Turn your smartphone into a passive income generator with these top-rated apps that pay you automatically for things you’re already doing.
Last updated December 5, 2024 at 3:35 PM
Read This First!
At Paid Survey Update, when we say “passive income,” we mean getting paid for doing absolutely nothing, or at most nothing beyond what you already do in a normal day. See our Guide to Earning Truly Passive Income to learn more.
Want to earn money from your smartphone without any ongoing effort? While many apps claim to offer “passive income,” most still require you to take surveys, watch videos, or complete tasks. But a select few apps really do pay you automatically for data you’re already generating.
Learn about the most reliable passive income apps that help you earn automatically:
Based on reliability, user satisfaction and payment speed, MobileXpression leads the pack for effortless earnings. Here’s why:
Truly passive: Install once, earn automatically
Fast rewards: Earn your first gift card within a week
Proven track record: Over 10 years paying users
Privacy focused: Only collects anonymous usage data
Low impact: Minimal effect on device performance
Multiple devices: Install on all your eligible devices
Ready to start earning passively? Download MobileXpression or keep reading to explore more options.
Use this comparison to identify apps that will genuinely earn without effort:
| Feature | Truly Passive Apps | Active-Earning Apps |
|---|---|---|
| One-time install, minimal configuration | Complex setup, frequent updates needed | |
| Automatic background operation | Requires completing tasks | |
| Pays for normal phone use | Requires changing behavior | |
| Minimal battery and data use | Heavy resource consumption | |
| Steady, predictable earnings | Variable based on activity |
Here are the highest-rated apps that truly earn automatically:
An instant $5 gift code just to join
MobileXpression pays you automatically for sharing anonymous data about how you use your mobile device. Users typically earn a $5 gift card their first week, then regular rewards for keeping the app installed.
The Easiest $60 in Passive Income You’ll Ever Earn
Nielsen Mobile rewards you for sharing basic internet usage insights. The app runs silently while you use your device normally, offering guaranteed rewards for long-term users plus regular sweepstakes entries.
Passive income just for downloading the app
Media Rewards generates passive income from your TV viewing habits. The app works quietly in the background, converting your regular watching time into points for gift cards, with bonus earnings for multiple devices.
Legitimate passive income apps focus on aggregate usage patterns, not personal data:
Do collect: App usage time, websites visited, general location data, device specifications
Don’t collect: Passwords, messages, emails, photos, financial information, precise location
The best apps are operated by established companies that work with major brands and have years of experience handling consumer data responsibly. They use strong encryption, undergo regular security audits, and clearly explain their data collection practices.
Always review an app’s privacy policy before installing and stick to trusted platforms like those reviewed on our site.
Passive income apps offer a legitimate way to earn automatic rewards from your devices. While individual earnings are modest, running multiple reputable apps can provide steady income for sharing data you’re generating anyway.
Start with established apps like MobileXpression that have proven track records of paying users. Remember – if an app requires regular interaction or changes to your normal routine, it’s not truly passive.
For more ways to earn effortlessly with your devices, check out our guide to getting paid to share your data.
Robert Fleming is a 20-year veteran of the market research industry and now serves as co-CEO of Paid Survey Update which he co-founded in 2015. He resides in Myrtle Beach.