The Best Free Side Hustle Apps
Whether you are an employee, a college student, or a stay at home parent, side hustle jobs that pay well can make a big difference in your life. If you are considering using your spare time to earn extra cash and supplement your monthly income, here are the best side hustle apps that can do the job for you.
According to Statista reports, these digital tools were the second most popular app category on the Google play store. This shows that more and more people are inclined towards the best free side hustle apps to get some extra income. In this gig economy, lucrative side hustle apps are becoming an increasingly popular method of getting a little extra cash.
What Is a Side Hustle App?
A side hustle app is an application program that allows users to generate some extra money outside of their main source of income. It enables you to find work through an online marketplace or app. You can work during your spare time and get a stream of steady income to support your expenditure. Many apps even allow you to work from home.
Why Do People Use Side Hustle Apps?
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People use side hustle apps to diversify their income without leaving their day job. They are convenient to use, and many of them are often free. A Statista report shows a significant increase in the number of independent workers in the USA. The best side hustle apps can help you earn quick cash and explore a new set of skills.
How the Best Side Hustle Apps Can Help You Earn Money
The use of side hustle apps is growing in popularity, and for good reason. They provide users with various options to work according to their convenience and bring in additional cash. You can work full-time, part-time, or freelance at any time of day. Here are some benefits of using side hustle apps.
Business Establishment
These apps can prove to be an amazing help for entrepreneurs to start their businesses. They ease the hassle by enabling you to work from anywhere and everywhere. You can get amazing ideas for a startup and learn the skills needed to run a business successfully. For example, you can learn time management and task allocation.
Explore Opportunities
The best side hustle apps open doors to new skills and potential growth opportunities for individuals. They allow users to turn hobbies into a source of income. These opportunities lead to personal and professional growth.
College students can use side hustle ideas to explore career opportunities and support their expenses with extra income. There are lucrative side hustle apps for a wide range of gigs from furniture assembly to babysitting.
Easy Debt Payoff
Financing funds to pay off debts while meeting your routine expenditures can become challenging. Saving is difficult until the debt is fully paid off. Luckily, if you have a side hustle app and earn considerable money from your side hustle job, you can use the funds to pay your debts. This will pave the way for saving.
The 10 Best Side Hustle Apps: Overview
| App | Availability | Notable Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| DoorDash | iOS, Android | Real-time tracking, no minimums, no contact delivery | $9.99/month |
| Instacart | iOS, Android | Timely notifications, flexible schedule, tips | $0-$9.99/month |
| Offerup | iOS, Android | Fast listing, secure messaging | $0-$1.99 |
| Rover | iOS, Android | Photo updates, easy communication, GPS tracking | $0-$35 |
| TaskRabbit | iOS, Android | Direct communication, desired rates setting | $25 |
| Upwork | iOS, Android | Advanced search, bidding system, quick communication | $0-$49.99 |
| Airbnb | iOS, Android | In-app chat, real-time alerts, one-click invite | Free |
| Handy | iOS, Android | Appointment management, view profiles, real-time location | Free |
| Swagbucks | iOS, Android | Easy registration, simple tasks, welcome bonus | Free |
| Uber | iOS, Android | Instant pay, smart schedule, flexibility | Free |
The Best Side Hustle Apps to Make Your Life Easier
Fortunately, there is a wide range of popular side hustle apps for different jobs. You can install them easily via the Google or Apple app store and start your journey of earning extra spending money. This extra cash can supplement your actual earnings for a greater monthly income.
DoorDash | $9.99/month
- Best Feature of Paid Version: Five percent back on eligible pickup orders
- Biggest Downside of Paid Version: No hourly pay
If you have a motorcycle or a car that you can use for food delivery, DoorDash can be a viable option for you. It is a food delivery app that enables you to take food orders from restaurants to customers and earn a commission. It normally allows weekly payouts, but you can withdraw money instantly by paying a minimum fee of $0.5.
Instacart | $0-$9.99/month
- Best Feature of Paid Version: Unlimited free deliveries on orders above $35
- Biggest Downside of Paid Version: No surety of getting the desired delivery slots
Grocery shopping is essential for every household. Instacart provides the opportunity to earn money through its food delivery service by purchasing items from grocery stores for someone else. You can register to become a shopper, valid driver, or both, and apply to related gigs on the app. You must have a car to complete the shopping trip and a smart phone to start working after setting a schedule.
Offerup | $0-$1.99
- Best Feature of Paid Version: Increased product visibility
- Biggest Downside of Paid Version: Risk of scamming
Did you know that you can earn money by decluttering? Offerup allows you to list and sell your used goods without any fee. You can list the item on the website with related images and chat with potential buyers to finalize the deal. You can set the rates according to your choice and earn accordingly. All you need to have is a smart phone and the Offerup app.
