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Get paid to take part in research
Universities, hospitals and companies pay people to answer questions, test apps, and join health studies. Search near you, or start online tonight.
Facts checked October 14, 2026.
From home
Online studies that pay real money
These sites have studies anyone can do from a phone or laptop. Pay is set per study and shown before you start. Sign up for two or three, because each one only invites you to studies you match.
Prolific
Short academic surveys
- University studies; you see the reward and time before starting
- Cash out from $6, paid to PayPal
- New members join a waitlist and verify ID (about 15 minutes)
User Interviews
Interviews & product feedback
- Paid video interviews, surveys and app tests for companies
- Pay is listed on each project before you apply
- Answer a short screener for each project
Respondent
Higher-paying, often for professionals
- Interviews, focus groups, usability tests and surveys
- Identity-verified members; work experience helps you match
- Browse paid projects before you apply
UserTesting
Test websites and apps
- Surveys, recorded tests (talk out loud while you use a site) and live calls
- Tests run from about 5 minutes to an hour
- Paid through PayPal
Read this first
Before a medical study
Health studies usually pay the most, especially overnight drug studies. They also ask the most of you. The money pays for your time and travel. It is not a reason to ignore a risk.
- Read the consent form, all of it. It must list the risks, what happens at each visit, and the exact pay. Ask the study team anything that's unclear.
- You can quit at any time. Ask how you'll be paid if you leave early.
- Phase 1 drug studies test a drug in people for the first time. They often mean overnight stays and many blood draws.
- Tell them every medicine you take, including vitamins, supplements and recreational drugs. Hiding it can hurt you.
- Don't stack studies. Most require a gap of weeks to months between drug studies, for your own safety.
- Check with your doctor if you have any health condition, are pregnant or could be.
Every study listed above has a page on ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. government's public registry. A listing there doesn't mean the government reviewed or approves the study. The "Full details" link shows who runs it and who can join.
Stay safe
How to spot a fake study
- A real study never charges you to join, for "training," or for equipment.
- It won't ask for your bank login, or ask you to deposit a check and send money back.
- Look for a real university, hospital or company name you can look up yourself.
- Pay sent through gift cards or crypto from a stranger is a warning sign.
- Study pay can count as taxable income. Keep a simple record of what you're paid.
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