).
• Length of study The longer the study, the higher the chance of earning. Some studies can be less than an hour in length. Others might go on for several weeks or months.
• Type of payment Some online paid research positions don’t pay in cash at all but rather gift cards or vouchers. These could limit you to certain vendors you may not be interested in (Walmart when you live outside the U.S. for instance).
• Number of research studies available Don’t be fooled into thinking high paying online studies are everywhere, they’re not. As far as market research companies or clinical trials go, they are expensive to set up and manage.
• Demographics Certain studies want to target a specific age, income or gender etc. There’s no promise you’ll qualify for enough studies to make it worth your while.

The highest to lowest earning online paid research study types are:

• Focus groups
• Taste/product testing
• Questionnaires or surveys ( list of best survey sites )

The last group pays the least but usually has more regular opportunities.

🌎 Best Places to Find Paid Studies Online

There are several legit sites to find paid research studies.

The two best places, in my opinion, are PingPong and Respondent . They take participants from anywhere, not just the U.S.

Let’s take a closer look at each.

Respondent.io is a website that helps companies like Allstate and eBay perform market research studies.

As a “respondent” (fancy word for research participant), you’ll be paid for taking part in focus groups, one-on-one interviews and other research work.

Examples of paid research studies available at Respondent:

The majority of the studies are performed online or via phone (i.e. remote).

🤑 Earning Range

• $20 – $500 per study
• High payout
• Good reputation among online workers
• Not easy to qualify for research studies
• Slow customer support
• Full Respondent review

PingPong is a recent player in the marketing research space, launched in 2017. Its platform is designed to bring developers and research participants together in one-on-one video calls to help test websites . 

As their past clients include companies like BT, Skyscanner, Zapier and Nestle, you know they’re legit.

One user reported earning €40 per hour participating in 3 studies on PingPong:

• €10 – €100 for every session
• €30+ per hour of a video call (special cases up to €200)
• You don’t need to match any special criteria
• The chance to work with top brands
• Requires providing feedback with a webcam
• Possibly boring if you’re not interested in web design and usability

🇺🇸 Best Sites For Paid Studies Online In The USA

If you’re a U.S. resident there are two more options worth checking out: FindFocusGroups.com and r/PaidStudies .

These are listing sites as opposed to market research companies. 

FindFocusGroups.com allows you to search for both in-person and online research studies taking place across America. 

At the time of writing, there are several online focus groups and clinical trials listed. These cover topics as broad as credit cards, Bay Area living and home ownership.

• $65 – $400 per study
• Frequently updated 
• Good number of focus-groups and research studies available
• All studies with decent pay
• Third-party site, can’t always promise legit studies
• The application process isn’t standard (dependent on whatever site you’re referred to)

r/PaidStudies is a growing subreddit that was first started in 2017.

It lists paid market research studies, including the ones that can be done online from anywhere in the USA.

An example of a paid study linked from r/PaidStudies:

• $25 – $500 per study
• New research studies posted daily
• Big range of study types; clinical trials, focus groups, product testing, etc.
• You don’t have to create an account to apply 
• Some overlap with platforms like Respondent re-posting studies

😎 30 Other Legit Places to Find Paid Focus Group

There are a bunch of other legit places with research studies available.

Sites below are listed in alphabetical order. So, there are some really good ones mentioned even towards the very end of the article. Keep scrolling down and you will see examples of online studies that pay up to $500 for a 75-minute call interview …

20|20 Research

Part of the Schlesinger marketing group, 20|20 Research has over 30 years experience in the industry.

They offer both online focus groups and one-on-one interviews mainly to U.S. residents. Examples:

• $50 – $350 per qualitative research
• $1 – $10 for each quick survey (quantitative research)
• High earning potential
• Many short survey opportunities available, paying out anything between $1 – $10 cash
• Lengthy pre-screening tests
• Higher earning rates for in-person studies (specifically for people in Charlotte, Nashville and Miami)

Adler Weiner Research

Adler Weiner Research has over 60 years experience in the industry. They specialize in consumer, medical and business-to-business marketing.

They offer focus-groups, in-depth interviews and shop alongs (a research team goes with you to shop).

An example of online study:

• $25 – $300 per study
• Diverse research study types
• Reputable company
• Mostly want people for in-person studies in Chicago, Los Angeles and Orange Country

Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)

Mechanical Turk is a “microjobs” site from Amazon where you can get paid to perform small tasks, including participation in research studies.

MTurk brings researchers and participants together allowing for pseudo-anonymity between both. Having a third party (Amazon) overseeing payments is a great way to protect both parties.

Examples of the higher paying tasks one user reported on the Hustle:

As you can see above, this user was earning between $10.54 – $14.24 per hour, while only taking the highest paying surveys.

However, most tasks pay at the lower end:

The Hustle reported average earnings:

A 2018 academic study analyzed 3.8m tasks completed by 2,676 workers on MTurk and found that average earnings through the platform amounted to $2 per hour . Only 4% of all workers earned more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.

• $1 – $14 per hour
• Many varied opportunities
• Open to internationals
• Lower paying
• Strong competition for places
• Check this subreddit which posts the highest paying tasks on MTurk

American Consumer Opinion

Boasting 6 million members, American Consumer Opinion runs paid research studies several times a year. They normally don’t pay much, but you might be selected for those rare market research studies that pay up to $50.

The platform runs on a points system rather than cash payouts. When you hit $10.00, you can request your money.

• About $2 – $5 for a few minute study
• $0.1 – $0.3 compensation if you disqualify
• Varied research subjectis (product opinions, website testing, etc.)
• Much more low-paying surveys than higher-paying focus groups

Apex Focus Group

Apex Focus Group is seeking individuals to participate in paid focus groups, survey panels, clinical trials, and phone interviews.

Most of their studies are 90 – 120 minutes in duration and on the topics like food, sports, entertainment, pets, electronics, automobiles and parenting.

• $35 – $75 (per 1 hour session)
• $250 – $500 (multi-session studies)
• High payouts
• Varied research topics
• High competition among participants
• U.S. residents only

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Brand Institute

As the parent of the Drug Safety Institute (DSI), Brand Institute specializes in medical research surveys.

They only work with licenced healthcare workers as participants. Most surveys seem to take 15 to 40 minutes and pay between $10 – $20 on average .

The list of open surveys is only available for signed-up users. But you can find their users reviews on Facebook . One user posted a screenshot of his survey history a few years ago…

• $2 – $30 per study
• Quick earning opportunity for healthcare workers
• Many reported that surveys were interesting and fun
• Requires a medical license number from participants
• Not that many surveys seem to be available lately

Carnegie Mellon University | Center for Behavioral and Decision Research

Carnegie Mellon runs a few online studies from their research lab. Subjects include things like personal attitudes, beliefs, human judgement and decision-making. 

• $8 per hour on average (for online studies)
• Short online studies (from 5 minutes to an hour)
• Enter a lottery for a chance to win a larger prize
• Participants are primarily needed for in-person studies in labs on campus
• Can not participate in more than one study at one time

Columbia Business School | Center for Decision Sciences

Columbia Business School is continually recruiting people to take part in online studies.

Recent topics of study have involved completing interactive decision-making tasks, short cognitive tests, solving brain teasers and answering general questions about politics.

• About $16 per hour
• Good number of research projects
• Steady pay rate
• Few studies for people outside US
• May be strict eligibility requirements

CenterWatch

CenterWatch is an aggregator of worldwide clinical research studies. They list studies from research labs and clinics all over the globe, including those doing important research on subjects like dementia and genetic screening.

Unfortunately, they often don’t disclose the earning ranges on their studies and many are strictly voluntary.

You’ll need to play around with the search filters to find paid and/or online studies. Try searching for the following keywords:

• Compensation
• Compensated

Here’s an example of a paid online study I found via search:

• Available studies on all continents (but mainly in North America, Europe and Asia)
• You can find well-paid studies
• Poor site navigation (hunting for paid online studies can take a while)
• Many studies are voluntary

Fieldwork is a marketing research company that has been operating since 1980.

They are mainly focused on consumer and medical panels and have several in-person paid research locations in the US.

• $75 minimum for focus groups
• Short sessions (1-2 hours)
• Variety of topics
• Few online paid research gigs (most are in-person)

FocusGroup.com

FocusGroup.com is another research company owned by the Schlesinger Group. They list many online focus groups and research studies on their Facebook page .

FocusGroup.com also operates under the brands Focus Pointe Global and Inspired Opinions.

Example of an online focus group:

• $75 – $200 per study
• Reputable brand
• Slow payout (cash usually received within 6-8 weeks of participation)
• There could be some delays in payment
• Check out Focus Group on Facebook for the latest studies

Google’s User Experience Research

Google runs different focus group studies to get user feedback on a range of their products and services.

Many of these studies offer redemptions in the form of gift cards or charity donations. Gift card options are relevant to your country.

• $25 – $200 per hour of screen-recording surveys
• About $0.5 or more for 30-40 minutes of surveys that don’t require screen recordings

Here’s the official word from Google :

Once your participation is complete, you’ll get a small thank-you gift like a gift card or a donation to your favorite charity . We’ll always tell you what the reward will be before you decide whether to participate.

• Wide eligibility (just have to use Google products)
• Open for people outside the US
• Donate to your favorite charity
• Lengthy sign-up process (1-2 hours survey regarding your usage of Google products)
• Pay varies greatly depending on a type of survey

Harvard University | Psychology Department Study Pool

Running since the 1800’s, Harvard’s reputation as one of the world’s finest educational institutions is global.

Harvard’s Psychology Department is also one the highest ranked in the world. It has openings for paid research on the regular.

Some of the studies require you to attend in person, but they also do online studies. Time and compensation will be listed in the description of each study.

• $10 – $25 per hour on average
• Available opportunities for foreign internationals
• Limited places (plus high competition)

MIT Behavioral Research Lab

There are many different types of paid research you can do with the MIT Behavioral Research Lab. Common activities include completing group assignments, filling out questionnaires, playing games and taking part in interviews or discussions.

MIT uses the platform Sona to bring participants and research leaders together. Online studies usually last between 15 and 45 minutes.

• $10 – $20 per hour for online studies

While most researchers pay participants a flat rate, some researchers prefer to use a performance-based payment system, where participants receive a fixed base rate for completing a study, plus a variable bonus that reflects how well they perform in certain tasks.

• Performance-based payment gives opportunity to earn more
• Strict eligibility criteria
• Open to US residents only

Mindswarms is a market research company that’s focused exclusively on video.

Completing one of their studies involves recording your insights on a business or product via a smartphone, tablet or webcam. Past clients include Nike, Verizon and Google. You can find out more about their clients here .

• $10 – $50 per study (from a few minutes to 20 min)
• Video format
• Few studies available

Northwestern University | Department of Psychology

Northwestern University’s Psychology Department is at the cutting edge of psychological research in America.

Recent study topics include Covid-19, the impact of the Trump presidency and the efficiency of female leaders.

An example of a recent online study:

• $15 – $421 per study
• Interesting topics
• Available studies for those under 18 years of age
• Most surveys for U.S. residents only

Purdue University

Purdue University, known as one of the most innovative schools in America, is another site that will pay you for taking part in studies.

A recent online telehealth study, looking at speech in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, shows the type of research they do…

• $10 – $70 per study
• Some studies provide extra bonuses for completing sessions
• Website is difficult to navigate (hard to figure out which opportunities are online vs in-person)
• Few online studies

Plaza Research

In business since 1982, Plaza Research runs a lot of studies targeted at consumers, parents, teens, students, business professionals and healthcare workers.

Most focus groups are up to 2-hours long and discuss things like new products from major manufacturers.

• $50 – $200 per study
• Growing number of opportunities (online survey taking, paid interviews and focus groups)
• Long sign-up process
• Poor website design

Probe Market Research

Probe Market Research conducts group interviews over the phone or online. You can get paid for your opinions on things like new TV commercials, beauty products and even soda bottle designs. Past clients include Dell, Lego and eBay.

An example of recent online research on credit cards:

• $50 – $400 per study
• Chance to work with top brands
• Mostly US-based opportunities
• Check out PMR’s on Facebook to view recent research opportunities

Recruit and Field

Recruit and Field has been in business since 1977. They specialize in connecting and inviting participants to take part in focus groups, phone interviews, online surveys and in-home product testing.

Some studies pay cash while others offer Amazon gift cards and PayPal payouts.

• $100 – $300 per study
• Varied research formats (phone, online, in-home, etc.)
• Competitive (the website claims a pool of 300,000 respondents)
• Check out Recruit & Field on Facebook for the latest studies

Reddit r/FocusGroups

r/FocusGroups is a community very similar to r/PaidStudies and has a lot of crossover. You can sign up to each of the opportunities they list directly.

At the time of writing there are studies paying as high as $250 per hour that require only a WebCam to share product opinions…

• New daily listings
• Overlaps with other sites on this list

Resolution Research

Resolution Research looks for “engaged and enthusiastic participants from all walks of life in the US and Canada”, according to their website.

They run focus groups, product and device tests, mock juries, taste tests and online surveys. They also run two other research panels; The Medical Panel and PaidStudies.com.

• $20 – $200 per survey (estimated)
• Reputable brand (several studies running across different panels)
• Confusing web interface (lots of redirection to other panels/websites)

SIS International

SIS International does research into topics like smoking and tobacco use, social media opinions and online entertainment use.

You’ll get paid to join focus groups, do online surveys and give product feedback in one-to-one interviews. Example:

• $25 – $400 per study
• Open to international participants (Germany, London, Milan, etc.)
• Available studies for teenagers
• Some users reported poor customer service
• Check out SIS International on Facebook for the latest studies in the USA

Stanford Graduate School of Business

Stanford’s School of Business is another Ivy-league University running a research lab.

Most studies can be done online or in-person at choice. Studies typically include cash or gift card payments averaging $25 an hour .

Studies are usually run through Sona, MTurk or Opinion World.

• $25 per hour
• Most studies can be done online
• Specific eligibility requirements

SurveyFeeds

SurveyFeeds is another aggregator site that lists several online paid research gigs.

• Nationwide studies
• Not many studies available

Survey Squad

Survey Squad is most active on their Twitter account when it comes to listing new paid research spots. Recent studies include online live chats on the topic of finance, nutrition and dating.

• Earn additional rewards by completing multiple surveys through Survey Squad
• Many users reported never qualifying for surveys or being denied after initial confirmation
• Slow payout
• Check out SurveySquad’s Twitter account for the latest studies

University of California | Anderson Behavioral Lab

The UCLA Anderson School of Management has a couple of online paid research places looking at things like decision making, consumer and organizational behavior and human judgement. 

You’ll have to register via Sona ( here ) to apply for paid studies.

• $13 – $15 per hour
• Few research gigs

University of California | Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior

The Semel Institute offers mainly in-person research studies but does have a few online studies occasionally.

Research focuses on neuroscience, with investigations into things like body dysmorphia, depression and sleep. Some studies focus on teens under 18 years too.

Click on the studies that interest you on this page and contact the email address provided.

• $10 – $15 per hour (estimated)
• Interesting and varied research topics
• Online studies are rare (and hard to filter them on the site)

User Interviews

User Interviews does what it says, it pays to hear your thoughts over Zoom calls and other conferencing software.

Recent studies have looked at things like streaming services, food delivery and mobile apps. You can view the list of available paid research studies here .

• $15 – $340 per study
• Many studies with decent pay
• The company has good reputation
• Long screeners to apply for studies
• May be hard to qualify

The WatchLab is an American-based marketing agency operating out of Portland and Chicago.

They sometimes have paid studies you can do over the phone or online. Most of these are 1-2 hour long focus groups.

• $90 – $200 per study
• Mainly focus groups
• Most studies are in-person
• Check out watchLab’s Facebook page for the latest studies

👮‍♂️ Are Paid Research Studies Legit?

I’d say paid research studies are definitely legit.

Like any online earning opportunity you have to be careful though. Many sites will just waste your time with screening questionnaires if you don’t fit certain demographics.

Make sure the paid research study you do apply for has their criteria clearly listed.

⚠️ How to Make Sure Research Companies Are Legit

Here’s what you can do to avoid wasting your time and only find legit chances to earn:

• Check for an official address Does the company have a listed public address with contact numbers and staff listings?
• Look for a professional website Does the website look well put together with a good about page that talks about how studies work?
• Read the company privacy policy Read all documentation available so you know your rights as a participant.
• Check email correspondence Does the email address include the company or institution’s name?
• Avoid any request for money If someone is asking for money up front it’s definitely a scam.
• Check online profiles : Verify who you’re dealing with by looking for a company profile at the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot.org.

🧐 Are $350 focus groups real?

Although there are chances to earn this amount of cash (or higher) don’t expect it to be standard. Earnings like this aren’t typical.

Your best chance to earn high are to go with the sites recommended at the beginning of this article:

• r/PaidStudies

🤓 What Skills Do You Need For Paid Studies?

You only need basic skills to take part in paid studies.

Besides being able to confidently use a computer or mobile device, you’ll also need to be good at the following:

• Communication Speaking when requested and giving precise feedback.
• Punctuality Attending studies at the time specified.
• Question comprehension Understand and matching what’s asked in each study.
• Upholding confidentiality Respecting the privacy requests of the research.

😎 General Tips For Doing Well With Paid Research

Here are some suggestions to do well in paid research and increase your chances of landing further gigs:

• Know your rights Carefully read the terms and conditions of every study you join.
• Give honest information Be truthful with your answers, don’t give research leaders the answers you think they might want to hear.
• Remain patient Don’t interrupt other participants.
• Follow instructions Do the things researchers ask of you to the best of your ability.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Paid Research?

The main pros and cons below:

• It’s a simple and fast way to make decent money
• Sharing your opinions can be interesting and fun
• Your opinions can have an important impact
• It’s not a reliable way to earn 
• It’s tough to find high paying online research gigs
• Meeting the criteria and getting accepted can take a long time

Can I Be A Full-Time Online Research Participant?

My opinion is that it’s next to impossible to do online research as a full-time job.

There just aren’t enough studies to qualify for and most of them won’t pay out enough to make it worth your while.

• See more reliable ways to make money online

💬 Share Your Experience

Have you participated in any online research studies? Are there any good sites you’re aware of that we didn’t mention?

Let us know in the comments below .

Other ways to make money online

There are many other ways to make money online, to work from home or anywhere in the world.

• Full list of ways to make money online
• More profiles of online money makers

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The 15 Best Sites for Paid Research Studies

Jenni Sisson, Contributor

• Updated May 24, 2024

Paid research studies are somewhat similar to survey sites , but these studies go a lot more in-depth. The marketing company may ask you to keep a diary of your activities for a week or longer, or they may conduct multiple hour-long phone interviews. They’ll also screen your demographic info much more carefully than if you were conducting simple product tests . 

