Articles by Navid Moazzez.https://navid.me/enFri, 23 Oct 2026 01:49:57 GMThttps://navid.me/blog/best-crm-software/https://navid.me/blog/best-crm-software/Choosing the right CRM software decides how you follow up, how many deals slip, and how much AI does for you. In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 30 best CRM software, along with my top 5 picks, so you can pick the one that fits how you sell.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>:::picks Go to site | Full review | Our top 5 picks Best all-in-one CRM | HighLevel | #1-highlevel | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png | From $97 a month, after a 14-day free trial | A CRM with the inbox, automations, funnels and bookings built around it. | 4.7 Best AI CRM | Attio | #2-attio | https://navid.link/attio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/attio-icon.png | Free plan, or from $35 a month per user | An AI-native CRM whose agents find, enrich and work your leads. | 4.6 Best sales pipeline CRM | Pipedrive | #3-pipedrive | https://navid.link/pipedrive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/pipedrive-icon.png | From $14 a month per seat, after 14 days free | The easiest pipeline to run, with AI that preps and logs every meeting. | 4.6 Best free CRM | HubSpot | #4-hubspot | https://navid.link/hubspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/hubspot-icon.jpg | Free for two users, or from $20 a month per seat | A free CRM to start, with AI agents and hubs you pay for as you grow. | 4.5 Best for sales teams | Freshsales | #5-freshsales | https://navid.link/freshsales?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/freshsales-icon.png | From $9 a month per user, after 21 days free | A low-priced sales CRM with Freddy AI scoring your leads and deals. | 4.4 :::</p> <p>Choosing the best CRM software decides how you follow up, how many deals slip through the cracks, and how much of your week goes to typing notes. In 2026, the answer has changed: AI agents now find your leads, log every call and email, and write the follow-ups for you.</p> <p>I've sold online for over a decade, from virtual summits to courses. Today I run my sales and email from a CRM I built into my own business app, and for this guide I went back through all 30 CRMs: what each one does, its AI, and what it really costs.</p> <p>In this guide, I'll show you:</p> <ul><li>All 30 CRMs I reviewed, each with who it's for, key features, pros, cons and pricing</li><li>What CRM software is, and the kinds you can choose from</li><li>How AI changed CRMs in 2026</li><li>The features that matter, and how to choose one</li><li>How to set up a CRM in five steps</li><li>The best free CRM software</li><li>What I use today</li></ul> <p>Every price here is from each CRM's own pages, read on October 3, 2026.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - I reviewed 30 CRMs, each with who it's for, its AI, pros, cons and real prices. - [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is my pick overall: a CRM with the inbox, automations, funnels and bookings built around it, from $97 a month. - AI agents changed CRMs this year: [Attio](https://navid.link/attio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Day AI](https://navid.link/dayai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Clarify](https://navid.link/clarify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and [Lightfield](https://navid.link/lightfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) fill themselves from your email and calls, and [Close](https://navid.link/close?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)'s Chloe calls your leads. - [HubSpot](https://navid.link/hubspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)'s CRM is free for two users, but sequences and forecasting start at $90 a month per seat, plus a $1,500 onboarding fee. - For a free CRM, [Zoho CRM](https://navid.link/zohocrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) covers three users, [Agile CRM](https://navid.link/agilecrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) 10 and [EngageBay](https://navid.link/engagebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) 15. - If you sell through funnels, HighLevel and [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) keep the CRM next to your pages and checkout. :::</p> <h3>The best CRM software</h3> <p>Here's every CRM I reviewed, with what each is best for and what it costs to start. Each name opens its site in a new tab:</p> <p>:::table fancy Tool | Best for | Price | Free to try  [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | An all-in-one CRM | $97 a month | 14-day free trial  [Attio](https://navid.link/attio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | AI-native selling | Free, or $35 a month per user | Free plan  [Pipedrive](https://navid.link/pipedrive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Sales pipelines | $14 a month per seat | 14-day free trial  [HubSpot](https://navid.link/hubspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | A free CRM to start | Free, or $20 a month per seat | Free plan  [Freshsales](https://navid.link/freshsales?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Sales teams | $9 a month per user | 21-day free trial  [monday CRM](https://navid.link/mondaycrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | A visual CRM | $12 a month per seat | 14-day free trial  [ClickUp](https://navid.link/clickup?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Service teams | Free, or $7 a month per user | Free plan  [Zoho CRM](https://navid.link/zohocrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Value | Free, or $14 a month per user | Free plan  [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Funnel sellers | $81 a month, billed yearly | Free trial  [folk](https://navid.link/folk?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Small teams | $24 a month per member | 14-day free trial  [Day AI](https://navid.link/dayai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | An AI company brain | Free, or $24 a month per agent | Free plan  [Clarify](https://navid.link/clarify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | A self-updating CRM | Free, or $40 a month | Free plan  [Lightfield](https://navid.link/lightfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | AI pipeline building | $89 a month per user | 14-day free trial  [Gist](https://navid.link/gist?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Live chat and CRM | Free, or $19 a month | Free plan  [Keap](https://navid.link/keap?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Automation | After a demo | Free trial  [SureContact](https://navid.link/surecontact?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | WordPress | $29 a month | 14-day money-back  [Salesflare](https://navid.link/salesflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | B2B teams | $29 a month per user | Free trial  [Pipeline CRM](https://navid.link/pipelinecrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Plain-English setup | $25 a month per user | 14-day free trial  [NetHunt CRM](https://navid.link/nethunt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Gmail users | $24 a month per user | 14-day free trial  [Streak](https://navid.link/streak?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | A CRM in Gmail | Free, or $49 a month per user | Free plan  [Close](https://navid.link/close?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Calling teams | $9 a month per user | Free trial  [Twenty](https://navid.link/twenty?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Owning your CRM | $9 a month per user | Free trial  [Agile CRM](https://navid.link/agilecrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | A free CRM for 10 | Free, or $8.99 a month per user | Free plan  [Salesforce](https://navid.link/salesforce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Enterprise | $25 a month per user | 30-day free trial  [EngageBay](https://navid.link/engagebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | A free all-in-one | Free, or $12.74 a month per user | Free plan  [Nimble](https://navid.link/nimble?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Prospecting | $24.90 a month per seat | 14-day free trial  [Salesmate](https://navid.link/salesmate?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Sales, marketing and support | $23 a month per user | 15-day free trial  [ActiveCampaign](https://navid.link/activecampaign?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Email automation | $15 a month | 14-day free trial  [Act!](https://navid.link/act?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | A desktop CRM | $30 a month per user | 14-day free trial  [Bitrix24](https://navid.link/bitrix24?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) | Flat pricing | Free, or $49 a month | Free plan :::</p> <h4>1. [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM software overall, with everything built around it**</p> <p></p> <p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is an all-in-one sales and marketing platform with a full CRM at its center: contacts and visual pipelines, a unified inbox, workflow automation and calendars, plus funnels, websites and landing pages.</p> <p>Its inbox puts every conversation in one stream: SMS, email, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and live chat. Its AI answers calls, texts, chats and reviews for you, and its workflows run your follow-up in the background.</p> <p>It can replace your CRM, funnel builder, email marketing, SMS tool, scheduling software and reputation management, it says. Every plan has unlimited contacts and users.</p> <p>It's the CRM I'd pick if I weren't building my own.</p> <h5>Who is HighLevel for?</h5> <p>HighLevel is for creators, coaches, agencies and small businesses who want their CRM, follow-up, funnels and bookings in one place.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Contacts and visual sales pipelines - A unified inbox for SMS, email, social and live chat - AI that answers calls, texts, chats and reviews - Workflow automation for follow-up and nurture - Funnels, websites, calendars and payments - Sub-accounts for clients, and white-label on Agency Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Replaces several tools with one - Unlimited contacts and users on every plan - A 14-day free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Phone, SMS, email and AI are charged as you use them - More to set up than a simple sales CRM :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>HighLevel has three plans, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $97 a month, or $970 a year, with three sub-accounts. - **Unlimited** – $297 a month, or $2,970 a year, with unlimited sub-accounts. - **Agency Pro** – $497 a month, or $4,970 a year, with SaaS mode, to sell HighLevel as your own software. :::</p> <p>Its AI Employee add-on is $50 or $97 a month per sub-account.</p> <p>:::product award: Best all-in-one CRM name: HighLevel logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: From $97 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: A CRM with the inbox, automations, funnels and bookings built around it. button: Try HighLevel free for 14 days | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>2. [Attio](https://navid.link/attio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best AI CRM for startups and growing teams**</p> <p></p> <p>[Attio](https://navid.link/attio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is an AI-native CRM, built for agents as much as for people. Connect your inbox and calendar, and it builds itself around your business, logging every email and meeting for you.</p> <p>Its agents do the busywork. They research and enrich new leads, score them and route them to the right person, brief you before meetings, and flag new stakeholders, competitor moves and stalled deals before your next call.</p> <p>You can also ask Attio any revenue question, from this week's forecast to performance by rep, and get the answer in seconds. It connects with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), Slack, Clay, Linear and Notion, and has an SDK, an API and an MCP server for building your own.</p> <p>It has over 30,000 customers, it says.</p> <h5>Who is Attio for?</h5> <p>Attio is for startups and growing teams who want a modern CRM where AI agents do the research, data entry and follow-up.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Agents that research, enrich, score and route leads - Meeting briefs and alerts on changes to a deal - Ask Attio, for answers about your pipeline in plain English - A data model you shape to how you sell - An SDK, API and MCP server, and integrations with Claude, Slack and Clay :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan for up to three seats - Builds and updates itself from your inbox and calendar - Feels like a modern app, not a database :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Credits for its AI and enrichment are capped by plan - Plus allows up to 10 seats, so bigger teams need Pro :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Attio has a free plan, and its paid plans are priced per user, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, for up to three seats. - **Plus** – $35 a month per user billed yearly, or $44 monthly, for up to 10 seats. - **Pro** – $79 a month per user billed yearly, or $99 monthly. - **Enterprise** – a custom price. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best AI CRM name: Attio logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/attio-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: Free plan, or from $35 a month per user text: An AI-native CRM whose agents find, enrich and work your leads. button: Start on Attio for free | https://navid.link/attio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>3. [Pipedrive](https://navid.link/pipedrive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best sales CRM software for a simple pipeline**</p> <p></p> <p>[Pipedrive](https://navid.link/pipedrive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is a sales CRM built around activity-based selling: you see every deal on a visual pipeline, and it keeps you doing the next thing that moves each one forward.</p> <p>Its AI is built in. Pipedrive Nova gives you a brief before every meeting, a transcript of every call and ready-to-approve CRM updates afterward. You can also create reports by typing what you want to see.</p> <p>It connects with over 500 apps, including Zapier, Zoom and Lemlist, and its iOS and Android apps keep your pipeline with you. Over 100,000 companies use it, it says.</p> <h5>Who is Pipedrive for?</h5> <p>Pipedrive is for small and growing sales teams who want a pipeline that's easy to run and keep up to date.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A visual pipeline for leads, deals and contacts - Pipedrive Nova meeting intelligence - Reports from a text prompt - Email sync, tracking and automated follow-up sequences - LeadBooster lead capture, plus contracts and e-signatures on Premium - Over 500 integrations, and mobile apps :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - One of the easiest CRMs to learn - A 14-day free trial with no credit card - Up to 42% off when you pay yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Email sync and automations start on Growth - Lead capture and e-signatures need Premium :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Pipedrive has four plans, priced per seat and billed yearly, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Lite** – $14 a month per seat. - **Growth** – $39 a month per seat, with email sync, automations and sequences. - **Premium** – $59 a month per seat, with LeadBooster, lead scoring and e-signatures. - **Ultimate** – $79 a month per seat, with everything. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best sales pipeline CRM name: Pipedrive logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/pipedrive-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: From $14 a month per seat, after 14 days free text: The easiest pipeline to run, with AI that preps and logs every meeting. button: Try Pipedrive free for 14 days | https://navid.link/pipedrive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>4. [HubSpot](https://navid.link/hubspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best free CRM software to start with**</p> <p></p> <p>[HubSpot](https://navid.link/hubspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)'s CRM is free to start. It keeps your contacts, companies, deals and tasks in one place, imports your data from other CRMs, and comes with Breeze, its AI assistant. Over 306,000 customers in more than 135 countries use HubSpot, it says.</p> <p>The catch is that most of what makes HubSpot powerful is paid. Sequences, forecasting and advanced automation start on Professional, which costs $90 a month per seat billed yearly, plus a required $1,500 onboarding fee.</p> <p>Its AI agents, like the customer agent, the prospecting agent and the data agent, run on HubSpot Credits. Each paid plan includes some, and more cost extra.</p> <h5>Who is HubSpot for?</h5> <p>HubSpot is for small businesses that want a free CRM today and one platform for sales, marketing and service as they grow.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A free CRM for contacts, companies, deals and tasks - Breeze, an AI assistant, on every plan - AI agents for customer service, prospecting and research - Sales, marketing, service, content and data hubs - Apps from the HubSpot Marketplace :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free for up to two users, with no credit card - Easy to start, with a large library of free courses - Grows with you into marketing and service :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Most of its power is in paid plans - A big jump from Starter to Professional, plus onboarding fees - AI agents use credits that can cost extra :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>HubSpot's Sales Hub has a free plan and three paid plans, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, for up to two users. - **Starter** – $20 a month per seat, with a limited-time 65% off that day. - **Professional** – $90 a month per seat billed yearly, or $100 monthly, plus a one-time $1,500 onboarding fee. - **Enterprise** – $150 a month per seat, plus a one-time $3,500 onboarding fee. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best free CRM name: HubSpot logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/hubspot-icon.jpg rating: 4.5 price: Free for two users, or from $20 a month per seat text: A free CRM to start, with AI agents and hubs you pay for as you grow. button: Get HubSpot's free CRM | https://navid.link/hubspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>5. [Freshsales](https://navid.link/freshsales?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM for sales teams on a budget**</p> <p></p> <p>[Freshsales](https://navid.link/freshsales?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is Freshworks's AI-powered sales CRM. It runs your sales campaigns, then captures, qualifies, routes and tracks the leads they bring in.</p> <p>Freddy, its AI, highlights your best leads and deals, scores intent, recommends next steps and writes emails. You plan your sales in kanban views and see each customer in one 360-degree view.</p> <p>It's one of the lowest-priced full sales CRMs, starting at $9 a month per user billed yearly.</p> <h5>Who is Freshsales for?</h5> <p>Freshsales is for sales teams that want an AI-powered CRM at a low price per user.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Lead capture, qualification and routing - Freddy AI lead scoring, deal insights and email writing - Kanban views and a 360-degree customer view - Sales campaigns and task automation - Forecasts with deal recommendations from Freddy :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 21-day free trial with no credit card - Low prices per user - AI built in from the first plan :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Freddy's AI agent is an add-on, at $49 per 100 sessions - Branded documents cost $19 a month per user extra :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Freshsales has three plans, priced per user and billed yearly, after a 21-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Growth** – $9 a month per user, for startups and small businesses. - **Pro** – $39 a month per user, for growing teams. - **Enterprise** – $59 a month per user, for larger businesses. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for sales teams name: Freshsales logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/freshsales-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: From $9 a month per user, after 21 days free text: A low-priced sales CRM with Freddy AI scoring your leads and deals. button: Try Freshsales free for 21 days | https://navid.link/freshsales?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>6. [monday CRM](https://navid.link/mondaycrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best visual CRM software with AI agents**</p> <p></p> <p>[monday CRM](https://navid.link/mondaycrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is monday.com's AI-first CRM. Its agents source, enrich and score new leads, so your team starts each day with qualified prospects instead of a list to research.</p> <p>Every call, email and meeting fills in the right CRM fields on its own. Its agents prep your meetings, take notes and handle the follow-up, and its forecasts are built from your real pipeline.</p> <p>The agents go further on higher plans: an outreach caller that calls and qualifies leads around the clock with your own playbook, and a builder for agents of your own.</p> <h5>Who is monday CRM for?</h5> <p>monday CRM is for teams that already like monday.com, or want a visual CRM with AI agents that do the prospecting and admin.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - AI agents for lead sourcing, outreach calls and meeting prep - An AI meeting notetaker and Sidekick, an AI work assistant - Calls, emails and meetings logged to the CRM on their own - Quotes and invoices, and custom automations - Forecasts from your real pipeline :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A visual CRM that's easy to customize - AI credits included in its plans - A 14-day free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - No free plan - The best AI agents and workflow builder need higher plans :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>monday CRM has four plans, priced per seat, after a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $12 a month per seat billed yearly, or $18 monthly. - **Standard** – $17 a month per seat billed yearly, or $25 monthly. - **Pro** – $28 a month per seat billed yearly, or $41 monthly. - **Ultimate** – a custom price, the new name for Enterprise. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best visual CRM name: monday CRM logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/monday.png rating: 4.4 price: From $12 a month per seat billed yearly text: A visual CRM with AI agents that source leads and prep meetings. button: Try monday CRM free | https://navid.link/mondaycrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>7. [ClickUp](https://navid.link/clickup?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM for service teams and agencies**</p> <p></p> <p>[ClickUp](https://navid.link/clickup?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is a work management app with a CRM inside it. Other CRMs track the deal, and ClickUp tracks the deal and the work that follows, with one record from the first call to the final deliverable.</p> <p>You get a pipeline by stage, contacts, email and follow-up drafts on each deal, plus revenue dashboards for your win rate and forecast. Around it sit ClickUp's tasks, docs, forms, whiteboards and time tracking.</p> <p>Every plan includes some use of ClickUp Brain, its AI, and its AI tiers add agents, an AI notetaker and AI fields.</p> <h5>Who is ClickUp for?</h5> <p>ClickUp is for service businesses and agencies that sell and deliver, and want deals and projects in the same app.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A deal pipeline, contacts and email on each record - Revenue dashboards for pipeline, win rate and forecast - Tasks, docs, forms and time tracking for the work after the sale - ClickUp Brain AI across chat, tasks and docs - Automations, 5,000 a month on Business :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan forever, with unlimited members - One app for selling and delivering the work - A 100% money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Not a dedicated sales CRM, so fewer sales tools - So many features that it takes time to set up :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>ClickUp has a free plan and three paid plans, priced per user, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free Forever** – $0, with unlimited tasks and members. - **Unlimited** – $7 a month per user billed yearly, or $10 monthly. - **Business** – $12 a month per user billed yearly, or $19 monthly. - **Enterprise** – a custom price. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for service teams name: ClickUp logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/clickup-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free plan, or from $7 a month per user text: A CRM inside your work, from the first call to the delivered project. button: Start on ClickUp for free | https://navid.link/clickup?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>8. [Zoho CRM](https://navid.link/zohocrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best value CRM software for small businesses**</p> <p></p> <p>[Zoho CRM](https://navid.link/zohocrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is a full CRM at a low price, and it's free for up to three users. Over 350,000 businesses use it, it says.</p> <p>Zia, its AI, predicts which deals will close, forecasts your sales, enriches your data, spots unusual changes, and helps with emails and calls. You can also build and run AI agents with Zia Agents, free.</p> <p>It's part of Zoho's suite, so it connects with Zoho's own apps for marketing, service, bookings and finance. For something simpler, Zoho's Bigin is a small business CRM from $7 a month per user.</p> <h5>Who is Zoho CRM for?</h5> <p>Zoho CRM is for small and mid-size businesses that want a lot of CRM for the money, especially if they use other Zoho apps.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Leads, deals, contacts and pipelines - Zia AI for predictions, forecasts and data enrichment - Zia Agents, to build AI agents - Workflow automation and custom modules - Mobile apps, and Zoho's suite of business apps :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free for up to three users, with no credit card - Low prices per user - Free trials on every paid plan :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Lots of settings, so it takes time to learn - The best AI features are on higher plans :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Zoho CRM has a free plan and paid plans priced per user, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, for up to three users. - **Standard** – $14 a month per user. - **Professional** – $23 a month per user. - **Enterprise** – $40 a month per user. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best value CRM name: Zoho CRM logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/zoho-crm-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: Free for three users, or from $14 a month per user text: A full CRM at a low price, with Zia AI and free AI agents. button: Start on Zoho CRM for free | https://navid.link/zohocrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>9. [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM for selling through funnels**</p> <p></p> <p>[ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is best known as a funnel builder, and it now has a CRM built into it, so you can follow every lead from your funnel to a closed sale without leaving the app.</p> <p>MessageHub puts your email, SMS and social messages in one place. Appointments lets leads book a call right from your funnel, with reminders and follow-ups. Opportunities keeps your sales pipeline organized, with every lead's record and automated follow-up.</p> <p>Every plan also includes its landing pages, courses, community, store, email and automations.</p> <h5>Who is ClickFunnels for?</h5> <p>ClickFunnels is for course creators, coaches and info product sellers who sell through funnels and want the CRM in the same place.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A pipeline of opportunities through each funnel stage - MessageHub for email, SMS and social messages - Appointments booked straight from a funnel - Funnels, checkouts, courses and email in the same app - Automations for follow-up :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The CRM lives where your funnels and sales do - Its apps are included in every plan - A free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - A lighter CRM than a dedicated sales CRM - Expensive if you only need a CRM :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>ClickFunnels has four plans, each with a free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – $97 a month, or $81 billed yearly. - **Scale** – $197 a month, or $164 billed yearly. - **Optimize** – $297 a month, or $248 billed yearly. - **Dominate** – $5,997 a year. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for funnel sellers name: ClickFunnels logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/clickfunnels-icon.jpg rating: 4.2 price: From $81 a month billed yearly text: A CRM built into your funnels, checkouts and courses. button: Try ClickFunnels free | https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>10. [folk](https://navid.link/folk?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM for small teams and founders**</p> <p></p> <p>[folk](https://navid.link/folk?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is an AI CRM for small teams that sell through relationships. It helps you find prospects, enrich and qualify them, and then reach them on the channels they already use.</p> <p>It syncs your email, calendar and WhatsApp, and works with LinkedIn, Gmail and Outlook. Its AI assistants and magic fields fill in your contacts and tell your team what to prioritize next.</p> <p>You can send email campaigns and sequences from it, and connect it to your AI tools and over 30 apps.</p> <h5>Who is folk for?</h5> <p>folk is for founders, agencies and small teams who sell through networks, LinkedIn and email and want a simple, good-looking CRM.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Prospecting, enrichment and qualification - Email, calendar and WhatsApp sync - A LinkedIn CRM, and Gmail and Outlook support - AI assistants and AI magic fields - Email campaigns and sequences :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Quick to set up and easy to use - A 14-day free trial with every premium feature - 20% off when you pay yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - No free plan after the trial - Enrichment and AI credits are capped by plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>folk has three plans, priced per member, after a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Standard** – $24 a month per member billed yearly, or $30 monthly. - **Premium** – $48 a month per member billed yearly, or $60 monthly, with email sequences. - **Enterprise** – from $80 a month per member billed yearly, or $100 monthly. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for small teams name: folk logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/folk-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: From $24 a month per member billed yearly text: A simple AI CRM for selling through LinkedIn, email and WhatsApp. button: Try folk free for 14 days | https://navid.link/folk?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>11. [Day AI](https://navid.link/dayai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best AI CRM that keeps itself up to date**</p> <p></p> <p>[Day AI](https://navid.link/dayai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) calls itself what comes after the CRM: a company brain. It builds a shared memory of every customer from your team's email, calendar, meetings and Slack, so nobody types anything in.</p> <p>On top of that memory, you deploy AI agents with names and jobs, like a sales rep's assistant or a sales coach. Each agent reports to someone on your team, works when something happens, on a schedule or when you ask, and gets better from your feedback.</p> <p>Nothing goes out without your approval, and every action is logged. It's backed by Sequoia Capital.</p> <h5>Who is Day AI for?</h5> <p>Day AI is for startups and go-to-market teams who'd rather have AI agents keep their customer records than keep a CRM by hand.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Customer memory built from email, calendar, meetings and Slack - AI agents with roles, schedules and skills - Approval before anything goes out, and a full audit trail - Connects with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan - No manual data entry - Agents that improve from your feedback :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Priced per agent, so costs grow with each one you add - A new way of working, not a classic pipeline CRM :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Day AI has a free plan, and its paid plans are priced per agent, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, and free users can search, view and share. - **Turbo** – $24 a month per agent. - **Professional** – $60 a month per agent, its most popular. - **Executive** – $200 a month per agent. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best AI company brain name: Day AI logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/day-ai-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free plan, or from $24 a month per agent text: A shared customer memory with AI agents that work it for you. button: Start on Day AI for free | https://navid.link/dayai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>12. [Clarify](https://navid.link/clarify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best autonomous CRM for founders**</p> <p></p> <p>[Clarify](https://navid.link/clarify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is an autonomous CRM for fast-moving sales teams. Connect your email and calendar in one click, and every lead, meeting and deal lands in it on its own.</p> <p>It joins your calls, records and summarizes them, and updates the deal when you hang up. Rep, its personal sales agent, briefs you before every meeting and drafts your follow-ups.</p> <p>It even configures itself. Name a field, and its AI writes the instructions and fills it in. It also finds new deals in your conversations and enriches your contacts.</p> <h5>Who is Clarify for?</h5> <p>Clarify is for founders and small sales teams who want a CRM that keeps itself up to date.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Email and calendar sync in one click - Call recording, summaries and deal updates - Rep, a personal sales agent for briefs and follow-ups - AI fields that fill themselves - Prospecting and contact enrichment :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan for individuals and small teams - Almost no data entry - Prospecting and CRM in one app :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - A young product next to the big CRMs - A big jump to its plan for scaling teams :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Clarify has a free plan and two paid plans, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, for individuals and small teams. - **For growing teams** – $40 a month billed yearly. - **For scaling teams** – from $1,000 a month. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best self-updating CRM name: Clarify logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/clarify-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free plan, or $40 a month billed yearly text: A CRM that joins your calls and updates every deal itself. button: Start on Clarify for free | https://navid.link/clarify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>13. [Lightfield](https://navid.link/lightfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best AI-native CRM for building pipeline**</p> <p></p> <p>[Lightfield](https://navid.link/lightfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is an AI-native CRM that updates itself from every call, email, meeting and Slack thread, so its agents work from a full picture of each customer.</p> <p>Its agents find prospects who look like your best customers, write the outreach and book meetings. They capture commitments from every conversation, handle the follow-ups, flag deals at risk, and show you where your funnel is weak.</p> <p>It raised a $47 million Series A led by a16z, it says.</p> <h5>Who is Lightfield for?</h5> <p>Lightfield is for B2B startups and sales teams that want AI agents to build pipeline and run follow-up for them.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A CRM that fills itself from calls, email, meetings and Slack - Agents for outbound, meeting prep and follow-ups - Deal reviews against your qualification framework - A meeting recorder - Skills you write in plain English to shape its agents :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial - Agents that build pipeline, not just track it - Almost no manual data entry :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Expensive past the founder plan - Built for B2B sales, not creators :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Lightfield has three plans, after a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **For founders** – $89 a month per user, billed monthly. - **For small customer-facing teams** – $999 a month. - **For scaling pipeline** – $1,999 a month. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for AI pipeline name: Lightfield logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/lightfield-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: From $89 a month per user, after 14 days free text: An AI-native CRM whose agents build pipeline and run follow-up. button: Try Lightfield free for 14 days | https://navid.link/lightfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>14. [Gist](https://navid.link/gist?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM with live chat and email marketing**</p> <p></p> <p>[Gist](https://navid.link/gist?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) puts your conversations with leads and customers in one app: live chat, chatbots, a help center, forms and popups, email marketing, a meeting scheduler and a simple CRM.</p> <p>Its CRM gives you a drag-and-drop pipeline with revenue insights. The rest of Gist feeds it, so a chat, a form or an email turns into a contact you can follow up with.</p> <h5>Who is Gist for?</h5> <p>Gist is for small businesses that want live chat, email marketing and a light CRM in one app.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Live chat and chatbots - Email marketing automation - A knowledge base, and forms and popups - A drag-and-drop sales pipeline - A meeting scheduler :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan forever, with no credit card - Many tools for the price - A 14-day free trial of paid plans :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - A light CRM next to dedicated sales CRMs - Contacts and seats are capped by plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Gist has a free plan and three paid plans, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free Forever** – $0, for live chat with leads. - **Marketing Pro** – $19 a month, with 1,000 contacts. - **Support Pro** – $29 a month, with five support seats. - **All-in-One Pro** – $48 a month, with 1,000 contacts and five support seats. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best with live chat name: Gist logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/gist-icon.png rating: 4.0 price: Free plan, or from $19 a month text: Live chat, email marketing and a light CRM in one app. button: Start on Gist for free | https://navid.link/gist?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>15. [Keap](https://navid.link/keap?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM for small business automation**</p> <p></p> <p>[Keap](https://navid.link/keap?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), once Infusionsoft, is a CRM with sales and marketing automation for small businesses. If you can drag and drop, you can automate your follow-up with it, it says.</p> <p>It captures leads, nurtures them into customers and keeps the relationship going, with invoices and payments built in. It connects with over 5,000 apps, and comes with a customer success manager.</p> <p>Donald Miller of StoryBrand took his business from $500,000 to $16.5 million with Keap, it says.</p> <h5>Who is Keap for?</h5> <p>Keap is for service businesses, coaches and small teams who want their CRM, follow-up and payments automated.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A CRM with drag-and-drop automation - Email, and text marketing in the US - Invoices and payments - Over 5,000 integrations - A customer success manager :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Powerful automation for a small business - Two users included - Over 20 years in business :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - No public price, so you book a demo to get one - Required implementation services and a $299 fee to end a yearly contract early :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Keap shares its price after a demo, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Keap** – priced after a demo, with required implementation services and two users included. - **Extra users** – $39 a month each. - **Text marketing** – from $24 a month, in the US. :::</p> <p>Its free trial sends up to 25 emails and takes no payments.</p> <p>:::product award: Best for automation name: Keap logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/keap-icon.png rating: 4.1 price: Priced after a demo text: A small business CRM with drag-and-drop automation and payments. button: See Keap | https://navid.link/keap?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>16. [SureContact](https://navid.link/surecontact?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM for WordPress sites and stores**</p> <p></p> <p>[SureContact](https://navid.link/surecontact?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is a marketing CRM for WordPress, from the team behind Astra, SureCart and SureForms. It turns every form submission, WooCommerce or SureCart order and membership event into a tagged contact, ready for follow-up.</p> <p>From there you send campaigns, build automations like welcome, cart recovery and win-back flows, and see opens, clicks and revenue. Its forms are built in, so you don't need a forms plugin.</p> <p>It also works with AI: through its MCP server, [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and Cursor can manage your contacts, campaigns and automations in plain English.</p> <h5>Who is SureContact for?</h5> <p>SureContact is for WordPress sites and stores that want their CRM and email marketing tied to their orders and forms.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Contacts synced from WooCommerce, SureCart and forms - Campaigns with A/B testing, and unlimited sends with your own SMTP - Visual automations for welcome, cart recovery and win-back - Native forms and full analytics - An MCP server for Claude, ChatGPT and Cursor :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Every feature on every plan - Lifetime plans, if you'd rather pay once - A 14-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Built for WordPress, so it fits less well elsewhere - A marketing CRM, not a sales pipeline CRM :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>SureContact charges by your list size, with every feature on every plan, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Monthly** – $29 a month for 10,000 contacts. - **Lifetime Starter** – $399 once, for 10,000 contacts. - **Lifetime Growth** – $699 once, for 30,000 contacts. - **Lifetime Suite** – $799 once, for 50,000 contacts and 100,000 emails through its own SMTP. :::</p> <p>Lifetime prices are introductory, and renewals are at full price, it says.</p> <p>:::product award: Best for WordPress name: SureContact logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/surecontact-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: $29 a month, or $399 once text: A WordPress marketing CRM tied to your forms and orders. button: Start on SureContact | https://navid.link/surecontact?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>17. [Salesflare](https://navid.link/salesflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM for B2B sales teams**</p> <p></p> <p>[Salesflare](https://navid.link/salesflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is a CRM for B2B teams that keeps itself up to date. It fills itself from your email, calendar and contacts, so your team relies on the CRM instead of feeding it.</p> <p>It reminds you who to follow up with, shows your pipeline at a glance, and finds new leads and email addresses with its lead search.</p> <h5>Who is Salesflare for?</h5> <p>Salesflare is for small B2B sales teams that don't want to type data into a CRM.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A CRM that fills itself from email, calendar and contacts - Follow-up reminders and a visual pipeline - Lead search and email finding, with monthly credits :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Little to no data entry - Easy for an entire sales team to use - A free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Lead credits are capped, and more cost extra - Enterprise needs at least five users :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Salesflare has three plans, priced per user and billed yearly, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Growth** – $29 a month per user, with five lead credits. - **Pro** – $49 a month per user, with 100 lead credits. - **Enterprise** – $99 a month per user, for at least five users. :::</p> <p>More lead credits cost $39 for 250, $69 for 500 or $129 for 1,000 a month.</p> <p>:::product award: Best for B2B teams name: Salesflare logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/salesflare-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: From $29 a month per user billed yearly text: A B2B CRM that fills itself from your email and calendar. button: Try Salesflare free | https://navid.link/salesflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>18. [Pipeline CRM](https://navid.link/pipelinecrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best sales pipeline CRM you set up in plain English**</p> <p></p> <p>[Pipeline CRM](https://navid.link/pipelinecrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), once PipelineDeals, is sales pipeline software for small and mid-size B2B teams. Deals move through stages you define, and every record takes unlimited custom fields.</p> <p>Its Copilot lets you run it in plain English. Describe the outcome, like a new stage, field or automation, and Copilot builds it. You choose how much it does on its own, and it never goes past each person's permissions.</p> <p>It can also connect your other tools for you: its Pipeline Connect service builds, hosts and monitors the integrations.</p> <h5>Who is Pipeline CRM for?</h5> <p>Pipeline CRM is for small and mid-size B2B sales teams that want depth without a CRM specialist to set it up.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Pipelines with your own stages and unlimited custom fields - Copilot, to build stages, fields and automations in plain English - Admin controls over what Copilot may do - Managed integrations through Pipeline Connect - Data enrichment and email validation add-ons :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial of its top plan, with no credit card - Simple per-user pricing - Copilot does setup work that used to need an expert :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Managed integrations start at $99 a month extra - Enrichment is an add-on, from $19 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Pipeline CRM has three plans, priced per user, after a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Start** – $25 a month per user billed yearly, or $29 monthly. - **Develop** – $33 a month per user billed yearly, or $39 monthly. - **Grow** – $49 a month per user billed yearly, or $59 monthly. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best plain-English setup name: Pipeline CRM logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/pipeline-crm-icon.png rating: 4.1 price: From $25 a month per user, after 14 days free text: A sales pipeline you set up by describing what you want. button: Try Pipeline CRM free for 14 days | https://navid.link/pipelinecrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>19. [NetHunt CRM](https://navid.link/nethunt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM software inside Gmail**</p> <p></p> <p>[NetHunt CRM](https://navid.link/nethunt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) turns Gmail into a CRM. You manage your pipeline, talk to customers and see your sales reports without leaving your inbox.</p> <p>It brings your channels together too: email, LinkedIn, messengers and phone calls, all in each customer's history. Its automations handle the routine, and you can change any field, stage, view or automation to fit how you sell.</p> <h5>Who is NetHunt CRM for?</h5> <p>NetHunt CRM is for small sales teams that live in Gmail and sell across email, LinkedIn and messengers.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A CRM inside Gmail - Email, LinkedIn, messengers and calls in one history - Sales automation and reporting - Custom fields, stages, views and automations :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Works where you already work - A 14-day free trial with no limit on users - Quick to set up :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Best for Gmail users - Higher plans are priced on request :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>NetHunt CRM is priced per user, after a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **From $24 a month per user** – billed yearly, or $30 monthly, with the essential CRM tools for small teams. - **From $34 a month per user** – billed yearly, or $42 monthly, with advanced features for growing teams. - **Multichannel and deep automation** – $60 and $84 a month per user billed monthly, or priced on request yearly. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best CRM in Gmail name: NetHunt CRM logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/nethunt-icon.png rating: 4.1 price: From $24 a month per user billed yearly text: A CRM inside Gmail that brings every channel together. button: Try NetHunt CRM free | https://navid.link/nethunt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>20. [Streak](https://navid.link/streak?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best free CRM for Gmail**</p> <p></p> <p>[Streak](https://navid.link/streak?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is a CRM that lives inside Gmail, so your team uses it because it's always there. It logs your team's emails to each deal on its own and shows each email's pipeline and stage right in your inbox.</p> <p>Its AI fills in your deals from your inbox, answers questions about your deal history in plain English, and surfaces important deals with magic columns.</p> <p>It also has a free plan that works inside Gmail, with email and link tracking and mail merge.</p> <h5>Who is Streak for?</h5> <p>Streak is for small teams and solo founders who run their deals, hiring or partnerships from Gmail.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Pipelines and deal tags inside Gmail - Team-wide email logging - AI data entry and answers in plain English - Magic columns for real-time deal data - Email and link tracking, snippets and mail merge :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan inside Gmail - No limits on contacts, pipelines or records - A 14-day free trial of Pro+ :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Only for Gmail and Google Workspace - AI credits are capped and don't roll over :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Streak has a free plan and three paid plans, priced per user, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0 inside Gmail, with 50 mail merge sends a day. - **Pro** – $49 a month per user billed yearly, or $59 monthly. - **Pro+** – $69 a month per user billed yearly, or $89 monthly. - **Enterprise** – $129 a month per user billed yearly, or $159 monthly. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best free Gmail CRM name: Streak logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/streak-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free plan, or from $49 a month per user text: A CRM inside Gmail that logs every email for your team. button: Start on Streak for free | https://navid.link/streak?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>21. [Close](https://navid.link/close?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM for sales teams that call**</p> <p></p> <p>[Close](https://navid.link/close?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is a sales CRM built for teams that sell by phone, email and text. Calling, SMS, email, pipelines and reporting are all built in.</p> <p>Its standout is Chloe, an AI sales agent. When a lead comes in, Chloe calls within minutes with Close's dialer, qualifies them in a real conversation, books the meeting and logs the notes. She also re-opens cold leads and writes and sends follow-ups.</p> <h5>Who is Close for?</h5> <p>Close is for small sales teams and agencies that close deals on calls and want an AI agent working leads for them.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A built-in dialer, SMS and email - Chloe, an AI agent that calls, qualifies and books meetings - Pipelines, reporting and automation - AI credits on every plan - A call assistant that records, transcribes and summarizes :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Calling and texting without extra tools - Up to 50% off when you pay yearly - A free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Calls and texts cost extra, at cost - The call assistant is an add-on, at $50 a month plus usage :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Close has four plans, priced per user, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Solo** – $9 a month per user billed yearly, or $19 monthly. - **Essentials** – $35 a month per user billed yearly, or $49 monthly. - **Growth** – $99 a month per user billed yearly, or $109 monthly. - **Scale** – $139 a month per user billed yearly, or $149 monthly. :::</p> <p>Calls cost about $0.02 a minute, and phone numbers about $1 a month.</p> <p>:::product award: Best for calling teams name: Close logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/close-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: From $9 a month per user billed yearly text: A sales CRM with a dialer and Chloe, an AI agent that calls leads. button: Try Close free | https://navid.link/close?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>22. [Twenty](https://navid.link/twenty?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best open-source CRM software**</p> <p></p> <p>[Twenty](https://navid.link/twenty?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is an open-source CRM. It gives technical teams the building blocks for a CRM of their own: the data model, permissions, layouts and a workflow engine, ready to shape to how they sell.</p> <p>You can use its cloud, or host it yourself. One company moved to a self-hosted Twenty and cut its CRM costs by more than 90%, it says. Its plans also include AI agents with custom skills.</p> <h5>Who is Twenty for?</h5> <p>Twenty is for technical founders and teams who want to own their CRM and build on it, or move off a costly one.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - An open-source CRM you can host yourself - A custom data model, layouts and workflows - AI agents with custom skills - Email and calendar sync - A toolkit to build your own CRM and internal apps :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Open source, so you own it and your data - Low cloud prices, from $9 a month per user - A free trial with no credit card :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Self-hosting takes technical skill - Fewer ready-made sales tools than the big CRMs :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Twenty has two cloud plans and an enterprise plan, after a free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Pro** – $9 a month per user. - **Organization** – $19 a month per user, with a custom domain. - **Enterprise** – from $50,000 a year. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best open-source CRM name: Twenty logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/twenty-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: From $9 a month per user, or self-hosted text: An open-source CRM you can own, host and build on. button: Try Twenty free | https://navid.link/twenty?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>23. [Agile CRM](https://navid.link/agilecrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best free CRM for teams of up to 10**</p> <p></p> <p>[Agile CRM](https://navid.link/agilecrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is an all-in-one CRM for sales, marketing and service, priced for small businesses. Its free plan covers up to 10 users, and its paid plans are some of the lowest-priced you'll find.</p> <p>It keeps your contacts and deals, runs your marketing, and handles customer service in the same app.</p> <h5>Who is Agile CRM for?</h5> <p>Agile CRM is for small businesses that want a free or very cheap all-in-one CRM.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Contacts, companies and deals - Marketing automation and email campaigns - Customer service tools - Free for up to 10 users :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free for up to 10 users, with no credit card - Very low paid plans - Sales, marketing and service in one app :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Its paid prices are shown as "as low as" figures - Fewer AI features than the newer CRMs here :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Agile CRM has a free plan and three paid plans, priced per user, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, for up to 10 users. - **Starter** – from $8.99 a month per user. - **Regular** – from $29.99 a month per user. - **Enterprise** – from $47.99 a month per user. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best free for 10 users name: Agile CRM logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/agile-crm-icon.png rating: 3.9 price: Free for 10 users, or from $8.99 a month text: A low-priced all-in-one CRM for sales, marketing and service. button: Start on Agile CRM for free | https://navid.link/agilecrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>24. [Salesforce](https://navid.link/salesforce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM software for enterprise**</p> <p></p> <p>[Salesforce](https://navid.link/salesforce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) calls itself the #1 CRM, and Sales Cloud is its CRM for sales. Agentforce, its AI agents, work across every stage of a deal, from planning to closing, so your sellers can focus on winning.</p> <p>For small businesses, Starter Suite bundles sales, service and marketing for $25 a month per user. Its bigger editions add Slack, Tableau and more agents.</p> <h5>Who is Salesforce for?</h5> <p>Salesforce is for growing and large companies that need a CRM they can shape to any process, with AI agents at scale.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales Cloud for leads, deals and forecasts - Agentforce AI agents across the deal cycle - Starter Suite for small businesses - Slack and Tableau in higher editions - Pro Suite, with more automation and customization :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - It can do almost anything with enough setup - A 30-day free trial of every Sales Cloud edition - A low-priced starter suite :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Expensive at higher editions - Complex to set up without help :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Salesforce's sales plans are priced per user, after a 30-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter Suite** – $25 a month per user. - **Pro Suite** – $100 a month per user. - **Sales Cloud editions** – $195, $395 and $550 a month per user, with Agentforce. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for enterprise name: Salesforce logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/salesforce-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: From $25 a month per user, after 30 days free text: The CRM for any process, with Agentforce AI agents. button: Try Salesforce free for 30 days | https://navid.link/salesforce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>25. [EngageBay](https://navid.link/engagebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best free all-in-one CRM for startups**</p> <p></p> <p>[EngageBay](https://navid.link/engagebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is an all-in-one CRM for startups and small businesses, with marketing, sales and service in one app. It's free for teams of up to 15 members.</p> <p>You can buy the full suite or only what you need, like its CRM and sales tools from $11.04 a month per user. It also moves your data from another platform for free.</p> <h5>Who is EngageBay for?</h5> <p>EngageBay is for startups and small businesses that want a free or low-priced all-in-one CRM.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A CRM with sales, marketing and service - Marketing automation and email - A free plan for up to 15 members - Free migration from your old platform :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free for teams of up to 15 - Low prices for an all-in-one suite - Buy the full suite or one part :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - A big jump from Basic to Growth - Pro includes up to 10,000 contacts, and more means a call with its team :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>EngageBay's all-in-one suite has a free plan and three paid plans, priced per user and billed yearly, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, for up to 15 members. - **Basic** – $12.74 a month per user. - **Growth** – $55.24 a month per user. - **Pro** – $101.99 a month per user. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best free all-in-one name: EngageBay logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/engagebay-icon.png rating: 4.1 price: Free for 15 users, or from $12.74 a month text: Marketing, sales and service in one low-priced CRM. button: Start on EngageBay for free | https://navid.link/engagebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>26. [Nimble](https://navid.link/nimble?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM for prospecting and contacts**</p> <p></p> <p>[Nimble](https://navid.link/nimble?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is a CRM for small businesses, with contact management, outreach and email marketing in one simple plan.</p> <p>Nimble Prospector finds missing emails, phone numbers and details about anyone on social sites, websites and apps. You can send personal group messages to any segment, with open and click tracking, and capture leads with web forms.</p> <h5>Who is Nimble for?</h5> <p>Nimble is for small businesses, consultants and solo sellers who want a simple CRM with prospecting built in.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Contact management for up to 25,000 contacts - Nimble Prospector, to find emails and phone numbers - Group messages with tracking, 1,000 a month per license - Web forms and an email marketing add-on :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - One simple plan - A 14-day free trial with no credit card - Up to 17% off when you pay yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Email marketing and web forms are add-ons - Fewer sales pipeline tools than a sales CRM :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Nimble has one plan, priced per seat, after a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Nimble** – $24.90 a month per seat billed yearly, or $29 monthly. - **Email marketing** – $15 a month per company extra. - **Web forms** – $12 a month per company extra. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for prospecting name: Nimble logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/nimble-icon.png rating: 4.0 price: $24.90 a month per seat billed yearly text: A simple CRM that finds emails and phone numbers for you. button: Try Nimble free | https://navid.link/nimble?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>27. [Salesmate](https://navid.link/salesmate?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM platform for sales, marketing and support**</p> <p></p> <p>[Salesmate](https://navid.link/salesmate?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is a CRM that grew into a customer platform: contacts, deals and pipelines, plus conversations, marketing automation, support and Skara, its AI agents.</p> <p>Its AI summarizes conversations, suggests next steps and automates repetitive work, using your real customer data. Over 8,500 businesses use it, it says.</p> <h5>Who is Salesmate for?</h5> <p>Salesmate is for growing teams that want sales, marketing and support on one customer platform.