Making a passive income online is not always easy. In the end, you have to put in some time and effort in some way or another. But, that’s not the case if you use data collection apps for passive income. Check out my list for further details.
Are you working to your utmost potential at your day job but still don’t make enough to afford a luxurious lifestyle?
Most people would suggest you take up a part-time job or start a side hustle, but let’s face it, it can get exhausting.
Even taking surveys and completing activities on online reward sites after a long day can seem tedious after a long day. But don’t worry, you’re not alone.
What if I told you that there are apps that pay you for doing nothing. Yes, you simply download these apps that pay you for data collection and earn a steady monthly income.
However, not all data collection apps that pay are safe to use. That’s why I’ve rounded up all the information you’ll need to choose the ultimate data collection app that fits your needs. So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What is Data Collection?
Nowadays, companies, brands, and retailers rely on consumer research to enhance their customer experience and design effective marketing campaigns.
Some brands partner with popular survey sites for qualitative information to conduct this research, while those who need quantitative data depend on passive data collection apps.
Once you sign up for a customer data collection app, the company gets access to your mobile habits, such as the number of calls and messages you receive every day.
Similarly, some data collection apps also regulate aspects like your demographic location, web browsing habits, everyday commute, purchasing habits, and even physical activity.
Is it Safe?
Data collection is not completely safe. Usually, a free mobile data collection app is either backed by a reputable market research company or partners with well-known brands.
To see whether the app is safe to use, you should conduct background research on its affiliated organizations.
Besides that, the safety of data collection apps also depends on your personal comfort. Let’s say if you’re okay with an app tracking your location or your calls in the background for some money, it’s your choice.
However, refrain from apps that ask for sensitive information such as your social security number or personal bank account details. Also, checking the user reviews and ratings for an app for using it on your device can help you make your decision.
I have listed some of the best apps that pay you for data collection, which you can download concern-free and earn some extra money.
How Much Can You Earn?
The average earning potential on apps that pay you for data collection depends entirely on the devices you connect to and the policy of the app you choose. Usually, the payment ranges from $1-$5 for leaving the app running in the background for one day.
I know what you’re thinking. This won’t make you rich overnight but is definitely enough to put some spare change in your pocket. After all, you’re getting paid for literally nothing.
Similarly, some of these apps use your mobile data and suck up your mobile battery, which would lead to extra costs on your side. So, you should assess these factors before choosing the ideal platform to earn some passive income.
Best Apps That Pay You for Data Collection
Now that you know the basic concepts about apps that pay you for data collection, it’s time to list the best options out there. All the options listed below vary according to the
- Information they store
- Devices they accommodate
- Their respective pay rate and payment policies
So read through the details for each one before selecting the ideal one that fits your needs.
Honeygain
Honeygain is a popular online data collection app that pays you in exchange for your unused internet data.
You see, your network provider is facilitating a constant data connection across all your devices.
However, you might not realize but you don’t use all the data that your internet bandwidth connection gives you.
This means your network is working idle most of the time. Honeygain lets you compensate for the extra money you pay by allowing the app to use your internet.
The remuneration depends on your internet speed and the number of devices you connect with Honeygain. You can even find an hourly rate calculator on their website, which lets you find your exact pay rate according to your internet quality.
If you let the app run in the background for 24 hours a day on a single device, you can easily earn up to $50 per month.
Like what you are hearing? Read more in this full Honeygain review.
2. MobileXpression
Another data collection app free for download is MobileXpression. Owned by a well-known mobile research company, the app collects data about your everyday internet usage.
You can download it on your Android or iOS smartphone and let it run in the background. After that, it records the pages you open through your browser, the web searches you conduct, and how much time you spend on each page.
It may not seem significant to you, but this information helps shape crucial strategies for website owners and content marketing companies, who pay the app for your information.
Every week, you’ll earn a $5 gift card from MobileXpression, which you can use to receive discounts ay any of its partner brands.
See Related: Pinecone Research Review
3. DataCoup
DataCoup is one of the most accessible data collection apps that pay well while running effortlessly in the background.
However, you can only make money on the app if you provide details for your social media accounts.
The company collects data from these accounts regarding your activities, preferences, and purchase habits. Later, they sell this information to advertisers who show you relevant ads on your social media accounts.
If you’re feeling unforgettable about the concept, here’s a reality check for you. All the social media platforms you use already have algorithms that promote relevant ads to your page.
So, with DataCoup, you’ll at least control which accounts you allow them to access and earn money for sharing your details as well.
4. UpVoice
UpVoice is another app that pays you for data collection in the form of gift cards. If you’re not really interested in cash prizes and would rather get discounts on your favorite products, this is the ultimate option for you.
The app works on your mobile phones and desktops to collect information regarding your internet activity. Besides that, it also regulates the ads you view and sells the data to computer research companies.
The best part is that the app runs effortlessly in the background and does not hinder your device’s functionality. You will earn 2-50 points on the app every day, depending on your internet use.
The minimum payout threshold on the app is 600 points. Once you accumulate the amount, you’ll get a gift card worth $10 that you can spend at any of their partner retail stores.
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5. SavvyConnect
If you want to generate some passive income without any extra hassle, you can download SavvyConnect and get paid for your data. Just download the app and keep it running in the background on your devices.
