MPanel Review: Get Paid To Watch TV In The UK
Imagine getting paid to watch TV.
It sounds like nonsense. But it’s exactly what MPanel (also known as MediaProbe — they’ve rebranded more times than I can count) actually does. You watch specific TV programmes, hold a small device in your hand, and earn points that can be swapped for gift cards.
I’ve been a panellist for a couple of years now, so this isn’t theory. This is how it works in the real world, how much I’ve earned, and whether it’s genuinely worth bothering with.
MPanel review
This is an easy way to make a little extra. Sit back, strap the device to your hand and get paid to watch TV. Ok, so it might not always be something that you’ll enjoy, but it’s not hard work.
Pros
- Paid to watch TV
- A decent rate of pay
- Good customer service
- Good choice of gift cards
Cons
- You’ll need a paid TV subscription for extra work
- You can receive a lot of work one week and then nothing
- The device is a little uncomfortable with a strap
- Some sessions take longer to pay
Reviewed by Household Money SavingI 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.
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How Does MPanel Work?
- Sign up:
Fill out a short form with some basic details. - Screening:
If they’re looking for new participants, you’ll get a short questionnaire. Complete it carefully — you get paid for this stage too. You may also have to complete an onboarding call about the process. - Approval:
Once approved, you’ll receive a small device called James Two, which connects to the MPanel app on your phone via Bluetooth. - Watch sessions:
When a live TV session is available, you’ll get an email or app notification with the date and time. Confirm you can take part — spaces are limited. - Connect and watch:
Attach two sticky electrodes to the James Two, hold it in your palm, and start watching. The app listens to your TV’s audio to confirm you’re tuned in. - Give feedback:
During the show, you can press thumbs-up or thumbs-down buttons on the app. Afterward, you’ll answer a few short questions and upload your data.
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.
What Does the Device 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.
However, it’s important to note that the app has access to your microphone when you’re watching something. This is so they can sync the broadcast with your reactions. So, I believe it is possible for them to hear conversations. Take that into consideration if you want to take on the tasks.
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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. Away from that, I’ve been paid to watch Love is Blind, Wednesday and quite a few films. 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.
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 With MPanel?
The rate of pay from MPanel has dropped slightly since I started, which is a shame. Expect to earn around £5 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.
These are my earnings from 2025… I wasn’t far off the top!
How Do You Get 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
Is MPanel going to replace your income? Absolutely not.
But if you already watch a lot of TV, or they invite you to something you’d watch anyway, then getting paid for it is a no-brainer. The pay isn’t spectacular, but the effort required is minimal.
There are much harder ways to make money online.
If you want to apply, just click the button below and see if they’re recruiting panellists in your area.