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Contacts, companies, deals and pipelines - Marketing automation and campaigns - Support with full customer context - Skara AI agents - Built-in calling and texting :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 15-day free trial - Sales, marketing and support in one app - 24/7 support on its top plan :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Enterprise onboarding starts at $1,999 - Phone numbers and calls cost extra :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Salesmate has three plans, priced per user, after a 15-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **$23 a month per user** – for startups and small businesses managing a pipeline across channels. - **$39 a month per user** – for growing and mid-size businesses. - **$63 a month per user** – sales, marketing and support together, with 24/7 support. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best customer platform name: Salesmate logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/salesmate-icon.png rating: 4.1 price: From $23 a month per user, after 15 days free text: Sales, marketing and support on one platform, with AI agents. button: Try Salesmate free for 15 days | https://navid.link/salesmate?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>28. [ActiveCampaign](https://navid.link/activecampaign?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM for email marketing automation**</p> <p></p> <p>[ActiveCampaign](https://navid.link/activecampaign?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is email marketing automation first, with a CRM attached. Active Intelligence, its AI, builds your emails, automations and segments for you, and you can use your account's data in [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software).</p> <p>I'm not the biggest fan of it as a CRM. It's at its best when your sales follow your email list, and a dedicated sales CRM does more for a sales team.</p> <h5>Who is ActiveCampaign for?</h5> <p>ActiveCampaign is for businesses whose sales run through email marketing and automation.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Email marketing and automation - A CRM with deals and pipelines - Active Intelligence, its AI for marketing - Your account's data in ChatGPT and Claude :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Deep email automation - A 14-day free trial - A 30-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - A light CRM next to dedicated sales CRMs - Prices rise with your list size :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>ActiveCampaign has four plans, priced for 1,000 contacts and billed yearly, after a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $15 a month. - **Plus** – $49 a month. - **Pro** – $79 a month. - **Enterprise** – $145 a month. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for email automation name: ActiveCampaign logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/activecampaign-icon.jpg rating: 4.0 price: From $15 a month billed yearly text: Email marketing automation with a CRM attached. button: Try ActiveCampaign free | https://navid.link/activecampaign?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>29. [Act!](https://navid.link/act?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best desktop CRM for small businesses**</p> <p></p> <p>[Act!](https://navid.link/act?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is a CRM and marketing platform for small businesses that run on relationships. It brings contact management, sales, email marketing and marketing automation together.</p> <p>You can send emails and newsletters, build landing pages and surveys, move deals with interactive quotes and a visual pipeline, and forecast your sales. It also still has a desktop version.</p> <h5>Who is Act! for?</h5> <p>Act! is for small businesses that want a CRM with email marketing, and teams that still want a desktop CRM.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Contact management and customer profiles - A visual sales pipeline, quotes and forecasts - Email marketing, landing pages and surveys - Marketing automation - A desktop version :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial with no credit card - A desktop option - CRM and marketing in one :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - An older feel than newer CRMs - Email marketing and automation cost extra on some plans :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Act! has three plans, priced per user, after a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Standard** – $30 a month per user. - **Professional** – $45 a month per user. - **Ultimate** – $60 a month per user. - **Desktop** – $40 a month. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best desktop CRM name: Act! logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/act-icon.png rating: 3.9 price: From $30 a month per user, after 14 days free text: A small business CRM with email marketing and a desktop version. button: Try Act! free for 14 days | https://navid.link/act?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h4>30. [Bitrix24](https://navid.link/bitrix24?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)</h4> <p>**The best CRM with flat pricing for your team**</p> <p></p> <p>[Bitrix24](https://navid.link/bitrix24?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is a full online workspace with a CRM at its heart, plus tasks, online meetings, chat and more. Over 15 million companies use it, it says.</p> <p>Its pricing is flat: each plan has a fixed price and a user limit, so adding people within the limit costs nothing more. Its Vibecode lets you build apps, agents and chatbots on Bitrix24 by describing them in a chat.</p> <h5>Who is Bitrix24 for?</h5> <p>Bitrix24 is for small and mid-size companies that want a CRM and a workspace for everyone on the team at a flat price.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A CRM with sales pipelines and recurring deals - Tasks, chat and online meetings - Vibecode, to build apps and agents from a prompt - AI for everyday work :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan for one or two users - Flat prices, not per user - Up to 40% off when you pay yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - So much in one app that it can feel busy - The free plan is for one or two users only :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Bitrix24 has a free plan and flat-priced paid plans for your organization, billed yearly, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, for one or two users. - **Basic** – $49 a month, or $69 monthly, for five users. - **Standard** – $99 a month, or $144 monthly, for 50 users. - **Professional** – $199 a month, or $289 monthly, for 100 users. - **Enterprise** – from $399 a month. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best flat-priced CRM name: Bitrix24 logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/bitrix24-icon.png rating: 4.0 price: Free for two users, or $49 a month for five text: A CRM and team workspace at one flat price. button: Start on Bitrix24 for free | https://navid.link/bitrix24?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software :::</p> <h3>What is CRM software?</h3> <p>CRM stands for customer relationship management. CRM software keeps every contact, conversation and deal in one place, so you always know who to follow up with and what to say.</p> <p>A good CRM moves your leads through a pipeline, logs your emails and calls, reminds you to follow up, and shows you what's working. The best ones now do much of that for you with AI.</p> <h3>Types of CRM software</h3> <p>CRMs come in five kinds:</p> <p>:::cards tinted Workflow | All-in-one CRMs | A CRM with funnels, email, SMS and bookings around it, like [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Keap](https://navid.link/keap?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and [EngageBay](https://navid.link/engagebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software). KanbanSquare | Sales pipeline CRMs | Built to move deals, like [Pipedrive](https://navid.link/pipedrive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Freshsales](https://navid.link/freshsales?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Close](https://navid.link/close?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Pipeline CRM](https://navid.link/pipelinecrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and [Salesflare](https://navid.link/salesflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software). Bot | AI-native CRMs | AI agents keep the records and do the follow-up, like [Attio](https://navid.link/attio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Day AI](https://navid.link/dayai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Clarify](https://navid.link/clarify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Lightfield](https://navid.link/lightfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and [folk](https://navid.link/folk?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software). Mail | CRMs in your inbox | They live inside Gmail, like [Streak](https://navid.link/streak?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and [NetHunt CRM](https://navid.link/nethunt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software). Code | Open-source CRMs | You host it, own it and build on it, like [Twenty](https://navid.link/twenty?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software). :::</p> <h3>CRM software in 2026</h3> <p>Here's what changed this year:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **AI agents do the work** – [HubSpot](https://navid.link/hubspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)'s Agent Hub, [Salesforce](https://navid.link/salesforce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)'s Agentforce, [monday CRM](https://navid.link/mondaycrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)'s agents, [Pipedrive](https://navid.link/pipedrive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)'s Nova and [Close](https://navid.link/close?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)'s Chloe all do work that reps used to do by hand. - **AI costs credits** – HubSpot, [Attio](https://navid.link/attio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), Close, [Streak](https://navid.link/streak?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and monday CRM meter their AI with credits, so check what each plan includes. - **CRMs talk to your AI** – Attio and [SureContact](https://navid.link/surecontact?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) have MCP servers, and [ActiveCampaign](https://navid.link/activecampaign?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) brings your data into [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software). - **A new kind of CRM** – [Day AI](https://navid.link/dayai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Clarify](https://navid.link/clarify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and [Lightfield](https://navid.link/lightfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) build each record from your email, calls and Slack, with no data entry. - **Big numbers** – HubSpot has over 306,000 customers, [Zoho CRM](https://navid.link/zohocrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) over 350,000 businesses and [Bitrix24](https://navid.link/bitrix24?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) over 15 million companies, they say. :::</p> <h3>The CRM features that matter</h3> <p>These are the features I'd check before you pick one:</p> <p>:::checks - **A clear pipeline** – every deal by stage, so you see what needs you next. - **Lead capture and qualification** – forms, enrichment and scoring, so the best leads come first. - **Email, calls and messages** – synced and logged, so every conversation sits on the record. - **Automation** – follow-ups, reminders and tasks that run without you. - **AI you'll use** – meeting notes, summaries, follow-ups and agents that keep the CRM up to date. - **Marketing tools** – email campaigns and sequences, if your sales follow your list. - **Reports and forecasts** – what's working, and what's coming in. - **Integrations** – your calendar, inbox, payments and the rest of your stack. - **Team access and security** – permissions, so each person sees what they should. - **A simple interface** – a CRM nobody opens doesn't help anyone. :::</p> <h3>How to choose the best CRM software</h3> <p>Start with how you sell:</p> <p>1. **You sell through funnels, courses or bookings** – pick an all-in-one CRM like [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) or [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software). 2. **You run a sales team** – pick a sales pipeline CRM like [Pipedrive](https://navid.link/pipedrive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Freshsales](https://navid.link/freshsales?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) or [Close](https://navid.link/close?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software). 3. **You hate data entry** – pick an AI-native CRM like [Attio](https://navid.link/attio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Day AI](https://navid.link/dayai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) or [Clarify](https://navid.link/clarify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software). 4. **You live in Gmail** – pick [Streak](https://navid.link/streak?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) or [NetHunt CRM](https://navid.link/nethunt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software). 5. **You need it free** – start on [HubSpot](https://navid.link/hubspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Zoho CRM](https://navid.link/zohocrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) or Attio's free plan. 6. **You want to own it** – host [Twenty](https://navid.link/twenty?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), or build your own with [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software).</p> <p>Then try one or two on a real week of work. Most have free plans or trials, so it costs nothing to find out.</p> <h3>How to set up a CRM</h3> <p>Here's how I'd set one up:</p> <p>1. **Collect your data** – export your contacts and deals from email, spreadsheets and your old tools. 2. **Add your team** – invite everyone who talks to customers, with the right permissions. 3. **Segment your audience** – tag leads, customers and partners, so each gets the right follow-up. 4. **Import your customer list** – bring in your contacts, and check that the fields map correctly. 5. **Connect your apps** – your inbox, calendar, forms and payments, so the CRM fills itself.</p> <h3>The best free CRM software</h3> <p>These CRMs have a free plan you can keep:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **[HubSpot](https://navid.link/hubspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)** – free for up to two users. - **[Zoho CRM](https://navid.link/zohocrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)** – free for up to three users. - **[Attio](https://navid.link/attio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)** – free for up to three seats. - **[Agile CRM](https://navid.link/agilecrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)** – free for up to 10 users. - **[EngageBay](https://navid.link/engagebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)** – free for up to 15 members. - **[Streak](https://navid.link/streak?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)** – free inside Gmail. - **[ClickUp](https://navid.link/clickup?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Gist](https://navid.link/gist?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Day AI](https://navid.link/dayai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and [Clarify](https://navid.link/clarify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)** – free plans with limits. - **[Bitrix24](https://navid.link/bitrix24?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)** – free for one or two users. - **[Twenty](https://navid.link/twenty?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)** – free to host yourself, since it's open source. :::</p> <h3>What I use</h3> <p>I run my sales and email from a CRM I built into HQ, the app I run my business from, with [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software). It shows my sales and leads from the same database, sends my email broadcasts through [Amazon SES](https://navid.link/amazonses?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), and holds my forms, lead scoring and referral programs.</p> <p>It's more setup than signing up for a CRM, but it's mine, it costs almost nothing to run, and it does exactly what my business needs.</p> <p>If I weren't building my own, [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is the CRM I'd pick, with the inbox, automations and funnels around it.</p> <p>Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you sign up through one, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.</p> <p>:::faq :::</p> <h3>Final thoughts on the best CRM software</h3> <p>There are a lot of CRMs, so it comes down to how you sell, how big your team is, and how much you want AI to do for you.</p> <p>Here are my final recommendations:</p> <p>:::cards list https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png | HighLevel | The best all-in-one CRM, with the inbox, automations, funnels and bookings built around it. | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software | Best all-in-one CRM | Try HighLevel free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/attio-icon.png | Attio | The best AI CRM, whose agents find, enrich and work your leads. | https://navid.link/attio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software | Best AI CRM | Start on Attio https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/pipedrive-icon.png | Pipedrive | The best sales pipeline CRM, easy to run and to keep up to date. | https://navid.link/pipedrive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software | Best sales pipeline CRM | Try Pipedrive free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/hubspot-icon.jpg | HubSpot | The best free CRM to start, with paid hubs as you grow. | https://navid.link/hubspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software | Best free CRM | Get HubSpot free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/freshsales-icon.png | Freshsales | The best for sales teams on a budget, with Freddy AI built in. | https://navid.link/freshsales?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software | Best for sales teams | Try Freshsales free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/zoho-crm-icon.png | Zoho CRM | The best value: a full CRM, free for three users. | https://navid.link/zohocrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software | Best value CRM | Start on Zoho CRM :::</p> <p>Now I'd like to turn it over to you. Which CRM will you use? Or do you use a great one I didn't cover? [Send me a message](/contact) and tell me.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[The best sales funnel software](/articles/best-sales-funnel-software) – funnels to fill your CRM, compared</li><li>[The best ClickFunnels alternatives](/articles/best-clickfunnels-alternatives) – all-in-one platforms, compared</li><li>[The best landing page builders](/articles/best-landing-page-builders) – pages that capture your leads</li></ul> <p>Start with the CRM that fits how you sell today, and switch when your team outgrows it.</p><h2>FAQs about CRM software</h2><h3>What is the best CRM software?</h3><p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is my pick overall, with the inbox, automations, funnels and bookings built around the CRM, from $97 a month.</p> <p>For an AI CRM, I'd pick [Attio](https://navid.link/attio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), for a sales team [Pipedrive](https://navid.link/pipedrive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), and for free [HubSpot](https://navid.link/hubspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software).</p><h3>What is CRM software?</h3><p>CRM software keeps every contact, conversation and deal in one place, so you know who to follow up with and when.</p> <p>CRM stands for customer relationship management.</p><h3>What is the best free CRM software?</h3><p>[HubSpot](https://navid.link/hubspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is free for two users, [Zoho CRM](https://navid.link/zohocrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) for three, [Attio](https://navid.link/attio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) for three seats, [Agile CRM](https://navid.link/agilecrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) for 10 users and [EngageBay](https://navid.link/engagebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) for 15 members.</p> <p>[Streak](https://navid.link/streak?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is free inside Gmail, and [Twenty](https://navid.link/twenty?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is free to host yourself.</p><h3>Is HubSpot really free?</h3><p>Yes, [HubSpot](https://navid.link/hubspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)'s CRM is free for up to two users, with no credit card.</p> <p>Its paid hubs are where most of the power is, and Professional costs $90 a month per seat billed yearly, plus a $1,500 onboarding fee.</p><h3>What is the best CRM for a small business?</h3><p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is the best all-in-one CRM for a small business, [Pipedrive](https://navid.link/pipedrive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) the easiest sales CRM, and [Zoho CRM](https://navid.link/zohocrm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) the best value.</p> <p>If you sell through funnels, [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) keeps the CRM next to your pages and checkout.</p><h3>What is the best AI CRM?</h3><p>[Attio](https://navid.link/attio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is my pick, with agents that research, enrich, score and route your leads.</p> <p>[Day AI](https://navid.link/dayai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Clarify](https://navid.link/clarify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and [Lightfield](https://navid.link/lightfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) fill themselves from your email and calls, and [Close](https://navid.link/close?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)'s Chloe calls your leads for you.</p><h3>What is the best CRM for Gmail?</h3><p>[Streak](https://navid.link/streak?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is the best CRM inside Gmail, with a free plan and team-wide email logging.</p> <p>[NetHunt CRM](https://navid.link/nethunt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) also lives in Gmail, and adds LinkedIn, messengers and calls.</p><h3>How much does CRM software cost?</h3><p>Most CRMs cost $9 to $60 a month per user, like [Freshsales](https://navid.link/freshsales?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) from $9 and [Pipedrive](https://navid.link/pipedrive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) from $14.</p> <p>All-in-one platforms like [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) charge a flat $97 a month, and enterprise plans like [Salesforce](https://navid.link/salesforce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software)'s reach $550 a month per user.</p><h3>What is the best CRM for creators and coaches?</h3><p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is my pick for creators and coaches, with the CRM, funnels, bookings and payments in one place.</p> <p>[ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and [Keap](https://navid.link/keap?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) work well too, if you sell through funnels or want automation.</p><h3>What is an open-source CRM?</h3><p>An open-source CRM is one whose code is public, so you can host it yourself and own your data.</p> <p>[Twenty](https://navid.link/twenty?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) is the one I'd look at, with a cloud plan from $9 a month per user too.</p><h3>Can a CRM send emails?</h3><p>Yes, most CRMs send email, from one-to-one follow-ups to campaigns and sequences.</p> <p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [ActiveCampaign](https://navid.link/activecampaign?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [SureContact](https://navid.link/surecontact?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and [HubSpot](https://navid.link/hubspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) do campaigns, and [Streak](https://navid.link/streak?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) and NetHunt send from your own Gmail.</p><h3>Should I build my own CRM?</h3><p>Start on a CRM like [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), [Pipedrive](https://navid.link/pipedrive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software) or [HubSpot](https://navid.link/hubspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software), since you'll be selling the same day.</p> <p>Build your own when you need it to fit your business exactly, as I did with [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-crm-software).</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/easiest-side-hustles/https://navid.me/blog/easiest-side-hustles/65 of the easiest side hustles, each scored out of 10 for how easy it is to start, with what each pays from sourced rates, real examples, the online businesses I've built, and which need no money or experience.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of 65 of the easiest side hustles you can start today, sorted by how easy each one is.</p> <p>My first online sale was a $65 affiliate commission in 2013, earned beside a part-time bank job.</p> <p>Small first wins like that are what easy side hustles are for, and you can read more in [my story](/about-navid).</p> <p>Most lists call everything easy.</p> <p>So I scored each way out of 10 for the skills it needs, the money it takes to start, how soon you can begin and how soon you get paid, and I sourced what each one pays from the platform's own page or government data.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>65 easy side hustles, each with an ease score out of 10</li><li>The online businesses I've built, from affiliate links to [virtual summits](/articles/what-is-a-virtual-summit), and how easy each one is to start</li><li>What each one pays, and how soon the first dollar comes</li><li>Which easy side hustles need no money and no experience</li><li>Which easy side hustles also pay well</li><li>How to move up from easy work to better-paid work, and which scams to skip</li></ul> <p>Find the easiest one that fits your week, then try it before the week is out.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - The easiest side hustles need no skills and no money: selling what you own, taking surveys, walking dogs, running errands and holding a garage sale each score 10 of 10 here. - Easy rarely means well paid: on Upwork, data entry specialists and virtual assistants both have a median of $13 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/virtual-assistants/cost/)). - Some easy work pays better: running errands averaged $32 an hour on Taskrabbit, by data Taskrabbit shared ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/24/profitable-side-hustles-to-make-extra-cash-during-the-holidays.html)). - Some apps pay fast: Instawork's Instapay pays an hour after a shift for a 5% fee ([Instawork](https://help.instawork.com/en/articles/7245785-payment-settings-for-pros-us)), and Wonolo pays 98% of jobs within 48 hours ([Wonolo](https://www.wonolo.com/workers)). - The online businesses I run take longer to pay but can grow into a business: my first virtual summit let me quit my bank job, and my course made well over $1 million. - Job scams target people looking for easy money: reported losses to job and employment agency scams rose from $90 million in 2020 to $501 million in 2024 ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/03/new-ftc-data-show-big-jump-reported-losses-fraud-125-billion-2024)). :::</p> <h3>What makes a side hustle easy</h3> <p>An easy side hustle is one you can start this week with skills and things you already have, and get paid for soon after.</p> <p>I scored each way in this guide out of 10, from four things:</p> <p>:::table fancy Part of the score | Points | Full points mean  Skills | Up to 3 | Nothing to learn first  Money to start | Up to 3 | $0, using what you already own  Time to start | Up to 2 | You can do the first job this week  Time to the first dollar | Up to 2 | You're paid within a week :::</p> <p>A 10 means anyone can start today and get paid within days.</p> <p>A 5 is still doable, but it takes a skill, some money or a wait before the first dollar.</p> <p>The scores are my own judgment from each platform's rules and pay timing, so use them to compare ways, not as a promise.</p> <p>Here's what the fastest and best-paid easy work looks like:</p> <p>:::numbers ShoppingCart | $32 | an hour for running errands on Taskrabbit, on average | By data Taskrabbit shared | [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/24/profitable-side-hustles-to-make-extra-cash-during-the-holidays.html) Timer | 1 hour | after a shift, Instawork's Instapay pays out, for a 5% fee | Weekly pay is free | [Instawork](https://help.instawork.com/en/articles/7245785-payment-settings-for-pros-us) HandCoins | 98% | of Wonolo jobs are paid within 48 hours | Wonolo's own figure | [Wonolo](https://www.wonolo.com/workers) TriangleAlert | $501M | lost to job scams in 2024, up from $90M in 2020 | Reports to the FTC | [FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/03/new-ftc-data-show-big-jump-reported-losses-fraud-125-billion-2024) :::</p> <h3>The easiest side hustles at a glance</h3> <p>Here are all 65, sorted by ease score, with what each pays and how soon the first dollar usually comes:</p> <p>:::table fancy Side hustle | Ease score | What it pays | First dollar  [Sell what you own](#1-sell-what-you-own) | 10 of 10 | What buyers pay, minus fees | Within a week  [Take surveys](#2-take-surveys) | 10 of 10 | $1 per 100 points on Survey Junkie | Within a week  [Walk dogs](#31-walk-dogs) | 10 of 10 | $17.00 an hour, the BLS median | Within a week  [Run errands](#32-run-errands) | 10 of 10 | $32 an hour on average on Taskrabbit | Within a week  [Sell at a garage sale](#33-sell-at-a-garage-sale) | 10 of 10 | Cash, with no platform fee | Within a week  [Test websites and apps](#3-test-websites-and-apps) | 9 of 10 | A fee per test, by PayPal | Within a month  [Join paid research studies](#4-join-paid-research-studies) | 9 of 10 | $75 per study on average on Respondent | Within a month  [Pet sit](#34-pet-sit) | 9 of 10 | $17.00 an hour, the BLS median | Within a month  [Babysit](#35-babysit) | 9 of 10 | $16.82 an hour, the BLS median | Within a week  [Mow lawns](#36-mow-lawns) | 9 of 10 | $18.82 an hour, the BLS median | Within a week  [Do yard work](#37-do-yard-work) | 9 of 10 | $18.82 an hour, the BLS median | Within a week  [Shovel snow](#38-shovel-snow) | 9 of 10 | $126 a visit on average, by Angi | Within a week  [Wash cars](#39-wash-cars) | 9 of 10 | $17.23 an hour, the BLS median | Within a week  [Help people move](#40-help-people-move) | 9 of 10 | $19.35 an hour, the BLS median | Within a week  [Work event shifts](#41-work-event-shifts) | 9 of 10 | Over $20 an hour on Instawork | Within a week  [Do in-store tasks](#42-do-in-store-tasks) | 9 of 10 | $3 to $20 a job on Field Agent | Within a month  [Tutor younger students](#62-tutor-younger-students) | 9 of 10 | $20.84 an hour, the BLS median for tutors | Within a week  [Resell clothes and sneakers](#63-resell-clothes-and-sneakers) | 9 of 10 | The margin on each item | Within a week  [Transcribe audio](#5-transcribe-audio) | 8 of 10 | $0.40 to $1.10 per audio minute on Rev | Within a week  [Clip videos](#6-clip-videos) | 8 of 10 | A fee per clip or per view | Within a month  [Shop for groceries](#43-shop-for-groceries) | 8 of 10 | A fee per order, plus all tips | Within a week  [Clean homes](#44-clean-homes) | 8 of 10 | $17.07 an hour, the BLS median | Within a week  [House sit](#45-house-sit) | 8 of 10 | $21.51 an hour on Care.com | Within a month  [Mystery shop](#46-mystery-shop) | 8 of 10 | A fee per shop, plus refunds | Within a month  [Teach English online](#52-teach-english-online) | 8 of 10 | $10.20 an hour on Cambly | Within a week  [Board pets at home](#53-board-pets-at-home) | 8 of 10 | Your rate, and you keep 80% on Rover | Within a month  [Rent out storage space](#54-rent-out-storage-space) | 8 of 10 | Your monthly price, minus 4.9% plus 30 cents | After a month or more  [Make UGC videos](#7-make-ugc-videos) | 7 of 10 | A fee per video that you set | After a month or more  [Train AI models](#8-train-ai-models) | 7 of 10 | $25 to $50 an hour on DataAnnotation | Within a month  [Do data entry](#9-do-data-entry) | 7 of 10 | $13 an hour, the Upwork median | Within a month  [Work as a virtual assistant](#10-work-as-a-virtual-assistant) | 7 of 10 | $13 an hour, the Upwork median | Within a month  [Answer customer chats](#11-answer-customer-chats) | 7 of 10 | $14 an hour, the Upwork median | Within a month  [Sell printables](#12-sell-printables) | 7 of 10 | Your price, minus Etsy's fees | Within a month  [Print on demand](#13-print-on-demand) | 7 of 10 | Your price, minus printing and fees | Within a month  [Sell Canva templates](#14-sell-canva-templates) | 7 of 10 | Your price, minus Etsy's fees | Within a month  [Publish books on Amazon KDP](#15-publish-books-on-amazon-kdp) | 7 of 10 | 60% of a paperback's list price, minus printing | After a month or more  [Do voiceovers](#16-do-voiceovers) | 7 of 10 | $55 an hour, the Upwork median | Within a month  [Translate with AI, then check every line](#17-translate-with-ai-then-check-every-line) | 7 of 10 | $20 an hour, the Upwork median | Within a month  [Proofread and edit](#18-proofread-and-edit) | 7 of 10 | $25 an hour, the Upwork median | Within a month  [Earn affiliate commissions](#19-earn-affiliate-commissions) | 7 of 10 | Up to 10% of each sale on Amazon | After a month or more  [Sell a small digital product](#20-sell-a-small-digital-product) | 7 of 10 | Your price, minus 10% plus $0.50 on Gumroad | After a month or more  [Start a newsletter](#21-start-a-newsletter) | 7 of 10 | Sponsors and paid subscriptions; you keep 90% on Substack | After a month or more  [Coach one to one](#22-coach-one-to-one) | 7 of 10 | $100 an hour, the Upwork median for business coaches | Within a month  [Become an AI consultant](#23-become-an-ai-consultant) | 7 of 10 | $55 an hour, the Upwork median for consultants | Within a month  [Deliver food](#47-deliver-food) | 7 of 10 | $18.64 an hour, the BLS median | Within a week  [Deliver packages](#48-deliver-packages) | 7 of 10 | $18 to $25 an hour on Amazon Flex | Within a week  [Drive people](#49-drive-people) | 7 of 10 | $20.24 an hour, the BLS median | Within a week  [Assemble furniture](#50-assemble-furniture) | 7 of 10 | $50 to $150 a piece, by Angi | Within a week  [Tutor online](#55-tutor-online) | 7 of 10 | Your rate, minus 18% to 33% on Preply | Within a month  [Run social media for a local business](#56-run-social-media-for-a-local-business) | 7 of 10 | $20 an hour, the Upwork median | Within a month  [Sell baked goods](#57-sell-baked-goods) | 7 of 10 | Your price per batch | Within a week  [Design thumbnails](#64-design-thumbnails) | 7 of 10 | $25 an hour, the Upwork median for designers | Within a month  [Edit short videos](#65-edit-short-videos) | 7 of 10 | $6 to $25 an hour on Upwork | Within a month  [Start a blog](#24-start-a-blog) | 6 of 10 | Ads, affiliate links and your own products | After a month or more  [Start a podcast](#25-start-a-podcast) | 6 of 10 | Sponsors; Spotify pays 50% of its ad revenue | After a month or more  [Start a YouTube channel](#26-start-a-youtube-channel) | 6 of 10 | 55% of the ad revenue on long videos | After a month or more  [Rent a room](#58-rent-a-room) | 6 of 10 | Your nightly price, minus 15.5% on Airbnb | Within a month  [Rent out your car](#59-rent-out-your-car) | 6 of 10 | 70% to 90% of each trip on Turo | Within a month  [Sell teaching resources](#60-sell-teaching-resources) | 6 of 10 | 55% to 80% of each sale on TPT | After a month or more  [Sell stock photos](#61-sell-stock-photos) | 6 of 10 | 15% to 40% of each license on Shutterstock | After a month or more  [Vibe code a small tool](#27-vibe-code-a-small-tool) | 5 of 10 | Sales, subscriptions or sign-ups | After a month or more  [Hang holiday lights](#51-hang-holiday-lights) | 5 of 10 | $444 a house on average, by Angi | Within a month  [Create an online course](#28-create-an-online-course) | 4 of 10 | Course sales; my first launch made $60,000+ | After a month or more  [Run a paid membership](#29-run-a-paid-membership) | 4 of 10 | Monthly or yearly memberships | After a month or more  [Host a virtual summit](#30-host-a-virtual-summit) | 4 of 10 | All-access passes; The Branding Summit made $20,000+ | After a month or more :::</p> <h3>Easy side hustles that also pay well</h3> <p>Most easy work pays close to the minimum.</p> <p>These nine are easy and pay better than most:</p> <p>:::cards ShoppingCart | Run errands | Errands averaged $32 an hour on Taskrabbit, and all you need is a phone and a way to get around. | #32-run-errands MessageSquare | Join paid research studies | Respondent shows an average payout of $75 per study, for an interview or a survey. | #4-join-paid-research-studies Ticket | Work event shifts | Instawork's average is over $20 an hour, and shifts can pay out an hour after you clock out. | #41-work-event-shifts Home | Shovel snow | Professional snow removal averages $126 a visit, and one storm can fill a weekend with driveways. | #38-shovel-snow PawPrint | Board pets at home | One Rover sitter made $9,455 in a month, most of it from boarding dogs at home. | #53-board-pets-at-home Brush | Clean homes | A cleaning side hustle started with $2,000 grew to about $10,000 a month. | #44-clean-homes Link | Earn affiliate commissions | My biggest affiliate month brought in around $40,000, as Ramit Sethi's #1 affiliate for Zero to Launch. | #19-earn-affiliate-commissions Handshake | Coach one to one | Business coaches on Upwork charge a median of $100 an hour. | #22-coach-one-to-one Bot | Become an AI consultant | Setting up AI for small businesses is what I do for clients now, and consultants on Upwork charge a median of $55 an hour. | #23-become-an-ai-consultant :::</p> <h3>Find the easy side hustle that fits you</h3> <p>If you're not sure which one fits, answer a few questions about your time, skills and what you enjoy:</p> <p>:::tool side-hustle-quiz easiest-side-hustles :::</p> <p>The 65 ways come in five groups:</p> <p>:::cards here Laptop | Online | These 18 run from your phone or laptop, from surveys to voiceovers. | #easiest-side-hustles-online Rocket | Online businesses, like mine | These 12 are how I've made money online since 2013, from affiliate links to virtual summits. | #easiest-online-businesses-to-start-like-mine Users | In person | These 21 pay for errands, pets, yards and shifts near home. | #easiest-side-hustles-in-person Home | From home | These 10 use your home, your car or what you already know. | #easiest-side-hustles-from-home Backpack | For students and teens | These four fit around school, some with a parent's help. | #easy-side-hustles-for-students-and-teens :::</p> <h3>Easiest side hustles online</h3> <p>These 18 need a phone or a laptop and an internet connection, and most take less than a day to set up.</p> <h4>1. Sell what you own</h4> <p>Clothes, shoes, games, gadgets and furniture you don't use are the fastest money on this list, because you already own the stock.</p> <p>You list them on an app, then ship them or meet the buyer.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a closet, a garage or a storage unit full of things you haven't touched in a year.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each item. On eBay, the money is usually available 1 to 2 days after the buyer pays, and daily payouts start about 2 days after that ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814)).</p> <p>**Example:** Jasmeen made close to $100 in a first week of selling old clothes on Vinted, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OATiDPEC2OY).</p> <p>Becky Park's week of reselling on Poshmark, eBay and Depop was mostly $15 to $20 in profit per item, [in June 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUOi8-WwDlY).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jasmeen on selling old clothes on Vinted, starting with close to $100 in the first week.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OATiDPEC2OY | How I make $100/week selling my OLD USED CLOTHES on Vinted | | Jasmeen | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick 10 things you haven't used in a year Photograph each one in daylight and check what the same item sold for List them on one app and answer buyers within the hour :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [Vinted](https://navid.link/vinted?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and clean up your photos with the [product photo background remover](/free-tools/product-photo-background-remover).</p> <p>For ideas of what sells, see my list of [60 things to sell to make money](/articles/things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Pricing from what you paid instead of what sold slows every sale, so check sold listings first. Shipping before the payment clears invites scams, so ship only after the app confirms the sale. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 10 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** daily or weekly on eBay · **Age:** 18+ on eBay</p> <h4>2. Take surveys</h4> <p>You answer questions about products and habits for market research companies, and earn points you cash out.</p> <p>It's the easiest way on this list to start and the lowest paid, so treat it as pocket money while you build something better.</p> <p>It fits you if you have spare minutes on your phone, like a commute or a lunch break.</p> <p>**What it pays:** points you cash out. On Survey Junkie, 100 points are worth $1, with cash outs from $5 ([Survey Junkie](https://www.surveyjunkie.com/how-it-works)), and on Swagbucks a $3 gift card costs 300 points ([Swagbucks](https://help.swagbucks.com/hc/en-us/articles/205094723-Swag-Up-Details)).</p> <p>**Example:** Emilia Davids tested 10 survey sites and got over $800 in rewards from the five that paid well, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-RlsP5Yw8M).</p> <p>Survey Leo tested Survey Junkie with a fresh account and earned about $5 an hour, [in August 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfiVHt2BoRk).</p> <p>**Watch:** Emilia Davids tests 10 survey sites and shows the five that paid, over $800 in all.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-RlsP5Yw8M | I Tested 10 Survey Sites, Only 5 Paid Me Well ($800 Proof) | | Emilia Davids | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Join two or three survey sites and fill in every profile survey Answer honestly, because sites screen out rushed answers Cash out at the lowest amount to check that payouts work :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Survey Junkie](https://navid.link/surveyjunkie?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Swagbucks](https://navid.link/swagbucks?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) pay through PayPal and gift cards.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Racing through answers gets you screened out, so read each question. Paying to join a survey site is a red flag, so stick to sites that are free to join. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 10 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** from $5 on Survey Junkie</p> <h4>3. Test websites and apps</h4> <p>You use a website or app while you say what you think, and the company records your screen and voice.</p> <p>Clear, honest feedback is the only skill it takes.</p> <p>It fits you if you can think out loud and you notice when something is confusing.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per test. UserTesting sends each payment to PayPal 14 days after you upload the test ([UserTesting](https://participant-support.usertesting.com/hc/en-us/articles/37633031351315-When-and-how-will-I-be-paid)).</p> <p>**Watch:** PaidFromSurveys on getting paid to test websites with UserTesting.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IasjXrnwn1M | Get Paid to Test Websites - Is UserTesting.com the Ultimate Side Hustle? (Full Review) | | PaidFromSurveys | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up and pass the practice test Fill in your profile so you match more tests Take each test the day it arrives, because spots fill fast :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Userlytics](https://navid.link/userlytics?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) run the tests, and all you need is a computer or phone with a microphone.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Going quiet during a test gets it rejected, so talk through every step. Counting on steady income leads to disappointment, because tests depend on your profile and your country. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 9 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** by PayPal, 14 days after each test · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>4. Join paid research studies</h4> <p>Companies pay to interview people like you about how you work, shop or use their product.</p> <p>Studies for professionals, like nurses or software buyers, pay the most.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a job or a hobby that companies want to understand.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per interview, survey or focus group. Respondent shows an average payout of $75 per study, paid 48 hours after your session ([Respondent](https://www.respondent.io/participants)).</p> <p>**Watch:** MediaFuse on a research site that paid $300 for one study.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYBH-uaUHxo | This Research Website Paid Me $300 for Completing A Survey | | MediaFuse | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Fill in your profile with your job title and industry Apply to studies that match you exactly Show up on time, because no-shows lose future invites :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Respondent](https://navid.link/respondent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Prolific](https://navid.link/prolific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) list paid studies, and [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) runs interviews too.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Stretching your profile to qualify gets you screened out in the interview, so answer as you are. Missing a booked session costs you future invites, so treat each one like a meeting. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 9 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** 48 hours after each session on Respondent</p> <h4>5. Transcribe audio</h4> <p>You type out what people say in interviews, podcasts and meetings.</p> <p>AI now writes the first draft of most transcripts, so more of the paid work is fixing what it gets wrong.</p> <p>It fits you if you type fast and you have a good ear for names and accents.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per audio minute. Rev pays $0.40 to $1.10 per audio minute for transcripts and $0.54 to $1.10 for captions, weekly through PayPal ([Rev](https://www.rev.com/freelancers)). On Upwork, transcriptionists typically charge $12 to $22 an hour, and the median is $15 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/transcriptionists/cost/)). Employed court reporters and live captioners in the US earn a median of $72,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/court-reporters.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant tests whether Rev's transcription jobs are worth it.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPSngnJlD2Y | Rev Transcription Jobs: Worth It or Complete Waste of Time? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Take the platform's transcription test Start with clear audio to build your speed Learn the editor's keyboard shortcuts once you're steady :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Rev](https://navid.link/rev?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [TranscribeMe](https://navid.link/transcribeme?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) have their own editors, and freelancers find clients on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Guessing at words you can't hear lowers your score, so mark them as unclear. Taking long, noisy files at the start burns hours, so pick clean audio until you're fast. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 8 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** weekly by PayPal on Rev · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>6. Clip videos</h4> <p>You cut long streams and podcasts into short clips for TikTok, Reels and Shorts, and get paid per clip or per view.</p> <p>Many creators run clipping programs that pay anyone whose clips get views.</p> <p>It fits you if you watch a lot of short videos and you can spot the moment people will share.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per clip, or pay per view on clipping programs. Clips are short-form video editing, and searches for short-form video editing grew 27% and Reels editing 57% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, video editors typically charge $6 to $25 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** SERVIUOS made $1,000 clipping streamers' videos in 30 days, and shows the TikTok page so you can check, [in April 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR5WI2jtfmI).</p> <p>**Watch:** SERVIUOS shows the $1,000 made from clipping in 30 days, without TikTok's creator rewards.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR5WI2jtfmI | How To Make $1,000 in Clipping (with proof) | | SERVIUOS | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one creator or clipping program with clear pay rules Clip the moments with the strongest reactions, and add captions Post daily and track which clips earn :::</p> <p>**Tools:** cut and caption in [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), or let [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) find the moments for you.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Posting clips without permission gets them taken down, so clip only for creators who allow it. Chasing views with misleading captions gets you dropped from programs, so keep the hook honest. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 8 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** per clip or per view, by the creator</p> <h4>7. Make UGC videos</h4> <p>Brands pay you to film short videos with their product, like an unboxing, a review or a how-to, for their ads and pages.</p> <p>You don't need followers, because the brand posts the video.</p> <p>It fits you if you're comfortable on camera and you can talk naturally about a product.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video, paid by the brand, at a rate you set. Brands also hire this work as video ads: searches for AI UGC video ads grew 265% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026, and searches for video editing grew 36% ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Film three sample videos with products you already own Put them on a simple portfolio page Pitch 10 brands a week whose products you use :::</p> <p>**Tools:** film on your phone, edit in [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and find brand deals on [Collabstr](https://navid.link/collabstr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>Check a creator's audience with the [engagement rate calculator](/free-tools/engagement-rate-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Giving away ad rights for a one-time fee undercharges you, so price the rights separately. Pitching brands you haven't used shows in the video, so start with products you know. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** after a month or more · **Paid:** when the brand pays your invoice</p> <h4>8. Train AI models</h4> <p>You rate, rank and correct answers from AI chatbots so they get better.</p> <p>Generalist work needs good writing and attention to detail, and coders and other specialists earn the most.</p> <p>It fits you if you write well, follow detailed instructions and like checking facts.</p> <p>**What it pays:** pay per hour. DataAnnotation lists $25 to $50 an hour for generalists and $40 to $150+ an hour for coders and other experts ([DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/)). Demand is real: freelancer earnings from AI data annotation and labeling grew 154% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Business Insider spoke with people doing this work in [November 2025](https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-get-ai-training-freelancer-how-much-money-contractor-2025-11): Ryan Adams in Virginia has earned about $31,000 on Outlier, and Jessica Hamilton makes $1,000 to $1,200 a month across Prolific, DataAnnotation and others.</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant checks whether DataAnnotation's AI jobs are legit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--i7J5mR720 | Are DataAnnotation Tech AI Jobs Legit? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to two or three platforms and take each assessment carefully List every skill and degree you have, because specialists get more work Check for new projects daily once you're in :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [DataAnnotation](https://navid.link/dataannotation?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [Outlier](https://navid.link/outlier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Prolific](https://navid.link/prolific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) all hire for this.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Rushing the entry assessment can lock you out, so take it when you have a quiet hour. Counting on steady hours is risky, because projects come and go without notice. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month</p> <h4>9. Do data entry</h4> <p>You copy information into spreadsheets, databases and online forms, or clean up lists someone else made.</p> <p>It's simple work, which is also why it's a favorite of job scammers.</p> <p>It fits you if you're accurate, patient and quick with a spreadsheet.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an [hourly rate](/free-tools/hourly-to-salary-calculator). On Upwork, data entry specialists typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/data-entry-specialists/cost/)). Employed data entry keyers in the US earn a median of $19.88 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes439021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn sorting, filters and lookups in a spreadsheet Take a small first job at a fair price to earn a review Ask happy clients for recurring work :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find clients on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and let [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) write the spreadsheet formulas you don't know yet.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying for a data entry starter kit or training is a classic scam, so walk away from any job that asks for money first ([FTC](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams)). Typing everything by hand is slow, so learn imports and formulas. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>10. Work as a virtual assistant</h4> <p>You handle email, calendars, bookings and small admin tasks for a busy owner or creator, from home.</p> <p>Most start with general tasks, then specialize in one area, like podcast admin or bookkeeping, to charge more.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized and you like making someone else's day easier.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a monthly package. On Upwork, virtual assistants typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/virtual-assistants/cost/)). Specialists earn more: medical virtual assistance grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Employed administrative assistants in the US earn a median of $48,310 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** life and numbers earns $1,300 a month as a virtual assistant for two clients, working about 9 hours a week, [in March 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHqhXLKYGgw).</p> <p>**Watch:** Life and Numbers on becoming a virtual assistant with no experience.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UT1rOreitg | How to Become a Virtual Assistant with No Experience (Step-by-Step Guide + Real Client Stories) | | life and numbers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start List the five tasks you already do well Offer a small weekly package to one business you know Turn each repeat task into a checklist so you can take a second client :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find clients on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and browse openings on my [remote jobs board](/free-tools/remote-jobs).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Charging by the hour forever caps your income, so move repeat clients to packages. Saying yes to every task blurs the job, so agree on what's included. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>11. Answer customer chats</h4> <p>You answer customer questions by chat, email or phone for online stores, apps and service companies.</p> <p>AI chatbots now answer the simple questions, so people handle the harder ones.</p> <p>It fits you if you stay calm with upset people and you write clear, friendly replies.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. On Upwork, customer service representatives typically charge $10 to $19 an hour, and the median is $14 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/customer-service-representatives/cost/)). Employed customer service representatives in the US earn a median of $21.53 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/customer-service-representatives.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Read a store's help center so you know the common questions Apply to remote support roles and freelance gigs Learn the help desk tools companies use :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find openings on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and my [remote jobs board](/free-tools/remote-jobs).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Pasting the same canned reply to every customer makes them angrier, so answer the question they asked. A job that asks you to pay for training or a starter kit first is a scam sign, so check the company before you apply ([FTC](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams)). :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>12. Sell printables</h4> <p>You design planners, checklists, wall art or party invitations, and buyers download and print them.</p> <p>You make each file once and sell it again and again.</p> <p>It fits you if you like design and you know a niche, like teachers, weddings or budgeting.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per download that you set, minus Etsy's $0.20 listing fee, 6.5% of each sale and payment processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Cam Finance tested an AI printables shop on Etsy from $0: two sales for $9 in the first week, then $187 in total sales by the end of week two, after cutting prices from $12 to $7, [in September 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1abscZwwsM).</p> <p>**Watch:** Cam Finance tests an AI printables shop on Etsy from $0 and shows two weeks of sales.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1abscZwwsM | I Started an Etsy AI Printables Business With $0 (Here Are The Results) | | Cam Finance | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one niche and study the best sellers in it Make five printables in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) and list them Add new designs weekly and keep the ones that sell :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or from your own page on [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [Stan Store](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>Check what each Etsy sale nets with the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>If you're stuck for ideas, try the [digital product idea generator](/free-tools/digital-product-idea-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying a best seller's design invites takedowns, so make your own. A shop with one or two products rarely gets found, so build up to 20 or more. :::</p> <p>**Start:** $0.20 a listing · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>13. Print on demand</h4> <p>You design shirts, mugs and posters, and a print company makes and ships each one when someone orders.</p> <p>You don't hold stock, so the risk is low, and so are the margins.</p> <p>It fits you if you have design ideas for a niche you know, like a hobby, a job or a dog breed.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each item sold: your price minus the print cost and the marketplace's fees. On Etsy, that's $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Brenon Dopp's print-on-demand Etsy shop made $40 in its first month and $6,076 in its best month, October, in its first year, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3vm3FIm4UE).</p> <p>**Watch:** Brenon Dopp shares a first year of print on demand on Etsy, from $40 in month one to a $6,076 October.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3vm3FIm4UE | How Much I Made My First Year on Etsy (Realistic Results) | | Brenon Dopp | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a niche and check what already sells Make 10 designs and order one sample to check the quality Add designs every week and drop the ones that don't sell :::</p> <p>**Tools:** print with [Printful](https://navid.link/printful?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Printify](https://navid.link/printify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and check your margin with the [print on demand profit calculator](/free-tools/print-on-demand-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using brand names or characters gets listings removed, so keep your designs original. Skipping a sample order hides print problems, so order one of each product first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a sample order · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>14. Sell Canva templates</h4> <p>You design templates in Canva, like social media posts, resumes, slide decks and media kits.</p> <p>Buyers get a link that copies the template into their own Canva account, so there's nothing to print or ship.</p> <p>[Notion](/ai-tools/notion) templates work the same way, for planners, budgets and content calendars.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for design and you know one kind of buyer, like coaches or real estate agents.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per template that you set, minus Etsy's $0.20 listing fee, 6.5% of each sale and payment processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one kind of buyer and the templates they use every week Make five templates and a short guide for opening them List them on one marketplace and add a new design every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) or [Notion](/ai-tools/notion).</p> <p>Sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Creative Market](https://navid.link/creativemarket?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), or from your own page on [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [Stan Store](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>See what you keep on Etsy with the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying another shop's look gets listings removed, so build your own style. Leaving out how to open the template brings confused buyers and refunds, so add a short guide. :::</p> <p>**Start:** $0.20 a listing on Etsy · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>15. Publish books on Amazon KDP</h4> <p>You publish coloring books, journals, planners or a short ebook on Amazon, and Amazon prints and ships each copy when it sells.</p> <p>Journals and planners are the easiest start, because they need design more than writing.</p> <p>It fits you if you like simple design and you can find niches buyers search for.</p> <p>**What it pays:** royalties on each copy. Amazon KDP pays 60% of a paperback's list price at $9.99 or more, minus the printing cost: a $15 book that costs $5 to print earns $4 ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834330)). Royalties arrive about 60 days after the end of the month of the sale ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GK2MKZUL6U3SFBPZ)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a niche with steady searches and few good books Design the interior and the cover, and check the print specs Publish a series of three in one theme, then add more :::</p> <p>**Tools:** lay it out in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) and publish on [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>Sell an ebook direct from [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [Stan Store](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) too.</p> <p>Check your royalty with the [KDP royalty calculator](/free-tools/kdp-royalty-calculator), and write the listing with the [book description generator](/free-tools/book-description-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping KDP's AI disclosure breaks its content rules, so declare AI-generated images or text when you publish. Publishing one title gives you one chance to sell, so build a series in one theme. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** after a month or more · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on KDP</p> <h4>16. Do voiceovers</h4> <p>You record your voice for ads, explainer videos, phone systems and training videos, from a quiet room at home.