Lots of companies want to know if their websites and apps make sense to real people, so they pay ordinary users to try them out and talk through what feels confusing.
You don’t need tech skills, special equipment or a big time commitment. If you can follow simple tasks and say what’s on your mind, you can start earning from home.
£10 sign up bonus: Earn easy cash by watching videos, playing games, and entering surveys.
Get a £10 sign up bonus when you join today.
Join Swagbucks here >>
This guide shows you how website testing works, what you need, how much you can make and which platforms actually pay.
It won’t replace a full wage, but it can be a steady little top-up alongside other ways to earn online.
What a paid website test really involves
Most tests follow the same simple pattern.
You log into a testing platform, click on a study, answer a few short screener questions, and if you’re a match, you’re given a set of tasks to complete on a website or app.
You might be asked to find a product, try a checkout, explore a menu or complete a sign-up flow. As you do it, you talk out loud.
Companies want to hear your natural reactions so they can watch the recording back and understand where real people get stuck or confused.
A typical test takes around 10 to 20 minutes. Longer ones often involve a short video call with a researcher and pay more.
Skint Dad says:
Don’t overthink website testing. You’re not being marked or judged. Companies want to see where real people get stuck, so the most helpful thing you can do is talk naturally and explain what you’re looking for. That’s what gets approved quickly.
What you need to get started
You don’t need special skills. Most UK-friendly testing platforms expect you to have a laptop or desktop computer, a clear microphone (your built-in laptop mic usually works fine), a stable internet connection and a PayPal account.
A quiet space helps because you’ll need to speak your thoughts out loud. Some tests use phones or tablets, but a basic laptop is enough to begin.
Most platforms ask you to complete a short sample test. This is how they check your sound quality and whether you follow instructions. If they like your sample, you’ll start seeing real paid tests.
While you wait for invites, you can also try simple income boosters like the ones mentioned in our best money making apps guide.
How much money can you earn
A realistic earning range for short tests is around £5 to £10 for 10–20 minutes of work. That’s the standard across most major platforms.
To give you a clearer idea:
- UserTesting usually pays around $10 for a 15–20 minute test.
- Userlytics typically pays $5–$10 for everyday tests.
Longer interviews or specialist sessions can pay £30–£80 or more.
Crowdtesting platforms such as Test IO pay based on the bugs you find. Small bugs might pay a few dollars, while serious ones can pay much more.
Test volume varies. Some weeks you’ll qualify for several tests. Other weeks, none. That’s normal.
A woman called Sarah in our Facebook community started website testing after losing hours at work. She doesn’t think of herself as techy, but now picks up two or three tests most weeks.
Some months, she earns very little. Other months she brings in £40–£80.
Her advice was, “Do the first few slowly, don’t panic about sounding silly, and only take tests that match your life.”
If you enjoy this type of work, you might also want to try paid market research and online focus groups, which often pay higher amounts.
Good UK-friendly platforms to join
Here are trusted platforms that accept UK testers. All links go to their official sign-up pages.
UserTesting ↗
Short usability tests for well-known brands. Most studies pay around $10. Payments normally arrive 7–14 days after approval.
Userlytics ↗
Tests include websites, apps and sometimes games. Everyday studies usually pay $5–$10, with payment arriving once processed.
Test IO ↗
A crowdtesting platform where you’re paid to find bugs. Small bugs pay a few dollars, while rare serious issues can pay much more.
Userbrain ↗
Short usability tests with simple tasks. A good extra site if you want more opportunities.
Userfeel ↗
Beginner-friendly platform offering short, guided tests with clear instructions.
You don’t need to join every site. Many beginners start with two main platforms and then add a crowdtesting site if they enjoy it.
Step-by-step guide to landing your first paid test
Start by choosing two platforms, such as UserTesting and Userlytics. They’re beginner friendly and have a steady flow of studies.
Spend a few minutes filling in your profile properly. Platforms match you to tests based on your job, household type, hobbies and the devices you own.
The more complete your profile, the more invites you’ll receive.
Next, record a clear sample test. Sit somewhere quiet, talk slowly and explain what you’re thinking. A good sample test sets the tone for everything that follows.
Before each real test, you’ll answer screener questions. These decide whether you’re the right fit.
Being screened out is normal and happens to everyone. Never lie to qualify. It makes your feedback weaker and lowers your chances of being picked again.
Move quickly when you see an invite. Many tests fill fast. Checking your dashboard a couple of times a day gives you a better chance.
If you enjoy simple ways to boost your income like this, take a look at the best paid surveys to earn money in your spare time.
Privacy and safety tips
Legit platforms may ask you to sign a basic non-disclosure agreement or install their official screen recorder. These are normal.
What’s not normal is being asked for your bank login, card PIN, remote computer access or upfront fees. If anything feels wrong, stop immediately. There are plenty of safe platforms available.
For general online safety guidance, the National Cyber Security Centre’s advice is helpful.
When and how you get paid
Most platforms work in a similar way. You complete the test, your recording is reviewed, and your payment is added to your balance. It is then sent to PayPal after a set period.
UserTesting normally pays 7–14 days after approval. Userlytics often pays within 30 days. Crowdtesting platforms usually pay monthly.
This is why user testing works best as a top-up for next month rather than something you rely on instantly.
To make the most of what you earn, check out what to do with side hustle money.
Do you need to pay tax on this income?
Website testing counts as self-employed income in the UK. The trading allowance lets you earn up to £1,000 a year from small side jobs before you need to report it.
If your total side hustle income goes above £1,000 in a tax year, you may need to register for Self Assessment. You can check using HMRC’s tool to see if you need to file a tax return
It helps to keep a simple list of what you earn from each platform.
Is website testing right for you?
Website testing suits people who enjoy trying new apps and don’t mind speaking their thoughts out loud. You don’t need experience, and you can fit tests around almost anything.
It’s less ideal if you need guaranteed income each month or struggle to find a quiet moment. But as a flexible top-up you can do from home, it’s one of the simplest side hustles to get started with.
If you want more earners you can begin by taking a look at our guide on the best side hustles you can start today.
Saved a few quid with our tips? You can help keep Skint Dad going with a small contribution.
Help keep Skint Dad going