Tag: side hustle

If you’re looking for the best paid survey sites in the UK, you’re probably wondering two things: which ones are actually legit, and which ones are worth your time.

There are dozens of survey websites out there, but only a handful consistently pay well, send regular surveys, and don’t waste your time with endless screen-outs. This post breaks down the best paid survey sites in the UK, what they’re good for, and who they’re best suited to.

If you’re completely new to surveys, you might also want to read my full guide to paid surveys in the UK, where I explain how they work and what you can realistically earn.

What Makes a Good Paid Survey Site?

Not all survey sites are created equal. The best paid survey sites in the UK usually have a few things in common:

• Free to join
• Clear payment methods (PayPal, bank transfer or vouchers)
• Regular survey invites
• Low payout thresholds
• Reliable customer support

A good survey site won’t make you rich, but it will make your time feel worthwhile.

What Makes a Good Paid Survey Site?

Not all survey sites are created equal. The best paid survey sites in the UK usually have a few things in common:

• Free to join
• Clear payment methods (PayPal, bank transfer or vouchers)
• Regular survey invites
• Low payout thresholds
• Reliable customer support

A good survey site won’t make you rich, but it will make your time feel worthwhile.

YouGov

YouGov is one of the most well-known survey sites in the UK and is frequently used for political, social and consumer research.

Surveys don’t come in as often as some other sites, but they’re reliable and trusted. There is also a way to connect your data to them for additional points (if you don’t mind sharing your data).

Why it’s good:

• Established and reputable
• Interesting topics
• Consistent payouts

Best for:
Anyone happy to answer surveys less often but from a trusted brand.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is more than just a survey site, which makes it popular for people who like variety.

In addition to surveys, you can earn through watching videos, playing games, cashback shopping, and small online tasks.

Why it’s good:

• Multiple ways to earn
• Low payout threshold
• PayPal and voucher options

Best for:
Beginners who want flexibility and choice.

LifePoints

LifePoints offers a steady stream of surveys covering shopping habits, brands, and lifestyle topics.

Payouts are clear, and cashing out is usually straightforward.

Why it’s good:

• Clear rewards system
• PayPal cashouts
• Decent survey frequency

Best for:
Those who want simple, no-frills survey earning and don’t mind regular screen outs.

Pinecone Research

Pinecone is a long-standing survey site with a large UK user base. Surveys are however rather infrequent. Although screening out can happen more than on academic platforms they aren’t the worst for it and they pay £3 per survey.

Why it’s good:

• £3 per survey often taking 10 minutes of your time
• Quick usually next day payment which can be withdrawn straight away.
• Very easy surveys and sometimes free trial products

Best for:
People who don’t mind surveys few and far between.

Prolific

Prolific is often considered one of the best paid survey sites in the UK, especially if you value fairness and transparency.

Unlike many survey platforms, Prolific focuses on academic research rather than market research. This means surveys are usually shorter, more interesting, and pay better for the time involved.

Why it’s good:

• Very low screen-out rates
• Fair hourly pay (they even tell you rate per hour)
• Clear time estimates

Best for:
People who want higher-quality surveys without frustration.

Tips for Using Paid Survey Sites Successfully

Signing up to just one survey site usually leads to disappointment. The key is spreading your time across a few reliable platforms.

To get the most out of paid survey sites:

• Join 3–5 reputable UK sites
• Complete your profile fully
• Check emails regularly
• Cash out as soon as you reach the minimum

This approach increases your chances of qualifying and keeps earnings steady.

Are Paid Survey Sites Worth It?

Paid survey sites won’t replace a full-time income, but they can provide a useful top-up. Many people use survey earnings for groceries, petrol, or small monthly bills.

If you want a full breakdown of earnings expectations, you can read my post on how much you can realistically make from paid surveys in the UK.

Final Thoughts

The best paid survey sites in the UK are the ones that respect your time, pay fairly, and are honest about what they offer. Used alongside budgeting and other small income ideas, surveys can be a helpful part of managing money more comfortably.

You might also enjoy: Are paid surveys worth it in the UK?

Paid surveys are often seen as “easy money” or a scam, however the truth sits somewhere in the middle. You won’t get rich, but if you’re realistic and strategic, paid surveys can be a genuinely useful way to earn extra money from home especially in the UK.

I’ve personally used surveys alongside budgeting, cashback and selling online to help stretch our income during tighter months. This guide breaks down exactly how paid surveys work, how much you can realistically earn, and how to avoid wasting time on low-paying platforms.

What Are Paid Surveys?

Paid surveys are questionnaires run by market research companies who want opinions from real people. Brands pay these companies, and you’re paid for sharing your views.

Surveys usually involve:

• Shopping habits
• Household spending
• Technology and apps
• Parenting, lifestyle or finance
• Politics
• The tv shows you watch… the list is endless!

Most surveys take between 5–30 minutes and pay anywhere from 50p to £5+, depending on length and topic.

Are Paid Surveys Legit in the UK?

Yes! but not all survey sites are equal.

