passive income apps

20+ Mobile Apps You Can Use to Earn Passive Income

Passive income refers to the earnings that are generated with little to no effort on the part of the individual. It is a form of income that continues to be earned even when the person is not actively working. Mobile apps have become a popular way to generate passive income, as they provide a platform for individuals to earn money through various means such as advertising, affiliate marketing, and selling digital products.

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not personal financial advice and has not taken into account your personal financial position or objectives. Make sure to refer to a licensed financial or tax advisor.

Mobile apps can generate passive income in several ways. One common method is through in-app advertising, where app developers allow advertisements to be displayed within their app and earn revenue based on the number of views or clicks on these ads. Another way is through affiliate marketing, where app developers promote products or services and earn a commission for every sale that is made through their referral link. Additionally, some apps offer digital products such as e-books or courses that users can purchase, with the app developer earning a percentage of each sale.

Benefits of earning passive income through mobile apps

Earning passive income through mobile apps offers several benefits. Firstly, it provides flexibility and convenience. With mobile apps, individuals can earn money from anywhere at any time, as long as they have access to their smartphone or tablet. This means that they can work on their passive income streams while traveling, during their free time, or even while they are asleep.

Another benefit is the low start-up costs associated with earning passive income through mobile apps. Unlike starting a traditional business, which often requires a significant investment of time and money, getting started with mobile apps can be relatively inexpensive. Many apps are free to download and use, and even those that require a small upfront cost typically offer a high return on investment.

Furthermore, earning passive income through mobile apps has the potential for high earnings. While it may take some time and effort to build up a substantial income stream, once it is established, the potential for earning significant amounts of money is there. Some app developers have reported earning thousands or even millions of dollars through their passive income streams.

Lastly, earning passive income through mobile apps allows individuals to earn money while doing other things. This means that they can continue to earn income even when they are not actively working on their app. For example, if an individual has a popular app that generates income through in-app advertising, they can continue to earn money even when they are not actively promoting or updating the app.

Top Mobile Apps for Earning Passive Income

Nielsen Mobile & Computer Panel

The Nielsen app pays you to share data collected from the devices you already use every day. By passively contributing this data, you earn rewards points and cash out with various gift card options or PayPal deposits. Install the app and register your devices to start earning up to $50 per device per year.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks offers many ways to earn cash back and digital gift cards through everyday online activities you likely already do. Watch videos, take surveys, play games, search the web, and shop with their cash back portal. Redeem points called “SB” for popular rewards like Amazon and PayPal cash.

Mobile Performance Meter

Mobile Performance Meter pays you to install their app that quietly monitors your device usage in the background. As one of the more passive earning methods, it tracks data like wifi networks, downloads, and device performance. Based on the totally anonymous usage, you can earn up to $30 per year.

MobileXpression

Like other data sharing platforms, MobileXpression rewards you for passively sharing information from your mobile device. By analyzing your usage data, they provide insights to third parties while paying you gift cards. Install the app and earn up to $50 per year as a productive way to monetize your regular cell phone use.

Fundrise

Investing apps like Fundrise allow you to earn passive income from real estate without being a landlord. Fundrise specifically lets you invest as little as $10 into managed real estate projects. Then you earn rental income and appreciation based on the performance of those investments. Historically investors earn 8-12% average annual returns.

Pawns App

Pawns.app is a platform that allows users to earn passive income by completing surveys and sharing their unused internet bandwidth. The app offers payouts via PayPal, BTC, and virtual gift cards, and emphasizes security, safety, and privacy in its operations. The interface of the app is designed to be user-friendly, with features such as multilingual support, easy setup, and the ability to use multiple devices. It also offers an affiliate program to help users maximize their earnings

Survey Junkie

SurveyJunkie lets you easily complete online surveys for cash rewards. Share your opinion on brands, products, services, and media in your spare time. Surveys payout between $2-20 each via Paypal or gift card when you meet the $5 minimum threshold. Expect to earn $100-600 per year completing a few surveys per week.

