10 Best Earning Apps for Students to Make Money Online

📚 Introduction

In today’s digital economy, students are no longer limited to traditional part-time jobs like tutoring or working at cafes. Thanks to smartphones and internet access, students now have the power to earn money online right from their dorm rooms. With the rise of student earning apps, financial independence is more achievable than ever — all while building real-world skills and strengthening future resumes.

Whether you’re tech-savvy, love gaming, enjoy writing, or have a knack for social media — there’s an app designed to help you monetize your time and talents. This article explores the 10 best earning apps for students that are safe, flexible, and rewarding.

Why Students Should Use Earning Apps

Using student earning apps while studying has benefits beyond making extra money. These platforms:

  • Provide financial support for tuition, books, or daily needs

  • Teach time management and budgeting skills

  • Build confidence and independence

  • Add real experience to your CV for future job opportunities

  • Help you discover new skills and digital careers early on

What to Look for in a Student Earning App

Before using any app, students should evaluate these key factors:

✅ Criteria 📝 Description
Payment Methods Look for apps with PayPal, bank transfer, UPI, or gift cards
User Reviews Ratings of 4.0+ on Play Store/App Store show trust
Security Check for privacy policies, encryption, and no upfront fees
Skill Fit Choose apps that match your talents or interests
Legitimacy Avoid apps with hidden charges or vague terms

Top 10 Best Earning Apps for Students in 2025

1. 🎮 Mistplay – Play Games, Earn Rewards

Best For: Casual mobile gamers
Platform: Android only

Key Features:

  • Get rewarded for playing games

  • Track playtime and level progress

  • Exchange points for gift cards

How Students Earn:

  • Download games from the Mistplay app

  • Play to earn “Units” based on time and achievement

  • Redeem units for Amazon, Google Play, or other gift cards

Payment Methods: Amazon Gift Cards, Google Play Credit
User Ratings: 4.1★ | Earnings: ₹500–₹2,000/month
Website: mistplay.com

2. 💰 Swagbucks – All-in-One Rewards App

Best For: Students who enjoy multitasking
Platform: Android, iOS, Web

Key Features:

  • Earn SB points for surveys, videos, shopping, games

  • Frequent cashbacks and bonuses

  • Global availability

How Students Earn:

  • Complete surveys, watch ads, or play games

  • Use Swagbucks for online shopping

  • Refer friends for bonuses

Payment Methods: PayPal, Gift Cards
User Ratings: 4.3★ | Earnings: ₹1,500–₹5,000/month
Website: swagbucks.com

3. ✍️ Fiverr – Freelance Gig Marketplace

Fiverr – Freelance Gig MarketplaceBest For: Skilled students (writing, design, video editing)
Platform: Android, iOS, Web

Key Features:

  • Create service listings called “gigs”

  • Work with global clients

  • Total pricing control

How Students Earn:

  • Set up a profile showcasing your skills

  • Offer services like writing, graphic design, or coding

  • Earn by completing client projects

Payment Methods: PayPal, Fiverr Card, Bank Transfer
User Ratings: 4.7★ | Earnings: ₹5,000–₹50,000+/month
Website: fiverr.com

4. 💼 Upwork – Freelancing for Professionals

Best For: Advanced students with in-demand skills
Platform: Android, iOS, Web

Key Features:

  • Long- and short-term freelance jobs

  • Secure contracts and verified clients

  • Advanced profile and ranking system

How Students Earn:

  • Bid on writing, design, marketing, or tech projects

  • Get hired by clients and complete the job

  • Build a reputation and earn long-term contracts

Payment Methods: PayPal, Bank Transfer, Payoneer
User Ratings: 4.6★ | Earnings: ₹5,000–₹1,00,000+/month
Website: upwork.com

5. 🛍️ Meesho – Start a Zero-Investment Reselling Business

Best For: Students who love social media and marketing
Platform: Android, iOS

Key Features:

  • No inventory needed

  • Sell fashion, electronics, kitchen items

  • Handle logistics and payments via Meesho

How Students Earn:

  • Share products from Meesho on WhatsApp/Instagram

  • Add your profit margin

  • Earn money per sale

Payment Methods: Bank Transfer, UPI
User Ratings: 4.5★ | Earnings: ₹5,000–₹50,000+/month
Website: meesho.com

6. 📊 Google Opinion Rewards – Quick Survey App

Best For: Students with limited time
Platform: Android, iOS

Key Features:

  • Surveys under 60 seconds

  • Location-based targeting

  • Instant reward system

How Students Earn:

  • Answer quick multiple-choice surveys

  • Get paid in Google Play credits or PayPal

Payment Methods: Google Play Credit, PayPal
User Ratings: 4.4★ | Earnings: ₹100–₹1,000/month
Website: play.google.com

