Product testing is a great side hustle for anyone who loves trying out new products. You’ll get paid for sharing your opinion and may even get to keep the stuff you try.
Last updated June 4, 2025 at 3:56 PM
In this ultimate guide to product testing, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started.
Introduction: Getting Paid to Test Products
What brands and types of products will I be testing?
What’s in it for the product testing companies?
What are the key benefits of testing products for money?
What are the best product testing sites to join?
How do I become a product tester?
How much can I earn from testing products?
How can I maximize my income from testing products for money?
What are some common misconceptions about product testing?
What are the challenges and drawbacks of getting paid to test products?
Conclusion: Is product testing right for me?
Imagine getting your hands on the latest tech gadgets, luxurious beauty creams, or innovative household tools before anyone else. Product testing lets you explore a world of new products, from cutting-edge electronics to eco-friendly cleaning supplies, all from the comfort of your home.
Companies need to know what consumers think of their products before they hit the market, and one way they do that is through product testing.
Product testers are people just like you who get to try out new products and provide feedback to the company. Product testers may be asked to fill out surveys, attend focus groups, or even test products in their own homes.
It’s a fun and easy way to earn some extra cash
There are many prominent brands that work with product testing companies like MySoapBox, Surveyeah, and InboxDollars to have their products tested by people like you.
You’ll have the chance to shape products across a wide array of industries including technology & electronics, fashion & beauty, home goods, and more. Some of the top brands that do product testing include:
Keep in mind that most companies have specific requirements for product testers, such as age or location, so you may not always qualify to work with top-shelf brands.
By participating in product testing, you provide valuable feedback that these brands use to refine their products, ensuring they meet consumer needs and preferences before they hit the market.
This collaborative effort not only enhances product quality but also aids in the development of innovations that could lead to the next big thing in their respective industries.
Product testing is not only beneficial for companies, but it’s also beneficial for consumers. Here are some of the benefits you can expect as a paid product tester:
Try New Products First: First and foremost, you get to try out new products before anyone else. This can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re someone who loves trying out new things. You may even get the chance to test products that never make it to the market.
Get Paid For Your Opinion: This might be the most important part… you get paid for your time and feedback, which can be a great way to earn some coin.
Help Guide Product Development: Another benefit of becoming a product tester is that you get to have a say in the development of new products. Your feedback can help companies make their products better, which can ultimately benefit consumers.
Here are just a handful of legitimate sites where you can test products for money. Click through for our detailed reviews.
Scan barcodes on what you already buy for real money
Join the National Consumer Panel and become an integral part of shaping the future of product development. By providing your valuable feedback on various products, you can not only help companies improve, but also earn rewards for your time and input.
Get a $10 signup bonus from the world’s top rewards site.
Swagbucks offers a fun and rewarding way to test products and share your opinions with the world. Participate in surveys and product tests, and earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards or cash, all while making a difference in the world of consumer products.
Grab an Easy $5 Sign-Up Bonus
InboxDollars is a fantastic platform for consumers who want to make a little extra money while sharing their thoughts on various products. By testing and providing honest feedback, you can help companies refine their products while earning cash rewards.
Great way to earn with solid paying surveys daily
American Consumer Opinion is a well-established market research company, offering an opportunity to test a variety of products and services. Your opinions will contribute to the improvement of products and services worldwide, while you earn cash rewards for your valuable time and insights.
Paid studies up to $200
Focus Group provides an engaging and interactive environment for testing products, as you collaborate with other consumers to provide feedback. Share your opinions, learn from others, and contribute to the development of better products and services, while earning rewards for your participation.
And that’s not all. There are plenty more product testing sites for you to evaluate and think about joining.
Not sure which site to use? We’ve got some tips for choose sites you can look over.
If you’re interested in becoming a product tester, there are a few things you need to do.
First, you’ll need to find companies that offer product testing opportunities. One way to find legitimate product testing opportunities is with our comprehensive product testing site reviews. All of these are legitimate websites connect product testers with companies that are looking for feedback on their products.