InboxDollars

A longtime favorite, InboxDollars offers a mix of paid surveys, games, videos, shopping cashback and more to earn extra spending money. Just create a free account and browse their options to start earning. $30 minimum before you can cashout your balance through check or gift card. Members typically earn around $40 per month through InboxDollars’ mix of passive income activities.

Raisin

For hands-off investing, Raisin automatically invests your spare change into diversified ETF portfolios. Connect your bank account and credit cards so that your transactions get rounded up to the nearest Euro. Those small amounts grow over time, earning you passive investment income without any manual effort.

Current Music

Are you constantly streaming music anyway? Current pays you up to $72 per year just to stream music you were going to listen to regardless. Simply create playlists and stream as normal to passively earn points. Redeem for cash, gift cards, and more when you hit the minimum threshold.

Acorns

Acorns makes passive investing in the stock market easy. The app links to your bank account and automatically invests your spare change in a diversified ETF portfolio. With no work on your end, watch your money grow over time through smart micro-investing that adds up.

Pogo

Pogo offers a variety of free online games and lets you earn redeemable points called “tokens” as you play. Games span categories like puzzles, word searches, trivia, card games, casino games and more. The more you play, the more tokens you earn over time. Enjoy fun games and get paid up to $20 per month.

Current

The Current app rewards you just for listening to music! Earning points called “Pays” as you stream music or podcasts through the app. The more you listen, the more bonus offers you unlock. Redeem Pays for cash prizes when you hit minimum thresholds. Users earn around $72 per year on average just jamming out to their favorite tunes.

Neighbor

Got extra storage space? Make passive income renting it out through Neighbor. List out your shed, garage, attic or basement storage space for others to utilize. You set rates and availability while Neighbor handles scheduling and payments. With over 2 million users, it’s easy to find renters looking for extra space.

Mistplay

What could be better than getting paid to play mobile games? Mistplay rewards you to test and play all kinds of new and classic app games. The longer you play, the more points you earn. Cash out points for gift cards to stores like Amazon once you hit the redemption threshold.

Honeygain

Honeygain is a unique money-making app that pays you to share your extra internet bandwidth. Any internet you pay for but don’t fully utilize gets monetized to earn you cash. Just install the app and watch your dashboard as you bring in $5-30 each month depending on your device usage and internet speed.

Dosh

Dosh is a cashback app that automatically earns you money back as a percentage on all your credit/debit purchases. Connect your payment cards and shop as normal with hundreds of partner merchants both online and in-stores. Sit back while your purchases score you easy automated cashback deposited straight to Dosh.

Rakuten

Formerly called Ebates, Rakuten gives you cash back for purchases made from thousands of online stores. Add the Rakuten extension when shopping online so the app can automatically apply all possible coupon codes plus give you cashback on those sales. With average savings of $45 per year, it’s effortless passive income.

Capital One Shopping

Capital One Shopping, formerly Wikibuy, also earns you cashback as a browser add-on. As you shop online, it automatically applies coupon codes, provides price comparisons, and enables cashback earnings on purchases. You’ll save money with minimal effort shopping your favorite online retailers through the Capital One portal.

Drop

Drop is a unique app that gives you gift cards and points back for the places you already shop every day. Connect your credit and debit cards to start earning points at dozens of national retailers like Target, Walmart, Starbucks, Nike, BestBuy, and more. Redeem for gift cards or cash rewards.

Sweatcoin

For the health conscious, Sweatcoin converts your daily steps tracked via phone pedometer into a new cryptocurrency called Sweatcoins. The farther you walk, the more Sweatcoins you earn. Rather than letting your daily movement go to waste, cash out once you’ve earned enough coins for fitness products, gift cards, charitable donations and more.

