Best Paid Survey Sites UK: 10 Legitimate Sites That Actually Pay (2026)
If you’re looking for the best paid survey sites in the UK, you’ve probably noticed there are hundreds to choose from. The problem is that many of them aren’t particularly good.
Some pay just a few pennies for your time. Others regularly screen you out halfway through a survey, while a few make it ridiculously difficult to withdraw your earnings.
Fortunately, there are some genuinely good survey companies out there.
I’ve tested more than 70 paid survey sites over the years and earned over £30,000 from completing online surveys. I’ve even appeared on BBC Morning Live to talk about my earnings.
And while I certainly wouldn’t recommend giving up your day job, paid surveys can be a decent way to make extra money from home.
In this guide, I’ll share my ten favourite UK survey sites, explain how much they pay, and help you avoid wasting your time on the rubbish ones.
Best paid survey sites UK: quick comparison
Don’t want to read the whole article? Here are the ten survey websites I’d recommend looking at first.
| Survey site | Best for | Typical rewards | Minimum cashout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prolific | Highest-paying research studies | £6–£12+ per hour | £6 |
| Branded Surveys | Regular surveys | 50p–£3 per survey | Around £4 |
| YouGov | Established UK research company | Varies by survey | £50 |
| Y Live | Higher-value surveys | £1–£5 per survey | £50 |
| Ipsos iSay | Market research | 50p–£2 per survey | Around £5 |
| Prime Opinion | Low withdrawal thresholds | 30p–£3 per survey | Reward-dependent |
| Swagbucks | Surveys and other rewards | 20p–£2 per survey | Reward-dependent |
| OnePulse | Very short mobile surveys | Around 25p–35p per paid pulse | Around $20 |
| OnePoll | Quick opinion surveys | 5p–£2 per survey | £25 |
| Qmee | No minimum PayPal withdrawal | 5p–£1.50 per survey | No minimum |
These are indicative rewards based on my experience and the types of surveys offered. Actual earnings, availability and withdrawal requirements can change.
My top three recommendations
If you’re new to paid online surveys, I wouldn’t suggest joining all ten sites immediately.
I’d start with these three:
1. Prolific – best for earning more per hour
Prolific is my favourite survey platform and has earned me close to £30,000 over the years. The studies generally pay better than traditional consumer surveys, although availability can be limited.
2. Branded Surveys – best for regular opportunities
Branded Surveys is a good option if you want a more traditional survey website with regular opportunities and a relatively low withdrawal threshold.
3. Qmee – best for quick PayPal payments
Qmee doesn’t have a minimum PayPal withdrawal amount, which makes it particularly useful if you want to cash out small amounts without waiting weeks to reach a threshold.
I’d use these alongside one another rather than relying on a single website.
Can You Really Make Money From Paid Online Surveys UK?
Yes. I’ve been doing it for years.
But there are a couple of things worth understanding before you get started.
First, paid surveys are not a reliable replacement for a full-time job. You won’t always qualify for every survey, and some days you’ll receive far more invitations than others.
Second, not every survey is worth completing.
A survey offering 20p for 15 minutes of your time works out at just 80p per hour. That’s hardly worth getting excited about.
On the other hand, a £3 study that takes 15 minutes works out at £12 per hour.
That’s why I always look at how much a survey pays in relation to the time it takes to complete.
For most people, earning £20–£100 per month from a selection of survey sites is a more sensible starting expectation than assuming you’ll make hundreds straight away. Some people earn more, particularly if they have access to better-paid research studies.
Your earnings will depend on your profile, the time you spend, the surveys available and how often you qualify.
If you want a full breakdown of earnings, see my guide to how much you can make from online surveys in the UK.
My BBC interview about online surveys
A few years ago I was invited onto BBC Morning Live to talk about the money I’d made from online surveys.
At that point I’d already earned several thousand pounds from them, which surprised quite a few people.
Here’s the clip. Please excuse the slightly awkward start… and my face.
Since that interview, my total earnings from surveys have now passed £30,000.
Online surveys obviously won’t make you rich, but they can be a useful side income if you use the right platforms.
How I choose the best survey sites
I’ve tested more than 70 survey websites, so I’ve got a fairly good idea of what separates the decent ones from those that waste your time.
When deciding which survey sites to recommend, I consider:
- Payment rates: How much can you realistically earn for the time involved?
- Survey availability: Are there regular opportunities, or do you spend weeks waiting for an invitation?
- Screen-outs: How often are you rejected because you don’t fit the survey’s requirements?