As such, the payout for research studies is much more than for surveys, with between $50 and $100 per hour being common. Read on to find out more about paid research studies, and which ones are worth your time.

Table of Contents

Key Facts About Paid Research Studies

These studies vary in form and topic and sometimes go by different names, like clinical trials, focus groups, shopalongs, user surveys, paid research opportunities and more. In each case, a company or organization hires a market research firm to answer a question. It could be anything from “Which baby food logo do moms prefer?” to “How many Hispanic citizens in Cincinnati have a favorable view of candidate John Doe?” 

The topic of the research determines what kind of study subjects the project requires, so researchers have to gather respondents of specific demographics. If you sign up for the research company’s database and you fit the profile, they will email or call you to participate in the study. In some cases, you can browse research opportunities and apply to the ones you’re most interested in.

Studies can take various forms: an emailed survey, a phone interview, a video chat, an in-person group panel, keeping a diary of certain activities and more. Your honest responses help companies make marketing and product decisions. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you pursue this side hustle:

• You won’t qualify for every study, so plan to apply to a lot of them and with multiple marketing companies.
• Answer honestly. Lie on the surveys and the recruiter will likely ban you from the platform permanently.
• Check your email regularly. Paid research studies are usually time-sensitive, and often the first respondents are rewarded for their punctuality.
• Do your homework. Not every company that claims to do research is legit. Some take your info, “disqualify you” for the study, then sell that info to other companies. Check sites like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Reddit and Trustpilot to sift out the time wasters and bad actors.
• Check their payment terms. Companies pay in gift cards, cash, or via apps like PayPal. The timeframe of when you’ll be paid varies widely between companies, so read the fine print.

We’ve compiled a list of some popular companies that conduct paid research studies. Some are generalists, while some cater to a specific clientele or demographic. 

#1. User Interviews

In our experience, User Interviews offers a very high payout compared to the time spent. During our test, we earned a net rate of $55 per hour . Most of the payments are in the form of Amazon gift cards rather than cash, though there are occasionally PayPal options.

#2. Respondent

Respondent focuses their recruitment on IT/tech employees, CEOs and other industry professionals. They offer hefty compensation for participants, which can rise to as much as $750 per hour (according to their website). Respondent pays in PayPal only and only allows you to apply to three studies per day.

While the payouts for Respondent studies are high, it can be difficult to qualify for them. Professionals in IT and other technology business roles tend to have an easier time. You can only apply to the B2B studies if you link your work email to your Respondent profile.

We only earned $31 per hour in our Respondent testing , but that still makes this one of the highest-paying market research opportunities we’ve discovered. 

A Reddit user who goes by the screen name sauciestcoconut claims to have made over $2,000 with DScout , noting that their key to success is that they “literally apply to almost every single mission that I might qualify for. I skip the ones that obviously don’t relate to me (about kids or certain occupations) but I submit several applications a day.”

#4. Universities

These are the original source of paid research studies, so if you live near a university, they can be a great option to make some extra cash. They can be trickier to locate, as each department will have its own recruitment methods.

There is no central repository for these studies that we could find, but here is a list of a few major institutions to get you started:

• Carnegie Mellon (offers online research opportunities)
• University of Nebraska
• University of Texas
• University of Colorado

To sign up to be part of the pool of research study participants at your local university, do an internet search for the university’s name and “paid research studies.” Many (though not all) research studies are conducted in person.

Here’s another route to find these opportunities: if you live near a medical research university, ask your doctor if they know of any clinical trials going on that you may qualify for.

#5. Fieldwork

Fieldwork offers focus groups in 13 locations around the U.S. If you don’t live near one, you can join their online database. They especially need doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals for their studies.

After you register with their site, an employee will call or email you when you come up as a match for a study’s requirements. They have a good reputation as a legitimate company, but users say it’s imperative that you answer the phone when they call . Otherwise, they’ll move on to the next qualifying person on their list.

#6. U.S. Government Clinical Trials

The federal government is always looking for people to participate in clinical trials of various medications and treatments, many of which are conducted through the National Institutes of Health.

These studies can be a particularly good option if you suffer from a chronic medical condition, as you may gain access to cutting-edge treatments before they’re widely available. And as a general rule, these trials are safe; although they may not produce the results that the researchers are hoping for, researchers don’t conduct trials that they believe have the potential to cause harm. 

You can find a list of ongoing clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov . This is just a repository for the information; each trial is conducted by a different company, university or organization, and you’ll have to contact each study you’re applying for by phone or email. No compensation information is available on the site, and pay rates vary widely depending on factors such as the required time commitment. 

#7. FocusGroup.com

FocusGroup.com has 16 facilities nationwide where you can participate in face-to-face focus groups and panels. These typically pay well, since there’s more work involved in attending an in-person interview than a phone or internet survey.

This company is now owned by Schlesinger Group (rebranded as SAGO), and the change has caused some operational hiccups. For example, there have been several complaints to the Better Business Bureau of participants not getting paid and receiving poor or no communication from the company. However, most of these issues have reportedly been resolved. 

#8. Rare Patient Voice

Due to the nature of this company’s clientele, it is extremely difficult for them to match people to research studies, as they focus on rare diseases and conditions. That said, if you do qualify (and they list their ongoing studies directly on their site), you are handsomely compensated.

Rare Patient Voice has a good reputation, earning an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau . Most of the complaints from participants are related to delayed payment due to an investigation on whether the participant sped through the questions too quickly to give a thorough review. 

#9. FindFocusGroups.com

This site doesn’t host paid research studies directly; it’s more like Craigslist for vetted, high-paying focus groups. (That means you’ll have to apply to each study individually.) Focus groups are sorted by city and state, but there are nationwide online groups as well.

The interface of the site is filled with ads, so make sure that when you click on a sign-up link you’re signing up for an individual study, not clicking over to a random advertiser (some of whom make their ads looks like study invitations).

The reputation of FindFocusGroups.com is hard to speak to as the site is just a board that posts the focus groups of various companies.

#10. SIS International

As you might guess from the name, SIS International is one of the few companies on this list that is open to participants around the world. Their research covers a broad range of industries — everything from burgers to butane.

Participants seem to like participating in SIS International’s research. The company has five stars on Trustpilot and many complimentary reviews from former study participants. 

#11. Probe Market Research

Probe Market Research has three focuses: consumer studies, business-to-business research and healthcare. It’s a legit company, though some participants complain of late payments and the inconvenience of getting paid in virtual Visa cards , which can only be used online and expire in 90 days. However, the company has four stars on Yelp and most reviews are positive.

#12. Focus Insite

Though they pay well, several Reddit users note that it’s pretty hard to qualify for these studies . Though the reviews aren’t all bad; for example, Redditor stormborn29 said , “Focus Insite sent me a really nice vacuum to test, and I was paid $200 — plus I got to keep the vacuum.” 

Focus Insite does, however, have a few unresolved BBB complaints regarding the lack of payment to participants . They have an active Facebook page, but the reviews on that page look unrelated to market research or surveys. In other words, this research company appears to be legit, but we still recommend proceeding with caution. 

#13. WatchLab

If you’re curious about the latest WatchLab studies, check out their Facebook page . WatchLab’s website is geared toward companies that employ them, not participants, so you’ll get more information on Facebook. Many studies are related to social media use.

This firm is notorious for taking a long time to pay , and they’ve been dinged by many users for not paying at all. They only have 2.5 stars on Yelp (based on 32 reviews), and most of the complaints are due to nonpayment. 

GLG presents a different type of opportunity than most of the other companies on this list. They do research on big purchasing decisions, recruit expert witnesses for trials and more. They keep a list of industry experts in management, law, finance and other professional fields to interview or consult on special cases or niche studies.

“Consultants” usually have years of industry experience, and often have leadership roles. A handful of other companies do this too; AlphaSights, Guidepoint, Third Bridge and Coleman are a few others. 

The screening required to become a consultant for GLG and other high-paying research firms is extensive, as they only want respondents that have specific credentials. To get selected, veterans in this consulting side gig world recommend being very detailed in your LinkedIn profile, as recruiters for these studies rely heavily on the platform to identify potential participants.

Many studies are geared toward mid to senior-level professionals, and if you’re matched with a study, you can make up to $500 per hour or more.

#15. Recruit + Field

Recruit + Field covers the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. They have an impressive list of clients, including Apple, Netflix, Clinique, Spotify and more. This company is somewhere between a GLG (looking for experts) and FieldWork (looking for all walks of life plus healthcare professionals), as they recruit in each of these areas.

Their reputation is fairly good; Recruit + Field has an A- rating on BBB (only 4 complaints, all of which have been answered). 

What About Apex Focus Group?

When we tested Apex Focus Group , we found that the platform offers none of its own paid research studies and uses misleading marketing tactics to get users to sign up for its email list. Once opted in, the company sends affiliate marketing messages to your inbox. Some of those messages contain legit focus group opportunities, but they’re the same focus groups you could find on your own — often by visiting the sites listed above.

Paid Research Study Sites: Summary and Final Thoughts

You won’t qualify for every study, and unfortunately, no amount of hard work will change that. (Plus these companies now have layers of checks and AI algorithms to vet cheating and lying, so don’t try that either). 

Because of this, paid research studies fall squarely in the side-hustle-only camp. For the best return, apply to a number of studies you have a good chance of qualifying for, and quickly respond when you get a call or email from the market research company (as many studies are deadline driven). 

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent looking to make a few bucks during naptime or a senior project manager looking for a good-paying, low-maintenance side gig , paid research studies can be an easy way to make extra money.

Different companies cater to different demographics, and hence, want different research participants. So do your homework on the research company before you sign up to get a better response rate. 

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20 Best Online Focus Groups in 2024

Sireesha Narumanchi | Published: March 21, 2023 | Updated: July 26, 2024

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS – IF YOU CLICK A LINK AND MAKE A PURCHASE, I MAY RECEIVE A COMMISSION AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE .

You must have come across paid research studies if you have ever searched for extra income options.

These are a step-up from survey sites and require more participation, but they pay well.

Research studies are one of the many side hustles that are worth your time for the following reasons:

• They pay well (depending on the study).
• They are “quick money” gigs.
• The studies are quite extensive and interesting.

Though they are a good way to earn money on the side, you should tread carefully when taking part in paid research studies. There are many scams out there claiming to be legit. Always sign up with trusted and legitimate market research companies.

If you are ready to part with a good amount of your time for money—definitely more than your typical surveys—you can look into research studies. 

Survey Junkie

Make money by sharing your opinion! Survey Junkie rewards you for taking surveys and testing products. Get free gift cards or cash!

20 Paid Research Studies You Can Do for Extra Money

#1. user interviews.

User Interviews

Participate in research studies and earn extra cash in your free time! User Interviews has paid over $25 million in rewards to its members till now. It’s simple: sign up, give your opinion, and get paid.

User Interviews is one of the more popular websites for participating in paid research studies online. It has many types of studies available including in-person interviews, phone interviews, multiday studies, etc. The studies can pay up to $150, depending on the duration and the type of study.

You can sign up on the website, and once you pass the screening survey, you can participate in the study you are interested in. User Interviews is available in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, France, Germany, and South Africa.

Recommended reading:

• Is User Interviews Legit? My Honest Review

Up to $150 per study. 

#2. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a popular survey panel often has product research studies available. In addition to high-paying surveys, Survey Junkie offers product testing, in-person focus groups, and phone surveys. The pay may range anywhere from $50 to $150 for these opportunities.

The best thing about Survey Junkie is it’s a legit survey panel with loads of extra income options like surveys and product testing. Just sign up and get started.

Can pay up to $50 to $150 per study. 

#3. Fieldwork

Fieldwork is another market research company that has paid research studies in 11 locations in the US, like San Francisco, Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, New York City, Minneapolis, and more. Even if you don’t live near these cities, you can still register in the company’s database to get phone or online studies. Fieldwork has different types of studies, including taste tests, product trials, shop-along reviews, etc.

The discussions range from 1 to 2 hours, and the pay is around $75 or more for one to two hours.

#4. Mindswarms

Mindswarms is a market research company that pays its participants to share their views about products and services via video. You can record your answers on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Once you sign up, you can apply for studies in your dashboard. After some screening questions, if you are selected, you can record your answers through video.

You get $50 for answering 10 questions about products, and payments are made via PayPal.

• 23 Product Tester Jobs from Home in 2024 (Extra Money & Free Stuff)
• 20 Best Sign-up Bonus Apps for Free Money in 2024
• 31 Clever Ways to Make Money Doing Nothing (Updated 2024)

#5. Respondent

Respondent is another research study website that has many paid research interviews available. This website works similarly to User Interviews. You can sign up online and choose the studies via the website or through email invitations. Once you go through the screening surveys, you can proceed with the study.

The pay is usually around $120 per study and is made via PayPal. Keep in mind that Respondent takes a cut of 5% from the pay.

#6. American Consumer Opinion

American Consumer Opinion (ACOP) has been around for a long time and is a trusted website for surveys and research studies. This survey panel is available worldwide, and it sends you invites for studies whenever they are available. Unlike other websites, American Consumer Opinion only pays in points.

You can accrue anywhere from 50 to 5,000 points for surveys depending on their length, which can be redeemed for cash via PayPal. You can also enter into sweepstakes or donate to charity.

Pay depends on the study.

#7. Inspired Opinions

Inspired Opinions is backed by the Schlesinger Group and has many diverse market research studies including in-person interviews, telephone interviews, online surveys, etc. It is available in the US, the UK, Spain, and Germany.

The in-person studies pay up to $100 for two hours, and the online surveys are paid in points that can be redeemed for Amazon e-vouchers.

#8. Engage in Depth

Engage in Depth has paid research studies for two demographics: general consumer/business professionals and medical/healthcare community members. Their studies range from in-person, telephone interviews to online, video and mobile studies.

You can sign up from anywhere globally.

The pay can go up to $200, depending on the study. Payments are made via virtual gift card after 5 to 7 days.

#9. Probe Market Research

Probe Market Research offers online and phone interviews as well as in-person studies. Once you fill out the online form with all the required information, the company will contact you if suitable studies come up.

The pay is usually between $50 and $400, depending on the study.

#10. Brand Institute

Brand Institute has regular studies available in pharmaceutical and market research areas. You can sign up with your details and get email invites for new studies.

It accepts participants from all over the world.

The pay depends on the type and length of the studies.

#11. watchLAB

watchLAB offers paid focus groups, telephone and in-person interviews, and online studies. You can sign up online and get email invites, or check its Facebook page for new studies.

If you pass the screening questions, you can go ahead with the study. Online study payments are made via checks.

Up to $50 to $100 per study.

#12. Plaza Research

Another website that provides various market research studies is Plaza Research . It has focus groups , online surveys, and telephone and in-home interviews.

It mainly looks for consumers, parents, kids/teens, students, physicians, and business professionals.

The payment depends on the length and type of study.

Universities Offering Paid Online Research Studies:

#1. carnegie mellon university.

You can participate in online or in-person studies conducted by Carnegie Mellon University . The length of an online study ranges from five minutes to one hour.

Type of studies: Personal attitudes and beliefs, human judgment and decision-making, preferences, interpersonal perceptions, group performance, interaction with computers and machines, and public policy perceptions.

Payment usually averages around $8 per hour for online studies, or participants may be entered into a lottery to win a larger prize. In-person studies pay around $10 per hour.

#2. MIT Behavioral Research Lab

The Behavioral Research Lab of MIT has many studies available, and you need to sign up online before you get started. If you are 18 years of age or over, live in the US, and speak and write English without difficulty, you can join the participant pool.

It offers both in-person and online studies.

The pay is around $11–$20/hour for online studies and $15–$25/hour for in-person studies.

#3. Yale School of Management

Yale School of Management has both online and in-person studies. You can sign up to be considered for upcoming studies or like its Facebook page to learn about new studies.

The payment is usually cash or Amazon gift cards.

#4. Harvard University Psychology Study Pool

You can participate in online studies with Harvard University Psychology Study Pool . Participants must be aged between 12 and 99 years old. Credit studies are for Harvard students, and payment studies are open for anyone.

Payment goes up to $25 per hour and is paid through gift cards.

#5. Stanford Graduate School of Business

Stanford Graduate School of Business recruits participants for in-person or online studies. You must be 18 years or older and complete a prescreen form to participate. You can sign up for these studies even if you are not a US citizen.

Average pay is up to $25 paid in cash or gift cards.

#6. The University of Texas at Austin Department of Psychology

This university has many in-person paid medical studies available; you can check them out here . They are suitable for current students and others as well.

Pay ranges from $20 to $150, depending on the study.

#7. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior has studies related to brain functioning and behavior. It has both adult and child studies, and you can sign up online.

The pay is up to $100 per study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you find research studies online.

You can find many research study opportunities with the companies listed above. Always go with trusted and legit websites when looking for paid studies.

How much can you get paid for research studies?

There are many types of research studies; they can be in-person, online, over the phone, etc. How much you earn depends on the type of study and the duration.

They can range anywhere from $5 to $200 per study.

Are paid studies legit?

Yes, they are legit and pay well. Sign up for the right ones with all your details and respond to the invites on time.  Keep in mind that standard research studies take more time and involvement than surveys. The upside is they pay more.

High-Paying Alternatives to Focus Groups

If you want a more stable income and want to do it flexibly, here are some of the best alternatives :

#1. Proofreading

Got a keen eye for detail? Love correcting errors in documents? Then proofreading might be a perfect fit for you. This is a high-paying job that has the potential to become a profitable business. If you are keen to give this a try, check out  this workshop , where you will discover the skills needed to become a proofreader from home.

• 51 Best Proofreading Online Jobs for Beginners & Pros (Pay, Requirements)

#2. Blogging

Blogging is an excellent way to make extra income entirely online, and the best part is that it is quite flexible, and you can do it along with a full-time job. I am making around  $5,000 a month  blogging part-time, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for extra income online. I have a super easy-to-follow a  step-by-step guide  to starting your own money-making blog.

• Top 8 Reasons You Should Start Blogging Today
• How to Make Over $4,000/Month Working from Home

#3. Bookkeeper

I know you might be thinking this job might be for accountants or people with experience in bookkeeping. It’s not. You can be a work-at-home bookkeeper without any experience. Bookkeeper  is a perfect online work option, giving you extra income. If this is something you are looking for, then check out this detailed   post   about bookkeeping .

• 15 Companies for Remote Accounting Jobs in 2024

Final Thoughts 

If you are looking for ways to earn money from home or to do side gigs without any commitment, participating in research studies for money is a great choice. Paid research studies are great extra income earners if you have some free time on hand. Just take care to sign up only for authentic studies and choose only the ones that suit you.

