Best Paid Survey Sites in the UK: Top Options to Earn Extra Money in 2025
Are you looking to make some extra money from home in your spare time? Paid survey sites in the UK offer a flexible way to earn by simply sharing your opinions. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which survey sites are worth your time and which ones to avoid.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the best paid survey sites in the UK in 2025, including how much you can expect to earn, how surveys work, and which sites offer the best rewards.
Key Takeaways
- Top Paid Survey Sites for UK Users: Find out which paying survey sites offer the most opportunities and best payouts for UK residents.
- Payment Methods and Rewards: Learn about different reward options including PayPal cash, bank transfers, gift cards, and Amazon vouchers.
- Tips to Maximize Your Earnings: Get practical advice on how to earn more from surveys online and avoid common pitfalls that waste your time.
What Are Paid Surveys and How Do They Work?
Paid surveys are questionnaires created by companies and market research firms who want consumer feedback on their products and services. When you sign up for survey sites, you’ll typically provide information about yourself that helps match you with relevant surveys.
Companies value your opinions because they help shape product development, marketing strategies, and business decisions. In return for your time and feedback, you get rewarded with cash, gift vouchers, or points that can be converted into various rewards.
Why Choose Paid Surveys to Make Extra Money
There are several reasons why paid surveys have become a popular way to earn extra cash for many of us in the UK.
First, they fit perfectly into busy schedules. We can complete surveys on the train, while watching TV, or during lunch breaks. There’s no commitment to specific hours, which makes them ideal for students, parents, or anyone with fluctuating free time.
Second, there’s no barrier to entry. You don’t need special qualifications or experience just honest opinions about products and services you use.
Third, all legitimate survey sites are completely free to join. You should never pay to access survey opportunities.
Finally, the variety keeps things interesting. One day you might be giving feedback on a new snack food, and the next you could be sharing your thoughts on financial services or travel experiences.
Best Paid Survey Sites in the UK for 2025
After testing dozens of platforms and monitoring our earnings over several months, we’ve put together this list of the best paid survey sites in the UK. Each has been vetted for reliability, payment speed, and overall user experience.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks stands out as one of the most popular survey websites with over 20 million active members worldwide.
What They Offer
Beyond surveys, they offer multiple ways to earn including watching videos, searching the web, and even playing games. This variety means you’ll rarely run out of earning opportunities.
Payment Details
- Payment methods: PayPal, gift cards (including Amazon, Argos, and many more)
- Minimum payout: £5
- Average pay per survey: 40p-£3
Why We Like Them
Swagbucks gives you bonus points for consistent participation through their daily to-do list. Their mobile app makes it easy to earn on the go, and they frequently run promotions with increased point values.
The site is particularly good for those who want more than just surveys, as there are always other activities available when you’re screened out of survey opportunities.
Tips for Success
Look out for their “Swago” promotion boards that offer bonus points for completing specific combinations of tasks. Also, their search engine occasionally rewards random searches with SB points, so consider making it your default browser search.
2. Prolific Academic
Prolific Academic is widely regarded as one of the best survey sites for academic research and has gained popularity for its fair pay rates.
What They Offer
Prolific connects researchers from universities and companies with participants. Their studies often feel more meaningful than typical market research surveys, covering topics from psychology to consumer behaviour.
Payment Details
- Payment methods: PayPal
- Minimum payout: £6
- Average pay per survey: £1-£10
Why We Like Them
Prolific stands out because they pre-screen participants, which means if you’re invited to a study, you’re already qualified. This eliminates the frustrating experience of being kicked out partway through a survey.
They also commit to fair pay, aiming for a minimum of £6 per hour for participant time, which is substantially better than most survey sites.
Tips for Success
Keep your profile questions updated to receive more study invitations. Using the Prolific Assistant browser extension can alert you when new studies become available, which is helpful since the best-paying ones fill up quickly.
3. LifePoints
LifePoints is the result of a merger between two established survey sites: MySurvey and GlobalTestMarket.
What They Offer
LifePoints focuses primarily on consumer opinion surveys across various product categories. They occasionally offer product testing opportunities as well.