Rover | $0-$35
- Best Feature of Paid Version: Offers up to $25,000 dollars for pet care coverage
- Biggest Downside of Paid Version: Approval requires a long time
If you love spending time with animals, your perfect side hustle might be as a pet sitter making money on Rover. Rover is a side hustle app where you can offer services to pet owners and charge a service fee. You are free to set an hourly rate, out of which 20 percent goes to the company. You must pass a background check and provide valid references to qualify.
TaskRabbit | $25
- Best Feature of Paid Version: Direct communication with customers
- Biggest Downside of Paid Version: High competition
If you do not have a specific skill, but you want to earn some money, you can give TaskRabbit a try. This platform registers taskers for doing odd jobs. The work usually includes tasks like lifting or moving things, furniture removal, cleaning, and assembling. You can also work as a delivery driver. You can set your own rates after you get registered and pass a background check.
Upwork | $0-$49.99
- Best Feature of Paid Version: A free featured job post per month
- Biggest Downside of Paid Version: Hefty fees
You can download the Upwork app for free either from Google Play or the Apple App Store. It enables you to create a profile stating all your skills and expertise and lets you find clients from all around the world. It is one of the most feasible side hustle ideas for introverts. You can set your service fee of choice, connect with a customer, and make the most of your skills.
The Best Free Side Hustle Apps
Tired of in-app purchases and memberships fees? No worries. We have a list of some of the best free side hustle apps for you to consider. You can choose the one that aligns with your passion and interest. Follow the registration process after downloading the app and start earning extra money.
Airbnb
- Best Feature: Add property details for free
- Biggest Downside: Fake listings
If you have less free time and have a spare room in your house or property, you can earn rental income by listing it on the Airbnb app. The best thing about the app is that it allows you to upload high-quality pictures and videos of your property and communicate with potential customers. You can also add any rules and regulations you want your paying guests to follow.
Handy
- Best Feature: Customized schedule
- Biggest Downside: Takes 20 percent of your earnings
If you are good at fixing things, painting, installing devices, or cleaning, you can turn it into a source of income. The handy app allows cleaners and builders to register and offer their services in the USA, the UK, and Canada. You can find gigs in your area using a cell phone and select according to your convenience. You can withdraw payments on a weekly basis.
Swagbucks
- Best Feature: Easy tasks
- Biggest Downside: Time involved in redeeming points
Swagbucks is an app where you earn cash easily by answering surveys. It offers several other ways to earn cash backs, money, and rewards. Swagbucks includes paid online surveys, watching videos, and playing games. You receive points after completing simple tasks. You can then redeem the points as cash or gift cards.
Uber
- Best Feature: Earn on your terms
- Biggest Downside: Cost of petrol
Uber is an amazing app that enables users to earn money using their vehicles. You can either drive people to their destinations or deliver goods. The app allows drivers to work whenever they have free time in their schedule. The signup is easy, and the surge pricing feature allows drivers to earn more when demand is high. You need to fulfill the driving license requirements.
Which of the Best Side Hustle Apps Should I Choose?
Finding reliable part-time jobs is a tricky process, and a one size fits all approach is risky. You must keep multiple factors in mind to analyze the features of different apps and see what suits you the best. Some of them might allow you frequent payouts, while others offer a better rate. Choose the one that fits your current schedule and skillset.
Instead of relying on one app, you can try out multiple to diversify your choices and find the best fit for you. According to Statista reports, there are around 57.3 million gig workers in the USA, and the number is expected to increase in the future, as will options for different side hustle apps. Take some time to review all your options and get a head start on your side hustle.
Best Side Hustle Apps FAQ
The best free side hustle apps include Airbnb, Handy, and Uber. These apps are completely free to download, register, and use. There are no hidden and in-app purchases. You can register, get approved, and start working for potential earnings.
Some of the best passive income ideas include affiliate marketing, stock investment, renting property, freelancing, dropshipping, and selling digital products. All these ideas can help you enhance your income potential.
Yes, your side hustle can lead you to a full-time job opportunity or a successful startup. Once you gain some experience on your side hustle, you can analyze whether you are ready to embrace it full time or not. Many of the apps on our list allow you to pursue them as full-time jobs. Your side hustle may also inspire an entrepreneurial project.
Side hustles are worth it if you are passionate about working on your income potential and are capable of managing juggling tasks alongside your main job. They lead you to make money, learn and refine skills, build confidence, and improve networking. Thus, side hustles can be very rewarding as long as they are not burning you out.
