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If you’re searching for a simple way to earn money online, website testing is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly side hustles available.
User testing jobs require no prior experience, offer full flexibility, and pay real cash for completing short tasks in your free time. Among all testing platforms, UserTesting stands out as one of the leading options—paying testers via PayPal and hosting a global community of hundreds of thousands of contributors.
But the big questions remain:
Is UserTesting legit? Can you actually earn real money from it?
This detailed UserTesting review will break down how the platform works, what you can expect as a tester, and whether it’s truly worth your time.
What Is UserTesting?
UserTesting is a usability testing and customer feedback platform founded in 2007. Its purpose is to help companies gather insights about the quality of their websites, apps, and digital products—directly from real users.
For businesses, UserTesting provides valuable feedback from their target audience.
For testers, it provides a flexible, remote way to make money online.
If you’ve ever tried platforms like TestingTime or PlaytestCloud, UserTesting will feel familiar. One major perk is that it pays testers directly in real PayPal cash, not gift cards.
Is UserTesting Legit? Can You Really Make Money?
Yes—UserTesting is a legitimate company. It pays contributors on time and partners with hundreds of reputable brands. I’ve personally earned hundreds of dollars from UserTesting over the years and can confirm it is a real and reliable income source.
There are also countless positive reviews and payment proofs online.
However, things aren’t always perfect. Many testers complain that they fail qualification screeners because they don’t fit the demographic criteria for certain tests. One Trustpilot reviewer said they only completed one test in three weeks.
While this can be frustrating, it’s beneficial for companies—they only want testers who match their target audience.
A handful of contributors claimed their accounts were deactivated after completing tests, but these reports are unverified. Meanwhile, other reviewers on platforms like Sitejabber say they were paid promptly—one user even made $165 in their first three weeks.
The takeaway?
Two users can have completely different experiences depending on their demographic profile and the availability of tests. Luck also plays a major role.
UserTesting has an active presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, which adds to its credibility. And despite occasional issues, it remains one of the highest-paying usability testing platforms available.
How UserTesting Works
After using UserTesting for more than six years, I can confidently say the platform is extremely simple to use. The entire process can be broken down into four steps:
- Sign Up as a Tester
- Apply for Tests
- Complete a Test
- Get Paid
Let’s take a closer look at each stage.
- Signing Up
Creating a UserTesting account is free. Just visit the site and sign up under the “Get Paid to Test” section.
Requirements include:
*Being at least 18 years old
*Having a PayPal account
*Owning a Mac or Windows computer with at least 1GB RAM
*Having an external microphone (not your built-in one)
Some tests require you to show your face, so having a webcam may qualify you for more opportunities, but it’s not mandatory.
After signing up, you’ll be asked to complete a short unpaid practice test. This checks whether your device, microphone, and speaking ability meet the platform’s standards.
If you pass, you’ll fill out your demographic details so UserTesting can match you with suitable test opportunities.
- Applying for Tests
Once approved, you can view available tests and proceed to answer screening questions.
Tests appear under the “Available Tests” tab and usually specify:
*The device required
*How long the test will take
*The payment amount
Screeners usually take one to two minutes. You won’t qualify for all tests, and this part is unpaid.
UserTesting offers a few common test types:
*$10 standard tests (the most frequent)
*$4 quick tests (short, simple tasks)
*$30–$60 live interviews (30–60 minutes via video call)
Even though you won’t qualify for everything, there are many high-paying opportunities.
- Completing a Test
Once you qualify, you’ll receive clear instructions. A test may involve:
*Creating an account on a website
*Using a specific feature of an app
*Completing a task on a webpage
The most important part is speaking your thoughts out loud and explaining your reasoning clearly.
The more feedback you give, the better.
After submitting your recording, the client reviews your response. As long as you follow instructions and speak clearly, approval is usually straightforward. High ratings help you qualify for more tests in the future.
- Getting Paid
UserTesting pays testers via PayPal exactly 7 days after completing a test. There is no minimum payout, so you get paid for every approved test individually.
For example:
A $10 test completed on January 1st will result in a $10 PayPal payment on January 8th.