After that, the app will record data whenever you use the internet and sell it to computer research companies. However, the remuneration isn’t much, ranging only from $5-$10 per month.
But, the minimum payout threshold is only $1. This means you can get your free money within a week of signing up and save some spare change.
Additionally, you can download its sister app known as Survey Savvy, and take online surveys on the platform to maximize your passive income.
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6. Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel
Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel is one of the most popular apps that pay for data collection. You can download the app on your smartphone and your desktop and earn money for letting it do its work.
What I love about Nielsen is that it is associated with reliable market research companies. This means even if it is tracking your every move on the internet and your mobile, you can be sure your information is in safe hands.
Besides that, the app lets you earn around $50-$100 annually for doing nothing. Additionally, you can participate in short opinion polls, giveaways, sweepstakes, and their referral program to increase your income on the app.
See Related: Best Survey Apps
7. Sweatcoin
If you lead an active lifestyle, Sweatcoin is the ideal data collection app for you. You can start by downloading the app on your mobile phone and earn money as you walk around; it’s as simple as that.
According to the total number of steps you walk every day, you will earn Sweatcoins on the app. Later, you can redeem these Sweatcoins for gift cards, cash or use them to participate in sweepstakes.
However, you won’t get rich by downloading Sweatcoin. It is a lucrative app considering all it requires you to do is walk around with your phone in your pocket.
Usually, you would conduct this activity every day without getting paid, so why not try the app out? Moreover, if you’re lucky enough to win a sweepstake, you can earn cash prizes of more than $1000.
In my opinion, this makes Sweatcoin worth a try.
See Related: How to Take Surveys for Airline Miles
8. Panel App
For those looking to earn easy passive income online, Panel App is a reliable option. The sign-up process is easy and takes only a few minutes to complete.
The best part is, the app does not ask for any sensitive information during the membership process. Just provide your basic demographic details and start earning.
Moreover, you can download the app on multiple devices to maximize your income, gather up all your idle phones, and use them. All you have to do is leave the app running in the background, and you’ll earn some points every day.
Most importantly, the minimum payout threshold is only $1, so you’ll probably get your first gift card within a week of becoming a member. What’s more, the app offers bonus points just for signing up and referring the app to your friends.
See Related: YouGov Review
9. CashMagnet
CashMagnet is a lucrative app that pays you for data collection. You can download this app on up to four mobile devices to maximize your income.
The app runs in the background and collects information regarding your mobile activity, and uses your idle internet connection to run web searches for clients. If you use the app to its maximum potential, you can earn around $50 per month in passive income.
On the downside, CashMagnet can strain your mobile battery while it’s working in the background. But, there’s a simple trick you can use if you don’t want it to hinder your everyday operation.
Avoid using the app on your primary phone and download it on the extra phones lying around the house. This way, you can earn a hassle-free passive income.
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10. S’Mores Lockscreen
S’mores is an app that pays you for data collection with a unique approach. Instead of running quietly in the background, the app shows its presence by displaying relevant ads on your lock screen.
Don’t worry; the ads won’t hinder your phone performance at all. You can lock and unlock your phone as you usually would and earn money just for viewing the ads.
The app collects information about your internet activity and shows the ads based on your shopping habits and preferences. But, you’re not obliged to click on any ad to earn money.
S’more pays you around $0.10 per day, and you can redeem your rewards when you reach the minimum limit of $1. The only drawback is that currently, the app is only available for Android users.
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11. OnMyWay
If you’re distressed about your long commute from home to your workplace, you can turn it into a source of passive income.
OnMyWay is an app that tracks the miles you drive and collects data regarding your phone activity while driving.
The sign-up process is easy, and you’ll get a $10 bonus as soon as you become a member. After that, you just have to leave the app running in the background, and you’ll get $0.20-$2 for every mile you drive without using your phone.
The app helps promote safe driving habits in individuals with long commutes by providing an incentive. However, you can not redeem your earnings on OnMyWay in cash.
Instead, you can get coupon codes from the partner brands listed on the website.
See Related: Best Survey Sites in South Africa
12. Killi App
The Killi App is another popular app that pays you for data collection. All you have to do is download the app and complete your profile to get paid through the platform.
The app records information regarding your online activities, including your browser searches, shopping habits, and location details. Besides that, you can also increase your passive income on the app by taking surveys and referring the app to your friends.
The best part is, Killi only records the information that you consent towards. If you don’t wish to share any particular information with the app, you can always refuse to share.
For running the app more than 12 hours a day, you can easily make $10-$15 per week.
See Related: Loadteam Review
13. Achievement
As the name suggests, Achievement is an app that pays you for meeting your personal wellness goals. Not only does it help you set a responsible lifestyle for yourself, but it also lets you earn some passive income.
You can log your target activities such as walking, meditation, taking healthy meals, and working out on the app. After that, the more targets you achieve in a day, the more points you earn.
The best part is, even if you’re using other fitness apps to track your goals, you can integrate the data on the Achievement app and earn points.
The minimum payout threshold is 10,000 points. Currently, the app pays you around 40 points for walking 14,000 steps and 10 points for tracking your heart rate.
Similarly, you’ll earn points for losing weight and taking health surveys on the app as well.