Legitimate UK survey sites:

• Do not charge to join
• Clearly explain how you’re paid and you can usually see the options before registering.
• Allow cash out via PayPal, bank transfer or vouchers

⚠️ Avoid any site that:

• Promises guaranteed income
• Requires upfront fees
• Pushes “investment” style offers

I have added a link to my tried and tested surgery sites below!

Why Companies Pay for Surveys

Brands don’t run surveys for fun, they pay because opinions directly influence how products are priced, marketed and designed.

Market research companies collect data on:

• How households spend money
• Which brands people trust
• What features people actually use
• How advertising influences decisions

Instead of guessing, companies pay real people for feedback. You’re essentially being paid to help shape future products, ads and services.

This is why surveys are most common around:

• Shopping habits
• Parenting and family life
• Technology and apps
• Finance and household bills

Understanding why surveys exist helps set realistic expectations. You’re being paid for insight and your opinions, the companies then gather this information then use to it for advertising or to understand their consumers.

How Much Can You Realistically Make From Surveys?

This is where honesty matters.

Most people earn:

• £20–£50 per month casually
• £50–£150 per month if consistent and signed up to multiple sites

Surveys work best as:
✔ Top-up income
✔ Money for groceries, kids’ bits, or sinking funds
✔ A starting point for earning from home

👉 Internal link later:
How Much Can You Really Make From Paid Surveys in the UK?

Best Paid Survey Sites in the UK

Not all sites are worth your time. The best ones:

• Send regular surveys
• Don’t over-screen you out
• Pay reliably

Read: Best Paid Survey Sites in the UK (Tested & Legit)

Tips to Maximise Survey Earnings

If you’re going to do surveys, do them smartly.

• Sign up to multiple platforms
• Complete your profile fully
• Check emails daily (surveys expire fast)
• Be consistent with answers
• Don’t rush — quality gets you more invites

This alone can double what you earn.

Are Paid Surveys Worth It?

Paid surveys won’t change your life — but they can change your month.

They’re ideal if you:

• Are on a low income
• Need flexible income around kids
• Want something simple from home
• Are already budgeting carefully
• Are at the end of the month with nothing left and need a little extra to get you through.

Surveys work best alongside budgeting, cashback and other small wins, not alone.

Who Paid Surveys Work Best For

Paid surveys aren’t for everyone — but they work particularly well if you:

• Are on a low or fixed income
• Need something flexible around childcare
• Want extra money without upfront costs
• Prefer low-effort, low-risk options
• Are already managing a household budget

They’re especially useful during:

• Maternity leave
• Periods of unemployment
• Tight months where every extra £20 helps

Who Paid Surveys Might Not Suit

Surveys may feel frustrating if you:

• Expect fast or guaranteed income
• Hate being screened out
• Need consistent weekly pay
• Don’t want to check emails regularly

This doesn’t mean surveys are “bad” — just that they’re best treated as a side income tool, not a main strategy.

Why You Get Screened Out of Surveys

Being screened out is one of the biggest frustrations with paid surveys its annoying but it’s also completely normal.

Companies are often looking for:

• A specific age group
• Certain household income brackets
• Parents vs non-parents
• People who shop at particular retailers

If you don’t match, you’ll be screened out. This protects data quality and ensures brands get accurate results.

The only exception I have come across for this rule is with prolific Academic who tend to pre screen before showing you surveys available to you.

💡 Tip:
Being honest on profiles actually leads to more successful survey matches long term.

How Much Time Do Surveys Take vs Pay?

Understanding time value makes surveys far more worthwhile.

Typical examples:

• 5 minutes → 50p–£1
• 10–15 minutes → £1–£3
• 20–30 minutes → £3–£6

This puts surveys roughly on par with:

• Cashback tasks
• Receipt scanning apps
• Short freelance microtasks

They’re ideal for:

• Evenings
• Nap times
• Waiting around
• Watching TV

Paid Surveys vs Other Ways to Make Money From Home

Surveys are often the starting point, not the end goal.

Method	Skill Needed	Risk	Income Potential
Paid surveys	None	Very low	Low–moderate
Cashback apps	None	Very low	Low
Selling on Vinted	Low	Low	Moderate
Freelance work	Medium	Low	Higher
Blogging	Medium	Long-term	High

Surveys fit best at the very start of a money-from-home journey.

Common Paid Survey Myths

“Surveys are a scam”
Legitimate survey sites are regulated and pay reliably, scams usually come from fake ads or sign-up fees.

“You can make hundreds quickly”
Surveys are steady, not fast. Anyone promising big money is exaggerating.

“They’re a waste of time”
Used casually, surveys can cover groceries, petrol or small bills, which matters on a tight budget.

Other Ways to Make Money From Home (UK)

Surveys are often the first step.

You might also like read:

• Cashback apps
• Selling on Vinted
• Receipt scanning apps
• Mystery shopping

Conclusion

Paid surveys in the UK aren’t a scam — but they’re not magic money either. When used realistically and alongside a solid budget, they can help smooth out tighter months and build confidence with earning from home.

If you’re starting from zero, surveys are one of the easiest, lowest-risk ways to begin.