Looking for a straightforward way to boost your income? User testing could be for you.
What is user testing & how does it work?
User testing is a research method used to evaluate how people interact with a product, website, app or service. As a tester, you get paid to test the product or service and then provide feedback about your experience.
You don’t need to have any web experience to become a tester. In fact, companies want input from everyday users to help them spot problems, understand what works, and improve the overall user experience.
In many cases, you can take part in testing from the comfort of your own home. Often, you’ll be asked to spend some time looking at a website and then answer some questions about it. This could be done through an online survey, by recording your thoughts out loud using a screen and video recordings, or by having a chat with someone over video call.
In other cases, you could be asked to attend a testing studio at a location near you. If so, you could be given a small amount in travel expenses.
How much can you earn in the UK?
The amount you can earn depends on the platform you use, as well as how much time you can dedicate to user testing, the test type, the duration and customer demand.
According to testing site Web Usability, you typically earn between £40 and £50 for each test. But don’t expect this to become your main source of income, particularly as work can be pretty irregular.
Best user testing platforms for UK users
Some of the user testing platforms in the UK include:
Web Usability
Web Usability was established in 2001 and it works for a range of public, private and not-for-profit sector organisations. These include Aldi, the Natural History Museum, the British Museum, Food Standards Agency and Department for Work and Pensions.
Most tests are carried out over Zoom conferencing, but you may be asked to attend a testing studio in person. However, Web Usability warns that it can only invite customers to take part in research once every 6 months.
User Testing
This is a particularly popular testing platform and there’s no fee to sign up. You will need to complete a short practice test first and once approved, you should start to receive email notifications about test opportunities.
To take part in these tests, you’ll need a microphone and a Windows or Mac computer or an iOS or Android phone. If you are using a phone, you’ll need to download the UserTesting app.
Userlytics
Userlytics has been carrying out remote user testing since 2009, working with businesses, non-profits and startups.
To get started, you’ll need to fill out some profile details and answer some screening questions so that you can be matched with the most suitable tests. Some tests require a webcam and most need a microphone.
Testing Time
If you apply to become a user tester with Testing Time, you will be asked to respond to a few questions first. Once a suitable study is available, you’ll be sent an email with some further questions to answer. If you’re a suitable match, you’ll then be sent an invitation to participate in the study.
Some of the companies Testing Time works with include UBS, Asos and giffgaff. Tests can take place from home via video call and online, but you’ll earn more if you’re happy to attend in person.
Trymata
You can use Trymata if you’re based in the UK and you can take part in user experience testing, app interface testing, ecommerce testing and remote usability testing.
You will usually need to include a video recording of your screen and voice as you test out a website or app, or written responses if you’re completing a short survey. You can expect to get a few tests each week.
What you need to get started
To get started, choose a user testing site and then complete the application process. Some platforms require you to fill out an application form, while others ask for your email address so that you can complete a short practice test.
Whatever the case, you will usually be asked a few screening questions so that you can be matched with suitable earning opportunities. Once these come up, someone from the user testing site will get in touch with you and invite you to take part.
Tips to qualify for more tests
Sign up to lots of platforms: Payments and rules vary between platforms, so sign up to as many as possible to earn the most cash. Some platforms limit the number of tests you can take part in each year, while others don’t.
Take part in person: Some platforms offer more money if you’re happy to attend a studio and complete the test in person.
Check emails and notifications regularly: The last thing you want is to miss out on an invitation because you forgot to check your emails.
Complete application forms carefully: As part of the application process, you’ll usually need to answer some questions about yourself – answer these honestly so that you get invited for the right tests.
Be prepared to speak: You’ll often be asked to record videos or have a live conversation as part of the testing process, so it can be worth carrying out some practice runs in advance.
How you get paid
How you get paid partly depends on the platform you choose. However, you can usually track your earnings online and most platforms pay through PayPal.
Is it safe and legit?
Yes, if you use one of the platforms mentioned above, user testing is a safe and legitimate way to earn a casual income. However, you should always read the terms and conditions and privacy policy before signing up so that you understand exactly what’s being recorded and how soon you’ll be paid.
Never share sensitive personal information such as your bank details, and watch out for scams sites that promise big money for little work. It’s also worth checking out reviews on sites such as Trustpilot.
Bottom line
User testing is a simple way to earn extra money by giving feedback on websites, apps, or digital products. You don’t need any special skills, just a device, a clear voice, and honest opinions. Most tests are short, flexible, and can be done from home.
Just remember that user testing won’t replace a full-time income. But if you’re looking for an interesting and easy side hustle, this could be for you.
Frequently asked questions
Most user testing platforms pay contributors through PayPal.
Thanks to the trading allowance, you can earn up to £1,000 a year tax-free from side hustles such as user testing. However, if you earn more than this, you will need to declare it to HMRC.
You will usually need a computer, smartphone or tablet, a microphone, a reliable internet connection and a webcam.
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by
Matt McKenna
as part of our
fact-checking process.
Rachel Wait is a freelance journalist and has been writing about personal finance for more than a decade, covering everything from insurance to mortgages. She has written for a range of personal finance websites and national newspapers, including The Observer, The Mail on Sunday, The Sun and the Evening Standard. Rachel is a keen baker in her spare time.
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