Make Money Testing Websites: The Ultimate 2024 Guide

Your Opinion is Worth Money. Seriously.

Ever landed on a website and thought, ‘This is a nightmare to use’? Or downloaded an app that just didn’t make sense? We’ve all been there. But what if you could get paid for sharing those exact thoughts? It’s not a scam or some far-fetched dream. You can absolutely make money testing websites and apps, and you don’t need to be a tech genius to do it. All you need is a computer, a microphone, and an opinion. This guide is your complete roadmap to turning your honest feedback into a reliable side hustle.

Key Takeaways:

• Website testing involves getting paid to share your thoughts as you navigate a website or app.
• You can typically earn $10-$20 for a 15-20 minute test, with longer, moderated tests paying $60+ an hour.
• Essential tools include a reliable computer, a stable internet connection, and a quality microphone.
• Success depends on providing clear, detailed, and honest verbal feedback while completing tasks.
• Joining multiple platforms is the best way to maximize your chances of getting test invitations.

So, What Exactly is Website Testing?

Let’s clear things up. This isn’t about being a professional software developer trying to find complex bugs or code errors. That’s Quality Assurance (QA). This is called Usability Testing. Companies want to see how an *average person* interacts with their digital product. They want to know:

• Is the navigation intuitive?
• Can you easily find the ‘Add to Cart’ button?
• Is the checkout process confusing?
• What’s your first impression of the homepage?

Your job is to be that average person. A testing platform will give you a set of tasks to complete on a client’s website or app. For example, ‘Imagine you’re looking for a new pair of running shoes. Find a pair in your size and add them to your cart.’ While you do this, a screen recorder captures your screen and your voice. You simply speak your thoughts out loud. Every single thought. It’s that simple.

You might say things like, ‘Okay, I’m looking for shoes… I’d expect to see a ‘Shoes’ category up here in the main menu. Ah, there it is. Now I need to filter by size. The filter option is a bit small and hard to see. I almost missed it. This is frustrating.’ That feedback—the good, the bad, and the ugly—is pure gold to companies.

Why Do Companies Pay Good Money for This?

Think about it from a business perspective. A company might spend millions developing a new e-commerce website. If customers arrive and can’t figure out how to buy something, all that money goes down the drain. A confusing website leads to lost sales. Fast.

Bringing in a few dozen real people to test the site *before* it goes live (or to improve a current one) is an incredibly cheap insurance policy. Your $10 feedback could save them from losing thousands of dollars in potential revenue. They aren’t just paying for your time; they’re paying for a fresh perspective they can’t get from their own internal team, who are already too familiar with the product.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

The barrier to entry is refreshingly low, which is why this is such a great side gig. You probably already have most of what you need.

The Essentials:

• A Computer: A reliable PC or Mac is standard. Some tests are mobile-only, so a modern smartphone (iOS or Android) or tablet is also a huge plus. The more devices you have, the more tests you’ll qualify for.
• Stable Internet Connection: You’ll be uploading screen recordings, which are large video files. A slow or spotty connection will lead to frustration and failed uploads.
• A Microphone: This is non-negotiable. Your voice is the most important part of the feedback. While built-in laptop mics *can* work, they often sound terrible. Investing in a simple USB microphone or a headset with a good mic (even a gaming headset) will dramatically improve your audio quality and make you look more professional. Better quality testers often get more work.
• A PayPal Account: Nearly every platform on the planet pays testers via PayPal. Make sure you have a verified account ready to go.

The ‘Soft’ Skills:

• The Ability to Speak Your Thoughts: This feels weird at first. You need to get comfortable with narrating your every click, frustration, and moment of delight. Practice by navigating a random website and just talking out loud about what you’re doing and seeing.
• A Quiet Space: No one wants to hear your dog barking or your kids screaming in the background. Find a quiet time and place to conduct your tests.
• Attention to Detail: You must be able to follow instructions carefully. If the task is to find a blue shirt, don’t get distracted and start looking at green pants.

The Top Platforms to Make Money Testing Websites and Apps

Okay, this is the part you’ve been waiting for. Where do you actually sign up? The key is to join multiple platforms. You won’t get a steady stream of tests from just one site. Casting a wide net is the name of the game. Most will require you to take a short, unpaid qualification test to prove you have the right equipment and can provide quality feedback.

UserTesting

This is the 800-pound gorilla of the industry. UserTesting is the biggest and most well-known platform, which means they have the most clients and, therefore, the most tests available. The pay is standardized: $4 for very short 5-minute tests, $10 for standard 20-minute tests, and between $30 to $120 for live, moderated interviews with clients. Because of its popularity, the competition for tests is fierce. You need to be quick to claim a test when it pops up on your dashboard.