</p> <p>A client sends a script, and you record, edit and deliver the audio.</p> <p>Corporate work, like training videos and voicemail greetings, pays steadily and doesn't need a famous voice.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a clear voice, a quiet space and patience for retakes.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or per finished minute. On Upwork, voice actors typically charge $40 to $85 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/voice-actors/cost/)). On Upwork, audiobook narrators typically charge $25 to $55 an hour, and the median is $40 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/audiobook-narrators/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** NASA engineer Eryn Andrews started a voiceover side hustle in 2022 with about $200 for a class, a microphone and a mattress topper for soundproofing.</p> <p>She charged $5 per 100 words on Fiverr at first, and by August 2026 she had earned over $227,000 that year, working one to eight hours a week ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/06/how-nasa-engineer-built-lucrative-voiceover-acting-side-hustle.html)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Record a short demo in three styles, like an ad, a narration and a phone message List a voiceover gig on Fiverr or Upwork at an entry price Raise your price after your first 10 reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** clean your audio with [Adobe Podcast](https://navid.link/adobepodcast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or the [background noise remover](/free-tools/background-noise-remover), and edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>Find jobs on [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Voices](https://navid.link/voices?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recording in an echoey room gets your auditions skipped, so treat a closet or corner with soft materials first. Selling your voice for AI cloning without clear terms can let a client reuse it for good, so read the license before you sign. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a microphone · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>17. Translate with AI, then check every line</h4> <p>Businesses need websites, product pages, documents and subtitles in other languages.</p> <p>AI makes the first draft in seconds, and you make it accurate and natural, which is what clients pay for.</p> <p>The money is in subjects you know, like legal, medical or marketing, and in checking AI drafts for businesses that can't risk mistakes.</p> <p>It fits you if you're fluent in two languages and careful with detail.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per word or per project. On Upwork, translators typically charge $15 to $25 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/translators/cost/)). Employed interpreters and translators in the US earn a median of $60,170 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a language pair and one subject Offer AI translation checked by you Build repeat clients in that subject :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini), [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) or [Grok](/ai-tools/grok), and get a second opinion from [DeepL](https://navid.link/deepl?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>Find clients on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Delivering machine drafts as final work puts errors in front of your client's customers, so check every line yourself. Taking subjects you don't know, like legal or medical texts, risks costly mistakes, so stay in fields you know. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>18. Proofread and edit</h4> <p>You fix grammar, spelling and flow in books, theses, reports and websites before they go out.</p> <p>Editors who know one field, like academic or legal writing, can charge more for that knowledge.</p> <p>It fits you if you spot typos others miss and you know a style guide well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per word or per project. On Upwork, proofreaders typically charge $18 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/proofreaders/cost/)). Employed editors in the US earn a median of $77,920 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn one style guide well, like AP or Chicago Edit three free samples for writers you know List a proofreading service with a price per 1,000 words :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [ProWritingAid](https://navid.link/prowritingaid?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) catch the obvious, and your judgment does the rest.</p> <p>Find clients on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and check reading ease with the [Flesch-Kincaid calculator](/free-tools/flesch-kincaid-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Rewriting the author's voice when you were hired to proofread upsets clients, so agree on the level of edit first. Promising a fast turnaround on a long book causes errors, so price rush jobs higher. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h3>Easiest online businesses to start, like mine</h3> <p>These 12 are how I've made money online since 2013, from my first $65 affiliate commission to virtual summits and courses.</p> <p>They take longer to pay than walking a dog, so they score lower on ease.</p> <p>But they're the ones that can grow into a business, and my first virtual summit let me quit my bank job.</p> <h4>19. Earn affiliate commissions</h4> <p>You recommend products you use and earn a commission when people buy through your link.</p> <p>A blog, a YouTube channel or an email list is where the links live.</p> <p>My first dollar online was a $65 commission in 2013, and the ASK Method launch later put me #6 on its affiliate leaderboard.</p> <p>It fits you if you already share recommendations and people ask what you use.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a commission per sale or sign-up. Amazon Associates pays up to 10% of each sale, depending on the category ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/GRXPHT8U84RAYDXZ)), about 60 days after the end of the month ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/G63DR893K4DH55XZ)). My biggest affiliate month came from a course, not Amazon: around $40,000 as Ramit Sethi's #1 affiliate for Zero to Launch.</p> <p>:::gallery   :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick products you already use and join their affiliate programs Write honest reviews and comparisons people search for Track which links earn and make more content like it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find programs in my list of the [best affiliate programs](/best-affiliate-programs), check what a sale pays with the [affiliate commission calculator](/free-tools/affiliate-commission-calculator), and join [Amazon Associates](https://navid.link/amazonassociates?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) for everyday products.</p> <p>Networks like [Impact](https://navid.link/impact?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) run thousands of programs in one place.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recommending products you haven't used costs trust, so link only what you'd buy. Hiding that a link pays you breaks the FTC's endorsement rules, so disclose it clearly ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/disclosures-101-social-media-influencers)). :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** after a month or more · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on Amazon</p> <h4>20. Sell a small digital product</h4> <p>You turn something you know into a template, guide or checklist and sell it as a download.</p> <p>Small products that solve one problem are the easiest to start with.</p> <p>My AI Creator Bundle and AI Super Bundle are digital products, sold beside my summits.</p> <p>It fits you if people already ask you how you do something.</p> <p>**What it pays:** one-time sales on your site or a marketplace. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself, and 30% of sales from its own marketplace ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>:::gallery  :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one problem you've solved for yourself or others Make the smallest useful version, like a template or a checklist Sell it on Gumroad and share it where your audience is :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I sell through Creator Store, an AI-powered store I built myself with the help of AI, and I used [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) for years before that.</p> <p>[Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [Stan Store](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) sell from one page too.</p> <p>Design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), check your take with the [Gumroad fee calculator](/free-tools/gumroad-fee-calculator), and compare the options in my guide to the [best place to sell digital products](/articles/best-place-to-sell-digital-products).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Making a big course first takes months before the first sale, so start small. Launching with no audience means no buyers, so share your work while you build. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** after a month or more · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>21. Start a newsletter</h4> <p>A newsletter is the audience you own: no algorithm decides who sees it.</p> <p>Every summit I ran grew my email list, and that list paid for most of what came after.</p> <p>My own is [Navid Insider](/ai-newsletter), a free weekly AI newsletter for founders.</p> <p>It fits you if you like writing and you have something useful to say every week.</p> <p>**What it pays:** [sponsors](/free-tools/sponsorship-rate-calculator), paid subscriptions, affiliate links and your own products. On Substack, writers keep 90% of paid subscriptions, minus card fees ([Substack](https://substack.com/going-paid)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one reader and one promise Send every week, even to 10 people Offer a free guide to grow the list :::</p> <p>**Tools:** most writers in my research use [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and others use [beehiiv](https://navid.link/beehiiv?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Substack](https://navid.link/substack?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>Pick one with the [email marketing software finder](/free-tools/email-marketing-software-finder), and see what a list can earn with the [beehiiv money calculator](/free-tools/beehiiv-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending when you feel like it breaks the habit readers build, so send on the same day every week. Writing to everyone makes each issue feel generic, so write to one reader. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** after a month or more · **Paid:** through Stripe for paid subscriptions · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>22. Coach one to one</h4> <p>You help people reach a result on calls, in an area you know well.</p> <p>I got my first coaching clients in 2014, and later ran a coaching program beside my course.</p> <p>It fits you if people already come to you for advice in one area.</p> <p>**What it pays:** coaching packages, paid up front or monthly. On Upwork, business coaches typically charge $75 to $150 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-coaches/cost/)). On Upwork, life coaches typically charge $50 to $250 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/life-coaches/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Name the result you help people get, and for whom Coach three people at a low price and collect their results Raise the price with every new result :::</p> <p>**Tools:** take payments with [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), record calls with [Granola](https://navid.link/granola?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and shape your offer with the [grand slam offer generator](/free-tools/grand-slam-offer-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling hours instead of a result caps what you earn, so price the result. Coaching everyone makes you hard to refer, so coach one kind of person to one result. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>23. Become an AI consultant</h4> <p>You set up AI for a small business: its context, its tools and its workflows in one place, which I call an [AI OS](/how-i-use-ai).</p> <p>This is what I do for clients now, and I teach it in my [Certified AI OS Consultant](/ai-consultant-certification) program.</p> <p>My guide on [how to build an AI operating system](/articles/how-to-build-an-ai-operating-system-ai-os) shows the setup step by step.</p> <p>It fits you if you already run your own work on AI.</p> <p>**What it pays:** projects and monthly retainers. On Upwork, business consultants typically charge $28 to $98 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-consultants/cost/)). 77% of business leaders say AI increases their need for specialized, fractional talent ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Run your own work on AI first Offer a paid setup to one team you know Keep it running with a monthly plan :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build AI OS setups with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code), [Codex](/ai-tools/codex) and [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and use [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) beside them.</p> <p>[Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) is another assistant worth trying for client work.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling AI before you use it daily leaves you without proof, and your own setup is the best proof you have. Building for one tool locks the client in, so build a setup that works with any AI. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** up front, or monthly</p> <h4>24. Start a blog</h4> <p>A blog answers what people search for on Google, and it earns from ads, affiliate links and your own products.</p> <p>It's slow to start, then it can pay for years.</p> <p>Mine started in 2013, and my first round-up post brought my first real traffic.</p> <p>It fits you if you like writing and you're patient with a slow start.</p> <p>**What it pays:** display ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts and your own products.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic you can write 100 posts about Answer the questions people search for, from your own experience Add an email list and one product early :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build it on WordPress with [Elementor](https://navid.link/elementor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), host it with [Hostinger](https://navid.link/hostinger?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), get your domain at [Namecheap](https://navid.link/namecheap?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and check every post with the [title and meta checker](/free-tools/title-and-meta-checker).</p> <p>My guides are [how to start a blog](/articles/how-to-start-a-blog) and [how to make money blogging](/articles/how-to-make-money-blogging).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing what you want instead of what people search for leaves posts without readers, so check what people search first. Blogging without an email list loses readers you can't reach again, so start one from your first post. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a domain and hosting · **Ease:** 6 of 10 · **First dollar:** after a month or more · **Paid:** monthly, by each ad network and affiliate program</p> <h4>25. Start a podcast</h4> <p>A podcast builds trust in a way few formats do, because people spend hours with your voice.</p> <p>I hosted my own show, The Lifestyle Architects, in 2014, and being a guest on Entrepreneurs on Fire was a big goal of mine.</p> <p>It fits you if you like conversations and you can keep a weekly schedule.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, listener support, premium episodes and your own offers. Spotify's Partner Program pays 50% of the ad revenue from its ads in your episodes, once your show reaches 2,000 hours listened and 1,000 listeners in 30 days ([Spotify](https://support.spotify.com/us/creators/article/spotify-partner-program/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic and a format you can keep up every week Record three episodes before you launch Invite guests with an audience and ask them to share :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I record in [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>Price your ads with the [podcast sponsorship calculator](/free-tools/podcast-sponsorship-calculator), and read my guide on [how to make money podcasting](/articles/how-to-make-money-podcasting).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Waiting for sponsors to come to you slows your first deal, so pitch them once you know your numbers. Bad audio drives listeners away, so use a decent microphone and a quiet room. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a microphone · **Ease:** 6 of 10 · **First dollar:** after a month or more · **Paid:** when sponsors pay</p> <h4>26. Start a YouTube channel</h4> <p>You make videos about something you know or love and grow an audience that pays through ads, sponsors and your own offers.</p> <p>It's easy to start and slow to pay, which is why it scores lower here.</p> <p>It fits you if you enjoy making videos and you can stick with it for a year.</p> <p>**What it pays:** YouTube's ad revenue share, sponsors, memberships and your own offers. YouTube pays you 55% of the ad revenue on your long videos and 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)), once you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)).</p> <p>**Example:** Becca Farsace made $151,570 in a first full year as a YouTuber, with $15,513.84 of it from YouTube's ad share and most of the rest from sponsors, [in October 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQhT2bZk-5w).</p> <p>**Watch:** Becca Farsace shares what a first full year on YouTube paid, and where the money came from.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQhT2bZk-5w | I quit my job to become a YouTuber, here is how much $$$ I made | | Becca Farsace | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one topic you can make 50 videos about Post on a schedule you can keep for a year Study your best video and make more like it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find a topic with the [YouTube niche finder](/free-tools/youtube-niche-finder), spot what's working with the [YouTube outlier finder](/free-tools/youtube-outlier-finder), and estimate earnings with the [YouTube money calculator](/free-tools/youtube-money-calculator).</p> <p>Edit in [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and record interviews in [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Changing topics every few videos confuses viewers, so stick with one. Quitting before the channel can earn wastes the work, so plan for a slow first year. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 6 of 10 · **First dollar:** after a month or more · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>27. Vibe code a small tool</h4> <p>You describe a small app, calculator or website to an AI coding tool, and it writes the code while you test and refine it.</p> <p>You don't need to be a developer, and a free tool can bring in visitors and email sign-ups before it ever charges.</p> <p>It fits you if you have ideas for tools you'd use yourself and you like to tinker.</p> <p>**What it pays:** subscriptions or one-time sales of what you build, or the visitors and email sign-ups a free tool brings in. Across more than 115,000 subscription apps, the median new app made about $72 a month a year after launch, the top 10% made $2,500 or more, and 17.3% reached $1,000 a month within two years ([RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)).</p> <p>**Example:** The 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site are my own builds, vibe coded with Claude Code and Codex.</p> <p>Pieter Levels vibe coded fly.pieter.com, a flight game that runs in the browser, in February 2025, and Levels says it reached $1 million in annual recurring revenue in 17 days ([levels.io](https://levels.io/fly-pieter-com-vibecoded-flight-simulator)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one small problem you or your friends have Describe the tool to an AI coding tool and test every change Share it free, then add a paid version once people use it weekly :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex).</p> <p>[Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable), [Bolt](/ai-tools/bolt) and [Replit](/ai-tools/replit) build apps from a prompt, and [Google AI Studio](/ai-tools/google-ai-studio) does it with [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini).</p> <p>Read [what vibe coding is](/articles/what-is-vibe-coding) to start, and my guide to [becoming a vibe creator](/articles/vibe-creator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building many features before anyone uses the tool delays everything, so share a small version early. Pasting API keys into a page's code lets anyone who opens it copy them, so keep keys on the server. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a free or paid AI tool · **Ease:** 5 of 10 · **First dollar:** after a month or more · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>28. Create an online course</h4> <p>A course packages what you know into lessons people buy once.</p> <p>My course, [Virtual Summit Mastery](/virtual-summit-mastery), made $60,000+ on its first launch, from a list of only 1,500 people.</p> <p>Over the years it made well over $1 million, and then I sold it to Jan Koch.</p> <p>It fits you if you've already helped people get a result and they ask how you did it.</p> <p>**What it pays:** course sales, bundles and payment plans.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pre-sell a pilot to 10 people before you record Teach the pilot live and write down every question Record the lessons and sell the course :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I processed millions of dollars through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), which also hosts courses in ThriveCart Learn.</p> <p>[Teachable](https://navid.link/teachable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Thinkific](https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) host courses too, and I record lessons with [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>Run your numbers in the [online course revenue calculator](/free-tools/online-course-revenue-calculator), and compare platforms in my [best online course platforms](/articles/best-online-course-platforms) guide.</p> <p>My step-by-step guide is [how to create an online course](/articles/how-to-create-an-online-course).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recording before anyone has paid risks months on a course nobody wants, so pre-sell a pilot first. A low price undersells the result, because a course that changes something is worth a real price. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a course platform · **Ease:** 4 of 10 · **First dollar:** after a month or more · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>29. Run a paid membership</h4> <p>A membership charges a monthly fee for a community, new lessons and live calls.</p> <p>It turns one-time buyers into steady income.</p> <p>It fits you if you like teaching the same group over time.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly or yearly memberships.</p> <p>**Watch:** my interview with [Stu McLaren](/creators/stu-mclaren) on building a successful membership site.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U4tFbl93Zg | How to Create a Successful Membership Site with Stu McLaren | | Navid Moazzez | https://cdn.navid.me/navid-moazzez.jpg | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Start with a small group of people who already follow you Promise one clear thing every month, like a live call and a new lesson Keep members with a welcome path and regular wins :::</p> <p>**Tools:** communities run on [Skool](https://navid.link/skool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [Circle](https://navid.link/circle?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or, on WordPress, [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), which I've used, and [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) handles the payments.</p> <p>My guide is [how to create a membership site](/articles/how-to-create-a-membership-site).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Launching to strangers makes the first members hard to win, so start with people who already follow you. Skipping a welcome path loses new members early, so give each one a quick win in the first week. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a community platform · **Ease:** 4 of 10 · **First dollar:** after a month or more · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>30. Host a virtual summit</h4> <p>A virtual summit is a free online event where you interview experts in your niche.</p> <p>People sign up with their email to watch, and you sell an all-access pass to keep the recordings.</p> <p>It's my favorite way, because it grows your email list, your income and your network at once.</p> <p>It fits you if you like interviewing people and you can plan an event weeks ahead.</p> <p>**What it pays:** all-access passes, sponsors, and commissions on the speakers' offers.</p> <p>**My results:** The Branding Summit made over $20,000 in 2014, when I had only a few hundred email subscribers.</p> <p>List Building School added over 26,000 subscribers and made well over $1 million over time, with a six-figure profit from premium pass sales alone.</p> <p>I also helped Chandler Bolt run The Self-Publishing Success Summit, which made 30,000 opt-ins and $370,000+.</p> <p>:::gallery    :::</p> <p>**Watch:** my step-by-step blueprint for hosting a virtual summit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NjKV4y6VTc | How to Host a Virtual Summit: Step-by-Step Blueprint | | Navid Moazzez | https://cdn.navid.me/navid-moazzez.jpg | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic people pay to learn and 20 speakers who teach it Invite the speakers with a short pitch and record the interviews Run the free event and sell an all-access pass :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I record every interview in [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>I sold my passes through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) for years, and today I sell through Creator Store, an AI-powered store I built myself with the help of AI.</p> <p>Brainstorm your topic with the [virtual event idea generator](/free-tools/virtual-event-idea-generator), and follow my guide to [how to host a virtual summit](/articles/how-to-host-a-virtual-summit).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Inviting speakers before you know what you'll sell leaves the summit without a way to pay you, so plan the all-access pass first. Starting promotion a week before leaves too little time to fill it, so start weeks ahead, with your speakers sharing. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ease:** 4 of 10 · **First dollar:** after a month or more · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h3>Easiest side hustles in person</h3> <p>These 21 pay you to show up for neighbors, pets, yards and local businesses.</p> <p>Most need nothing more than your time, and many pay the same day.</p> <h4>31. Walk dogs</h4> <p>You walk dogs for owners who work long days, usually once or twice each weekday.</p> <p>A few dogs on the same street turn into a route you can walk in an hour.</p> <p>It fits you if you like dogs, walking and being outside in most weather.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per walk. Employed animal caretakers in the US earn a median of $17.00 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes392021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** Phil tested Wag in Dallas for the Your Driver Mike channel: no one booked a 20-minute walk at $15, but a $10 walk got booked and earned a $5 tip, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXCEHsM2lUc).</p> <p>**Watch:** Phil tests Wag in Dallas and shows what a 20-minute dog walk pays.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXCEHsM2lUc | I Tested Wag, The Dog Walking Gig App (How Much It Paid) | | Your Driver Mike | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Walk a neighbor's dog for free once to earn a review Set a price per walk and a weekly rate for regulars Send the owner a photo after each walk :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Wag](https://navid.link/wag?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) bring clients once you're approved, and neighbors find you on [Nextdoor](https://navid.link/nextdoor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Walking more dogs than you can hold risks a fight or a runaway, so start with one or two at a time. Skipping the meet-and-greet hides problems like leash pulling, so meet every dog before the first walk. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 10 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** per walk, by the owner</p> <h4>32. Run errands</h4> <p>You pick up groceries, drop off returns, wait in line or deliver a forgotten item for busy neighbors and older people.</p> <p>At $32 an hour on average, errands pay better than most work on this list.</p> <p>It fits you if you're reliable, you know your area and you have a car or a bike.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per errand or an hourly rate. On Taskrabbit, running errands averaged $32 an hour and waiting in line $27, by data Taskrabbit shared ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/24/profitable-side-hustles-to-make-extra-cash-during-the-holidays.html)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Offer errands to neighbors, family friends and older people nearby Set a minimum charge per trip so short errands still pay Keep receipts and send a photo when each errand is done :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) lists errand jobs, and neighbors find you on [Nextdoor](https://navid.link/nextdoor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying for a client's shopping before they pay you can leave you short, so agree on how you'll be paid first. Undercharging for driving eats your profit, so price in the miles. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 10 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** per errand, by the neighbor</p> <h4>33. Sell at a garage sale</h4> <p>You sell what you don't need from your driveway on a weekend morning, for cash.</p> <p>It clears a home fast, and the best pieces often sell for more online first.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a driveway or a yard and a few boxes of things you don't use.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the cash buyers hand you, with no platform taking a cut. Selling the big pieces on Facebook Marketplace first costs nothing on a local pickup ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)).</p> <p>**Example:** Home and Garden With Ann sold four lamps for $240 on Facebook Marketplace in the 24 hours before a garage sale, and expected $900 to $1,200 from the sale itself at the lowest prices Ann would take, [in September 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx4gtfHLXN0).</p> <p>**Watch:** Home and Garden With Ann preps a garage sale and sells the best pieces online first.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx4gtfHLXN0 | Turning Clutter Into Cash! I Made $420 Before the Garage Sale! | | Home and Garden With Ann | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your city's rules, since some require a permit List the big pieces on Facebook Marketplace a week before Price everything with stickers and bring small bills for change :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell the big items early on [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and post the sale on [Nextdoor](https://navid.link/nextdoor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Pricing everything high leaves you with a full garage at noon, so price to sell. Letting strangers into the house is a risk, so keep the sale outside and the door locked. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 10 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** in cash on the day</p> <h4>34. Pet sit</h4> <p>You feed, walk and play with pets while their owners travel, with drop-in visits or overnight stays at the owner's home.</p> <p>Holidays and summer are the busiest times.</p> <p>It fits you if you love animals and you're reliable enough to show up twice a day.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per walk, visit or night. Employed animal caretakers in the US earn a median of $17.00 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes392021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** Rachel Cole made £4,886 in a first year of dog sitting through Rover in the UK, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38wbhy6g3HU).</p> <p>**Watch:** Rachel Cole shares Rover earnings month by month for a year.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38wbhy6g3HU | Honest Rover Earnings: How Much I Made in 12 Months | | Rachel Cole | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pet sit for a friend or neighbor first to earn a review Create a profile with clear photos and prices Send updates and photos during every stay :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Wag](https://navid.link/wag?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) bring clients, and [Care.com](https://navid.link/carecom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) lists pet care jobs too.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Booking two stays at once stretches you thin, so plan the visits before you accept. Forgetting a pet's medicine schedule can make it sick, so write it down at the meet-and-greet. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 9 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month</p> <h4>35. Babysit</h4> <p>You watch kids while their parents work, run errands or go out, usually in the family's home.</p> <p>Parents who trust you book you again and tell their friends.</p> <p>A first aid and CPR course from the Red Cross ([Red Cross](https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid)) teaches the basics and gives parents a reason to trust you.</p> <p>It fits you if you're patient, you like kids and you stay calm when something goes wrong.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. Employed childcare workers in the US earn a median of $16.82 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399011.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Take a first aid and CPR course Sit for a family you already know Ask happy parents to tell their friends :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Care.com](https://navid.link/carecom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [Sittercity](https://navid.link/sittercity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [UrbanSitter](https://navid.link/urbansitter?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) list babysitting jobs, and parents in your area post on [Nextdoor](https://navid.link/nextdoor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking more kids than you can watch is unsafe, so agree on how many before the parents leave. Skipping the house rules leads to trouble, so ask about screens, snacks and bedtime first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 9 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week</p> <h4>36. Mow lawns</h4> <p>You mow, edge and blow off lawns for neighbors, often weekly from spring to fall.</p> <p>A few lawns on the same street make a route you can finish in an afternoon.</p> <p>It fits you if you like working outside and you have a mower or can borrow one.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per lawn, often weekly. Employed landscaping and groundskeeping workers in the US earn a median of $18.82 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes373011.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** Built From Nothing made $700 in the first 60 days of lawn care at 15, and now mows weekly lawns near home for $35 each, most in under 45 minutes ([YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjOCpDJH_ss)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Built From Nothing, at 15, breaks down the first 60 days of mowing lawns and the price changes along the way.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjOCpDJH_ss | I've Made $700 in 60 Days Mowing Lawns at 15 - Full Update | | Built From Nothing | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Mow your own lawn and a neighbor's to show your work Knock on doors on one street and offer a weekly price Add edging and leaf cleanup to charge more per visit :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a mower, a trimmer and a blower, and neighbors find you on [Nextdoor](https://navid.link/nextdoor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Thumbtack](https://navid.link/thumbtack?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Quoting before you see the yard leads to underpricing, so look first. Mowing wet grass leaves a ragged cut and clogs the mower, so wait until it dries. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a mower · **Ease:** 9 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** per lawn, by the homeowner</p> <h4>37. Do yard work</h4> <p>You rake leaves, pull weeds, trim hedges and clear garden beds, the jobs homeowners put off for weeks.</p> <p>Spring and fall cleanups are the busiest.</p> <p>It fits you if you like working outside and you don't mind getting dirty.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job. Employed landscaping and groundskeeping workers in the US earn a median of $18.82 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes373011.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** Lawn Legacy filmed a full day of solo lawn work that brought in $575, [in September 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XToAdVrsgkA).</p> <p>**Watch:** Lawn Legacy on a full day of solo mowing that brought in $575.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XToAdVrsgkA | How Much Can a Solo Lawn Care Business Make in a Day? | | Lawn Legacy | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Offer spring and fall cleanups to neighbors Quote per job after you see the yard Ask each client to book you for the next season :::</p> <p>**Tools:** rakes, gloves and yard bags to start, and neighbors find you on [Nextdoor](https://navid.link/nextdoor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Dumping yard waste in the wrong place can break local rules, so ask your city where it goes. Pricing by the hour makes fast work pay less, so quote per job. :::</p> <p>**Start:** basic tools · **Ease:** 9 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week</p> <h4>38. Shovel snow</h4> <p>You clear driveways and sidewalks after a storm, when homeowners want it done fast.</p> <p>Each storm brings a rush of calls, so a few regulars on one street can fill a morning.</p> <p>It fits you if you live where it snows and you don't mind early, cold starts.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per driveway or per storm. Professional snow removal averages $126 a visit, and $51 to $203, depending on the driveway and the snowfall ([Angi](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-annual-snow-removal-contract-cost.htm)).</p> <p>**Example:** Alex Mota shoveled 15 driveways in two days after a winter storm and made $1,000, in January 2026 ([YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnhC_JDum-c)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Alex Mota shovels 15 driveways in two days after a winter storm and counts what each one paid.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnhC_JDum-c | I Shoveled 15 Driveways and Made $1,000 in 2 Days | | Alex Mota's Lawn Care &amp; Junk Removal | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up neighbors before the first storm with a per-storm price Plan a route so you clear the closest driveways first Salt the walkways so clients book you again :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a sturdy shovel, a scraper and ice melt, and post your price on [Nextdoor](https://navid.link/nextdoor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Lifting heavy, wet snow without breaks risks a back injury, so lift light loads and rest. Promising everyone the first visit leaves people angry, so set the order up front. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a shovel · **Ease:** 9 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** per driveway, by the homeowner</p> <h4>39. Wash cars</h4> <p>You wash and vacuum cars in your clients' driveways, so they don't have to drive to a car wash.</p> <p>Interior cleaning is where the bigger tickets are.</p> <p>It fits you if you like making things look new and you can work with a hose and a vacuum.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per car. Employed vehicle cleaners in the US earn a median of $17.23 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes537061.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Wash your family's cars and take before and after photos Offer a simple menu: outside, inside, or both Ask happy clients for a monthly booking :::</p> <p>**Tools:** two buckets, microfiber towels and a shop vacuum, and neighbors find you on [Nextdoor](https://navid.link/nextdoor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Washing in direct sun leaves water spots, so work in the shade. Using dish soap strips the wax, so buy a real car shampoo. :::</p> <p>**Start:** cleaning supplies · **Ease:** 9 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** per car, by the owner</p> <h4>40. Help people move</h4> <p>You load trucks, carry boxes and move furniture for people changing homes, usually by the hour.</p> <p>Moving apps book helpers for single-day jobs.</p> <p>It fits you if you're strong, careful with furniture and fine with heavy lifting.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. Employed hand laborers and movers in the US earn a median of $19.35 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes537062.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Help a friend move and ask for a review Join a moving app or offer your help locally Bring straps and gloves so you work faster :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) books moving help by the hour, and [GoShare](https://navid.link/goshare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Lugg](https://navid.link/lugg?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) book movers with a truck or van.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Lifting with your back leads to injuries, so bend your knees and use straps. Damaging furniture can cost more than the job paid, so wrap it and ask the client about insurance. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 9 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week</p> <h4>41. Work event shifts</h4> <p>You pick up single shifts at events, warehouses and restaurants through an app, like serving at a wedding or setting up a conference.</p> <p>You choose the shifts, and entry-level roles like event setup need little or no experience.</p> <p>It fits you if you want to work when you choose and get paid fast.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate per shift. Instawork says its average hourly rate across US markets and roles is over $20 an hour ([Instawork](https://www.instawork.com/worker)), and Wonolo pays 98% of jobs within 48 hours ([Wonolo](https://www.wonolo.com/workers)). Instawork pays weekly for free, or an hour after a shift with Instapay for a 5% fee ([Instawork](https://help.instawork.com/en/articles/7245785-payment-settings-for-pros-us)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Download the app and finish your profile and checks Take a few shifts near home to build your rating Pick the payout speed that fits, free weekly or fast for a fee :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Instawork](https://navid.link/instawork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Wonolo](https://navid.link/wonolo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) list shifts near you.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Canceling shifts late drops your rating and your access to good shifts, so book only what you can work. Paying for fast payouts on every shift eats your earnings, so take the free weekly payout when you can wait. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 9 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** weekly, or an hour after the shift for a 5% fee, on Instawork</p> <h4>42. Do in-store tasks</h4> <p>You take photos of store shelves, check prices or answer questions about a shop, for brands that want to see what's in stores.</p> <p>Each job takes minutes, and most pay a few dollars.</p> <p>It fits you if you're out shopping anyway and you like quick tasks.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job. Field Agent's listing says location jobs generally pay $3 to $20 and that it has paid out over $20 million ([App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/field-agent/id364946558)), and you cash out to PayPal.</p> <p>**Example:** Gigsberg did about 160 Field Agent gigs in a month for about $650, mostly $3 jobs, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AxHe0nRQvc).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Download the app and turn on location Grab the jobs closest to stores you already visit Follow each job's photo rules exactly so it's approved :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Field Agent](https://navid.link/fieldagent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Observa](https://navid.link/observa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) list jobs near you.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Driving across town for a $3 job loses money, so stack jobs on one route. Blurry or wrong photos get rejected, so check each one before you submit. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 9 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month</p> <h4>43. Shop for groceries</h4> <p>You shop for customers' grocery orders and deliver them, picking the same produce you'd pick for yourself.</p> <p>Busy hours and good tips make the difference.</p> <p>It fits you if you know your local stores and you're quick in the aisles.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per order plus tips. Instacart pays shoppers weekly by direct deposit, offers Instant Cashout when you need the money sooner, and lets you keep 100% of customer tips ([Instacart](https://shoppers.instacart.com/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Brandon Pack made about $636 in 30 days of Instacart shopping on days off and after work, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBtbRFM8CPg).</p> <p>**Watch:** Brandon Pack shops for Instacart for 30 days on days off and adds up the total.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBtbRFM8CPg | I tried InstaCart Shopping for 30 days, Here's how much I made | | Brandon Pack | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up and pass the background check Start with small batches at stores you know Message customers about swaps so tips stay high :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Instacart](https://navid.link/instacart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Shipt](https://navid.link/shipt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) both hire shoppers, and insulated bags keep cold items cold.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking big batches early slows you down, so start small. Picking bruised produce costs you tips, so choose it as if it were for you. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car you own · **Ease:** 8 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** weekly, or right away with Instant Cashout · **Age:** 18+ on Instacart</p> <h4>44. Clean homes</h4> <p>You clean homes weekly, every two weeks, or once for a move-out or a vacation rental turnover.</p> <p>Regular clients make it steady, and deep cleans pay the most per visit.</p> <p>It fits you if you're thorough, you like seeing a space transform and you're fine with physical work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per clean or an hourly rate. Employed housekeeping cleaners in the US earn a median of $17.07 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes372012.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** Anna-Marie Ortiz started Cool Aunt Cleaners in Portland, Oregon, as a side hustle in July 2023 with $2,000 of savings.</p> <p>It brought in $2,595 in its first month and about $10,000 a month through 2024 ([CNBC Make It](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/30/anna-marie-ortiz-turned-her-cleaning-side-hustle-into-profitable-business.html)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Clean a friend's home for a review and photos Offer a simple price per visit and a separate deep clean price Ask happy clients for a regular slot :::</p> <p>**Tools:** start with your own supplies, and get booked through [Thumbtack](https://navid.link/thumbtack?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [Angi](https://navid.link/angi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Nextdoor](https://navid.link/nextdoor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Quoting a price before you see the home leads to losses, so ask for photos or a walk-through. Cleaning without a checklist means missed rooms, so use the same list every time. :::</p> <p>**Start:** cleaning supplies · **Ease:** 8 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week</p> <h4>45. House sit</h4> <p>You stay in someone's home while they travel, keeping it safe, bringing in the mail and often caring for pets.</p> <p>Some house sits pay, and others trade a free place to stay for the care.</p> <p>It fits you if you're trustworthy, tidy and flexible about where you sleep.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a nightly or hourly rate. House sitters on Care.com charge a national average of $21.51 an hour, by the rates sitters list there, updated October 2026 ([Care.com](https://www.care.com/cost/house-sitters/los-angeles-ca)). On TrustedHousesitters, no money changes hands: you sit in exchange for a free place to stay ([TrustedHousesitters](https://support.trustedhousesitters.com/hc/en-gb/articles/213537169-How-much-will-sitters-charge-to-look-after-my-home-and-pets)).</p> <p>**Example:** CNBC Make It met Charly Stoever, who lives rent-free by pet sitting full time and has lived out of two suitcases for 18 months, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUrte_Q6FyY).</p> <p>**Watch:** CNBC Make It follows Charly Stoever, who lives rent-free by pet sitting full time.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUrte_Q6FyY | I Travel The World And Live Rent-Free By Pet Sitting Full Time | | CNBC Make It | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start House sit for people you know to earn references Create a profile with your references and clear photos Agree on the tasks, the dates and the pay in writing :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Care.com](https://navid.link/carecom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) lists paid house sitting jobs, and [TrustedHousesitters](https://navid.link/trustedhousesitters?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) trades stays for care.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Leaving a home empty for long stretches defeats the purpose, so agree on how often you'll be there. Accepting a sit without meeting the owner leads to surprises, so do a video call first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 8 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** by the homeowner</p> <h4>46. Mystery shop</h4> <p>You visit a store, restaurant or bank as a regular customer, then report on the service, cleanliness and wait times.</p> <p>Many shops refund what you buy, so a meal or an oil change can be part of the pay.</p> <p>It fits you if you notice details and you can write a clear report the same day.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per shop, and often a refund for what you buy. The FTC says real mystery shopping companies don't charge you to work for them, and that mystery shoppers often pay for the product and get reimbursed ([FTC](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/mystery-shopping-scams)).</p> <p>**Example:** Kayla Laughs Out Loud stacked at least 14 mystery shops in one day for $408 in cash plus $169 in free products, [in April 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID6sx9ZBTkk).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up with two or three mystery shopping companies that are free to join Take shops near your usual routes File each report the same day while it's fresh :::</p> <p>**Tools:** your phone for photos and receipts, and a notes app to write the report on the spot.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying to become a mystery shopper is a scam sign, because honest companies don't charge you to work for them ([FTC](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams)). Depositing a check and sending part of it back is a fake check scam, so stop if a "shop" asks you to ([FTC](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams)). :::</p> <p>**Start:** free, with purchases refunded later · **Ease:** 8 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month</p> <h4>47. Deliver food</h4> <p>You pick up restaurant orders and deliver them by car, bike or scooter, whenever you turn on the app.</p> <p>Lunch and dinner rushes pay the most.</p> <p>It fits you if you know your city and you like driving or riding with music on.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per order plus tips. Employed driver/sales workers, the BLS group that includes food delivery drivers, earn a median of $18.64 an hour in the US ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533031.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** CNBC Make It met Shonnita Leslie, 40, who used DoorDash on the side to pay down about $20,000 of six-figure student debt, [in May 2024](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPUFJM2ANJA).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jay Fourty lives off DoorDash earnings for a week to see what it really pays.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bn_sT4ckM4 | I Survived Off DoorDash Earnings for a Week | | Jay Fourty | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up and pass the background check Drive during the lunch and dinner rushes Track your miles for taxes from the first day :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [DoorDash](https://navid.link/doordash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Uber Eats](https://navid.link/ubereats?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) are the biggest apps, and an insulated bag keeps orders warm.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Accepting every order, even the long low-pay ones, lowers your hourly rate, so check the pay per mile. Forgetting to track miles costs you at tax time, so log them from day one. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car or a bike · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week</p> <h4>48. Deliver packages</h4> <p>You pick a delivery block in the app, collect packages at a station and deliver them on a set route.</p> <p>The pay for each block is shown before you take it.</p> <p>It fits you if you like driving alone and you can lift packages for a full shift.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a set amount per delivery block, shown before you take it. Amazon says most Flex drivers earn $18 to $25 an hour, depending on where and when they drive ([Amazon Flex](https://flex.amazon.com/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Tom Newsham's Amazon Flex blocks in the UK paid about £74 for about 4 hours, and four blocks made about £267 in a typical week, [in June 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msqXRcJnW2k).</p> <p>**Watch:** Tom Newsham tries Amazon Flex in the UK for a week and shows what each block paid.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msqXRcJnW2k | I Tried Amazon Flex for a Week - Here's What I Really Made | | Tom Newsham | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up and pass the background check Grab blocks near home and learn the routes Plan your stops in the app before you drive :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Amazon Flex](https://navid.link/amazonflex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [Spark Driver](https://navid.link/sparkdriver?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Roadie](https://navid.link/roadie?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) pay drivers to deliver in their own cars.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking blocks far from home eats into your pay with gas, so pick close stations. Ignoring gas and wear makes the pay look better than it is, so track your costs per block. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car you own · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Age:** 21+ on Amazon Flex</p> <h4>49. Drive people</h4> <p>You drive passengers in your own car whenever you turn on the app, and get paid per trip plus tips.</p> <p>Mornings, evenings and weekend nights are the busiest.</p> <p>It fits you if you like driving and you don't mind small talk with strangers.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fare per trip plus tips. Employed taxi drivers in the US earn a median of $20.24 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533054.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** Scott McKenna drove Uber like a 9-to-5 for three days: 51 trips and $550.13 in about 25 hours, roughly $22 an hour before gas, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqXIdPYQ2Jo).</p> <p>**Watch:** Scott McKenna drives Uber like a 9-to-5 for three days and counts every dollar.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqXIdPYQ2Jo | I Tried Driving Uber like a 9-5 Job. Here's how much I made | | Scott McKenna | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check that your car meets the app's rules, then sign up Drive the busy hours in your city first Track miles and gas so you know your real hourly pay :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Uber](https://navid.link/uber?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Lyft](https://navid.link/lyft?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) are the two big apps.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Counting pay before gas makes driving look better than it is, so subtract your costs. Your personal car insurance may not cover rideshare driving, so ask your insurer before your first trip. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car you own · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Age:** your state's minimum to drive for Uber, with 1 year of driving experience, or 3 years if you're under 25</p> <h4>50. Assemble furniture</h4> <p>You build flat-pack furniture, like beds, desks and dressers, for people who'd rather not.</p> <p>Customers who like your work book you again for TV mounting and shelves.</p> <p>It fits you if you like following instructions and you're handy with a drill.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per piece or an hourly rate. Professional furniture assembly costs $50 to $150 a piece on average in 2026, and handypeople charge about $90 an hour, from $40 to $140 ([Angi](https://www.angi.com/articles/furniture-assembly-cost.htm)).</p> <p>**Example:** ABC Dink made $934.32 in the first 11 days on Taskrabbit, about $31 an hour across nine jobs, four of them furniture assembly, [in September 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p692bt3-3Z4).</p> <p>ABC Dink paid Taskrabbit a one-time $25 sign-up fee, which covers the account setup and a background check.</p> <p>**Watch:** ABC Dink shares a first month on Taskrabbit: nine jobs, $934.32 and what helped.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p692bt3-3Z4 | Is Task Rabbit Worth It? - My First Month - August 2026 Recap | | ABC Dink | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build your own furniture and a friend's to get fast Sign up on a task app and pass its background check Bring your own drill, bits and a level to every job :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) books assembly jobs, and [Thumbtack](https://navid.link/thumbtack?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Angi](https://navid.link/angi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) list local pros.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Losing small parts stops a job, so empty each bag into a tray first. Overtightening screws cracks particleboard, so finish each one by hand. :::</p> <p>**Start:** basic tools · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** per job, by the customer or through the app</p> <h4>51. Hang holiday lights</h4> <p>You hang and take down holiday lights for homeowners who don't want to climb a ladder.</p> <p>It's seasonal, so the money comes in a rush from November to January.</p> <p>It fits you if you're comfortable on a ladder and you like a short, busy season.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per house, once a year. Professional holiday light installation costs $444 on average, and $220 to $684, usually at $2 to $5 per foot of lights ([Angi](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-christmas-light-installation-cost.htm)). Hanging lights averaged $54 an hour on Taskrabbit, by data Taskrabbit shared ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/24/profitable-side-hustles-to-make-extra-cash-during-the-holidays.html)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Practice on your own home and take photos Sign up neighbors early, in October Include takedown in January in the price :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a sturdy ladder, clips and a timer, and an insurance quote before your first job.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Climbing onto steep roofs without fall protection risks a bad fall, so take only jobs you can do from a ladder. Forgetting to price the takedown costs you a second trip for free, so include it in the quote. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a ladder and clips · **Ease:** 5 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** per job, by the homeowner</p> <h3>Easiest side hustles from home</h3> <p>These 10 run from your home, your car or what you already know.</p> <p>Some need a spare room, a car or a skill, so they score a little lower, but most keep paying once they're set up.</p> <h4>52. Teach English online</h4> <p>You chat in English with learners around the world over video, often with no lesson plan.</p> <p>On Cambly, you're paid for every minute you talk, so there's no unpaid prep.</p> <p>It fits you if you speak English fluently and you enjoy talking with people from other countries.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a set rate per minute you teach. Cambly pays $0.17 a minute, or $10.20 an hour, and $0.20 a minute, or $12 an hour, on Cambly Kids ([Cambly](https://www.cambly.com/en/tutors)).</p> <p>**Example:** Patty's Tutor Lab says beginners on Cambly who teach 10 to 20 hours a week can expect about $200 to $600 in the first month, and $500 to $1,200 a month once they're online more often, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgKUXukzmMk).</p> <p>**Watch:** Patty's Tutor Lab on what beginners really earn on Cambly, Preply and italki.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgKUXukzmMk | How Much Can Beginners Really Earn Teaching English Online? (Cambly, Preply &amp; italki) | | Patty's Tutor Lab | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply on Cambly with a short intro video Log on at the same times each week so regular students find you Ask learners what they want to practice, then let them talk :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Cambly](https://navid.link/cambly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) pays per minute, and [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [italki](https://navid.link/italki?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) let you set your own rate.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Treating a lesson like a lecture loses students, because most come to practice speaking. Teaching from a noisy room hurts your ratings, so use a headset and a quiet space. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 8 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** weekly on Cambly</p> <h4>53. Board pets at home</h4> <p>You care for dogs in your own home while their owners travel, overnight or as doggy day care.</p> <p>It suits a home with a secure yard or room and no pets that clash.</p> <p>It fits you if you work from home and you love having dogs around.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a nightly rate you set. Rover keeps a 20% service fee per booking, so you take home 80% ([Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/205385304-What-are-the-service-fees)), and the money reaches your Rover account 2 days after each stay ([Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/202838244-How-do-I-get-paid-for-bookings)).