How to earn money through user testing

What is user testing?

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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How much can you earn from user testing?

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.

Related: Explore 20+ ways to make money online

6 platforms for user testing

There are several user-testing platforms to explore, and signing up for multiple platforms can increase your chances of getting consistent work.

1. UserTesting

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.

2. TryMata (formerly TryMyUI)

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.

3. Userlytics

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.

4. UserPeek

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.

5. Userbrain

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.

6. Dscout

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.

Tips for user testing

If you want to maximize your earnings, consider these tactics:

• Sign up for multiple platforms. Veteran user testers often sign up for multiple user-testing platforms to increase their chances of getting regular work and tests that fit their profile.
• Check requests often. Most user-testing platforms have dashboards to track your test requests. If you don’t check your dash or emails often, you might miss out on potential tests. If you’re serious about being a user tester, consider enabling push notifications to stay on top of assignments.
• Consider live tests. Users often say the highest-paying tests require a live interview or live recording of testing a product. Short surveys and summaries are easy but tend to pay the least.
• Get used to talking. Most user testers are expected to record videos or even have live conversations in interviews. If you’re uncomfortable being on camera or doing voice recordings, you may want to consider another side hustle or practice recording yourself to ease your nerves.
• Make connections. There are forums and subreddits dedicated to user testing. For tips, tricks and first-hand feedback from other testers, consider joining a community, such as the subreddit r/usertesting.

Related: Compare high-interest savings accounts to grow your earnings

How to avoid user tester scams

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.

Bottom line

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.

Frequently asked questions

• Is UserTesting real or fake?

  UserTesting is a legitimate platform. Users sign up as contributors and are paid to test websites and apps. UserTesting requires its testers to submit audio and/or video recordings of their experiences.

• How do user-testing platforms pay?

  In nearly every case, user testing platforms pay contributors through PayPal. Just keep in mind that you'll have to figure out tax withholdings, as these platforms don't calculate your withholdings for you.

• What equipment do I need for user testing?

  In most cases, you need an internet connection, computer and/or smartphone, webcam and microphone. Many tests require video and voice recordings to record your first-hand experience. In some cases, you may need to create a selfie video of you reviewing a tangible product (vacuum, hairbrush, speaker etc.).