Once you’ve found some companies, you’ll need to apply to become a product tester. When applying to become a product tester, you’ll typically need to provide some basic information about yourself, such as your name, address, and age.
You may also be asked to fill out a survey or provide some additional information about your interests and hobbies. Be sure to complete it honestly. The company will use this information to match you with products that are relevant to your interests.
Approval is usually fast and easy, and once approved, it’s time to start earning and maximizing your income from product testing. We’ll tackle that next.
The earning potential from product testing varies based on the type of products you test, the companies you work with, and the frequency and complexity of the tests.
Typically, you can expect to earn anywhere from a few dollars to $50 or more per product test. Some tests may only offer free products, while others might provide a small payment in addition to the free product.
For almost everyone who gets involved with product testing, it’s a way to earn extra income on the side, not a full-time salary. That said, let’s see how you can maximize your product testing income.
If you want to be a successful product tester, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of being selected for testing opportunities.
Diversify your approach: If you’re interested in making product testing a side hustle, be sure to sign up for multiple product testing websites. This will increase your chances of being selected for testing opportunities.
Keep an accurate profile: Make sure your profile is up-to-date and accurate. This will help companies match you with products that are relevant to your interests.
Give great feedback: Companies want to know what you think of their products, both good and bad. Be honest in your feedback, and provide as much detail as possible. This will help companies make their products better and improve your chances of being selected for future opportunities.
Participate in full: If you’re selected for a product testing opportunity, make sure you follow through with your commitments. This will help you build a reputation as a reliable product tester, which can lead to more opportunities in the future.
Stay active: Regularly check for new testing opportunities and respond quickly to invitations as some tests are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Join communities: Online product tester communities on sites like Reddit can be a goldmine of information as seasoned testers often share opportunities, insider tips, and other advice you can use.
Get organized: Set aside a few hours each week to do product testing. This can help you stay organized and ensure you’re meeting all expectations without feeling overwhelmed.
Try something else: When you’re not busy testing products, you can try out training AI, sharing your data, or doing clinical trials.
These tips should help ensure your success in getting paid to test products. Next up we’ll talk about some common things people get wrong about product testing.
As you consider product testing as a side hustle, it’s essential to be aware of some common misconceptions and set realistic expectations:
Myth: You’ll always receive high-value products to test.: In reality, the products you get and their value can vary, so being patient and participating regularly is important.
Myth: Product testing can serve as a steady full-time income: In fact, product testing typically works as a side hustle, providing extra income and occasional rewards rather than a main income source.
Myth: You can choose the products you want to test: Often, you may not have control over the products you receive, which could result in testing items that don’t interest you or aren’t relevant to your lifestyle.
Myth: Product testing doesn’t take any time: Testing isn’t about just giving a thumbs up or down. Companies want detailed feedback that might involve keeping a diary or completing comprehensive surveys.
By understanding these misconceptions, you can approach product testing with the right mindset and enjoy this engaging opportunity to contribute to product improvement while earning some extra cash.
Starting to test products for money may seem like a dream come true, but it’s important to be aware of the challenges and drawbacks associated with this side hustle:
Inconsistent opportunities: The availability of products to test can be unpredictable, making it difficult to rely on regular income from this activity.
Time-consuming tasks: Testing products often requires thorough evaluations and detailed feedback, which can be time-consuming and may not always match the compensation received.
Limited control over products: You may not have a choice in the products you test, resulting in items that are not of interest or relevant to you.
Privacy concerns: Some product testing sites may require personal information or involve sharing your experiences on social media, which could raise privacy concerns for some participants.
By understanding these challenges, you can make an informed decision about whether product testing is the right side hustle for you and adjust your expectations accordingly.
Product testing can be a fun way to earn money and try out new things. It’s exciting to help guide the development of new products for major brands, and to earn a few bucks with a side hustle. However, it’s important to be aware of scams and to only work with legitimate companies.
Once you’ve done your research, be sure sure to sign up for multiple product testing websites and provide thorough feedback to improve your chances of being selected for future opportunities.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for some product testing sites like Swagbucks and American Consumer Opinion today and start earning money while trying new products! Your feedback could be the key that shapes the next big innovation.
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.