</p> <p>**Example:** Money Moves With Eric made $9,455 on Rover in September 2026, with $6,060 from boarding and $2,840 from doggy day care ([YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chKTIzI7_EA)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Set up a safe space with a crate, bowls and a secure yard or room Take one family's dogs at a time until you know your limits Do a meet-and-greet before every new booking :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Wag](https://navid.link/wag?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) handle the bookings and payments.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Boarding dogs that don't get along leads to fights, so take one family's dogs at a time at first. Some leases and homeowners associations limit pets, so check the rules before you list. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 8 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** 2 days after each stay, on Rover · **Age:** 18+ on Rover</p> <h4>54. Rent out storage space</h4> <p>You rent your empty garage, driveway, closet or shed to people who need storage, for a monthly fee.</p> <p>Once a renter moves in, there's little to do.</p> <p>It fits you if you have space you don't use and you live near people who need it.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the monthly price you set, minus a processing fee of 4.9% plus 30 cents. Listing is free ([Neighbor](https://help.neighbor.com/en_us/how-neighbor-makes-money-BkHYDAU0O)), and you're paid at the end of each 30-day rental period ([Neighbor](https://help.neighbor.com/en_us/how-do-payouts-work-as-a-host-HJkBDAICu)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Measure the space and photograph it clean and well lit Price it against storage units near you Agree on access times and what can't be stored :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Neighbor](https://navid.link/neighbor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) lists your space and handles payments.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Renting out space your lease or homeowners association forbids can get you in trouble, so check first. Letting renters store anything risky, like chemicals, is a danger, so set clear rules. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 8 of 10 · **First dollar:** after a month or more · **Paid:** after each 30-day rental period</p> <h4>55. Tutor online</h4> <p>You teach a subject or a language over video, at your own rate, to students you find on a platform or by word of mouth.</p> <p>The first month is slow, then regular students make it steady.</p> <p>It fits you if you know a subject well and you're patient explaining it.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per lesson, at a rate you set. Preply keeps the first trial lesson with each new student, then 18% to 33% of each lesson, falling as your teaching hours grow ([Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171383-preply-commission-model)). Employed tutors in the US earn a median of $20.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253041.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** Vivian Zhu has given 1,568 lessons to 114 students on Preply over three years and earned over $37,000, [in July 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNgkr1_Is6s).</p> <p>Patty's Tutor Lab says Preply beginners often make $0 to $200 in the first month, and $600 to $1,500 a month part-time once they have reviews and steady students, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgKUXukzmMk).</p> <p>**Watch:** Vivian Zhu on the trial lessons behind over $37,000 earned from 1,568 Preply lessons in three years.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNgkr1_Is6s | I've Earned $39K as a Preply Tutor - Here's My Trial Lesson Blueprint | | Vivian Zhu | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one subject and one type of student Set a starting price and treat trial lessons as auditions Ask happy students for reviews and regular slots :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), [italki](https://navid.link/italki?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Wyzant](https://navid.link/wyzant?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) find students, and a video call app works for clients you find yourself.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Pricing too low at the start attracts students who leave, so raise your rate as reviews come in. Teaching without a goal for each student slows their progress, so set one in the first lesson. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month</p> <h4>56. Run social media for a local business</h4> <p>You post, reply to comments and make simple videos for a local shop, gym or restaurant that has no time for it.</p> <p>Owners of places you already go to are the easiest first clients.</p> <p>It fits you if you're already good at social media and you like local businesses.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly retainers. On Upwork, social media managers typically charge $14 to $35 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/social-media-managers/cost/)). Demand for Instagram services grew 147% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)), and social media strategy was among Upwork's fastest-growing marketing skills in 2025, up 36% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Mae Bornillo's social media management business brings in about $7,500 a month, with about $4,500 of it as take-home pay, after seven years of building it, [in September 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvURjTKq274).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Offer a local business a free two-week trial Post three times a week and show the results Turn the trial into a monthly retainer :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design posts in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), edit videos in [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), schedule them with [Metricool](https://navid.link/metricool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and check what works with the [Instagram post analyzer](/free-tools/instagram-post-analyzer).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising follower numbers sets you up to fail, so promise posts and replies instead. Working without a contract leads to unpaid months, so agree on terms in writing. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>57. Sell baked goods</h4> <p>You bake cookies, bread, cakes or treats at home and sell them to neighbors, at markets or for events.</p> <p>Cottage food laws usually cover shelf-stable foods that don't need a fridge, and the Institute for Justice counts 14 states that allow refrigerated baked goods, like cream-filled pies ([Institute for Justice](https://ij.org/issues/economic-liberty/homemade-food/)).</p> <p>It fits you if people already ask for your recipes and you like baking in batches.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the price you set for each batch, where your state's cottage food rules allow home sales.</p> <p>**Example:** Lloyd Ortuoste's banana pudding business, Baonanas, started as a way to pay a surprise college bill, and it now brings in more than $450,000 a year ([CNBC Make It](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlnm3ZzS2VE)).</p> <p>**Watch:** CNBC Make It on Lloyd Ortuoste, whose banana pudding business, Baonanas, brings in more than $450,000 a year.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlnm3ZzS2VE | How I Accidentally Built A $450K/Year Banana Pudding Business | | CNBC Make It | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your state's cottage food rules and the foods they allow Sell to friends and neighbors first and ask for feedback Take preorders for holidays and events :::</p> <p>**Tools:** take payments with [PayPal](https://navid.link/paypal?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Venmo](https://navid.link/venmo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and price each batch with the [profit margin calculator](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling foods your state doesn't allow from a home kitchen breaks the law, so check the list first. Skipping ingredient labels risks allergic reactions, so label every package. :::</p> <p>**Start:** ingredients · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** at each sale</p> <h4>58. Rent a room</h4> <p>You rent a spare room in your home to travelers by the night.</p> <p>You set the price and the house rules, and you're there when guests check in.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a spare room, you like meeting people and you keep a tidy home.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the nightly price you set, minus Airbnb's fee. Most hosts pay 15.5% under Airbnb's single service fee, which is replacing the older 3% split fee ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857)). Airbnb starts your payout by the end of the business day after your guest checks in, or 28 days after check-in until you've completed two stays ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/425)).</p> <p>**Example:** Shade Tree Cottage's two Airbnb rentals in Virginia brought in about $56,000 in 2025, against almost $61,000 in expenses, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQXxgYiBvVQ).</p> <p>**Watch:** Shade Tree Cottage shares three years of Airbnb numbers, including what it lost.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQXxgYiBvVQ | 3 Years on Airbnb: How Much I Made (and Lost) | | Shade Tree Cottage | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your city's short-term rental rules and your lease Furnish the room simply and photograph it well Set clear house rules and a simple check-in :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) lists the room and handles payments.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Many cities limit short-term rentals, so check your city's rules before you list. Underpricing cleaning makes busy months lose money, so add a cleaning fee. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a spare room · **Ease:** 6 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** the business day after check-in</p> <h4>59. Rent out your car</h4> <p>You list your car on a car-sharing app, and travelers book it by the day.</p> <p>Tourist areas and weekends bring the most bookings.</p> <p>It fits you if your car sits unused for days at a time.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of each trip's price that depends on the earnings plan you pick: 70%, 80% or 90%, with more of any damage cost on you as your share goes up ([Turo](https://help.turo.com/en_us/earnings-plans-in-detail-us-hosts-ByMOIVxEc)).</p> <p>**Example:** Turo Hustle says its seven cars made $14,000+ in one month, and shows the costs behind it, [in October 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8-sHujdtKY).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check the app's car rules and your insurance Price against similar cars near you Clean and photograph the car after every trip :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Turo](https://navid.link/turo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) handles bookings, payments and protection plans.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Picking the plan with the biggest share puts more of the damage cost on you, so read the plans first. Forgetting wear and tear makes trips look more profitable than they are, so count every cost. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car you own · **Ease:** 6 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month</p> <h4>60. Sell teaching resources</h4> <p>Teachers sell the lesson plans, worksheets and classroom decor they've already made to other teachers.</p> <p>A resource you made once can keep selling.</p> <p>It fits you if you're a teacher or a homeschooling parent with materials that work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per resource that you set. On Teachers Pay Teachers, Basic sellers pay a one-time $29 fee and keep 55% of each sale, minus 30 cents per resource, and Exclusive sellers pay $59.95 a year and keep 80% until January 1, 2027, then 77.5% ([Teachers Pay Teachers](https://help.teacherspayteachers.com/hc/en-us/articles/360044219891-Seller-Fees-and-Payout-Rates)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Yale Jeannette on selling educational printables on Etsy.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=607xdl3v50U | how to make $1,000/month selling educational printables on etsy | | Yale Jeannette | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick the resources your students liked most Clean them up with clear instructions and a preview Bundle related resources for a higher price :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Teachers Pay Teachers](https://navid.link/teacherspayteachers?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using clip art or fonts without a commercial license gets listings removed, so check each license. Uploading without a preview makes buyers hesitate, so show a few pages. :::</p> <p>**Start:** $29 one-time on TPT · **Ease:** 6 of 10 · **First dollar:** after a month or more · **Paid:** monthly through Hyperwallet on Teachers Pay Teachers</p> <h4>61. Sell stock photos</h4> <p>You upload photos or videos to stock sites and earn each time someone licenses one.</p> <p>It's slow at first, then a big library earns a little every month.</p> <p>It fits you if you already take good photos and you like building a library.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of each license sold. Shutterstock pays 15% to 40% of each license, by six earnings levels that reset every January 1 ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10594604-how-much-will-i-be-paid-as-a-contributor-to-shutterstock)), and pays monthly, by the 15th ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10617435-how-do-i-get-paid-for-my-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Trace made $3,289 from 3,729 downloads on Adobe Stock in 2025, and shares the year's numbers, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkAEpvi73gQ).</p> <p>**Watch:** Wollertz Photography on making $202,067 selling stock photos.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLWmkcvjRnM | I Made $202,067.19 Selling Photos: Stock Photography Works - Best Agencies 2026 | | Wollertz Photography | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Upload your best 50 photos to two sites Shoot what buyers search for, like people at work Add careful keywords so buyers find each one :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Shutterstock](https://navid.link/shutterstock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Adobe Stock](https://navid.link/adobestock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) take uploads from anyone.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Uploading photos of people without a signed release gets them rejected, so get releases. Expecting fast money leads to quitting early, because sales build with your library. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 6 of 10 · **First dollar:** after a month or more · **Paid:** monthly, by the 15th on Shutterstock</p> <h3>Easy side hustles for students and teens</h3> <p>These four fit around classes and homework.</p> <p>Under 18, some need a parent on the account, and my guide on [how to make money as a teen](/articles/how-to-make-money-as-a-teen) covers the rules by age.</p> <h4>62. Tutor younger students</h4> <p>You help younger kids with homework, reading or a subject you're good at, at their home, the library or over video.</p> <p>Results you can show, like better grades, help you raise your rate.</p> <p>It fits you if you're strong in a subject and patient with younger kids.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate you agree with the family. Employed tutors in the US earn a median of $20.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253041.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Offer tutoring to families you know in your best subject Set a price per hour and a package of weekly sessions Track each student's progress so parents can see it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Care.com](https://navid.link/carecom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) lists tutoring jobs, and a video call app works for online sessions.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Doing the homework for the student doesn't help them learn, so guide them to the answer. Taking subjects you're unsure of hurts your reputation, so stick to your best one. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 9 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** per lesson, by the family</p> <h4>63. Resell clothes and sneakers</h4> <p>You buy clothes and sneakers cheap at thrift stores, garage sales and clearance racks, then sell them online for more.</p> <p>Start with your own closet to learn what sells.</p> <p>It fits you if you follow fashion and you like the hunt for a good find.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each item. eBay's user agreement bars people who can't form binding contracts, for example anyone under 18 ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/member-behaviour-policies/user-agreement?id=4259)), so a parent owns the account.</p> <p>**Example:** Michael Haskell started reselling items from abandoned storage units in 2024, and by 18 the business brought in $97,434 from eBay and $37,500 from an auction house in 2025 ([CNBC Make It](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH8bjwU1mig)).</p> <p>**Watch:** CNBC Make It follows Michael Haskell, 18, who resells items from abandoned storage units on eBay and at auction.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH8bjwU1mig | I'm A Teen That Buys Abandoned Storage Units - My Side Hustle Brings In $135,000/Year | | CNBC Make It | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sell your own clothes first to learn the process Buy only what you've seen sell for at least three times the price Photograph every item well and ship fast :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell through a parent's [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) account, or on [Depop](https://navid.link/depop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) and [Vinted](https://navid.link/vinted?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) once each app's age rules allow it, and work out your profit with the [profit margin calculator](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying fakes by accident can get your account banned, so learn to check tags and stitching. Buying stock before you've sold anything ties up your money, so sell your own things first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 9 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a week · **Paid:** to the account holder, daily or weekly on eBay · **Age:** 18+ on eBay, so teens sell through a parent</p> <h4>64. Design thumbnails</h4> <p>You design the small images that make people click on YouTube videos.</p> <p>Creators pay for thumbnails that raise their click rate, and many need new ones every week.</p> <p>It fits you if you watch a lot of YouTube and you have an eye for bold, simple images.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per thumbnail or a monthly package. Searches for YouTube thumbnails grew 52% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** AahilTube has earned ₹5,00,000, about $5,700, as a freelance thumbnail designer, and shares how the first clients came, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJNuOYnpr1I).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign thumbnails for three channels you watch, as samples Post them and offer a first thumbnail at a low price Ask creators for their click rate before and after :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), get the size right with the [YouTube thumbnail resizer](/free-tools/youtube-thumbnail-resizer), test titles with the [YouTube title checker](/free-tools/youtube-title-checker), and find clients on [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using celebrity photos or logos without rights can get videos flagged, so use the creator's own images. Cramming text onto a thumbnail makes it unreadable on phones, so keep it to a few words. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>65. Edit short videos</h4> <p>You edit short videos for creators and small businesses: cuts, captions, music and quick effects.</p> <p>[AI tools](/ai-tools) now handle captions and rough cuts, so editors spend more time on the parts that make a video work.</p> <p>It fits you if you already edit your own videos and you enjoy getting the timing right.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video or a monthly package. AI video generation and editing was the fastest-growing skill on Upwork in 2025, up 329% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Most video editors on Upwork charge $6 to $25 an hour, and the most experienced earn a median of $100 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)). Employed film and video editors in the US earn a median of $75,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** Coralie Anne tracked a month of freelance video editing in November 2025: Fiverr orders at $35 to $80 each, minus Fiverr's 20% cut, plus a regular vlog client, for about 1,116 Australian dollars, up from 170 the month before ([YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HehtvzCCP5g)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Coralie Anne breaks down a month of freelance editing and what each client paid.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HehtvzCCP5g | I Tried Freelance Video Editing for a Month... Here's What I Made | | Coralie Anne | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Edit three sample videos in the style creators post Offer a small first job on Fiverr or to a creator you watch Turn a good first job into a weekly package :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) or [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles), and let [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles) cut long videos into shorts.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Charging per hour while you're still slow underpays you, so price per video. Missing a creator's posting schedule loses the client, so agree on deadlines. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ease:** 7 of 10 · **First dollar:** within a month · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h3>Easy side hustles with no money to start</h3> <p>These cost nothing to start, because they use what you already have, like a phone, a laptop or a free afternoon:</p> <ul><li>**Online:** [sell what you own](#1-sell-what-you-own), [take surveys](#2-take-surveys), [test websites and apps](#3-test-websites-and-apps) and [join paid research studies](#4-join-paid-research-studies).</li><li>**In person:** [walk dogs](#31-walk-dogs), [run errands](#32-run-errands), [hold a garage sale](#33-sell-at-a-garage-sale), [pet sit](#34-pet-sit), [babysit](#35-babysit), [help people move](#40-help-people-move), [work event shifts](#41-work-event-shifts) and [do in-store tasks](#42-do-in-store-tasks).</li><li>**Online businesses:** [earn affiliate commissions](#19-earn-affiliate-commissions), [sell a small digital product](#20-sell-a-small-digital-product), [start a newsletter](#21-start-a-newsletter), [coach one to one](#22-coach-one-to-one) and [become an AI consultant](#23-become-an-ai-consultant).</li><li>**For students and teens:** [tutor younger students](#62-tutor-younger-students) and [resell your own clothes](#63-resell-clothes-and-sneakers).</li></ul> <p>If you need cash this week, my guide to [38 ways to make money fast](/articles/how-to-make-money-fast) sorts them by how soon they pay.</p> <h3>Easy side hustles that aren't online</h3> <p>Not everyone wants another app.</p> <p>These pay for work you do in person, and neighbors can find you by word of mouth, a flyer or a post on [Nextdoor](https://navid.link/nextdoor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=easiest-side-hustles):</p> <ul><li>**Around homes:** [mow lawns](#36-mow-lawns), [do yard work](#37-do-yard-work), [shovel snow](#38-shovel-snow), [wash cars](#39-wash-cars), [clean homes](#44-clean-homes) and [hang holiday lights](#51-hang-holiday-lights).</li><li>**For neighbors:** [walk dogs](#31-walk-dogs), [babysit](#35-babysit), [run errands](#32-run-errands), [help people move](#40-help-people-move) and [tutor younger students](#62-tutor-younger-students).</li><li>**Selling in person:** [hold a garage sale](#33-sell-at-a-garage-sale) and [sell baked goods](#57-sell-baked-goods).</li></ul> <h3>Why the easiest side hustles pay less, and how to move up</h3> <p>When anyone can do a job, many people compete for it, and the price drops.</p> <p>That's why the easiest work on this list pays close to the minimum, and why the way up is to learn a skill fewer people have.</p> <p>Here's what each step up pays on Upwork, where clients hire for these skills:</p> <p>:::chart What each step up pays on Upwork | $ | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/) | Median hourly rates on Upwork's hiring pages, October 2026 Data entry | 13 | $13 Virtual assistant | 13 | $13 Customer service | 14 | $14 Bookkeeper | 15 | $15 Social media manager | 20 | $20 Graphic designer | 25 | $25 Copywriter | 30 | $30 Web developer | 30 | $30 Tax preparer | 60 | $60 Automation consultant | 60 | $60 :::</p> <p>Each easy job has a skilled job next to it.</p> <p>The client who pays you for data entry also needs someone to keep the books, and a virtual assistant who learns automation tools can charge for setting them up:</p> <p>:::table fancy Easy start | Next step | Skilled step  [Data entry](#9-do-data-entry), $13 an hour | Bookkeeping, $15 an hour | Tax preparation, $60 an hour  [Virtual assistant](#10-work-as-a-virtual-assistant), $13 an hour | Social media management, $20 an hour | Automation consulting, $60 an hour  [Answer customer chats](#11-answer-customer-chats), $14 an hour | Email marketing, $25 an hour | Copywriting, $30 an hour  [Run errands](#32-run-errands), $32 an hour | [Assemble furniture](#50-assemble-furniture), about $90 an hour for pros | Handyman work, $50 to $150 an hour  [Do yard work](#37-do-yard-work), $18.82 an hour | Pressure washing, $100 to $250 a driveway | Your own lawn care route  [Teach English online](#52-teach-english-online), $10.20 an hour | [Tutor online](#55-tutor-online) at your own rate | SAT tutoring, $75 to $500 an hour for Wyzant's 25 top-rated SAT tutors  [Earn affiliate commissions](#19-earn-affiliate-commissions), up to 10% of each sale | [Sell a small digital product](#20-sell-a-small-digital-product) | [Create an online course](#28-create-an-online-course), $60,000+ on my first launch :::</p> <p>The Upwork rates come from each skill's hiring page ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/)), the errands average from Taskrabbit's data ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/24/profitable-side-hustles-to-make-extra-cash-during-the-holidays.html)), the yard work median from the BLS ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes373011.htm)), the other local prices from Angi's cost guides for [handyman work](https://www.angi.com/articles/what-are-common-handyman-prices.htm), [furniture assembly](https://www.angi.com/articles/furniture-assembly-cost.htm) and [pressure washing](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-pressure-wash-house.htm), and the SAT rates from Wyzant's listings on October 3, 2026 ([Wyzant](https://www.wyzant.com/SAT_tutors.aspx)).</p> <p>My guide to the [35 highest paying side hustles](/articles/highest-paying-side-hustles) shows where each of these leads.</p> <h3>Easy money scams to avoid</h3> <p>Scammers target people looking for easy money, and one in three people who reported losing money to a job or business opportunity scam in 2025 said it started on social media ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2026/04/reported-losses-scams-social-media-eight-times-higher-2020)).</p> <p>These are the ones to know:</p> <p>:::checks Paying to get a job: honest employers don't make you pay for a job, training or a starter kit, and the FTC says anyone who asks is a scammer ([FTC](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams)). Reshipping packages: a "job" receiving packages at home and sending them on makes you part of a scam with stolen goods, and the promised paycheck often doesn't arrive ([FTC](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams)). Fake checks: an employer who sends a check and asks you to send part of it back is running a fake check scam, and your bank will want the full amount back from you ([FTC](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams)). Task scams: apps that pay you to like videos or rate products, then ask for a deposit to unlock your earnings, are scams ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2024/12/paying-get-paid-gamified-job-scams-drive-record-losses)). Pay that's too good: the FTC says a job promising a lot of money in a short time for little work is almost certainly a scam ([FTC](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams)). :::</p> <h3>Final thoughts on easy side hustles</h3> <p>The easiest side hustle is the one you can start this week with what you already have.</p> <p>For most people, that's selling things you don't use, walking a neighbor's dog or running errands, while you learn a skill that pays more.</p> <p>If you want something that grows into a business, start with affiliate links, a small digital product or a newsletter.</p> <p>My own first online sale was an affiliate commission.</p> <p>Start small, earn your first review, and raise your price as you get better.</p> <p>If you're waiting until you feel ready, read why I think you should [start before you're ready](/articles/start-before-youre-ready), and why [consistency is key](/articles/consistency-is-key) once you've started.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[70 side hustle ideas](/articles/side-hustle-ideas)</li><li>[38 ways to make money fast](/articles/how-to-make-money-fast)</li><li>[50 ways to make money from home](/articles/make-money-from-home)</li><li>[40 ways to make money as a teen](/articles/how-to-make-money-as-a-teen)</li><li>[60 things to sell to make money](/articles/things-to-sell-to-make-money)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: take the [side hustle quiz](/free-tools/side-hustle-quiz), pick the easiest way that fits your week and do the first job before the week is out.</p> <p>And if this guide helped, DM me on [X](https://x.com/thenavidm) or [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenavidm) and tell me which one you picked.</p><h2>FAQs about easy side hustles</h2><h3>What is the easiest side hustle?</h3><p>Selling things you already own is the easiest side hustle, because you have the stock, the apps are free and the money can arrive within days.</p> <p>Taking surveys, walking dogs, running errands and holding a garage sale also score 10 of 10 for ease in this guide.</p> <p>Of those, running errands pays best, at $32 an hour on average on Taskrabbit.</p><h3>What is the easiest side hustle to start with no money?</h3><p>Selling what you own costs nothing, because listing is free on many apps and you already have the items.</p> <p>Walking dogs, running errands, pet sitting and babysitting for neighbors also cost nothing to start.</p> <p>Online, surveys, website testing and paid research studies need only a phone or a computer.</p><h3>What easy side hustles need no experience?</h3><p>Walking dogs, running errands, house sitting, helping people move and working event shifts need no experience.</p> <p>Online, surveys, user testing and paid research studies ask only for honest answers.</p> <p>Your first job teaches you the basics, and a first review makes the next job easier to get.</p><h3>What are easy side hustles from home?</h3><p>Teaching English on Cambly, boarding pets through Rover and renting out storage space on Neighbor are among the easiest from home.</p> <p>Cambly pays $10.20 an hour for the minutes you talk, so there's no unpaid prep.</p> <p>Online tutoring, virtual assistant work and selling printables also run from home, but they take longer to pay.</p><h3>What are easy side hustles that aren't online?</h3><p>Mowing lawns, doing yard work, shoveling snow, washing cars and cleaning homes all pay for work you do in person.</p> <p>Babysitting, walking dogs and running errands for neighbors can come through word of mouth, without an app.</p> <p>A garage sale or a batch of baked goods, where your state allows it, also pays in cash.</p><h3>What are easy side hustles for students?</h3><p>Tutoring younger students, babysitting and walking dogs fit around classes and pay within days.</p> <p>Online, students can test websites, join paid research studies and design thumbnails for creators.</p> <p>Shift apps like Instawork let you pick shifts that fit your class schedule.</p><h3>What are easy side hustles for teens?</h3><p>Babysitting, mowing lawns, shoveling snow and pet sitting for neighbors work for most teens, often from 13 or younger.</p> <p>Teens can resell clothes through a parent's eBay account, because eBay requires sellers to be 18.</p> <p>My guide on how to make money as a teen covers what the law allows at each age.</p><h3>What is the easiest online business to start?</h3><p>Affiliate marketing and selling a small digital product are the easiest online businesses to start, because both cost nothing and use what you already know.</p> <p>A newsletter is next, and Substack only takes a share once readers pay.</p> <p>Courses and virtual summits take longer, but my first virtual summit let me quit my bank job.</p><h3>Which easy side hustles pay the most?</h3><p>Running errands pays the most of the easiest ways here, at $32 an hour on average on Taskrabbit.</p> <p>Paid research studies average $75 per study on Respondent, and snow removal averages $126 a visit, by Angi's figures.</p> <p>Pet boarding can add up too: one Rover sitter made $9,455 in a month, most of it from boarding.</p><h3>How fast can an easy side hustle pay?</h3><p>Instawork's Instapay pays an hour after a shift for a 5% fee, and Wonolo pays 98% of jobs within 48 hours.</p> <p>Neighbors usually pay for dog walks, errands and yard work when the job is done.</p> <p>On eBay, the money from a sale is usually available 1 to 2 days after the buyer pays.</p><h3>Are easy side hustles worth it?</h3><p>Easy side hustles are worth it for quick cash and a first step, but most pay close to the minimum.</p> <p>On Upwork, data entry specialists and virtual assistants both have a median of $13 an hour, while tax preparers and automation consultants have a median of $60.</p> <p>Use an easy side hustle to earn while you learn a skill that pays more.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/things-to-sell-to-make-money/https://navid.me/blog/things-to-sell-to-make-money/60 things to sell to make money, from what you already own to flips, handmade items and digital products, with where each sells best, what each site keeps and real sellers' results.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of 60 things to sell to make money, from what's already in your closet to things you can make and digital products.</p> <p>I've sold digital products online since 2014, starting with the passes for my first [virtual summit](/articles/what-is-a-virtual-summit), and today I sell through Creator Store, a store I built myself with the help of AI. Selling things is the fastest way to turn what you own or know into money. You can read more in [my story](/about-navid).</p> <p>Most lists stop at "sell your old stuff." This one shows where each thing sells best, what that site keeps from each sale, from its own fee page, and a real seller's result where one exists.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>60 things to sell in four groups: what you own, what you flip, what you make and what's digital</li><li>Where each one sells best, and what each site keeps</li><li>What sells fastest when you need money this week</li><li>What kids and teens can sell, and how</li><li>How to price, photograph and sell safely</li></ul> <p>Pick the group that matches what you have, and list one thing today.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - Secondhand is growing: ThredUp's 2026 report expects the US secondhand apparel market to reach $78.8 billion by 2030, with Gen Z and Millennials driving 71% of the growth ([ThredUp](https://ir.thredup.com/news-releases/news-release-details/thredups-14th-annual-resale-report-reveals-new-era-structural)). - Fees vary a lot by site: Vinted sellers keep 100% of the price ([Vinted](https://www.vinted.com/how_it_works)), while eBay keeps 13.6% plus $0.40 an order in most categories ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)). - Local sales are the cheapest: Facebook Marketplace charges no fee when you're paid in person ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)). - What you make and what's digital can sell again and again, but they start slower, like the sticker shop that made $182.73 in sales in a year. - Selling recalled products is illegal, so check the CPSC's recall list before you sell baby gear ([CPSC](https://www.cpsc.gov/About-CPSC/Division-of-Field-Operations/FAQs-For-Buying-and-Selling-Products-Online)). :::</p> <h3>What sells best right now</h3> <p>Secondhand is no longer a niche. Here's where the money is moving, from ThredUp's 14th annual resale report:</p> <p>:::numbers Shirt | $78.8B | the US secondhand apparel market expected by 2030 | GlobalData, for ThredUp's 2026 report | [ThredUp](https://ir.thredup.com/news-releases/news-release-details/thredups-14th-annual-resale-report-reveals-new-era-structural) Globe | $393B | the global secondhand market expected by 2030 | Growing twice as fast as apparel retail | [ThredUp](https://ir.thredup.com/news-releases/news-release-details/thredups-14th-annual-resale-report-reveals-new-era-structural) Users | 71% | of market growth through 2030 from Gen Z and Millennials | ThredUp's 2026 report | [ThredUp](https://ir.thredup.com/news-releases/news-release-details/thredups-14th-annual-resale-report-reveals-new-era-structural) Smartphone | Nearly 50% | of shoppers find secondhand items through social media and creators | ThredUp's 2026 report | [ThredUp](https://ir.thredup.com/news-releases/news-release-details/thredups-14th-annual-resale-report-reveals-new-era-structural) :::</p> <p>That last number matters for sellers: showing your items on social media, not only on the marketplace, brings buyers to them.</p> <h3>Where to sell what</h3> <p>Each marketplace suits a different kind of thing, and each keeps a different share. Here's what each one charges sellers, from its own fee page:</p> <p>:::table fancy Where | Best for | What it keeps | Source  eBay | Almost anything that ships | 13.6% plus $0.40 an order in most categories | [eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)  Facebook Marketplace | Furniture, appliances and big items | Nothing on local sales, 5% on shipped ones | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)  Poshmark | Clothes, shoes and bags | $2.95 under $15, 20% from $15 | [Poshmark](https://support.poshmark.com/s/article/297755057?language=en_US)  Depop | Vintage and trendy clothes | No selling fee in the US, 3.3% plus $0.45 to process | [Depop](https://depophelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360001791127-Seller-fees-and-charges)  Vinted | Everyday clothes | Nothing, sellers keep 100% | [Vinted](https://www.vinted.com/how_it_works)  Mercari | Mixed items that ship | 10% of the item price and shipping | [Mercari](https://www.mercari.com/us/help_center/article/169/)  Whatnot | Cards, collectibles and live sales | 8% for standard sellers, plus 2.9% and $0.30 | [Whatnot](https://help.whatnot.com/hc/en-us/articles/4847069165965-Whatnot-seller-fees)  Swappa | Phones and electronics | 3% of the sale | [Swappa](https://swappa.com/fees)  Reverb | Musical instruments and gear | 5%, plus 3.19% and $0.49 to process | [Reverb](https://help.reverb.com/hc/en-us/articles/40917652290843-What-fees-will-I-pay-for-selling-on-Reverb)  TCGplayer | Trading cards | 10.75%, plus 2.5% and $0.30 | [TCGplayer](https://help.tcgplayer.com/hc/en-us/articles/201357836-TCGplayer-Fees)  Amazon | Books and new items | $0.99 an item on the Individual plan, plus a 15% referral fee in most categories | [Amazon](https://sell.amazon.com/pricing)  Etsy | Handmade, vintage and digital | $0.20 to list, 6.5% of each sale, plus processing | [Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)  Gumroad | Digital products | 10% plus $0.50 on sales you bring in | [Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing) :::</p> <p>Work out what you keep on any sale with the [profit margin calculator](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator).</p> <p>The 60 things come in four groups:</p> <p>:::cards here House | Things you already own | These 19 are already in your home, so everything you sell is profit. | #things-to-sell-that-you-already-own Repeat | Things to buy and flip | These 16 buy low at thrift stores, yard sales and Marketplace, and sell higher. | #things-to-buy-and-flip Hammer | Things you can make | These 12 turn a craft or a kitchen into a small shop. | #things-you-can-make-and-sell Download | Digital things | These 13 are made once and sold again and again. | #digital-things-you-can-sell :::</p> <h3>Things to sell that you already own</h3> <p>These 19 are already in your home, so the fastest money in this guide is here, with nothing to buy first.</p> <h4>1. Clothes</h4> <p>**What you keep:** the sale price, minus the site's share. Vinted sellers keep 100% ([Vinted](https://www.vinted.com/how_it_works)), Depop charges US sellers no selling fee, only 3.3% plus $0.45 to process ([Depop](https://depophelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360001791127-Seller-fees-and-charges)), and Poshmark keeps $2.95 on sales under $15 and 20% above ([Poshmark](https://support.poshmark.com/s/article/297755057?language=en_US)).</p> <p>Brand-name clothes in good condition sell fastest, especially jeans, jackets, workout clothes and anything in season. Price by what similar items actually sold for, not what they're listed at.</p> <p>**Example:** Jasmeen made close to $100 in her first week selling her old clothes on Vinted, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OATiDPEC2OY).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jasmeen on selling old clothes on Vinted, starting with close to $100 in the first week.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OATiDPEC2OY | How I make $100/week selling my OLD USED CLOTHES on Vinted | | Jasmeen | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Sort out what you haven't worn in a year Photograph each piece flat or worn, in daylight List on the app that fits the style, and drop the price a little after a week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Vinted](https://navid.link/vinted?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), [Depop](https://navid.link/depop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [Poshmark](https://navid.link/poshmark?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), and clean up photos with the [product photo background remover](/free-tools/product-photo-background-remover).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Hiding stains or holes leads to returns, so photograph every flaw. Listing everything at once on one app buries your best pieces, so list a few a day. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Vinted, Depop and Poshmark</p> <h4>2. Sneakers</h4> <p>**What you keep:** on eBay, sneakers that sell for $150 or more pay an 8% fee with no per-order fee, and pairs under $150 pay 13.6% ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)).</p> <p>Popular brands and limited releases hold their value best, and the box, the laces and clean soles all raise the price. Worn pairs still sell, priced honestly for their condition.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Clean the shoes and photograph the soles, the tags and the box Check sold listings for the exact model and size List with the size and condition in the title :::</p> <p>**Tools:** list on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), and photograph on a plain background with the [product photo background remover](/free-tools/product-photo-background-remover).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling fakes, even by accident, gets accounts banned, so check that a pair is authentic. Skipping sole photos makes buyers wary, so show every angle. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** eBay</p> <h4>3. Phones and electronics</h4> <p>**What you keep:** Swappa charges sellers 3% of the sale ([Swappa](https://swappa.com/fees)), and eBay keeps 13.6% plus $0.40 an order in most categories ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)).</p> <p>Recent phones, tablets, laptops and headphones sell well, and an unlocked phone sells for more. Condition, storage size and battery health set most of the price.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Back up your data, sign out of your accounts and reset the device Photograph it on, with the screen and the back in clear light List with the model, storage, carrier and condition :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell phones on [Swappa](https://navid.link/swappa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) and other electronics on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling without a factory reset leaves your data on the device, so wipe it first. Skipping the carrier lock check leads to returns, so say whether it's unlocked. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Swappa and eBay</p> <h4>4. Video games and consoles</h4> <p>**What you keep:** eBay keeps 13.6% plus $0.40 an order in most categories ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)), and a local sale on Facebook Marketplace costs nothing.</p> <p>Recent consoles, controllers and popular games sell quickly, and older Nintendo games can sell for more than they cost new. Bundles of a console with games often sell faster than parts.</p> <p>**Example:** 502 Frank bought a Nintendo Switch with games for $110 on Facebook Marketplace and sold it on eBay for $200, keeping about $165 after fees, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubKR4pac1rc).</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Test the console and every game before you list Photograph each disc or cartridge, with the cases Sell the console as a bundle, or the rare games one by one :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) for shipping, or [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) for local cash.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Listing a console without testing it leads to returns, so test it first. Selling rare games in a cheap bundle loses money, so check sold prices one by one. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** eBay and Facebook Marketplace</p> <h4>5. Books and textbooks</h4> <p>**What you keep:** on Amazon's Individual plan, you pay $0.99 an item, a 15% referral fee in most categories and a $1.80 closing fee on books and other media ([Amazon](https://sell.amazon.com/pricing)). eBay keeps 15.3% on books ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)).</p> <p>Recent textbooks, test prep books and collectible first editions are worth listing, while most used paperbacks sell for very little. Scan the barcode before you list, so you know if a book is worth the time.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Check each book's sold price before you list it Sell valuable ones online and donate the rest List textbooks right before a semester starts, when demand peaks :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Amazon](https://navid.link/amazonsell?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Listing every book wastes hours, so list only the ones worth more than a few dollars. Missing the edition number sells the wrong book, so check it against the listing. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Amazon and eBay</p> <h4>6. Furniture</h4> <p>**What you keep:** Facebook Marketplace charges no fee when the buyer pays you in person ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)), and OfferUp now only supports local, in-person sales ([OfferUp](https://help.offerup.com/hc/en-us/articles/41043186552980-Nationwide-shipping-ending)).</p> <p>Solid wood pieces, dressers, desks, dining sets and anything mid-century sell best. Furniture is bulky, so local buyers who pick it up are the easiest sale.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Clean it and photograph it in good light, with measurements List it locally with the dimensions in the description Have the buyer pick it up, with someone else home :::</p> <p>**Tools:** list on [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) and [OfferUp](https://navid.link/offerup?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Leaving out measurements wastes trips, so list the width, depth and height. Accepting checks or payment app requests from strangers invites scams, so take cash in person. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp</p> <h4>7. LEGO and toys</h4> <p>**What you keep:** eBay keeps 13.6% plus $0.40 an order in most categories ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)), or nothing on a local Facebook Marketplace sale.</p> <p>Complete LEGO sets with the box and instructions sell best, and retired sets can sell for more than their original price. Loose LEGO sells by the pound, for much less.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Check which sets are complete, using the instructions Look up each set's sold price by its set number Sell complete sets one by one, and loose bricks in bulk :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Calling a set complete when pieces are missing leads to returns, so check the inventory. Selling retired sets for loose-brick prices loses money, so check each set number. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** eBay</p> <h4>8. Baby gear</h4> <p>**What you keep:** nothing goes to Facebook Marketplace on a local sale ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)), and Mercari keeps 10% on shipped sales ([Mercari](https://www.mercari.com/us/help_center/article/169/)).</p> <p>Strollers, carriers, bouncers and kids' clothes sell fast, because babies outgrow them in months. Safety comes first: it's illegal to sell a recalled product, and it's your job to check before you sell ([CPSC](https://www.cpsc.gov/About-CPSC/Division-of-Field-Operations/FAQs-For-Buying-and-Selling-Products-Online)).</p> <p>**Example:** Mama On A Mission took 114 pieces of kids' clothing to Once Upon a Child, and the store bought 48 of them for $60.60, about $1.26 each, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY9AYrnDPR8). A similar piece has sold for about $20 on eBay, so the best pieces are worth listing online first.</p> <p>**Watch:** Mama On A Mission on what Once Upon a Child took from 114 pieces of kids' clothing, and what it paid.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY9AYrnDPR8 | Selling Kids Clothes to Once Upon a Child: What They Accepted &amp; How Much I Made | | Mama On A Mission | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Check each item against the CPSC's recall list Clean it and photograph it with any missing parts noted Sell big items locally and clothes in bundles :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [Mercari](https://navid.link/mercari?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling a used car seat with an unknown history is risky, since you can't prove it hasn't been in a crash, so skip car seats. Selling cribs made before June 2011 is likely illegal under federal crib standards, so don't resell old cribs. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** some · **Sells best on:** Facebook Marketplace</p> <h4>9. Sports and fitness gear</h4> <p>**What you keep:** nothing on a local Facebook Marketplace sale, which suits heavy gear ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)).</p> <p>Weights, dumbbells, bikes, golf clubs and rowing machines sell well, especially in January when people start new routines. Heavy gear sells locally, so buyers come to you.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Clean the gear and note any wear List it locally in the new year or before the season Have the buyer bring help to lift heavy items :::</p> <p>**Tools:** list on [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) and [OfferUp](https://navid.link/offerup?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Listing weights without the exact pounds wastes questions, so list each weight. Shipping heavy gear eats your profit, so sell it locally. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** Facebook Marketplace</p> <h4>10. Gift cards you won't use</h4> <p>**What you keep:** a share of the card's balance. CardCash offers up to 92% of a card's value and pays by check, ACH or PayPal ([CardCash](https://www.cardcash.com/sell-gift-cards/)).</p> <p>Gift cards to big stores sell for the most, and cards to small restaurants for less. Selling one you won't use beats letting the balance sit.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Check the card's exact balance first Get a quote from a gift card buyer Sell it, or trade it for a card you'll use :::</p> <p>**Tools:** get a quote from [CardCash](https://navid.link/cardcash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling a gift card to a stranger online invites fraud, so use a gift card exchange. Giving out a card's code before you're paid lets a buyer drain it, so don't share it until you're paid. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** gift card exchanges</p> <h4>11. Jewelry and gold</h4> <p>**What you keep:** a jeweler or gold buyer pays you by weight and purity, and eBay keeps 13.6% plus $0.40 an order in most categories ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)).</p> <p>Broken gold chains, single earrings and old rings still have value for their metal, while designer pieces sell for more as jewelry. Know the karat and the weight before anyone makes you an offer.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Sort gold, silver and costume jewelry, and check the stamps Weigh the gold pieces at home Get quotes from two or three buyers before you sell :::</p> <p>**Tools:** use a small kitchen scale for the weight, and sell designer pieces on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking the first offer can leave money on the table, so get several quotes. Selling designer pieces as scrap gold loses their brand value, so sell those as jewelry. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** some · **Sells best on:** local jewelers and eBay</p> <h4>12. Cameras and lenses</h4> <p>**What you keep:** eBay keeps 13.6% plus $0.40 an order in most categories ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)), or nothing on a local sale.</p> <p>Lenses often hold their value better than camera bodies, and film cameras have a following of their own. The shutter count and the condition of the glass set most of the price.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Test the camera and clean the lenses Photograph the glass, the body and any marks List with the shutter count and what's included :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Hiding scratches or fungus on a lens leads to returns, so photograph the glass up close. Selling a body without its battery and charger lowers the price, so include them. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** eBay</p> <h4>13. Musical instruments</h4> <p>**What you keep:** Reverb charges a 5% selling fee, with a $500 maximum, plus 3.19% and $0.49 to process each payment in the US ([Reverb](https://help.reverb.com/hc/en-us/articles/40917652290843-What-fees-will-I-pay-for-selling-on-Reverb)).</p> <p>Guitars, amps, pedals, keyboards and brass instruments sell well to musicians who know what they want. Reverb is built for gear, so buyers there pay fair prices for good instruments.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Clean the instrument and restring it if needed Record a short sound clip with the listing Ship it in a hard case or a well-padded box :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Reverb](https://navid.link/reverb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Shipping a guitar without loosening the strings and padding the neck can break it, so pack it like a pro. Leaving out the model and year makes buyers guess, so list both. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Reverb</p> <h4>14. Tools</h4> <p>**What you keep:** nothing on a local Facebook Marketplace sale ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)), and 13.6% plus $0.40 an order on eBay ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)).</p> <p>Power tools from known brands, tool sets and garden tools sell well, especially with batteries and chargers. Contractors and DIY fans buy used tools all year.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Test each tool and charge the batteries Group small hand tools into sets List power tools one by one with the battery included :::</p> <p>**Tools:** list on [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling a tool without its battery cuts the price, so include it or say it's tool-only. Listing without the model number hides its value, so add it. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** some · **Sells best on:** Facebook Marketplace</p> <h4>15. Watches</h4> <p>**What you keep:** eBay's fee depends on the category and price, so check the watches category before you list ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)).</p> <p>Known brands, vintage watches and smartwatches all have buyers, and the box and papers raise the price. Have a valuable watch checked for authenticity first.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Check whether the watch runs and keeps time Photograph the dial, the back and the clasp List with the brand, the model and the condition :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling a valuable watch without an appraisal can undersell it, so get one first. Leaving out flaws leads to returns, so show the scratches. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** eBay</p> <h4>16. Kitchen appliances</h4> <p>**What you keep:** nothing on a local Facebook Marketplace sale ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)).</p> <p>Stand mixers, espresso machines, air fryers and blenders sell well when they're clean and complete. Most kitchen appliances are heavy, so local sales work best.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Clean it well and test every setting Photograph it with all its parts and attachments List locally with the model number :::</p> <p>**Tools:** list on [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [OfferUp](https://navid.link/offerup?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling an appliance with missing parts lowers the price, so gather every attachment. Skipping the cleaning makes buyers pass, so clean it first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** Facebook Marketplace</p> <h4>17. Camping and outdoor gear</h4> <p>**What you keep:** eBay keeps 13.6% plus $0.40 an order in most categories ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)), and local sales cost nothing.</p> <p>Tents, sleeping bags, backpacks and coolers from known brands sell well before spring and summer. Outdoor gear lasts, so buyers look for quality brands used.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Set up the tent to check for missing parts Clean and dry everything before you photograph it List in spring, before camping season :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Packing gear away wet leaves mildew, so dry it before storage or sale. Leaving out the size or weight frustrates buyers, so list both. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** some · **Sells best on:** eBay and Facebook Marketplace</p> <h4>18. Seasonal decorations</h4> <p>**What you keep:** nothing on a local Facebook Marketplace sale ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)).</p> <p>Christmas, Halloween and other holiday decorations sell best a few weeks before the holiday, not after. Inflatables, lights and themed sets move fastest.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Check that lights and inflatables still work List them a few weeks before the holiday Sell sets together, so buyers decorate in one go :::</p> <p>**Tools:** list on [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Listing after the holiday means waiting a year, so list early. Selling lights that don't work gets bad reviews, so test them. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** Facebook Marketplace</p> <h4>19. Wedding decor after the day</h4> <p>**What you keep:** nothing on a local Facebook Marketplace sale ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)), and Poshmark keeps 20% on sales of $15 or more, like a dress ([Poshmark](https://support.poshmark.com/s/article/297755057?language=en_US)).</p> <p>Signs, centerpieces, vases, lights and dresses sell to couples planning their own weddings. Selling right after your wedding gets the best prices, while the style is current.</p> <p>:::steps How to sell it Sell the decor as one set, with a photo from the day List within a few months of the wedding Sell the dress on its own, with the size and alterations :::</p> <p>**Tools:** list decor on [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) and the dress on [Poshmark](https://navid.link/poshmark?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Waiting a few years dates the style, so sell soon after the day. Skipping the photos from the wedding hides how good it looks, so include them. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** some · **Sells best on:** Facebook Marketplace</p> <h3>Things to buy and flip</h3> <p>These 16 turn thrift stores, yard sales and Marketplace into a side hustle: buy low, fix or clean, and sell higher.</p> <h4>20. Thrift store and storage unit finds</h4> <p>**What you keep:** the sale price, minus the site's fee and what you paid. eBay keeps 13.6% plus $0.40 an order in most categories ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)).</p> <p>Thrift stores, estate sales and storage unit auctions are full of items worth more online than on the shelf, from brand-name clothes to electronics. The skill is knowing what sells, which you learn by checking sold listings.</p> <p>**Example:** Michael Haskell started reselling items from abandoned storage units in 2024, and by 18 his business brought in $97,434 from eBay and $37,500 from an auction house in 2025 ([CNBC Make It](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH8bjwU1mig)).</p> <p>**Watch:** CNBC Make It follows Michael Haskell, 18, who resells items from abandoned storage units on eBay and at auction.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH8bjwU1mig | I'm A Teen That Buys Abandoned Storage Units - My Side Hustle Brings In $135,000/Year | | CNBC Make It | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Pick one category to learn first, like clothes or electronics Check sold prices on your phone before you buy List within a day, before the item sits in a pile :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), and clean up photos with the [product photo background remover](/free-tools/product-photo-background-remover).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying everything that looks valuable fills your home with stock, so buy only what you've checked. Forgetting fees and shipping in your math hides losses, so count them before you buy. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** eBay</p> <h4>21. Vintage clothing</h4> <p>**What you keep:** Depop charges US sellers no selling fee, only 3.3% plus $0.45 to process ([Depop](https://depophelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360001791127-Seller-fees-and-charges)), and eBay keeps 13.6% plus $0.40 an order in most categories ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)).</p> <p>Band tees, vintage denim, old sportswear and designer pieces from past decades sell for well above thrift prices. Buyers pay for the era and the condition, so learn the labels.</p> <p>**Example:** Rick Senko started reselling when he doubled his money flipping one phone on eBay in 2008, and his used clothing business now brings in $6.5 million a year ([CNBC Make It](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ieWUuGCkXY)).</p> <p>**Watch:** CNBC Make It follows Rick Senko, who started reselling with one phone on eBay in 2008 and now brings in $6.5 million a year selling used clothes.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ieWUuGCkXY | I Was a Broke 18-Year-Old Dad - Now I Bring In $6.5 Million A Year Selling Used Clothes | | CNBC Make It | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Learn the labels and tags of the eras you like Buy pieces in good condition at thrift stores and sales Photograph them worn or on a hanger, with the tag :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Depop](https://navid.link/depop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Calling new clothes vintage misleads buyers, so describe the era honestly. Skipping measurements causes returns, since vintage sizes run differently, so list them. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Depop and eBay</p> <h4>22. Pokémon and sports cards</h4> <p>**What you keep:** TCGplayer keeps 10.75%, plus 2.5% and $0.30 per order, from standard sellers ([TCGplayer](https://help.tcgplayer.com/hc/en-us/articles/201357836-TCGplayer-Fees)), and eBay keeps 13.25% on trading cards ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)).</p> <p>Graded cards, rare pulls and full sets sell for the most, and condition decides the price. Live selling on Whatnot works well for cards, since buyers like opening packs on stream.