Smith 
The apps are organized into these categories: Investment, Gig Economy, E-Commerce, Sharing Economy, and Get-Paid-To (GPT) apps. I’ve included user ratings from Android users on Google Play and iOS users on The App Store so you can gauge how well each app performs. Let’s dive into the apps and start making some extra cash right away.
Investment Apps
Investment apps offer countless opportunities to make long-term money through stock market returns. They’re free to join and allow you to invest in individual stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, and REITs, often with a minimum of $10. Keep in mind, returns aren’t guaranteed, but with patience, there’s no limit to your potential earnings.
1. M1 Finance
- Android user rating: 4.5/5
- iOS user rating: 4.7/5
M1 Finance is my top pick because it’s a robo-advisor that lets you select your investments. You create portfolios called "pies" filled with up to 100 stocks and ETFs. There are no commissions or annual fees, and you can start with no initial deposit.
2. Betterment
- Android user rating: 4.7/5
- iOS user rating: 4.5/5
Betterment offers comprehensive professional investment management with a low annual fee. Features include customized portfolios, dividend reinvestment, rebalancing, and tax strategies for taxable accounts. You can start with no money and also benefit from Betterment Checking and Cash Reserve accounts.
3. Personal Capital
- Android user rating: 4.3/5
- iOS user rating: 4.7/5
Personal Capital has a free financial dashboard where you can connect all financial accounts for an overview of your finances. They also offer a Wealth Management service for accounts with at least $100,000, providing access to professional financial advisors.
4. Robinhood
- Android user rating: 4.0/5
- iOS user rating: 4.2/5
Robinhood is an easy-to-use app for investing in stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto without commission fees. You can open an account with no money and only pay for personal choices like margin trading.
5. Acorns
- Android user rating: 4.6/5
- iOS user rating: 4.7/5
Acorns is a micro-savings and micro-investing app. It rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar, investing the difference into your account. You can also set up one-time or recurring deposits. Managed portfolios are provided for a flat monthly fee.
6. Fundrise
- Android user rating: 4.3/5
- iOS user rating: 4.8/5
Fundrise lets you invest in real estate funds with as little as $10. You can choose between residential and commercial real estate without being an accredited investor. They offer a user-friendly online and app experience.
7. Yieldstreet
- Android user rating: 4.6/5
- iOS user rating: 4.7/5
Yieldstreet focuses on alternative investments that diversify your portfolio beyond traditional stocks. Investments here are specific and have provided a 9.7% net annualized return since 2015. The minimum investment required is $10,000.
Gig Economy Apps
Gig economy apps match you with contract jobs, perfect for side hustles, and sometimes even full-time income through ridesharing, food delivery, and other tasks.
8. Uber
- Android user rating: 4.7/5
- iOS user rating: 4.8/5
Uber is one of the most popular ridesharing apps, giving you the flexibility to work when you want. According to Indeed.com, Uber drivers earn over $27,000 annually on average.
9. Lyft
- Android user rating: 4.0/5
- iOS user rating: 4.9/5
Lyft works similarly to Uber but may be more popular in certain cities. You can even rent a car through their Express Drive program if you don’t have one.
10. AmazonFlex
- Android user rating: 4.1/5
- iOS user rating: 4.6/5
With AmazonFlex, you deliver packages instead of people. Most drivers earn $18 to $25 per hour, though work availability varies by location.
11. Uber Eats
- Android user rating: 4.8/5
- iOS user rating: 4.5/5
As an Uber Eats driver, you deliver meals, setting your schedule and payments are transferred weekly.
12. DoorDash
- Android user rating: 4.6/5
- iOS user rating: 4.8/5
DoorDash allows you to deliver food from restaurants, earning base pay plus tips. You can use a car, bike, or scooter for deliveries in cities.
13. Instacart
- Android user rating: 4.4/5
- iOS user rating: 4.8/5
Instacart enables grocery deliveries, either as a shopper in the store or as a delivery person. They operate in over 5,500 cities across the US and Canada.
14. Fiverr
- Android user rating: 4.6/5
- iOS user rating: 4.9/5
Fiverr is a freelance marketplace where you can offer your services, from graphic design to data entry, charging by service rather than by hour.
15. Upwork
- Android user rating: 4.1/5
- iOS user rating: 4.6/5
Upwork matches freelancers with clients for more professional services. You create a profile, search for jobs, and submit proposals to get contract work.
16. Rover
- Android user rating: 4.8/5
- iOS user rating: 4.9/5
Rover connects dog owners with dog walkers or sitters. You post your services and set your rates, getting paid through the app after each job.
