A few years ago, I received an invitation to participate in a research study hosted by a local skincare brand. They were preparing to launch a new product line and sought feedback from women aged 20 to 25 with dry skin. As a recent college graduate in need of some extra money, I happily accepted the offer. The session involved answering various questions about my existing skincare routine, the products I used, and my thoughts on them. The whole process took about an hour, and I walked away with a $75 Visa gift card and a few product samples. Not a bad way to spend an hour.

If earning money by sharing your opinions sounds appealing, you’re in luck; many companies host paid research studies. While my experience was in-person, there are numerous opportunities to participate in online research studies from the comfort of your home.

Websites That Offer Paid Research Studies

Several websites host online focus groups where you can get paid for your time and feedback. Each site has unique requirements and payment structures, so it’s worth exploring all the options.

1.Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie, a survey site operational since 2005, pays you to take surveys and share opinions on products and services from major brands. After creating a profile by answering several questions about yourself, you’ll be matched with relevant surveys. Completing a survey will earn you virtual points, redeemable for PayPal cash or online gift cards. Most surveys take between 5 to 20 minutes, offering around $1 to $3 per survey without requiring any additional sign-ups or product purchases.

2.American Consumer Opinion

American Consumer Opinion is a survey panel partnering with large companies seeking customer opinions. To join, provide basic information such as your age and location, followed by a general household survey detailing your lifestyle. Survey invitations are emailed several times a year. Short surveys typically yield 5 to 50 points, while longer ones can offer up to 5,000 points, with one point equaling $0.01. Points can be exchanged for PayPal cash or donated to charity.

3.Respondent

Respondent stands out by offering one-on-one paid research studies both online and in person. You sign up via email, Facebook, or LinkedIn and provide basic personal and demographic details. Afterward, browse through available projects, noting details like pay and completion time. Apply to interesting projects through a short questionnaire. If chosen, expect compensation ranging from $50 to $85 for around an hour of your time, usually focusing on small business or technology topics, paid via PayPal.

4.FocusGroup.com

FocusGroup.com has been offering surveys and in-person or online focus groups since 1988. By creating a profile, you’ll receive survey and focus group invitations through email. Topics generally include health, wellness, pet products, finances, and shopping habits. Participating in focus groups can earn you between $75 and $150, while surveys earn points redeemable for a prepaid Visa debit card. One hundred points equal $1.

5.Plaza Research

Plaza Research pays participants, including parents, kids, teens, students, doctors, and business professionals, to share their opinions on new products and services. It hosts surveys and in-person focus groups across the country. You might try new products, watch TV commercials, or discuss future products. Online form completion is required for participation, with compensation varying by length and scope of the study. Typical earnings range from $50 to $200 for a couple of hours, paid via check.

6.Mindswarms

Mindswarms pays you to answer questions via smartphone or webcam, accessible through their website or mobile app. After applying to a survey and confirming your fit, you’ll answer seven questions and earn around $50, paid to your PayPal account within 24 hours or redeemable for an Amazon gift card.

7.Fieldwork
Fieldwork, facilitating market research studies since 1980, hosts in-person focus groups in 11 U.S. cities and online or phone interviews. Register online and wait for Fieldwork to contact you about available opportunities. In-person focus groups usually last 1 to 2 hours, covering topics such as cereal and video games, with compensation typically a $75 Visa gift card.

8.User Interviews
User Interviews organizes focus groups on products, services, and websites. You can join by creating a profile with details like your birthday, gender, household income, marital status, and education level. When a project interests you, complete a screener survey to check eligibility. If approved, participation can earn an average of $50 per hour, paid via check.

9.Brand Institute
Brand Institute, a branding agency for healthcare and pharmaceutical companies, offers paid research studies for its panel members. Register online and receive email notifications for suitable studies. Payment varies per survey, with higher-paying surveys more likely for those with medical backgrounds. Earnings range between $2 and $30, paid via check or PayPal, with healthcare professionals often receiving around four surveys a month.

10.Engage

Engage recruits participants for various market research and usability studies. They offer in-person focus groups and online discussions. You can join the healthcare panel if you’re a medical professional or the consumer panel if you are a general consumer.