- Withdrawal thresholds: Can you access your money easily?
- Payment reliability: Does the company actually pay when you request a withdrawal?
- Ease of use: Is the website straightforward, and does it work well on a phone?
I also consider my own experiences rather than relying purely on the claims made by survey companies.
Some of the sites listed below have referral programmes, meaning I may receive a reward if you join through my links. That doesn’t affect the amount you’re paid, and I’ve also included sites that don’t reward me for recommending them.
The Best Online Survey Sites UK (Full Breakdown)
Below are the survey sites that actually pay.
Unlike many “best survey site” lists online, this one is based on real experience.
Three of these platforms don’t earn me anything if you join — they’re included simply because they’re genuinely good.
Prolific
⭐ Best for: Highest-paying academic surveys
Typical pay: £1–£10 per study
Minimum cashout: £6
Payment method: PayPal
Prolific remains the highest-paying survey platform available in the UK. Instead of endless marketing questionnaires, the platform focuses on academic and behavioural research studies.
Many studies pay £6–£12 per hour, and it’s the survey site that has earned me close to £30,000 in total.
Most surveys take 10–60 minutes, and payments are made via PayPal.
Pros
✅ Highest pay in the industry
✅ Interesting academic studies
✅ Instant PayPal withdrawals
Cons
❌ Limited availability
❌ Surveys fill within seconds
❌ Waiting list for new users
Branded Surveys
⭐ Best for: Regular surveys and consistent earnings
Typical pay: £0.50–£3 per survey
Minimum cashout: ~£4
Payment method: PayPal or gift cards
Branded Surveys is one of the most consistent survey sites UK users can join.
You won’t earn huge amounts per survey, but surveys appear frequently and payouts are reliable. If you prefer regular surveys rather than waiting for occasional high-paying studies, this platform works well.
Pros
✅ Lots of surveys available
✅ Low payout threshold
✅ Multiple reward options
Cons
❌ Pay varies between surveys
❌ Cashouts can take a few days
YouGov
🔒 Best for: Trusted market research surveys
Typical pay: £0.50–£2
Minimum cashout: £50
Payment: Bank transfer or gift cards
YouGov is one of the most well-known survey companies in the UK, often used by media organisations and researchers. Surveys appear regularly, and the platform also offers optional data-sharing rewards for passive earnings.
Pros
✅ Trusted research company
✅ Surveys often used in the media
✅ Extra passive earning options
Cons
❌ £50 payout threshold
❌ Surveys can be infrequent
Y Live
💰 Best for: Higher-value surveys
Typical pay: £1–£5
Minimum cashout: £50
Payment: Bank transfer
Y Live (formerly PopulusLive) doesn’t offer many surveys, but when they do appear they can pay much more than average. Because surveys are less frequent, it works best as a secondary survey site alongside others.
Pros
✅ Higher pay than many survey sites
✅ Interesting research surveys
✅ Reliable payments
Cons
❌ Surveys appear less often
❌ £50 withdrawal threshold
Ipsos iSay
📊 Best for: Reliable survey availability
Typical pay: £0.50–£2
Minimum cashout: £5
Payment: PayPal or gift cards
Ipsos iSay is run by Ipsos, one of the largest market research companies in the world. Surveys appear regularly and payouts are dependable, making it a solid long-term survey platform.
Pros
✅ Trusted global research company
✅ Consistent survey opportunities
✅ Instant withdrawals available
Cons
❌ Pay per survey is average
❌ Screening out still happens
Prime Opinion
🚀 Best for: Fast payouts
Typical pay: £0.30–£3
Minimum cashout: £1
Payment: PayPal or gift cards
Prime Opinion focuses on quick withdrawals and low payout thresholds. Surveys appear regularly and withdrawals are usually processed quickly.
Pros
✅ £1 payout threshold
✅ Fast withdrawals
✅ Good survey availability
Cons
❌ Surveys often hosted externally
❌ Pay varies widely
Swagbucks
🎁 Best for: Surveys plus extra rewards
Typical pay: £0.20–£2
Minimum cashout: £1
Payment: PayPal or gift cards
Swagbucks combines surveys with cashback offers, small online tasks and reward programmes. Survey pay isn’t the highest, but there are several different ways to earn points.