</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Sort your cards and check prices by set and condition Sell singles on TCGplayer and big cards on eBay Grade only the cards worth more after grading :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [TCGplayer](https://navid.link/tcgplayer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [Whatnot](https://navid.link/whatnot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Grading every card wastes money, so grade only the ones a high grade makes worth more. Shipping cards in plain envelopes damages them, so use sleeves and top loaders. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** TCGplayer, eBay and Whatnot</p> <h4>23. Retro video games</h4> <p>**What you keep:** eBay keeps 13.6% plus $0.40 an order in most categories ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)).</p> <p>Older Nintendo, Sega and PlayStation games and consoles have collectors who pay more for complete copies with the box and manual. Yard sales and thrift stores still turn them up cheap.</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Learn which games are worth money, using sold listings Test each game and clean the contacts Sell complete-in-box copies on their own :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling reproduction cartridges as originals breaks eBay's rules, so check what's real. Selling a rare game in a lot hides its value, so check each one. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** eBay</p> <h4>24. Vinyl records</h4> <p>**What you keep:** eBay keeps 13.6% plus $0.40 an order on vinyl, which sits outside its higher 15.3% music rate ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)).</p> <p>Original pressings, rare albums and classic rock and jazz sell best, and the condition of the record and the sleeve sets the price. Most records sell for a few dollars, so the money is in finding the good ones.</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Check the pressing details on the label and sleeve Grade the record and the sleeve honestly Ship in a proper record mailer :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Overgrading a record's condition leads to returns, so grade it strictly. Shipping records in a thin box breaks them, so use stiff record mailers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** eBay</p> <h4>25. Furniture you refinish</h4> <p>**What you keep:** nothing on a local Facebook Marketplace sale ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)), so your margin is the sale price minus what you paid and spent on paint and hardware.</p> <p>Solid wood pieces with good bones, like dressers and nightstands, are worth the most after sanding, paint or new hardware. The work adds the value, so price in your time.</p> <p>**Example:** Tyler and Lindsey Dobson started upcycling furniture they found on the curb in 2020, and the side hustle grew into flipping homes, where they've made over $1 million ([CNBC Make It](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JxLQdoT688)).</p> <p>**Watch:** CNBC Make It follows Tyler and Lindsey Dobson, who started by upcycling furniture they found on the curb in 2020.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JxLQdoT688 | Couple started upcycling furniture found on the curb - they've now made over $1M flipping homes | | CNBC Make It | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Buy solid wood pieces cheap on Marketplace or at the curb Clean, sand and refinish them, then add new hardware Photograph them styled, in daylight :::</p> <p>**Tools:** list on [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), and check your margin with the [profit margin calculator](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Refinishing cheap particleboard rarely pays off, so pick solid wood. Forgetting your hours makes a flip look profitable when it isn't, so count your time. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** Facebook Marketplace</p> <h4>26. Lawnmowers</h4> <p>**What you keep:** nothing on a local Facebook Marketplace sale ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)).</p> <p>Mowers that need a small fix, like a new spark plug or a carburetor cleaning, are often given away or sold cheap, and sell for much more running. Spring is the busy season.</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Buy mowers that don't start, cheap Learn the common fixes, like plugs, filters and carburetors Sell them running, in spring :::</p> <p>**Tools:** list on [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying mowers with cracked decks or engine damage loses money, so check before you buy. Storing gas in a mower over winter gums it up, so drain it. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** Facebook Marketplace</p> <h4>27. Used iPhones</h4> <p>**What you keep:** Swappa charges sellers 3% of the sale ([Swappa](https://swappa.com/fees)).</p> <p>People sell older iPhones cheaply when they upgrade, and recent models resell for more online. Storage, battery health and whether the phone is unlocked set the price.</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Buy recent iPhones locally, checking the battery and the lock Reset and clean each phone Sell it unlocked, with clear photos of the screen :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Swappa](https://navid.link/swappa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying a phone still locked to someone's iCloud makes it unusable, so check it's signed out first. Buying a stolen phone can get it blacklisted, so check the IMEI before you pay. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Swappa</p> <h4>28. Designer bags, authenticated</h4> <p>**What you keep:** eBay keeps 15% on women's bags and handbags up to $2,000, and 9% above that ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)), and Poshmark keeps 20% on sales of $15 or more ([Poshmark](https://support.poshmark.com/s/article/297755057?language=en_US)).</p> <p>Known luxury brands hold their value, and the bag's condition, its dust bag and its receipt raise the price. Authentication protects you and the buyer.</p> <p>**Example:** Andy's Luxury Den put about £4,000 into preloved designer bags, and the side hustle turned over £50,000 in its first year, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3f2XA0AJEM).</p> <p>**Watch:** Andy's Luxury Den on turning £4,000 of preloved designer bags into a side hustle that turned over £50,000 in its first year.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3f2XA0AJEM | I Turned £4,000 Into £50,000 Selling Preloved Designer Bags | | Andy's Luxury Den | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Learn two or three brands well before you buy Buy only bags you can authenticate Photograph the hardware, the stitching and the serial or date code :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [Poshmark](https://navid.link/poshmark?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling a fake, even by accident, can cost you your account, so authenticate every bag. Hiding wear on the corners or handles leads to returns, so photograph them. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** eBay and Poshmark</p> <h4>29. Bikes</h4> <p>**What you keep:** nothing on a local Facebook Marketplace sale ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)).</p> <p>Bikes that need a tune-up, new tires or a chain sell for much more once they ride well. Kids' bikes move fast, since children outgrow them every year or two.</p> <p>**Example:** LFG Cycling sold 32 bikes in one month, with profits from about $15 to $200 a bike, [in June 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDnyv41-HyA).</p> <p>**Watch:** LFG Cycling sells 32 bikes in a month and breaks down what each one made.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDnyv41-HyA | I Sold 32 Bikes in One Month - Here's What I Learned | | LFG Cycling | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Buy bikes that need simple fixes, like tires and chains Tune them up and clean them Sell them locally, with the size and the brand in the title :::</p> <p>**Tools:** list on [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying bikes with bent frames loses money, so check the frame first. Selling a bike that isn't safe to ride puts buyers at risk, so test the brakes. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** Facebook Marketplace</p> <h4>30. Books through Amazon FBA</h4> <p>**What you keep:** on Amazon, a 15% referral fee in most categories and a $1.80 closing fee on books, plus fulfillment fees when Amazon stores and ships them ([Amazon](https://sell.amazon.com/pricing)).</p> <p>With Fulfillment by Amazon, you send books to Amazon's warehouse and it handles the shipping. Textbooks and niche nonfiction often sell for far more than they cost at a thrift store or library sale.</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Scan books at sales to check their Amazon price Buy only the ones worth well above the fees Send them to Amazon in batches :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell through [Amazon](https://navid.link/amazonsell?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending low-value books loses money to fees, so check what you'd keep first. Leaving books in storage for months adds fees, so send what sells. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Amazon</p> <h4>31. Comic books</h4> <p>**What you keep:** eBay keeps 13.25% on comic books ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)).</p> <p>Key issues, first appearances and graded comics sell for the most, and condition is everything. Most comics are worth little, so the money is in the key issues.</p> <p>**Example:** Crafty Stax has been paid over $100,000 in sales flipping comic books, which he notes isn't the same as profit, [in October 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-SD3jj0Y34).</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Learn which issues are keys in the titles you like Bag and board every comic you keep Sell keys one by one and bulk issues in lots :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [Whatnot](https://navid.link/whatnot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Handling comics without care lowers their grade, so bag and board them. Overpaying for hype issues can leave you holding stock, so buy below sold prices. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** eBay</p> <h4>32. Board games</h4> <p>**What you keep:** eBay keeps 13.6% plus $0.40 an order in most categories ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)).</p> <p>Complete board games, especially popular modern ones and out-of-print titles, sell well online. Thrift stores often price them low, without checking whether pieces are missing.</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Count the pieces against the rules sheet Look up sold prices for the exact edition List complete games with a photo of every part :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling a game as complete with pieces missing leads to returns, so count them. Shipping heavy games without checking the cost eats profit, so weigh them first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** eBay</p> <h4>33. Coins</h4> <p>**What you keep:** eBay keeps 13.25% on coins and paper money ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)), and Whatnot charges a reduced commission on coins ([Whatnot](https://help.whatnot.com/hc/en-us/articles/14477076380941-Reduced-commission-on-Coins-Money)).</p> <p>Silver and gold coins have a floor set by their metal, and rare dates and mint marks sell for more to collectors. Condition matters, so don't clean them.</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Sort coins by metal, date and mint mark Look up values for the key dates Sell common silver for its metal and rare coins to collectors :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [Whatnot](https://navid.link/whatnot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Cleaning old coins lowers their value, so leave them as they are. Selling rare coins for their metal value alone loses money, so check the date first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** eBay and Whatnot</p> <h4>34. Sports memorabilia</h4> <p>**What you keep:** eBay keeps 13.25% on sports trading cards and 13.6% plus $0.40 an order in most other categories ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)).</p> <p>Signed items, jerseys and game-used gear sell best with proof of authenticity. Local team items sell well where the team is popular.</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Check for certificates of authenticity on signed items Photograph the signature and any certificate List with the player, the team and the year :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling unverified autographs as real can get you banned, so sell only what you can prove. Overpricing local team items for buyers elsewhere slows sales, so check sold prices. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** eBay</p> <h4>35. Car parts</h4> <p>**What you keep:** eBay keeps 13.6% plus $0.40 an order on parts and accessories ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822)).</p> <p>Used parts from cars you're parting out, extra parts after a repair and accessories sell to people fixing their own cars. Part numbers make listings easy to find.</p> <p>:::steps How to flip it Note the part number and which cars it fits Clean and photograph the part from every side List it with the fitment details :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Listing the wrong fitment leads to returns, so double-check which cars it fits. Shipping heavy parts without a quote eats your profit, so check the cost first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** eBay</p> <h3>Things you can make and sell</h3> <p>These 12 turn a craft, a kitchen or a 3D printer into a small shop, and the best ones sell again and again.</p> <h4>36. Candles</h4> <p>**What you keep:** on Etsy, $0.20 to list, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>Candles sell well around the holidays and as gifts, and a clear theme, like scents for a city or a season, stands out. Safety labels and good packaging matter.</p> <p>**Example:** In The Business. interviews a 22-year-old who built a £5,000-a-month candle business, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIjQDi0MEns).</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Test your wax, wicks and scents until they burn cleanly Pick a theme and design simple labels Sell at local markets and on Etsy :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), and design labels in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping burn tests leads to unsafe candles, so test each batch. Leaving off safety warnings puts buyers at risk, so label every candle. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Etsy and local markets</p> <h4>37. Handmade jewelry</h4> <p>**What you keep:** on Etsy, $0.20 to list, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>Simple, wearable pieces in a clear style sell better than one-off experiments. Jewelry ships small, which keeps costs low.</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell it Pick one style and make a small collection Photograph each piece worn and on a plain background List the collection on Etsy and share it on social media :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), and see what you keep with the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Pricing for materials only leaves your time unpaid, so add your hours to the price. Using metals that cause reactions brings returns, so list your materials clearly. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Etsy</p> <h4>38. Crochet and knitwear</h4> <p>**What you keep:** on Etsy, $0.20 to list, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>Crochet toys, bags and clothes sell, and patterns sell too, which pay again and again with no extra work. Finished items take hours, so patterns are where many makers earn more.</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell it Make a few pieces in a style people ask about Write up the pattern for your best design Sell finished items and the pattern side by side :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), and design pattern PDFs in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Pricing finished pieces by yarn cost only underpays your hours, so count your time. Selling another designer's pattern as yours breaks copyright, so sell your own designs. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Etsy</p> <h4>39. Baked goods, where your state allows it</h4> <p>**What you keep:** the price you set for each batch, under your state's cottage food rules.</p> <p>Cookies, breads, cakes and treats sell at markets, to neighbors and for events. Many states let people sell some homemade foods under cottage food laws, but each state sets its own rules.</p> <p>**Example:** Lloyd Ortuoste's banana pudding business, Baonanas, started as a way to pay a surprise college bill, and it now brings in more than $450,000 a year ([CNBC Make It](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlnm3ZzS2VE)).</p> <p>**Watch:** CNBC Make It on Lloyd Ortuoste, whose banana pudding business, Baonanas, brings in more than $450,000 a year.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlnm3ZzS2VE | How I Accidentally Built A $450K/Year Banana Pudding Business | | CNBC Make It | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Check your state's cottage food rules Perfect two or three items before you sell Sell at one market, then take orders :::</p> <p>**Tools:** print labels with ingredients and allergens, and make a price list in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping allergen labels can make someone sick, so list every ingredient. Selling where your state doesn't allow home food can shut you down, so check the rules first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** local markets and orders</p> <h4>40. Art prints</h4> <p>**What you keep:** the margin on each print. Employed craft and fine artists in the US earn a median of $55,290 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/craft-and-fine-artists.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>Prints let you sell the same artwork again and again, and a print-on-demand supplier can print and ship them for you. Prints of local places sell well to locals and tourists.</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Scan or photograph your art at high resolution Order test prints to check the colors Sell on Etsy, with a print supplier shipping the orders :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) and print with [Printful](https://navid.link/printful?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Printing without a color check disappoints buyers, so order a sample first. Selling art that copies a famous style too closely can break copyright, so sell your own work. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Etsy</p> <h4>41. Stickers</h4> <p>**What you keep:** a share of each sale. On LINE Creators Market, creators get 50% of sticker revenue after the app store's fee ([LINE](https://help2.line.me/creators/web/pc?lang=en&amp;contentId=20005127)), and on Etsy you keep your price minus $0.20 to list, 6.5% of each sale and processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>Stickers are cheap to make and to ship, so they suit a first shop. Themes with a clear audience, like a hobby or a job, sell better than random designs.</p> <p>**Example:** Kaitlyn Jeffries' Etsy sticker shop made $182.73 in sales over a year, kept $124.83 after $58.50 in Etsy fees, before the cost of materials, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc3OAVmZdzo).</p> <p>**Watch:** Kaitlyn Jeffries shares a year of real Etsy sticker numbers, fees included.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc3OAVmZdzo | How Much I Made on Etsy Selling Stickers This Past Year (REAL Numbers) | | Kaitlyn Jeffries | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Design a set of stickers for one audience Order samples or print a small batch List them on Etsy and share them where that audience is :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), and sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using characters or logos you don't own gets listings removed, so design your own. Pricing single stickers too low leaves nothing after fees, so sell packs. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Etsy</p> <h4>42. T-shirts and hoodies, with print on demand</h4> <p>**What you keep:** the margin on each item sold: your price minus the print cost and the marketplace's fees. On Etsy, that's $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>You design shirts and hoodies, and a print-on-demand supplier prints and ships each order, so you hold no stock. Designs for a clear group, like a job, a hobby or a city, sell best.</p> <p>**Example:** Brenon Dopp's print-on-demand Etsy shop made $40 in its first month and $6,076 in its best month, October, in its first year, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3vm3FIm4UE).</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Pick one group and write 20 shirt ideas for it Design the best five and order samples List them with real photos of the samples :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), and print with [Printful](https://navid.link/printful?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money). Check your margin with the [print on demand profit calculator](/free-tools/print-on-demand-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using trademarked phrases gets listings removed, so check your designs. Pricing too close to the print cost leaves nothing after fees, so check the margin first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Etsy</p> <h4>43. Plants, flowers and cuttings</h4> <p>**What you keep:** nothing on a local Facebook Marketplace sale ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)), and Etsy's listing, transaction and processing fees on plants you ship ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>Houseplant cuttings, rare plants and fresh flowers sell to plant lovers, and cuttings cost nothing once you own the plant. Local sales avoid shipping live plants.</p> <p>**Example:** Vienna Hintze sells flowers from a pickup truck in Los Angeles, and the business brings in up to $16,000 a month ([CNBC Make It](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7AqQonooUk)).</p> <p>**Watch:** CNBC Make It on Vienna Hintze, who sells flowers from a pickup truck in Los Angeles and brings in up to $16,000 a month.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7AqQonooUk | 29-year-old quit her job to sell flowers from a pickup truck - now she brings in up to $16K/month | | CNBC Make It | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Propagate cuttings from the plants you own Pot them in small pots once they root Sell them locally or at plant swaps and markets :::</p> <p>**Tools:** list on [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Shipping plants to states with plant quarantine rules can break those rules, so check before you ship. Selling cuttings before they root leads to dead plants, so wait until roots show. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** some · **Sells best on:** Facebook Marketplace</p> <h4>44. Soap and bath products</h4> <p>**What you keep:** on Etsy, $0.20 to list, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>Handmade soap, bath bombs and scrubs sell as gifts, at markets and online. Clear labels, good scents and simple packaging make them easy gifts.</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Learn one recipe and test it until it's right Label each product with its ingredients Sell at markets and on Etsy :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), and design labels in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Claiming a soap treats skin conditions can make it a regulated product, so describe it simply. Skipping ingredient labels risks reactions, so list every ingredient. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Etsy and local markets</p> <h4>45. 3D printed products</h4> <p>**What you keep:** the margin on each piece. If you design models for others instead, 3D modelers on Upwork typically charge $17 to $30 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/3d-modelers/cost/)).</p> <p>A 3D printer makes organizers, phone stands, toys, parts and custom gifts, and a good design can sell hundreds of times. Useful items sell better than decorations.</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Design or license models you're allowed to sell Print samples and test them List the useful ones on Etsy :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling prints of models whose license forbids it breaks the designer's terms, so check each license. Ignoring print time in your price underpays you, so count the hours the printer runs. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Etsy</p> <h4>46. Woodwork</h4> <p>**What you keep:** on Etsy, $0.20 to list, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)), or nothing on a local sale.</p> <p>Cutting boards, shelves, signs and small furniture sell, but woodwork takes hours, so the profit is thinner than many videos claim.</p> <p>**Watch:** Dieter Schneider looks at what woodworkers really make on Etsy, past the big claims.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JQEOfiSPB4 | Woodworking Profit Lies - It's Worse Than I Thought | | Dieter Schneider | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell it Make a few small items you can batch, like cutting boards Track your hours and material costs for each one Sell locally first, then online :::</p> <p>**Tools:** list on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Believing big profit claims without seeing the numbers sets you up for a letdown, so count your own costs. Making one-off pieces takes too long to pay, so batch the items that sell. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Ships:** some · **Sells best on:** local sales and Etsy</p> <h4>47. Resin art</h4> <p>**What you keep:** on Etsy, $0.20 to list, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>Resin coasters, trays, jewelry and keychains sell as gifts, and custom pieces, like flowers from a wedding, sell for more. Resin needs ventilation and safety gear.</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell it Learn resin safety and work in a ventilated space Make a small collection in one style Offer custom pieces once your work looks consistent :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Working with resin without gloves and ventilation is unsafe, so protect yourself. Underpricing custom work underpays your hours, so charge more for it. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Ships:** yes · **Sells best on:** Etsy</p> <h3>Digital things you can sell</h3> <p>These 13 are made once and sold again and again, with nothing to pack or ship. They start slower than selling what you own, but the same file can sell for years.</p> <h4>48. Printables and planners</h4> <p>**What you keep:** a price per download that you set, minus Etsy's $0.20 listing fee, 6.5% of each sale and payment processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>Planners, checklists, worksheets and wall art sell as downloads buyers print at home. Shops that pick one buyer, like teachers or new parents, sell more than general ones.</p> <p>**Example:** Cam Finance tested an AI printables shop on Etsy from $0: two sales for $9 in the first week, then $187 in total sales by the end of week two, after cutting prices from $12 to $7, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1abscZwwsM).</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Find printables that sell in one niche Make 10 better versions in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) List them with clear mockups and keywords :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva), and sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money). See what you keep with the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying another shop's designs gets listings removed, so make your own. Listing one product and waiting gives buyers little to find, so list 10 or more in one niche. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** Etsy</p> <h4>49. Notion templates</h4> <p>**What you keep:** a price per template that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>Templates for planning, studying, budgeting or running a business sell to people who want a system without building it. The best ones solve one problem cleanly.</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Turn a [Notion](/ai-tools/notion) setup you use into a clean template Record a short walkthrough video Sell it on Gumroad, with a free version to grow a list :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build in [Notion](/ai-tools/notion), and sell on [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling a template you don't use yourself shows in the details, so start from your own system. Skipping the walkthrough leaves buyers confused, so show how it works. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** Gumroad</p> <h4>50. Canva templates</h4> <p>**What you keep:** a price per template that you set, minus Etsy's $0.20 listing fee, 6.5% of each sale and payment processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>Social post templates, presentations, resumes and brand kits sell to small businesses and creators who want to look polished. Bundles sell better than single templates.</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Design a set of 10 templates for one kind of buyer Make mockups that show the templates in use List them on Etsy as a bundle :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), and sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using Canva Pro elements a buyer can't access breaks their copy, so test on a free account. Listing single templates competes with thousands, so sell themed bundles. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** Etsy</p> <h4>51. Ebooks and guides</h4> <p>**What you keep:** one-time sales on your site or a marketplace. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself, and 30% of sales from its own marketplace ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>A short guide that solves one problem, like a meal plan, a travel itinerary or a how-to for a skill, can sell for years. Your own experience is what makes it worth buying.</p> <p>**Example:** [Maria Wendt](/creators/maria-wendt) makes about $1 million a month from her digital products, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QBQzi4r940&amp;t=70s).</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Write down a process you've done that others ask about Turn it into a short guide with steps and examples Sell it to the people already asking you :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I sell through Creator Store, an AI-powered store I built myself with the help of AI, and [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) and [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) work from day one. Read my guide to the [best places to sell digital products](/articles/best-place-to-sell-digital-products).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing for everyone makes a guide forgettable, so write for one reader. Selling AI text without your own experience gives buyers nothing new, so put your results in it. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** your own store or Gumroad</p> <h4>52. Presets and LUTs</h4> <p>**What you keep:** a price per pack that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>Photo presets and video LUTs give buyers your editing look in one click. They sell best when your own photos already show the style.</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Turn your editing style into five presets Show before-and-after photos for each one Sell the pack to your followers :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build presets in [Adobe Lightroom](https://navid.link/adobelightroom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), and sell them on [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Showing only your best photos oversells the preset, so show it on ordinary shots too. Selling presets with no audience is slow, so grow your following first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** Gumroad</p> <h4>53. Fonts</h4> <p>**What you keep:** Creative Market shops earn 50% of the list price by default ([Creative Market](https://support.creativemarket.com/hc/en-us/articles/201193714-All-About-Shop-Sales-Analytics)), and Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 on sales you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>Handwritten, display and brand fonts sell to designers, crafters and small businesses. A font can take 40 hours to make, so it pays over time, not on day one.</p> <p>**Example:** Font designer Jordyn Alison says buyers need to be truly wowed to pay over $10 for a font, even though one can take 40 hours to make, [in November 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJDIS9i-Ciw).</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Design a font with a clear use, like wedding signs or logos Test it in real designs before you sell it Sell it on a design marketplace and your own store :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Creative Market](https://navid.link/creativemarket?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping a license file leaves buyers unsure how to use it, so include clear terms. Making a font with missing characters frustrates buyers, so include the full alphabet, numbers and punctuation. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** Creative Market</p> <h4>54. Beats and sound packs</h4> <p>**What you keep:** streaming royalties, licensing fees and sales. On Upwork, music producers typically charge $30 to $65 an hour, and the median is $35 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/music-producers/cost/)). Employed musicians and singers in the US earn a median of $47.80 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/musicians-and-singers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>Producers sell beats, loops and sample packs to artists and creators, either as licenses or as packs. Leasing the same beat to many artists keeps paying, while exclusive rights pay once.</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Make a catalog of beats in one style Offer leases at a set price, and exclusives for more Share snippets where artists in that style look for beats :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sketch ideas with [Suno](https://navid.link/suno?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), and sell packs on [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using uncleared samples can get an artist's song taken down, so clear every sample. Selling exclusive rights cheaply ends a beat's income, so lease most of them. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** beat marketplaces and your own store</p> <h4>55. Stock photos and videos</h4> <p>**What you keep:** a share of each license sold. Shutterstock pays 15% to 40% of each license, by six earnings levels that reset every January 1 ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10594604-how-much-will-i-be-paid-as-a-contributor-to-shutterstock)), and pays monthly, by the 15th ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10617435-how-do-i-get-paid-for-my-work)).</p> <p>Photos and clips of people at work, places and everyday moments license again and again on stock sites. The money is in a large library, so it builds slowly.</p> <p>**Example:** Trace made $3,289 from 3,729 downloads on Adobe Stock in 2025, and shares the year's numbers, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkAEpvi73gQ).</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Upload 100 of your best photos with good keywords Shoot what buyers search for, like people at work Upload a little every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** upload to [Adobe Stock](https://navid.link/adobestock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) and [Shutterstock](https://navid.link/shutterstock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), and edit in [Adobe Lightroom](https://navid.link/adobelightroom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Uploading photos of people without model releases gets them rejected, so get releases. Expecting fast income disappoints, since stock builds over years. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** Adobe Stock and Shutterstock</p> <h4>56. Online courses</h4> <p>**What you keep:** course sales, bundles and payment plans.</p> <p>A course packages what you know into lessons people buy once. My course, [Virtual Summit Mastery](/virtual-summit-mastery), made $60,000+ on its first launch, from a list of only 1,500 people, and well over $1 million over the years before I sold it to Jan Koch.</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) has made $6.75 million from his courses and products since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Teach the topic live to a small group first Turn the sessions into a short course Launch it to your email list with a deadline :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I sold mine through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money), which also hosts courses in ThriveCart Learn. Read my guide on [how to create an online course](/articles/how-to-create-an-online-course).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building the course before anyone buys risks months of work, so presell it first. Launching without an email list makes the first sale hard, so build the list first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** your own store</p> <h4>57. Prompt packs</h4> <p>**What you keep:** a price per pack that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>Prompt packs bundle tested prompts for one job, like writing listings or planning content. Free prompts are everywhere, so a pack sells only when it saves real time for one kind of buyer.</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Collect the prompts you use daily for one job Test each one and show the result it gives Sell the pack with examples, not just the prompts :::</p> <p>**Tools:** test prompts in [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) and [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), and sell on [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling generic prompts anyone can find free leads to refunds, so sell specialist ones. Skipping examples hides the value, so show what each prompt produces. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** Gumroad</p> <h4>58. Website templates</h4> <p>**What you keep:** Envato authors pay a 50% fee on their item price when it sells ([Envato](https://help.author.envato.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000472343-Pricing-Your-Items-Responsibly)), and your own store keeps more.</p> <p>Website templates for site builders sell to small businesses and freelancers who want a head start. Templates for one industry, like restaurants or coaches, stand out.</p> <p>**Example:** A template seller told Vince Rieck he had his first $1,800 day 10 days after launching his website templates, [in October 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2P6SQfsMbY).</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Design a template for one kind of business Build a live demo buyers can click through Sell it on a marketplace and your own site :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build in [Framer](/ai-tools/framer) or [Webflow](/ai-tools/webflow), and sell on [Envato](https://navid.link/envato?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or your own store.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling a template that breaks on phones gets refunds, so test it on mobile. Skipping a setup guide floods you with questions, so include one. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** marketplaces and your own store</p> <h4>59. Apps and small software</h4> <p>**What you keep:** subscriptions or one-time sales of what you build, or the visitors and email sign-ups a free tool brings in. Across more than 115,000 subscription apps, the median new app made about $72 a month a year after launch, the top 10% made $2,500 or more, and 17.3% reached $1,000 a month within two years ([RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)).</p> <p>A small app or tool that solves one problem can sell by subscription or one-time sale. AI makes building fast, so the hard part now is finding people who want it.</p> <p>**Example:** The 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site are my own builds, vibe coded with Claude Code and Codex. Pieter Levels vibe coded fly.pieter.com, a flight game that runs in the browser, in February 2025, and he says it reached $1 million in annual recurring revenue in 17 days ([levels.io](https://levels.io/fly-pieter-com-vibecoded-flight-simulator)).</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Build a free tool that solves one small problem Share it where people with that problem spend time Add a paid plan once people use it every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex), and take payments with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money). Read [what vibe coding is](/articles/what-is-vibe-coding) if you're new to it.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building for months before anyone uses it wastes the time, so ship a small version first. Pricing too low leaves you supporting users for little, so charge from the start or keep it free on purpose. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** your own site</p> <h4>60. Procreate brushes</h4> <p>**What you keep:** Creative Market shops earn 50% of the list price by default ([Creative Market](https://support.creativemarket.com/hc/en-us/articles/201193714-All-About-Shop-Sales-Analytics)), and Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 on your own sales ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>Brush sets for digital artists sell when they give a look people want, like watercolor, ink or texture. Showing artwork made with the brushes sells them.</p> <p>:::steps How to make and sell them Make a set of brushes for one style Paint a few pieces with only those brushes Sell the set with the artwork as previews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Creative Market](https://navid.link/creativemarket?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money) or [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=things-to-sell-to-make-money).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Showing only the brush strokes undersells them, so show finished art. Skipping install instructions frustrates buyers, so include a short guide. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Ships:** no · **Sells best on:** Creative Market and Gumroad</p> <h3>Things to sell to make money fast</h3> <p>When you need money this week, sell locally for cash. Here's what tends to sell fastest, and where:</p> <p>:::table fancy What | Where | Why it's fast  Phones and electronics | Swappa or a local sale | Buyers look for them all year, and prices are easy to check  Furniture | Facebook Marketplace | No fees on local sales, and buyers pick it up  Gift cards | A gift card exchange | You get a quote right away  Baby gear | Facebook Marketplace | Parents need it now and buy secondhand  Fitness gear | Facebook Marketplace | Steady demand, especially in January :::</p> <p>The fastest sales are local, priced a little below similar listings, with clear photos. Facebook Marketplace charges no fee when a buyer pays you in person ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)).</p> <h3>Things to sell at school and as a kid</h3> <p>Kids and teens can sell too, with a parent's help on the accounts. Etsy lets 13 to 17 year olds sell through a parent's account ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/terms-of-use)), and eBay's agreement bars anyone under 18 ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/member-behaviour-policies/user-agreement?id=4259)), so a parent owns the account.</p> <p>Good things for kids to sell are crafts, stickers, baked goods where allowed, outgrown toys and games, and clothes. At school, follow your school's rules on selling, since some schools don't allow it. My guide on [how to make money as a teen](/articles/how-to-make-money-as-a-teen) covers 40 ways by age.</p> <h3>Things to sell for Christmas and the holidays</h3> <p>The weeks before the holidays are the best time to sell gifts, decorations and handmade items. Candles, ornaments, jewelry, prints and gift baskets sell well, and services sell too.</p> <p>Gift wrapping is one example: Michelle Hensley's business brought in over $466,000 in a year, and her gift wrapping starts at $180 an hour ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/24/profitable-side-hustles-to-make-extra-cash-during-the-holidays.html)). List seasonal items a few weeks early, since buyers shop ahead.</p> <h3>How to price and photograph what you sell</h3> <p>Pricing and photos decide whether something sells in a day or sits for months:</p> <p>:::steps How to price and photograph Price from sold listings, not active ones, since sold prices show what buyers really pay Take photos in daylight on a plain background, from every angle, with flaws shown Write a title with the brand, the model, the size and the condition Work out what you keep after fees and shipping before you set the price :::</p> <p>Clean up photos with the [product photo background remover](/free-tools/product-photo-background-remover), and check your margin with the [profit margin calculator](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator).</p> <h3>Selling safely</h3> <p>Most sales go fine, but a few habits keep you safe:</p> <p>:::checks Take cash for local sales: OfferUp calls cash the safest way to get paid, and warns against checks, gift cards, wire transfers and crypto ([OfferUp](https://help.offerup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360031961592-Getting-paid)). Meet in a public place, like a police station's safe exchange spot, and bring someone with you. Don't accept a check for more than the price and send back the difference, which the FTC warns is a scam ([FTC](https://consumer.ftc.gov/whats-money-mule-scam)). Keep shipped sales on the platform, so its protection covers you. :::</p> <h3>Taxes when you sell things</h3> <p>The IRS counts personal items sold at a gain, like clothing or furniture, as payments you may need to report ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-k)). Payment apps and marketplaces send a Form 1099-K once your payments top $20,000 in more than 200 transactions.</p> <p>Selling your own things for less than you paid usually means no gain, while flipping for profit is income. I'm not a tax advisor, so keep your receipts and check with an accountant as sales add up.</p> <h3>Final thoughts on things to sell to make money</h3> <p>The best thing to sell is what you already own, because every sale is profit and you can start today. Once that's sold, flipping and making things turn selling into a side hustle, and digital products let one thing sell again and again.</p> <p>List one thing today, price it from sold listings, and see how fast it goes. That's how I'd start.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[The best places to sell digital products](/articles/best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</li><li>[38 ways to make money fast](/articles/how-to-make-money-fast)</li><li>[40 ways to make money as a teen](/articles/how-to-make-money-as-a-teen)</li><li>[70 side hustle ideas](/articles/side-hustle-ideas)</li><li>[50 ways to make money from home](/articles/make-money-from-home)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: find three things in your home you haven't used in a year, check what they sold for, and list them today. And if this guide helped, DM me on [X](https://x.com/thenavidm) or [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenavidm) and tell me what you sold.</p><h2>FAQs about things to sell to make money</h2><h3>What is the best thing to sell to make money?</h3><p>The best thing to sell first is what you already own, like clothes, electronics and furniture, because every sale is profit.</p> <p>After that, flipping thrift finds and making things like candles or prints turn selling into a side hustle.</p> <p>Digital products, like templates and guides, can sell again and again once they're made.</p><h3>What can I sell to make money fast?</h3><p>Sell locally for cash: phones, furniture, baby gear and fitness gear sell fastest on Facebook Marketplace, which charges no fee on local sales.</p> <p>Gift cards you won't use sell right away on gift card exchanges.</p> <p>Price a little below similar sold listings to sell within a day or two.</p><h3>What sells best online?</h3><p>Brand-name clothes, sneakers, electronics, trading cards and collectibles sell well online, where buyers search for exact items.</p> <p>Digital products, like printables and templates, sell well because there's nothing to ship.</p> <p>Check sold listings to see what's selling right now.</p><h3>What can I sell from home?</h3><p>You can sell your own things, flips from thrift stores and handmade items from home, and ship them through eBay, Etsy or Poshmark.</p> <p>Digital products, like templates, presets and guides, sell from home with nothing to pack.</p> <p>Local sales still need a safe meeting place for the handoff.</p><h3>What can a kid sell to make money?</h3><p>Kids can sell crafts, stickers, outgrown toys and clothes, and baked goods where their state allows it.</p> <p>Etsy lets 13 to 17 year olds sell through a parent's account.</p> <p>A parent should handle payments and meetups.</p><h3>What can I sell at school?</h3><p>Check your school's rules first, since some schools don't allow selling.</p> <p>Where it's allowed, small handmade items like stickers, bracelets and art sell well to classmates.</p> <p>Selling online with a parent's help avoids the school rules entirely.</p><h3>What can I make and sell?</h3><p>Candles, jewelry, crochet, stickers, prints, soap, plants and 3D printed items all sell, mostly on Etsy and at local markets.</p> <p>Print on demand lets you sell shirts and hoodies without holding stock.</p> <p>Price in your time, not only your materials.</p><h3>What digital products sell best?</h3><p>Printables, templates, guides, presets and online courses sell best, when they solve one problem for one kind of buyer.</p> <p>Etsy works well for printables and Canva templates, and Gumroad for guides, presets and Notion templates.</p> <p>Free versions of the same thing compete with you, so make yours clearly better.</p><h3>Where is the best place to sell used items?</h3><p>Facebook Marketplace is best for big, local items, since it charges no fee on local sales.</p> <p>eBay is best for almost anything that ships, and keeps 13.6% plus $0.40 an order in most categories.</p> <p>Clothes sell best on Vinted, Depop and Poshmark, and phones on Swappa.</p><h3>Do I pay taxes when I sell my own stuff?</h3><p>Selling your own things for less than you paid usually means no gain, while items sold at a gain, and flips, count as income.</p> <p>Marketplaces send a Form 1099-K once your payments top $20,000 in more than 200 transactions.</p> <p>Keep your receipts, and check with an accountant as your sales add up.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/how-to-make-money-as-a-teen/https://navid.me/blog/how-to-make-money-as-a-teen/40 ways to make money as a teen, sorted by age from neighborhood jobs to apps at 18, with the federal labor rules, each app's minimum age, what each pays and how a parent can help.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of 40 ways to make money as a teen, sorted by the age each one allows.</p> <p>I started my first online business in 2013, beside a part-time bank job, and the skills it taught me, like writing, selling and talking to customers, still pay me today. Starting as a teen gives you a head start on all of them. You can read more in [my story](/about-navid).</p> <p>Most lists skip the part that matters most for teens: what you're allowed to do at your age. So each way below shows the minimum age from the law or the platform's own rules, what it pays, and where a parent can help.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>40 ways to make money as a teen, grouped by age</li><li>What US labor law lets you do under 14, at 14 and 15, and at 16 and 17</li><li>Which apps allow teens, and which need a parent on the account</li><li>How to spot the scams that target teens</li><li>When a teen has to file a tax return</li></ul> <p>Find your age group, then pick one way to try this month.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - Under 14, federal law allows chores around homes, casual babysitting, newspaper delivery and work in a business your parents own ([Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/43-child-labor-non-agriculture)). - At 14 and 15, you can work up to 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week ([Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/youthrules/young-workers/non-ag-14-15)). - At 16 and 17, there's no federal limit on hours, but hazardous jobs wait until 18 ([Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/youthrules/young-workers/non-ag-16-17)). - Some apps take teens with a parent: Etsy at 13 to 17 through a parent's account ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/terms-of-use)), and Roblox pays developers from age 13 ([Roblox](https://create.roblox.com/docs/production/monetization/developer-exchange)). - A teen who's claimed as a dependent has to file a tax return once earned income tops $15,750, or once self-employment earnings reach $400 ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/publications/p501)). :::</p> <h3>What teens can legally do</h3> <p>US federal law sets the rules below, and your state can be stricter, so check your state's labor office before you take a job:</p> <p>:::table fancy Age | Hours | What you can do | Source  Under 14 | Work outside the federal rules | Chores around homes, casual babysitting, newspaper delivery, acting, and a business your parents own | [Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/43-child-labor-non-agriculture)  14 and 15 | Up to 3 hours on a school day and 18 in a school week, or 8 a day and 40 a week when school's out, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day) | Jobs like tutoring, creative work and many store and restaurant jobs | [Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/youthrules/young-workers/non-ag-14-15)  16 and 17 | No federal limit | Any job not declared hazardous | [Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/youthrules/young-workers/non-ag-16-17)  18 and up | No youth rules | Any job, and most apps | [Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/43-child-labor-non-agriculture) :::</p> <p>Working for yourself, like mowing a neighbor's lawn, isn't the same as being hired by a business. The federal hour limits cover jobs with an employer, not chores for neighbors, so your parents' rules and your school schedule set the limits there.</p> <h3>Which apps allow teens</h3> <p>Apps set their own minimum ages, and most money apps start at 18. Here's what each one says:</p> <p>:::table fancy App | Minimum age | How teens can use it | Source  Etsy | 18, or 13 to 17 | Through a parent's account | [Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/terms-of-use)  YouTube | 18 to get paid | A parent's or guardian's AdSense account | [YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)  Twitch | 13 | The Affiliate Program, with a parent's consent | [Twitch](https://help.twitch.tv/s/article/joining-the-affiliate-program)  Roblox | 13 | Developer Exchange, with a verified email | [Roblox](https://create.roblox.com/docs/production/monetization/developer-exchange)  Gumroad | 13 | A guardian on the payout account, in the US | [Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/help/article/260-your-payout-settings-page)  Stripe | 13 | An adult on the account until you're 18 | [Stripe](https://stripe.com/legal/ssa)  Fiverr | 18, or 13 to 17 | Through a parent's account | [Fiverr](https://help.fiverr.com/hc/en-us/articles/34069565843985-How-Fiverr-works-for-freelancers)  eBay | 18 | A parent owns the account | [eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/member-behaviour-policies/user-agreement?id=4259)  Upwork | Legal age | Not until you're an adult | [Upwork](https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211067778-Who-s-eligible-to-join-and-use-Upwork)  Preply | 18 | Not until 18 | [Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4175138-register-to-teach-on-preply)  Rover | 18 | Not until 18 | [Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/360025561071-Becoming-a-sitter-Frequently-asked-questions)  TikTok rewards | 18 | Not until 18 | [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/creator-academy/article/creator-rewards-program) :::</p> <h3>Find the right way for you</h3> <p>Not sure where to start? Answer a few questions about your time, skills and what you enjoy:</p> <p>:::tool side-hustle-quiz how-to-make-money-as-a-teen :::</p> <p>The 40 ways come in five groups:</p> <p>:::cards here House | Around your neighborhood | These 13 work for neighbors and family from age 13, or any age for casual babysitting and chores. | #ways-to-make-money-as-a-teen-around-your-neighborhood Briefcase | Part-time jobs at 14 and up | These five are real jobs with a paycheck, some from 15 with training. | #part-time-jobs-for-teens-14-and-up Laptop | Online, with a parent's help | These 12 run online, through a parent's account or with an adult on it. | #ways-to-make-money-online-as-a-teen-with-a-parents-help UserCheck | At 18 and up | These nine apps open on your 18th birthday. | #ways-to-make-money-at-18-and-up Rocket | Start a business | This one turns any of the others into a small business. | #start-a-business-as-a-teen :::</p> <h3>Ways to make money as a teen around your neighborhood</h3> <p>These 13 work for neighbors and family, and most need nothing more than your time and a parent who knows where you are.</p> <h4>1. Babysit</h4> <p>You watch neighbors' and family friends' kids while the parents are out. Casual babysitting isn't covered by federal child labor rules, so you can start before 14, and a good sitter gets booked again and again.</p> <p>The Red Cross runs babysitting and child care courses for ages 11 to 16 ([Red Cross](https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/babysitting/babysitting-child-care-training)), which teach the basics and give parents a reason to trust you.</p> <p>It fits you if you're patient, you like kids and you stay calm when something goes wrong.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an [hourly rate](/free-tools/hourly-to-salary-calculator). Employed childcare workers in the US earn a median of $16.82 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399011.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Take a babysitting and first aid course Sit for a family you already know Ask happy parents to tell their friends :::</p> <p>**Tools:** keep the parents' numbers, the kids' allergies and bedtimes in your phone's notes, and confirm each booking by text.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking more kids than you can watch is unsafe, so agree on how many before the parents leave. Skipping the house rules leads to trouble, so ask about screens, snacks and bedtime first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Who can do it:** any age for casual babysitting</p> <h4>2. Pet sit</h4> <p>You feed, walk and play with neighbors' pets while they're away, at their home or yours. Rover requires sitters to be 18, so teens find clients the old way: neighbors, family friends and word of mouth.</p> <p>It fits you if you love animals and you're reliable enough to show up twice a day.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per walk, visit or night. Employed animal caretakers in the US earn a median of $17.00 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes392021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Offer to watch a neighbor's pet for free once Set a price per visit and per night Leave a short note or photo after each visit :::</p> <p>**Tools:** keep a checklist for each pet's food, walks and medicine in your phone.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking on a pet you can't handle, like a big dog that pulls, risks injury, so meet the pet first. Forgetting a visit can hurt an animal, so set reminders for every one. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 13 and up, with a parent's OK</p> <h4>3. Walk dogs</h4> <p>You walk neighbors' dogs on a set schedule, often after school, when owners are at work. Weekly regulars make this one of the steadiest teen side hustles.</p> <p>It fits you if you like being outside and you can handle a dog on a leash.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per walk. Employed animal caretakers in the US earn a median of $17.00 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes392021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Walk a neighbor's dog for a week as a trial Set a price per walk and a weekly package Ask each owner to introduce you to other dog owners :::</p> <p>**Tools:** bring a leash you trust, poop bags and a phone with the owner's number.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Walking several unfamiliar dogs at once can end in a fight or a runaway, so start with one at a time. Letting a dog off the leash without the owner's OK is risky, so keep it on. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 13 and up, with a parent's OK · **Paid:** per walk, by the owner</p> <h4>4. Mow lawns</h4> <p>You mow lawns for neighbors, usually once a week from spring to fall. Weekly lawns close to home are the best clients, because they pay every week and take little travel.</p> <p>It fits you if you don't mind physical work and you can use a mower safely.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per lawn, often weekly. Employed landscaping and groundskeeping workers in the US earn a median of $18.82 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes373011.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** Built From Nothing made $700 in his first 60 days of lawn care at 15. He started at $15 an hour for yard work, moved to flat rates of $25 to $30 per estimated hour, and now mows weekly lawns near home for $35 each, most in under 45 minutes ([YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjOCpDJH_ss)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Built From Nothing, at 15, breaks down the first 60 days of mowing lawns and the price changes along the way.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjOCpDJH_ss | I've Made $700 in 60 Days Mowing Lawns at 15 - Full Update | | Built From Nothing | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Mow your own lawn and two neighbors' lawns for practice Set a flat price per lawn, based on its size Offer weekly service to every neighbor on your street :::</p> <p>**Tools:** you need a mower, a trimmer and a rake, and a parent to show you mower safety.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Charging by the hour for slow work keeps your pay low, so set a flat price per lawn. Mowing without safety gear risks injury, so wear closed shoes and eye protection. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 13 and up, with a parent's OK · **Paid:** per lawn, by the homeowner</p> <h4>5. Do yard work</h4> <p>You rake leaves, pull weeds, spread mulch and clean up gardens for neighbors. It fills the seasons when lawns don't need mowing, and it pairs well with a mowing route.</p> <p>It fits you if you like working outside and you can see what a yard needs.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job. Employed landscaping and groundskeeping workers in the US earn a median of $18.82 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes373011.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Offer a spring or fall cleanup to the neighbors you mow for Quote a flat price per job, not per hour Take before-and-after photos for your next customers :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a rake, gloves, yard bags and a wheelbarrow get you started.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Underpricing slow jobs, like raking a big yard by the hour, leaves you working for little, so estimate the time and quote a flat price. Pulling plants you can't name can remove a neighbor's flowers, so ask before you pull. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 13 and up, with a parent's OK</p> <h4>6. Shovel snow</h4> <p>You clear driveways, sidewalks and steps after a snowfall, often for neighbors who can't do it themselves. A big storm can mean a weekend of steady work.</p> <p>It fits you if you live where it snows and you don't mind early, cold mornings.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per driveway or per storm. Professional snow removal averages $126 a visit, and $51 to $203, depending on the driveway and the snowfall ([Angi](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-annual-snow-removal-contract-cost.htm)).</p> <p>**Example:** Alex Mota shoveled 15 driveways in two days after a winter storm and made $1,000, in January 2026 ([YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnhC_JDum-c)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Alex Mota shovels 15 driveways in two days after a winter storm and counts what each one paid.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnhC_JDum-c | I Shoveled 15 Driveways and Made $1,000 in 2 Days | | Alex Mota's Lawn Care &amp; Junk Removal | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Line up neighbors before the first storm Set a price per driveway, by its size Offer a season deal for every storm :::</p> <p>**Tools:** bring a good shovel, ice melt and warm gloves.