SavvyConnect

SavvyConnect focuses specifically on survey taking for money and research studies. Compared to competitors, they have some of the highest paying surveys with average earnings of $2-3 per 5-10 minute survey. Qualify for additional product testing opportunities for even bigger cash incentives.

Panel App

Panel App sends you surveys tailored specifically to your demographics and location to ensure all questions relate directly to you. Give your detailed opinions while earning points that add up to redeemable gift cards. Expect $5-10 per month for just 10-15 minutes of daily survey participation from home.

S’mores Lockscreen

S’mores pays you each month just to use their ad-supported lockscreen on your Android device. As you would normally wake or turn on your phone throughout the day, you’ll see relevant advertisements on your lockscreen tailored to you. Earn around $5 per month for this truly passive ad viewing income.

CashMagnet

CashMagnet runs on your phone automatically displaying ads even when you’re not actively using your device. The entirely hands-off app works quietly in the background to show you targeted ads from its advertisers. All you have to do is keep the app installed and watch your earnings add up over time from the ad impressions.

How to get started with passive income mobile apps

Before downloading a passive income mobile app, there are several steps that individuals should take to ensure that they are setting themselves up for success. Firstly, it is important to research and understand the app and its earning potential. This includes reading reviews, checking the app’s ratings, and researching the app’s monetization methods.

Next, individuals should consider their own skills, interests, and resources when choosing a passive income mobile app. It is important to choose an app that aligns with their strengths and passions, as this will increase their chances of success. Additionally, individuals should consider their available time and resources when choosing an app, as some apps may require more time or investment than others.

Once an app has been chosen, it is important to set it up and use it effectively. This includes following any instructions or guidelines provided by the app developer, optimizing the app for maximum earnings, and regularly monitoring and updating the app as needed. It is also important to track earnings and expenses related to the app, as this will help individuals understand their profitability and make informed decisions about their passive income streams.

Passive income mobile apps for freelancers and entrepreneurs

For freelancers and entrepreneurs, passive income mobile apps can be a valuable way to supplement their income. These apps provide an additional revenue stream that can help stabilize their finances and provide a cushion during slow periods or when starting a new business.

One example of a passive income mobile app that is particularly useful for freelancers is Fiverr. Fiverr is an online marketplace that allows individuals to offer their services in various categories such as writing, graphic design, programming, and marketing. With Fiverr, freelancers can create gigs and earn money whenever someone purchases their services.

Another example is Upwork, which is a freelancing platform that connects businesses with freelancers in various fields. With Upwork, freelancers can create a profile and bid on projects that match their skills and expertise. The platform provides tools for communication, project management, and payment processing, making it easy for freelancers to find and complete work.

For entrepreneurs, passive income mobile apps can provide a way to diversify their income and explore new business opportunities. For example, an entrepreneur with a successful e-commerce business can create a mobile app to complement their online store and reach a larger audience. This app can offer exclusive discounts, personalized recommendations, or other perks to customers, while also generating additional revenue through in-app advertising or affiliate marketing.

The Future of Passive Income Mobile Apps

mobile apps for passive income

The mobile app industry is constantly evolving, and the future of passive income mobile apps looks promising. One trend that is likely to continue is the increasing popularity of in-app advertising. As more businesses recognize the value of mobile advertising, the demand for ad space within apps is expected to grow. This means that app developers have the potential to earn even more money through in-app advertising in the future.

Another trend is the rise of subscription-based models for mobile apps. Instead of relying solely on one-time purchases or in-app advertising, many app developers are now offering subscription plans that provide access to exclusive content or features. This allows developers to earn recurring income from their most dedicated users and build a loyal customer base.

Additionally, advancements in technology such as artificial intelligence and machine learning are likely to play a significant role in the future of passive income mobile apps. These technologies can help app developers optimize their monetization strategies, personalize user experiences, and improve overall app performance.

Passive income mobile apps for investing and saving

Passive income mobile apps can also be used for investing and saving money. These apps provide a way for individuals to grow their wealth and generate passive income through various investment strategies.