About Sireesha Narumanchi

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Virtual Lab Online Research Studies

The pimco decision research virtual lab at the roman family center for decision research allows people from around the world to take paid research studies online using surveys, zoom video calls, and other remote tools..

Video Transcript

Transcript coming soon.

By participating in online behavioral science studies, you play a vital role in helping Chicago Booth researchers better understand judgment and decision-making.

Here's how you can take paid surveys and interactive studies from the comfort of home. Sign Up (New Participants)   Log In (Existing Participants)

Take Studies in the Virtual Lab

You'll need:.

• A computer, smartphone, or tablet
• Internet connection

How to Get Started

• Sign up for an account. Within 1 business day, you'll receive an email with your login info and other important information.
• Tell us about yourself. The first time you log into your account, you'll be prompted to take a short prescreen survey about you and your background. Watch a video tutorial.
• Sign up for paid surveys: When you log in, you'll see the studies you are eligible to take. By default, participants are eligible for surveys, one of our two types of studies.
• Optional: Take the Zoom Prerequisite Study Pays $3 / 10-15 min. / Appointments Tu-Fri, 11am-4pm CT Many of our highest-paying studies are conducted via Zoom, a video chat platform. To become eligible for these more advanced studies, you must pass the Zoom Prerequisite Study. You'll need a computer with a working microphone, webcam, and audio. Video tutorial .

After completing these introductory tasks, you'll be able to sign up for behavioral science studies on our online research platform, Sona . Sign Up to Participate

Compensation

Participants are compensated at a rate of $12/hour ($1 for every 5 minutes). Effective June 14, 2024, participants will be compensated in digital gift cards via Tango Card .

After you complete a study, you will receive an email from Tango Card letting you know that value has been added to your account. Select your country and currency, then  choose a digital gift card to one of many businesses, including Amazon, restaurants, retailers, movie theaters, and more, or donate your earnings to a charitable organization.

Note: different gift cards are available depending on which country you reside in. 

What to Expect

Behavioral science combines psychology, economics, and other fields to better understand human decision-making. The Virtual Lab's online research studies involve simple, everyday tasks like filling out surveys, providing your opinions, or chatting with a study partner.

Interactive studies are conducted using Zoom, a video chat platform. These tend to be our highest paying studies and require appointments scheduled Tuesday-Friday. Before taking Zoom studies, you must first complete the Zoom Prerequisite Study. Tips for using Zoom .

We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and safe environment for all participants and researchers, so please review the Virtual Lab code of conduct before participating.

Questions? Email us at [email protected] .

Current Participants

Log into your account to see the paid research studies you are currently eligible to complete. Don't see any studies? Check back soon! New studies & time slots are posted each weeknight by 8pm.

Surveys are available on-demand 24/7 and can be completed any time before the study's deadline.

Zoom studies are conducted Tuesday-Friday 11am-4 pm CT (UTC -5).

For Researchers

If you are a researcher interested in conducting online studies in the Virtual Lab, please visit the Researcher Portal  (requires CNET ID) or contact the Virtual Lab to discuss your options. The labs team can help with IRB approval, study design, data analysis, and more.

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22 Best Places to Find Paid Research Studies (High Paying)

Last updated August 8, 2024 By Dylan Houlihan 0

Note: We may earn a commission from affiliate links on this page. These do not affect our ratings or recommendations.

Looking to level up your survey earnings and step into the world of paid research studies?

If so, you came to the right place.

Surveys are great to start out with, but doing 1-on-1 interviews and focus groups can be much more fulfilling and a higher paying, so it's worth trying out.

Below, you'll find some of the best platforms (sites and apps) to find paid research studies online and near you.

Featured Paid Study Platforms

Featured platforms are are selected based on financial incentives like affiliate partnerships and sponsorships. They help keep Swift Salary free. Thanks for your support!

User Interviews

User Interviews is a crowdsourcing platform that connects researchers with paid study participants. Founded in 2015, the platform supports a variety of study formats (in-person, online, etc.) and types (focus groups, 1-on-1, etc.), and has been used by companies like Adobe, Spotify, Amazon, and more.

TestingTime

TestingTime is a crowdtesting platform that connects businesses and researchers with individuals looking to participate in paid user tests, interviews, focus groups, diary studies, and more. Founded in Switzerland in 2015, TestingTime is now part of the Norstat Group, and claims to pay over €1M per year to its pool of over 940k testers.

Opinion Outpost

Opinion Outpost is a survey platform that rewards users for sharing their opinions. Founded in 2005, the platform is quite well-known in the survey space and is home to thousands of survey takers earning extra cash every month.

What Are Paid Research Studies?

The criteria a site or app has to meet to make it onto this roundup is that it must either have:

• Paid research interviews (1-on-1 interviews where you get paid to talk with a researcher face to face or over the phone)
• Paid focus groups (group interviews where you get paid to talk to researchers as part of a group)

These types of research participation opportunities typically pay a lot more than regular online surveys, questionnaires, and polls, so it makes sense to give them their own breakdown.

That said, they're not all perfect…

Pros and Cons of Participating in Research Studies

• They pay well. I've done research, participated in these, and talked to others who've participated in them, and the hourly rates you can earn from paid research studies is quite high. You're typically looking at $50-$200+ per hour for your participation.
• Fewer disqualifications. To qualify for a paid research study, you'll typically need to answer some screener questions, but these are usually short and won't take more than 5 or so minutes. From there, once you're qualified, you're in. Unless the study is cancelled (which can happen), you're almost guaranteed to make some money once you set up your interview date. No more annoying survey disqualifications 30 minutes into a questionnaire.
• Chance to make a real difference. When answering online surveys, it's hard to tell if your contributions are really making a difference. With research interviews and focus groups, you'll feel a lot more involved and your opinions feel more valued. You'll most likely meet some interesting people and learn new things along the way as well.
• The earnings aren't consistent. This is the big downside with paid research studies. While they pay really well, you most likely aren't going to be able to make a full-time income out of them. Researchers are looking for very specific people the majority of the time, so you'll have to be patient.
• You've got to be comfortable in-person, on camera, or on the phone. Some research studies take place via webcam, others take place in person, and some are done over the phone. If you're not comfortable with any of those, these types of studies aren't going to be for you.
• You'll need a proper schedule. Answering surveys from your phone can be done almost any time and anywhere. But, with research studies, you'll typically need to book in a specific time slot for your interview. Many studies are at least thirty minutes to an hour long.

Top Sites and Apps for Finding Paid Research Studies Online and Near You

Learn how to make an extra $500+ a month with this FREE beginner's guide. Includes 7 main money-making strategies ranging from easy to advanced + dozens of mini-opportunities in-between.

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Prolific is a crowdsourcing platform that connects researchers with paid study participants. Supported study formats include surveys, video interviews, diary studies, and more. Founded in 2014, the platform claims to be home to over 120k participants and 30k researchers.

Chicago Booth CDR

Chicago Booth CDR (Center for Decision Research) is a crowdsourcing platform for behavioral science studies and research. Here, participants from around the world can get paid to take part in studies that help researchers better understand human interaction, thinking, feelings, and more. The CDR has been conducting this type of research since 1977.

IntelliZoom

IntelliZoom is a user experience (UX) research platform where panelists can get paid to give feedback on various companies' websites, apps, and other digital products via paid studies. Founded in 2007, the platform claims to have over 1.2M panelists and over 400 customers.

Respondent is a crowdsourcing platform that connects researchers with high-quality study participants from around the globe. The participants -- who earn money for taking part in studies -- are fully vetted and include industry professionals and general consumers.

L&E Opinions

L&E Opinions is a rewards platform where regular people and working professionals can get paid for sharing their opinions and expertise. Owned by L&E Research (a market research company founded in 1984) the platform claims to have over 1.6M panel members and over $8.8M in yearly payouts.

FocusGroup.com

FocusGroup.com is a rewards platform where members can get paid to participate in online surveys, research interviews, focus groups, and more. Founded in 2002, the platform claims to have paid out over $65M in a single year.

dscout is both a crowdsourcing marketplace and a rewards platform. Researchers can use it to conduct studies while Scouts can join and make money sharing their insights and experiences. The types of research conducted on dscout can include diary studies, photo/video responses, usability tests, and much more.

Testable Minds

Testable Minds is a crowdsourcing platform that connects participants with researchers conducting psychological and behavioral experiments and scientific studies. Founded in 2015, the platform claims to have 12k+ researchers and 85k+ participants.

UserCrowd is a crowdtesting platform where testers can get paid to provide feedback on products, websites, and applications via surveys, usability tests, and more. Founded in 2008, the platform claims to have over 320k clients, including brands like L'Oréal, GoDaddy, Asana, Google, Airtable, and more.

Ubertesters

Ubertesters is a crowdtesting platform that facilitates the connection between those looking for testing services and those looking to make money testing things like websites and apps. Founded in 2013, the platform claims to have over 80k testers across the globe and to have worked with well-known clients like Zalando, Monday.com, NBC, and more.

Tryber is a crowdtesting platform where testers can earn money for finding bugs, usability issues, and other problems in websites, applications, physical products, and more. The platform is owned and operated by Unguess (formerly AppQuality), a crowdsourcing platform that was founded in 2015.

UserTesting

UsertTesting.com is a crowdtesting platform focused on usability testing. Companies can use the platform to get feedback on their websites, apps, prototypes, and more, while contributors (aka testers) can use it to make money by participating in usability tests. Founded in 2007, the platform has grown to become one of the largest and most well-known in the crowdtesting space.

Crowdtap is a rewards platform where members can earn points for answering surveys and sharing their opinions. Surveys can range from one question long to full-on interviews.

Userlytics is a crowdtesting platform that connects organizations with UX testers who get paid to provide feedback on websites and apps. Founded in 2009, the platform claims to have over 2M testers, around 50 new studies uploaded every day, and worked with companies like Riot Games, Microsoft, eBay, Verizon, Coca-Cola, and more.

PlaytestCloud

PlaytestCloud is a crowdtesting platform that connects mobile game developers with paid freelance playtesters from around the globe. Founded in 2014, the platform claims to have over 1M playtesters who get paid for providing feedback on a variety of mobile games from developers like Zynga, Ubisoft, Gameloft, and many more.

Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a rewards platform and market research community that pays members for completing surveys and contributing their opinions, insights, and data. Founded in 2013, the platform is owned and operated by DISQO, an award-winning insights platform based in the U.S.

iPoll is a rewards platform that pays members for sharing their opinions, testing products, completing real-world missions, and more. Founded in 2012, the platform was previously known as Surveyhead and is currently owned and operated by Dyanata.

Product Report Card

Product Report Card is a rewards platform that pays members to take surveys and participate in free product tests. Founded in 2012, they claim to offer more high-paying surveys and product test opportunities than any other platform.

American Consumer Opinion

American Consumer Opinion (ACOP) is an international rewards platform that pays people from all around the world to share their opinions on a variety of products and services. They offer paid surveys as well as occasional product testing and mystery shopping opportunities. Founded in 1986 as a small U.S. mail survey panel, the platform has since grown into an online community of over 7 million members worldwide.

Find More Paid Research Participation Opportunities

Check out our free Platform Discovery Tool . With it, you can find and filter through dozens of money-making platforms to fine-tune the results to your liking.

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15 Legitimate Places to Participate in Paid Research Studies

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From testing products and services to sleep and diet studies, here's a list of vetted places you can participate in paid focus groups.

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A few years ago, I got an invitation to attend a research study hosted by a local skincare company. They were launching a new line of products and wanted feedback from 20 to 25 year-old-women with dry skin.

Since I was a new college grad who needed extra cash, I decided to go. They asked me various questions regarding my current skincare regimen, the products I used, and how I felt about them. It only took an hour, and I got a $75 Visa gift card and a few product samples. Not a bad way to kill an hour.

If you like the idea of getting paid to share your opinions, you’re in luck. There are plenty of places that host paid research studies. While the study I did was in-person, there are many online research studies you can do at home.

Websites That Offer Paid Research Studies

You can find online focus groups that’ll pay you for your time and feedback through a variety of websites. Each site has its own requirements and payment structure, so it’s a good idea to explore all the options available.

1. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a survey site that’s been around since 2005. It will pay you to take surveys and express your opinions to big brands who want to improve their products and services. After you answer several questions about yourself and create a profile, the site will match you to surveys that are relevant to you.

Any time you complete a survey, you’ll earn virtual points, which you can redeem for PayPal cash or online gift cards. Most surveys take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, and you can expect to make between 100 to 200 points or $1 to $3 per survey. You won’t have to buy any products or sign up for other websites.

2. American Consumer Opinion

American Consumer Opinion is a survey panel that partners with large companies who want customer opinions. To join, you’ll enter basic information such as your age and where you live. Then, you’ll take a general household survey where you’ll share details about your lifestyle.

You’ll likely receive survey invitations via email several times a year. The number of points you’ll rack up will depend on the length of the surveys.

While short surveys are typically worth anywhere between 5 and 50 points, you can earn up to 5,000 points with longer ones. One point equals $0.01, and you can cash your points in for PayPal cash or donate them to charity.

Related: 17 Best Places to Take Paid Online Surveys for Money

3. Respondent

Respondent is unique because it organizes one-on-one paid research studies online and in person. You can sign up with your email address or via your Facebook or LinkedIn profile through the site.

Once you do, you’ll fill out some basic personal information such as your name, birthday, and email address. They’ll also ask for demographic details like your gender, ethnicity, and educational background.

After you’ve signed up, you’ll browse all of the “projects” available and details like the pay and how long they take to complete. When you see a project that interests you, you can apply to it through a short questionnaire. You’ll be emailed if the company chooses you for their project.

Most of the projects focus on small business or technology and pay anywhere from $50 to $85 via PayPal for 45 minutes to an hour of your time.

4. FocusGroup.com

FocusGroup.com began in 1988 and offers surveys as well as in-person and online focus groups via phone and webcam. After you create a profile, you’ll be emailed surveys and focus group invitations.

The majority of the site’s surveys and focus groups revolve around health and wellness, pet products, finances, and shopping habits.

You’ll earn between $75 and $150 if you participate in focus groups and points for surveys, which you can apply toward a prepaid Visa debit card. You can cash out 100 points for $1.00.

5. Plaza Research

Plaza Research pays parents, kids, teens, students, doctors, and business professionals to share their opinions on new products and services. It hosts surveys and a variety of in-person focus groups throughout the country.

If you attend a focus group, you’ll likely be asked to try a new product, watch a TV commercial, or discuss your thoughts about future products. To receive survey and focus group invitations, fill out an online form. The form will ask you questions about your education, electronic use, employment, household, pets, and more.

You’ll get an email if you’re a good fit for a survey or focus group. The amount you’ll earn depends on its length and scope. Most participants will earn between $50 and $200, paid via check, for two hours of their time.

Related: How to Get Paid to Write Reviews

6. Mindswarms

You can create an account online or via the Mindswarms mobile app and get paid to answer questions via your smartphone or webcam.

After you apply to a survey that appeals to you, you’ll answer a few targeted questions to make sure you’re a good fit for it. If you are, you’ll answer seven questions and earn about $50. The money will be sent to your PayPal account within 24 hours. You can also redeem your earnings for an Amazon gift card.

7. Fieldwork

Fieldwork has facilitated marketing research studies since 1980. The company hosts in-person focus groups in 11 cities across the U.S. If you don’t live near any of these cities, you can still register for Fieldwork’s national database and participate in online or phone interviews.

To register, fill out an online questionnaire and wait for Fieldwork to call or email you when an opportunity is available. Most in-person focus groups last between one and two hours and can be on random topics such as cereal and video games. Compensation is usually a $75 Visa gift card.

8. User Interviews

User Interviews organizes focus groups in-person, via phone, or video streaming about products, services, and websites. For a chance to participate, create a profile with your birthday, gender, household income, marital status, and education level.

If you find a project that interests you, complete a short screener survey to see if you’re eligible. If you are, you can sign up for the focus group and earn an average of $50/hr. You’ll get paid via check.

9. Brand Institute

Brand Institute is a branding agency that supports healthcare and pharmaceutical companies with their marketing initiatives. You can become a Brand Institute panel member after you fill out a short online registration form. If you qualify for a paid research study, you’ll get an email notification and can participate right away.

Payment depends on the survey you take, and you’re more likely to receive invites for higher-paying surveys if you have a medical background. You can earn between $2 and $30 via check or PayPal. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and others in healthcare report that they receive about four surveys a month.

Engage finds respondents for various market research and usability studies. It offers both in-person focus groups and online discussions for panel members. You can join the healthcare panel if you’re a medical professional or consumer panel if you’re an everyday consumer.

You’ll have to provide information about your income, marital status, education level, and job. Once you do, you’ll receive an email notification whenever you qualify for a study. Most studies cover topics like cars, electronics, food products, music, and medical conditions. They usually pay $50 to $250 via check or PayPal.

Universities that Facilitate Paid Focus Groups

  You can also find paid focus groups at colleges and universities. Many of them offer year-round opportunities and focus on psychology and human behavior. While most of these studies are performed online, a few require that you participate in person.

You don’t have to be a student to participate, and payment is typically in the form of PayPal cash, gift cards, or a check. If you’d like to earn money via college-run focus groups, take a look at the schools near your home. Their websites will likely include details about these types of opportunities.

• Purdue University ( See studies )
• Center for Decision Sciences Columbia Business School ( See studies )
• Northwestern University Department of Psychology ( See studies )
• Harvard University Psychology Study Pool ( See studies )
• MIT Behavioral Research Lab ( See studies )

DollarSprout co-founder Jeff Proctor participated in a six-week research study on high-fat diets at Virginia Tech. During the study, he was compensated with meals and $500.

“It was a great experience but very involved,” he said. “I had to check in every day to get weighed, choose my meals, and get several blood and urine samples taken.”

How to Tell if a Focus Group Opportunity is Legit

Even though many focus group opportunities are legitimate, there are plenty of work-from-home scams out there. If you have to pay to participate or reveal confidential information such as your Social Security number or credit card details, that’s a red flag. Stay away from any focus groups that force you to buy products or services or sign up for other websites.

If you find an opportunity that interests you, do some online research to make sure it’s valid. Check the Better Business Bureau to see its rating and read any complaints. This way you can avoid a situation where you get excited about a focus group and then find out it’s a scam.

A legitimate company will never charge you to attend a focus group or take a survey. In addition, they’ll have a privacy policy that’s prominently displayed on their website and will only email you from a business email account, rather than one from a free service like Gmail or Yahoo.

Related: How One Woman Earns $5,000 per Month as a Surrogate Mother 

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Paid focus groups

Make money by participating in online focus groups with Respondent. Researchers from leading brands use focus groups to understand pain points, sentiments and identify product usage patterns that can help build better experiences. Share your insights and get paid to participate in a focus group. You can find focus groups targeted at professionals in industries such as software as well as consumer audiences such as for packaged goods. Apply below to get started.

