The Best 15 Apps for Generating Passive Income

Swagbucks

Are you tired of the traditional 9-to-5 grind and looking for ways to make some extra cash without putting in too much effort? Did you know you can use apps to earn a passive income?

I’ve researched extensively, delving deep into the world of apps and digital platforms to identify the best apps that allow you to earn passive income right from the comfort of your home.

Table of Contents

How did I draw my conclusions?

I started by examining various apps and digital platforms, focusing on those that promised the potential to earn passive income. Then, I dived into the heart of the digital realm, where I explored every option in my quest to find the most effective solutions. 

I looked at other website recommendations, but most importantly, I read countless reviews and testimonials, ensuring these apps delivered on their promises and had satisfied users who could vouch for their effectiveness.

Why did I put in so much effort? 

I wanted to recommend apps that didn’t just provide a quick buck but offered a steady income stream over a long period.

And so, here we have it. The best apps with the best reputations. And these apps work hard for you, so you can earn money without breaking a sweat.

Whether you’re looking to make some extra cash while immersing yourself in video games, lounging on your sofa, or simply enjoying some well-deserved downtime, these apps are designed to keep your bank balance looking healthy.

So, let’s dive into the details and explore how you can start earning a steady stream of passive income using these top-rated passive income apps.

1. Swagbucks

Premise: Swagbucks is a popular app for passive income that allows you to start earning rewards by doing online activities like web browsing, playing games, and watching videos. You can also complete a paid online survey to earn passive income quickly. As you engage in these activities, you accumulate Swagbucks (SB) points, which can be easily redeemed for gift cards or cash through PayPal. 

Swagbucks

Image source: The Stay at Home Parent

App details:

  • Swagbucks offers surveys you can complete to earn points. The surveys cover various topics and typically reward you with SB once done.
  • Earn SB while shopping online through their cashback feature. Simply access online retailers via their website or app, make purchases, and start earning. You’ll receive a percentage of your purchase amount back in SB, allowing you to accumulate rewards effortlessly.
  • Swagbucks offers video-watching called “Swagbucks Watch.” You can watch videos to earn SB, including movie trailers and news clips. The videos are usually short, making it easy to earn extra cash.
  • There are also opportunities to play games to earn SB. Unlock achievements, fulfill objectives, and participate in contests for additional rewards. You can access various games on the Google Play or Apple Store.

The best thing about Swagbucks: its versatility. It provides multiple avenues to earn rewards, such as web browsing, playing games, and watching videos, turning these everyday activities into cash.

2. Spacer

Premise: Spacer allows you to turn your spare space into a money-making machine and diversify your passive income streams. 

Whether you’re in Boston, Chicago, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles or any location across the US,  you can list it on Spacer and generate cash if you have an extra room, a garage, or a parking spot. 

The app seamlessly connects you with individuals needing storage, parking, or workspace, taking care of all transactions and ensuring a hassle-free experience for both parties. Spacer simplifies the process, allowing you to diversify your passive income streams with minimal effort.

Spacer

App details: 

  • With Spacer, you can rely on a steady monthly income. The average host receives a booking within 2-3 weeks, typically lasting over eight months.
  • Spacer offers guaranteed payments, making it one of the best passive income apps. The app debits your Renter’s credit card each month and then pays you directly to your bank account.
  • Generate up to $4,800 in passive income using Spacer. You can comfortably earn up to $400 monthly by renting your spot to local commuters. As passive income ideas go, Spacer is one of the most profitable. 

The best thing about Spacer: its ability to turn unused space into a source of income. It’s an easy way to monetize your extra room, garage, or parking spot.

3. Robinhood

Premise: Robinhood is a popular app aiming to make investing more accessible. It revolves around providing commission-free trading and a user-friendly platform for individuals to invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), cryptocurrencies, and other financial assets. If you are interested in investment opportunities, Robinhood is your investing platform. 

It’s important to note that Robinhood recently ended support for some tokens. As such, due to regulatory issues, Robinhood users now have limited access to certain cryptocurrencies, which could impact you if you plan to use Robinhood for cryptocurrency trading exclusively.