Pros
✅ Multiple earning methods
✅ Low payout threshold
✅ Plenty of tasks available
Cons
❌ Survey pay can be low
❌ Some tasks aren’t worth the time
OnePulse
📱 Best for: Quick mobile surveys
Typical pay: £0.25–£0.35
Minimum cashout: ~$20
Payment: PayPal
OnePulse focuses on extremely short mobile surveys called “pulses”. These usually take less than a minute to complete, making them easy to do while commuting or watching TV.
Pros
✅ Very quick surveys
✅ Mobile-friendly platform
✅ Instant PayPal payments
Cons
❌ Low pay per pulse
❌ Monthly withdrawal limit
OnePoll
📰 Best for: Media opinion surveys
Typical pay: £0.05–£2
Minimum cashout: £25
Payment: PayPal
OnePoll surveys are often used by media organisations and research companies. Surveys are usually simple and quick to complete, though the payout threshold is higher than some competitors.
Pros
✅ Simple surveys
✅ Works well on mobile
✅ Reliable payments
Cons
❌ £25 payout threshold
❌ Surveys can feel repetitive
Qmee
⚡ Best for: Instant PayPal cashouts
Typical pay: £0.05–£1.50
Minimum cashout: £0.01
Payment: PayPal
Qmee is one of the few survey sites that pay instantly. There is no minimum withdrawal, meaning you can cash out even a few pence straight to PayPal.
Pros
✅ Instant PayPal withdrawals
✅ No payout threshold
✅ Plenty of surveys available
Cons
❌ Lower average pay
❌ Some surveys screen you out
Also worth reading
Look at how I earned over £1,000 worth of free Amazon gift cards over a year.
Which are the highest paying survey sites in the UK?
If your main priority is earning as much as possible for your time, I’d focus on the hourly rate rather than the amount paid for each individual survey.
For example:
| Survey reward | Time taken | Equivalent hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| 20p | 10 minutes | £1.20 |
| 50p | 10 minutes | £3 |
| £1 | 10 minutes | £6 |
| £2 | 15 minutes | £8 |
| £3 | 15 minutes | £12 |
| £5 | 20 minutes | £15 |
A survey paying £5 might sound brilliant, but not if it takes two hours to complete.
Of the websites I’ve tested, Prolific is my first choice for higher-paying research studies.
Y Live can also offer worthwhile surveys, although opportunities are less frequent.
Branded Surveys and Ipsos iSay are worth considering for more regular consumer research, but you need to be selective about which surveys you complete.
It’s also worth looking beyond ordinary questionnaires.
Some research companies recruit people for longer interviews, product testing and online focus groups. These can pay substantially more than traditional surveys, although they’re less frequent and often involve an application or screening process.
Which UK survey sites pay instantly?
One of the most frustrating things about survey websites is waiting to withdraw your earnings.
Fortunately, some platforms make it easier to access your money.
Qmee is particularly useful because there’s no minimum PayPal withdrawal.
Prolific offers PayPal withdrawals once you’ve reached its minimum threshold, with payment speed depending on your account and the withdrawal process.
Prime Opinion also offers relatively accessible reward options, although the available thresholds and processing times can vary.
Other sites, such as YouGov and Y Live, are better suited to people who don’t mind accumulating rewards over a longer period.
It’s worth remembering that a low withdrawal threshold doesn’t automatically make a survey site better.
I’d rather earn £10 in an hour and wait a few days for payment than spend five hours earning £5 just because I can withdraw it immediately.
Are paid survey sites legitimate?
Yes, plenty of paid survey sites in the UK are legitimate.
Market research companies pay people to share their opinions because businesses, researchers and organisations want to understand what people think.
For example, a company might want to know whether customers like a new product, how much they’re willing to pay for it or which advertising campaign they prefer.
Rather than asking people to complete these questionnaires for free, research companies offer rewards for their time.
That’s how legitimate paid surveys work.
However, not every survey website is worth trusting.
How to spot a survey scam
I’d be particularly cautious of any website that:
- Asks you to pay a joining fee before accessing surveys.
- Promises hundreds of pounds per day for very little work.
- Requires you to provide bank passwords or other unnecessary sensitive information.
- Makes unrealistic claims about guaranteed earnings.
- Has no clear information about the company operating it.
- Asks you to pay money to release your survey earnings.
Legitimate survey companies don’t need you to pay upfront to complete ordinary questionnaires.
I’d also recommend using a separate email address for survey websites.
That way, you can keep invitations and notifications away from your main inbox.
How to earn more money from online surveys
After years of completing paid surveys, I’ve found that a few simple habits can make a big difference.
1. Join several survey websites
Don’t rely on one platform.