Type of research

Research methodology, paid studies faq, how does participating in a paid research project work.

The first step is to apply to a project, you can do this by signing up as a participant or logging in and selecting 'Start Screener' on the project you are interested in. Researchers will then review your responses and invite qualifying participants for the project. You will receive an email notification if you have been selected, with instructions on how to participate in the research session. Upon successful completion of the project, the researcher will typically initiate payment within 5 business days.

How much can I earn with Respondent incentives and how long does it take?

Research incentives vary from one research project to another and can range from $5 to $1000 per project, the average incentive for an active participant is around $100. Before you apply to a project you will be able to view the time required for the research task, the type of research and the incentive offered. Research studies on Respondent are typically open for 1-2 weeks and incentive payout is usually processed within 5-10 business days after successful participation.

Is Respondent legit? Can I really make money here?

Respondent is 100% legit and pays participants for completing research studies and is an attractive source of side income. Successful participants on Respondent create a strong, accurate profile and apply to relevant projects, and share their insights with researchers in different kinds of research tasks. Highly trusted platforms such as G2 and Side Hustle Nation rate Respondent as a reliable platform for supplemental income.

How can I find participants for a research project, as a researcher using this service?

Researchers can publish their projects to this page and to the entire Respondent participant panel in 3 easy steps: 1. Create a researcher account 2. Create your project and define the target audience 3. Publish your project Learn more about how to recruit participants with Respondent.

12 Best Paid Research Studies Online (Legit & Free to Join)

There are plenty of ways to earn extra cash online, and one easy method to pay decent money is to do paid research studies.

But the question is, where can you find the best paid research studies online?

I have tested hundreds of paid research opportunities, and in this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about paid research studies to find out how to get the most out of earning this way.

I’ll also list down several sites you can join and include a summary of each, so you can easily figure out which will fit your needs.

All the sites I will be including in this guide are legit and free to join . So, you’ll just need to invest a bit of time and some effort to earn.

Disclosure: Some articles on this website contain affiliate/sponsored links. Click for more info .

What are paid research studies?

Paid research studies are activities done by companies, businesses, or even schools that are designed to gather data.

Technically speaking, if a company or business is the one conducting it, it is called paid market research. But regardless of who is doing it, the process remains the same. The participants of these activities will get paid to provide valuable input.

There are several types of paid research studies you can find online. Among the common ones are one-on-one interviews, focus groups, and surveys. These activities can be conducted online or in person.

For one-on-one interviews, whether they are conducted online or in person, the process usually involves discussing a certain topic. You will be asked to provide your opinion on certain topics. And once you are done with the interview, that’s when you will be compensated.

For focus groups, the dynamic will be a bit different because this activity will involve multiple people. Just like with interviews, it can be done online or in person. The activity will have one or more moderators and the rest will be participants.

Focus groups are conducted to gather opinions about a specific topic in a group setting to gain extra insights from the group dynamic. For example, a movie company wants to get the best ending for its movie. They conduct a focus group on which kind of ending will resonate with more people. Then you as a participant, will choose which kind of ending you prefer and discuss it in the group. This is a pretty common thing, especially with big companies.

Surveys, on the other hand, are less personal, because you won’t be interacting with anyone. You will just be answering a set of questions. But what you need to know about surveys is, they usually have a qualifying process you need to go through.

This is how companies can filter the appropriate respondents. So, when you answer a survey, the first set of questions are usually the qualifying questions. If you qualify, you get to proceed to the actual survey.

By far, among all the types of paid research studies, the most common one you can find online is paid surveys. This is also the type of paid research study that pays the lowest. It’s not surprising though since this kind of study requires the least time and effort to complete.

All the other activities usually take up a bit of time and some effort too.

Now, if you are wondering where these in-person research studies take place, it is usually conducted in facilities provided by the company/business/school. So, you will have to travel to that facility to participate.

How to earn the most?

Each site that offers paid research studies has different pay structures. Some pay more than others. So, it’s really hard to put an exact figure on how much money you can earn per site.

But, in my experience, the best way to earn the most from these sites is to join around 5 to 7 sites . That way, you gain access to more opportunities and therefore, you can earn more.

In my experience, this is the perfect number of sites to get involved with especially if you are just starting out. It won’t overwhelm you, but you will still be able to earn a decent amount. You can always join more sites further down the line when you become more experienced with this kind of stuff.

12 best paid research studies online

Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about the actual sites you can join that offer paid research studies. Take note that these aren’t the only sites that offer this kind of opportunity.

Instead, they are what I found to be worthy of your time. I will keep updating this list if I find more opportunities worth adding. So, make sure to bookmark this page and check on it from time to time for new additions.

#1 – Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences

Available in: US Payout methods:  Cash Payout threshold: N/A More information:   Check out their website

Short summary: This school’s Department of Psychology regularly conducts research studies that require participants. The research activities offered will vary but most of them are conducted in person. So, you will have to go to their facility to participate.

That means, it is only really available for people who live in the vicinity. Weinberg College is located in Evanston, Illinois. So, if you don’t live near that area, then this isn’t really something worth doing. As for how they pay you, you will usually get compensated in cash after every session you complete.

#2 – Prime Opinion

Available in: More than 40 countries Payout methods: PayPal, Venmo, direct bank transfer Payout threshold: $5 More information:   Read full Prime Opinion review

Short summary: Prime Opinion is a survey site that will let you earn by answering surveys. You can also earn from its leaderboard contest and affiliate program. It offers a decent number of earning opportunities at any given time, so you can earn more or less regularly.

The payment options it offers will depend on the country you live in, but the most common option is PayPal. It also offers Venmo and direct bank transfers for certain countries. It is available in more than 40 countries.

#3 - YouGov

Available in: 50+ countries Payout methods:  PayPal, gift cards Payout threshold: Depends on your country More information:   Read full YouGov review

Short summary: YouGov is a survey site that is available in a lot of countries and every country has its own survey panel you can join. So, if you are looking for a survey site that offers surveys in your native language, this is one of the best sites you can join.

The payment methods it offers will depend on your country, but usually, PayPal, products, or gift cards  are used to withdraw your earnings. As to the payout threshold you need to reach before you can withdraw your earnings, it will depend on the country you live in.

But in my experience, it will usually be around $10 or so (or the equivalent to your local currency). So, it’s not hard to reach since they do have a decent number of surveys available.

#4 - CDS Virtual Lab Online Panel

Available in: More or less worldwide Payout methods:  PayPal, Amazon gift cards Payout threshold: N/A More information:   Check out their website

Short summary: CDS or Columbia Decision Sciences, will allow you to participate in their studies online. The research studies you can participate in will vary but they will mainly be conducted online.

To participate, you have to fill out their sign-up form and submit it. Then, just wait for them to contact you via email for any opportunities to earn. After you’ve completed any of their research activities, you will be able to receive your payment via PayPal or you can convert your earnings to an Amazon gift card.

The site pays by the hour ($16/hour) for all the research studies they offer. And the best thing is, you don’t have to reach a threshold to withdraw your earnings. You will immediately be able to withdraw the payment after you complete a study.

It also accepts members anywhere in the world (more or less). So, you can register as a member regardless of where you live.

#5 – Toluna Influencers

Available in: More or less worldwide Payout methods:  PayPal, gift cards Payout threshold:  Depends on your country More information:   Read full Toluna Influencers review

Short summary: Another survey site that offers decent earnings is called Toluna Influencers. This site is available more or less worldwide and each country has its own survey panel too. That means surveys will be offered in the local language (if applicable, otherwise, it will be in English).

You will get paid via PayPal or in gift cards. The threshold you need to reach to withdraw your earnings will depend on the country you live in though. It also has a mobile app you can download so you can convenient answer surveys from your mobile device.

#6 - Prolific Surveys

Available in:  Available in many countries Payout methods:  PayPal Payout threshold:  £5/$7 More info:   Read full Prolific Surveys review

Short summary: Prolific Surveys is more a crowdsourcing platform rather than a straight up survey site. It is available in many countries. To earn from this site, you can answer surveys or participate in research studies offered by other participants of the site.

You will get paid via PayPal as long as you’ve earned £5 (if you live somewhere in Europe) or $7 (if you live in the US or other regions). That’s a pretty low payout threshold, in my opinion. So, if you get to answer surveys or participate in even just one research activity, you will be able to withdraw your earnings because they do pay a decent amount.

#7 – Branded Surveys

Available in:  US, UK, or Canada Payout methods:  PayPal, gift cards Payout threshold:  $5 More info:   Read full Branded Surveys review

Short summary: Branded Surveys is a straight-up survey site where you can earn by answering surveys and polls. That’s how easy it is to earn from this site. The only downside is, it is only available in the US, UK, or Canada. So, it has a pretty limited reach.

But if you are eligible to join, you can get paid via PayPal or gift cards. And best of all, their payout threshold is very low ($5). So, you won’t have to wait very long to withdraw your earnings.

They also have a decent number of surveys available, so you can definitely rely on this site for earning extra cash.

#8 – MIT Behavioral Research Lab

Available in: US Payout methods:  Check, gift cards Payout threshold: N/A More information:   Check out their website

Short summary: Another school that offers paid research opportunities is the MIT Behavioral Research Laboratory. Their research studies can be conducted in-lab or online. Lab studies will take place in Cambridge, Massachusetts. So, if you don’t live in that area, then that opportunity isn’t for you.

When you sign up, you may be asked to do various things like filling out questionnaires, playing games, performing various tasks on a computer, completing group assignments, and taking part in discussions or interviews.

You get paid in cash, gift cards, electronic gift certificates, or checks. If the amount exceeds $75, MIT BRL is required to pay you via check for tax reporting purposes. This panel is only available for US residents who are at least 18 years of age.

#9 – Respondent

Available in:  Worldwide Payout methods:  PayPal Payout threshold:  Pays instantly More information:   Read full Respondent review

Short summary: Respondent is a form of crowdsourcing site that will pay you for participating in research activities. These activities are called projects, but before you can work on one though, you will have to apply for it.

A study will either be one-on-one or an unmoderated study, and it can be conducted in person or online. The in-person study pays more, but it is harder to qualify for. Every time you complete a project, you will get paid via PayPal immediately.

But, Respondent will charge 5% or $1 (whichever is higher) every time you get paid. That’s a part of how they make money. It is available globally, so you can register as a member regardless of where you live.

#10 – Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior

Short summary: The Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior is part of UCLA and it is located in Los Angeles, California. Most of the research studies it offers are conducted in person. So, if you don’t live in the vicinity of their facility, I don’t really recommend this for you.

Most of the studies pertain to the brain, so qualifying for one can be hard. It’s considered a niche platform but it does pay well. It pays every participant in cash once the research session has been completed.

#11 - Focusgroup.com

Available in:  US Payout methods:  PayPal, Prepaid Visa cards, gift cards Payout threshold:  $10 More information:   Read full Focusgroup.com review

Short summary: As the name of the site suggests, you will be able to earn from Focusgroup.com by participating in, well, focus groups. But aside from that, you can also participate in interviews, shop along activities, and product testing.

It pays a decent amount per study you participate in. And you can usually withdraw your earnings right away for every study you complete because you only need to earn at least $10 to reach their payout threshold.

When you hit their threshold, you can withdraw your earnings via PayPal or convert them to a prepaid Visa card or gift card of your choice. The only downside of this site is, it is only available in the US.

#12 - Research-i

Available in: UK Payout methods:  Cash Payout threshold: N/A More information:   Read full Research-1 review

Short summary: Research-i is a market research company that offers an opportunity for you to earn by participating in research studies. The types of studies available are one-on-one interviews, group discussions, in-home interviews, telephone interviews, games and app testing, and product testing.

As for the payout methods, if it is conducted at a Research-i facility, you’ll get paid in cash after completion. I’m not exactly sure how payment is made when projects have to be completed at home because there’s no information on their website regarding the payment system. But, in my experience, sites like this usually use a convenient payment method like PayPal or direct bank transfer.

Research-i is only available in the UK.

Final Thoughts

So there you go. Those are the best paid research studies online that I have found after having tested hundreds of options.

Keep in mind that all the sites on this list are legit and free to join . You just need to invest your time and a bit of effort in order to earn from them. You also need to be patient because you won’t always qualify for these earning opportunities.

As I’ve suggested earlier, if you want to maximize your earnings, you should join around 5-7 of the sites so you gain access to more earning opportunities. I will keep updating this list if there are any new good sites to join so make sure to bookmark this page .

If you have any comments, questions, or know of paid research studies online that is not on the list, I would love to hear from you in a comment below.

6 thoughts on “12 Best Paid Research Studies Online (Legit & Free to Join)”

Love from India bro I see your all viedo keep growing ❤️??

Thanks. All the best to you too.

Hye Mikael Can you make a video or write article on Paid online Research Studies that pay via Payoneer or airtm and are available for Asian countries especially Pakistan. BTW your videos helped me a lot keep it up?

Sorry, but you will not really find any platforms like that in your country, so I cannot make any content about it.

I live in South United States. I recently am looking to find out how to find these places that pay for clinical trials. Do to my current situation, this seems to be my only option. I’m about to lose my job over an injury/illness situation. If anyone could give me a tip on how to find trial jobs or what is the best state for high demand of clinical trials. I would greatly appreciate it.

You can use some of the options on the list above. And you can also check out some clinical trials here .

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Tips for finding and qualifying for paid online research studies

There are many opportunities to earn extra income sharing your opinions with paid research studies. Find out how to maximize your earning potential.

Have you recently wanted to plan your next big vacation or significant purchase but are unwilling to move forward with the big expense? You're not alone–consumer spending in early 2023 remains flat as inflation persists and fears about the economy remain. To avoid putting life goals on hold, consider finding new areas to earn a side income. Paid user research provides an excellent opportunity to work toward your goals and can often be done online from your home. 

What's the deal with paid research?

You've probably heard terms like user research, market research, user testing, or research and development before. These functions describe the work companies perform to understand customer needs and motivations better and uncover new product opportunities. 

Especially as the economy tightens, consumers tend to be more choosy about where and why they spend their money, creating a poignant need for companies to better understand why and how people choose to use their products. Creators of the products you use daily have research teams to regularly assess and reassess real consumer needs, why customers tend to make a purchase decision, and how customers interact with new products or features to ensure they create products their customers will want and use. And to ensure research teams receive accurate and honest feedback, they'll pay for these opinions. 

This is where paid research comes in.

The availability of online research opportunities has increased exponentially in recent years as more teams have adopted remote and online collaboration. People now have more opportunities to earn extra income working with companies to provide user research information. While there are many legitimate opportunities to participate in paid online research studies , finding and qualifying for the right ones can take some know-how. We'll provide you with some tips below. 

1. Start with reputable research platforms.

The first step in finding paid online research studies is knowing where to find them. Start with reputable websites that connect participants with research opportunities. Popular platforms like Respondent and UserTesting are known to provide legitimate research opportunities, vet the research organizations performing each study, and pay their participants on time.

2. Create a strong participant profile. 

The next step is to create a strong, complete, and honest profile . Your user profile works like a map to help researchers find your specific qualities in their database. Ensuring yours is complete and contains accurate information will help you qualify for more studies and increase your chances of being selected. Provide detailed information about your demographics, interests, and experience. This information will help your profile stand out amongst the rest.

3. Read the study requirements carefully.

Before applying for a paid online research study, read the requirements carefully. Researchers often require specific criteria for their studies, such as age, household demographic, or work experience information. Ensure you meet these requirements before applying to increase your chances of being selected and avoid wasting your time. 

4. Be consistent and persistent.

Earning money with paid online research studies has become more popular, so it's essential to be consistent and persistent. Check research platforms regularly for new opportunities, and apply to as many studies as you qualify. This will increase your chances of being selected for a study and earning money. User research for products focused on industry professionals tends to pay more for your time ; be sure to search for and apply to any studies that fit your profession and work experience. 

5. Be responsive.  

Once you have been selected for a research study, respond promptly to any communication from the researchers. Researchers often have strict deadlines and must fill their study quotas quickly, so being responsive can increase your chances of being selected for future studies.

6. Be honest and transparent.

One of the most important things to remember when participating in paid online research studies is honesty and transparency. Researchers rely on accurate and truthful information to make informed decisions. If you provide false or misleading information, you risk being disqualified from the study and potentially damaging your reputation.

7. Stay organized

Lastly, staying organized is essential when participating in paid online research studies. Keep track of your applications, scheduled studies, and payment information. This will help you stay on top of your commitments and ensure that you are being paid on time.

Participating in paid online research studies can earn considerable extra income in your spare time. By starting with reputable user research platforms and following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding and qualifying for paid online research studies. Though it can take a tiny investment in time to get started, many new research opportunities are posted daily, and it's interesting to learn more about and influence the brands you already use as they create new products and services. 

Sign up today to check out new paid online research studies on Respondent! 

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We are always excited about gathering opinions to help our clients better understand their consumers, people just like you! We know how important your opinions are to the brands we work for and we’re always looking for people who want to share their input. Our paid market research studies allow you to voice your opinions with people who listen and have the power to make changes. With your input, you can influence actual products, services, and policies — and get paid. From paid focus groups online or in-person, to in-home interviews and online communities to shop-alongs, we offer many ways to get your opinion heard and let brands know what you’re thinking – and have fun at the same time! We are members of various research organizations including Insights Association, American Marketing Association, QRCA and ESOMAR , so you can have confidence that everything we do is completely above board. Ready to start offering your opinion and shape future products and services? Sign up here for paid focus groups and join our community of like-minded people.