Payment Details
- Payment methods: PayPal, gift vouchers
- Minimum payout: 550 points (approximately £5)
- Average pay per survey: 100-250 points (roughly £1-£2.50)
Why We Like Them
LifePoints sends regular survey invites that match your profile, making it easier to find opportunities that you’ll qualify for. Their points system is straightforward, and they’re reliable with payments.
We’ve found their surveys to be relatively quick compared to other platforms, often taking 10-15 minutes to complete.
Tips for Success
Be sure to complete the “Lifestyle Surveys” when they appear, as these update your profile and help match you with more relevant surveys. Also, check your email regularly as many survey invitations come through there rather than appearing in your dashboard.
4. Opinion Outpost
Opinion Outpost has gained popularity for its quick payouts and user-friendly platform.
What They Offer
Opinion Outpost focuses on survey opportunities across a range of topics, from consumer products to entertainment and healthcare.
Payment Details
- Payment methods: PayPal, Amazon vouchers, and other gift cards
- Minimum payout: £5 for Amazon vouchers, £10 for PayPal
- Average pay per survey: 50p-£4
Why We Like Them
Opinion Outpost has one of the lower payout thresholds among survey sites, allowing you to access your earnings relatively quickly. They also enter users into quarterly prize draws for cash prizes.
Their surveys tend to be engaging and varied, keeping the experience fresh.
Tips for Success
Watch for email invitations to special surveys that typically pay more than the ones listed in your dashboard. Also, if you’re close to a payout threshold, check for quick polls or short surveys to push you over the edge.
5. Qmee
Qmee offers instant cashouts with no minimum threshold, which sets it apart from most other paid survey sites in the UK.
What They Offer
Beyond surveys, Qmee originally became known for rewarding users for their online shopping and search activities. They’ve expanded their survey offerings significantly in recent years.
Payment Details
- Payment methods: PayPal
- Minimum payout: No minimum (can withdraw any amount)
- Average pay per survey: 30p-£2
Why We Like Them
The ability to cash out immediately regardless of how little you’ve earned makes Qmee perfect for those who don’t want to wait to reach minimum thresholds. We’ve successfully withdrawn as little as 10p with no issues.
Their browser extension also helps you earn while shopping online through cashback offers.
Tips for Success
Download the Qmee app to get notifications about new surveys when they’re available. Also, when you’re shopping online, having the Qmee browser extension installed can help you find the best deals and earn cashback.
6. Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research is one of the most exclusive survey panels, known for higher-paying surveys.
What They Offer
Pinecone specializes in product testing and consumer feedback for new products that haven’t hit the market yet.
Payment Details
- Payment methods: PayPal, bank transfer, merchandise
- Minimum payout: £3
- Average pay per survey: £3-£5
Why We Like Them
Pinecone Research is invitation-only in many cases, which means fewer members competing for surveys. Almost every survey pays a flat rate of around £3, and you’ll rarely be screened out once invited to a survey.
The opportunity to test products before they reach the market is also exciting for many of us who enjoy being ahead of trends.
Tips for Success
Since Pinecone is invitation-only, keep an eye out for recruitment drives through partner websites. Once you’re in, respond to surveys quickly as they often have limited spots available.
Learn more about Pinecone Research
7. Toluna
Toluna connects members with surveys from major brands and offers multiple ways to earn.
What They Offer
Toluna provides surveys across various categories and also features a social community aspect where members can create their own polls and interact.
Payment Details
- Payment methods: PayPal, gift vouchers, and merchandise
- Minimum payout: £5 (varies by reward)
- Average pay per survey: 50p-£1.50
Why We Like Them
Toluna has a large community aspect where you can create your own polls and interact with other members. They also occasionally offer product testing opportunities where you can try new products for free and get paid for your feedback.
Their range of redemption options is among the most varied, with everything from electronics to charity donations.
Tips for Success
Participate in the community aspects of the site to earn additional points. Creating content and responding to other users’ polls can add up over time. Also, check their “games” section for quick ways to earn small amounts of points when you have a few spare minutes.
8. Y Live
Y Live (formerly Panel Opinion) specialises in surveys about current affairs and political opinions.
What They Offer
This site focuses on public opinion research, often relating to current events, politics, and social issues.
