We surf the world wide web almost every day either for finding some info or sometimes even to kill time. But have you ever wondered that you can monetize this activity? Yes, it’s true, you can earn some extra cash just by spending some hours browsing.
While you’re not likely to become super-rich just by Googling, you can still receive extra money from a job that, in most cases, doesn’t require highly specialized skills. Let’s have a look at some ways you can get paid to search the web.
How Does Getting Paid to Search the Web Work?
While your daily browsing might seem insignificant at first glance, companies derive significant value from users’ searches and browsing habits in many ways. One key benefit is the ability to deliver personalized advertising. By analysing search and browsing data, companies can target users with ads tailored to their preferences and behaviour, improving click-through and conversion rates.
From a strategic standpoint, search and browsing data provide valuable market insights. Businesses analyze user behavior to understand trends, identify customer needs, and develop new products or services that align with demand.
This data also helps improve service quality by identifying website or app features that need optimization, resulting in a smoother user experience.
Finally, search engines benefit by refining their algorithms to deliver more relevant results, while content creators and businesses optimise their content to align with popular queries.
It boosts visibility, engagement, and traffic, giving companies a competitive edge in their respective industries. Companies often hire a search engine evaluator for such tasks.
How Rewards Are Structured
The incentives you receive from your browsing labour can also vary depending on the platform you use. These are one of the many ways customers can receives extra money from their browsing:
- Cashback, which is the money websites give you back on purchases made through their affiliate links. These websites partner with retailers to drive traffic and sales, earning a commission for every sale made. They share a portion of this commission with the shopper as cashback.
- Customer points that internet users can earn by participating in loyalty programs (e.g. common in airlines and hospitality industries).
- Sweepstakes are promotional contests where participants can win prizes, often without any purchase required. Companies use sweepstakes to engage customers, increase brand awareness, and encourage participation in their marketing campaigns.
Platform-types are also classified in the following three categories according on their ways to get paid:
- Points-based systems like Swagbucks and Microsoft Rewards are programs designed to reward users with points for completing specific activities or tasks (e.g. surveys, using affiliate links, watching videos, etc). These points can later be redeemed for various rewards such as gift cards, merchandise, charitable donations, or even cash.
- Cash-based systems like InboxDollars and Qmee are platforms that directly reward users with cash (as opposed to points) for completing various tasks online. Users are paid in real money, which can typically be withdrawn via PayPal, gift cards, or other payout methods.
- Cryptocurrency reward platforms, like Presearch, are systems that reward users with cryptocurrency or tokens. These platforms combine traditional reward mechanics with blockchain technology to incentivize user participation and promote decentralisation.
The Best Platforms to Get Paid to Search the Web
Such type of labour is still very much unregulated and can become a fertile ground for scammers. Therefore, it is essential to do a decent research on the paid-to-search platform or company that you are going to provide your browsing services for.
Below we give a list of 12 most reliable platforms to earn additional income and get paid to search the web.
Pawns.app
Pawns.app is a convenient and fun way to earn extra cash in a simple and entertaining way. You can customize your earnings by selecting different ways to earn, from passive income through bandwidth sharing to playing games or filling out surveys.
Pawns also has easy-to-use and stylish interface, so you can always make sure that you won’t get lost in all the earning options that you can choose from.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a popular online rewards platform that allows users to earn points, called SB points, for completing various tasks online. These tasks include shopping, taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, searching the web, and more. Users can redeem their earned points for rewards such as gift cards, PayPal, cash, or other prizes.
Swagbucks is ideal for individuals looking to earn small rewards during their free time without committing significant effort or resources. It’s especially popular among students, stay-at-home parents, or anyone who frequently shops online and wants to save money or earn cash.
Pros
- Users get tangible rewards for tasks they already do online.
- A wide variety of tasks.
- The platform is user-friendly, with an app for mobile convenience.
Cons
- Individual tasks often pay only small amounts, requiring consistent effort to accumulate significant rewards.
- Some offers may be restricted based on location or demographics.
- Certain tasks can be time-consuming.
Inbox Dollars
InboxDollars is another online platform, but this one is cash-based allowing users to earn real money by completing various online tasks. Founded in 2000, it has become a well-known site for people looking to make a small side income through simple, everyday online actions.
Pros
- No points or conversions — users get cash rewards.
- Straightforward platform suitable for beginners.
- Users can choose tasks that align with their interests or habits.
Cons
- High payout threshold — reaching $30 can take time, especially for casual users.
- Most tasks pay only a small amount, so consistent effort is needed for significant rewards.
- Some tasks or offers may not be available to users outside specific regions.
- Participation often involves sharing personal data, raising privacy concerns.