Taking part in paid market research is a great way to get your opinions heard by the brands of products and services that you see and use daily. now for the legal jargon that we are forced to include. by registering with us, you are giving us your consent to process your information as described in our participant privacy policy. step 1: register by clicking the register button you will take the first step to create a profile and begin receiving surveys & calls for potential studies. the initial questionnaire asks for information that will assist us in finding upcoming studies for which you might qualify step 2: take surveys online & over the phone online: surveys will periodically be emailed to you. our surveys are mobile-friendly, so you can conveniently complete them from any mobile device on-the-go by either clicking on the link in your email. completing these surveys will help us to determine if you qualify. if you meet the preliminary criteria, one of our recruiters will give you a call to ask a few more questions and hopefully get you signed up to participate. step 3: participate and get paid for sharing your opinions once invited, you will have the opportunity to share your thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics and products, either in person or online, helping brands improve their products. you might even get to try new products before they make it to market, all while having fun and getting paid. look around you, everything you see started somewhere and grew to the product it is today with the input and opinions of individuals just like you, so join us, and help shape the world around you. now it’s your time to shine. register today to get the chance to explore the latest market research projects directly to your inbox., still not ready to register check out our faq’s, who doesn’t want to earn some extra mad money to spend on themselves, their family or a special event paid market research not only gives you the opportunity to earn extra dollars but also allows you to voice your opinion on everyday goods, services, and brands, helping decision makers to direct product development and marketing initiatives. why do you need personal information about me we use that information to sort potential candidates to participate in the research. all studies have various requirements and quotas based on age, gender, household income, and even specific product usage. we use this data to help guide our initial search to avoid bombarding your inbox with studies that you may not pre-qualify for. do you sell my information no, we keep your information confidential. our clients are only allowed to use your data for the specific purpose for which it was collected. what are the different ways i can participate there are a variety of ways you can participate with the majority having a professional moderator leading the discussion. focus groups online or in-person: this type of study consists of participants who are led through specific discussions by a moderator and can range in size between 3 - 15 people. and sometimes we will conduct one-one sessions with individual participants. these discussions may be conducted remotely, using your desktop or laptop and webcam, or in one of our focus group facilities across the country. online bulletin boards: online bulletin boards are private community platforms where you and other participants can post responses and participate in activities and exercises. researchers will view and respond to posts and pose questions in the forum space. in-depth interview in real life environment: an in-depth research interview, with the observer physically present, with the research experience to be completed in real-life environments, such as out shopping, eating at a restaurant or even at home. all participation in any of the above will require you to be pre-screened, qualified, and invited to participate by our recruiting specialists prior to participation and receipt of compensation. what are you trying to sell me paid market research isn’t and never will involve a sales pitch. the goal is to gain feedback on products and services used in our everyday lives. rest assured, there will never be any sales attempt made by our company. ever. how do i know this is legit most market research companies you come across are genuine and we are one of those you can always do your own research to ensure the company asking you to participate is a member of a market research organizations, such as insights association, american marketing association, qrca and esomar. and we are members of all how will i be paid there are several different methods we use to thank our participants for their time and opinions. you may get paid with cash, check, gift cards, by keeping the product, or a combination of these. the incentive amounts are based on what our clients specify, and we will share these details with you during the invitation process. if you’d like to give some of the big brands your feedback on their offering, have some fun and put some green in your pocket at the same time, register today still have questions [email protected].

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How to Make $150 in An Hour With Focus Groups!

This article may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy .

Happy to share your views on hair products or politics? If so, you can easily make up to $150 an hour from anywhere, participating in market research! Online focus groups are a great way to make some extra cash from the comfort of your own home!

Table of contents

The other day I got an email in my inbox that said:

“Sara, you might be a fit for a $150.00 study!”

I wouldn’t have opened it if it wasn’t from a legit consumer research company! But I knew the company really well and knew that this was a real money-making opportunity.

It was for a study about hair care purchases and routines!

But hey, $150 for an hour of my time? Why not?

That’s pretty special and not that easy to find!

I used survey companies before! And as much as I love Swagbucks for their Gold Surveys and cashback (I made over $200 in a couple of months just by buying through their links! So you should really subscribe for free…), $150 for an hour is not bad at all!

And as I am always super interested in side hustles and ways to make extra money, I did a little research to find other companies that look for people to do paid focus groups, either in person or online.

And the great thing about online focus groups? You can do it from anywhere!

So you can take part in some of these, no matter where you are or your nationality!

Available internationally. Earn from $75 for 30 minutes of your time to $450 for specific one-hour studies.

Available internationally. Earn from $50 to 250$ per research (sometimes more).

What is a Focus Group?

A focus group is a small group of people invited to share their opinions.

Focus groups can be conducted in person or online.

They are normally used for market research for new or existing products to determine people’s attitudes towards specific branding, usability, packaging, or ideas. They can also be used for political campaigns and opinion research. You can think about paid focus groups as much more in-depth surveys.

They usually involve you giving opinions and answering questions on a specific subject, getting some free coffee, and going home with an extra $50-$150 in your pocket!

More and more companies are now using paid research studies to better understand the market and trends and connect with consumers locally and globally.

How Focus Groups Work

If you find an in-person focus group near you, you will be expected to attend the interview in person. You will generally be interviewed within a group where each participant can talk to each other.

There is usually a researcher or moderator to lead the group, take notes, ask questions, and record the results.

If you join an in-person focus group, you might need to attend more than one session, but you will be paid for each session you attend.

An online focus group is very similar to an in-person focus group. You’ll need to join online via chat on your tablet or smartphone. You’ll typically receive a link to access the focus group, and from there, you’ll be able to join the discussion and give feedback.

Some online focus groups also use video or specific web-based software. You’ll need to download the software ahead of your focus group research.

More and more research studies are now opting for online focus groups as it’s a lot less expensive for them: they can cut down on money spent on materials and staff, plus it makes it a lot easier to have a bigger pool of possible participants in the research study.

How Much You Can Expect to Earn With Paid Focus Groups

Each focus group will be different, but you can expect to make from $30 to $150 per focus group (although some very specific focus groups can pay up to $450 for an hour of your time!).

The amount you will receive will depend on the time you’ve spent, which is usually an hour or two.

You’ll typically get paid in cash, via PayPal, check, or gift cards. Some market research companies pay with points you can redeem using a specific credit card.

Make sure you know exactly how you’ll get your money before agreeing to participate in a focus group!

How to Find Legit Focus Groups

Whether you are looking for online focus groups or in-person focus groups near you, you will have to be a bit patient as you have to go through a screening process before you can participate in any research study.

Consumer research companies normally look for people with very specific interests and profiles, and you will not be able to qualify all the time.

By joining as many companies as possible, you will maximize your chances of qualifying for as many focus groups as possible.

But before you start signing up, spend a couple of minutes to check out the company and make sure it’s legit. The last thing you want is to waste your time and get scammed online!

Read all the fine print and check their Facebook pages to find out what kind of reviews they are getting. Like with all survey companies, you’ll never find a 5-star rating from everyone! Some people will love them. Some will hate them.

But lucky for you, I have done a lot of the hard work and researched the best online focus group companies!

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Top 16 Online Focus Groups

Here I put together a list of 16 companies that pay the biggest sums to make the most of your time!

You will find info on how each company pays and if they accept registration from specific countries, cities, or from all over the world.

1. User Interviews (my favorite)

User Interviews used to be available only in the US or Canada.

But they have recently opened up international studies and are adding more and more research studies.

It’s one of my favorite online focus group websites out there, and for a reason. In a month, I made $535 ! You can read about my experience here .

The first step to signing up is to create an account by  clicking here. You will need to supply basic information like name, city, state, and demographic information. This information will help User Interviews to pair you with studies. Creating an account takes about 2 minutes!

If you connect via Linkedin and Facebook, you’ll get more chances to participate in focus groups, as they’ll be able to see details in your profiles.

As soon as you sign, you’ll be able to select between the following:

• Focus groups
• 1-on-1 interviews
• Multiday studies

You’ll be paid via cash, check, PayPal, Amazon, or Visa gift card. The incentive type and amount are displayed before you select a study, so you can take the payment method into account before applying. 

The pay goes from $75 for 30 minutes of your time to $450 for specific one-hour studies.

What I like about User Interviews is that their studies are super diverse, covering a slew of topics: technology, food, consumer goods, family, software, hobbies, pets, sports, transportation, beauty, social media, music, you name it! You’ll get to be a part of the conversation as new products, apps, websites, etc., are created, sharing their unique perspectives so teams can build better things.

They have some incredible clients, including Pinterest, Spotify, Vistaprint, Wayfair, Thumbtack, and more. 

It’s really a no-brainer. Sign up here!  

2. Respondent.io (must try this one)

Respondent is my favorite option for in-person and online focus group studies and the one that got me the $150 focus group.

Their payout is excellent, up to $250 per research, sometimes more!

And they accept respondents from ALL OVER THE WORLD!

Respondent.io has projects that are available to US Residents as well as International. This means you don’t have to be in the US to join and earn from $50 to 250$ per research.

All you need to join is a PayPal account and either Facebook or LinkedIn to connect your profile.

This is how it works:

• After you have created your account, you’ll be able to browse all the open studies.
• You apply to participate in studies that you think are a good fit for you.
• The researcher/sponsor of the study reviews responses and sends invitations to respondents that are the best fit.
• If you receive an invitation to participate, you can choose a time that suits you from the researcher’s available times.
• After you have completed the study, you are paid via PayPal.

Respondents are paid the cash incentive amount advertised by the researcher, less a 5% (or a $1 fulfillment fee, whichever is higher). Example: If the cash incentive is $150, you will receive $142.50 via PayPal.

I know you’ll love it, and you’ll soon find something that’s right up your alley!

Just sign up here .

3. Ipsos i-Say

Ipsos is the third largest survey-based research firm in the world, and its consumer survey platform accepts people from all over the world .

Most of the offers available here are for small surveys where you can only earn $0.40-$1.50 per survey, but they do offer from time to time high-end surveys and focus groups that pay $50-$100 for an hour of your time.

They also have a mobile app that allows you to take surveys on the go.

You’ll earn points instead of cash when you complete a survey or focus group. Points vary depending on survey length. You can redeem your points when you have at least 500 in your account.

You’ll get paid with gift cards (including Amazon and iTunes), or you can also choose a prepaid Visa or PayPal cash.

Click here to sign up from anywhere.

And if you want to know more about Ipsos Isay, you can read my full review here .

4. Recruit and Field

With an outstanding 4.9 out of 5 on Facebook , Recruit and Field offer US nationwide online studies as well as focus groups in different locations.

They look for participants from any gender and age for their studies, including professionals and medical professionals (doctors, nurses, lab technicians, etc.).

They usually pay via PayPal but also offer Amazon or digital gift cards.

Their payments range from $100 to $275 per study.

5. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a great legit website to make some extra cash! It’s mostly a survey company. With their surveys, you can earn between $0.5 to $5 (although the average is probably around $0.5-$3). But once you have signed up, you can opt in for some great focus groups and studies.

Survey Junkie offers:

• Product testing : up to $50 – you get sent a free product to test, plus you’ll get paid for it! You need to fill out an online survey after you’ve used it.
• In-Person focus groups : up to $150 – after an initial online survey, if you are selected, you will have to attend an in-person focus group in a location near you.
• Phone Survey : up to $100 – you will go through market research questions on a phone call.

The only catch is that some of these higher-paying options are available only once a month (or less, depending on your profile).

I really like how easy Survey Junkie is to set up, and it doesn’t cost anything to subscribe. Just sign up here .

6. Survey Feeds

Survey Feeds is US-based and has opportunities in many US cities (Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami, to name a few) and online. You can earn anything from $50 to $475.

Survey Feeds Specializes in the following:

In-Person Studies

• One-on-one Interviews
• Focus Groups
• Clinical Research Studies

Online studies

• Web Conferences
• Online Surveys
• Phone Interviews

Their Facebook page is updated quite often with great market research opportunities. 

You can browse the different options online by clicking here , or you can follow their  Facebook page . They usually share their most profitable market research studies there!

7. FocusGroup.com

FocusGroup.com offers both in-person and online focus groups all over the US. You can have a look at “Available studies” to check how much you can get paid. Most studies pay between $70 to $250.

Most of the research studies you’ll find interesting are probably under consumer topics, which include:

• Child-Related Products
• Cell Phones
• Entertainment
• Electronics

But they also run business-specific topics and medical topics.

Their payment methods are different for each research study. Make sure you check if you are happy with the payment method before you apply!

They usually pay either via pre-paid Visa card (normally valid for 180 days), check, gift card, or cash.

8. American Consumer Opinion

American Consumer Opinion is a big survey company for people from the US with over 7 million users. It’s free to sign up, and you can receive money in two ways: PayPal or a check.

It usually doesn’t pay very much, with short surveys making you $0.05 to $0.50, but if you get selected for longer market research surveys, you can make up to $50.

You get points for each survey that you take. 1 point is equivalent to 1 penny. When you hit $10.00, you can request your money.

9. Fieldwork

Fieldwork compensation for participating in a focus group starts at $75, and their focus groups typically last one to two hours.

It has locations throughout the US:

• Chicago-Downtown
• Chicago-O’Hare
• Chicago-Schaumburg
• Fort Lee, NJ
• LA-Orange County
• Minneapolis
• New York City
• San Francisco

But if you don’t live near any of these locations, you can still apply to join their national database. They usually pay with Visa gift cards, but check before you apply for a focus group.

10. Probe Market Research

Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Facebook , Probe Research is a US-based market research company that constantly hosts focus groups to get feedback for clients’ new advertising campaigns, products, or services.

Focus groups normally pay between $50 and $400; in some cases, you may not even need to leave your home! Interviews are conducted in groups, by phone, or online—depending on the amount of time assigned to that particular study.

11. Mindswarms

Mindswarms is quite unique: they will pay you $50 to answer seven questions about a product or service or $10 to answer 1 question.

You can create an account using one of two ways:

1) On the web platform using your laptop/desktop. 2) Using the MindSwarms app on iOS or Android operating system with your smartphone or tablet.

You’ll need to record a profile video or two (to verify that your camera works well) and answer a few questions. Then you can begin applying to surveys.

Once you have registered, you’ll see studies that you might qualify for based on your profile. You can apply by answering a few simple questions in less than a minute.

If you are invited to take a survey, you’ll be asked to answer up to 7 questions using the video function on your smartphone, tablet, or webcam. It’ll take you less than 10 minutes to record your answers.

Then you’ll get paid automatically via PayPal 24 hours after you post your responses to a study.

12. Brand Institute

Voted 4.6 out of 5 on Glassdoor  and 4.5 out of 5 on Facebook , Brand Institute seeks participants to take part in pharmaceutical and market research worldwide .

You just need to register your details and reply to some simple questions. Make sure your account is as up to date as possible, and you will be contacted if you qualify for any study.

If you do, you will receive an email, so make sure you check regularly.

You will be paid via PayPal (remember to claim your payments within 30 days of completing a study!) or check.

13. Plaza Research

Plaza Research has locations in 14 US cities. It specializes in in-person focus groups and pays $50-$200 to group participants.

Focus groups are usually held both during the day and in the evening. You may be asked to sample a new product, preview a TV commercial, or talk about future products. 

You’ll get paid in person straight after the session. You can earn between $50- to $200 for a 2-hour session.

14. Inspired Opinions

To participate in research studies, you just need to be over 18. You can register from all over the world.

You will be asked for some basic information and will be able to create your own personal login and password. Once your profile is complete, they will match you to their research studies. When they find a study that fits your profile, they’ll contact you either by email or phone to see if you qualify.

You can then participate in research studies in a variety of ways:

• In-person at one of their 16 offices across the US
• On the telephone
• Online from a computer anywhere in the world

By participating in one of their focus groups, you can earn anything from $50 to $250.

They use an Opinion Reward points system. And you need to reach 1,000 ($10) before you can redeem points for gift cards.

15. WatchLab

Voted 4.4 out of 5 on Facebook , you can earn from $50 up to $200 for a study (US-based only).

WatchLab has online focus groups, in-person research studies, and in-home studies. You can check out their Facebook page to see the range of focus groups they offer.

I saw focus groups in San Francisco, LA, Seattle, Chicago, New York, Denver, and Portland. There might be more!

Engage has a pretty old-school-looking website.

It specializes in consumer and healthcare market research studies (you’ll need to pick one when you subscribe), and the pay ranges from $50-$250.

You can subscribe from all over the world. Just select your country when you sign up!

More Ways to Find Paid Focus Groups

My 15 favorite websites for online and in-person focus groups aren’t the only ones around! And as I said before, the more you can find, the more opportunities you have to be a perfect fit for a paid focus group.

You can also search Facebook for “focus group” to find a list of pages of companies looking for applicants. I’ve listed some more companies below that might be worth checking out!

• FindFocusGroups.com : Will help you find focus groups near you in the US, by state.
• FocusGroups.org : Another US-based website that will help you to find focus groups in your city.
• TakePartInResearch.co.uk : If you are in the UK, this is an amazing focus group finder! You can earn up to £150 for an hour of your time!
• SIS International Research : Conducts focus groups, one-on-one interviews, and research studies all over the world.
• Advance Focus : A top-rated website that hosts focus groups and market research panels in New York City.
• Survey Squad: They have some great research studies and focus group opportunities on their Facebook page ranging from $50-$275.

Get in There And Get Paid for Research!

Focus groups will not make you rich overnight, but they are a nice side hustle to make some extra cash in your spare time!

And if you are not going to get a free coffee from an in-person focus group, you can sign up to  Swagbucks  and get free $5 credit that you can use for s Starbucks gift card!

If you want to find other ways to hustle for money, check out these other side hustles:

• 36 Creative Ways to Make $100 Every day
• 9 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Make Extra Money Fast
• How to Make Money Blogging (In No Time)

Let me know in the comments below if you had any success with paid focus group studies!

Online Focus Groups: are they really worth your time?

I really love online focus groups as a way to make some extra money on the side. You won’t get rich quickly, or they cannot replace your full-time income, but making $150 for an hour of your time a few times a year, sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me.

I wish it were possible to qualify for one a day! Lol!

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94 Comments

Some useful tips to make quick money online here..

Thanks for sharing

I’ve been doing focus groups and on line interviews for almost a year just sporadic at first then more often.year to date I’ve made a little over $ 2000… You got all the bigger ones that I know of but here’s a gem for you voxpopme, their mobile app is called influence. You answer video questions. Great, fun, topics, responses are usually 1 minute and they typically pay $1 by my math that’s somewhere around $60 an hour. Soon as you get $10 (I think) you can cash out via pay pal. Great app easy to navigate and it really Is fun to make and send these videos, the topics are fun the questions are creative it’s not my most lucrative but by far my favorite.

Thanks Steven, for the suggestion! Never heard of this one before but I’ll definitely look into it!

Thank you. I am recently unemployed and need income asap. I am hoping that these are legit. Have a great day.

Best of luck, Jay! I hope you can get selected for a focus group as soon as possible!

I have done focus groups in the past (contacting them the old fashion way) when my children were young. The enjoyed those groups because they got a chance to sample new toys…and my daughter ended up with several new dolls just for participating (while I earned $75 each time, just for making her available). So, I know it’s possible to earn a bit of spending money participating in these groups. The problem is finding legitimate groups/companies. That said, I really do hope this information is legit. If so, I must thank you in advanced because I really do appreciate you doing the leg work! It’s so difficult to find legitimate earning opportunities via the internet (no human contact). (This blog is very likely the closest thing to human contact as is possible via cyberspace.)

Have a try with some of these companies! I am sure you’ll find some that will work for you 🙂

Thank you for taking the time to research all of these focus groups. Much appreciated.

You are welcome, Julianne 🙂

It’s good information in one place.