Payment Details
- Payment methods: Bank transfer
- Minimum payout: £50
- Average pay per survey: £1-£4
Why We Like Them
While the £50 threshold is high, Y Live offers some of the best-paying surveys, with most taking around 10-15 minutes to complete. Their surveys tend to be more engaging as they often focus on current events and important social issues.
The questions feel more meaningful than typical consumer surveys, which makes the experience more interesting.
Tips for Success
Be patient with the high threshold; it’s worth it for the quality of the surveys and the pay rate. Complete profile surveys thoroughly to receive more invitations, especially if you’re interested in current affairs and politics.
9. OnePoll
OnePoll specialises in quick, fun surveys that often appear in the media.
What They Offer
OnePoll creates short, engaging surveys that frequently make their way into news stories and media publications.
Payment Details
- Payment methods: BACS payment to your bank
- Minimum payout: £40
- Average pay per survey: 10p-30p
Why We Like Them
OnePoll surveys are typically very short (often 2-3 minutes), making them perfect for completing during brief free moments in your day. There’s something satisfying about seeing survey results you contributed to appearing in national publications.
Their surveys tend to be lighter and more fun than some of the more serious market research surveys.
Tips for Success
Check in daily as new surveys appear regularly but fill up quickly. While individual survey payments are small, the brevity means you can complete several in the time it takes to do one longer survey elsewhere.
How Much Can You Really Earn from Paid Surveys?
Let’s be honest about what you can expect to earn from paid surveys. While they won’t replace your day job, they can provide a steady stream of extra money for very little effort.
Based on our experience and feedback from other survey takers, here’s what most people can realistically earn:
- Casual participation (1-3 hours weekly): £20-£50 per month
- Moderate effort (5-10 hours weekly): £50-£150 per month
- Dedicated approach (15+ hours weekly): £150-£300+ per month
The people who earn the most from surveys typically spread their efforts across multiple platforms, carefully complete profile surveys to receive more targeted opportunities, and jump on high-paying studies quickly before they fill up.
Focus groups and product testing opportunities generally pay significantly more than standard surveys, so watch for these invitations in your email.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings from Survey Sites
Sign Up for Multiple Survey Sites
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Different survey sites have different clients and opportunities. We’ve found that having accounts with 5-8 sites provides a good balance enough to have plenty of surveys available without becoming overwhelming to manage.
Complete Your Profile Information
Your profile details help match you with relevant surveys. Taking time to fill out all profile questionnaires increases your qualification rate and reduces frustrating disqualifications.
Check for Surveys Regularly
Survey opportunities, especially the better-paying ones, often fill up quickly. Setting aside time each day to check your accounts can help you catch the best opportunities before they’re gone.
Be Honest in Your Responses
Survey sites have sophisticated systems to detect inconsistent or dishonest answers. Maintaining a good reputation ensures you’ll continue to receive invitations to surveys and won’t risk having your account suspended.
Look for Special Opportunities
Keep an eye out for invitations to focus groups, in-depth interviews, or product testing opportunities. These typically pay much better than standard surveys, sometimes offering £30-£100 for a single session.
Common Problems with Survey Sites and How to Avoid Them
Dealing with Disqualifications
There’s nothing more frustrating than spending several minutes on a survey only to get kicked out. Here’s how we minimize this problem:
- Focus on sites like Prolific that pre-screen before sending invitations
- Answer pre-screening questions honestly
- Complete all profile surveys thoroughly
- Don’t rush through qualification questions
Some sites now offer small compensation even when you don’t qualify, which helps ease the frustration.
Managing High Payout Thresholds
Sites with high minimum payouts (like Panel Opinion’s £50 threshold) can be discouraging. We recommend:
- Mixing high-threshold sites with ones that allow quicker access to earnings
- Tracking your progress toward thresholds so you can see advancement
- Setting calendar reminders to check high-threshold sites regularly
Protecting Your Privacy
Being careful about what information you share is important:
- Use a separate email address specifically for survey activities
- Be wary of sites asking for excessive personal information
- Read privacy policies to know how your data will be used
- Never provide sensitive financial details directly (legitimate payments will come through secure platforms like PayPal)
Beyond Basic Surveys: Other Ways to Earn
Most survey sites offer additional earning opportunities that can significantly boost your income:
Focus Groups and In-Depth Interviews
These typically run for 30 to 90 minutes and pay much better than standard surveys, often offering £30 to £150 for a single session. They might be conducted online, over the phone, or occasionally in person.