7. 🖥️ UserTesting – Review Websites and Apps

Best For: Tech-savvy, detail-oriented students
Platform: Android, iOS, Web

Key Features:

  • Paid usability tests for apps and sites

  • Requires clear verbal feedback

  • 15–20 minute tasks

How Students Earn:

  • Test user experiences on websites

  • Record audio feedback while using features

  • Get paid per completed test

Payment Methods: PayPal
User Ratings: 4.6★ | Earnings: ₹3,000–₹15,000/month
Website: usertesting.com

8. 📸 Foap – Sell Your Smartphone Photos

Best For: Creative students into photography
Platform: Android, iOS

Key Features:

  • Upload photos and join photography missions

  • Sell to global brands

  • Keep 50% of profits

How Students Earn:

  • Upload images

  • Sell rights or participate in photo contests

  • Win missions or get downloads

Payment Methods: PayPal
User Ratings: 4.3★ | Earnings: ₹2,000–₹10,000+/month
Website: foap.com

9. 🗳️ Toluna Influencers – Paid Opinion Sharing

Best For: Students interested in market research
Platform: Android, iOS, Web

Key Features:

  • Participate in surveys and polls

  • Wide variety of topics

  • Exchange points for rewards

How Students Earn:

  • Complete surveys

  • Join discussions and polls

  • Test new products occasionally

Payment Methods: PayPal, Vouchers
User Ratings: 4.2★ | Earnings: ₹500–₹3,000/month
Website: toluna.com

10. 🏃 Sweatcoin – Get Paid to Walk

Best For: Health-conscious students
Platform: Android, iOS

Key Features:

  • Earn coins for outdoor steps

  • Redeem for fitness gear, gadgets

  • Supports charity and eco causes

How Students Earn:

  • Walk outdoors with GPS on

  • Collect Sweatcoins

  • Redeem coins in the in-app marketplace

Payment Methods: Product Rewards, Charities
User Ratings: 4.5★ | Earnings: ₹500–₹2,000/month
Website: sweatco.in

🛡️ Safety Tips for Using Earning Apps

  • Never pay to register: Legit apps are always free.

  • Use strong passwords and enable 2FA.

  • Stick to official app stores.

  • Check for clear terms of service and payment policies.

  • Keep academic priorities first — earning is a bonus, not a burden.

Conclusion

Earning while studying no longer requires exhausting part-time jobs. With these student earning apps, you can earn money flexibly — between classes, during commutes, or on weekends — and even learn skills that can shape your future.

From freelancing and surveys to gaming and fitness rewards, these apps provide various ways to support your financial needs while building real-world experience. Start small, pick the app that best suits your time and talent, and grow from there.

Ready to start your online earning journey? Choose one of these apps today and turn your free time into extra income!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Are student earning apps safe to use?

Yes, most student earning apps listed here like Swagbucks, Fiverr, and Meesho are widely used and verified. Always download from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, check reviews, and avoid apps asking for upfront payments.

Q2. How much can students earn through these apps?

Earnings depend on the platform and your time or skill level. Simple apps like Mistplay or Google Opinion Rewards offer ₹100–₹2,000/month, while freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can generate ₹5,000 to ₹1,00,000+ per month if you’re skilled and consistent.

Q3. Do I need to pay anything to start using these apps?

No. All the best student earning apps listed in this blog are free to join and don’t require any investment. If any app asks for registration fees, it’s best to avoid it.

Q4. Can I use multiple student earning apps at the same time?

Absolutely! In fact, many students use 2–3 apps together to maximize their earning potential. For example, you can play games on Mistplay while doing surveys on Swagbucks and take freelance gigs on Fiverr.

Q5. Do these apps require special skills?

Some apps like Fiverr, Upwork, and Foap require creative or technical skills, while others like Sweatcoin, Swagbucks, and Google Opinion Rewards need no prior experience — just your phone and free time.

Q6. Which app is best for beginners with no skills?

If you’re just starting out, Swagbucks, Mistplay, Sweatcoin, and Google Opinion Rewards are the most beginner-friendly. They don’t require any special skills or time commitment and are perfect for passive income.

Q7. Are these apps available for students outside India?

Yes, most apps like Fiverr, Upwork, Foap, and Swagbucks are available globally. However, regional availability may vary for certain apps like Meesho or Google Opinion Rewards, so always check your country compatibility in the app store.

Q8. How are payments made from these apps?

Most student earning apps pay through PayPal, direct bank transfer, UPI, or gift cards like Amazon or Google Play. Be sure to check the payout method before getting started.