That is good

Thank you Joseph!

yaaaaaaaa!! Just got paid $157.55

Amazing Ryan!! 🙂

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31 Best Online Paid Research Studies – (2023 List)

• May 2, 2023

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31 Best Paid Research Studies Online – How To Earn Up To $150/Hr

Did you know that last year, corporations have spent $76 Billion on market research?

Almost 5% of research budgets or $9.4 Million DAILY is spent on participant incentives. Which is a fancy way of saying – paid to people like you and me in exchange for participation.  So if you are looking for a way to earn some extra cash and make an impact at the same time, you’ve come to the right place. I really believe that participating in research studies is a great side hustle option.

However, often it can take a lot of time because you have to show up be present and in some areas, you will find very few local opportunities.

But luckily, there are also online opportunities that make it easy for you to participate in paid studies, regardless of where you live.

Not all studies are worth it though – therefore, I have made a list of the 13 best online paid research studies so you can easily find the ones worth your time. 

And I will also make it clear exactly what you can expect as a participant so you can see if it is the right opportunity for you

How much can you earn from online research studies?

If you are new to online research studies, you likely want to know exactly how much you can expect to earn by participating.

There is no exact answer to this though as it varies a lot from study to study. 

You will find some online surveys where you might get $1-$2 for a 15 minutes survey and other times you might get up to $50 per hour or more for specialized online interviews or online paid focus groups .

Just don’t expect this to be a way to make a living or anything like that. But it definitely can be a great way to make some extra money and make an impact at the same time. So we urge you to consider getting paid to do research studies. 

Based on our research, Focus Groups Pay an average of $62 Hour. But this includes a very wide variety of topics and some of them actually pay $200+ but you need to be a doctor to qualify. 

And you will always be able to see what you get for participating before you start and can then choose if it will be worth it for you or not based on this.

Top 13 paid research studies online 

The following are what I have found to be the best places to participate in online studies.

1. Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys is one of the platforms where you can almost always find studies/surveys to participate in.

And the more active you are, the higher rewards you get for each online survey. In fact, you can get up to a 19% bonus for each survey which means you will get very good value for your time.

You can get your earnings out in cash via PayPal or choose between a large variety of gift cards.

Click here to Join Branded Surveys

YouGov is another platform that offers broad online research studies so you can find surveys you can participate in here no matter your background and location.

The surveys are fairly short and pay decently for your time and are about current and interesting topics.

You will get paid in cash or via gift cards depending on your preferences. YouGov also has an app so you can take the online surveys and research studies on the go. 

Click here to Join YouGov

3. Respondent

Respondent offers some of the highest paying research studies online. Depending on your background, you will get somewhere between $100-$700 per hour.

However, the studies Respondent conducts requires quite a bit of effort to complete, so you need to be willing to invest some time to qualify for them. But for the high incentives, it definitely can be worth it. 

Just be aware that they often look for very specific people to participate, so it can take some patience to find a study you qualify for. Respondent is seeking participants for a variety of online studies that pay well including usability studies, online focus group, psychology studies and many more

Click here to Join Respondent

4. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie offers several different kinds of studies you can participate in. You can, for example, find online surveys here and that is the fast and easy way to earn as you can almost always find available options.

But sometimes you might also be invited for online interviews or online focus groups. If you get invited for these, you should definitely consider participating as they usually pay well.

You can get your earnings out in cash via PayPal or choose between many different gift cards.

Click here to Join Survey Junkie

5. Carnegie Mellon University

The Center for Behavioral and Decision Research (CBDR) at Carnegie Mellon University is often looking for participants for their focus groups and research studies.

Often the studies will take place at the campus but you can also find online studies you can do at home. 

You will usually get $8-$10 per hour and will get paid in cash or gift cards. Great way to make some extra money.

Click here to Join CBDR

6. Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences

The Department of Psychology at Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences has quite a lot of different research studies that pay– many of them are online studies.

You can see an overview of the current studies on their website (link below) and read descriptions and requirements for each of the studies there as well. They are frequently searching for clinical trial participants, so if you are interested in psychology and want to participate in experiments for money, this is a great option. 

You will usually get paid in cash or gift cards but how high incentives you will get depends a lot on the specific study. 

Click here to Check Current Studies

7. LifePoints Panel

LifePoints Panel will give you access to quite a lot of online studies and surveys and it is very easy to use.

You just sign up and then you will start receiving email invitations for available studies. And usually, you will receive several per week.

You can get paid in cash via PayPal or choose between many different gift cards.

Click here to Join LifePoints Panel

8. Toluna Influencers

Toluna Influencers is another easy-to-use survey site that also occasionally offers bigger studies. 

It also has an app so you can easily participate on the go which makes it very convenient. Usually, you can expect to be invited to a short online survey several times per week. Not a lot of focus groups on this platform but it’s easy to get a quick flow of paid surveys near me.

You can get your earnings out in cash via PayPal, choose between many different gift cards, or sometimes also get products as a reward if you prefer.

Click here to Join Toluna Influencers

9. PingPong

PingPong is specialized in helping companies get consumer feedback about their apps and websites to improve them.

So if you join, you will be able to participate in online interviews and focus groups where you give feedback about different websites and apps for some really big companies.

You will usually earn $20-$100 per hour and you will get paid in cash within 7 days after an interview finishes via Transferwise (into your bank account) or via PayPal.

Click here to Join PingPong

10. Userlytics

Userlytics is a great platform to join if you would like to give feedback about websites and apps.

They offer both short interviews (usually you can record it when it fits into your schedule) and longer tests. 

You will usually get paid $5, $10, $15, or $20 per test, but some projects will also pay as much as $90. You will get paid via PayPal within 15 days after the interview/test has been approved.

Click here to Join Userlytics

11. Mindswarms

Mindswarms offers you to participate in video interviews – so if you are not comfortable with recording yourself on video, this is not the right option for you.

If you think this sounds fun, you can earn $10-$50 per video you record and they usually do not take long and you can record on your own time. 

Just be aware that they are often looking for very specific people with specific backgrounds for their studies, so it can take some patience to find one you qualify for.

Click here to Join Mindswarms

12. Harvard University

The department of psychology at Harvard University is regularly looking for young adults and volunteers to participate in their research.

By participating, you can help to advance the understanding of human thought and behavior and it can also be a great way to learn more about psychology yourself.

Often the studies require you to show up physically but they also sometimes offer online research studies. You will get paid $10-$25 per hour in cash or gift cards.

Click here to Apply for Harvard Studies

13. American University

The Behavioral Pharmacology and Health Promotion Laboratory (BPHP) at American University conducts research on cognitive and behavioral factors.

The exact topics vary from time to time, but you can see the currently available options through the link below. Many of them require you to show up personally but you can also find regular online research studies you can get paid to participate in. This is a great option if you are interested in medical research and highest paid clinical trials that are safe. 

How much you will get depends on the particular study but you will always be able to see this clearly stated before applying.

Click here to Apply for American University Studies

14. User Interviews

User Interviews is an online paid research studies platform that allows you to participate in research studies, paid focus groups and online consumer conversations.

Unlike other websites that conduct online surveys, User Interviews rewards you for your time not with hard cash, but with gift cards. Although this may seem like a deal breaker, in exchange you can earn a steady rate of $55 per hour .

Moreover, the site has some excellent reviews, putting it in the top rank of paid online studies sites in terms of user satisfaction.

However, surveys on User Interviews are very time consuming, averaging over 60 minutes, and most of them are looking for specialist in a certain field, like medical professionals.

Click here to join User Interviews

15. American Consumer Opinion

American Consumer Opinion is one of the oldest research companies, helping research participants find paid research studies online since 1986.

Being one of the largest market research companies, you can will never run out of surveys to fill. The compensation for each survey varies, as the platform uses a point based system. Shorter surveys offer about 50 points, and some larger ones can go up to 5000 points. You can cash out once you have over 1000 points, which is equivalent to about 10 dollars.

Bear in mind, that turnaround time with American Consumer Opinion is very drawn out. You typically have wait 8 weeks for payment.

Click here to Join American Consumer Opinion

MOBROG is an survey platform, which primarily focuses on market research and consumer feedback. This means, that you are helping user experience of companies, while earning money online.

Speaking of money, you can expect to earn about $3 per survey, which takes you approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. This means you can make about $15 per hour.

You can collect your payment through Paypal or by Skrill.

Click here to Join MOBROG

17. Boston University Questrom School of Business Behavioral Lab

Boston University School of Business offers paid research opportunities for a variety of demographics.

While some research studies require in person focus groups, many can be completed online as well. They typically require a long period of time to complete, and may ask you about some sensitive topics. If you do not wish to share personal experiences, then this option may not be for you.

The exact amount of payment can vary drastically, depending on the study, but compensation for participants is typically between $10 and $20 per hour.

Click here to Apply for Boston University Questrom School of Business Behavioral Lab

18. Engage Studies

At Engage Studies or Engage in Depth you can take part in paid market research projects. This can take the form of focus groups, online discussions, website usability studies and more.

With Engage Studies you can expect to make average rates of $50-250 per every survey, which takes approximately 1-2 hours.

Although the pay varies based on your qualifications, this is an excellent opportunity worth checking out.

Click here to Join Engage Studies

19. MIT Behavioral Research Lab

MIT behavioral research lab provides you to be a research participant in paid non-clinical trials, including some fun and interesting experiments.

A great benefit to MIT Behavioral Research studies is that everything has strict standards and regulations, which means they will respect your thoughts and boundaries, and they will compensate you appropriately.

Click here to Apply for MIT Behavioral Research Lab

20. Brand Institute

Brand Institute offers companies market research services, which is why they connect willing participants to various surveys and research studies, while compensating them appropriately.

For regular surveys, you will paid $2-5 per survey, while for medical research studies you will earn more at about $5-10.

However, many users have complained about not being able to find suitable surveys. Because of this I would recommend giving it a try, before committing to it.

Click here to Join Brand Institute

21. Panelbase

Panelbase is an UK-based online survey panel offering members cash rewards for their opinions on various services like product testing, SMS, postal, telephone, and much more. 

You can expect to make $0.25-10 for a completed survey, which takes between 3-10 minutes. For further incentive, for every survey you can earn a prize draw of up to $50.

The downside is that there is no option for PayPal, so you have to enter your bank account details at each step.

Click here to Join Panelbase

22. Prolific

Prolific is a survey and research studies site that boasts high reviews and is one of the most recommended platforms on various social media. It is one of the only services that has a $6.5 hourly minimum wave requirement.

You can expect to be paid $9-12 per hour on the platform. However this depends on the researcher in question.

Click here to Join Prolific

23. Valued Opinions

Valued Opinions is a research studies survey website that has over 3 million members worldwide. It connects people with online surveys on topics that interest them, and rewards them for their time.

It offers compensation as gift cards for top retailers, instead of direct cash. This might seem like a major negative, but with gift cards you don’t have to worry about long turnabout time on your payment.

On Valued Opinions you can earn up to $5 per short survey.

Click here to Join Valued Opinions

24. Opinium

Opinium is a market research and insight agency established 15 years ago. It is a reputable platform that has operated for many years so you can trust them with your time and efforts.

The surveys offered are short 5 minute questionnaires. For them you can expect to be paid about 50 cents. You may cash out once your account reaches $25.

Click here to Join Opinium

Y Live is another UK based survey platform that works on a point based system for its members, where 1 point is equivalent to $1.

Unlike other sites, it offers a fixed hourly wage of $1 for every 5 minutes you spend completing surveys, but don’t expect to cheat the system as it has security measures in place.

You can redeem your points only after you reach 50 points in one month.

Click here to Join Y Live Community

26. AttaPoll

AttaPoll is a survey app that makes it easy to fill out surveys and make a few dollars on the side-all on the convenience of your phone.

You can earn money two ways, either by referral or by filling out questionnaires. After you are done, you can cash out right away via PayPal or by cheque.

Payment varies based on your demographics and expertise.

Click here to Join AttaPoll

27. Ipsos iSay

Ipsos iSay is a rewards community that allows users to voice their opinion on subjects important to them, while making some profit on the side.

It is the third largest research company and has over a million users worldwide. Its clientele comprises of some of the largest advertisement companies.

The platform operates on a points based system. One survey gets you between 45 and 90 points, where 100 points is equal to $1. You can redeem your points once you have earned $5.

Click here to Join Ipsos iSay

28. Focus Group

Focus Group is a site that offers online surveys and other research opportunities like focus groups to help you side hustle and earn some cash in your spare time.

One great positive about Focus Group lies within its diversity. It doesn’t have demographic nor a professional requirements that other platforms do. You can fill out a survey by phone, email, in person, or just on the Internet.

If you join focus groups and complete long surveys, then you can make up to $150. The best part is you can check out almost immediately after you have accumulated 100 points or $1.

Click here to Join Focus Group

29. Apex Focus Group

Apex Focus Group connects people with paid focus groups, clinical research trials, and phone interviews, supporting the interests of both the companies and the participants. You can take part in it from the safety of your own home, and still make up to $700 a week.

The only downside is that many have complained about the low acceptance rate of these studies, and some couldn’t even find suitable surveys.

Click here to Join Apex Focus Group

30. Opinion Outpost

Opinion Outpost is a market research panel where members collect points for their opinion in free online surveys.

These surveys mainly come from small companies, looking for feedback and consumer feedback. Like many other platforms it works on a points based system. Rewards can vary drastically between 10 to 250 points per survey.

The bad news is that 10 points equal a dollar, which is quite a low pay rate.

Click here to Join Opinion Outpost

As you can see, there are plenty of options if you want to participate in paid online research studies and online focus groups, without having to leave your home. If you do want to find a local focus group though and live in a larger city, we have probably analyzed and ranked the best in person focus groups in your city.

All of the options above offer online studies – some more often than others. 

But if you make sure to join several of them and apply for studies regularly, you will find very frequent paid research opportunities and can make some nice extra cash while making an impact at the same time.

Are there any requirements to participate in online research studies?

The great thing about paid research studies online compared to the ones where you have to show up, is that there often are no requirements for your location.

Therefore, it will be easy for you to find opportunities no matter where you live and you can do it from the comfort of your home.

However, there are some research studies that are looking for a very specific group of people, so you will likely not be able to qualify for all studies.

And sometimes it might take a bit of patience to find the ones you qualify for – however, on the list below, I have included sites with both very specialized studies and more broad studies that accept most people.

It is definitely possible to find some good options for YOU. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Focus Groups and Studies

What is a paid online research study.

Online paid research study is essentially a type of market research that pays YOU for your time. It is usually conducted online by a market research company. Online studies come in a from of online surveys, focus groups, online interviews or paid clinical trials.

How do I find paid studies online?

There are dozens of market research studies if you know where to look. StansGigs is dedicated to helping you find the best online opportunities. This list is a good start. Also check out the listing of in person studies as well as paid surveys.

Do I need to have certain professional background or live in a certain area to participate in paid research studies?

Compared to studies that require a person to be physically present, there are often no hard requirements to get the gig. So you can find paid online study opportunities wherever you live and perform them from the comfort of your home. The only things you will need is a good internet connection, a microphone and most of the online focus groups will require a camera. Also note that before participating in a focus group you will usually be required to take a short survey or answer a few screening questions to ensure your eligibility.

The short answer is: Your phone will likely suffice. As long as you have a reliable smartphone, good internet connection and working camera, you should be okay. Some studies will ask for a certain app to be installed (Zoom) but they will notify eligible participants of this ahead of time.

How do will I get get Money For Research Studies?

Any of the market research companies mentioned above will pay you through Paypal or with gift cards.

I think that’s about it.

If you have participated in any paid studies online yourself and would like to share your experiences, I would love to hear from you in a comment below. 

I am a father to a beautiful baby girl, a husband and a serial gigster 🙂 I live in Toronto, Canada. My claim to fame: I made thousands of dollars from focus groups and surveys over the last 15 years. Studied Marketing in Ryerson Univerity and worked in Marketing and Marketing Research for the last 14 years+ My mission is to educate others how to be successful with side hustles. You can contact my be email or  on Facebook .

Wow! Never realized that there are better surveys online than those that pay you anything from 50cents to $2. Many of the ones you have listed actually look exciting as well. A possible alternative side source of income if one chooses. I personally think the psycology and behavioural science ones will certainly be interesting – but will have to explore them when I have fewer things on my plate. Thank you so much for a great compilation.

Thanks for Kind words and happy that you liked the content. Best of luck in your surveys 🙂

This is extremely helpful. I didn’t think there was a lot of services or places that would actually provide something like this. I always thought it would be a scam of some sort. I will definitely be looking into this thank you.

Hi Alex, Glad you liked it. Many people at first think it’s too good to be true. But after a bit of the research and trial and error they find ways to use it well

I wasn’t impressed with the YouGov website. Too much going on, couldn’t find where to start with my basic profile, and didn’t see any paid studies to apply for.

Thanks for the feedback. We will take a close look at them and perhaps will change the recommendation.

[…] you prefer to earn some cash from the comfort of your home, online focus group is a great option. Typically, they pay a bit less, but that’s the tradeoff for more flexibility […]

I look forward to receiving your emails! Thank you so much for doing this.

Glad to have you onboard, Erika 🙂

Thanks so, so much. I’m using research studies to build up a little fund to leave an abusive parent (I’m eighteen, it’s a funding issue.) Thanks for the resource. 🙂

Table of Contents

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• Take Part in Research – Legit? Paid or Not? – Full Review
• Is Research Tribe Legit? Can You Earn? – Honest Review

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20+ Best Focus Groups For Money – Find Paid Market Research Opportunities!

In-person and online focus groups are an incredible side hustle opportunity. And I've actually been making money for the last couple of years by taking part in different market research groups.

Unlike survey sites , focus group opportunities often pay $50 to $100+ per hour. Plus, you get to take part in interesting research and studies in a variety of fields.

However, not all focus groups are the same. And some are downright scams or aren't worth your time. This is why I'm sharing some of the best paid focus groups you can use to start earning today!

The Best Focus Groups For Money

Table of Contents

1. User Interviews

User Interviews is my favorite paid online focus group. I've been using it since 2022, and I've completed studies on it before and have always been paid on time.

The company has over 2,000 focus group studies per month. Pinterest, Adobe, Spotify, and Wayfair are just a few of the recognizable brand names that have partnered with User Interviews.

The signup process is also painless. Just create an account with your email and then answer a demographic and career questionnaire to help match you to the best focus groups.

One thing that’s great about User Interviews is the search page. You can immediately see how much focus groups pay, their date, how long they take, and a description of what's involved.

Some studies and focus groups are quite generic, like seeking participants to give feedback for a product. These usually pay $10. But you can find more niche focus groups easily paying $50 to $100 upon completion.