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Shoveling heavy snow too fast can strain your back, so lift small loads and take breaks. Promising to clear every driveway first during a big storm sets you up to disappoint, so set an order and tell customers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 13 and up, with a parent's OK · **Paid:** per driveway, by the homeowner</p> <h4>7. Wash cars</h4> <p>You wash and vacuum neighbors' cars in their driveways. It's quick to learn, and families with two or three cars can turn into weekly customers.</p> <p>It fits you if you like seeing something go from dirty to clean.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per car. Employed vehicle cleaners in the US earn a median of $17.23 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes537061.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Wash your family's cars to practice Offer a basic wash and a wash-and-vacuum price Ask each customer about a weekly or monthly spot :::</p> <p>**Tools:** you need two buckets, car soap, microfiber towels and a vacuum.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using dish soap or rough sponges can damage paint, so use car soap and microfiber. Letting soap dry in the sun leaves spots, so wash in the shade. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 13 and up · **Paid:** per car, by the owner</p> <h4>8. Clean homes for neighbors</h4> <p>You help neighbors clean their homes, garages or basements, often before a move or a party. Chores around private homes are outside the federal child labor rules, so younger teens can do them.</p> <p>It fits you if you're thorough and you like making a space look new.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per clean or an hourly rate. Employed housekeeping cleaners in the US earn a median of $17.07 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes372012.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Offer to clean a family friend's garage or basement Quote a flat price per room or per job Ask for a review you can show other neighbors :::</p> <p>**Tools:** use the customer's cleaning supplies, or bring a basic kit of your own.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Mixing cleaning products can release harmful fumes, so use one product at a time. Throwing out anything without asking causes trouble, so check before you toss. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Who can do it:** any age for chores around homes</p> <h4>9. Work in your family's business</h4> <p>If your parents own a business, federal law lets you work for it at any age, except in mining, manufacturing or hazardous jobs ([Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/43-child-labor-non-agriculture)). It's the easiest place to learn how a real business runs.</p> <p>It fits you if your family has a business and you want to learn from the inside.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly wage or a share of what you help sell, set with your parents.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Ask which tasks your parents need help with most Agree on your hours and your pay Take on one bigger project, like the store's social media :::</p> <p>**Tools:** use whatever the business already uses, and keep a notebook of what you learn.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Working without a clear pay agreement causes family arguments, so agree on it up front. Doing hazardous tasks, like running heavy machinery, isn't allowed under 18, so stick to safe work. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Who can do it:** any age, in a business your parents own</p> <h4>10. Tutor younger students</h4> <p>You help younger kids with homework, reading or math, at their home or by video. Families trust a good student who's a few years ahead, and tutoring is one of the jobs the Department of Labor lists for 14 and 15 year olds.</p> <p>It fits you if you're strong in a subject and you can explain it patiently.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate you agree with the family. Employed tutors in the US earn a median of $20.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253041.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one subject and grade level you know well Tutor a family friend's child for a few weeks Ask the parents for a referral to other families :::</p> <p>**Tools:** turn your notes into quizzes and study guides with [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen) and [NotebookLM](https://navid.link/notebooklm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Doing the homework for the student doesn't help them learn, so guide them to the answer. Tutoring a subject you're shaky in costs trust, so stick to what you know well. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 13 and up · **Paid:** per lesson, by the family</p> <h4>11. Teach music lessons</h4> <p>You teach younger kids an instrument you play, like piano or guitar, at their home or yours. Beginner lessons are about patience and practice routines, so you don't need to be a pro.</p> <p>It fits you if you've played an instrument for years and you enjoy kids.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per lesson. Employed self-enrichment teachers, who teach music, art and other classes, earn a median of $22.50 an hour in the US ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253021.htm), May 2025). On Upwork, music teachers typically charge $16 to $30 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/music-teachers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Teach a younger sibling or neighbor for free first Set a price per 30-minute lesson Plan each lesson around one small goal :::</p> <p>**Tools:** you need your instrument, simple sheet music and a phone to record practice clips.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Teaching songs that are too hard frustrates beginners, so start with simple ones. Skipping a practice plan slows progress, so give each student a short daily routine. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 13 and up</p> <h4>12. Run errands for neighbors</h4> <p>You pick up groceries, return packages, water plants or wait for deliveries for busy or older neighbors. Taskrabbit requires taskers to be 18, so teens find errand work through neighbors and family.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized and you like helping people.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per errand or an hourly rate. On Taskrabbit, running errands averaged $32 an hour and waiting in line $27, by data Taskrabbit shared ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/24/profitable-side-hustles-to-make-extra-cash-during-the-holidays.html)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Offer help to two older neighbors you know Set a price per errand or per hour Keep receipts for anything you buy for them :::</p> <p>**Tools:** get around by bike or with a parent, and keep lists and receipts on your phone.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying for a neighbor's things with your own money can leave you short, so get the money first. Going inside a stranger's home alone is unsafe, so work for people your family knows. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 13 and up, for neighbors your family knows · **Paid:** per errand, by the neighbor</p> <h4>13. Sell baked goods where your state allows it</h4> <p>You bake cookies, bread or treats and sell them to neighbors, at school events or at local markets. Many states let people sell some homemade foods under cottage food laws, but the rules differ by state, so check yours first.</p> <p>It fits you if you bake well and you like a little selling.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the price you set for each batch, where your state's cottage food rules allow home sales.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your state's cottage food rules with a parent Price each item to cover ingredients plus your time Sell at one event and take orders for the next :::</p> <p>**Tools:** print labels with ingredients and allergens, and make a simple price list in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping allergen labels can make someone sick, so list every ingredient. Selling where your state doesn't allow home baking can get you shut down, so check the rules first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 13 and up, with a parent · **Paid:** at each sale</p> <h3>Part-time jobs for teens 14 and up</h3> <p>These five are real jobs with a paycheck. At 14 and 15, the federal hour limits apply, and at 16 and 17 you can work more hours.</p> <h4>14. Work as a lifeguard</h4> <p>You watch swimmers at a pool, a water park or a beach, and step in when someone needs help. Pools hire for the summer each spring, so the time to train is before the season starts.</p> <p>It fits you if you're a strong swimmer, you stay focused for long shifts and you can act fast.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly wage. Employed lifeguards in the US earn a median of $16.14 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes339092.htm), May 2025). Red Cross lifeguarding students must be at least 15 by the last day of the course and pass a swim test ([Red Cross](https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/lifeguarding)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Take a Red Cross lifeguarding course in early spring Apply to pools, camps and water parks near you Keep your certification current each year :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [Red Cross lifeguarding course](https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/lifeguarding) gives you a certification many pools ask for.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Looking at your phone on the stand puts swimmers at risk, so keep it away during your shift. Letting your certification lapse can cost you the job, so renew it before it expires. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **Paid:** on the employer's payroll · **Age:** 15+ for Red Cross lifeguard training</p> <h4>15. Work at a summer camp</h4> <p>You lead activities, sports and games for kids at a day camp or an overnight camp. Some camps run counselor-in-training programs for younger teens, which lead to a paid role later.</p> <p>It fits you if you have lots of energy, you like kids and you can lead a group.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly wage or a weekly stipend. Employed recreation workers in the US earn a median of $17.58 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399032.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Ask camps near you about their age rules in winter Get a first aid and CPR course Apply early, since summer spots fill by spring :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a first aid and CPR certificate helps your application stand out.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Applying in May misses most hiring, so apply in winter or early spring. Treating camp as a vacation gets you let go, so show up on time and follow the rules. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **Who can do it:** depends on the camp · **Paid:** on the camp's payroll</p> <h4>16. Work in a store</h4> <p>You stock shelves, help customers and run the register at a store, a grocery store or a mall shop. It's one of the most common first jobs, and it teaches you how to talk to customers.</p> <p>From age 14, federal law allows many store jobs, with hour limits during the school year ([Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/youthrules/young-workers/non-ag-14-15)), so ask stores near you which ages they hire.</p> <p>It fits you if you're friendly, you like staying busy and you're reliable about shifts.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly wage. Employed retail salespersons in the US earn a median of $17.03 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes412031.htm), May 2025). Cashiers earn a median of $15.81 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes412011.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Ask friends where they work and who's hiring Apply in person, with a parent's OK and your school schedule Show up early to your first shifts :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a simple one-page resume made in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen) helps you stand out.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking more shifts than school allows hurts your grades, so agree on your hours with your manager. Skipping shifts without notice gets you fired, so swap shifts properly. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 14 and up, with hour limits until 16 · **Paid:** on the store's payroll</p> <h4>17. Work in a restaurant</h4> <p>You take orders, run food, bus tables or help in the kitchen at a restaurant, a café or a fast food place. Some roles add tips, and the pace teaches you to work under pressure.</p> <p>It fits you if you like a busy pace and working in a team.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly wage, plus tips in some roles. Employed fast food and counter workers in the US earn a median of $15.00 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes353023.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to places near home or school Ask which roles they hire at your age Learn the menu before your first shift :::</p> <p>**Tools:** wear comfortable non-slip shoes, and get a food handler's card if your state asks for one.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using kitchen equipment that's off-limits for your age, like some slicers and fryers, breaks the rules, so ask what you're allowed to do. Working late on school nights at 14 or 15 breaks the federal hour limits, so check your shift times. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 14 and up, with limits until 18 · **Paid:** on the restaurant's payroll</p> <h4>18. Teach swimming</h4> <p>You teach kids to swim at a pool, a club or a summer program, from first floats to strokes. Parents book lessons every summer, and good instructors get requests.</p> <p>It fits you if you swim well and you're patient with nervous kids.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly wage or a fee per lesson. Employed recreation workers in the US earn a median of $17.58 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399032.htm), May 2025). Red Cross swim instructor courses take students who are at least 15 by the end of the course ([Red Cross](https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/swimming/water-safety/water-safety-instructor-certification)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Take a Red Cross swim instructor course Assist an experienced instructor for a season Teach group lessons, then private ones :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [Red Cross swim instructor course](https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/swimming/water-safety/water-safety-instructor-certification) is a certification many pools ask for.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Teaching without a lifeguard on duty is unsafe, so teach only where one is watching. Pushing scared kids too fast sets them back, so let them build confidence first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Paid:** on the pool's payroll, or per lesson · **Age:** 15+ for Red Cross swim instructor courses</p> <h3>Ways to make money online as a teen, with a parent's help</h3> <p>These 12 run online. Most money apps need an adult on the account, so a parent's help is part of the setup, not a favor.</p> <h4>19. Resell clothes and sneakers</h4> <p>You buy clothes, sneakers, games or collectibles cheaply at thrift stores and garage sales, and resell them online for more. eBay requires users to be 18, so a parent owns the account and you do the work.</p> <p>It fits you if you love hunting for deals and you know what's popular.</p> <p>**What it pays:** [the margin](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator) on each item. eBay's user agreement bars people who can't form binding contracts, for example anyone under 18 ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/member-behaviour-policies/user-agreement?id=4259)), so a parent owns the account.</p> <p>**Example:** Michael Haskell started reselling items from abandoned storage units in 2024, and at 18 his business brought in $97,434 from eBay and $37,500 from an auction house in 2025 ([CNBC Make It](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH8bjwU1mig)).</p> <p>**Watch:** CNBC Make It follows Michael Haskell, 18, who resells items from abandoned storage units on eBay and at auction.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH8bjwU1mig | I'm A Teen That Buys Abandoned Storage Units - My Side Hustle Brings In $135,000/Year | | CNBC Make It | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sell things you already own to learn the process Learn which brands sell fast by checking sold listings Reinvest your profits into more stock :::</p> <p>**Tools:** list on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen) through a parent's account, and clean product photos with the [product photo background remover](/free-tools/product-photo-background-remover).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying fakes, like counterfeit sneakers, gets accounts banned, so learn how to check what's real. Spending all your profit means you can't buy more stock, so put some back into the business. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Paid:** to the account holder, daily or weekly on eBay · **Age:** 18+ on eBay, so teens sell through a parent</p> <h4>20. Sell crafts on Etsy through a parent's account</h4> <p>You sell things you make, like jewelry, art, stickers or printables, in an Etsy shop. Etsy allows 13 to 17 year olds to sell through a parent's account, with the parent responsible for it.</p> <p>It fits you if you make things people compliment and you can photograph them well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sales, minus Etsy's fees: $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale, and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)). New sellers get paid weekly, every Monday, and can switch to daily, every two weeks or monthly ([Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046998234-How-to-Receive-Your-Etsy-Payments-Deposit)).</p> <p>**Example:** Brenon Dopp's print-on-demand Etsy shop made $40 in its first month and $6,076 in its best month, October, in its first year, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3vm3FIm4UE).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Set up the shop with a parent as the account owner List 10 items in one style or theme Improve titles and photos based on what gets views :::</p> <p>**Tools:** take photos on your phone, make mockups in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen), and see what you keep with the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying popular designs gets listings removed, so make your own. Underpricing handmade work leaves you with nothing after fees, so count your time and materials. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Paid:** every Monday by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>21. Start a YouTube channel</h4> <p>You make videos about something you love, like games, sports, crafts or school tips, and grow an audience over time. Until you're 18, YouTube pays through a parent's or guardian's AdSense account.</p> <p>It fits you if you like making videos and you can stick with one topic for a year.</p> <p>**What it pays:** YouTube's ad revenue share, [sponsors](/free-tools/sponsorship-rate-calculator), memberships and your own offers. YouTube pays you 55% of the ad revenue on your long videos and 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)), once you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one topic you could make 50 videos about Post one video a week, with a parent's OK on what you share Study which videos keep viewers watching longest :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit on your phone with [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen), find topics with the [YouTube niche finder](/free-tools/youtube-niche-finder), and see what views pay in the [YouTube money calculator](/free-tools/youtube-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sharing your school, address or location in videos puts you at risk, so keep personal details out. Switching topics every few videos confuses viewers, so stay on one. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>22. Stream games on Twitch</h4> <p>You stream yourself playing games, chatting with viewers who watch live. Twitch lets 13 to 17 year olds join its [Affiliate Program](/best-affiliate-programs) with a parent's consent, and a parent agrees to the payout terms for you ([Twitch](https://help.twitch.tv/s/article/joining-the-affiliate-program)).</p> <p>It fits you if you enjoy talking while you play and you can keep a schedule.</p> <p>**What it pays:** subscriptions, tips, ads and sponsors. Twitch makes you an Affiliate, and able to get paid, once you stream 4 hours on 4 different days with at least 3 viewers on average and have 25 followers, and it pays out once you pass $50 ([Twitch](https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2026/05/13/monetization-for-all/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Twitch streamer sunshinebread on real daily earnings, from $14 days to a $600 day with ads.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FRxhEjOBOA | How Much Money Do Small Streamers Really Make on Twitch? | | sunshinebread | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a schedule, like three streams a week, and keep it Stream one game you're good at Clip your best moments for short videos :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a webcam, a microphone and free streaming software get you started, and the [Twitch money calculator](/free-tools/twitch-money-calculator) shows what subs and views pay.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Streaming late on school nights wrecks your sleep and grades, so set hours with your parents. Sharing personal details on stream can draw the wrong people, so keep your real name and location private. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 13 and up, with a parent's consent</p> <h4>23. Make Roblox games</h4> <p>You build games in Roblox Studio, then earn Robux when players buy items or passes in your game. Developers 13 and up can cash out through Roblox's Developer Exchange once they've earned enough Robux.</p> <p>It fits you if you play Roblox and you want to learn to code and design games.</p> <p>**What it pays:** Robux from players who spend in your game, cashed out through Developer Exchange. You need 30,000 earned Robux to cash out, which pays $114 at $0.0038 per Robux ([Roblox](https://create.roblox.com/docs/production/monetization/developer-exchange)), and since June 8, 2026, Robux spent by US players over 18 cash out at $0.0054 ([Roblox](https://create.roblox.com/docs/production/monetization/18-plus-devex-rate)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn Roblox Studio with Roblox's own free tutorials Make a small game and share it with friends Add game passes once players keep coming back :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build in Roblox Studio, and learn the money rules on Roblox's [Developer Exchange page](https://create.roblox.com/docs/production/monetization/developer-exchange).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying game templates instead of learning slows you down, so build your own from scratch. Expecting quick money from your first game leads to quitting, so treat early games as practice. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **Paid:** after Roblox approves each DevEx request · **Age:** 13+ for DevEx, with a verified email</p> <h4>24. Vibe code an app or game</h4> <p>You build an app, a game or a website by describing it to AI coding tools, then charge for it or grow it free. Teens can take payments through Stripe from 13, with an adult on the account.</p> <p>It fits you if you have ideas for tools or games and you like trying things until they work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** subscriptions or one-time sales of what you build, or the visitors and email sign-ups a free tool brings in. Across more than 115,000 subscription apps, the median new app made about $72 a month a year after launch, the top 10% made $2,500 or more, and 17.3% reached $1,000 a month within two years ([RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)).</p> <p>**Example:** The 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site are my own builds, vibe coded with Claude Code and Codex.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build one small tool or game you'd use yourself Share it with friends and fix what confuses them Add a paid version once people use it every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex), and [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable) and [Replit](/ai-tools/replit) build apps from a prompt. Read [what vibe coding is](/articles/what-is-vibe-coding) to start.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building for months before anyone uses it wastes the time, so share a small version early. Collecting other people's personal data without care can break privacy laws, so ask a parent before you add sign-ups. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>25. Sell digital products</h4> <p>You make study guides, templates, wallpapers or presets that people download, and sell them online. Gumroad lets you sell from 13, and in the US a parent or guardian joins the payout account until you're 18 ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/help/article/260-your-payout-settings-page)).</p> <p>It fits you if you make something useful that others ask you to share.</p> <p>**What it pays:** one-time sales on your site or a marketplace. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself, and 30% of sales from its own marketplace ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Turn something you made for yourself into a product Sell it on Gumroad with a parent added for payouts Share it with people who'd use it, like classmates or online groups :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen), and see what you keep with the [Gumroad fee calculator](/free-tools/gumroad-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling notes or tests your school doesn't allow can get you in trouble, so sell your own original work. Using images you don't own can get products removed, so make or license them. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>26. Sell Canva templates</h4> <p>You design [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) templates for social posts, planners or school projects, and sell them as links on Etsy through a parent's account. Templates sell again and again once they're listed.</p> <p>It fits you if you design well in Canva and you know what other people need.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per template that you set, minus Etsy's $0.20 listing fee, 6.5% of each sale and payment processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Design a set of 10 templates for one kind of buyer Make mockups that show them in use List them on Etsy through a parent's account :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen), and see what you keep with the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using Canva Pro elements buyers can't access breaks their copy, so test on a free account. Listing single templates competes with thousands, so sell themed bundles. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>27. Photograph events and families</h4> <p>You photograph neighbors' family portraits, school sports, pets or small events, then edit and send the photos. You'll charge less than a pro at first, but local clients pay well for good photos.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a good eye and you're comfortable directing people.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per shoot. Photographers on Thumbtack charge a national average of $164 an hour and $358 a job, and portrait sessions average $277 ([Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/p/photographer-prices)). On Upwork, photographers typically charge $25 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/photographers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Shoot friends and family for free to build a portfolio Offer mini sessions, like 20 minutes in a park Deliver edited photos within a week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [Adobe Lightroom](https://navid.link/adobelightroom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen) or your phone's photo editor.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Posting photos of other people's kids online without permission causes trouble, so ask first. Promising too many photos makes editing drag on, so agree on a set number. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 13 and up, with a parent</p> <h4>28. Design thumbnails for creators</h4> <p>You design the thumbnails YouTubers use to get clicks, often in packs for each new video. Fiverr lets 13 to 17 year olds sell through a parent's account, and you can start with creators you already watch.</p> <p>It fits you if you watch a lot of YouTube and you can tell why one thumbnail gets clicked.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per thumbnail or a monthly package. Searches for YouTube thumbnails grew 52% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** AahilTube shares how he earned ₹5,00,000 as a freelance thumbnail designer, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJNuOYnpr1I).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign 10 thumbnails from channels you watch Offer a free thumbnail to a small creator for a review Sell packs of three options per video :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen), and test titles next to your design with the [YouTube title checker](/free-tools/youtube-title-checker).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using a celebrity's face or a brand's logo without permission can get a video claimed, so use the creator's own images. Underpricing forever keeps you busy and broke, so raise your price after your first reviews. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 13 and up, through a parent's account on Fiverr</p> <h4>29. Edit videos for creators</h4> <p>You edit YouTube videos, shorts and TikToks for creators who'd rather film than edit. If you already edit your own videos, you have the skill creators pay for.</p> <p>It fits you if you can sit with an editing timeline for hours and you know what holds attention.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video or a monthly package. AI video generation and editing was the fastest-growing skill on Upwork in 2025, up 329% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Most video editors on Upwork charge $6 to $25 an hour, and the most experienced earn a median of $100 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)). Employed film and video editors in the US earn a median of $75,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Edit three sample videos from your own footage Offer a small creator a free edit for a testimonial Charge per video, then per month :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen), and cut shorts from long videos with [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using music you don't have rights to gets videos muted or claimed, so use the platform's free music. Missing upload deadlines loses clients, so agree on dates you can keep around school. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 13 and up, with direct clients</p> <h4>30. Run social media for a local business</h4> <p>You post photos and videos for a local business, like a café, a gym or a salon, and reply to comments. Owners often don't have time for social media, and a teen who knows the apps can help.</p> <p>It fits you if you use social media every day and you can write in a business's voice.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly retainers. On Upwork, social media managers typically charge $14 to $35 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/social-media-managers/cost/)). Demand for Instagram services grew 147% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)), and social media strategy was among Upwork's fastest-growing marketing skills in 2025, up 36% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a local business with a weak Instagram account Offer a month of posts at a starter price, with a parent's OK Show the owner what changed after the month :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design posts in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen), edit Reels in [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen), and check results with the [Instagram post analyzer](/free-tools/instagram-post-analyzer).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Posting without the owner's approval can embarrass the business, so agree on a review step. Working without a written agreement leads to unpaid work, so put the price and tasks in writing with a parent. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Who can do it:** 13 and up, with direct clients</p> <h3>Ways to make money at 18 and up</h3> <p>These nine apps open on your 18th birthday, and they're worth knowing about now, so you can plan your first months.</p> <h4>31. Deliver food</h4> <p>You pick up meals from restaurants and drop them at customers' doors, with an app telling you where to go. DoorDash requires dashers to be 18, and older in some states ([DoorDash](https://help.doordash.com/en-us/dashers/article/requirements-for-dashing)).</p> <p>It fits you if you have a car, a bike or a scooter, and you know your area well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per order plus tips. Employed driver/sales workers, the BLS group that includes food delivery drivers, earn a median of $18.64 an hour in the US ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533031.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jay Fourty lives off DoorDash earnings for a week to see what it really pays.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bn_sT4ckM4 | I Survived Off DoorDash Earnings for a Week | | Jay Fourty | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check the age and vehicle rules for your state Sign up and complete the background check Dash at lunch and dinner, when orders peak :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sign up with [DoorDash](https://navid.link/doordash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen), and track your miles for taxes in a notes app.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking every low-paying order wastes gas, so check the pay per mile before you accept. Forgetting that delivery pay is taxable leaves you with a surprise bill, so set some aside. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car, bike or scooter · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week</p> <h4>32. Shop for Instacart</h4> <p>You shop for customers' groceries and deliver them, choosing the orders you want. It pays per order plus tips, and new shoppers sometimes get a guaranteed amount for their first batches.</p> <p>It fits you if you're quick in a grocery store and you have a car.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per order plus tips. Instacart pays shoppers weekly by direct deposit, offers Instant Cashout when you need the money sooner, and lets you keep 100% of customer tips ([Instacart](https://shoppers.instacart.com/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Brandon Pack shopped for Instacart on his days off and after work for 30 days and made about $636, with a $450 guarantee for his first 30 batches, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBtbRFM8CPg).</p> <p>**Watch:** Brandon Pack shops for Instacart for 30 days on days off and adds up the total.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBtbRFM8CPg | I tried InstaCart Shopping for 30 days, Here's how much I made | | Brandon Pack | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up as a shopper and pass the background check Take small orders first to learn the stores Pick orders with good pay and tips, not just any order :::</p> <p>**Tools:** shop with [Instacart](https://navid.link/instacart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen), and keep a list of the stores you know best.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Accepting orders with low pay and no tip wastes your time, so check the total before you accept. Picking the wrong item size annoys customers, so message them before you swap anything. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **Paid:** weekly, or right away with Instant Cashout · **Age:** 18+ on Instacart</p> <h4>33. Do tasks on Taskrabbit</h4> <p>You assemble furniture, mount TVs, help with moves and run errands for people who book you through the app. It's the grown-up version of the neighborhood jobs above, with a much bigger pool of customers.</p> <p>It fits you if you're handy and you like a different job every day.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the hourly rate you set. Clients pay Taskrabbit's service fee on top of your rate ([Taskrabbit](https://support.taskrabbit.com/hc/en-us/articles/46260411872155-What-s-the-Taskrabbit-Service-Fee)), and you pay a one-time, non-refundable $25 registration fee to start ([Taskrabbit](https://support.taskrabbit.com/hc/en-us/articles/46260480151579-What-s-the-Registration-Fee)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up as a tasker and list the jobs you do well Take small jobs first to build reviews Raise your rates as the reviews come in :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find jobs on [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen), and bring a drill, a level and a stud finder.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Quoting without seeing the job leads to surprises, so ask for photos first. Taking jobs you can't do well hurts your reviews, so stick to your skills at first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week</p> <h4>34. Pet sit and walk dogs on Rover</h4> <p>You board, walk and sit for pets through Rover, which finds the owners and handles payment. If you walked dogs for neighbors as a teen, Rover lets you grow that at 18.</p> <p>It fits you if you love animals and you can host or visit pets on a schedule.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the rates you set, minus Rover's 20% service fee, so you take home 80% ([Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/205385304-What-are-the-service-fees)). A profile review costs $49 to $79, depending on where you live ([Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/203062400-Is-Rover-free)), and payments show up two days after you complete a service ([Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/202838244-How-do-I-get-paid-for-bookings)).</p> <p>**Example:** Money Moves With Eric made $9,455 on Rover in September 2026, his best month, with $6,060 from boarding and $2,840 from doggy day care ([YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chKTIzI7_EA)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Rachel Cole shares Rover earnings month by month for a year.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38wbhy6g3HU | Honest Rover Earnings: How Much I Made in 12 Months | | Rachel Cole | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a profile with photos and your experience Set rates a little below others near you to get first reviews Raise rates once you have steady regulars :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find clients on [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking too many dogs at once can lead to fights, so cap your boarding numbers. Skipping a meet-and-greet risks a bad fit, so meet each pet first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **Paid:** two days after each service</p> <h4>35. Freelance on Upwork</h4> <p>You sell a skill, like writing, design, video editing or coding, to clients around the world. Upwork requires users to be of legal age, and it supports freelancers in 180+ countries ([Upwork](https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211067778-Who-s-eligible-to-join-and-use-Upwork)).</p> <p>It fits you if you built a skill as a teen, like editing or design, and you have samples to show.</p> <p>**What it pays:** hourly, day or project fees. Upwork pays hourly work 10 days after each weekly billing period, and fixed-price work after the client approves it, plus a five-day security hold ([Upwork](https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211063668-How-payments-for-hourly-contracts-work)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a profile around one skill, with three samples Send short, specific proposals to small jobs Raise your rate after your first good reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find clients on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen), and see what you keep with the [Upwork fee calculator](/free-tools/upwork-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Offering every skill at once makes your profile forgettable, so lead with one. Taking payment outside the platform breaks Upwork's rules, so keep the first projects on the platform. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>36. Train AI models</h4> <p>You write, check and rank AI answers so models get better, from home, at hours you choose. It suits college students who are strong writers or know a subject like math or coding well.</p> <p>It fits you if you write clearly and you're careful with details.</p> <p>**What it pays:** pay per hour. DataAnnotation lists $25 to $50 an hour for generalists and $40 to $150+ an hour for coders and other experts ([DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/)). Demand is real: freelancer earnings from AI data annotation and labeling grew 154% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to one AI training platform and take its tests Name the subjects you know best in your profile Do a few tasks well before you take on more :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the work runs on platforms like [DataAnnotation](https://navid.link/dataannotation?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen) and [Outlier](https://navid.link/outlier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen). Read each one's pay and rules on its own site first.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying to join an AI training job is a red flag, so walk away from any offer that asks for money first. Rushing tasks can get you dropped from projects, so check each answer before you submit it. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week</p> <h4>37. Earn TikTok's Creator Rewards</h4> <p>You post videos of at least a minute, and TikTok pays for qualified views once you join its Creator Rewards Program. It's open to creators who are 18 and live in one of eight countries, including the US ([TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/creator-academy/article/creator-rewards-program)).</p> <p>It fits you if you've grown an audience as a teen and you can make longer videos.</p> <p>**What it pays:** creator programs where you qualify, brand deals and affiliate links. TikTok's Creator Rewards Program pays for videos of at least 1 minute once you have 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in 30 days ([TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/global/creator-rewards-program-us/en)), and YouTube pays 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Grow an account on one topic before you turn 18 Make videos over a minute that keep people watching Join the program once you meet the rules :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut), and see what views pay with the [TikTok money calculator](/free-tools/tiktok-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Relying on creator payouts alone keeps income low, so add brand deals and your own products. Using a business account makes you ineligible, so keep a personal account. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **Paid:** monthly on the 15th on TikTok, once you pass $50 · **Age:** 18+ for TikTok's rewards</p> <h4>38. Test websites and apps</h4> <p>You try websites and apps while saying your thoughts aloud, so companies see where people get stuck. UserTesting pays through PayPal, about 14 days after each test.</p> <p>It fits you if you can explain what you're thinking as you click.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per test. UserTesting sends each payment to PayPal 14 days after you upload the test ([UserTesting](https://participant-support.usertesting.com/hc/en-us/articles/37633031351315-When-and-how-will-I-be-paid)).</p> <p>**Watch:** PaidFromSurveys on getting paid to test websites with UserTesting.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IasjXrnwn1M | Get Paid to Test Websites - Is UserTesting.com the Ultimate Side Hustle? (Full Review) | | PaidFromSurveys | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Set up a verified PayPal account Apply to UserTesting and take the practice test seriously Check for tests a few times a day, since they fill fast :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the tests come through [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Rushing through a test gets it rejected and unpaid, so speak your thoughts throughout. Expecting full-time pay sets you up for a letdown, so treat tests as extra cash. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **Paid:** by PayPal, 14 days after each test · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>39. Tutor on a platform</h4> <p>You teach a subject or a language by video, with a platform finding the students. Preply requires tutors to be 18 ([Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4175138-register-to-teach-on-preply)), so a teen who tutored neighbors can move online at 18.</p> <p>It fits you if you explain things patiently and you know a subject or language well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per lesson, at a rate you set. Preply keeps the first trial lesson with each new student, then 18% to 33% of each lesson, falling as your teaching hours grow ([Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171383-preply-commission-model)). Employed tutors in the US earn a median of $20.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253041.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one subject and one kind of student Record a short intro video for your profile Open hours in the evenings, when students are free :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen) finds students for you, and [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen) turns your notes into quizzes.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Opening hours you can't keep hurts your rating, so open only the slots you'll show up for. Teaching on bad Wi-Fi loses students, so test your connection first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week</p> <h3>Start a business as a teen</h3> <p>Any of the ways above can grow into a small business, with a parent's help on the paperwork.</p> <h4>40. Turn one of these into a small business</h4> <p>You take one way that's working, like mowing lawns, reselling or editing, and run it like a business: a name, a price list, a way to get paid and simple records. Your parents can help with the bank account and the taxes until you're 18.</p> <p>It fits you if one of the ways above is already earning and you want to grow it.</p> <p>**What it pays:** whatever your customers pay you, minus costs. If your net earnings from self-employment reach $400 in a year, you have to file a tax return, even as a dependent ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/publications/p501)).</p> <p>**Example:** Kirk and Jacob McKinney started Junk Teens in February 2021, when Jacob was a high school freshman, with a used pickup truck they bought for $4,000 of their own money. They worked a job or two a week around school at first, and the business brought in $1.2 million in 2024, Jacob's last year of high school ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/25/junk-teens-gen-z-students-launched-business-that-brings-in-millions.html)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick the side hustle you'd most like to grow Open a bank account with a parent for the business money Keep a simple record of every sale and cost :::</p> <p>**Tools:** make a logo and price list in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-as-a-teen), send invoices with the [invoice generator](/free-tools/invoice-generator), and read my take on why you should [start before you're ready](/articles/start-before-youre-ready).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Mixing business money with your spending money makes taxes hard, so keep them separate. Growing faster than school allows hurts your grades, so hire friends or say no to some jobs. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **Paid:** by your customers</p> <h3>Staying safe when you make money as a teen</h3> <p>Scammers target young people with fake jobs and easy-money offers. The FTC's rules of thumb catch most of them:</p> <p>:::checks No honest job makes you pay first: the FTC says no legitimate gig will make you pay for expenses, training or anything else to get the job ([FTC](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/02/how-avoid-side-hustle-scam)). Don't move money for anyone: scammers use young people to move stolen money, and helping them can get you in legal trouble ([FTC](https://consumer.ftc.gov/whats-money-mule-scam)). Don't deposit a check from a stranger and send part of it back, because the check bounces later and you owe the bank. Meet clients you don't know with a parent, in a public place, and keep your address private online. :::</p> <p>If an offer feels too good, show it to a parent before you reply.</p> <h3>Teens and taxes</h3> <p>Teens pay taxes like everyone else, though most earn too little to owe much. If a parent claims you as a dependent, you have to file a federal return for 2025 once your earned income tops $15,750 or your unearned income tops $1,350 ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/publications/p501)).</p> <p>Self-employment changes that. If your net earnings from working for yourself, like mowing lawns or selling online, reach $400 in a year, you have to file a return and pay self-employment tax, at 15.3% ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes)).</p> <p>If you have to file but can't, a parent or guardian can file the return for you ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/publications/p501)). I'm not a tax advisor, so have a parent check with an accountant once the money adds up.</p> <h3>Bank accounts for teens</h3> <p>You'll need somewhere to keep what you earn. Some states don't let minors open accounts on their own, but a parent can open one for you and put both names on it ([CFPB](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/archive/blog/heres-why-you-should-open-a-savings-account-for-your-kids/)).</p> <p>Banks and credit unions offer accounts for teens, often with a parent on them, and many states allow working minors to open accounts of their own, in some cases with limits ([CFPB](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/archive/blog/strengthening-financial-future-americas-young-workers/)). Ask your bank which accounts it offers at your age.</p> <h3>How parents can help</h3> <p>If you're a parent reading this, a few things make the biggest difference:</p> <p>:::steps How to help your teen Own the accounts that need an adult, like Etsy, eBay or a payout account, and check them together Agree on where they can work, who with and how late Help them set prices that cover their time, not just their costs Keep simple records together for taxes :::</p> <p>The rest is up to them, and that's the point: a first side hustle teaches what school can't, like pricing, customers and follow-through.</p> <h3>Final thoughts on making money as a teen</h3> <p>The best way to make money as a teen is the one you can start this week, at your age, with what you already have. For most teens, that's a neighborhood job like mowing lawns, babysitting or pet sitting, and an online skill you can grow into.</p> <p>Start small, charge a fair price, and raise it as you get better. That's how the teens in this guide did it.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[60 things to sell to make money](/articles/things-to-sell-to-make-money)</li><li>[70 side hustle ideas](/articles/side-hustle-ideas)</li><li>[48 ways to make money on your phone](/articles/make-money-on-your-phone)</li><li>[50 best online side hustles](/articles/best-online-side-hustles)</li><li>[38 ways to make money fast](/articles/how-to-make-money-fast)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: take the [side hustle quiz](/free-tools/side-hustle-quiz), pick one way from your age group and ask your first customer this week. And if this guide helped, DM me on [X](https://x.com/thenavidm) or [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenavidm) and tell me which one you picked.</p><h2>FAQs about making money as a teen</h2><h3>How can I make money as a teen?</h3><p>Start with neighborhood work, like babysitting, pet sitting, mowing lawns or tutoring, which you can do from 13 or younger.</p> <p>From 14, part-time jobs in stores, restaurants and camps open up, with hour limits until 16.</p> <p>Online, apps like Etsy and Gumroad let teens sell with a parent on the account.</p><h3>How can I make money as a teen online?</h3><p>Sell crafts or printables on Etsy through a parent's account, or digital products on Gumroad with a guardian on the payout account.</p> <p>You can also make Roblox games, edit videos or design thumbnails for creators, and start a YouTube channel that pays through a parent's AdSense account.</p> <p>Keep your personal details private, and show any offer to a parent before you reply.</p><h3>How can I make money at 13?</h3><p>At 13, you can babysit, pet sit, walk dogs, mow lawns and do chores for neighbors, since casual babysitting and chores around homes are outside the federal child labor rules.</p> <p>Online, Roblox pays developers from 13, and Etsy allows sellers from 13 through a parent's account.</p> <p>A parent should know who you're working for and where.</p><h3>How can I make money at 14?</h3><p>At 14, you can take a part-time job in many stores and restaurants, for up to 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week.</p> <p>Neighborhood jobs like babysitting, lawn mowing and tutoring still work too.</p> <p>Check your state's rules, since some are stricter than federal law.</p><h3>How can I make money at 15?</h3><p>At 15, you can train as a lifeguard or a swim instructor, since Red Cross courses take students who are 15 by the end of the course.</p> <p>Store, restaurant and camp jobs are open with the same hour limits as at 14.</p> <p>Online, you can sell on Etsy through a parent's account or edit videos for creators.</p><h3>What apps let teens make money?</h3><p>Etsy and Fiverr let 13 to 17 year olds sell through a parent's account, and Gumroad lets teens sell from 13 with a guardian on the payout account in the US.</p> <p>Roblox pays developers from 13, and Twitch lets teens join its Affiliate Program with a parent's consent.</p> <p>Most gig apps, like DoorDash, Instacart, Rover and Taskrabbit, start at 18.</p><h3>How can I make money fast as a teen?</h3><p>Snow shoveling, car washing and yard cleanups pay the same day, often in cash.</p> <p>Selling things you no longer use, through a parent's account online or at a garage sale, is fast too.</p> <p>Skip any offer that promises quick money for no work, since those are often scams.</p><h3>Do teens have to pay taxes?</h3><p>Yes, they do, if they earn enough: a dependent has to file once earned income tops $15,750 for 2025.</p> <p>If you work for yourself and your net earnings reach $400, you have to file and pay self-employment tax, even below that limit.</p> <p>A parent can file for you, and an accountant can help once the money adds up.</p><h3>Can a teen have a PayPal account?</h3><p>PayPal accounts are for adults in the US, so UserTesting, which pays through PayPal, works from 18.</p> <p>Until then, a parent's account or a bank account with a parent on it is the usual way to get paid.</p> <p>Ask your parents before you sign up for any payment app.</p><h3>What jobs hire at 14?</h3><p>Many stores, grocery stores, restaurants and camps hire at 14, with federal limits on hours during the school year.</p> <p>Tutoring and creative work are on the Department of Labor's list of jobs for 14 and 15 year olds.</p> <p>Ask employers near you which roles they hire for at your age.</p><h3>How can a teen start a business?</h3><p>Pick a side hustle that's already earning, like mowing lawns or reselling, and give it a name, a price list and simple records.</p> <p>A parent can open a bank account with you and help with taxes until you're 18.</p> <p>Junk Teens started this way, with two teen brothers and a $4,000 pickup truck, and it brought in $1.2 million in 2024.</p><h3>How can I make money as a teen from home?</h3><p>Online tutoring of younger kids, Etsy sales through a parent's account, Roblox games and video editing for creators all work from home.</p> <p>Selling digital products, like study guides or templates, works from home too.</p> <p>A parent's help with the accounts is part of the setup for most of them.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/remote-side-hustles/https://navid.me/blog/remote-side-hustles/85 remote side hustles in seven groups, each with what it pays, how its platforms pay people abroad, which ones limit countries, and how much the time zone matters.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of 85 remote side hustles you can do from anywhere with a laptop and Wi-Fi.</p> <p>I've worked online from Cancún, Barcelona, London and Kuala Lumpur, and today my home base is Panama City, where I'm a permanent resident. It started with a side hustle: a blog I began in 2013 beside a part-time bank job in Sweden. You can read more in [my story](/about-navid).</p> <p>Working from anywhere only works if the money can reach you there. So each side hustle below shows what it pays, how the platforms behind it pay people abroad, which ones limit countries, and how much the time zone matters.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>85 remote side hustles in seven groups, each with what it pays</li><li>How each one pays you abroad, and which platforms limit countries</li><li>Which remote side hustles need no experience or degree</li><li>How time zones decide which side hustles fit your life</li><li>What changes for taxes when you earn from anywhere</li></ul> <p>Start with how you'll get paid, then pick a group.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - Freelance platforms pay in most countries: Upwork pays to a local bank for $0.99 a withdrawal ([Upwork](https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211060578-What-are-the-fees-limits-and-timing-of-Direct-to-Local-Bank-payments)), and Fiverr pays to PayPal with no withdrawal fee ([Fiverr](https://help.fiverr.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010530058-Withdrawing-your-earnings-managing-payout-methods)). - Creator programs are pickier: TikTok's Creator Rewards Program is open in eight countries ([TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/creator-academy/article/creator-rewards-program)), while YouTube's Partner Program is open in 138 countries and regions ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7101720)). - Wise lets you receive payments in nine currencies for free, like a local account ([Wise](https://wise.com/us/pricing/receive)). - Live work, like tutoring, support and streaming, ties you to your clients' hours, while writing, design and selling online fit any time zone. - Earning from abroad isn't the same as earning tax-free: US citizens are taxed on worldwide income wherever they live ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad)). :::</p> <h3>What makes a side hustle remote</h3> <p>A remote side hustle passes three tests. You can do the work online, the platform or client can pay you in the country you're in, and you can do most of it at hours you choose.</p> <p>The second test is the one people skip. A side hustle can be online and still not pay you abroad, like a creator program that's only open in a few countries or a payment processor that doesn't serve your country. That's why every way below says how the money reaches you.</p> <h3>How to get paid from anywhere</h3> <p>Here's how the main platforms and money apps pay people outside the US, from each one's own pages:</p> <p>:::table fancy Platform | How it pays you abroad | Fees and limits | Source  Wise | Account details in 22 currencies, and free local payments in nine | Free to receive, with a fixed fee on USD wires | [Wise](https://wise.com/us/pricing/receive)  Payoneer | Receiving accounts in 70+ currencies | 1% when the receiving account isn't in your currency, and 1.2% to 4% to withdraw with a conversion | [Payoneer](https://www.payoneer.com/pricing/)  PayPal | Works in most countries | An extra percentage fee when the payer is in another country | [PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/merchant-fees)  Upwork | Direct to Local Bank, Payoneer or PayPal | $0.99 per local bank withdrawal, within four business days | [Upwork](https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211060578-What-are-the-fees-limits-and-timing-of-Direct-to-Local-Bank-payments)  Fiverr | PayPal, Payoneer, or a bank transfer through Payoneer | $0 to PayPal, $3 to Payoneer, and $1 to $3 to a bank | [Fiverr](https://help.fiverr.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010530058-Withdrawing-your-earnings-managing-payout-methods)  Preply | Bank transfer powered by Wise, Wise, PayPal, Payoneer or Skrill | Each fee shown before you confirm, and a $10 minimum for bank transfers | [Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/15083120-how-to-withdraw-your-earnings)  Gumroad | Local bank deposits in most countries, and PayPal elsewhere | No payouts to Payoneer or Wise | [Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/help/article/13-getting-paid)  Etsy | Etsy Payments in 62 countries and territories, 16 of them through Payoneer | A 2.5% conversion fee when your currency differs | [Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015710408-Countries-Eligible-for-Etsy-Payments)  Stripe | Accounts in 44 countries | Not available in Panama, Colombia, Argentina or the Philippines | [Stripe](https://stripe.com/global)  YouTube | The Partner Program in 138 countries and regions | Paid through AdSense | [YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7101720)  TikTok | Creator Rewards in eight countries | Only the US, the UK, Germany, Japan, South Korea, France, Mexico and Brazil | [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/creator-academy/article/creator-rewards-program) :::</p> <p>Most of the skill and service side hustles below run through Upwork or Fiverr, or a client who pays an [invoice](/free-tools/invoice-generator), so they pay the same way. A platform that doesn't serve your country is the real limit, and it shows up mostly in creator programs and payment processors.</p> <p>Compare what a transfer to your bank costs before you pick a method:</p> <p>:::tool money-transfer-comparison remote-side-hustles :::</p> <h3>Remote side hustles with no experience or degree</h3> <p>These pay for work you can learn quickly, and none of them asks for a degree:</p> <p>:::cards Brain | Train AI | General AI training projects start at $25 to $50 an hour on DataAnnotation, paid by PayPal. | #28-train-ai-models MousePointerClick | Test websites | UserTesting pays for each test by PayPal, 14 days after you finish it. | #51-test-websites-and-apps Languages | Teach English | Cambly pays $0.17 a minute to talk with learners in English, weekly. | #54-teach-english-online ClipboardList | Assist a busy founder | Virtual assistants on Upwork charge $10 to $20 an hour for tasks you already know. | #40-work-as-a-virtual-assistant Scissors | Clip videos | Creators pay per clip or per view for short clips cut from their long videos. | #64-clip-videos Search | Join paid studies | Respondent's studies pay $75 on average, for an interview or survey on your work. | #52-join-paid-research-studies :::</p> <p>And if you already have a job, your field gives you a head start:</p> <p>:::cards HeartPulse | For nurses | Expert AI training pays more for medical knowledge, and health coaching builds on what you do every day. | #28-train-ai-models GraduationCap | For teachers | Online tutoring, teaching English and selling printables use the skills you practice in class. | #53-tutor-online Backpack | For students | Clipping, AI training and user testing fit around classes, at hours you choose. | #64-clip-videos :::</p> <p>The 85 side hustles come in seven groups:</p> <p>:::cards here PenTool | Sell a skill | These 27 sell writing, design, video, marketing and numbers to clients. | #remote-side-hustles-that-sell-a-skill Brain | With AI | These 12 sell AI work, from training models to building agents. | #remote-side-hustles-with-ai Headphones | Support, operations and testing | These 13 keep a business running, from inboxes to hiring. | #remote-side-hustles-in-support-operations-and-testing GraduationCap | Teaching and coaching | These six teach and coach by video, live or recorded. | #remote-side-hustles-teaching-and-coaching Video | Creating content | These 12 grow an audience that pays through ads, sponsors and links. | #remote-side-hustles-creating-content ShoppingBag | Selling online | These 10 sell digital and physical products to buyers worldwide. | #remote-side-hustles-selling-online Rocket | You own | These five build an app, a community or a site you can sell. | #remote-side-hustles-you-own :::</p> <h3>Remote side hustles that sell a skill</h3> <p>These 27 sell a skill to clients, mostly through Upwork, Fiverr or direct invoices, so they pay out the same way wherever you are.