UserTesting does not offer:
*Bank transfers
*Gift cards
*Cryptocurrency
…but PayPal is quick and convenient.
I’ve always been paid on time. Across the $1,800+ I’ve earned from UserTesting, I’ve never experienced a delay.
How Much Money Can You Make?
Most standard UserTesting tests pay $10 each, and take about 10–20 minutes. Over six years, I’ve completed many tests, earning an average $11.80 per test.
If you keep your dashboard open and consistently attempt screeners, you can expect:
*$150–$200 per month with a few tests every week
*Some months with fewer opportunities
*Occasional high-paying $30–$60 tests
Your demographic profile and device type play a huge role in how many opportunities you receive.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Qualifying
*Use a quiet environment and high-quality audio
*Speak clearly and confidently
*Express your thoughts freely and continuously
*Close unnecessary windows before recording
*Provide detailed comments and honest feedback
*Keep your rating high by following instructions carefully
How Many Tests Can You Do?
Test availability varies widely. Some people see one or two opportunities a day, while others see more or fewer depending on:
*Demographic match
*Tester rating
*Devices available
*Platform demand
In my early days, I typically saw 1–2 tests daily but didn’t qualify for every one.
Is UserTesting a Scam?
No—UserTesting is not a scam. It is a legitimate company with a long history, consistent payments, and strong industry partnerships.
The main complaint is inconsistency, not fraud. UserTesting is meant to be a flexible side hustle—not a full-time income source.
If you maintain realistic expectations, it’s an excellent way to earn extra cash.
Pros and Cons
Pros
✔ Average $10 per test
✔ Cash payments through PayPal
✔ Wide variety of test types
✔ Higher pay than most survey sites
✔ Easy sign-up process
✔ Beginner friendly
✔ Works in many countries
✔ Compatible with major devices
Cons
✘ Not every test will match your demographics
✘ Unpaid screeners
✘ Requires an external microphone
✘ No sign-up or referral bonuses
What Other Users Say
After earning hundreds of dollars myself, I consider UserTesting one of the most reliable side hustles available. But let’s look at real user experiences from Reddit:
*Sauciestcoconut: “Earned $553 in my first 30 days—53 tests completed.”
*FIREful_symmetry: “Made $240 last week, but some weeks it’s only $10–$20.”
*UnFair-Leek-7647: “Since January 2022, completed 62 tests and earned $768.”
As you can see, income varies, but many testers make a few hundred dollars per month.
Best UserTesting Alternatives
If you want to maximize your earnings, try combining UserTesting with similar platforms:
*PlaytestCloud – About $9 per simple app test
*Userlytics – Up to $90 for certain tests
*UserCrowd – Very short tests ($0.20–$1 each)
*TryMata – $10 per 20-minute test
*Appen – Microtasks and occasional usability tests
*UserFeel – $10 per 10–20 minute test
*Remotasks – Microtasks and data labeling
*User Interviews – High-paying market research studies
Combining several platforms helps you build a stronger, more reliable side-income stack.
FAQ
How much money can you make?
Most people earn $10–$200 per month, depending on demographics and consistency.
How long does approval take?
After submitting your practice test, it usually takes a few business days.
When do you get paid?
Payments arrive seven days after completing a test.
Do you need special equipment?
You need a:
*Computer or smartphone
*PayPal account
*Good microphone
Is a microphone required?
Yes. All contributors must have one.
Do you need to download anything?
Yes—mobile users must download the UserTesting app.
Desktop users do not need to install software.
Are payments taxable?
Yes, taxes are your responsibility. UserTesting does not withhold any amount.
Final Thoughts
After completing more than 160 tests over the years, I can confidently say UserTesting is one of my favorite online side hustles. The tests are fun, the pay is solid, and the platform is easy to use.
However, it is not a full-time job, and you won’t qualify for every test. New users should expect slow periods, especially at the beginning. Still, every test—no matter how small—pays real money.
If you already earn a high income from your main job, UserTesting won’t transform your finances. But if you want a flexible side gig where you give your genuine opinion about apps and websites from home, UserTesting is an excellent option.