For example, one I completed recently paid me $65 for a 45 minute study. All I had to do was give feedback on a new design tool for business cards, which was pretty fun!

You have to apply to focus groups which involves completing a short screener. But if you get accepted, this is an excellent way to get free money and gift cards in exchange for your feedback and opinions.

👉 Start earning with User Interviews!

2. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a leading survey website where you can share your opinion to get paid.

It's free to sign up for and is available in North America and Australia. I've used it for years, and it's one of the highest-paying survey websites in the business.

Most surveys on Survey Junkie pay $0.50 to $1 or $2. But you can sometimes find longer surveys that pay more. The company also has occasional product testing or paid market research opportunities.

This is certainly more of a survey site than paid online focus group. However, you can cash out with PayPal or free gift cards at only $5, so it's a nice way to get quick money .

👉 Start earning with Survey Junkie!

3. Respondent

Respondent is another amazing way to get paid to be in a focus group. And this is also our favorite User Interviews alternative.

The platform is super easy to use. Simply sign up for free as a focus group participant and complete a demographic questionnaire. You can then browse and apply to available studies and focus groups.

In our experience, focus groups and paid market research studies pay anywhere from $10 to $150 per hour or completion. There's also in-person, phone, and Zoom-call focus groups too.

The best part about Respondent is that the very niche studies can pay hundreds of dollars. Many studies look for certain career professionals or business owners too, so keep this in mind.

4. Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys , like Survey Junkie, lets you complete online surveys to earn cash and gift cards.

The site is free to join and is available in North America and the UK. It's a very easy way to earn money online , and you only need $5 to cash out.

Most surveys you complete pay $0.50 to $2.50. There's also a great loyalty program that pays bonus cash each month if you complete enough surveys.

My advice is to use Branded Surveys in the downtime you have while searching for paid focus groups. The hourly pay is lower, but it's easier to make money consistently since there are almost always available surveys.

👉 Try out Branded Surveys!

5. FocusGroup.com  

FocusGroup.com offers (as the name suggests) focus groups as well as surveys and on-the-go tasks like mystery shopping gigs .

Signing up is similar to other paid online focus group websites. You have to answer some questions about yourself, including demographic and career questions. This takes a bit of time, but it's the only way to unlock focus group opportunities and not just cash surveys .

Some FocusGroup.com opportunities pay $100 to $300 or more. However, the downside is it generally takes a long time to match and qualify for an opporutnity.

We filled out our personal survey to test out FocusGroup.com. We still haven't been matched to any focus groups or studies, only surveys. So, this site isn't a consistent money-maker, although it does pay participants well.

Check out our FocusGroup.com review for all the details!

6. Rare Patient Voice

Rare Patient Voice is one of the best paid focus group websites for patients with rare conditions or their caregivers.

This site lets you take part in both webcam and phone interviews. And it's available in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, and France.

Rare Patient Voice pays up to $120 per hour to both caregivers and patients. This is one of the higher rates out there. You can also get paid $20 for taking part in a screening, since screenings generally take a bit of time.

If you have any type of condition, even if it's not the most rare, Rare Patient Voice is worth checking out. The same goes if you work in health services or are a caregiver.

7. Field Voices

Field Voices is another popular focus group side hustle you can try out. And we like it since it has both in-person and online focus groups you can participate in.

It's also a very lucrative side hustle . For example, when we checked them out they were calling for applicants to a 4-hour in-person workshop in Plano, Texas in return for a $300 Visa gift card. The other paid market research group was a 3-day focus group on meeting your healthcare needs, in return for a $350 Visa gift card.

Like other websites, you have to submit some personal information to Field Voices when applying. Many focus groups look for specific demographics or job types, so you won't get accepted every time. But the pay is quite high if you end up getting approved for a study or focus group.

8. Lightster

Lightster is a money making app where you get to share your opinions with different companies to get paid.

The platform works with massive companies like Google, Best Buy, Sephora, and Microsoft. Once you sign up and complete your profile, you can then get receive questions from brands and creators who want your insights. As you answer questions and have a conversation, you get paid.

This is a unique way to get paid for your advice . And what's nice is that after you complete your profile, researchers and companies reach out to you, so you don't have to hustle and endlessly apply to focus groups.

Payments vary, but you can earn up to $1 per minute. As for rewards. Lightster offers free Amazon gift cards , PayPal cash, or Wise payments.

9. Fieldwork

Fieldwork is another popular paid market research company that's looking for consumers, business professionals, patients, and healthcare professionals right now.

You can create a profile on its website and then complete your profile to get started. You can then receive studies and focus groups to take part. There's one-on-one interviews, virtual sessions, and even at-home studies researching a wide range of topics.

Compensation is fixed at $75 per hour and payment is made with virtual gift cards. Unlink some of the other options listed here, Fieldwork will reach out to you via phone or email about opportunities that might be a good fit.

10. L&E Opinions

L&E has 1.7 million participants and paid out nearly $9 million in 2023. When we signed up, they said there were 205 active studies available. There are also specific medical and B2B panels where patients, caregivers, and business owners can find better-paying focus groups.

According to their website, some medical and business focus groups can pay up to $1,500 (you read that right) depending on position in the organization…all for one hour. Wow…bet you’re wishing you went to med school now, or worked your way up the corporate ladder!

As for the rest of us, focus groups pay quite well. One thing we love about L&E over some of the other choices is that the displayed list of available studies is very transparent. You’ll see the exact range of compensation, the location (nationwide is what you want), age range, gender, and description. You still need to complete pre-screening questionnaires, but they’re all within the L&E website and relatively painless.

Extra Reading – How To Make $200 Fast .

11. Recruit & Field

R&F gleans consumer insights for companies like Apple, Netflix, GMC, and Clinique. The website is a little more lo-fi than some of the others, but that’s okay. After a quick introductory signup, you just fill out a list of demographic information to get matched focus group opportunities.

Payment for participation in groups typically falls between $100 and $275 per session. The sign-up questionnaire takes a while to fill out. But considering these payouts, the effort is worth it.

However, Recruit & Field doesn't have a page to browse paid focus groups. Rather, it’s a targeted research group that reaches out to you. For this reason, you should take the questions seriously.

12. Experience Dynamics

Experience Dynamics specifically focuses on UX, or user design. And this is a way to get paid to test websites and then give your feedback on them

Compensation generally ranges from $50 to $150. Some tasks require one sitting, while others involve a “diary” type of process where you record your experience over a few days or weeks.

This is more involved than using usability testing platforms like UserTesting or PlaytestCloud . However, the pay is much higher since you have to put in more effort.

Even More Focus Group Side Hustles To Try

The above options are some of our favorite ways to make money with focus groups. But you can try even more websites and research studies that pay to maximize your opportunities, including:

• Pinecone Research
• American Consumer Opinions
• Probe Market Research
• Product Report Card
• SurveyFeeds
• FocusInsite
• GLC Insights
• PRC Market Research
• Inspired Opinions

👉 The 25+ Highest Paying Apps To Try .

How Much Can You Make With Paid Focus Groups?

How much you earn with paid focus groups largely depends on how many opportunities you qualify for. Payment per hour also varies depending on the company, type of focus group, and how niche a particular study is. But participants can generally expect to earn at least $50 to $100 per hour.

For example, my latest User Interviews test paid me $65 for 45 minutes. And some of my friends have taken part in multi-day studies paying several hundred dollars.

Ultimately, this isn't a full-time online job . Income can be very inconsistent, so apply to focus group opportunities but don't expect a steady paycheck.

How Can I Find Focus Groups Near Me?

Many focus group and market research groups offer in-person studies alongside phone and online webcam studies. So, you can search for nearby paid focus groups if you use the websites we've listed above.

Just note that larger cities generally have more paid market research opportunities than small towns and rural areas.

How To Avoid Focus Group Scams

There are many paid focus group scams out there or companies that try to steal personal information from participants. And some companies, like Apex Focus Group , just consolidate focus group opportunities but don't run studies themselves.

Ultimately, we suggest sticking with reputable companies that have a proven track record of paying participants. Reference data like Trustpilot scores, Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, and social media reviews or comments when choosing a focus group company.

Extra Reading – The Top Online Jobs Paying Weekly .

Final Thoughts

These are some of the best paid focus groups we could find. And if you snag a few studies per year, you could be looking at hundreds or thousands of dollars in additional income.

Also note that there are so many market research studies out there that pay. This list is a great way to get started. But don't be afraid to search around your city for more market research surveys and studies.

Of course, you can always make money right away with gpt sites or other digital side hustles that are more consistent. But we think applying to a few focus group websites is a good idea. After all, you never know which studies you'll get into. So, a big payday could be around the corner!

Want even more ideas to earn? Checkout :

• The Best Work From Phone Jobs .
• The Best Websites Like UserTesting .
• The Best Microtask Websites .

Tom is a full-time blogger and freelance writer with a passion for side hustling, passive income, and making money online. His work has appeared on dozens of personal finance websites like Money Crashers, The College Investor, Forbes, and more.

Tom also founded the blog This Online World - a finance site dedicated to helping people make money online - in 2018. After 6 years, that site merged with WebMonkey, with the goal of helping even more people earn their first dollar of online income.

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Participating in Research

The Behavioral Lab (BeLab) studies human behavior and decision-making by inviting participants to participate in paid online or in-person studies and contribute to cutting-edge research. To participate in paid studies:

What Do These Studies Involve?

HBS researchers study a wide range of topics, including decision making, consumer preferences, group interactions, and economic behaviors. Studies typically involve completing surveys and tasks on a computer. Some studies involve small group interactions with other participants. ​More information on each study is listed in their descriptions on Sona .

To Participate, You Must Be:

Based in the United States

18 years of age or older

Able to show a valid photo ID (government or school issued)

Able to understand and speak English

Comfortable using a computer

Location & Directions

The BeLab is located on the 3rd floor of 2 Arrow St, Cambridge, MA 02138. It is a 5–7-minute walk from Harvard Square. The lab is close to Massachusetts Avenue and located near popular shops like Berryline yogurt, Kung Fu Tea, Boston Burger Company, and across the corner from Zinneken’s Belgian waffles. We are also next to Arrow Street Cleaner’s on Arrow Street.

By Public Transportation

The lab is about a 7-minute walk from the Harvard Station MBTA stop, that includes the Red Line and various bus lines. The lab is also one block away from the MBTA bus 1 stop at Mt. Auburn and Putnam.

Parking in Cambridge is limited and heavily regulated. When possible, we recommend that participants use public transportation. If you decide to drive to the BeLab, there are a few metered parking spaces on Mass Ave and Arrow Street and nearby paid parking garages.

How to Find Paid Research Studies That Pay $50+ an Hour

Our website is supported by our users and contains affiliate links. We get paid when you purchase or sign up for anything through those links. Read the full disclaimer for more information.

Last Updated on December 9, 2021 by Daniella

A great way to make money online is with online paid research studies.

These studies usually consist entirely online but may also have the opportunity for an in person activity. They could be interview based, online survey based, focus group based, panel based, or clinical trial based.

Online paid research studies are a notch up from the online paid survey apps like Swagbucks and InboxDollars that take you a week to get to a $20 payout. A good pay range for participating in paid research studies would be $50 an hour and up. You’ll see that some clinical studies mentioned make up to $400 for one study.

All of the sites mentioned in this article pay $50 and up for each paid study, making it a worthwhile way to make extra cash but maybe not a sustainable side hustle – since you have to rely on if you fall into a certain demographic for a study or not.

Let’s explore the opportunities available.

Table of Contents

5 Places to Find Paid Research Studies That Pay $50 an Hour and Up

1. respondent.

Respondent is a website and company that will paid you for online paid research interviews based on both your professional and life experience.

You’ll find research interviews you can get paid for ranging from getting paid to ordering food at a restaurant to testing software, apps , feedback on financial needs, and more. In this case, your data is the product for the payout you’re earning (as with most research studies).

Pay rate: Ranges from $15 for 15 minutes to as much as $300 an hour for 1 study

2. User Research International

User Research International is a company that runs studies for consumers, IT professionals, developers, and more. When you join as a participant in their database, you’ll start receiving emails with study opportunities you can apply to participate in.

Most studies take less than 2 hours and pay anywhere from $50 to $200.

You can get started by going to User Research International and signing up for free.

Pay rate: $50 an hour and up

3. FieldWork

FieldWork is a company that relies on focus groups to aid in their nationwide paid market research studies. Your expertise can influence decision makers through their research.

The site says they are looking for all types of people in all different areas to participate in their studies. If you listen to music or use a bank, FieldWork has a study for you to participate in.

When I went to try it out for myself to apply for a study, I applied for this study for remote workers since I am a full time remote worker . They had tons of different studies available for different workers, interests, and more.

Pay rate: $100 an hour and up

4. User Interviews

Get paid by testing an app, website, or just talking about your life experiences with User Interviews.

User Interviews pays you for your user feedback on an array of different things including (but not limited to):

• Product use feedback
• Software testing
• Application testing
• Website testing
• Content editor workflow questions
• Management experience interviews
• System testing
• Workplace experience feedback

The site features tons of studies that pay anywhere from $50 per 30 minutes so as much as $150 an hour. All studies are done online.

Pay rate: $50 per 30 minutes to as much as $150 an hour

5. Experience Dynamics

Experience Dynamics is a company whose sole purpose is to provide feedback and data to their clients to continually improve the software and products we use in our everyday lives.

They host user research studies that range from interview style, survey, or walking through a website from a start of an action to the end of an action.

All of the different types of studies they have available are:

• Field Studies
• Diary Studies
• Usability Testing
• Phone interviews
• Online Focus Groups
• Online Surveys

Each study pays anywhere from $50 to $150.

Related:  9 Creative Ways to Get Paid to Text

Paid Research Studies: Get Paid for Your Data

As you apply to any of the studies above, continue applying. Don’t expect to get accepted to a study on your first application so increase your chances of acceptance to apply for several studies that fit your expertise or experience.

Be sure to set and keep your boundaries when applying for these studies as well. This is your personal data you’re selling and when it starts to feel a bit too intrusive, chances are your gut is right and maybe you shouldn’t go for that study.

Getting paid to contribute to research is exciting, and keep an open mind but always keep a look out for red flags and anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. You never have to do anything or provide any information that you don’t want to.

For more ways to make money online, take our free side hustle quiz.

• 11 Side Hustles for Nurses
• 8 Side Hustles for Teachers
• 7 Ways to Get Paid to Sleep (Yes, Seriously!)
• 22 Clever Ways To Get Free Gift Cards

Pin it for later!

Daniella is the creator and author of iliketodabble.com. When their wife Alexandra and them aren’t globetrotting or playing with their 7+ animals, they are dabbling and working towards a future of financial freedom.

1 thought on “How to Find Paid Research Studies That Pay $50+ an Hour”

I work as a web developer and I’ve joined User Research International and it’s great!! I got two studies this past month they were 2h and I was paid 225$ for both. You do need to have a technical background for most studies but they are really easy if you have the knowleagh and payment tends to be fast and you have many options on how to get paid.

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Participate in Studies

Help us further our discoveries of how the mind works

You do not have to be affiliated with Stanford University to participate in Psychology research. The majority of our paid studies take place on the Stanford campus, but we also offer opportunities to take part in our experiments online. We appreciate your participation, which is vital to the continued success of our department. Out of consideration for our researchers' time and resources, we ask that you please only sign up for studies you can attend and that you cancel any appointments you are unable to make.

Stanford students in Psychology classes can not receive course credit for participating in paid studies. Please check your course syllabus for participation instructions.

Sign up to participate

Existing participants can  log in  to browse our current studies and sign up for open timeslots.

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

• Participate in Research Studies

Paid Research Opportunities

The following studies are recruiting participants and pay for your time. Read the descriptions and requirements. If you are interested, email the researcher asking to participate. Information on some studies is also posted on bulletin boards in Swift Hall.

Currently Available Studies

Emotional processing in friendships.

Do you or your friend struggle with self-confidence? Help us research how close friends talk and support each other! If you AND one of your close friends are between 18 and 40 years and willing to participate together, you may be eligible. You and your friend can each earn up to $125. For this study, you and one of your close, same-sex friends will participate together at Northwestern’s medical school campus in downtown Chicago. You will complete an interview, a variety of questionnaires, and several tasks with your friend while having your brain activity recorded using EEG. Many of the procedures will be completed online rather than in person. This study will take approximately 5 hours to complete, splitting into 2 days. You and your friend will each be paid $25/hour for a total of $125 (the total amount will depend on how long your visit takes). Additionally, you will also be compensated for parking or CTA travel for attending the study visit.

If you are interested, please fill out this brief survey to see if you are eligible ( https://redcap.nubic.northwestern.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=487MNAJAMWMLC9AM ). If you have more questions, feel free to email the us at [email protected] or call/text at 312-884-9797! A team member will get back to you shortly. Principal Investigator : Dr. Stewart Shankman

Study Title : Emotional Processing in Friendships

IRB# : STU00218814

The HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study (HBCD)

8/6/2024 

The Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences is recruiting families with babies 9 to 30 months of age to participate in the pilot phase of a study investigating early brain and child development.

The visit will consist of a lullaby MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) while baby is sleeping. No dyes/contrast or sedation are used. MRIs are safe and routinely used in research settings. The visit will take approximately 2.5 – 3 hours and families are compensated $115 for their time. The visit will take place on Northwestern’s Chicago campus. Parking validation or transportation reimbursement will be provided along with childcare (if needed for other children).

For more information or to sign up, please email HBCD Study Manager, Brianna Sinche, at  [email protected] .

Study Title : The HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study (HBCD) Principal Investigators : Drs. Lauren Wakschlag and Elizabeth Norton IRB# : STU00217118

Play games for brain science!

The Dynamic Brain Lab at Northwestern University is recruiting volunteers to participate in research on the brain dynamics underlying memory and cognitive control across the human lifespan. We are recruiting adults and children for multiple studies.

Participants will be compensated at $30/hour.

The research will take place in downtown Chicago.

Follow this link for more information, and to sign up: https://redcap.nubic.northwestern.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=93P9HHRYXXDMLYTD

Principal Investigator: Elizabeth Johnson, PhD

Study Title: Behavioral and neural mechanisms of memory across the lifespan

IRB# : STU00216728

Social Interactions Study

We are seeking young people to participate in a research project at Northwestern University about how the relationships between social networks, personality, and unusual thoughts some people may have fluctuate over a brief period. The goal of this research is to increase understanding of how social interactions influence mental health concerns and/or mental health concerns influence social interactions.

You may be eligible for this study if you are between 12 and 34 years of age. The study would entail coming in for 3 visits each approximately one week apart, and you will be compensated $25 per hour for your participation. During these sessions, you will complete questionnaires about unusual thoughts and experiences, mental health symptoms, and your social network and a brief interview with a researcher about your social life.