Userlytics

A strong competitor to UserTesting, Userlytics has a great interface and a steady flow of tests for both desktop and mobile. Payouts are similar, ranging from $5 to $90, depending on the complexity and length of the test. They pay out via PayPal once your test result has been approved by the client, which can take a few days. Their instructions are always very clear, making them a great platform for beginners.

TryMyUI

TryMyUI (now part of the UserTesting family) operates on a similar model. You’ll get paid $10 for a typical 15-20 minute test. They have a useful rating system where clients rate your feedback. The better your rating, the more test opportunities you are likely to receive. This rewards high-quality testers, so it pays to be detailed and clear in your feedback. They also have a ‘written impression’ section after the test, which is a nice way to summarize your thoughts.

Userfeel

Userfeel is another solid option with a global tester pool. They pay $10 per test, which usually lasts 10-20 minutes. The cool thing about Userfeel is that their qualification test actually provides feedback on your performance, telling you what you did well and where you can improve. This is incredibly valuable when you’re just starting out. They pay out about one week after the test is completed.

Intellizoom

Intellizoom (also part of UserTesting) offers a slightly different mix of studies. In addition to standard think-aloud video tests (which pay around $10), they also offer many shorter, non-verbal survey-style studies that pay $1-$2. These are great for filling in the gaps when you don’t have time for a full video test. The sheer volume of shorter studies can add up quickly.

Heads Up: The number of tests you receive depends heavily on your demographics. A company selling high-end business software will want to test with IT managers, not college students. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t qualify for every test. It’s a numbers game.

Other Noteworthy Platforms

Don’t stop with the big five! Expand your reach by signing up for these as well:

• UserCrowd / UTest: These platforms often feature smaller, quicker tests like first-impression surveys or simple navigation tasks. The pay per task is lower, but they can be completed in just a minute or two.
• TestingTime: Specializes in longer, moderated studies often conducted over Skype or Zoom. These pay much better (often over $60/hr) but are less frequent.
• Respondent: This isn’t strictly a usability testing site, but a general market research platform. However, they frequently have high-paying ($100-$200 per hour) professional research studies that are essentially moderated user interviews.

How Much Can You *Really* Earn?

Let’s set some realistic expectations. You are not going to get rich or quit your day job by testing websites. Think of this as a fantastic way to earn an extra $100-$400 a month. It’s flexible, interesting, and pays way better than filling out online surveys.

The amount you earn depends entirely on:

1. Your Demographics: Age, location, job title, income level, etc.
2. Your Tester Rating: High-quality testers are prioritized for more tests.
3. How Many Sites You’re On: More platforms = more chances.
4. How Quick You Are: Tests are first-come, first-served. You need to act fast when you get an email notification or see a test on your dashboard.

On a good week, you might snag 5-10 tests. On a slow week, you might only get one or two. Consistency is key.

Pro Tips to Maximize Your Earnings and Get More Tests

Want to move from a beginner to a preferred tester? Follow these tips.

• Invest in a Good Mic: I can’t stress this enough. Clear audio is paramount. A $30 USB mic is a worthy investment.
• Speak Constantly: Silence is your enemy. Narrate everything. If you’re reading text on the page, read it out loud. If you’re confused, say you’re confused and explain why. If you like a design, say so. Aim for a continuous stream of consciousness.
• Be Honest, but Constructive: Don’t just say ‘This is ugly.’ Say, ‘The color scheme feels a bit jarring, and the font is difficult for me to read, which makes the experience unpleasant.’
• Check Your Dashboards Often: Don’t just wait for email notifications, which can be delayed. Keep the dashboards of your top 2-3 platforms open in a browser tab and refresh them throughout the day.
• Fully Complete Your Profile: Fill out every single demographic question on every platform. This is how their screeners match you with relevant tests. An incomplete profile is an invisible profile.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

New testers often make a few common mistakes that can get their tests rejected or give them a poor rating.

• Rushing Through Tasks: Don’t just speed-click to get it over with. Take your time and give thoughtful feedback on each step.
• Not Speaking Enough: Long, silent pauses are a red flag. If you’re quiet, the client doesn’t know what you’re thinking.
• Background Noise: As mentioned before, a noisy environment is unprofessional and can get your submission rejected.
• Not Having the Right Equipment Ready: Before accepting a test, make sure your microphone is plugged in and working, and that you’ve closed unnecessary applications that might slow your computer down.

Conclusion

Making money by testing websites and apps is one of the most legitimate and interesting ways to earn extra income online. It’s not passive income; it requires focus and effort. But the payoff is well worth it. You get to see new technology, help shape the future of the web, and get paid for your unique perspective.

So, go sign up for a few of the platforms mentioned above, take your qualification tests, and get ready to share your opinion. Your first $10 payment is just a test away.