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20 Places that Offer Paid Research Studies: Get Paid for Your Opinion

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We test online survey websites weekly and provide real-user reviews so you can decide whether each platform is right for you to earn some side money. So far, we have reviewed over 100 survey sites. Methodology.

Best Paid Research Studies Websites

Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys logo

$0.50 – $5 on average per survey with bonus points ($1 sign up bonus)

Average survey length is 10-20 minutes and minimum payout is $5

Collect rewards in PayPal, Direct Deposit or gift cards (100+ brands)

Swagbucks

Swagbucks logo

$0.50 to $1.50 per survey – earn up to $100 each month using Swagbucks

18 unique ways to earn money and free gift cards, plus $5 sign up bonus

Redeem e-gift cards from $1 or withdraw $5 minimum payment from PayPal

Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie logo

$0.50 – $3 per survey + extra ways to earn up to $100 with focus groups

Each survey time varies, but on average it takes 15 minutes to complete

Redeem rewards using PayPal, e-giftcards or bank transfer when earned at least $5

20 Paid Research Studies

Survey Junkie


Survey Junkie Summary

  • $0.50-$3 average earnings per survey
  • Get 2-3 extra points if you screened out of survey
  • Additional ways to earn up to $150
  • Install Survey Junkie extension for bonus

Survey Junkie is one of the most well-regarded survey platforms available. You can earn money simply by sharing your honest opinions, which brands can use to improve their products and services. What makes Survey Junkie stand out from other platforms that offer paid research studies is that you can start making money immediately. 

During sign-up, you will need to provide some of your personal details, so Survey Junkie can match your personal profile with research studies and surveys. You can then earn up to $100 per survey or focus group. Nonetheless, high-paying opportunities are rare and most surveys pay $0.50 to $3.

You can redeem your earnings via PayPal or via gift card starting from just $5. Depending on how active you are on the platform, you can stand to earn up to $200 per month.

American Consumer Opinion


American Consumer Opinion Summary

  • Easy to understand point system
  • Longer surveys can pay up to $50, but most of them pay $0.50 to $2.50 on average
  • Product reviews pay up to $200
  • Low minimum payout threshold of $10

ACOP, also known as American Consumer Opinion, has accumulated millions of members since it began in 1986. This platform offers some great opportunities to participate in paid research studies. Most shorter surveys will pay you around $0.50 to $2.50, but there is the potential to earn up to $50 with longer studies.

You can redeem your earnings via PayPal starting from just $10. If you prefer, you can alternatively donate your points to charity or use your points to enter into sweepstake draws for the chance to win cash or other prizes. 

Ipsos i-Say


i-Say Summary

  • You can earn as much as $50 each month
  • Earn $1 for each friend you invite
  • Low minimum cash out threshold of $5
  • Instant cash out for e-gift cards

Ipsos i-Say believes that personal opinions can make a massive difference in the world. This platform has more than three million members who regularly earn rewards from paid research studies conducted via surveys.

On average, you can earn up to 150 points per survey. In addition, one unique feature of the platform compared to other platforms on this list is that you will receive 5 points even if you get screened out of a survey. The platform also features a loyalty program, and you can earn more points per survey the more surveys that you take. 

When you accumulate at least 1530 points (worth $15) in your account, you can withdraw your earnings via PayPal.

Note that it can take up to 3 weeks for your earnings to appear in your PayPal account.

Respondent


Respondent Summary

  • Earn up to $700 per hour for your opinion
  • Get between $20 to $50 for each referral
  • Get paid even if the study is cancelled
  • Get paid via PayPal, usually within 5 days

Respondent is a platform that frequently conducts market research through online focus groups and in-person studies.

When you create your Respondent account, you can browse the available studies that you qualify for based on your demographic information. You will also see the number of hours you will need to commit to each study and how much you can earn.

If you are interested in a project, you will need to answer a brief screener questionnaire to determine whether you qualify for it.

How much can you earn with Respondent?

ProfessionAverage Hourly Rate
Software developers$200 per hour
Marketers$150 per hour
Executives$700 per hour
Enterprise software users$150 per hour
Business owners$500 per hour
Sales and support$100 per hour

You can earn an average income of $140 per hour by participating in the company’s paid research studies. Respondent charges a relatively low 5% processing fee. Your earnings will usually arrive in your PayPal account within 10 days of completing the study. 

User Interviews


User Interviews Summary

  • 4 types of studies you can join to earn
  • Over 2k new studies launched each month
  • Get a $30 bonus when you refer a friend
  • Earn up to $100 per hour for your opinion

User Interviews is a popular platform that organizes online and in-person paid market research studies. In general, study participants can expect to earn $50 to $200 per hour. Depending on the study’s goal, participants could discuss anything from their financial decisions to the types of skincare products they use.