Microsoft Rewards
Microsoft Rewards is a free loyalty program offered by Microsoft that allows users to obtain points for engaging with Microsoft products and services. Points can be redeemed for various rewards, including gift cards, subscriptions, sweepstakes entries, charitable donations, and more.
The program is designed to incentivize users to use Microsoft’s ecosystem, particularly its search engine Bing and browser Microsoft Edge.
Pros
- The program requires no upfront investment—users get points simply by engaging with Microsoft services.
- Flexibility to redeem points for different types of rewards, including gaming perks, gift cards, or charitable donations.
- Quizzes, challenges, and streaks make the program fun and engaging.
Cons
- Points accumulate slowly, especially for casual users.
- The program and some rewards are not available in all regions.
- Participation may involve tracking of user behavior, such as search and shopping habits.
Qmee
Qmee is another cash-based rewards platform that allows users to earn money by completing simple tasks online. It rewards users directly with cash (rather than points) for their actions, and payouts can be requested with no minimum threshold, which makes it one of the more flexible and accessible reward systems.
Since it offers a browser extension, it’s particularly useful for those who want to passively earn money while browsing the internet. Its flexibility with cashouts and simplicity make it an attractive option for casual users looking to earn small rewards with minimal effort.
Pros
- No need to convert points into cash—users are paid directly.
- No minimum payout, allowing users to withdraw even small amounts of money whenever they want.
- Users can earn money through a variety of activities, including web searches, surveys, and shopping.
- The browser extension and app make it easy for users to obtain rewards while doing other online activities.
- Qmee does not charge fees for withdrawals, which is often the case with other platforms.
Cons
- Earning opportunities may be low per task.
- Not all surveys may be available to every user, as eligibility depends on demographics and interests.
- Some features or offers may be limited based on location.
Presearch
Presearch is a decentralized search engine that rewards users with cryptocurrency (specifically its native PRE tokens) for conducting searches on the platform. The goal of Presearch is to provide a more privacy-focused alternative to traditional search engines like Google, while also rewarding users for their participation and helping to build a decentralized search ecosystem.
Pros
- Users earn PRE tokens simply by searching the web, which is a unique and passive way to accumulate cryptocurrency.
- Presearch doesn’t track users’ search behavior or store personal data, offering more privacy compared to mainstream search engines like Google.
- The platform is built on blockchain technology, promoting decentralization and reducing reliance on a single corporation for search services.
- The ability to redeem PRE tokens for a variety of rewards.
- As a decentralized platform, Presearch is driven by its community of users who can contribute to its growth and development.
Cons
- The amount of PRE tokens earned per search is relatively small, so users need to search frequently to accumulate significant rewards.
- The value of PRE tokens can fluctuate with the cryptocurrency market, which means earnings may vary in value.
SerpClix
SerpClix is a platform that allows users to earn money by interacting with search engine results. The primary task is to click on specific search results provided by the platform, which helps website owners and marketers improve their search engine rankings.
This form of activity is known as search engine result page (SERP) clicking. Users who sign up for SerpClix are paid for clicking on these search results, which in turn boosts the visibility and ranking of websites in search engines like Google.
Pros
- The platform doesn’t require any specialized skills—users simply need to follow search instructions and click on specific results.
- Unlike some other platforms, SerpClix doesn’t require users to make any upfront investment or purchases to start earning.
- Users can cash out earnings via PayPal, making the payout process straightforward and accessible.
Cons
- The payouts for each click are small, and users need to perform many tasks to accumulate significant earnings.
- The platform is limited to clicking tasks, so it doesn’t offer as much variety as other reward platforms.
- Some campaigns may have strict criteria for valid clicks (e.g., duration of time spent on a page), and invalid clicks may not earn rewards.
- Since tasks are essentially limited to clicking on search results, some users may find the tasks repetitive and monotonous over time.
Zoombucks
Zoombucks is a rewards platform that allows users to earn ZoomPoints by completing surveys, watching videos, playing games, and performing other tasks. Once users accumulate enough points, they can redeem them for a variety of rewards.
With a low payout threshold, users can cash out their earnings more quickly than on some other platforms.
Pros
- Users have several ways to earn ZoomPoints, allowing them to choose activities that fit their preferences and schedules.
- Zoombucks offers a relatively low minimum payout, making it easy for users to redeem their earnings without having to accumulate a large number of points.
- With options like PayPal cash, gift cards, and other prizes, users can redeem their points for what suits them best.
- The ability to earn additional points by referring others makes it possible to boost earnings.
Cons
- Similar to other reward platforms, the amount earned per task is often quite small, so users need to complete many activities to accumulate significant points.
- Some activities, such as surveys, may not always be available.
- Some offers or tasks may not be available to users in certain countries.
