MPanel review: TV watching that pays off!

MPanel is a company that rewards viewers for watching TV programmes. But how does the site work, how much can you expect to earn and is it really worth taking part?

MPanel

I have reviewed a lot of side hustles, with some of them being a lot of fun and others leading to a lot of frustration.

But I think that to many of us, being paid to watch TV sounds like an ideal job. And although it may sound too good to be true, there are sites and apps out there that will reward you for watching certain programs.

I’ve been a member of MPanel (formerly known as MindProber and then MediaProbe… make up your mind people) for the last few years and can let you know what to expect.

What is MPanel?

This is a company that connects researchers with members of the public (users). Using clever technology, these researchers can measure a TV watcher’s reaction to certain shows. In return for their time, users are given rewards.

Is it legit?

MPanel has over 100,000 users worldwide and has been winning innovation awards since 2017. I have used the site for over two years and they have always paid promptly without any issues.

How does it work?

First, you’ll need to become a panellist. This is a very short form and includes just a few basic details about you. Then, it’s a case of waiting. If they’re looking for people, you’ll be sent a link with a questionnaire for you to answer. If you complete that well enough, you’ll be sent further surveys until they accept or reject you. But don’t worry, you’ll get paid for answering these.

If you’re accepted as a member, you’ll be sent a small device called a James Two. This is the piece of kit that MPanel uses to measure your reactions.

But first, you’ll need to download the MPanel app to your phone. The app will let you know when sessions are due to start, a list of sessions you’ve previously completed and allows you to chat with MPanel staff. The James Two device will connect to the MPanel app through Bluetooth.

When sessions become available, MPanel will send you an email with the date and time that you need to take part. In most cases, the programs that you need to watch are live broadcasts. You’ll also receive notifications from the app on the day of the broadcast.

It’s important to note that as of 2025, you need to confirm that you’ll be watching the programme before it airs as there are limited spaces available.

Just before a session begins, you’ll need to attach two electrodes to the James Two. The device is then placed into the palm of your hand, where it can measure your ’emotional signals’. Because the electrodes are sticky, the device should sit nicely in your hand, although you are supplied with bands for extra support if needed. Personally, I find the band too tight, so I don’t use it.

Then, connect the device to the app, turn on the TV and start watching. You will need to turn the sound on the TV up so the app knows that you’re actually watching what you’re supposed to be.

There are thumbs-up and down buttons on the app that you can press when you see something you like or dislike. At the end of the programme, you just need to press the upload button.

Once the upload has finished, you’ll receive a few quick questions about your thoughts on what you watched.

What does the device actually measure?

A galvanic skin response signal. I’m sure, like me, that probably means nothing to you. However, a galvanic skin response measures electrical resistance in the skin. It’s used in lie detectors and can tell when somebody is suffering from stress or arousal. No, not that kind of arousal.

The device doesn’t have a microphone or camera.

What kind of shows will you watch?

There’s a mixture of entertainment, documentaries and sports to watch; it depends on your profile. The majority of sessions I’ve been invited to are live sports. I’ve watched motor racing, the Olympics, tennis and plenty of football. Most of the shows take place on free-to-air TV, although some require a paid subscription. But if you don’t have a subscription, you can ignore these.

However, some of my sessions have involved listening to radio shows. These had been recorded previously and I could listen to them in my own time, on my laptop.

How much can you earn?

MPanel doesn’t seem to have a standard rate of pay and the length of sessions will vary depending on what you’re watching. But I find that you should expect to earn around £5-£10 per hour.

The most I have earned is £140 per month. That was 10 episodes from one series, 12 from another and a couple of one-off specials. It was a bit of a slog, but I’ve had tougher jobs.

How are you paid?

When you complete a viewing, you’ll be rewarded with points (usually within the next day). These points can then be exchanged for gift cards for places like Amazon, IKEA, Just Eat and many of the major supermarkets.

Any downsides?

A couple, although they aren’t major.

If I accidentally leave the app when I’m watching something (I have fat fingers), it will send the data straight to MPanel and it looks like the task is finished. Then, I panic that I’ve lost my earnings. However, I’ve always managed to rejoin and been paid for my time. You just have to go through the joining process again.

And it’s annoying that I have to book tasks in advance. MPanel sometimes gets the timings wrong and will change the schedule, even if it’s just by a few minutes. So, if I’ve already booked my slot, I need to rebook it.

My MPanel review conclusion

So, is it worth it? In all honesty, the rate of pay isn’t the highest. But if you enjoy watching TV or MPanel is showing an event that you would want to watch, then why not get paid for it? There are certainly harder ways to make money.

Just click on the button below to apply to become a panellist.

MPanel