Survey availability changes constantly, and some websites are much better suited to certain people than others.
I recommend starting with three or four and seeing which ones work best for you.
2. Check the hourly rate
This is probably my most important tip.
A survey offering £1 for five minutes is considerably better than one offering £2 for half an hour.
Don’t automatically choose the survey with the biggest reward.
3. Keep your profile accurate
Most survey companies ask questions about your household, employment, shopping habits and interests.
Keeping this information accurate can help them match you with suitable research opportunities.
It won’t eliminate screen-outs, but it may reduce the number of unsuitable invitations.
4. Don’t waste time on badly paid surveys
Some surveys simply aren’t worth completing.
If a questionnaire offers 15p for 20 minutes, I’d usually ignore it.
Your time has value, even when you’re sitting at home watching television.
5. Withdraw your money regularly
Once you’ve reached a site’s withdrawal threshold, I’d generally recommend cashing out.
There’s little benefit in leaving a large balance sitting in a survey account unnecessarily.
6. Be consistent
You don’t need to spend hours completing surveys every day.
Even a few worthwhile surveys each week can add up over the course of a year.
The important thing is finding platforms that suit you rather than trying to complete absolutely everything available.
Best paid survey apps for UK users
If you prefer completing surveys on your phone, there are several apps worth considering alongside the websites above.
Some of my favourites include:
AttaPoll: A mobile-focused survey app that displays estimated survey lengths and rewards, making it easier to choose which ones are worth your time.
Eureka: Offers short surveys and occasional bonuses, with a relatively low withdrawal threshold.
MSR: Focuses on mobile research activities and surveys, although opportunities and rewards can vary.
Vypr: Uses quick questions about products and consumer preferences, making it convenient for short sessions.
These aren’t necessarily better than traditional survey websites, but they’re useful if you prefer completing surveys while you’re out and about.
👉 Take a look at my post on the best survey apps.
Do you have to pay tax on online survey earnings?
Possibly.
Money earned from paid surveys can count as taxable income, depending on the circumstances.
In the UK, there is a £1,000 annual trading allowance, which may cover qualifying miscellaneous or trading income.
However, this isn’t an automatic £1,000 tax-free allowance for every type of online earning, and the rules depend on your circumstances.
If your total relevant gross income exceeds the allowance, you may need to report it to HMRC. Even below that amount, different rules can apply in some situations.
It’s worth keeping a record of your survey earnings and checking the latest guidance on GOV.UK.
I’ve found it much easier to keep track of payments throughout the year rather than trying to work everything out when the tax deadline approaches.
Are online surveys worth doing?
I think they are, but only if you’re selective.
I’ve earned over £30,000 from completing surveys, so I certainly can’t complain about the opportunities they’ve given me.
But I’ve also wasted plenty of time on surveys that paid next to nothing.
If you join the right websites, check the rewards before starting and accept that some days will be quieter than others, surveys can be a useful source of extra income.
They’re particularly convenient because you can complete many of them from home, without needing to buy anything or commit to fixed working hours.
Just don’t expect guaranteed earnings.
Final thoughts: which paid survey sites should you join?
After testing more than 70 survey websites and earning over £30,000, I’ve learned that you don’t need to join every paid survey site you come across.
In fact, doing that can be counterproductive.
You’ll spend more time checking websites and answering screening questions than actually earning money.
Instead, I’d concentrate on a handful of reliable platforms.
Prolific remains my favourite because of its higher-paying research studies. Branded Surveys is worth considering for regular questionnaires, while Qmee is useful if you want to withdraw smaller amounts without waiting to reach a high threshold.
I’d also keep an account with YouGov or Y Live for occasional additional opportunities.
The important thing is to be realistic.
Paid online surveys aren’t going to make you rich, but they can help pay for a few extras, cover some household bills or provide a little additional spending money.
And if you’re prepared to be selective about which surveys you complete, they can be surprisingly worthwhile.
I’ll continue updating this guide as I test new survey companies and find better opportunities.
Have you found a UK survey site that pays particularly well? Let me know in the comments. I’m always interested in discovering another decent one.
Frequently asked questions about paid surveys UK
What is the best paid survey site in the UK?
In my experience, Prolific is the best paid survey site in the UK because its academic and behavioural research studies generally offer better hourly rates than traditional consumer surveys. However, studies aren’t always available, and new users may face a waiting list.
Are online surveys worth doing?
Yes. They are a great way to boost your income.
Can you really get paid to do surveys in the UK?
