The Best Apps for Extra Money in 2025: How to Boost Your Income
Do you love the economy in 2025? Most income classes would say no. The golden days of a constant bull market are over. So it is no surprise that many are finding ways to earn extra income.
The truth is has never been more important — and more accessible. Thanks to a new wave of innovative technology, apps for extra money have exploded in popularity, offering flexible, user-friendly opportunities right from your smartphone.
Recent data indicates that 30% of workers engaged in side hustles in 2024, with 87% having done so at some point in their careers. The average annual income from these side hustles is approximately $12,689, with top earners making up to $45,000.
The gig economy is also expanding rapidly. As of 2023, nearly 6% of the North American population, or about 2.4 million people, were engaged in gig work. Some estimates suggest this figure could have risen to as high as 22% in 2024. Notably, gig income now represents an average of 24% of total income for Canadian gig workers.
The median income for full-time workers is $68,400, and with rising housing and overall living expenses, this highlights clearly the need for additional income streams for many Canadians.
Whether you’re saving for a big goal, trying to make ends meet, or just want more financial freedom, the right app can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll cover the best apps for extra money in 2025, explain how to get started, and best practices to make the most of your time and effort.
Why Use Apps to Earn Extra Money?
Before diving into specific apps, let’s understand why this method is so effective:
- Flexibility: Earn anytime, anywhere.
- Low barrier to entry: Most apps require little to no upfront investment.
- Diverse opportunities: From freelancing to selling unused items, there’s something for everyone.
- Fast payouts: Many apps now offer instant or weekly payments.
- Passive income potential: Some apps let you earn without active effort after setup.
With that in mind, let’s explore the best options available right now.
Top Apps for Extra Money in 2025
Here are the most reliable and profitable apps you can use to start earning today:
1. Swagbucks Live and Play
- Type: Survey, trivia, cashback
- Best for: Quick earnings during downtime
- How it works: Answer trivia questions, take surveys, watch videos, and shop online to earn points (SB), redeemable for PayPal cash or gift cards.
- Why it stands out: In 2025, Swagbucks added a real-time trivia game that can win you larger cash prizes.
Pro Tip: Focus on high-value activities like shopping rebates and partner offers instead of low-paying surveys.
2. Fiverr Neo
- Type: Freelancing services
- Best for: Skilled professionals (writing, design, voiceover, etc.)
- How it works: Offer your services globally, with streamlined tools to manage orders and payments.
- Why it stands out: Fiverr Neo’s AI-powered project matching feature gets you gigs faster than ever.
Pro Tip: Create a clean, niche-specific profile and use Fiverr’s SEO suggestions to boost your visibility.
3. Upwork QuickTasks
- Type: Gig economy, freelance work
- Best for: Short-term freelance gigs
- How it works: Accept bite-sized jobs that fit into your schedule (content creation, virtual assistant work, etc.).
- Why it stands out: Focused on 1-hour to 1-day projects, perfect for side hustlers.
Pro Tip: Apply early when new jobs are posted. Competition is lower in the first few hours.
4. Poshmark Express
- Type: Selling clothes, accessories
- Best for: Decluttering and fashion lovers
- How it works: List your clothing items, negotiate with buyers, and ship directly.
- Why it stands out: 2025’s new “express” feature helps sellers find local buyers faster, reducing shipping costs.
Pro Tip: Use bright, clear photos and detailed descriptions to sell faster.
5. Neighbor.com
- Type: Rent out storage space
- Best for: People with extra garage, attic, or parking space
- How it works: List your unused space for rent to others needing cheap storage.
- Why it stands out: Minimal effort, passive monthly income.
Pro Tip: Offer flexible access hours — you’ll appeal to a broader audience and can charge a bit more.
6. Airbnb Experiences Lite
- Type: Host virtual or in-person experiences
- Best for: Locals passionate about food, art, history, or fitness
- How it works: Host small group activities without needing a rental property.
- Why it stands out: New Lite version allows micro-experiences (30-60 minutes), making it easier to fit into your schedule.
Pro Tip: Pick experiences tied to seasonal or trending interests for maximum bookings.
7. Acorns Round-Up Rewards
- Type: Passive investment app
- Best for: Beginners looking for passive extra money
- How it works: Round up your everyday purchases and invest the change.
- Why it stands out: In 2025, Acorns now offers cash bonuses for using their debit card linked to round-ups.
Pro Tip: Turn on all “found money” partnerships for cashback on top of your round-ups.
8. TaskRabbit Connect
- Type: Local tasks and odd jobs
- Best for: People with handyman, cleaning, or delivery skills
- How it works: Get matched to people needing quick help in your area.
- Why it stands out: “Connect” feature matches you to neighbors instantly without waiting for bidding.
Pro Tip: Build up your reviews early — higher ratings lead to priority listing in searches.
Best Practices for Using Apps to Make Extra Money
Simply downloading apps isn’t enough. Here’s how you maximize your earnings:
- Set clear goals: Know whether you want quick cash, passive income, or freelance clients.
- Schedule time: Dedicate specific hours weekly to focus on your side earnings.
- Use multiple apps: Don’t rely on just one source — diversify for more stability.
- Track your income: Use a simple spreadsheet or budgeting app to track what you earn.
- Stay organized: Especially for freelancing or sales apps — professional communication leads to repeat business.
- Update profiles regularly: Refresh your gig descriptions and photos to stay competitive.
- Beware of scams: Stick to well-reviewed, trusted apps. Avoid anything that asks for large upfront fees.
Start Small and Scale Smartly
In 2025, earning extra money with apps is more accessible than ever — but the key is starting smart. Pick one or two apps that fit your skills and lifestyle, commit a few hours a week, and grow from there.
Over time, you’ll develop better strategies, bigger earnings, and perhaps even build a steady secondary income stream.
Remember: Extra money today can lead to financial freedom tomorrow. Your smartphone can be more than a tool for entertainment, it can be your partner in success.
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