Want to earn extra money participating in research studies from home? This guide reveals 13 legitimate ways to make money through online research studies, from medical surveys to consumer research.
13 Legit Ways to Make Money with Online Research Studies in 2026
You'll discover how to maximize your earnings and find the best opportunities in 2026.
What Are Online Research Studies?
Online research studies are professional research projects where participants can earn money by providing feedback and data through their computers or smartphones. These studies help organizations gather valuable information while offering participants compensation ranging from $50 to $500 or more per study.
Medical research surveys help advance healthcare knowledge. These typically pay $50-200 per survey and can be found through platforms like ClinicalTrials.gov. For more lucrative opportunities, check out our guide on highest-paying clinical trials.
Professional platform connecting researchers with subject matter experts. Compensation ranges from $100-300 per hour, with some specialized interviews paying up to $700.
Focuses on product testing and user experience research. Average payment is $50-150 per hour, with some studies offering higher compensation for specialized expertise.
Participate in testing new software and apps. Earn $20-50 per test, with comprehensive studies paying up to $200. Perfect for tech-savvy participants.
5. Survey Panels
Join legitimate survey panels that specialize in research studies. Check out our detailed guide about top-paying survey sites where you can earn $5-125 per survey.
Participate in research missions through your smartphone. Earn $50-150 per mission, with some multi-part studies paying over $300.
Major insurance companies and market research firms regularly conduct paid studies about insurance products and services. Here's where to sign up:
- Watchlab - Specializes in insurance and financial services research ($150-300 per study)
- User Interviews - Filter for "Insurance" category ($75-200 per session)
-
Respondent.io - Search for "Insurance" studies ($100-400 per interview)
Pro tip: Create profiles mentioning any experience with different types of insurance (health, life, auto, home) to qualify for more studies.
Join virtual focus groups discussing products and services. Sessions typically last 1-2 hours and pay $100-300.
Here's our guide on how to join more online focus groups.
Participate in online surveys and discussions about medications. Compensation ranges from $50-400 depending on study length and complexity.
10. Market Research Online Communities
Join long-term research communities that pay for ongoing participation:
- C-Space ($25-150 per month)
- Ipsos i-Say ($10-100 per month)
- Telus Digital ($100-300 per project)
Test new games and provide feedback. Earnings range from $20-100 per test, with some extended studies paying up to $250.
12. Academic & Behavioral Research
Participate in psychology and behavior studies through these platforms:
- Prolific - Academic research platform specializing in behavioral studies ($15-50 per hour)
- CloudResearch - Connect with universities conducting cognitive research ($20-75 per session)
- Pavlovia - Online psychological experiments ($25-100 per study)
- Testable - Cognitive and behavioral testing platform ($15-60 per study)
Additional ways to find behavioral studies:
- Check your local university's psychology department website for their research participant pool
- Visit ClinicalTrials.gov and filter for "behavioral" studies
- Join university-specific platforms like SONA Systems (used by many universities)
- Follow research labs on social media for study announcements
13. Sleep Studies
Participate in online sleep research studies. Learn more about these opportunities in our guide about getting paid for sleep studies, where you can earn up to $500 per night.
Tips for Success
- Create detailed profiles on multiple platforms
- Check email daily for new study invitations
- Complete pre-screening questions honestly
- Use a dedicated email address for research opportunities
- Keep detailed records of your participation and earnings
Safety Guidelines
- Never pay to participate in research studies
- Verify the legitimacy of research organizations
- Read all consent forms carefully
- Protect your personal information
- Keep copies of all participation agreements
Final Words
Online research studies offer a flexible way to earn extra income while contributing to important research. While earnings vary by study type and platform, consistent participation across multiple platforms can generate significant supplemental income. Start with reputable platforms and gradually expand your participation as you gain experience.