Yes. Legitimate survey companies pay UK residents to complete questionnaires, participate in research and share opinions. Payments are usually made through PayPal, bank transfer or gift cards.
How much money can you make from paid online surveys?
It depends on the websites you use, the number of surveys available and how much time you spend. Some people might earn £20–£50 per month, while more active users can earn £100 or more. Higher earnings are possible but shouldn’t be treated as guaranteed.
Which survey sites pay the most money?
Prolific is my top recommendation for higher-paying research studies. Y Live can also offer worthwhile surveys, although opportunities are less frequent. Specialist interviews and focus groups can pay more than ordinary questionnaires.
Are there any legitimate paid survey sites in the UK?
Yes. Prolific, YouGov, Ipsos iSay, Branded Surveys, Y Live and Qmee are examples of established platforms available to UK users. However, being legitimate doesn’t necessarily mean every survey offers good value for your time.
Which survey sites pay instantly?
Qmee offers PayPal withdrawals without a minimum balance requirement. Prolific and some other platforms also offer relatively quick withdrawals, although processing times, account requirements and minimum thresholds vary.
Do you need experience to complete online surveys?
No. Most paid survey websites don’t require any previous experience or qualifications. You’ll usually need to register, complete a profile and answer screening questions to determine which surveys you’re eligible for.
Can you complete paid surveys on your phone?
Yes. Many UK survey sites work on mobile devices, and apps such as AttaPoll, Eureka and OnePulse are designed for completing short surveys on your phone.
Why do I keep getting screened out of paid surveys?
Research companies often need responses from specific groups of people. If your profile doesn’t match their requirements, you may be screened out. Some surveys also close once they’ve received enough responses.
Are paid surveys a good way to make money from home?
They can be a convenient way to earn extra money from home, particularly if you have spare time. However, earnings are unpredictable, and surveys are unlikely to replace a regular salary.
Will paid survey websites send me spam?
Legitimate survey websites generally send research invitations and account notifications rather than unsolicited advertising, but email frequency varies. I’d recommend creating a separate email address for survey accounts to keep everything organised.
Are paid surveys available throughout the UK?
Yes. Many survey companies accept participants from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Individual studies may have additional location, age or demographic requirements.
Hi there! I have found that most of the decent-paying sites will ask you to verify your ID. I’m assuming this is because they attract more people who try to set up multiple accounts. It’s not something I have an issue with but can completely understand if it makes people nervous.
@Money Saver Pete,
Many thanks for the clarification.
Your list at bottom says 7 Testable minds, but I cannot find it in your list at top?
Cheers
Hi. Sorry, it was a case of the post not updating properly. Although I still use Testable Minds, I haven’t found it as good over the last year, so I moved it out of my top 10.
Hi, I’ve been doing these surveys for the last week. I’ve been using mostly branded surveys. I’ve done around 27 surveys and earned just under £19. How many surveys have you been doing to earn £5/600 a month. I’ve done 27 at £19 which averages about 70p a survey. To earn £500 I’d have to do around 715 surveys a week. Which frankly is unfeasible.
Hi K.c. So, it’s really a case of being choosy. I’m a member of all of these sites and it’s a case of just picking the better-paid surveys. Some days, that might mean none, and other days I can spend most of my day doing them. Branded Surveys is a great site to fall back on, but you need to check the likes of Prolific, Qmee and OnePoll regularly too.
What about Inbox Pounds? They’ve been around for ages and I have withdrawn a fair bit from them, but it is slow going. They have since added Paypal as an option so I might try harder with them to reach the next £10. Otherwise it’s just Prolific (simply the best!) and Swagbucks I use. I’ll take a look at Branded Surveys and OnePoll thanks.
Hi Brian. I did review Inbox Pounds and although I thought it was ok as a GPT site, the surveys were poorly paid compared to others.
Hi, I’m considering signing up for the surveys but when I started filling in my info for Branded Surveys, they require my consent to collect my data in categories like my political views, religious leanings, sex life, biometric data etc. Is this normal and is this safe to do it? What do they do with such info and is what all the survey sites require?
Hi Zuzuna. This is perfectly normal for survey sites to ask. Most of this information gives companies a better idea of the customers they need to target. But, if there’s anything you feel uncomfortable sharing, then don’t. Some sites do allow you the option of ‘prefer not to say’, but not all. We’re not talking large amounts of money here, so it’s not worth sharing if it leaves you feeling awkward.
very helpful pete , keep up the good work
cheers
Thanks very much Steve!