- To earn a reasonable amount, users must invest significant time, which may not be worth the effort for everyone.
iRazoo
While iRazoo is not that different from other similar platforms, it is another option worth trying out. It allows users to obtain Razoo Points by completing activities similar as in other platforms such as taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online.
Pros
- Users have a variety of ways to earn points, which helps keep things interesting and offers flexibility in how to participate.
- iRazoo allows users to cash out their points with a relatively low threshold, so users can receive rewards sooner.
- The platform offers a broad selection of rewards, including both digital and cash, appealing to a wide range of users.
- The ability to earn extra points by referring others helps users increase their earnings without having to do extra work.
Cons
- Earning points can be slow, especially for surveys and offers.
- The number of high-paying tasks may be limited, and not all users may qualify for certain surveys or offers.
- Some offers and rewards may only be available to users in specific countries.
- Some users report that accounts can be deactivated for inactivity or violations of terms, so it’s important to stay active and follow platform rules.
Reward XP
Reward XP is ideal for users looking for a more engaging and flexible rewards experience. It’s particularly well-suited for individuals who enjoy playing mobile games, want to access low payout thresholds, and prefer a simpler, more mobile-friendly interface.
Those who want to earn small rewards while completing a variety of online tasks can find Reward XP a useful and rewarding platform.
Pros
- Reward XP offers a variety of ways to earn XP points, making it accessible for different preferences.
- Reward XP has a relatively low payout minimum, meaning users can redeem their points more quickly.
- Users can redeem points for a wide range of rewards.
- The referral program offers users the opportunity to earn more points by inviting others to join the platform.
- The mobile-friendly interface makes it easy for users to earn rewards while on the go.
Cons
- The rewards for each task tend to be small, meaning users must complete many tasks to earn significant amounts of points.
- Some users may find that high-paying tasks or surveys are not always available.
- Some tasks, like surveys, can take a significant amount of time to complete.
- Certain offers or rewards may not be available in all regions.
Gifthulk
GiftHulk is a rewards platform that allows users to earn “Hulk Coins”. It’s especially appealing to individuals who like gamified features like “Guess and Win” and want to earn rewards in their spare time. However, it’s best suited for those who are patient and willing to invest time to accumulate enough Hulk Coins for meaningful rewards.
Pros
- A wide range of tasks.
- Gamified features like “Guess and Win” make earning points more engaging and interactive.
- Users can redeem their earnings in ways that suit them best.
- The platform is straightforward and user-friendly.
Cons
- The tasks often offer low earnings, requiring significant time to accumulate enough Hulk Coins for valuable rewards.
- Certain tasks, surveys, or rewards may only be available in specific countries.
- While the “Guess and Win” feature can be fun, it involves spending Hulk Coins without a guaranteed return.
- The number of Hulk Coins required to redeem rewards can be high, meaning it may take longer to cash out compared to other platforms.
MyPoints
Established in 1996, MyPoints is one of the oldest and most trusted platforms in the rewards space. MyPoints is particularly well-suited for those looking for a long-standing, reputable platform with a wide range of earning and redemption options. However, it works best for users willing to dedicate time to accumulating points for higher-value rewards.
Pros
- With over two decades of experience, MyPoints is a reliable and well-established platform in the rewards space.
- Offers a variety of tasks to keep users engaged and allow them to earn points in different ways.
- The platform offers a diverse range of redemption options.
- MyPoints frequently offers promotions, such as bonus points for specific activities or purchases.
- The MyPoints mobile app makes it easy to earn points on the go.
Cons
- Certain tasks may have low point payouts, requiring significant time to accumulate enough points for higher-value rewards.
- Points can expire if the account remains inactive for a prolonged period, so consistent activity is required.
- Users may not always qualify for surveys, which can be frustrating for those relying on them as a primary earning method.
- Some earning opportunities or rewards may only be available to users in specific countries.
How to Maximize Your Earnings from Web Searches
As you probably noticed, many of these platforms might not have relevant tasks available at the time or won’t allow you to cash out your earnings all the time. Here are some advice to optimise your efficiency when it comes to earring income worm surfing the web:
- Use multiple platforms — this way you can multiply and diversify your earnings and make them more stable.
- Try using Pawns.app as a passive income source — it runs in the background while you search the web and allow you to stack earning by combining active and passive methods.
- Prefer platforms that give you better payouts and, if they work fine for you, make them your default search engines.
- Always keep an eye on bonus offers and extra promotions that platforms offer.
However, we advise not to rely on searching the web as your primary source of income as it is not stable and usually doesn’t offer incentive high enough to fully sustain users financially.
Yet it can be a good way to earn cash in addition to your main salary. Moreover, more sustainable website job options also exist such as website or app tester or search engine evaluator jobs.