Watch for email invitations to these exclusive opportunities, which often come after you’ve established a history of completing regular surveys thoughtfully.
Product Testing
Getting paid to try new products at home is one of the more enjoyable aspects of survey work. You’ll provide feedback on your experience, and often get to keep the items.
Pinecone Research and Toluna are particularly good for product testing opportunities in the UK.
Referral Programs
Many survey platforms will pay you when you invite friends who then become active members. Swagbucks, for example, offers 10% of your referrals’ earnings for life.
If you have friends or family who might be interested, this can be a passive way to increase your earnings.
Mini-Tasks and Special Offers
Look for additional earning options on survey sites:
- Watching videos
- Playing games
- Downloading and testing apps
- Cashback on online shopping
- Web searching
These activities often pay less than surveys but can fill in the gaps when no surveys are available.
Is Taking Surveys Worth Your Time?
After years of taking surveys, here’s our honest assessment of whether they’re worth it:
For:
- They’re flexible and fit around busy schedules
- You can do them from anywhere with internet access
- No special skills needed
- Some surveys can actually be interesting
- The extra money adds up over time
Against:
- The hourly rate is typically below minimum wage
- Disqualifications can be frustrating
- Some surveys can be repetitive
- Income is unpredictable
For most of us, paid surveys work best as a way to make productive use of time that would otherwise be wasted, such as while commuting, waiting for appointments, or watching TV.
They’re particularly good for:
- Students looking for flexible earning opportunities
- Parents who need to work around childcare
- Anyone with small pockets of free time throughout the day
- Those who want to earn a bit extra without commitment
Overall
Survey sites in the UK offer a legitimate way to earn extra money by sharing your opinions. While you won’t replace your full-time income, with the right approach you can generate a steady stream of additional cash or vouchers for relatively little effort.
The key is to sign up for multiple best paying survey sites, be consistent in your participation, and focus on the opportunities that offer the best return for your time. By following the tips in this guide and using the recommended sites, you can maximize your earnings while avoiding common pitfalls.
Whether you’re saving for something special, looking to fund small treats, or just want to supplement your monthly budget, paid surveys can be a flexible and accessible way to boost your income from the comfort of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are paid survey sites legitimate?
Yes, the survey sites mentioned in this article are all legitimate businesses that pay their members. However, there are scam sites out there, so it’s important to research before signing up. Legitimate sites never charge fees to join and don’t make unrealistic income promises.
How much money can I make from surveys?
Most people earn between £20-£300 per month depending on how much time they invest and which sites they use. The highest earners typically use multiple platforms and also participate in higher-paying opportunities like focus groups.
What’s the best survey site for UK users?
There’s no single “best” site as each has different strengths. Prolific Academic typically offers the best pay rates, Swagbucks has the most diverse earning options, and Qmee offers instant cashouts. Most successful survey takers use a combination of sites.
Why do I keep getting disqualified from surveys?
Disqualifications occur when your profile doesn’t match what researchers are looking for. This happens because companies need specific demographics for their research. To minimize disqualifications, keep your profile information complete and updated, and look for sites that pre-screen before sending invitations.
How can I avoid survey scams?
Legitimate survey sites never charge fees to join, don’t make outlandish income claims, have clear privacy policies, and never ask for sensitive information like your full bank details or password. Research sites before joining by reading reviews from other users.
Can I take surveys on my mobile phone?
Yes, most major survey sites now have mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. Some sites even offer mobile-only surveys that you can complete on the go.
How often do surveys pay out?
This varies by platform. Some sites like Qmee offer instant PayPal withdrawals, while others process payments within a few days of request. A few platforms have set payment schedules (e.g., monthly). Check each site’s payment terms before signing up.
Are survey rewards taxable in the UK?
Income earned from paid surveys may be taxable, depending on how much you earn. If your total additional income exceeds your trading allowance (currently £1,000), you should declare it to HMRC. Consider consulting with a tax professional if you’re earning substantial amounts from surveys.