One example of a passive income mobile app for investing is Acorns. Acorns is an investment app that allows individuals to invest their spare change from everyday purchases. With Acorns, users can link their debit or credit cards to the app, and it will automatically round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and invest the difference.

Another example is Robinhood, which is a commission-free stock trading app. With Robinhood, individuals can buy and sell stocks, options, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies without paying any fees or commissions. This app provides a low-cost way to invest in the stock market and potentially earn passive income through dividends or capital gains.

For saving money, one popular app is Digit. Digit is a savings app that analyzes an individual’s spending habits and automatically saves small amounts of money based on their income and expenses. The app uses algorithms to determine when it is safe to save money and transfers it to a separate savings account. This app provides a simple and effortless way to save money and build an emergency fund or reach financial goals.

Tips for maximizing your earnings with passive income mobile apps

To maximize earnings with passive income mobile apps, it is important to use them effectively and avoid common mistakes. Here are some tips to help individuals make the most of their passive income streams:

1. Choose the right app: Before downloading an app, research and understand its earning potential, as well as its requirements and guidelines. Choose an app that aligns with your skills, interests, and resources to increase your chances of success.

2. Optimize your app: Once you have chosen an app, optimize it for maximum earnings. This includes following any instructions or guidelines provided by the app developer, optimizing your ad placements or promotional efforts, and regularly updating your app as needed.

3. Track your earnings: Keep track of your earnings and expenses related to the app to understand your profitability and make informed decisions about your passive income streams. Use analytics and reporting tools provided by the app to monitor your performance and identify areas for improvement.

4. Diversify your income: Instead of relying solely on one app or income stream, consider diversifying your income by using multiple apps or strategies. This can help mitigate risks and increase your overall earnings.

5. Stay informed: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the mobile app industry to stay ahead of the competition and identify new opportunities for earning passive income.

Is passive income through mobile apps worth it?

In conclusion, passive income through mobile apps can be worth it for individuals who are willing to put in the time and effort to develop and market a successful app. While there is potential for significant earnings, it is important to recognize that the app market is highly competitive and saturated. Therefore, it is crucial to create a unique and valuable app that meets the needs of a specific target audience. Additionally, ongoing maintenance and updates are necessary to keep the app relevant and profitable. Overall, passive income through mobile apps can be a viable source of income, but it requires dedication, creativity, and continuous effort to achieve success.

FAQs

What is passive income?

Passive income is income that is earned without actively working for it. It is generated through investments, rental properties, or other sources that require minimal effort to maintain.

What are mobile apps for earning passive income?

Mobile apps for earning passive income are applications that allow users to earn money without actively working for it. These apps typically involve completing simple tasks, such as taking surveys, watching videos, or downloading apps.

How do mobile apps for earning passive income work?

Mobile apps for earning passive income work by connecting users with companies that are willing to pay for their time and attention. Users are typically asked to complete simple tasks, such as watching videos or taking surveys, in exchange for a small payment.

Are mobile apps for earning passive income legitimate?

Yes, many mobile apps for earning passive income are legitimate. However, it is important to do your research and only use apps that have good reviews and a proven track record of paying their users.

How much money can you earn with mobile apps for earning passive income?

The amount of money you can earn with mobile apps for earning passive income varies depending on the app and the tasks you complete. Some apps pay only a few cents per task, while others pay several dollars.

What are some popular mobile apps for earning passive income?

Some popular mobile apps for earning passive income include Swagbucks, InboxDollars, Survey Junkie, and Ibotta.

Do you need any special skills to use mobile apps for earning passive income?

No, you do not need any special skills to use mobile apps for earning passive income. Most apps require only basic computer skills and the ability to follow simple instructions.

Can you use mobile apps for earning passive income on any device?

Most mobile apps for earning passive income are designed to work on both iOS and Android devices. However, some apps may only be available on one platform or the other.