Robin hood

Image source: Bloomberg

App details:

  • Robinhood allows users to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies without paying any trading commissions, helping investors to diversify their investment portfolio with cheaper fees.
  • Robinhood also offers fractional shares, allowing investors to buy a portion of a share rather than purchasing them whole. By doing this, you can start investing in stocks or ETFs with smaller amounts of capital.
  • The app also offers commission-free trading for a variety of cryptocurrencies. Users can buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin directly through the app.

The best thing about Robinhood: is its user-friendly interface and commission-free trading, making investing accessible even to beginners.

4. Acorns

Premise: Acorns excels as a leading passive income app that requires no effort on your part. Acorns effortlessly round up your in-person or online purchases to the nearest dollar through its seamless integration with your bank account. 

This automatic process empowers you to accumulate spare change while Acorns will invest this money into stock trading to help you earn a passive income. All you need to do is carry on your in-person and online shopping habits to reap the benefits.

Recently, Acorns acquired the teen banking app GoHenry, marking its entry into the youth market. This move is significant as it expands Acorns’ user base and opens the investing world to younger generations. 

Acorns

Image source: Yahoo Finance

App details: 

  • Acorns offers a range of investment portfolios depending on your financial goals. These portfolios are across asset classes, including stocks and bonds. You can choose from conservative, moderately conservative, moderate, moderately aggressive, and aggressive portfolios.
  • You can set up recurring investments, allowing you to contribute a specific amount regularly, such as daily, weekly, or monthly, to boost your investment growth.
  • Partnering with brands like Airbnb, Nike, and Walmart, Acorns offers “Found Money” rewards. When you shop with these partners through the Acorns app, they will invest a percentage of your purchase into your account. 
  • Acorns offers subscription plans with varying features. The plans include Lite ($1/month), Personal ($3/month), and Family ($5/month). These fees cover investment management, access to features like Found Money, and financial education content.

The best thing about Acorns: the convenience it offers. By rounding up your purchases to the nearest dollar and investing the difference, your spare change becomes a growing investment.

5. Dosh 

Premise: Dosh is a passive income app that can easily earn cash back rewards on everyday purchases. It eliminates the need for scanning receipts or manually activating offers, making the process automatic. With Dosh, you can earn money simply by spending money.

Dosh

Image source: The Ways to Wealth

App details:

  • Dosh operates on a “set it and forget it” model. Once you download the app and link your credit or debit cards, it automatically tracks your purchases. It rewards you with cashback — no need to manually activate offers or upload receipts to see returns.
  • With a vast network of popular retailers, restaurants, hotels, and online brands, Dosh gives you cash back when making a qualifying purchase with your linked cards. The app automatically applies the cashback to your account, which you can access anytime. 
  • Dosh uses bank-level encryption to protect users’ card information and transaction data. It also provides transparency by showing the cashback amount you can earn for each transaction and the available offers from partner merchants.

The best thing about Dosh: is that it automates the cashback process. There is no need to scan receipts or manually activate offers, making earning effortless while you spend.

6. Mistplay

Premise: Mistplay is the best money making app for mobile gamers looking to diversify their income streams and earn money online. Discover and play various games through the app while earning rewards that can be exchanged for online money. You can also earn virtual currency, known as “Units,” which you can exchange for gift cards or other rewards.

Mistplay

Image source: Mistplay

App details:

  • Mistplay offers an extensive collection of mobile games across different genres. Users can explore and discover new games, finding options that align with their preferences and interests. It provides a platform for seamless game exploration tailored to individual tastes.
  • Users who play games through Mistplay accumulate Units, the app’s virtual currency. The more time spent playing and engaging with games, the more Units users can earn.
  • Mistplay rewards users for achieving specific milestones or completing in-game objectives. These achievements can earn users additional Units, providing an extra incentive for engagement and progress within games.

The best thing about Mistplay: it allows gamers to earn rewards simply by doing what they love — playing games.

7. Perk Tv

Premise: Perk TV is an app that pays you to watch videos on your mobile device, offering an easy way to make extra cash while enjoying entertaining content. With Perk TV, users can download the app, sign up for an account, and watch videos from various categories like news, sports, and entertainment.  

