Passive income apps can help you generate money in the background.
In this article, we’ll introduce apps that require minimal interaction while providing steady income.
Best Passive Income Apps
Share Your Mobile Browsing Data
Installing apps that collect anonymous usage data can earn you passive income by sharing your mobile browsing habits. These apps run in the background and compensate you for the data they gather, which is used for market research and analytics.
- Nielsen is the most well-known market research firm worldwide. Although it specializes in tracking TV ratings, the company also offers the Nielsen Mobile & Computer Panel that gathers data about internet usage. Once you register, you just have to keep the app installed and use your phone like you normally do. Nielsen keeps your privacy safe as it separates the information from your name. You can earn up to $60 per year simply by sharing your behavioral data, which you cannot withdraw in cash but can exchange for physical prizes.
- Honeygain is one of the top passive income apps for internet plans with unlimited data. The app pays you to share your internet data for research purposes, helping internet companies improve their products and services. When you share your internet connection through Honeygain, internet companies can access the web from your location. They use this connection to test how their content is shown in different parts of the world and make necessary upgrades.
- Pawns.app – is a passive income app that allows you to earn money by sharing your unused internet bandwidth. By installing the app and letting it run in the background, you contribute to a network that provides secure proxy services for businesses and individuals. In return, you get paid for the data you share. The more bandwidth you provide and the longer you keep the app running, the more you can earn. It’s a simple way to monetize your internet connection without any active effort, potentially earning up to $140 per year depending on your location and internet speed.
Refer Your Friends
Many apps offer referral programs where you earn rewards or commissions when others sign up using your unique link. By sharing these links with friends and followers, you can generate passive income as they engage with the app or make purchases.
- PrizeRebel is a leading paid online survey website that will pay you for sharing your opinion. You can turn PrizeRebel into a source of passive income and earn up to $100 per month by referring your friends. Once your friends join the program, you will get at least 15% of all their earnings on the platform. The more friends you refer, the higher your income will be.
- Swagbucks – you will earn 10% of your referral earnings for each new person you refer to Swagbucks.
- Freecash – is an online platform where users can earn money by completing various tasks, including taking surveys, playing games, and trying out new apps. One effective way to generate passive income on Freecash is through their referral program. By inviting friends to join the platform using your unique referral link, you earn a percentage of their earnings without any additional work on your part. The more friends you refer, the more passive income you can generate. Some users have built networks that provide them with a steady stream of earnings, making it a simple way to boost your income by leveraging your social connections.
Get Paid to Walk
Fitness apps reward you for staying active by tracking your steps and physical activity. By meeting daily or weekly goals, you can earn cash, gift cards, or discounts, turning your regular walks into an income-generating activity.
- Sweatcoin is one of the best passive income apps you can consider if you are looking for a way to get paid to walk. It is available on both Android and iOS and since Sweatcoin’s mission is to support a healthier life, it rewards you when you walk. You can expect to earn around 0.95 Sweatcoins for every 1000 steps you walk. 20 Sweatcoins are worth $1, and you can exchange your Sweatcoins for prizes such as Amazon gift cards, clothing, and much more. Note that there are some limits on the amount of Sweatcoins you can earn depending on your subscription level.
- HealthyWage – is a wellness app that offers you the opportunity to earn money by achieving your fitness goals, such as walking more or losing weight. By participating in challenges and setting personal health targets, you can place a wager on yourself. If you meet your goals within a specified time frame, you win cash prizes. HealthyWage turns your fitness journey into a financial incentive, providing a motivating way to earn passive income while improving your health. Some users have reported earning up to $10,000 by reaching their fitness milestones.
Shop with Cashback Apps
Cashback apps give you a percentage of your purchase amount back when you shop through their platform or use linked cards. Simply make your regular purchases, and the app automatically credits your account with cashback rewards.
- Ibotta is a savings app that offers up to 15% cashback on regular shopping, either online or in-store. The company partners with popular brands such as Walmart, Target, Sephora, and many more to give you some of the best deals available. To get cashback on your purchases, you need to upload a photo of your receipt after you finish shopping. Your earnings will vary based on your overall spending habits, although the average cashback amount is between 3% and 8%.
- Rakuten is the largest online shopping marketplace, partnering with giant brands like Amazon, Sephora, Macy’s, and many more. The app allows you to earn up to 10% cashback on your online purchases, making it the best cashback app if you spend a lot online.
- If you dine out frequently, Seated App can be a great way to earn some passive income. The app (available for both Android and iOS) offers you up to 30% cashback when you dine at a restaurant.
How much can you save with cashback sites?