Like most other platforms on this list, you will need to answer a screening survey before each study to determine your eligibility.

Before answering the screening survey, you can see what the research study pays. Thus, you can decide which studies really interest you.

sign up for phone surveys

Valued Opinions


Valued Opinions offers paid research studies that pay up to $5 per survey. On average, it takes 15 to 20 minutes to fill out one survey and you may need to complete 2 to 20 surveys to reach the $10 threshold. 

Once you have at least $10 in earnings, you can redeem them for gift cards. You can claim gift cards from Amazon, Target, Macy’s, The Home Depot, and Restaurant.com.

The paid research studies topics typically revolve around:

  • Environmental issues
  • Blockbuster films
  • Fashion trends
  • Favorite food

Toluna Influencer


Toluna Influencers is a market research platform that has been around for over 20 years.

Some of the paid market research studies you can earn money by participating in include:

  • Surveys
  • Polls
  • Focus groups
  • Product testing

On average, most opportunities on the platform will reward you with around 100 points. You can also earn more points by referring family and friends. You will get 500 points for each successful referral, up to a maximum of 10 friends per month.

You can redeem your earnings for a $10 PayPal payment.

highest paying survey sites

Mindswarms


Mindswarms is an innovative market research platform that uses video surveys instead of traditional online surveys. Thus, this means that you will have to record yourself answering each question in a survey. Similar to other platforms on this list, you will need to answer some qualifying questions to determine your suitability before each survey.

Each project will have specific instructions that you will need to follow. Typically, you will need to record your answers for up to seven questions. Usually, there is also a set time for you to answer each question. 

Up to $50 can be earned per project. However, shorter surveys typically offer $10 per question. Mindswarm processes payments through PayPal, and generally, the money will be in your account within 1 day of submitting your video recording.

Brand Institute


Brand Institute is a branding company that specializes in the medical industry. Although the company has surveys on various topics, the medical surveys are the best paying. Regular surveys can pay up to $5, whereas medical surveys can pay up to $30. 

To join the platform, you need to complete a simple questionnaire with your basic personal details.

Brand Institute also gives priority to applications from medical professionals such as:

  • Nurses
  • Doctors
  • Pharmacists
  • Medical technicians

However, note that the company processes payments quite slowly. Brand Institute only releases payment when surveys close, so you may sometimes need to wait several weeks to receive your payment.

Nonetheless, there is no minimum cash-out threshold, and you can redeem your earnings via PayPal or check. 

Engage Studies


Engage Studies regularly advertises for participants to join the various market research studies that it organizes. The format of the paid research studies hosted by Engage Studies can range from online discussions to in-person focus groups.

To join the platform, you need to provide some personal information. Engage will then review your application, and you will receive an email notification when a suitable study becomes available. 

The topics of research include:

  • Electronics
  • Music
  • Food Products
  • Medical Conditions
  • and many more

You can expect to earn $50 to $250 for your participation, paid via PayPal or check. 

Focus Group


Focus Group Summary

  • Many ways to earn money
  • Make money online
  • Earn $1 to $10 per survey
  • Work from home or on the go

As its name suggests, FocusGroup.com conducts paid research studies and online focus groups. 

The company conducts national research studies that can pay between $75 to $200 each. You can participate in research studies over the phone or using a webcam. As with most other platforms, you will need to complete a relatively simple screening survey to qualify for projects.

The research studies conducted by the company can be on any topic ranging from banking and pets to entertainment and beer. As such, you are sure to find the best paid online focus groups that align with your hobbies and interests. 

paid research studies

PingPong


PingPong is a relatively new online market research company. Unlike most of the other platforms on this list, PingPong does not conduct its studies through surveys. Instead, the platform specializes in website testing for websites and apps. You can test these products and get paid for providing feedback on your user experience. 

On average, you can earn between $45 to $110 per website testing job. Each job usually takes no more than an hour to complete.

Payments are made via PayPal or Wise within 7 days of completing each job. 

Fieldwork


Fieldwork is one of the most popular companies that carry out in-person paid research studies in various cities across the USA.

The company has locations in:

  • Boston
  • Dallas
  • Chicago
  • Minneapolis
  • New York
  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco
  • Phoenix
  • Seattle
  • Denver

Typically, most sessions hosted by Fieldwork take around one to two hours to complete. Compensation for participating usually starts from $75. Fieldwork usually pays via Visa gift cards and you will receive your payment on the spot after each study.