When you watch videos on Perk TV, you earn “perk points” that can be redeemed for rewards, including gift cards for retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks. If you’d prefer to earn extra money instead, you can exchange points for cash on PayPal.

perktv

Image source: Digital Nomad Quest

App details:

  • Perk TV allows users to earn rewards on multiple devices. Users can watch videos and accumulate perk points on their smartphones, tablets, and computers. 
  • In addition to earning points through video watching, Perk TV provides users with bonuses and additional opportunities to accumulate rewards. Users can take advantage of special offers, complete surveys, play games, or engage with content to enhance their perk point earnings.
  • Perk TV has a virtual wallet called the “Perk Wallet,” where users can keep track of their perk points and manage their rewards. It provides an easy way to monitor earnings and redeem rewards.

The best thing about Perk TV: it pays you for watching videos, turning entertainment into income.

8. Wealthfront

Premise: Wealthfront, a popular micro-investing app, stands out for its automatic investing feature with low fees and minimum investment requirements. It offers many investment opportunities, including stocks, ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds), and tax-efficient strategies. With Wealthfront, you can access helpful financial planning tools and seamlessly sync external accounts, gaining a comprehensive view of your finances.

wealth front

Image source: Groovy Post

App details:

  • Once your account is set up, Wealthfront’s robo-advisor algorithm manages your investments by constructing a diversified portfolio of low-cost ETFs based on your risk tolerance and investment goals.
  • Wealthfront’s investment app simplifies investing with its automated approach. It handles the buying and selling of investments on your behalf, ensuring your money is allocated across different asset classes. Additionally, Wealthfront regularly rebalances your portfolio to maintain your desired asset allocation.
  • Wealthfront places a strong emphasis on tax efficiency. It uses tax-loss harvesting, a strategy that aims to minimize tax liability by selling investments that have incurred losses to offset capital gains taxes.

The best thing about Wealthfront: its automatic investing feature with low fees and minimum investment requirements, making it an easy entry point into the world of investing.

9. Honeygain

Premise: The Honeygain app allows you to earn an active income from selling unused internet bandwidth. Simply download the app and contribute any internet data you don’t use directly to Honeygain. 

In recent news, Honeygain partnered with JumpTask, leading to the growth of the user base. This successful partnership underscores Honeygain’s reliability and ongoing commitment to providing an easy and effective way for users to earn passive income.

honeygain

Image source: Make Tech Easier

App details:

  • The app securely utilizes your internet connection and shares any bandwidth you don’t use with Honeygain’s network. Businesses and researchers use this data for various purposes, such as web scraping, market research, and content delivery.
  • In return for sharing your bandwidth, Honeygain rewards you with credits. These credits can be redeemed for cash via PayPal or converted into gift cards from popular retailers.
  • The Honeygain app allows you to earn a truly passive income. Once the app is running, you can continue with your regular internet habits, and the app will work in the background.

The best thing about Honeygain: it allows you to earn money from your unused internet bandwidth, essentially turning your internet data into cash.

10. LendingClub

Premise: LendingClub is an online peer-to-peer lending platform that connects borrowers with investors. You can fund loans and earn returns by browsing and choosing from a marketplace of loan listings on the LendingClub platform. Naturally, this strategy carries more risk than other money-making apps and requires initial funds.

Image source: Lending Club

App details:

  • As borrowers make their monthly loan payments, investors receive a portion of the principal and interest as a passive income. 
  • LendingClub handles loan servicing, collecting borrower payments, and distributing investor returns.
  • Investors can reinvest their earnings by funding new loans or withdrawing cash from their LendingClub account.

The best thing about LendingClub: its marketplace of loan listings allows you to choose where to invest and earn returns.

11. Survey Junkie

Premise: Survey Junkie provides an online platform for individuals to earn money by participating in surveys related to well-known brands and services. In addition, you can engage in focus groups that contribute to behavioral research. This includes opting to share your digital browsing activity.