</p> <h4>1. Freelance your skill</h4> <p>You sell a skill you already have, like writing, design, coding or admin work, to clients on freelance marketplaces or directly. Remote freelancing is the base of most of this list, so it's the first place to start if you're not sure which skill to sell.</p> <p>**From abroad:** Upwork pays to a local bank in many countries for $0.99 a withdrawal, and Fiverr pays to PayPal with no withdrawal fee. Set your working hours on your profile, so clients in other time zones know when you'll reply.</p> <p>It fits you if you can deliver one clear result for a client, on time, from your laptop.</p> <p>**What it pays:** hourly, day or project fees. Upwork pays hourly work 10 days after each weekly billing period, and fixed-price work after the client approves it, plus a five-day security hold ([Upwork](https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211063668-How-payments-for-hourly-contracts-work)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one service you can deliver in a week Build a profile with three samples of that service Send 10 tailored proposals a week until the first client says yes :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find clients on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), where I hire freelancers myself, and see what you keep with the [Upwork fee calculator](/free-tools/upwork-fee-calculator). Set your rate with the [freelance rate calculator](/free-tools/freelance-rate-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Offering every skill at once makes your profile forgettable, so lead with one service. Taking payment outside the platform breaks Upwork's and Fiverr's rules, so keep the first projects on the platform. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>2. Write copy for businesses</h4> <p>You write the words that sell: [landing pages](/articles/best-landing-page-builders), emails, ads and product pages. Writing in a language you know well, like English, Spanish or German, opens clients in the countries that speak it.</p> <p>**From abroad:** clients pay through Upwork, Fiverr or an invoice, and the work fits any time zone, since copy is written and reviewed in writing.</p> <p>It fits you if you write simply and you like testing what makes people click.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per page or a monthly retainer. On Upwork, copywriters typically charge $19 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/copywriters/cost/)). Employed writers and authors in the US earn a median of $76,910 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rewrite three landing pages as samples Pick one type of copy, like emails or sales pages Offer a fixed price per page or a monthly email package :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), polish with [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and test headlines with the [headline analyzer](/free-tools/headline-analyzer).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing about features instead of results makes copy flat, so lead with what the buyer gets. Writing for a market you don't know makes copy sound off, so start with readers you understand. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>3. Ghostwrite for founders</h4> <p>You write posts, newsletters, articles or books that a founder publishes under their own name. The steady work is often LinkedIn and X posts on a monthly retainer.</p> <p>**From abroad:** a weekly call with the client is the only live part, so one overlapping hour a week is enough, and the rest happens in shared docs.</p> <p>It fits you if you write fast, you can copy someone's voice, and you don't need your name on the work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer or a fee per book. On Upwork, ghostwriters typically charge $20 to $45 an hour, and the median is $32 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ghostwriters/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write 10 sample posts in the voice of a founder you admire Offer a month of posts to one founder at a starter price Move to a monthly retainer once the posts perform :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft in [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and schedule X and LinkedIn posts in [Typefully](https://navid.link/typefully?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Posting without the client's approval can embarrass them, so agree on a review step. Leaning on AI drafts makes posts sound generic, so start each one from the client's own words. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>4. Write with AI for websites</h4> <p>You write blog posts, guides and product pages for businesses, with AI doing the first draft and you doing the research, the voice and the edit. Clients pay for writing that ranks and reads like a person wrote it.</p> <p>**From abroad:** paid per piece or monthly through a platform or an invoice, and the work is fully asynchronous.</p> <p>It fits you if you can research a topic fast and you notice when writing sounds robotic.</p> <p>**What it pays:** fees per piece or a monthly retainer. On Upwork, content writers typically charge $15 to $40 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/content-writers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write three sample articles in one niche you know Pitch businesses whose blogs haven't been updated in months Offer a monthly package of articles with a set length :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude), [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini) or [Grok](/ai-tools/grok), polish with [Grammarly](/ai-tools/grammarly), and catch robotic phrasing with the [AI slop checker](/free-tools/ai-slop-checker).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Publishing AI drafts unedited makes a client's site sound like every other one, so rewrite each draft in a human voice. Skipping the facts check spreads AI errors, so verify each claim against its source. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>5. Proofread and edit</h4> <p>You fix grammar, spelling and flow in books, theses, reports and websites before they go out. Editors who know one field, like academic or legal writing, can charge more for that knowledge.</p> <p>**From abroad:** the work arrives as files and goes back as files, so any time zone works, and clients pay through a platform or an invoice.</p> <p>It fits you if you spot typos others miss and you know a style guide well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per word or per project. On Upwork, proofreaders typically charge $18 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/proofreaders/cost/)). Employed editors in the US earn a median of $77,920 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn one style guide well, like AP or Chicago Edit three free samples for writers you know List a proofreading service with a price per 1,000 words :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) catches the obvious, and your judgment does the rest. Check reading ease with the [Flesch-Kincaid calculator](/free-tools/flesch-kincaid-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Rewriting the author's voice when you were hired to proofread upsets clients, so agree on the level of edit first. Promising a fast turnaround on a long book causes errors, so price rush jobs higher. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>6. Write technical docs</h4> <p>You write the manuals, help pages and API docs that explain how a product works. Software companies hire freelance technical writers when they launch a product or a feature.</p> <p>**From abroad:** software teams are used to remote writers, and most review happens in shared docs, so a few overlapping hours a week cover the questions.</p> <p>It fits you if you like learning how things work and explaining them in plain steps.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an [hourly rate](/free-tools/hourly-to-salary-calculator) or a fee per project. On Upwork, technical writers typically charge $20 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/technical-writers/cost/)). Employed technical writers in the US earn a median of $90,390 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write a guide for an open-source tool you use as a sample Pick one area, like software, medical devices or finance Offer to write or fix the help pages for one product :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft in [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and organize the docs in [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing before you've used the product leads to wrong steps, so test each step yourself. Leaving out screenshots makes docs harder to follow, so show each step. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>7. Write grant applications</h4> <p>You write the applications nonprofits and schools send to foundations and governments for funding. Each country has its own funders, so you can serve organizations at home or in a country whose system you know.</p> <p>**From abroad:** the work is research and writing against deadlines, so the time zone matters only on submission days.</p> <p>It fits you if you write clearly, you like research and you don't miss deadlines.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per application or an hourly rate. On Upwork, grant writers typically charge $35 to $60 an hour, and the median is $50 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/grant-writers/cost/)). Employed fundraisers in the US earn a median of $72,550 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/fundraisers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Volunteer to write one grant for a nonprofit Build a sample from a real funder's guidelines Charge per application or a monthly retainer :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), research funders with [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini), and polish with [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Charging a percentage of the grant goes against the Grant Professionals Association's code of ethics ([GPA](https://grantprofessionals.org/page/ethics)), so charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. Missing a deadline in another time zone loses the grant, so convert each deadline to your local time. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>8. Write resumes and LinkedIn profiles</h4> <p>You rewrite resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles so job seekers get more interviews. Resume conventions differ by country, so a writer who knows US resumes, UK CVs or German applications has an edge in that market.</p> <p>**From abroad:** one call to understand the client's career, then the work is written, so overlap matters only for that call.</p> <p>It fits you if you know how hiring works in one field and you write tight, clear sentences.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per resume or per package. On Upwork, resume writers typically charge $25 to $65 an hour, and the median is $42 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/resume-writers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Teal on making a resume that stands out in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRha1slhTJU | How to Make A Resume that Stands Out in 2026 (after hiring 1,000s) | | Teal | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rewrite five resumes for friends to build samples Pick one market and one field, like US tech or UK nursing Sell a package of a resume, a cover letter and a LinkedIn profile :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), polish with [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). The [LinkedIn headline generator](/free-tools/linkedin-headline-generator) gives a quick first draft.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using one country's resume format for another market hurts the client, so match the format to where they're applying. Promising interviews or a job sets you up for refunds, so promise the work, not the outcome. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>9. Translate</h4> <p>You translate documents, websites, apps and videos between languages you know well. Living abroad is an advantage here, because you hear the language as people speak it now.</p> <p>**From abroad:** translation is file-based and deadline-driven, and clients pay through Upwork, Fiverr or agencies that send work worldwide.</p> <p>It fits you if you write well in two languages and you care about getting the meaning right, not only the words.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per word or per project. On Upwork, translators typically charge $15 to $25 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/translators/cost/)). Employed interpreters and translators in the US earn a median of $60,170 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Adrian Probst breaks down where a freelance translator's income comes from.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-FyJt3pcig | Language Freelancer: Income Breakdown (Freelance Translator) | | Adrian Probst | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one language pair and one field, like legal or marketing Translate three sample texts and have a native speaker check them List the service with a price per word :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini), [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) or [Grok](/ai-tools/grok), then find clients on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending machine translation as your own work misses errors a client will catch, so edit every line. Taking a field you don't know, like medical or legal, risks costly mistakes, so stay in fields you understand. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>10. Design for clients</h4> <p>You design social posts, ads, packaging and brand kits for businesses. Clients often start with one project, and the good ones come back each month.</p> <p>**From abroad:** design reviews happen in comments and shared files, so the work fits any time zone.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for design and can take feedback without taking it personally.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or a monthly package. On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)). Employed graphic designers in the US earn a median of $62,960 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm), May 2025). Logo design grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Chisom Okwulehie's design side hustle started with a $20 ad design in 2021, beside a full-time job as an architect, and she raised her rate from $60 an hour to $100 as it grew ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/22/how-chisom-okwulehie-built-lucrative-design-side-hustle.html)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Edgy Katrina's realistic week as a freelance graphic designer.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VDq7pubiZE | a realistic week in my life as a freelance graphic designer and creator in LA | | edgykatrina | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Design three sample projects for one kind of client Offer a fixed-price package, like a brand kit Raise your rate after every few projects :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [Figma](https://navid.link/figma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), finish in [Adobe Photoshop](https://navid.link/adobephotoshop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and make vector graphics with [Recraft](https://navid.link/recraft?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Offering unlimited revisions eats your hours, so include two rounds in the price. Using images you don't have rights to can cost your client, so use licensed or original art. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>11. Design logos and brands</h4> <p>You design logos and the brand kits around them: colors, fonts and a few templates. Small businesses everywhere need one, and many buy it online from a designer they've never met.</p> <p>**From abroad:** logo work is sold as a package with set rounds of feedback, so it fits any time zone.</p> <p>It fits you if you can turn a vague idea into a simple, memorable mark.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per logo or brand kit. On Upwork, logo designers typically charge $15 to $30 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/logo-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Design five logos for made-up or friends' businesses Sell a package: a logo, colors, fonts and a one-page guide Show the process, not only the final logo, in your portfolio :::</p> <p>**Tools:** explore ideas in [Ideogram](/ai-tools/ideogram) and [Recraft](/ai-tools/recraft), refine in [Figma](/ai-tools/figma), and build the kit in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Delivering an AI logo without checking it can copy an existing mark, so search for similar logos first. Skipping a brief means guessing, so ask about the audience and the competitors before you start. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>12. Design YouTube thumbnails</h4> <p>You design the thumbnails YouTubers use to win clicks, often in packs for each new video. Creators in every country need them, and the best thumbnail designers test ideas with the creator.</p> <p>**From abroad:** creators send the video idea and you send back options, so the work fits any time zone, with fast turnarounds around upload days.</p> <p>It fits you if you watch a lot of YouTube and you can tell why one thumbnail gets clicked.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per thumbnail or a monthly package. Searches for YouTube thumbnails grew 52% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign 10 thumbnails from channels you watch Offer three thumbnail options per video to one creator Move to a monthly package once the click rate improves :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I make thumbnails with ChatGPT's GPT Image 2.5, [Higgsfield](https://navid.link/higgsfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [Magnific](https://navid.link/magnific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and [fal.ai](https://navid.link/falai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) runs the newest image models. Test the title next to it with the [YouTube title checker](/free-tools/youtube-title-checker).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Packing a thumbnail with text makes it unreadable on a phone, so keep it to a few words. Promising a click rate you can't control invites disputes, so promise options and testing. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>13. Design presentations</h4> <p>You turn a client's notes into clear slides for pitches, investor decks, talks and training. Companies pay for decks because a deck can help win a deal or a round.</p> <p>**From abroad:** decks are reviewed in comments, and deadlines are often tied to a meeting, so plan around the client's time zone for the final day.</p> <p>It fits you if you can make a busy idea simple and you have an eye for layout.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per deck. On Upwork, presentation designers typically charge $35 to $60 an hour, and the median is $45 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/presentation-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign three public decks as samples Offer a fixed price per deck, like 10 to 15 slides Ask each client for a referral once the deck is used :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Gamma](https://navid.link/gamma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) turns an outline into slides, then finish in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or Google Slides. The [presentation generator](/free-tools/presentation-generator) makes a first draft in seconds.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Filling slides with text makes a deck hard to present, so keep one idea per slide. Delivering on the day of a pitch in another time zone risks missing it, so deliver a day early. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>14. Design apps and websites</h4> <p>You design how an app or a website works and looks, then hand the designs to developers. Startups hire remote designers often, because the designs live in shared files the team can see anywhere.</p> <p>**From abroad:** reviews happen in comments on the design file, with a weekly call, so a few overlapping hours are enough.</p> <p>It fits you if you notice when an app is confusing and you can explain why.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or a day rate. On Upwork, UX designers typically charge $25 to $39 an hour, and the median is $27 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ux-designers/cost/)). Employed web and digital interface designers in the US earn a median of $104,000 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Shivangi Tiwari on becoming a UI/UX designer in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUf6Wwz1-q4 | How to Become a UI/UX designer in 2026 - With any Degree - Zero Coding - Complete Guide - | | Shivangi Tiwari | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign one screen of an app you use, with your reasons Build three case studies that show the problem and your fix Offer a design review to a startup, then a full project :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Figma](https://navid.link/figma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), build live pages in [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and turn ideas into screens with [Magic Patterns](https://navid.link/magicpatterns?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Showing only pretty screens hides your thinking, so explain the problem each design solves. Skipping user tests means guessing, so watch five people use the design. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>15. Build websites with AI</h4> <p>You build websites for small businesses with AI site builders and coding tools, then charge monthly to host and update them. One person can now build in days what took a team weeks.</p> <p>**From abroad:** clients anywhere can pay a setup invoice and a monthly fee by card or transfer, and updates happen when it suits you.</p> <p>It fits you if you like building things and you can talk to a business owner about what they need.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per site and a monthly fee to keep it up. On Upwork, web designers typically charge $15 to $30 an hour, and the median is $21 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/web-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rebuild a business's site as a sample Offer a fixed-price site to three businesses with weak websites Add a monthly fee for hosting and updates :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code). [Framer](/ai-tools/framer), [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable) and [Webflow](/ai-tools/webflow) build sites from a prompt, and the [landing page grader](/free-tools/landing-page-grader) grades the result.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building without the text and photos stalls the project, so collect them before you start. Hosting a client's site on your personal account makes a handover hard, so set it up in the client's name. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>16. Build web apps</h4> <p>You build web apps, dashboards and custom features for businesses, from a booking system to an internal tool. Development work has been remote for years, so clients expect a developer they may never meet.</p> <p>**From abroad:** code reviews and updates happen in shared repos, and a short weekly call covers the rest.</p> <p>It fits you if you like solving problems step by step and testing until things work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project and monthly upkeep. On Upwork, web developers typically charge $15 to $50 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/web-developers/cost/)). Employed web developers in the US earn a median of $92,650 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build one small app that solves a real problem Put the code and a live demo in your portfolio Offer a fixed-price first project, then monthly support :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build my own sites and apps with [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and I'm not a developer. Host on [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [Hostinger](https://navid.link/hostinger?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and grade a client's current site with the [SEO checker](/free-tools/seo-checker).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building without a written scope turns one project into several, so agree on what's included first. Shipping code you haven't tested can break a client's business, so test each change before it goes live. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>17. Edit videos</h4> <p>You edit YouTube videos, shorts, ads and course lessons for creators and brands. AI now handles captions, silences and rough cuts, so the value is in the story and the pacing.</p> <p>**From abroad:** creators upload raw footage to a shared drive and you send back the edit, so the work fits any time zone, with deadlines around upload days.</p> <p>It fits you if you watch videos critically and you can sit with a timeline for hours.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video or a monthly package. AI video generation and editing was the fastest-growing skill on Upwork in 2025, up 329% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Most video editors on Upwork charge $6 to $25 an hour, and the most experienced earn a median of $100 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)). Employed film and video editors in the US earn a median of $75,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Edit three sample videos from free footage or a friend's channel Offer one creator a trial edit at a low price Move to a monthly package of videos :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [Submagic](https://navid.link/submagic?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [VEED](https://navid.link/veed?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) handle captions and clips.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Uploading huge files on slow Wi-Fi misses deadlines, so check the internet before you take a job abroad. Skipping a style guide means endless revisions, so agree on the pacing and look first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>18. Edit podcasts</h4> <p>You clean up podcast audio and video, cut the mistakes and make short clips for social media. Shows publish on a schedule, so a good editor gets steady weekly work.</p> <p>**From abroad:** you edit after the recording and deliver before release day, so the time zone matters only for the deadline.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a good ear and you like making people sound their best.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per episode or a monthly package. On Upwork, podcast producers typically charge $20 to $31 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/podcasting-freelancers/cost/)). Employed broadcast, sound and video technicians in the US earn a median of $60,150 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/broadcast-and-sound-engineering-technicians.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Edit one episode of a show you like as a sample Offer a monthly package of episodes plus three clips each Ask each client for a referral to other hosts :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) records it and [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) edits it, and I use both. Remove filler words with the [filler word remover](/free-tools/filler-word-remover).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Over-editing removes the host's personality, so keep the natural pauses that matter. Missing release days loses the client, so agree on the deadline in their time zone. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>19. Do voiceovers</h4> <p>You record your voice for ads, explainer videos, phone systems and training videos, from a quiet room. Accents are an asset here, because brands want voices that sound like their buyers.</p> <p>**From abroad:** clients send scripts and you send back audio, so any time zone works, as long as your room stays quiet.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a clear voice, a quiet space and patience for retakes.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or per finished minute. On Upwork, voice actors typically charge $40 to $85 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/voice-actors/cost/)). On Upwork, audiobook narrators typically charge $25 to $55 an hour, and the median is $40 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/audiobook-narrators/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** NASA engineer Eryn Andrews started voiceovers in 2022 with about $200 for a class, a microphone and a mattress topper. She charged $5 per 100 words on Fiverr at first, and by August 2026 she had earned over $227,000 that year, working one to eight hours a week ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/06/how-nasa-engineer-built-lucrative-voiceover-acting-side-hustle.html)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Record a short demo in three styles, like an ad, a narration and a phone message List a voiceover gig on Fiverr or Upwork at an entry price Raise your price after your first 10 reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** clean your audio with [Adobe Podcast](https://navid.link/adobepodcast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or the [background noise remover](/free-tools/background-noise-remover), and edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Find jobs on [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recording in rented rooms with street noise gets auditions skipped, so check the room before you book a stay. Selling your voice for AI cloning without clear terms can let a client reuse it for good, so read the license before you sign. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>20. Narrate audiobooks</h4> <p>You record full books for authors and publishers, chapter by chapter, and edit the audio to the platform's standards. It's slower than short voiceover work, but one book can fill weeks.</p> <p>**From abroad:** you record on your own schedule and deliver chapters as you finish, so the time zone doesn't matter.</p> <p>It fits you if you read aloud well for hours and you can keep characters' voices straight.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per finished hour of audio, or a share of the book's royalties. On Upwork, audiobook narrators typically charge $25 to $55 an hour, and the median is $40 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/audiobook-narrators/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Record a 10-minute sample from a book in the public domain Audition for short books first to build credits Choose between a fee per finished hour and a royalty share, book by book :::</p> <p>**Tools:** record and edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and clean the sound with [Adobe Podcast](https://navid.link/adobepodcast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Find narration jobs on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking a royalty share on a book with no audience can pay little, so take a fee when the author has no readers yet. Recording without breaks strains your voice, so record in short sessions. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>21. Produce music</h4> <p>You make beats, jingles, custom songs and background music for creators, brands and other artists. Licensing and custom work pay faster than streaming, which takes a large audience.</p> <p>**From abroad:** clients send a brief and you send stems or a final mix, so the work fits any time zone.</p> <p>It fits you if you produce music already and you can work to someone else's brief.</p> <p>**What it pays:** streaming royalties, licensing fees and sales. On Upwork, music producers typically charge $30 to $65 an hour, and the median is $35 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/music-producers/cost/)). Employed musicians and singers in the US earn a median of $47.80 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/musicians-and-singers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make five short tracks in styles creators use, like lo-fi or upbeat pop Offer custom intros or jingles at a set price License your back catalog to creators who need background music :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sketch ideas with [Suno](https://navid.link/suno?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and make simple edits in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using samples you haven't cleared can block a client's video, so use your own sounds or licensed ones. Selling full rights for a small fee gives away future income, so license instead of selling outright. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per job for licensing and custom songs</p> <h4>22. Offer SEO</h4> <p>You help businesses rank on Google and in AI answers: audits, keyword plans, fixes and content. SEO works the same from any country, and many clients care only about the results report.</p> <p>**From abroad:** most SEO work is research and fixes you do on your own, with a monthly call to review results.</p> <p>It fits you if you like data and you can explain why a page ranks or doesn't.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer or a fee per audit. On Upwork, SEO experts typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $21 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/seo-experts/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Surfer's complete SEO and AI SEO course for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DRO4rEIHDk | The Complete SEO &amp; AI SEO Course for 2026 (Full Beginner’s Guide) | | Surfer Academy and Matt Kenyon | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Audit three local business sites for free Write up the fixes as a short report Offer a monthly retainer to the ones who want help :::</p> <p>**Tools:** research with [Ahrefs](https://navid.link/ahrefs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [Semrush](https://navid.link/semrush?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and check pages with the [SEO checker](/free-tools/seo-checker) and the [title and meta checker](/free-tools/title-and-meta-checker).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising a top spot on Google invites refunds, so promise the work and a monthly report. Buying spammy links can get a client penalized, so build links that a real editor would approve. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>23. Run paid ads</h4> <p>You run a business's ads on Google, Meta or TikTok: the targeting, the budget, the tests and the weekly report. The ad platforms work the same everywhere, so you can manage a client's ads in another country.</p> <p>**From abroad:** ads run around the clock, so you check results at your hours, and a weekly call covers the plan.</p> <p>It fits you if you like numbers and testing, and you stay calm when results swing.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly fee, often plus a share of the ad spend. On Upwork, PPC specialists typically charge $20 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ppc-specialists/cost/)). Display advertising was among Upwork's fastest-growing marketing skills in 2025, up 26% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Run a small campaign for yourself or a friend's business Write up the results as a case study Offer a monthly management fee to three businesses :::</p> <p>**Tools:** work inside the ad platforms themselves, study winning ads with [Foreplay](https://navid.link/foreplay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and check your tests with the [A/B test calculator](/free-tools/ab-test-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Targeting the wrong country wastes a client's budget, so double-check the locations on every campaign. Spending before tracking works wastes the budget, so check the conversion tracking first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>24. Run email marketing</h4> <p>You write and send a business's newsletters, welcome emails and sales sequences, and track what they earn. Email is easy to measure, so good work is easy to show.</p> <p>**From abroad:** emails are scheduled, so you can send at your client's best time while you sleep.</p> <p>It fits you if you write well and you like testing subject lines and offers.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer. On Upwork, email marketers typically charge $15 to $40 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/email-marketing-consultants/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write a welcome sequence for a business you know as a sample Offer to fix one client's welcome emails at a set price Move to a monthly package of campaigns :::</p> <p>**Tools:** most clients use [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [beehiiv](https://navid.link/beehiiv?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [MailerLite](https://navid.link/mailerlite?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [Flodesk](https://navid.link/flodesk?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Test subject lines with the [subject line tester](/free-tools/subject-line-tester), and check deliverability with the [email deliverability checker](/free-tools/email-deliverability-checker).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending to a bought list can get a client's domain flagged, so mail only people who signed up. Scheduling in the wrong time zone sends emails at 3 a.m., so check the send time in the subscribers' zone. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>25. Manage social media</h4> <p>You plan, create and schedule a business's posts, reply to comments and report what's working. Most businesses want a steady presence and don't have time for it.</p> <p>**From abroad:** posts are scheduled ahead, so the only live part is replying to comments, which you can batch at set times.</p> <p>It fits you if you use social media daily and you can write in a brand's voice.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly retainers. On Upwork, social media managers typically charge $14 to $35 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/social-media-managers/cost/)). Demand for Instagram services grew 147% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)), and social media strategy was among Upwork's fastest-growing marketing skills in 2025, up 36% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Mae Bornillo's social media management business brings in about $7,500 a month, with about $4,500 of it as take-home pay, after seven years of building it, [in September 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvURjTKq274).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Manage one business's accounts for a month at a low price Report the results in a simple monthly summary Raise your price for the next clients, with that report as proof :::</p> <p>**Tools:** schedule with [Metricool](https://navid.link/metricool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [Buffer](https://navid.link/buffer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), write for X and LinkedIn in [Typefully](https://navid.link/typefully?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Show results with the [engagement rate calculator](/free-tools/engagement-rate-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Posting without a plan makes accounts look random, so agree on themes and a calendar first. Replying in a different tone than the brand confuses followers, so write down the voice before you start. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>26. Analyze data</h4> <p>You turn a business's messy spreadsheets and sales data into dashboards and answers, like which products make money or where customers drop off. AI now writes much of the analysis code, so the skill is asking the right question.</p> <p>**From abroad:** the data comes as files or shared access, and you present results on a short call.</p> <p>It fits you if you like numbers and you can explain a chart in one sentence.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a fee per project. On Upwork, data analysts typically charge $20 to $50 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/data-analysts/cost/)). Employed data scientists in the US earn a median of $120,230 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Analyze a public dataset and publish what you found Offer a one-off analysis to a small business Turn it into a monthly dashboard and report :::</p> <p>**Tools:** analyze with [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [Julius AI](https://navid.link/juliusai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and build simple systems in [Airtable](https://navid.link/airtable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Uploading a client's private data to an AI tool without permission can break their rules, so ask first. Showing charts without a takeaway leaves clients guessing, so lead with the one thing they should do. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>27. Keep the books</h4> <p>You keep a small business's books: categorize transactions, reconcile accounts and send monthly reports. It's steady monthly work, because the books keep coming each month.</p> <p>**From abroad:** bookkeeping runs in cloud software, so you can work from anywhere, but you need to know the tax rules of your client's country.</p> <p>It fits you if you're careful with details and you like closing out each month cleanly.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly fee. On Upwork, bookkeepers typically charge $11 to $25 an hour, and the median is $15 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/bookkeepers/cost/)). Employed bookkeeping clerks in the US earn a median of $50,670 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn one bookkeeping software well Keep the books for one small business at a starter price Offer a monthly package with a set number of transactions :::</p> <p>**Tools:** many small clients bank with [Mercury](https://navid.link/mercury?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), get paid through [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and pay abroad with [Wise](https://navid.link/wise?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Sort transactions faster with [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Doing books for a country whose rules you don't know risks errors, so start with clients in a country you understand. Falling behind on a month makes catch-up painful, so reconcile every month on the same day. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h3>Remote side hustles with AI</h3> <p>These 12 sell AI work to companies and creators, and most of them are newer than the platforms' country limits, so they work from almost anywhere.</p> <h4>28. Train AI models</h4> <p>AI companies pay people to write, check and rank AI answers, so their models get better. Anyone can start with general tasks, and experts in coding, math or science get the higher-paid projects.</p> <p>**From abroad:** DataAnnotation pays through PayPal, within a few days of a request ([DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/faq)), and Outlier pays weekly on Tuesdays but asks for an ID and a phone from your country of residence and a visa that permits work ([Outlier](https://outlier.ai/faq)).</p> <p>It fits you if you write clearly, you're careful with details and you know one field well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** pay per hour. DataAnnotation lists $25 to $50 an hour for generalists and $40 to $150+ an hour for coders and other experts ([DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/)). Demand is real: freelancer earnings from AI data annotation and labeling grew 154% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Utkarsh Amitabh, an author and entrepreneur in the UK, trains AI models for micro1 about 3.5 hours a night. He earns $200 an hour, by a pay stub CNBC saw, and micro1 confirmed he had earned nearly $300,000 since January 2025, bonuses included ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/19/34-year-old-entrepreneur-earns-200-an-hour-training-ai-models.html)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant checks whether DataAnnotation's AI jobs are legit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--i7J5mR720 | Are DataAnnotation Tech AI Jobs Legit? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to one or two AI training platforms and take their tests Name your field in your profile, like coding, medicine or law Do a few tasks well before you take on more :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the work runs on platforms like [DataAnnotation](https://navid.link/dataannotation?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [Outlier](https://navid.link/outlier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Read each one's pay and rules on its own site first.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying to join an AI training job is a red flag, so walk away from any offer that asks for money first. Working on a tourist visa can break a platform's rules, so check what your visa allows. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>29. Consult on AI</h4> <p>You help businesses decide where AI saves them time and money, then plan or lead the setup. The best AI consultants know an industry first and AI second.</p> <p>**From abroad:** consulting is calls and documents, so it works from anywhere, as long as you can make a few calls in the client's hours.</p> <p>It fits you if you've solved problems in one industry and you use [AI tools](/ai-tools) every day.</p> <p>**What it pays:** day rates, projects or monthly retainers. On Upwork, business consultants typically charge $28 to $98 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-consultants/cost/)). Employed management consultants in the US earn a median of $101,860 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** A consultant who went solo after a 2024 layoff bills $100 to $150 an hour for consulting, against $35 for design work ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/consulting/comments/1q7vri0/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Map where AI saves time in a business you know well Offer a paid audit with a written plan Sell the setup and a monthly check-in after the audit :::</p> <p>**Tools:** research with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) and [Perplexity](/ai-tools/perplexity), show the plan in [Gamma](/ai-tools/gamma), and price it with the [value equation calculator](/free-tools/value-equation-calculator). My [AI consultant certification](/ai-consultant-certification) shows how I set up AI for a business.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recommending tools you haven't used costs you trust, so test each one yourself first. Selling AI as a cure for everything sets up a letdown, so pick the two or three tasks it helps most. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>30. Set up AI operating systems</h4> <p>An AI operating system connects a person's or a team's tools, files and AI assistants, so routine work runs with less effort. You set it up, document it and train people to use it.</p> <p>**From abroad:** the setup happens in shared accounts and calls, and once it runs, support is a monthly check-in.</p> <p>It fits you if you've built your own AI workflows and you like organizing how work flows.</p> <p>**What it pays:** projects and monthly retainers. On Upwork, business consultants typically charge $28 to $98 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-consultants/cost/)). 77% of business leaders say AI increases their need for specialized, fractional talent ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** My own business runs on an AI OS I built with Claude Code, and my guide on [how to build an AI operating system](/articles/how-to-build-an-ai-operating-system-ai-os) walks through how it works.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build your own [AI OS](/how-i-use-ai) first and write down how it works Set one up for a friend's business at a starter price Package it as a setup fee plus monthly support :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build mine with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex), with [Notion](/ai-tools/notion) for the knowledge and [n8n](/ai-tools/n8n) to connect the tools.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building around tools the client won't use wastes the setup, so start from how they already work. Leaving no documentation makes the system fragile, so write a one-page guide for each part. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** up front, or monthly</p> <h4>31. Build AI automations</h4> <p>You connect a business's apps so work happens on its own, like a lead getting a reply and a task for the team, with AI writing or sorting along the way. Businesses pay a setup fee and a monthly fee to keep it running.</p> <p>**From abroad:** automations run on their own once they're live, so you build and fix them at your hours.</p> <p>It fits you if you like systems and can explain how a business runs step by step.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee. Upwork doesn't price AI automation on its own, and marketing automation consultants, the closest skill it prices, typically charge $40 to $90 an hour, with a median of $60 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/marketing-automation-freelancers/cost/)). AI integration grew 178% on Upwork in 2025, by freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)), and searches for [n8n](/ai-tools/n8n) AI automation grew 125% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** n8n's own quick start for building your first AI agent.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuaKeDS6UKU | n8n Quick Start Tutorial: Build Your First AI Agent [2026] | | n8n and Flowgrammer | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Automate one task in your own work first Offer the same automation to three businesses that repeat that task Charge a setup fee, then a monthly fee for upkeep :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [n8n](/ai-tools/n8n), [Zapier](/ai-tools/zapier) and [Make](/ai-tools/make-com) connect the apps, and [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) writes the custom parts.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Automating a messy process makes the mess faster, so fix the steps first. Leaving a client without notes makes them depend on you for each change, so write down how it works. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>32. Build AI chatbots</h4> <p>You build chatbots that answer a business's customers on its website, Instagram or WhatsApp, trained on its own answers. A chatbot can reply in many languages, which helps businesses that sell across borders.</p> <p>**From abroad:** the bot works around the clock, and you review the chats and update answers at your hours.</p> <p>It fits you if you like writing clear answers and testing how people ask questions.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee. On Upwork, chatbot developers typically charge $30 to $61 an hour, and the median is $45 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chatbot-developers/cost/)). AI chatbot development grew 71% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Botpress builds a customer support chatbot without code.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn27M2vAc1Y | Build a Customer Support Chatbot in 5 Minutes (No Code) | | Botpress | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a chatbot for one business's FAQs for free Show it to three businesses in the same industry Charge a setup fee and a monthly fee for updates :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I use [ManyChat](/ai-tools/manychat) for Instagram DMs. [Chatbot Builder AI](/ai-tools/chatbot-builder-ai) and [Pickaxe](/ai-tools/pickaxe) build chatbots without code.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Letting a chatbot guess at prices or policies can mislead customers, so give it only checked answers and a way to reach a person. Skipping the monthly check lets answers go stale, so review the chats each month. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>33. Build AI voice agents</h4> <p>You build [AI voice agents](/articles/how-to-build-an-ai-voice-agent) that answer a business's phone, book appointments and answer common questions, then charge monthly to run them. Clinics, salons and service businesses miss calls, so an agent that picks up pays for itself.</p> <p>**From abroad:** the agent takes calls in the business's time zone while you build and test from yours.</p> <p>It fits you if you like testing conversations and you can map how a business handles calls.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee per agent. Searches for AI voice agents grew 49% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). Upwork doesn't price voice agents yet, and chatbot developers, the closest skill it prices, typically charge $30 to $61 an hour, with a median of $45 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chatbot-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a voice agent for one business's most common calls Let the owner test it with real questions Charge a setup fee and a monthly fee per agent :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ElevenLabs](https://navid.link/elevenlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [Synthflow](https://navid.link/synthflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) build voice agents without code, and [n8n](https://navid.link/n8n?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [Make](https://navid.link/make?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) connect them to calendars.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recording calls without telling callers can break local laws, so check the rules where the business is. Letting the agent handle edge cases badly frustrates callers, so pass hard calls to a person. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** a setup fee, then monthly</p> <h4>34. Vibe code apps and tools for clients</h4> <p>You build the small apps, tools and websites a business needs, like a booking tool or an internal dashboard, by describing them to AI coding tools. A laptop is all the equipment you need, which makes it one of the easiest side hustles to run from a new city.</p> <p>**From abroad:** clients pay a setup invoice and a monthly fee by card or transfer, and you build and fix things at your own hours.</p> <p>It fits you if you can describe what a tool should do, step by step, and you like testing until it works.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project and a monthly fee to keep it running. Searches for [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) specialists grew 938% on Fiverr in six months, and searches for vibe coding grew 61% ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, AI developers typically charge $30 to $150 an hour, and the median is $90 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build one small tool for a business you know, for free Show it to three similar businesses Charge a setup fee and a monthly fee to host and update it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex), and [Cursor](/ai-tools/cursor) and [Replit](/ai-tools/replit) are other ways in. Write clearer instructions with the [Claude Code prompt generator](/free-tools/claude-code-prompt-generator), and read [what Claude Code is](/articles/what-is-claude-code) if you're new to it.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Shipping code you haven't tested can break a client's site, so test each change before it goes live. Building without a written scope turns one project into several, so agree on what's included first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>35. Make AI UGC ads</h4> <p>You make ads that look like a real customer talking about a product, with an AI presenter, an AI voice and a script you write. Brands use them to test many hooks without hiring a creator for each one.</p> <p>**From abroad:** brands send a product brief and you deliver videos, so the work fits any time zone.</p> <p>It fits you if you write hooks well and you know what makes an ad feel natural.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per ad, paid by the brand. Searches for AI UGC video ads grew 265% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** ElevenLabs shows its full workflow for viral AI UGC ads.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_H01wcSCEko | How to Make Viral AI UGC Ads in 2026 (Full Workflow) | | ElevenLabs | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write 10 hooks for one product Make three AI UGC ads from the best ones Offer a monthly pack of new ads to test :::</p> <p>**Tools:** make the presenter with [HeyGen](/ai-tools/heygen) or [Captions](/ai-tools/captions), the voice with [ElevenLabs](/ai-tools/elevenlabs), and the script with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude). The [video script generator](/free-tools/video-script-generator) speeds up the hooks.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Passing an AI presenter off as a real customer breaks ad rules, so follow each platform's labeling rules. Making the ads too polished defeats the point, because UGC works by looking real. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per ad, by the brand</p> <h4>36. Make AI images for brands</h4> <p>You make product photos, ad images and social graphics with AI image tools for businesses that need a steady supply. The value is in matching a brand's look every time, not in one great image.</p> <p>**From abroad:** brands send references and you deliver sets, so the work fits any time zone.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for style and you're patient with prompts and edits.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per image set or a monthly package. AI image generation and editing grew 95% on Upwork in 2025, by freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a sample set for one brand you like Offer a monthly pack of images to small brands Keep a prompt library for each client's look :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I make images with ChatGPT's GPT Image 2.5, [Higgsfield](https://navid.link/higgsfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [Magnific](https://navid.link/magnific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [fal.ai](https://navid.link/falai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Write prompts with the [AI image prompt generator](/free-tools/ai-image-prompt-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using images that copy a known brand or artist can get a client in trouble, so keep the work original. Changing the style between sets confuses a brand's look, so save the prompts that work. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per set, or monthly</p> <h4>37. Dub videos with AI</h4> <p>You translate creators' and companies' videos into other languages with AI dubbing in the speaker's own voice, then check and fix the result. If you speak two languages, you can do the part AI can't: catch what sounds wrong.</p> <p>**From abroad:** creators send finished videos and you send back dubbed files, so the work fits any time zone.</p> <p>It fits you if you speak two languages well and you notice when a translation sounds off.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video or per minute. On Upwork, translators typically charge $15 to $25 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/translators/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** ElevenLabs translates a video into 90+ languages with its dubbing.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CapfiSbuAvM | Translate your Video to 90+ Languages Using Dubbing v2 | | ElevenLabs | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Dub one video from a creator you like as a sample Offer a creator their next three videos in your second language Move to a monthly package as the views come in :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ElevenLabs](/ai-tools/elevenlabs) dubs in the speaker's voice, and [Descript](/ai-tools/descript) helps with the edit.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Dubbing without a native check leaves odd phrasing, so listen to every line before delivery. Using someone's voice without permission breaks platform rules, so get the creator's consent in writing. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>38. Write prompts and AI assistants</h4> <p>You write the prompts and custom AI assistants a business uses every day, like a sales email writer or a support helper trained on its documents. The value is in testing until the output is reliable.</p> <p>**From abroad:** you build and test in shared AI tools, and deliver the assistant with a short guide, so any time zone works.</p> <p>It fits you if you use AI tools daily and you like testing small changes.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or a retainer. Prompt engineering is on LinkedIn's 2026 list of the fastest-growing skills in the US ([LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-skills-rise-2026-fastest-growing-us-linkedin-news-nujwe)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build three assistants for your own work and document them Offer one business an assistant for its most repeated task Charge per assistant, plus a monthly fee for updates :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build in [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) and [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini), and turn assistants into small apps with [Pickaxe](/ai-tools/pickaxe).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Delivering a prompt that works once but not reliably frustrates clients, so test it on 10 real cases. Putting private client data into public tools can break their rules, so ask what's allowed first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, or monthly</p> <h4>39. Help businesses show up in AI answers</h4> <p>You help businesses get named when people ask [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini) or [Perplexity](/ai-tools/perplexity) for a recommendation, by fixing their site, reviews and mentions. It's new, so few businesses know how to do it yet.</p> <p>**From abroad:** the work is research and fixes, reported monthly, so it fits any time zone.</p> <p>It fits you if you know SEO basics and you like testing how AI tools answer questions.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer or a fee per audit. On Upwork, SEO experts typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $21 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/seo-experts/cost/)). In Fiverr's survey of its top marketing specialists, 67% reported more requests for optimizing for AI answers, against 56% for Google SEO ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/resources/guides/reports/holiday-marketing-index-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Marketing Against the Grain on how to get ChatGPT to recommend your business.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wea6aSjclIo | How to Make ChatGPT Recommend Your Business | | Marketing Against the Grain | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Ask AI tools about a business you know and note what they say Write a short report on what's missing and how to fix it Offer the fixes and a monthly check as a retainer :::</p> <p>**Tools:** check pages with the [SEO checker](/free-tools/seo-checker), and test what AI tools say in [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini) and [Perplexity](/ai-tools/perplexity).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising a client a mention in AI answers sets up a dispute, so promise the work and the tracking. Faking reviews or mentions can get a business penalized, so build real ones. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h3>Remote side hustles in support, operations and testing</h3> <p>These 13 keep a business running from a laptop, and the live ones ask for a few hours that overlap with the business.</p> <h4>40. Work as a virtual assistant</h4> <p>You handle a busy person's inbox, calendar, research, bookings and admin, so they can focus on the work only they can do. Many founders hire assistants abroad, and the good ones stay with the same client for years.</p> <p>**From abroad:** clients pay through Upwork or by invoice, and most assistants agree on a few hours a day that overlap with the client.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized, you reply fast and you like making someone's day easier.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a monthly package. On Upwork, virtual assistants typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/virtual-assistants/cost/)). Specialists earn more: medical virtual assistance grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Employed administrative assistants in the US earn a median of $48,310 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** life and numbers earns $1,300 a month as a virtual assistant for two clients, working about 9 hours a week, [in March 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHqhXLKYGgw).</p> <p>:::steps How to start List the five admin tasks you do well Offer a starter package of 10 hours a month Write down each process, so the client can trust you with more :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find clients on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), where I find mine, and [OnlineJobs.ph](https://navid.link/onlinejobsph?