User testing typically involves evaluating websites, platforms, checkout processes, user interfaces (UIs), products and more. After testing a product or service, user testers provide their feedback and get paid for their insights.
User testing plays a vital role in a company’s success. First-hand feedback from testers helps businesses identify issues or optimize their interfaces for the best user experience. Companies often go through third-party platforms, such as UserTesting or Userlytics, to find testers and pay for this valuable feedback.
Being a user tester is a flexible way to earn some extra money—a true side hustle. After comparing multiple popular user-testing platforms, we didn’t find any that charge a fee to sign up, making it an accessible work-from-home gig.
However, finding consistent work can be tough. Unless you really commit and have some luck, user testing probably isn’t a replacement for a full-time or part-time job.
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The biggest factor in how much you can earn from user testing is the time you’re willing to spend on it. The second-biggest factor is actually luck.
Pay varies based on the type of test and how long it takes. For example, you might only earn $4 to $5 per 5-minute survey or test. Longer, more involved tests typically pay more. Live conversation tests or interviews may offer $30 to $100+ per assignment.
Testers report earning anywhere from $10 to $300 per week, though some say it takes a month or two to make that amount. Work can be very sporadic. You may get lucky one month and not so lucky the next month.
There are several user-testing platforms to explore, and signing up for multiple platforms can increase your chances of getting consistent work.
UserTesting is one of the most popular platforms. Becoming a contributor doesn’t cost anything, and it only requires a simple demographic application. However, it doesn’t list how much it pays, but users report earning anywhere from $4 to $120 depending on the length and type of test. Additionally, your pay can depend on your personal ratings—that is, you may get paid more or earn bonuses if companies rate you well as a tester.
For most of the tests, you’ll need a microphone and a Windows or Mac computer or an iOS or Android phone. If you use a mobile device, you’ll need to download the UserTesting app. A desktop user isn’t required to download anything. UserTesting pays through PayPal.
TryMata pays $5 to $30 per test, which involves user experience testing, app interface testing, ecommerce testing and remote usability testing. TryMata requires a video recording of your screen and voice during testing, along with a written response that summarizes your experience. There’s no limit to how many tests you can take, but TryMata specifies it isn’t designed for full-time work. It pays through PayPal.
Userlytics offers website and mobile app testing with no limits on the number of tests you can take. Testers are selected randomly from its user base. Some tests require a webcam, and most require a microphone as you’ll need to talk about your experience as you test. Userlytics pays every 15 days. While its pay per test isn’t clear, users report earning around $10 to $20 per test.
UserPeek offers user testing on desktop and mobile apps. Pay is $10 for every 15 to 20 minutes of testing. It also offers higher pay if you become a “certified tester,” although the exact increase isn’t listed. Like most other platforms, UserPeek pays through PayPal. It requires a PC or Mac or an iOS or Android device with the UserPeek app, Chrome browser access and a microphone to record your experience.
Userbrain offers user testing on Google Chrome, iOS and Android devices and focuses on website testing. Tests last between 5 to 20 minutes long, and the pay is $5 per test. It pays through PayPal. Userbrain has a Qualification Test, and if you’re approved, you’ll start receiving tests.
Dscout is a user-testing platform where you provide feedback on products and services by applying for “missions,” and it bases your eligibility on your skills and experience. There isn’t a ton of information on its site, but users say there are three mission types: Express, Live and Diary.
Express missions reportedly pay between $5 to $25 for short, quick user testing. Live Missions require video meetings and reportedly pay around $75 to $100. Finally, Diary Missions typically last around a week, requiring multiple recordings while testing a product, and can pay around $100 to $300, according to users.
Like other platforms, Dscout also pays through PayPal. On the downside, many Dscout users say it’s difficult to get approved for missions and work can be slow. While most participants are from the US, you can participate from other countries.
If you want to maximize your earnings, consider these tactics:
User testing as a side hustle isn’t a scam, but you may run into mediocre assignments from time to time.
Companies that use user-testing platforms may break platform rules or falsely advertise the details of a specific test. For example, a test may claim it only takes 10 minutes, but it actually takes an hour.
However, most user-testing platforms let you report tests that are misleading or break platform rules, such as underestimating the time required or lying about the pay. If you’re suspicious about a platform’s legitimacy, check review sites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau.
For example, the platform UserTesting has confirmed its Trustpilot profile and has a 4.3-star rating based on more than 1,400 reviews. Fraudulent user-testing platforms aren’t likely to have verified profiles on review platforms—or exist on those review sites.
At the end of the day, user testing probably won’t replace a full-time job. User testing is considered a side hustle, albeit a pretty easy and flexible one, since you can do it from home.
However, the amount you can earn depends on how much time you can invest, how many platforms you sign up for and, ultimately, luck. User testing assignments can be random and sporadic, and, as a result, we wouldn’t count on it for steady and regular income.
If you heavily rely on gig work to make ends meet, it can be a struggle to qualify for things like auto insurance, personal loans or even payday loans, but you still have options. Compare the loans for gig workers.
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