Image source: APK Monk

App details:

  • Users can earn points and redeem them for rewards by completing paid surveys. The number of points you’ll earn per survey depends on their length and complexity. Survey Junkie typically provides a time estimate and point value for taking surveys.
  • Survey Junkie provides users with multiple redemption options. These options typically include cash rewards through PayPal or gift cards for popular retailers like Amazon, Target, or Starbucks. It’s important to note that the availability of specific reward options may vary depending on the user’s location.
  • The platform is designed to ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience for users, allowing them to navigate and engage with surveys easily. Users can track their earnings and access available surveys directly from the app or website by logging into their accounts.

The best thing about Survey Junkie: its wide range of surveys relating to well-known brands and services, providing ample opportunities to earn money by sharing your opinion.

12. hi Dollars

Premise: hi Dollars is a mobile app that allows users to earn rewards in the form of cryptocurrency. To start earning with hi Dollars, install the app on your mobile device and engage in their daily check-in program. By signing up for hi Dollars, you can earn a steady stream of cryptocurrency, depending on your level of engagement.

Image source: Hi

App details:

  • You will be invited to participate in their daily check-in program upon registration and login to the app. This involves logging into the app once every 24 hours and claiming your hi Dollars reward.
  • By engaging in their daily check-in program, you accumulate hi Dollars based on your consistent participation. The more consistent you are with your daily check-ins, the more hi Dollars you can accumulate over time.
  • Once you’ve accumulated enough hi Dollars, you can use them in various ways. You can transfer them to other members, exchange them for other cryptocurrencies, or even redeem them for rewards and services within the hi Dollars ecosystem.

The best thing about hi Dollars: it provides a simple and accessible way for users to earn cryptocurrency, making the world of digital currency more accessible to everyday users.

13. Tapestri

Premise: Tapestri allows users to earn rewards by sharing anonymized data. To start earning with Tapestri, you must install the app on your mobile device and engage in their data-sharing program. By participating in Tapestri, you can earn passive income, but the amount depends on your level of engagement.

Image source: Tapestri

App details:

  • Once registered and logged into the app, Tapestri will collect passive, anonymized data from your mobile device. This may include information about your location, app usage, and other relevant metrics. The data collection typically happens in the background without your active engagement.
  • By participating in their data-sharing program, you can accumulate rewards based on the quality and quantity of your data contribution.
  • Once you have accumulated a certain amount of rewards, you can redeem them for cash or gift cards, depending on the options available within the app.

The best thing about Tapestri: it allows users to earn rewards by sharing anonymized data and contributing to market research while earning passive income.

14. Coinbase

Premise: If you’re interested in investing in cryptocurrency and aiming to earn passive income through staking, Coinbase is a suitable app. Coinbase functions as a cryptocurrency exchange platform, facilitating the buying, selling, staking, and trading of various cryptocurrencies. 

To generate passive income on Coinbase, you can acquire cryptocurrencies and hold them as long-term investments, selling them when their value increases, or stake them to earn some extra income.  

It’s worth noting that recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced it has begun investigating Coinbase’s lending product, which could limit some of the financial products and services Coinbase can offer its users. Keep this in mind for future reference. 

Another noteworthy development is Blackrock’s pending spot Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), with Coinbase listed as the partner. If it gets the green light, this will mark a historic moment in crypto. 

BlackRock has also issued just over 500 ETFs across various industries, and only one was rejected — which is a positive sign as BlackRock has a strong chance to get their Bitcoin Spot ETF passed.

Image source: Coinbase

App details:

  • Coinbase offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies for trading. You can buy and sell popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and more. The app provides real-time price charts, order placement options, and trading history to facilitate cryptocurrency trading activities.
  • With the Coinbase app, you can view the balances of your various cryptocurrencies, track their value over time, and review your transaction history. The app overviews your portfolio’s performance and lets you set price alerts for specific cryptocurrencies.
  • Coinbase integrates a cryptocurrency wallet directly within its app, allowing you to securely store your cryptocurrencies, receive funds, and manage your wallet addresses. The wallet supports multiple cryptocurrencies and offers convenient features such as QR code scanning for seamless transactions.

