Guest Blogger Hannah H.
Making money on the side has never been easier. The gig economy has rapidly become a mainstream career path, with projections showing that over 50% of the total U.S. workforce will be freelancing by 2027. This article explores the top 10 apps that consistently deliver results for side hustlers in 2025. Discover completely passive income streams and active gigs that fit your schedule. Whether you’re looking to earn an extra $100 per month or build a substantial second income, these apps can help you make it happen.
Turn your downtime into dollars with Swagbucks, where you earn points by taking surveys, watching videos, online shopping, and playing games. You can redeem your points for either PayPal cash or gift cards. Swagbucks also offers a shopping rewards program so you can earn cashback offers. The platform's gamified interface and multiple earning streams make it ideal for beginners seeking low-effort income. While some tasks have low earning rates, they accumulate over time (users have collectively earned over $646 million).
Fiverr is a freelance platform offering services like graphic design, writing, and video editing. Simply create "gigs" and set your own rates and schedule. While the platform takes a 20% commission, you gain access to millions of potential clients worldwide. Fiverr is great for gig workers who are just starting out and want to build their portfolio. Advanced freelancers can also offer package deals and premium services on the platform. For higher-value projects and long-term contracts, consider Fiverr's competitor Upwork, which caters to more complex assignments.
Become a "Tasker" and tackle random, local gigs like furniture assembly, home repairs, or moving assistance. TaskRabbit's algorithm matches you with nearby clients based on your skills and availability. You set your hourly rates and service areas, then complete a registration fee and background check to get started. Some tasks may require specific expertise or certifications, making it a bit more competitive. However, TaskRabbit's instant messaging system facilitates clear communication with clients. Once you complete a task, you receive instant payment through the app plus any tips.
Generate truly passive income by sharing your unused internet bandwidth with Honeygain. After a simple signup, the app runs silently in the background on your devices, sharing bandwidth with verified business partners for research, content delivery, ad verification, and more. Earn $0.10 per GB shared, plus bonus credits and rewards for completing daily tasks and referring others. This approach requires zero effort – just install and forget. Your data remains encrypted and secure throughout the process.
Turn your regular shopping into cash with Rakuten's cashback rewards program. Rakuten partners with thousands of retailers including Amazon, Target, and Sephora, offering percentage-based cashback on purchases. The app automatically applies coupon codes and tracks your earnings through a browser extension. Your cashback accumulates throughout the quarter and gets paid out via PayPal or check. Additional earning opportunities include daily cashback boosts, personalized offers, and a referral program.
Qwick is a gig app that provides freelancers with hospitality work. The app connects experienced bartenders, servers, and kitchen staff with restaurants needing temporary workers. Easily book shifts that fit your schedule as long as you have at least one year of relevant experience. Another bonus is the app’s quick payment – receive your earnings as soon as 30 minutes after completing a shift. Qwick’s dual rating system helps top freelancers access premium shifts and their virtual orientation streamlines onboarding.
If you are an animal lover, then Rover is the perfect choice for a side gig. The app connects pet sitters to owners looking for trustworthy care while they are gone. Set your own rates, pet preferences, and the services you’re looking to do, whether it’s dog walking, house sitting, grooming, or boarding. Rover also offers 24/7 support, including vet assistance, for your peace of mind. The platform's booking system handles payments and your detailed profile will match you with compatible pets, helping you turn your love for animals into easy income.
Earn some extra money shopping the aisles of a grocery store with Instacart. In this side hustle app, choose between “in-store shopping” (picking items only) or “full-service shopping” (including delivery). Instacart’s easy interface allows you to view all shopping lists, or “batches,” in your area so you can see which ones you want to select or decline. Your earnings combine base pay, promotional bonuses, and 100% of customer tips. Now available across all 50 states and parts of Canada, Instacart provides consistent work opportunities in your local community.
Poshmark is a social selling platform, perfect if you have too many clothes, shoes, or accessories in your closet and are trying to find a sustainable way to get rid of them. Upload photos of each item onto the platform and set your own prices and descriptions. Poshmark handles shipping logistics and takes a 20% commission on sales over $15. Unique features like "Posh Parties" and social networking elements create an engaging shopping experience that sets it apart from traditional resale apps.
We can’t close off this list without mentioning one of the pioneer apps for side hustling: Uber. This platform offers a flexible money making opportunity, you only need access to a vehicle and a valid driver’s license (held for over one year). Uber even offers options for renting cars or EV purchase options if you don’t have a car. Set your own hours and your earnings will automatically get transferred to your bank account every week. The platform’s smart features help maximize your earnings by alerting you when you’re in a high-demand area and navigating you to Boost zones where you can earn extra on top of your standard fees.
These ten apps prove that earning extra income in 2025 is more accessible than ever. Choose from completely passive income streams like Honeygain or more active gigs like dog walking with Rover and grocery delivery with Instacart. The beauty of each of these platforms lies in their flexibility. You can control when, where, and how much you work. Features like instant payments, intuitive interfaces, and diverse earning opportunities make side hustling both profitable and enjoyable. Download the app that best matches your lifestyle and start turning your spare time into extra income.
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