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IncomeShip

Paid website and app user testing

Recording yourself using websites and apps for small per-test payouts from platforms like UserTesting, Userbrain and Userlytics, with unpaid sign-up steps and uneven test availability.

Published Facts checked 21 sources
Where to sign upWhat you'd keep
On this page8 sections

Published pay per test is small. Userbrain pays $5 per approved test for tests it says take about 5 to 20 minutes. Trymata's sign-up page claims $10 per test for about 20 minutes, and Userlytics' tester page claims $10 to $50 per study. UserTesting publishes no dollar range and shows the amount before you accept.

The main catch is unpaid time. UserTesting's practice test is unpaid, Userbrain's qualification test is unpaid, and Userlytics can't say how often you'll be invited.

How test pay works

You are paid per test, not per hour. UserTesting says pay varies by test type, length and demand, and its help center says unmoderated tests longer than 15 to 20 minutes are exceptions that need separate ordering. The same page says live sessions with a customer, called Live Conversations, pay extra. Userbrain pays one flat rate. Userlytics pays only for tests the client has reviewed and rated positively.

What testers actually earn

FigureWhat it is
$5Userbrain pay per approved testUserbrain · 2026-04-16
$10-$50Userlytics incentive per studyUserlytics · 2026-09-30
$25-$100Respondent unmoderated site/app testsRespondent
$5-$25Respondent help page, unmoderated tasksRespondent

Respondent's listing page and its help center give different ranges for unmoderated work. Both are the platform's own claims. The example below uses Userbrain's flat rate with assumed minutes, so change the inputs to match your own.

What you'd keep per approved test

Prefilled from the sources below. Change any number to match your situation.

$
%

Use 0 for direct clients.

$

Travel, waiting, messaging.

You keep per approved test
$5
after $0 fee and costs
Per hour of all time spent
$12
including unpaid minutes
Per week
$50
for about 4.2 hours, before taxes

This is an example, not a prediction. Defaults: price from Userbrain's flat rate per approved test.; fee from Userbrain publishes no tester fee. PayPal's own fees are not covered by the source.; unpaid time is Assumption: 20 minutes is the top of Userbrain's stated 5 to 20 minute range. Five minutes covers setup and waiting for tests; the unpaid qualification test is not counted.; costs: Assumes you already own a computer or phone and a microphone.; 10 approved tests a week is a starting point, not a typical workload.

Where the hours go

Unpaid steps come first: the practice or qualification test, and the screeners. Userlytics says screeners can exclude you before a test and that careless answers can mean poor ratings and no re-invites. After a test comes a wait for approval and payout, shown in the platform table. For help counting all of it, see how to calculate your actual hourly earnings.

What it costs to start

ItemCostNeeded?
Computer or phone meeting specsNot publishedRequired
MicrophoneNot publishedUsually
Broadband, webcam and microphoneNot publishedRequired
Verified PayPal accountNot publishedRequired

Most people already own a computer or phone. UserTesting's application checklist lists no fee.

Where to find tests

PlatformWhat it keepsFirst paySign up
UserTestingNot publishedNot publishedApply
UserlyticsNot publishedNot publishedApply
UserbrainNot publishedNot publishedApply
Trymata (TryMyUI)Not publishedNot publishedApply
Respondent5% (or $1 minimum)Not publishedApply

First pay combines each platform's approval time and payout delay. Bank transfers can add a few days, depending on your bank and payout method. Full terms are on each platform's page. Checked Oct 27, 2026; confirm on the official page before you sign up.

Requirements and rules in the U.S.

UserTesting's applicant FAQ lists Windows 10 (64-bit) or later with Chrome, Edge or Firefox, 20 GB free space and 5.0 Mbps upload, or a Mac with Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari. Chromebooks are not supported. Computers need no download, but mobile tests need the app. Userlytics' terms list broadband, a webcam and a microphone.

Testing income is taxable even if you receive no 1099. UserTesting doesn't withhold taxes, so you report earnings yourself. Self-employment tax applies at $400 or more in net earnings, at a 15.3% rate. The IRS's gig work page says expenses can be deducted to lower your tax.

Risks and red flags

Every UserTesting test is recorded, including voice, video, face and screen, and you agree to keep customer tests confidential. UserTesting advises closing sensitive information before sharing your screen and says it doesn't sell personal information. Userlytics says it may reuse recordings in marketing.

Pay can be refused. Userbrain tests stay pending for 7 days and can be rejected before payout. Userlytics can deny payment for incomplete, substandard or expired tests. On UserTesting, missing a Live Conversation can affect future participation. If a customer cancels one, UserTesting says you get no payment with 24 or more hours' notice and partial payment with less.

Who this fits, and who should skip it

Fits you if:

  • You have a computer or phone with a microphone, since most tests ask you to speak aloud, and want no startup spending.
  • You prefer short tasks.
  • You are comfortable being recorded on screen and by voice.

Skip it if:

  • You need predictable weekly income. UserTesting says pay depends on customer demand.
  • You don't want to use PayPal. UserTesting and Userbrain pay only through it. Userlytics pays through PayPal or another method it specifies.
  • You don't want your face or voice recorded.

How to start

  1. Read UserTesting's applicant FAQ for age, device and PayPal requirements.
  2. Set up and verify a PayPal account, which UserTesting requires for payouts.
  3. Apply on UserTesting's Get Paid to Test page. You must finish the unpaid practice test to see tests, and you can reapply once.
  4. Take Userbrain's unpaid qualification test. Paid tests come only if you are approved.
  5. Register with Userlytics and Trymata. Neither page lists a sign-up fee.
  6. Keep a record of each payout for taxes, as the IRS's gig economy tax center explains.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Government

Official platform and company pages