If you are interested, please email us at [email protected] , and a member of our team will get back to you shortly.

Principal investigator : Dr. Vijay Mittal

Study Title : ORBITZ

IRB# : STU00203263

Individual Differences in Talker Identification

The SoundBrain Lab is seeking participants for a research study investigating how our brains identify and categorize different talkers/voices.

You may be eligible if:

• You are between 18-35 years old.
• You are a native speaker of English
• You have no experience with Mandarin Chinese.
• You have normal hearing (no hearing loss).
• You have no history of neurological or psychological disorders.
• You can travel to Northwestern’s Evanston campus.

Participation includes:

• Hearing screening
• This measure consists of resting your chin on a cushioned platform fixed to the desk you’re sitting at. You will be instructed to fix your gaze on a computer screen in front of you and respond to various sounds played over headphones.

All measures are non-invasive. Participation requires two 1-hour visits. These visits may be on the same day, separated by at least two hours, or on consecutive days. Participants will be compensated at $15/hour.

 If you are interested, please email [email protected] for more information.

Principal Investigator : Bharath Chandrasekaran, PhD

Study Title : Neural Systems in Auditory and Speech Categorization

IRB# : STU00219433 

Psychosis Risk Outcomes Network Study

We are seeking young people who are concerned about recent changes in mood, thinking or behavior. This research project aims to increase understanding of mental health concerns in young people and how to prevent the development of a more serious mental illness such as psychosis.

You may be eligible for the study if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Ages 12 - 30
• Noticing a recent change in thinking, behavior, or experiences, such as:
• Confusion about what is real or imaginary
• Feeling not in control of your own thoughts of ideas
• Feeling suspicious or paranoid
• Having experiences that may not be real, such as hearing sounds or seeing things that may not be there
• Having trouble communicating clearly

The study would entail visits over a 2-year period, and you would be paid $30 per hour for your participation.  Eligible participants will be asked to come in for various assessments including:

• clinical interviews
• biological assessments (MRI & EEG brain scans; blood and saliva testing)
• cognitive testing

If you are interested, please email us at [email protected]  or fill out this online eligibility survey , and a member of our team will get back to you shortly.

Principal investigator: Dr. Vijay Mittal Study Title: ProNET IRB #: STU00215145

Good at sleeping?

The Cognitive Neuroscience Lab in the Department of Psychology at Northwestern is recruiting volunteers to participate in sleep research ( STU00034353 )

 Compensation is provided for studies ($12.50/hr)

You can participate in Chicago or at our sleep lab on the Evanston campus.

 To sign up and learn more about the The Paller Lab, visit:    www.northwestern.edu/people/kap/apply  

Principal Investigator: Dr. Ken Paller

Study Title: Strategically strengthening declarative memories during sleep: Learning, Creative Problem-Solving, REM Sleep, and Dreaming

IRB# STU00034353-MOD0044

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Fast Track Your Financial Freedom

15 Best Sites To Find Paid Research Studies In 2024

Kelan Kline | Updated July 3, 2024 Make Money

Many people regularly participate in paid research studies as a side hustle to make extra cash quickly .

However, finding legitimate studies can sometimes be difficult if you don’t know where to look.

If you want to learn more about participating in paid studies, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll share 15 of the best sites and companies offering paid studies.

So without further ado, let’s get started.

Start sharing your opinion, earn points, and cash them out for free gift cards or cash today. Claim your FREE $10 sign-up bonus now!

Table of Contents

Quick Picks

I’m sure you want to know all the options for paid research, but here are the top picks we’ve done to get quick and high payouts for our time:

• Quickest Payout: Swagbucks
• Most Survey Offerings: Survey Junkie
• Biggest Payouts: Northwestern University Department of Psychology

15 Best Sites For Paid Research

For paid research studies, we have a variety of survey sites, marketing research, and clinical research that give a variety of payouts.

There are plenty of creative ways to earn money , and these sites give you many options.

Some can give you a few bucks for a few minutes of answers, whereas others take a few hours and can make you $300!

Let’s check out your options for research studies:

1. Swagbucks

Have you taken any Buzzfeed quizzes lately? Where you won’t know which Hogwarts House you’re in, you could answer survey questions and make instant money !

One of the quickest ways to take paid online surveys and get fast payouts is Swagbucks .

Swagbucks is a site that connects people with paid research opportunities from marketing companies.

They have an extensive database of paid online surveys from all types of industries, like beauty products, baby products, housewares, and more.

And they also offer other ways to earn money, including watching videos, playing games, and shopping online.

Check out our Swagbucks Review to find out more!

Typical Payout

Most surveys pay an average of $1 to $5.

Many surveys vary regarding how long they take to complete and how much they pay. But you can typically expect to make around $10 – $15 per hour.

• $10 sign-up bonus available
• Can cash out to PayPal
• No minimum withdrawal amount
• Free to join
• Easy to use
• Not available in all countries
• Some surveys may take longer
• Surveys have lower payouts than other research studies

2. Survey Junkie

Do you like the idea of earning money by sharing your opinion? If so, Survey Junkie is one of the best survey sites to do it!

You can take surveys on a variety of topics. Best of all, you can do it entirely from the comfort of your own home!

All you need is a computer and an internet connection. Simply sign up for an account and start taking surveys. Each online survey will earn points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.

Learn more about them in our Survey Junkie review !

The typical payout for a survey is around $1 – $3. However, some surveys can pay up to $10 or more.

• $5 sign-up bonus
• Surveys are easy to take
• Payout threshold is low
• PayPal is a cash-out option
• May not qualify for every survey
• Surveys can be boring to some people

Want to make money from your couch? Survey Junkie pays out over $40,000 daily to its members for taking paid online surveys. Get your share today!

3. Respondent

Respondent is a platform that connects businesses with research participants. Companies use Respondent to get high-quality feedback from consumers fast.

The platform is free to join, and you can start earning money by participating in online research studies as soon as you’re approved.

Studies are matched to your demographics and profile information. Respondent doesn’t choose who participates in the paid studies; the companies requesting the research choose who participates.

The typical payout per paid study is anywhere from $50 to over $200, with more comprehensive studies paying more.

• High-paying research studies
• Paid research is relevant to the participant’s demographics
• Research opportunities are available to people worldwide
• Slow customer service
• Interface is sometimes slow
• Chances of getting into research studies are lower

4. American Consumer Opinion

American Consumer Opinion is a paid research study site that has been around for over 20 years connecting businesses with consumers.

Businesses and organizations rely on consumer feedback to improve their products and services, so your online surveys provide valuable info.

Surveys on various topics are available, and they also have a panel where you can participate in focus groups and product testing.

You can complete surveys on your own time and get a payout with PayPal cash or gift cards.

The average payout per survey is $2 – $5 for surveys that take only a few minutes.

They offer a few cents compensation if you don’t qualify for the survey, which other sites don’t offer.

• Different research topics are available
• Easy payouts
• Compensation for unqualified surveys
• More lower-paid surveys are offered than higher-paid surveys

5. User Interviews

User Interviews  is a website that allows you to sign up to participate in paid studies. These studies can take place through phone interviews, in-person, or streaming focus groups.

The interviews about products, services, and websites usually last between 30 minutes and an hour. Study participants are paid by cash, check, PayPal, or by gift cards like Amazon or Visa.

Want to see what some of the research study topics are? You can see some research studies and the price they will pay before you apply with User Interviews.

Payouts vary but start at around $15 per hour up to over $300 per hour

• Easy to sign up as a User Interviews participant
• Can see current research studies before signing up
• Open to participants in other countries, not just U.S. and Canada
• Studies may take more time to complete than surveys
• May need specialized skills or fit a specific demographic to complete the higher-paying research studies

Engage Studies  is a research company that conducts studies on behalf of various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

They’re looking for people to participate in their studies through online discussions or in person.

Engage Studies conduct studies essential for advancing the knowledge and treatment of diseases.

Participating in their studies can help make a difference in the lives of people affected by these diseases.

Their homepage says you can make anywhere from $50 – $250 for studies that often take less than 30 minutes.

• Get paid via PayPal or check
• Different types of studies are available
• Studies only last around 30 minutes
• Can be hard to qualify for studies

7. PingPong

The PingPong program offers one-on-one video chats to help developers and participants work together on testing websites .

They’ve previously worked with organizations like BT, Skyscanner, Zapier, and Nestle. to get research on how their sites work.

You’ll need a computer or laptop with a camera and microphone. In the one-on-one sessions, you can share your computer screen and honestly discuss the websites you test.

They pay you automatically within 7 days of the interview via Transferwise to your bank account or your PayPal account.

You’ll earn rewards from €10 to €100 for each session.

• Get paid automatically within 7 days of the interview
• Can get paid via bank account or PayPal account
• Can work with some top brands
• Requires participating via video chat
• May not be for you if you don’t like web design

8. Recruit & Field

Recruit & Field   has been around since 1977, providing many opportunities for paid research studies, focus groups, and online surveys.

Some clients include GreyGoose, Microsoft, Apple, Uber, and more. They have studies for everyone and often have a high payout, especially if you’re a medical professional.

They are a company worth checking out if you’re looking for paid opportunities.

The typical payout is $50 – $300 per study.

• Studies are offered in different formats – online, by phone, or in person
• Offer higher payouts
• The website says there are over 300,000 participants, so there may be competition for getting studies

9. Apex Focus Group

Taking part in one of the focus groups with  Apex Focus Group  is a great way to voice your opinion and get compensated for your time. 

They connect people with paid focus groups, clinical research trials, and phone interviews. You can take part online or in person, and the company has opportunities across the country.

Sometimes, you may even get a sample of new products before they are released to the public!

Participants can get paid up to $750 a week.

• Can participate online or in-person
• Work with legit companies
• Provide samples of new products
• Pay is higher than most focus groups
• Has a low acceptance rate for focus groups
• Customer support can be slow to answer
• Sends out several emails a day

10. Northwestern University Department of Psychology

If you’re looking to get paid to participate in research studies, the  Northwestern University Department of Psychology  is a great place to start.

They regularly run psychological research studies on various human behavior topics such as linguistics research study, guided breathing and a smell test, mood and phone usage test, and more.

The online research studies may take anywhere from an hour to two hours over one to multiple days, so be sure to know the details of what you sign up for.

Depending on the study, the pay for the in-person research projects ranges anywhere from $7 – $700.

• Interesting tests are available
• In-person studies are available for people under 18 years of age
• Studies are usually available for U.S. residents only

11. Brand Institute

Brand Institute  is a Better Business Bureau-certified research company specializing in medical branding.

It’s been in business for over 20 years and has conducted surveys for major pharmaceutical companies, such as Pfizer and Merck.

Its mission is to assist its valued, worldwide clients in obtaining best-in-class strategy, name development, trademark screening, market/safety research, and visual identity services.

While Brand Institute is geared more toward medical professionals, they also welcome non-medical people such as business professionals, consumers, parents, etc., to participate in their research.

Brand Institute offers various surveys and online research, so there’s sure to be one that interests you.

And, you can be confident that your answers will be used to improve the quality of medical care.

Surveys pay anywhere from $2 – $5 and typically take 30 minutes. Medical professionals have access to medical surveys that pay more, usually around $30.

• Receive invitations to participate in surveys via email from the research team
• No minimum payouts
• Pay for the survey is shown in dollar amounts instead of point amounts
• Pay is low for non-medical surveys
• Most surveys are for a medical professional

12. MIT Behavioral Research Lab

Taking research studies at MIT’s Behavioral Research Lab (BRL) could be a great way to earn some extra money.

BRL conducts studies on various topics, ranging from consumer behavior to economic decision-making.

Participants are typically paid for their time and can sign up for multiple studies if they wish. BRL is an excellent opportunity for those who want to help shape the future of behavioral research.

You may be asked to complete questionnaires, play games, complete computer tasks, participate in group activities, and so on.

Online research and in-person studies are available. Lab studies will be conducted in Cambridge, Massachusetts, whereas online tests may be performed online from anywhere using a computer.

BRL offers a competitive pay scale and an opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading researchers. 

Participants are paid  between $15 – $25 an hour for lab research and $12 – $20 an hour for internet studies.

Participants receive payment in cash, gift cards, electronic gift certificates, or checks. The researcher determines this.

If the payment reaches $75+, researchers will only accept checks to reimburse participants because this is necessary for MIT tax filing.

• Pay is competitive hourly pay
• Offers both in-person and online research
• Sign up process is easy
• The researcher determines the method of payment
• Research is open to U.S. residents only
• Strict criteria for research studies

13. Mindswarms

Mindswarms is a unique survey site that collects responses in video format, which allows respondents to provide more detailed and personal responses than traditional written surveys.

Top brands from all fields such as tech, advertising, retail, healthcare, and other fields use Mindswarms as a market research firm.

A short introductory survey takes less than a minute to complete and has a few multiple-choice questions.

After you’ve submitted your introductory survey, a Mindswarm researcher will go through it within 24 hours to see if you’re suitable for the survey.

Once the researcher accepts the introductory survey, you can start recording video answers to the survey. Mindswarms surveys usually have one to seven questions.

There is a time limit to the video submissions, usually limited to 45 to 60 seconds long.

Respondents are paid based on the number of questions they receive in the study.

Pay for less than seven questions is typically $10. For studies with more than seven questions, the pay is up to $50.

• Video format for the surveys
• Available on iOS and Android apps
• Studies can pay as much as $50
• Acceptance rate for surveys on Mindswarms is lower

14. Fieldwork

Fieldwork  connects people with opportunities to participate in paid research studies, typically in person rather than online, but with some phone options available.

The paid focus groups are conducted in one of their locations.

Fieldwork has locations in Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New Jersey, New York City, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Seattle.

You can select it if you live near one of the Fieldwork locations. You may join their national database for phone interviews if you don’t reside near any.

The groups last approximately 1 – 2 hours, and participants are paid $75 – $100 for their time and opinions.

• Easy to sign up
• Interesting topics are available
• Focus groups are moderated
• Must go to one of the Fieldwork locations to participate in a focus group

15. FocusGroup.com

FocusGroup.com  is a website that connects people who need engaged and enthusiastic participants for research studies with those looking to participate in a study.

Members of FocusGroup.com are people like you that want to share their opinions on various topics by participating in paid research studies.

The topics available include technology, food taste tests, healthcare, and product and device tests.

Research studies can be completed in one of three different ways:

• Over the telephone
• Online focus group using a computer from anywhere in the world
• In-person focus groups at one of the 16 Focus Group offices in the U.S.

Payment for each research study varies, but you can typically expect to earn $50 – $200 for your participation.

• Simple and free to join
• Several online focus groups and online research studies can also be found on their Facebook page
• Has higher-paying research studies
• Offers both in-person focus groups and online focus groups via phone and webcam
• May take 4 to 6 weeks to get paid
• Can be hard to qualify for in-person research studies

FAQs: Paid Research Studies

What pays better, in-person or online paid research studies.

In general, in-person paid research studies pay better than online research, so they’re the more profitable side hustle opportunity .

However, there are some notable exceptions to this rule, so it’s always best to research various options before choosing which study to participate in.

Also, remember that the amount you’re paid for a study may vary depending on your qualifications and the length and complexity of the study.

What is a focus group?

A focus group is a group of people who market research companies bring together to give their opinions on various topics.

These focus groups are generally used by businesses to get feedback on products, services, or marketing campaigns.

Focus groups generally look for engaged participants willing to share their opinions.

A representative of the market research company usually moderates paid focus group discussions.

The research can be conducted in person or in an online research group, typically lasting for one to two hours.

Are all focus group opportunities legit?

No, not all focus group opportunities are legit. There are several scams out there, so it’s essential to be careful when looking for paid focus groups and use actual companies to connect with research.

The best way to avoid these scams is only to join focus groups that are proven to be from a reputable market research company.

Generally, companies that request payment to participate in a focus group are not legitimate.

Do your online research and look for reviews of the focus groups and research companies you’re considering before joining to make sure you’re not getting scammed.

How much can I earn from paid focus groups?

Paid focus groups can be used as a part of your multiple streams of income . You can typically earn anywhere from $50 to $200 per session, depending on the focus group and the length of the session.

Some groups may also offer a small compensation for your time in transit. Generally, you’ll be paid in cash at the end of the focus group.

What are clinical trials?

Clinical trials are research studies that test new drugs, treatments, or therapies. They also can be used to compare existing treatments to see if one is better than the other.

Participants vary, including consumers, parents, kids/teens, students, physicians, and business professionals.

The payments can vary significantly, so it’s best to research each opportunity before deciding whether to participate in one as a way to get paid the same day .

Pharmaceutical companies or hospitals usually conduct paid clinical trials. These trials can last several weeks or months and may require multiple visits.

Are there other survey sites that offer paid market research?

Many other survey sites offer paid market research. Some popular online research studies include Pinecone Research , Ipsos iSay , and MySurvey .

Each of these sites has a different payout structure and different types of surveys available, so it’s worth signing up for a few of them to see which one works best for you.

Are there other ways to make money with my phone?

There are several side hustle apps to make money online with your phone. You can complete paid surveys, download and use apps, or get paid to play games.

Paid surveys are a great way to make money with your phone, as you can earn rewards simply for sharing your opinion.

Apps can also be a great source of income, as you can sell products or services through them.

Finally, playing games on your phone can also be a great way to make money. There are many ways to do this, such as entering competitions or earning rewards for high scores.

Final Thoughts

Paid market research is a great way to make money from the comfort of your own home.

You can easily make an extra $100 per month by participating in online focus groups, studies, and surveys. You can also make money by playing games on your phone or downloading apps.

Remember that each site has different rules and regulations, so read the terms and conditions before signing up.

Also, ensure you know the payout structure and how you’ll be paid for your participation in online research studies.

Your time is really the only investment you need to put into this side hustle, so it’s a great low-cost money-maker to try out.

See what offerings there may be in your local town just by searching for research studies, or start small with Swagbucks surveys on your phone.

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About Kelan Kline

Hi, I'm Kelan Kline! A personal finance expert, entrepreneur, and passionate money nerd. With my bachelor's degree in business and finance, my drive in life is to help others learn how to make money online, create passive streams of income, and reach financial freedom! I have been featured in online publications like Forbes, TIME, USA Today, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Marie Claire, CNBC, Acorns, The Penny Hoarder, Bankrate, Nerd Wallet, Yahoo Finance, MSN, GoBankingRates, Her Money, Thrive Global, The Simple Dollar, Money Crashers, Readers Digest, FinCon, Best Company, Rent Cafe, Romper, Intuit Turbo, Opp Loans, CreditCards.com, Debt.com, Discover, LifeLock, Quick Sprout, Money Geek and many more! Click here to read all of my posts.

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