The best thing about Coinbase: its functionality as a cryptocurrency exchange platform. Also worth noting, Coinbase recently launched a new ad campaign, taking a stand against the SEC and US government officials. This campaign aims to promote cryptocurrencies’ use and benefits to garner public support and challenge regulatory constraints. 

15. Sweatcoin

Premise: Sweatcoin is an innovative fitness app that offers a unique premise of earning digital currency called “Sweatcoins” by engaging in physical activity and walking regularly. The app promotes fitness and encourages users to maintain an active lifestyle. Additionally, it presents an opportunity for a passive income stream through its rewards system.

The amount of Sweatcoins earned varies depending on the app’s daily price. While cash rewards are unavailable, you can redeem gifts such as fitness-related products and services, technology gadgets, gift cards, and unique experiences. The availability and selection of rewards may vary depending on your location.

Image source: Sweatcoin

App details:

  • By staying active and engaging in outdoor walking or running, the Sweatcoin app tracks your movement and rewards you with its digital currency. The app seamlessly monitors your activity throughout the day, ensuring you are rewarded with Sweatcoins for your active lifestyle.
  • The Sweatcoin app features a marketplace where you can spend your Sweatcoins. The marketplace offers a variety of rewards, including fitness products, gadgets, apparel, vouchers, experiences, and even donations. The available rewards may vary depending on your location.
  • The app sets daily goals for the number of steps you should aim for to earn Sweatcoins. Additionally, challenges are available to motivate users to boost their activity levels and engage in friendly competitions with friends or fellow app users. Participating in these challenges can earn a passive income and improve your fitness.

The best thing about Sweatcoin: it pays you to stay active. Converting physical activity into digital currency promotes fitness and provides an innovative way to earn passive income. To top it off, Sweatcoin recently launched a ‘move-to-earn’ prize — with one user to earn $24,000 a year just for walking each day.

Ready to boost your income? Download Spacer today

Ready to boost your income and explore passive income opportunities? Sign up for Spacer today, one of the best passive income apps to unlock your earning potential. Whether it’s renting out extra space, monetizing your belongings, or finding storage solutions, Spacer has you covered. 

Take control of your financial future and start earning passive income today. Get Spacer now and diversify your revenue streams today.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are passive income apps?

Passive income apps are mobile applications that allow users to generate income or save money through various activities without requiring constant active participation.

2. How can I save money using passive income apps?

Passive income apps like Capital One Shopping, M1 Finances, and Rocket Money offer features such as cashback, price drop alerts, and discounts on purchases, helping you save money while shopping.

3. Are there any apps specifically designed for real estate investing?

Yes, some apps cater to real estate investors. One popular option is Fundrise, which provides a low-cost barrier to entry in the property investing space. 

4. What is Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel?

Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel is an app that collects anonymous data about your internet usage and provides rewards or incentives in exchange for your participation.

5. Can you recommend any cashback apps?

Certainly! Cashback apps like Embee Meter CX, Drop, and Fetch Rewards offer cashback rewards for purchasing through their platforms or completing specific tasks.

6. Which apps offer sign-up bonuses?

Several apps offer sign-up bonuses for new users. Some examples include Embee Meter CX, Panel App, and Branded Surveys. Be sure to check the terms and conditions to qualify for these bonuses.

7. How can I invest money using passive income apps?

Apps like Invest Account, Brokerage Account, and M1 Finances provide investment platforms to invest your money and potentially earn passive income through interest, dividends, or capital appreciation.

8. Are there any apps for earning money through the gig economy?

Yes, some apps connect you with gig economy jobs, such as Hustle Idea and Gig Economy Jobs. These apps offer opportunities to earn money through freelancing, part-time work, or project-based tasks.

9. Can you recommend any apps for managing personal finances?

Some popular personal finance management apps include Money Management, Capital One Shopping, and high-yield savings accounts. These apps offer features like budgeting, expense tracking, and savings tools.

10. How can I earn cashback by watching ads?

Apps like Smore Lockscreen and Mobile Performance Meter allow you to earn cashback or rewards by watching or allowing ads to appear on your lock screen.

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