WatchLab


WatchLab is a leading company that facilitates all types of focus groups and research studies. The pay varies for each project, although it typically ranges from $100 to $175 for a 1 to 2-hour focus group. 

The company has locations in Chicago and San Francisco, where you can receive on-the-spot payments for joining a focus group. There is also the option to work online, but you will need to wait four to six weeks to receive your payment. 

focus groups for money

Probe Market Research


Probe Market Research also regularly conducts research panels for medical professionals, executives, and consumers. You can participate over the phone or online to help researchers gather the data they need.

The company works with major brands and manufacturers, conducting mystery shopping projects, online surveys, product trials, and other paid research studies. 

Focus groups conducted by Probe Market Research typically pay between $50 to $400, and take just a couple of hours.

Survey Feeds


SurveyFeeds isn’t a market research platform itself but provides access to the best paid online focus groups and survey opportunities. The projects are mostly online, but there are some that are conducted physically throughout the US. 

This company frequently updates its website and social media feeds as well. Thus, you can browse its Facebook page or visit its website to for an idea of the types of paid research studies available. 

The payout for each study can vary, although most studies typically pay between $75 to $300. 

Resolution Research


Resolution Research offers paid research studies in various subjects. After you create your account, you can immediately start participating in opportunities.

Earning OpportunityEarning Potential
Paid SurveysAround $5 for a 15 minute survey
SweepstakesUp to $100 with daily, weekly, and monthly sweepstakes
Referrals$0.50 per referral, up to a maximum of 10 referrals

Once you have earned at least $10, you can withdraw your earnings via Payoneer or exchange them for gift cards. 

Recruit & Field


Recruit & Field is one of the longest-running platforms on this list and has been conducting paid research studies for over 40 years.

As a participant, you can participate in various types of studies to earn money, such as:

In general, you can expect to earn between $100 to $275 per research study. The company typically pays participants via PayPal, but some studies may offer the option for payment via gift cards. 

Research studies on the platform are open to participants of any age or gender. However, medical professionals such as nurses, doctors, and lab technicians get priority for participation slots.

Plaza Research


Plaza Research has facilities in 14 cities throughout the USA. It also offers online and phone-based paid research studies. This company caters to all demographics ranging from parents and teens to business professionals and physicians. 

There is the opportunity to earn up to $200 for discussing various topics in a two-hour focus group session. 

Carnegie Mellon University Research


If you’re an English speaker over 18 years old and have never joined any studies at this research center, you can join paid research studies at Carnegie Mellon University Research

The topics of the studies vary, and can include topics such as:

  • Decision making
  • Personal beliefs
  • Interpersonal perceptions
  • Attitudes

Online studies typically take 5 to 20 minutes and you’ll earn approximately $8 per hour.

However, the institution does not compensate study participants in cash. Instead, participants will get gift cards as a token of appreciation for their time.

What Is a Paid Research Study?


Companies pay research studies to get honest feedback about their products and services from consumers. Online surveys are one of the most common ways that companies conduct such studies.

In general, paid research studies take the following format:

  1. A business hires a market research company to get feedback on their product
  2. The researcher creates a survey or focus group
  3. Participants answer questions in the survey or focus group anonymously
  4. The researcher collates the data and presents it to the business
  5. The business uses the feedback collected to improve their product

What Are the Requirements for Research Studies?


Most studies are designed to gather feedback from a target demographic.

Depending on the goal of the survey, you may need to:

  • Be of a certain gender
  • Be of a certain race
  • Fit into an age range
  • Have a specific occupation
  • Meet some other criteria

Due to the targeted nature of paid research studies, you will usually be asked to answer some screening questions before each survey. These screening questions identify whether you fit the target demographic of the survey. If you don’t you may be disqualified.

Most platforms offering paid research studies do not provide any compensation if you screen out of a survey. However, there are some platforms that will pay you a small amount even if you do not qualify for a survey, such as Ipsos i-Say.

Do You Get Paid for Research Studies?


Depending on the platform that you join, you could earn up to $100 or more per hour by participating in paid research studies.

For instance, Respondent pays its market research participants one of the highest rates on the market. Research study participants on the platform can earn an average of $140 per hour. Participants from certain in-demand demographics can even earn up to $700 per hour.

Are Focus Groups Safe?


Focus groups are generally safe. However, you need to ensure that you choose a legit platform. As with most industries, some scam companies promise unrealistic pay and usually require you to sign up for something. 

If you choose a legit company, you can rest assured that participating in a focus group is safe and a fun way to earn cash in your spare time. 

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Kate Starr

Dollarbreak

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