17. Foap
- Android user rating: 3.2/5
- iOS user rating: 4.5/5
Foap is a platform for selling your photos and videos. Sales proceeds are split 50/50 with Foap.
18. Care.com
- Android user rating: 3.7/5
- iOS user rating: 4.6/5
Care.com is a platform for in-home care services, ranging from childcare to senior care. You need to complete a background check to get started.
19. Steady
- Android user rating: 4.2/5
- iOS user rating: 4.6/5
Steady helps you find gig jobs matching your skills. They offer earning insights and cash incentives.
20. Gigwalk
- Android user rating: 3.4/5
- iOS user rating: 4.6/5
Gigwalk connects you with employers needing data collection and remote tasks. You apply for gigs through the app, earning between $3 and $100.
E-Commerce Apps
E-commerce apps let you sell products online through various platforms, and many people turn these side hustles into full-time businesses.
21. Amazon FBA
- Android user rating: 4.1/5
- iOS user rating: 4.6/5
Amazon FBA handles logistics for your products, allowing you to focus on selling. You need a $39.99 Professional Seller Account and pay various service fees.
22. Etsy
- Android user rating: 4.9/5
- iOS user rating: 4.9/5
Etsy is the go-to marketplace for custom-made items, from jewelry to home decor. You can even sell internationally.
23. eBay
- Android user rating: 4.7/5
- iOS user rating: 4.8/5
eBay allows you to sell new or used items, ranging from household goods to running a full-fledged online store, handling payments and listings for you.
24. Poshmark
- Android user rating: 4.7/5
- iOS user rating: 4.8/5
Poshmark specializes in fashion, home decor, and beauty items. You list items and share them with your network of shoppers.
25. Decluttr
- Android user rating: 3.1/5
- iOS user rating: 4.0/5
Decluttr focuses on secondhand technology like cell phones and laptops. There are no fees, and payments are through direct deposit or PayPal.
Sharing Economy Apps
Sharing economy apps let you make money by sharing what you own, like houses, cars, or even storage space.
26. Airbnb
- Android user rating: 4.5/5
- iOS user rating: 4.8/5
Airbnb connects renters with property owners offering homes for short-term rentals. You keep the rent minus a 3% service fee, and Airbnb handles payments and taxes.
27. VRBO
- Android user rating: 4.4/5
- iOS user rating: 4.8/5
VRBO works similarly to Airbnb and is part of Expedia, giving you extra exposure. They offer over 2 million vacation rentals worldwide.
28. Neighbor
- Android user rating: 4.0/5
- iOS user rating: 4.6/5
Neighbor lets you rent out parts of your home for storage. You can earn monthly on unused spaces like garages or basements.
29. Turo
- Android user rating: 4.9/5
- iOS user rating: 4.8/5
Turo is the largest car-sharing marketplace, where you can rent your vehicle to others. You can turn this into a full-fledged business with multiple vehicles.
Get-Paid-To Apps
GPT apps pay you for completing online tasks like surveys, shopping, and watching videos. While the money isn’t great, it’s a good way to earn a bit extra.
30. Swagbucks
- Android user rating: 4.2/5
- iOS user rating: 4.4/5
Swagbucks lets you earn rewards by shopping, browsing, participating in surveys, and more. You can choose PayPal Cash or gift cards as payment.
31. Rakuten
- Android user rating: 4.0/5
- iOS user rating: 4.8/5
Rakuten offers cashback for shopping at over 3,500 stores. It’s a great way to earn extra money while you shop, and sign-up takes less than a minute.
32. Google Opinion Rewards
- Android user rating: 4.6/5
- iOS user rating: 4.7/5
Google Opinion Rewards pays you for completing short surveys. You earn credits toward PayPal and Google Play.
33. Ibotta
- Android user rating: 4.5/5
- iOS user rating: 4.8/5
Ibotta gives cashback on shopping, starting with a $5 bonus when you spend $15. Activate offers through the app and use the Chrome browser extension for more rewards.
Final Thoughts
That’s our list of the best money-making apps to help you earn extra income, from part-time gigs to potential full-time businesses. Don’t hesitate to try out a few and see what works best for you. For more ideas, check out our list of 22 best passive income apps.
FAQ
It’s hard to pinpoint a single best app for earning money, as they all have potential. E-commerce, renting out your home, and driver/delivery apps tend to be consistent earners. E-commerce apps may take time to build, but gig apps like Uber and DoorDash offer quick cash. For a shot at earning at least $100 a day, e-commerce and gig apps are your best bet. Once your online store takes off, platforms like Amazon can generate automatic income.