💰 Cashback Calculator
| Category | Monthly Spending ($) | Rate | Monthly Savings | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🛒 Groceries | 2% | $10.00 | $120.00 | |
| ⛽ Gas | 3% | $6.00 | $72.00 | |
| 🍽️ Dining | 4% | $12.00 | $144.00 | |
| 🛍️ Shopping | 5% | $20.00 | $240.00 | |
| Total | $1,400.00 | – | $48.00 | $576.00 |
Rent Stuff for Passive Income
You can earn money by renting out unused assets like storage space, vehicles, or equipment through specialized apps. These platforms connect you with people in need of these resources, providing a passive income stream with minimal effort.
- If you own a car that you don’t use often, you can rent it out for passive income when you are not using it. Turo is one of the best passive income apps for renting out your vehicle for cash to someone who wants to use it. As a renter, you can set the daily price for your listing manually or let the Turo automatic pricing feature do it for you. On average, you can expect to earn between $40 and $60 per day, depending on several factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, the year, and the demand for car rentals in your area. You can use the online calculator tool on the Turo website to estimate your potential earnings.
- Real estate has traditionally been one of the best sources of passive income. If you own an extra apartment or have a spare room, you could rent it out for short-term stays to earn some extra cash with Airbnb. The platform is very popular with short-term renters such as tourists. As a host, you can set your property’s rental price per night. On average, you can expect to earn up to $1000 or more per month.
- Neighbor is a peer-to-peer storage platform that allows you to earn passive income by renting out unused space in your home, such as a garage, basement, or spare room. People in your area looking for storage solutions can rent your space to store their belongings, and you receive monthly payments in return. Neighbor handles the billing and provides a $1 million host guarantee, offering peace of mind and security. Depending on your location and the type of space you offer, you could earn several hundred dollars per month without significant effort.
Investment Apps
Investment apps allow you to grow your wealth by automatically investing spare change or setting up recurring deposits. These apps manage your portfolio with little input needed, aiming to generate returns over time and build passive income.
While appealing, these apps carry risks. Market fluctuations, borrower defaults, or economic downturns can impact returns. You should thoroughly research options, understand associated risks, and avoid investing more than you can afford to lose.
- Acorns is a micro-investing app that is most popular for its Round-Up investing system.
- Upromise – is a cashback rewards program that helps users save for college by earning cash back on everyday purchases. By shopping through Upromise’s network of participating retailers and using the Upromise Mastercard, users can accumulate rewards that can be deposited into a 529 college savings plan, used to pay down student loans, or withdrawn as cash. It’s a practical way to turn routine spending into savings for educational expenses.
- Uphold – is a digital money platform that allows users to buy, sell, and hold various assets all in one place. Known for its versatility, Uphold supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies, and even precious metals. The platform’s easy-to-use interface enables seamless trading between different asset classes, making it popular for those looking to diversify their investments across multiple markets.
- EquityMultiple – is an online investment platform that provides accredited investors with access to commercial real estate opportunities. Specializing in diversified real estate investments, it offers options like equity, preferred equity, and debt investments. EquityMultiple enables investors to earn passive income through real estate without the hassles of property management, making commercial real estate more accessible.
- Coinbase – is a leading cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to buy, sell, and manage digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more. Renowned for its user-friendly platform and strong security measures, Coinbase makes it easy for both beginners and experienced investors to participate in the cryptocurrency market. The platform also offers features like recurring buys and a digital wallet for storing assets securely.
Passive Income Apps FAQ
What are passive income apps?
Passive income apps are mobile or desktop applications that allow you to earn money with minimal active effort. These apps often run in the background or require simple tasks, enabling you to generate income by leveraging your existing assets, habits, or data usage.
How do passive income apps work?
Apps typically compensate you for activities like sharing your internet bandwidth, participating in market research, investing spare change, or renting out unused resources. For example, apps like Honeygain pay you for sharing your internet connection, while investment apps like Acorns automatically invest your spare change.
Are passive income apps safe and legitimate?
Most reputable passive income apps are safe to use and have clear privacy policies detailing how your data is used.
How much can I earn using passive income apps?
Earnings vary widely depending on the app and the level of participation. Generally, you might earn anywhere from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per month. Passive income apps are best viewed as a way to supplement your income rather than replace a full-time job.
Do I need to invest money upfront to use these apps?
Many passive income apps are free to download and require no upfront investment. However, some apps, particularly those related to investing, may require a minimum deposit to get started. Always check for any fees or investment requirements before signing up.
How can I make passive income fast?
If you want to make passive income fast, you can consider using a combination of the different apps on this list. Most of the apps on this list enable you to earn passive income differently. Thus, you can use more than one at the same time to maximize your earnings.
Some of the top passive income apps you can use include:
- PrizeRebel
- Sweatcoin
- Rakuten
Nonetheless, you should still remember that passive income does not require you to put in much effort, but it is also not instant. You are unlikely to earn a large amount of passive income in a short time, although the total amount you can earn in the long run is quite significant.