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Keep processes in [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and draft emails with [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Saying yes to every task blurs your role, so agree on what's included each month. Going silent during the client's working hours costs trust, so set clear reply times. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>41. Answer customer chats</h4> <p>You answer a company's customers by chat, email or social media, with help desk tools that suggest replies. Support teams run in shifts, so there's often a shift that fits your time zone.</p> <p>**From abroad:** this is live work, so you're tied to the shifts you take, though overnight shifts in one country are daytime in another.</p> <p>It fits you if you stay calm with upset people and you write clear, friendly replies.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. On Upwork, customer service representatives typically charge $10 to $19 an hour, and the median is $14 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/customer-service-representatives/cost/)). Employed customer service representatives in the US earn a median of $21.53 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/customer-service-representatives.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Practice with a help desk tool's free trial Apply to remote support roles that list your time zone Learn the product well before your first shift :::</p> <p>**Tools:** most teams use help desks with AI built in, like [Tidio](https://navid.link/tidio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Find roles in the [remote jobs](/free-tools/remote-jobs) finder.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising refunds you can't approve causes trouble, so know the policy before you reply. Taking shifts that clash with your sleep burns you out, so pick shifts in your daytime. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** live hours · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>42. Manage an online community</h4> <p>You run a creator's or a software company's community: welcome new members, start conversations, host calls and keep the space friendly. A busy community keeps members paying.</p> <p>**From abroad:** you post and reply in batches, and host a live call or two a month in the members' best hours.</p> <p>It fits you if you like people, you're good at starting conversations and you notice when someone's left out.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a monthly retainer, usually from a creator or a software company.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Join two communities you like and help out for a month Offer a creator a set number of hours a week Report what you did, like posts answered and members welcomed :::</p> <p>**Tools:** communities run on [Circle](https://navid.link/circle?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [Skool](https://navid.link/skool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), which I use.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Letting spam sit for days drives members away, so check the community daily. Taking sides in arguments hurts trust, so apply the rules the same way to everyone. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>43. Do data entry</h4> <p>You copy, clean and organize data for businesses: spreadsheets, product listings, CRM records and forms. It's easy to start, which is also why it pays less than most skills here.</p> <p>**From abroad:** data entry is fully asynchronous, but it attracts scams, so take work only through known platforms or real businesses.</p> <p>It fits you if you're fast, accurate and fine with repetitive work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. On Upwork, data entry specialists typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/data-entry-specialists/cost/)). Employed data entry keyers in the US earn a median of $19.88 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes439021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Get fast at spreadsheets and keyboard shortcuts Take small data entry jobs on Upwork or Fiverr to build reviews Learn to clean data with AI, so you can take bigger jobs :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find work on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and use [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) to clean and sort data faster.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying for a data entry "starter kit" is a classic scam, so walk away from any job that asks you to pay first. Typing by hand what AI can clean in seconds keeps your rate low, so learn the faster tools. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>44. Transcribe and caption</h4> <p>You turn audio and video into accurate text and captions for podcasts, interviews, courses and legal recordings. AI drafts most of it now, so the paid part is the human check.</p> <p>**From abroad:** platforms like Rev send work in a queue you pick from, at any hour.</p> <p>It fits you if you type fast, you have a good ear and you like getting details right.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per audio minute. Rev pays $0.40 to $1.10 per audio minute for transcripts and $0.54 to $1.10 for captions, weekly through PayPal ([Rev](https://www.rev.com/freelancers)). On Upwork, transcriptionists typically charge $12 to $22 an hour, and the median is $15 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/transcriptionists/cost/)). Employed court reporters and live captioners in the US earn a median of $72,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/court-reporters.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant tests whether Rev's transcription jobs are worth it.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPSngnJlD2Y | Rev Transcription Jobs: Worth It or Complete Waste of Time? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Take a transcription platform's entry test Start with clear audio jobs to build speed Move to captions or specialties, like legal or medical, as you improve :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) makes a draft transcript you can correct quickly, and [Rev](https://navid.link/rev?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [TranscribeMe](https://navid.link/transcribeme?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) are where many people start. Clean up messy text with the [transcript cleaner](/free-tools/transcript-cleaner).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Trusting the AI draft without listening misses errors, so check every line against the audio. Taking hard audio before you're fast makes your hourly pay drop, so start with clear recordings. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly by PayPal on Rev · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>45. Give remote tech support</h4> <p>You help small businesses and people with their computers, accounts, email, Wi-Fi and software, over a screen share. Many small businesses don't have an IT person and pay monthly for someone to call.</p> <p>**From abroad:** most fixes happen by remote access at a time you agree, but urgent problems need someone who can answer in the client's hours.</p> <p>It fits you if you're the person your family calls when something breaks.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a monthly plan. Employed computer user support specialists in the US earn a median of $61,860 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write a checklist for the 10 problems you fix most Offer a monthly support plan to three small businesses Keep notes on each client's setup :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a screen-sharing tool and a clear checklist for common fixes cover most jobs.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Asking for passwords by email puts clients at risk, so use a password manager's sharing feature. Fixing things without notes means starting over next time, so log each fix. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** monthly, by your clients</p> <h4>46. Manage projects</h4> <p>You keep a client's projects on track: the plan, the tasks, the deadlines and the updates, so the team knows what's next. Small agencies and startups hire part-time project managers before they can afford a full-time one.</p> <p>**From abroad:** project work runs in shared tools, with a few calls a week in the team's hours.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized, you follow up without being asked and you like finishing things.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a monthly retainer. On Upwork, project managers typically charge $19 to $45 an hour, and the median is $28 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/project-managers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Run a project for a friend's business in a free project tool Write a one-page case study of what got delivered Offer a part-time package of hours each week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** plan in [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [Airtable](https://navid.link/airtable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and record meetings with [Granola](https://navid.link/granola?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Managing tasks without a clear owner lets them slip, so name one person for each. Skipping weekly updates leaves clients guessing, so send a short status each week. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>47. Close sales remotely</h4> <p>You take sales calls for a company's leads and close the deal, usually for a commission and sometimes a base. It pays per deal, so a good closer can earn far more than the hourly median, and a weak one can earn little.</p> <p>**From abroad:** sales calls happen in the buyer's hours, so expect evenings or early mornings if you live far from the market.</p> <p>It fits you if you like conversations, you take rejection well and you can follow a process.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a commission per deal, sometimes with a base. On Upwork, sales representatives typically charge $13 to $40 an hour, and the median is $19 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/sales-representatives/cost/)). Employed sales representatives in the US earn a median of $72,080 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/wholesale-and-manufacturing-sales-representatives.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sell something small first, like a friend's service Learn one company's offer inside out before you take its calls Agree on the commission in writing before your first call :::</p> <p>**Tools:** book calls with [Calendly](https://navid.link/calendly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and take notes with [Granola](https://navid.link/granola?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Working only for commission with an untested offer can pay nothing, so ask for a base or proof the offer sells. Pressuring buyers to close leads to refunds, so sell only to people it fits. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **Time zone:** live hours · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>48. Find leads</h4> <p>You find and qualify potential customers for businesses: build lists, research contacts and sometimes book the first meeting. Sales teams pay for lists that turn into calls.</p> <p>**From abroad:** list building is research you do at any hour, and outreach can be scheduled for the buyer's time zone.</p> <p>It fits you if you like research and you're comfortable with data and spreadsheets.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per list, per meeting booked or a retainer. On Upwork, lead generation specialists typically charge $13 to $45 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/lead-generation-specialists/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a sample list of 50 leads for one industry Offer a business a paid list at a set price per lead Add meeting booking once the lists perform :::</p> <p>**Tools:** gather lists with [Apify](https://navid.link/apify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), find emails with [Hunter](https://navid.link/hunter?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [RocketReach](https://navid.link/rocketreach?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and check them with the [bulk email verifier](/free-tools/bulk-email-verifier).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Emailing people without a lawful basis can break privacy laws like Europe's GDPR, so check the rules for each country. Selling unverified emails gets a client's domain flagged, so verify every list. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>49. Recruit for companies</h4> <p>You find candidates for companies that need to hire, screen them and set up interviews. Remote hiring means companies look worldwide, and a recruiter who knows one field and one region is valuable.</p> <p>**From abroad:** sourcing happens at any hour, and screening calls happen in the candidates' hours.</p> <p>It fits you if you like talking to people and you know many people in one industry.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per hire. On Upwork, recruiters typically charge $25 to $70 an hour, and the median is $50 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/recruiting-assistants/cost/)). Employed human resources specialists in the US earn a median of $75,940 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/human-resources-specialists.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one kind of role you understand, like developers or designers Offer to fill one open role for a company you know Agree on the fee in writing before you send candidates :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find contacts with [RocketReach](https://navid.link/rocketreach?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), write outreach with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude), and sharpen your own profile with the [LinkedIn headline generator](/free-tools/linkedin-headline-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending candidates before the fee is agreed can leave you unpaid, so sign terms first. Pushing a weak candidate to close a deal costs you the client, so send fewer, better ones. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>50. Manage online stores for brands</h4> <p>You run a brand's store day to day: listings, product photos, prices, orders, returns and the emails that bring buyers back. Stores sell around the clock, so owners pay someone to keep them running.</p> <p>**From abroad:** most of the work is in the store's dashboard at any hour, with a weekly check-in.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized and you like working out what makes people buy.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer, sometimes plus a share of sales. Ecommerce management was the fastest-growing skill in Upwork's admin and support category in 2025, up 130% in freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). On Upwork, ecommerce experts typically charge $25 to $48 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/e-commerce-freelancers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Fix the listings in one small store as a sample Offer a monthly package of store tasks Report the sales before and after each month :::</p> <p>**Tools:** most stores run on [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Write listings faster with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), make product images in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and connect tools with [Zapier](https://navid.link/zapier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Changing prices without the owner's approval causes trouble, so agree on what you can change alone. Ignoring returns and reviews hurts the store, so check them daily. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>51. Test websites and apps</h4> <p>You try websites and apps while you speak your thoughts aloud, so companies see where people get stuck. Each test is short, and the number of tests depends on your profile and country.</p> <p>**From abroad:** UserTesting pays through PayPal, about 14 days after each test ([UserTesting](https://support.usertesting.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405116832019-FAQ-Payments)), so you need a verified PayPal account in your country.</p> <p>It fits you if you can explain what you're thinking as you click.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per test. UserTesting sends each payment to PayPal 14 days after you upload the test ([UserTesting](https://participant-support.usertesting.com/hc/en-us/articles/37633031351315-When-and-how-will-I-be-paid)).</p> <p>**Watch:** PaidFromSurveys on getting paid to test websites with UserTesting.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IasjXrnwn1M | Get Paid to Test Websites - Is UserTesting.com the Ultimate Side Hustle? (Full Review) | | PaidFromSurveys | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to UserTesting with a verified PayPal account Take the practice test seriously, since it decides your access Check for tests a few times a day, since they fill fast :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the tests come through [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and [Respondent](https://navid.link/respondent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) runs paid research interviews too. A good headset makes your recordings easier to follow.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Rushing through a test gets it rejected and unpaid, so speak your thoughts throughout. Expecting full-time income sets you up for a letdown, so treat tests as extra cash. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** by PayPal, 14 days after each test · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>52. Join paid research studies</h4> <p>You join interviews, surveys and focus groups that companies run to learn from people like you, often about your job. Studies for professionals, like nurses, developers or managers, pay the most.</p> <p>**From abroad:** many studies screen by country, so you'll see more if you live in a market companies research, and calls happen at set times.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a job or hobby companies want to learn about.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per interview, survey or focus group. Respondent shows an average payout of $75 per study, paid 48 hours after your session ([Respondent](https://www.respondent.io/participants)).</p> <p>**Watch:** MediaFuse on a research site that paid $300 for one study.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYBH-uaUHxo | This Research Website Paid Me $300 for Completing A Survey | | MediaFuse | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Fill in your profile in detail, especially your job Apply only to studies you fit Show up on time and answer in full sentences :::</p> <p>**Tools:** studies come through [Respondent](https://navid.link/respondent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Bending the truth to qualify gets your account closed, so answer the screeners honestly. Missing a scheduled call hurts your rating, so put each one in your calendar in your local time. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** 48 hours after each session on Respondent</p> <h3>Remote side hustles teaching and coaching</h3> <p>These six teach and coach by video, live or recorded, and the live ones follow your students' hours.</p> <h4>53. Tutor online</h4> <p>You teach a subject or a language one to one by video, at a rate you set. Platforms like Preply bring students from many countries, so you can fill the hours that suit you.</p> <p>**From abroad:** Preply pays through bank transfer powered by Wise, Wise, PayPal, Payoneer or Skrill, and only bank transfer and Wise pay in your local currency ([Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/15083120-how-to-withdraw-your-earnings)).</p> <p>It fits you if you explain things patiently and you know a subject or language well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per lesson, at a rate you set. Preply keeps the first trial lesson with each new student, then 18% to 33% of each lesson, falling as your teaching hours grow ([Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171383-preply-commission-model)). Employed tutors in the US earn a median of $20.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253041.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** Steven Menking started tutoring at $50 to $100 an hour through New York agencies and Wyzant, and after a decade he charges up to $1,000 an hour ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/03/i-quit-my-6-figure-job-and-now-make-1000-an-hour-working-from-home-my-best-side-hustle-advice.html)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Vivian Zhu on the trial lessons behind over $37,000 earned from 1,568 Preply lessons in three years.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNgkr1_Is6s | I've Earned $39K as a Preply Tutor - Here's My Trial Lesson Blueprint | | Vivian Zhu | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one subject and one kind of student Set up a profile with a short intro video Open hours that match your students' evenings :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) finds students for you, and [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [NotebookLM](https://navid.link/notebooklm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) turn your notes into quizzes and study guides.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Teaching on bad Wi-Fi loses students, so keep a backup connection where you stay. Opening hours you can't keep hurts your rating, so open only the slots you'll show up for. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **Time zone:** live hours · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>54. Teach English online</h4> <p>You talk with English learners by video, from casual chats to lesson plans, on platforms that bring the students to you. A clear accent and patience matter more than a teaching degree for conversation practice.</p> <p>**From abroad:** Cambly sets the rate and pays weekly, so you know what each hour is worth before you start.</p> <p>It fits you if you speak English well, you like meeting people and you can keep a conversation going.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a set rate per minute you teach. Cambly pays $0.17 a minute, or $10.20 an hour, and $0.20 a minute, or $12 an hour, on Cambly Kids ([Cambly](https://www.cambly.com/en/tutors)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up as a tutor and record your intro Take sessions at the times learners are online Ask regular students to book you again :::</p> <p>**Tools:** teach on [Cambly](https://navid.link/cambly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and prep topics and practice sheets with [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Treating it as full-time pay disappoints, since $10.20 an hour is a starter rate, so use it to build skill for higher-paid tutoring. Teaching from a noisy room hurts every session, so set up a quiet corner first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **Time zone:** live hours · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Cambly</p> <h4>55. Coach clients online</h4> <p>You help people reach a result you've already reached, in calls over weeks or months. Coaching by video works from anywhere, and many coaches sell a package rather than single sessions.</p> <p>**From abroad:** calls follow your clients' hours, so pick clients in time zones you can live with.</p> <p>It fits you if people already ask you for advice on something you've done.</p> <p>**What it pays:** coaching packages, paid up front or monthly. On Upwork, business coaches typically charge $75 to $150 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-coaches/cost/)). On Upwork, life coaches typically charge $50 to $250 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/life-coaches/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Joy, the money coach behind Crush Your Money Goals, made $279,000 in 2023 from a coaching business she runs 20 hours a week ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/19/money-coach-how-i-make-a-living-without-working-all-the-time.html)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write down one result you've reached that others want Coach three people at a low price to get results and quotes Sell a package of calls at a set price :::</p> <p>**Tools:** take payments with [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), record calls with [Granola](https://navid.link/granola?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and shape your offer with the [grand slam offer generator](/free-tools/grand-slam-offer-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising a result you can't control invites refunds, so promise the work you'll do together. Booking calls at 2 a.m. your time burns you out, so set the hours you coach. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **Time zone:** live hours · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>56. Train clients online</h4> <p>You coach people through workouts by video and build programs they follow on their own, with check-ins and form reviews. Online training can serve clients in any city.</p> <p>**From abroad:** programs and form reviews are asynchronous, and live sessions follow your clients' hours.</p> <p>It fits you if you train yourself, you like people and you can keep someone motivated.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per session or a monthly package. Personal trainers on Thumbtack charge $40 to $100 an hour, and $55 on average ([Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/p/personal-trainer-cost)). Employed fitness trainers and instructors in the US earn a median of $22.67 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399031.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Get a certification from a recognized program Train three people online for free to collect results Sell a monthly coaching package with weekly check-ins :::</p> <p>**Tools:** plan programs in [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or a spreadsheet, and record form videos on your phone. Take payments with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) where it's available.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Coaching without a health check-in can put clients at risk, so ask about injuries before the first program. Selling single sessions lets clients drift, so sell a package with a goal. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per session or monthly, by the client</p> <h4>57. Sell an online course</h4> <p>A course packages what you know into lessons people buy once. My course, [Virtual Summit Mastery](/virtual-summit-mastery), made $60,000+ on its first launch, from a list of only 1,500 people, and well over $1 million over the years before I sold it to Jan Koch. I ran it while living in different countries.</p> <p>**From abroad:** a course sells while you sleep, so the time zone matters only for live launch events.</p> <p>It fits you if people already pay you, or ask you, to teach the thing you know.</p> <p>**What it pays:** course sales, bundles and payment plans.</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) has made $6.75 million from his courses and products since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Teach the topic live to a small group first Turn the sessions into a short course Launch it to your email list with a deadline :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I sold mine through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), which also hosts courses in ThriveCart Learn. Run your numbers in the [online course revenue calculator](/free-tools/online-course-revenue-calculator), and read my guide on [how to create an online course](/articles/how-to-create-an-online-course).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building the course before anyone buys risks months of work, so presell it first. Launching without an email list makes the first sale hard, so build the list while you build the course. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>58. Run webinars</h4> <p>You teach a live class online for free, then offer your course, coaching or product at the end. A webinar sells best when it solves one problem well and the offer is the next step.</p> <p>**From abroad:** pick a time that suits most of your audience, then offer the replay for a few days to everyone else.</p> <p>It fits you if you like teaching live and you have something to sell after.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sales of your course, coaching or product at the end.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one problem your audience wants solved Teach it in 45 minutes, with the offer at the end Send the replay with a deadline to everyone who registered :::</p> <p>**Tools:** run it on [Zoom](https://navid.link/zoom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), sell with [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and follow up with your email list in [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Teaching too much in one session leaves no reason to buy, so solve one problem fully. Hosting at a time that's 3 a.m. for most of your audience empties the room, so check their time zones first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h3>Remote side hustles creating content</h3> <p>These 12 build an audience that pays through ads, [sponsors](/free-tools/sponsorship-rate-calculator) and links, and this is where country rules matter most.</p> <h4>59. Start a YouTube channel</h4> <p>You make videos on one topic, and earn from YouTube's ad revenue share, sponsors and your own products as the channel grows. It's slow at first, but videos keep earning for years.</p> <p>**From abroad:** the Partner Program is open in 138 countries and regions, including Panama, Mexico and most of Europe ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7101720)), and it pays through AdSense.</p> <p>It fits you if you can stick to a topic for a year and you're comfortable on camera or with your voice.</p> <p>**What it pays:** YouTube's ad revenue share, sponsors, memberships and your own offers. YouTube pays you 55% of the ad revenue on your long videos and 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)), once you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one topic you can make 50 videos about Publish one video a week for six months Join the Partner Program once you qualify :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I find ideas with [vidIQ](https://navid.link/vidiq?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Find videos that beat their channel's usual views with the [YouTube outlier finder](/free-tools/youtube-outlier-finder), and see what views pay in the [YouTube money calculator](/free-tools/youtube-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Switching topics every few videos confuses viewers, so stay on one for a year. Counting on ad revenue alone keeps income low, so add sponsors or your own product early. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>60. Run a faceless channel</h4> <p>You run a YouTube channel without showing your face, with voiceovers, footage, animation or screen recordings. It's popular with people who travel, because you don't need a studio.</p> <p>**From abroad:** it earns on the same YouTube terms as any channel, so it depends on the Partner Program being open where you live.</p> <p>It fits you if you can write a good script and you like research.</p> <p>**What it pays:** ad revenue share, sponsors and affiliate links, on the same YouTube terms as any channel ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)). Businesses pay for this work too: searches for YouTube automation faceless channels grew 239% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Adavia Davis](https://fortune.com/2025/12/30/ai-slop-faceless-youtube-accounts-adavia-davis-user-generated-content) runs faceless AI channels that make roughly $40,000 to $60,000 a month, which Fortune checked against his AdSense records.</p> <p>**Watch:** Sambucha on secretly voicing faceless YouTube channels.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwF8n7vrF5Q | I Secretly Became The Voice Of Faceless YouTube Channels | | Sambucha | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic where faces don't matter, like history or tech Write the scripts yourself, even if AI helps Publish on a schedule and track what holds viewers :::</p> <p>**Tools:** script with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude), voice with [ElevenLabs](/ai-tools/elevenlabs), edit in [Descript](/ai-tools/descript), and find topics with [vidIQ](/ai-tools/vidiq). See what views pay with the [YouTube money calculator](/free-tools/youtube-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Mass-producing low-effort AI videos risks losing monetization, so add real research and a point of view. Using clips you don't own can get videos claimed, so use licensed or original footage. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>61. Post short videos</h4> <p>You post short videos on TikTok, Reels and Shorts, and earn through creator programs, brand deals and affiliate links. Short videos grow an audience fastest, though each view pays little.</p> <p>**From abroad:** TikTok's Creator Rewards Program is open only in the US, the UK, Germany, Japan, South Korea, France, Mexico and Brazil ([TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/creator-academy/article/creator-rewards-program)), so creators elsewhere earn through Shorts, brand deals and links.</p> <p>It fits you if you can make something fast, often, and you like seeing what catches on.</p> <p>**What it pays:** creator programs where you qualify, brand deals and affiliate links. TikTok's Creator Rewards Program pays for videos of at least 1 minute once you have 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in 30 days ([TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/global/creator-rewards-program-us/en)), and YouTube pays 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Jeff Rose](/creators/jeff-rose) made $42,035 from Facebook and Instagram payouts for his posts and reels in [June 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYUcFe5R7IE&amp;t=142s).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one topic and post daily for 30 days Turn your best performer into a series Add a link to something you earn from, like a product or affiliate offer :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut), add captions with [Submagic](/ai-tools/submagic), and cut shorts from long videos with [OpusClip](/ai-tools/opusclip). See what views pay with the [TikTok money calculator](/free-tools/tiktok-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Counting on creator payouts in a country they don't serve leaves you unpaid, so plan for brand deals and links. Posting without a topic makes followers drift, so stay on one theme. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly on the 15th on TikTok, once you pass $50 · **Age:** 18+ for TikTok's rewards</p> <h4>62. Stream live</h4> <p>You stream games, music, coding or chats on Twitch or YouTube, and earn from subscriptions, tips, ads and sponsors. Viewers come for you, so consistency matters more than the topic.</p> <p>**From abroad:** streaming is live, so your schedule should hit your viewers' evenings, and your upload speed has to hold up.</p> <p>It fits you if you enjoy talking for hours and you can keep a schedule.</p> <p>**What it pays:** subscriptions, tips, ads and sponsors. Twitch makes you an Affiliate, and able to get paid, once you stream 4 hours on 4 different days with at least 3 viewers on average and have 25 followers, and it pays out once you pass $50 ([Twitch](https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2026/05/13/monetization-for-all/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Twitch streamer sunshinebread on real daily earnings, from $14 days to a $600 day with ads.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FRxhEjOBOA | How Much Money Do Small Streamers Really Make on Twitch? | | sunshinebread | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a schedule of three streams a week and keep it Stream one thing you'd do anyway, like a game or a craft Clip your best moments for short videos :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a webcam, a microphone and free streaming software get you started, and the [Twitch money calculator](/free-tools/twitch-money-calculator) shows what subs and views pay.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Streaming on weak Wi-Fi loses viewers fast, so test your upload speed where you stay. Changing your schedule often loses regulars, so pick hours you can keep while traveling. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **Time zone:** live hours · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** once you pass $50 on Twitch</p> <h4>63. Make UGC videos</h4> <p>You make videos that look like a real customer talking about a product, for brands to use as ads. Brands pay for the video, not your following, so you can start with no audience.</p> <p>**From abroad:** many brands ship you the product, so check that they ship to where you are, or offer [digital products](/articles/best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and apps instead.</p> <p>It fits you if you're natural on camera and you can explain why you like something.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video, paid by the brand, at a rate you set. Brands also hire this work as video ads: searches for AI UGC video ads grew 265% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026, and searches for video editing grew 36% ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make three sample videos about products you own Pitch five brands with the samples and a simple rate Offer a package of videos with a few hooks each :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and add captions with [Captions](https://navid.link/captions?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Write hooks and scripts with [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), or with the [video script generator](/free-tools/video-script-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Giving brands rights to use your face forever for a small fee undercuts you, so set a usage period. Faking a product review breaks ad rules, so use products you've actually tried. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when the brand pays your invoice</p> <h4>64. Clip videos</h4> <p>You cut the best moments from creators' long videos and podcasts into short clips with captions, then post them or hand them over. Some creators pay per clip, and some programs pay per view.</p> <p>**From abroad:** clipping is fully asynchronous, and many programs pay through the platform that runs them.</p> <p>It fits you if you can spot a moment that will hold attention in the first three seconds.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per clip, or pay per view on clipping programs. Clips are short-form video editing, and searches for short-form video editing grew 27% and Reels editing 57% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, video editors typically charge $6 to $25 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Clip 10 moments from a creator you watch Post them on a test account to see what gets views Offer the best clips to the creator, or join a clipping program :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) finds the moments, and [Submagic](https://navid.link/submagic?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) add captions and cuts. Add captions for free with the [video caption generator](/free-tools/video-caption-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Posting someone's clips without permission can get accounts taken down, so clip only for creators who allow it. Chasing pay-per-view programs with tiny rates wastes hours, so check what 1,000 views pay first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per clip or per view, by the creator</p> <h4>65. Start a podcast</h4> <p>You record conversations or solo episodes on one topic, and earn from sponsors, listener support and your own offers. A podcast builds trust over hours of listening, which makes your own products easier to sell.</p> <p>**From abroad:** you can record guests anywhere with a remote recording tool, so the only live part is the interview time.</p> <p>It fits you if you like conversations and you can keep a regular schedule.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, listener support, premium episodes and your own offers. Spotify's Partner Program pays 50% of the ad revenue from its ads in your episodes, once your show reaches 2,000 hours listened and 1,000 listeners in 30 days ([Spotify](https://support.spotify.com/us/creators/article/spotify-partner-program/)).</p> <p>**Example:** [John Lee Dumas](/creators/john-lee-dumas) made $126,550 from podcast sponsorships in [January 2024](https://www.eofire.com/income125/).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one topic and one listener you're making it for Record 10 episodes before you launch Pitch sponsors once you have steady downloads :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I record in [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Price your ads with the [podcast sponsorship calculator](/free-tools/podcast-sponsorship-calculator), and read my guide on [how to make money podcasting](/articles/how-to-make-money-podcasting).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recording guests on a bad connection ruins episodes, so use a tool that records each side locally. Waiting for sponsors before selling anything delays income, so offer your own product early. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when sponsors pay</p> <h4>66. Write a newsletter</h4> <p>You write a newsletter for one audience, then earn from sponsors, paid subscriptions, affiliate links and your own products. It's one of the most portable side hustles, since a newsletter is written wherever you are.</p> <p>**From abroad:** paid subscriptions on Substack go through Stripe, so check that Stripe serves your country, or use a platform that pays out where you live.</p> <p>It fits you if you like writing on a schedule and you know one audience well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, paid subscriptions, affiliate links and your own products. On Substack, writers keep 90% of paid subscriptions, minus card fees ([Substack](https://substack.com/going-paid)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $795,000 from sponsors in his weekly newsletter since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on the easiest way to build a local newsletter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0MRAjVp_Uo | The Easiest Way to Build a Local Newsletter | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one audience and one promise for the newsletter Publish weekly for three months before you look for sponsors Pitch sponsors that already sell to your readers :::</p> <p>**Tools:** Justin Welsh, Pat Flynn and Dickie Bush use [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), Dan Koe uses [beehiiv](https://navid.link/beehiiv?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and Tim Denning uses [Substack](https://navid.link/substack?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). See what a list can earn with the [Substack money calculator](/free-tools/substack-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking sponsors that don't fit your readers costs trust, so say no to the wrong ones. Skipping weeks loses readers, so pick a schedule you can keep while traveling. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** through Stripe for paid subscriptions · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>67. Start a blog</h4> <p>You write articles on one topic and earn from display ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts and your own products as traffic grows. My own business started as a blog in 2013.</p> <p>**From abroad:** ad networks and affiliate programs pay across borders, though each one sets its own countries and payout methods.</p> <p>It fits you if you like writing and you can wait a year for search traffic.</p> <p>**What it pays:** display ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts and your own products.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one topic with questions people search for Publish two helpful articles a week Add affiliate links and an email list once the visits grow :::</p> <p>**Tools:** Ryan Robinson writes with [RightBlogger](https://navid.link/rightblogger?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), which he co-founded, and researches with [Ahrefs](https://navid.link/ahrefs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). My guides are [how to start a blog](/articles/how-to-start-a-blog) and [how to make money blogging](/articles/how-to-make-money-blogging).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Publishing AI articles without your own experience gets ignored by readers, so add what you've seen and done. Quitting after a few months misses the slow build of search traffic, so plan for a year. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, by each ad network and affiliate program</p> <h4>68. Earn affiliate commissions</h4> <p>You recommend products you use and earn a commission when people buy through your link. It works with any audience, from a blog to a YouTube channel to an email list.</p> <p>**From abroad:** each affiliate program sets its own countries and payout methods, so check the program's terms before you promote it.</p> <p>It fits you if you already recommend tools or products to people who trust you.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a commission per sale or sign-up. Amazon Associates pays up to 10% of each sale, depending on the category ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/GRXPHT8U84RAYDXZ)), about 60 days after the end of the month ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/G63DR893K4DH55XZ)). My biggest affiliate month came from a course, not Amazon: around $40,000 as Ramit Sethi's #1 affiliate for Zero to Launch.</p> <p>**Example:** [Maria Wendt](/creators/maria-wendt) makes $11,000 a month from affiliate links, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QBQzi4r940&amp;t=0s).</p> <p>:::steps How to start List the products you already use and recommend Join their affiliate programs Write honest reviews and comparisons that link to them :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find programs with the [affiliate program finder](/best-affiliate-programs), and work out what a promotion pays with the [affiliate commission calculator](/free-tools/affiliate-commission-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Hiding that a link pays you breaks FTC rules in the US, so disclose it clearly. Promoting products you haven't used costs trust, so recommend only what you'd buy again. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on Amazon</p> <h4>69. Grow an Instagram account</h4> <p>You build an Instagram account on one topic and earn from brand deals, subscriptions and your own offers. Travel and lifestyle accounts often grow from living abroad itself.</p> <p>**From abroad:** brand deals pay by invoice or platform, so they work from anywhere, while Meta's own creator payouts vary by country.</p> <p>It fits you if you like taking photos and making Reels, and you can post consistently.</p> <p>**What it pays:** brand deals, subscriptions, gifts and your own offers. Businesses are paying for Instagram work: searches for Instagram services grew 147% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one topic and post three times a week Reply to every comment for the first months Pitch brands once you have steady engagement :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I use [ManyChat](https://navid.link/manychat?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) to answer DMs automatically. [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) make posts and Reels. Make carousels with the [Instagram carousel generator](/free-tools/instagram-carousel-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying followers wrecks your engagement, so grow with real people. Taking every brand deal makes your feed feel like ads, so pick brands that fit. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when brands pay</p> <h4>70. Build an audience on LinkedIn</h4> <p>You post about your work on LinkedIn, and the audience brings clients, jobs, speaking invitations and buyers for your own offers. LinkedIn doesn't pay creators directly, but its audience has budgets.</p> <p>**From abroad:** the money comes from clients and buyers, not the platform, so it works from any country.</p> <p>It fits you if you have experience in a field and you like sharing what you've learned.</p> <p>**What it pays:** clients, jobs, speaking and your own offers.</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) built his solo business on LinkedIn and X, and has made $6.75 million from courses and products since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Fix your profile headline and about section Post three times a week about lessons from your work Add a clear offer, like a call or a product, to your profile :::</p> <p>**Tools:** write and schedule posts in [Taplio](https://navid.link/taplio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [Typefully](https://navid.link/typefully?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and write your headline with the [LinkedIn headline generator](/free-tools/linkedin-headline-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Posting generic motivation gets skimmed, so share specific lessons from your work. Selling in every post turns people off, so teach most of the time. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** when your clients pay</p> <h3>Remote side hustles selling online</h3> <p>These 10 sell digital and physical products to buyers in many countries, and the digital ones need no shipping at all.</p> <h4>71. Sell digital products</h4> <p>You sell guides, templates, presets, courses or tools as downloads, made once and sold again and again. Digital products are the most portable thing to sell, since nothing ships.</p> <p>**From abroad:** check how your store pays out where you live: Gumroad pays to a local bank in most countries and to PayPal elsewhere, with no Payoneer or Wise payouts ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/help/article/13-getting-paid)).</p> <p>It fits you if you know how to solve one problem and you can package it simply.</p> <p>**What it pays:** one-time sales on your site or a marketplace. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself, and 30% of sales from its own marketplace ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Maria Wendt](/creators/maria-wendt) makes about $1 million a month from her digital products, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QBQzi4r940&amp;t=70s).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a problem people already pay to solve Make a small product that solves it in an afternoon Sell it to your audience or on a marketplace, then improve it from feedback :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I sell through Creator Store, an AI-powered store I built myself with the help of AI, and I used [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) for years before that. Thomas Frank sells through [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and [Stan Store](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) sell from one page too. Find what to make with the [digital product idea generator](/free-tools/digital-product-idea-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Picking a store that can't pay out in your country leaves money stuck, so check payouts before your first sale. Making a big product before anyone buys risks months of work, so start small. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>72. Sell printables</h4> <p>You design planners, worksheets, checklists and wall art that buyers download and print. Etsy brings buyers searching for them, and each design can sell again and again.</p> <p>**From abroad:** Etsy Payments works in 62 countries and territories, 16 of them through Payoneer, and charges 2.5% to convert when your currency differs from your listings' ([Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015710408-Countries-Eligible-for-Etsy-Payments)).</p> <p>It fits you if you like simple design and can find what buyers search for.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per download that you set, minus Etsy's $0.20 listing fee, 6.5% of each sale and payment processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Cam Finance tested an AI printables shop on Etsy from $0: two sales for $9 in the first week, then $187 in total sales by the end of week two, after cutting prices from $12 to $7, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1abscZwwsM).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find printables that sell in one niche Make 10 better versions with AI and [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) List them with clear photos and keywords :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) with images from [Ideogram](/ai-tools/ideogram), and sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). See what you keep with the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Opening a shop from a country Etsy Payments doesn't serve blocks your payouts, so check the list first. Copying another shop's designs gets listings removed, so make your own. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>73. Sell Notion templates</h4> <p>You build [Notion](/ai-tools/notion) templates for planning, studying, business or content, and sell them as digital downloads. People buy templates to skip the setup and copy a system that works.</p> <p>**From abroad:** templates sell on Gumroad and Lemon Squeezy, so check which one pays out in your country before you list.</p> <p>It fits you if you love organizing and you've built Notion setups others ask about.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per template that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Turn a Notion setup you use into a clean template Record a short walkthrough video Sell it on Gumroad or Lemon Squeezy, with a free version to grow a list :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build in [Notion](/ai-tools/notion) with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) to help, and sell on [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling a template you don't use yourself shows in the details, so start from your own system. Skipping the walkthrough leaves buyers confused, so show how it works. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>74. Sell Canva templates</h4> <p>You design Canva templates for social posts, presentations, resumes and brand kits, and sell the links. Small businesses and creators buy them to look polished without a designer.</p> <p>**From abroad:** Canva templates sell as digital links on Etsy or your own store, so nothing ships and the payout depends on the store.</p> <p>It fits you if you design well in Canva and you know what a busy business owner needs.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per template that you set, minus Etsy's $0.20 listing fee, 6.5% of each sale and payment processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Design a set of 10 templates for one kind of buyer Make mockups that show the templates in use List them on Etsy or your own store :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and see what you keep with the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using Canva Pro elements a buyer can't access breaks their copy, so check the template on a free account. Listing single templates competes with thousands, so sell themed bundles. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>75. Sell presets and LUTs</h4> <p>You sell photo presets and video LUTs that give buyers your look in one click. Travel photographers often sell the style they've built on the road.</p> <p>**From abroad:** presets are downloads, so they sell from anywhere through a digital store that pays out in your country.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a recognizable editing style and photos that show it.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per pack that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Turn your editing style into five presets Show before-and-after photos for each one Sell the pack on your store and share it with your audience :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build presets in [Adobe Lightroom](https://navid.link/adobelightroom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and sell them on [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Showing only your best photos oversells the preset, so show it on ordinary shots too. Selling presets with no audience is slow, so grow your following first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>76. Sell stock photos and videos</h4> <p>You upload photos and videos to stock sites, and earn each time a buyer licenses one. Living abroad helps here, because places you see every day are new to buyers.</p> <p>**From abroad:** stock sites pay contributors around the world, and each file can keep earning for years.</p> <p>It fits you if you take good photos or video and you're patient with uploads and keywords.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of each license sold. Shutterstock pays 15% to 40% of each license, by six earnings levels that reset every January 1 ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10594604-how-much-will-i-be-paid-as-a-contributor-to-shutterstock)), and pays monthly, by the 15th ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10617435-how-do-i-get-paid-for-my-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Trace made $3,289 from 3,729 downloads on Adobe Stock in 2025, and shares the year's numbers, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkAEpvi73gQ).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Upload 100 of your best photos with good keywords Shoot what buyers search for, like people at work or local places Upload a little every week, since the library is what earns :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [Adobe Lightroom](https://navid.link/adobelightroom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), upscale with [Topaz Labs](https://navid.link/topazlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and upload to [Adobe Stock](https://navid.link/adobestock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and [Shutterstock](https://navid.link/shutterstock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Write titles and tags with ChatGPT.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Uploading photos of people without model releases gets them rejected, so get releases. Expecting fast income disappoints, since stock builds slowly over years. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** monthly, by the 15th on Shutterstock</p> <h4>77. Print on demand</h4> <p>You design shirts, mugs, posters and more, and a print supplier makes and ships each order when someone buys. You don't hold stock, so you can run it from anywhere.</p> <p>**From abroad:** the supplier ships to the buyer, so where you live doesn't matter, as long as your store can pay you out.</p> <p>It fits you if you like designing for a niche and testing what sells.</p> <p>**What it pays:** [the margin](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator) on each item sold: your price minus the print cost and the marketplace's fees. On Etsy, that's $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Brenon Dopp's print-on-demand Etsy shop made $40 in its first month and $6,076 in its best month, October, in its first year, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3vm3FIm4UE).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one niche with passionate buyers Design 20 products and order samples of the best List them with real mockups and keywords :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft designs with [Ideogram](https://navid.link/ideogram?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), [Midjourney](https://navid.link/midjourney?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or ChatGPT's image model, and finish them in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) or [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), with a print supplier like [Printful](https://navid.link/printful?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Check your margin with the [print on demand profit calculator](/free-tools/print-on-demand-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using trademarked phrases or characters gets listings removed, so make original designs. Skipping samples risks bad prints, so order one of each product first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>78. Sell on Etsy</h4> <p>You open an Etsy shop for handmade, vintage or digital items, and Etsy brings the buyers. Digital items are the easiest to run while traveling, since physical ones need a place to make and ship them.</p> <p>**From abroad:** Etsy sends new sellers' deposits weekly by default ([Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046998234-How-to-Receive-Your-Etsy-Payments-Deposit)), and sellers outside the US must add a bank account within 30 days of their first sale ([Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015747228-How-to-Manage-Your-Payment-Account)).</p> <p>It fits you if you make or find things people search for, and you like improving listings.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sales, minus Etsy's fees: $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale, and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)). New sellers get paid weekly, every Monday, and can switch to daily, every two weeks or monthly ([Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046998234-How-to-Receive-Your-Etsy-Payments-Deposit)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check that Etsy Payments serves your country List 10 items in one niche Improve titles and photos based on what gets clicks :::</p> <p>**Tools:** use [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) itself, [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) for printables and mockups, and [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) for titles and tags. Work out what you keep per sale with the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Missing the 30-day deadline to add a bank account can get a shop suspended, so add it right after your first sale. Selling physical items while you move around makes shipping hard, so start with digital ones. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** every Monday by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>79. Dropship</h4> <p>You sell products online that a supplier ships straight to the buyer, so you handle the store and the ads, not the stock. It works from anywhere, but margins are thin and ads cost money up front.</p> <p>**From abroad:** your store and payment processor decide where you can run it, so check that both serve your country before you buy ads.</p> <p>It fits you if you like testing ads and products, and you can afford to lose your test budget.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each order, after ads and fees. Check yours with the [dropshipping profit calculator](/free-tools/dropshipping-profit-calculator).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one product with a clear buyer and a fair margin Order it yourself to check quality and shipping time Test ads with a small budget before you scale :::</p> <p>**Tools:** run the store on [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and check your margin with the [dropshipping profit calculator](/free-tools/dropshipping-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling products with month-long shipping brings refunds, so pick suppliers that ship fast to your buyers. Spending your full budget on day one leaves nothing to learn from, so test small. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>80. Resell online</h4> <p>You buy items cheaply, like clothes, electronics or collectibles, and resell them online for more. It works best from a home base, since you have to store and ship what you sell.</p> <p>**From abroad:** marketplaces like eBay serve many countries, but each one has its own rules, so resell where you live.</p> <p>It fits you if you spot bargains and you like the hunt.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each item. On eBay, the money is usually available 1 to 2 days after the buyer pays, and daily payouts start about 2 days after that ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sell things you already own to learn the process Learn which brands or items sell fast in your area Reinvest profits into more stock :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) for almost anything, [Poshmark](https://navid.link/poshmark?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) for clothes and [Whatnot](https://navid.link/whatnot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) for live selling. Write listings with [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and clean product photos with the [product photo background remover](/free-tools/product-photo-background-remover).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying stock before you know what sells ties up your cash, so start with what you own. Underpricing shipping eats your profit, so weigh each item before you list it. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** daily or weekly on eBay · **Age:** 18+ on eBay</p> <h3>Remote side hustles you own</h3> <p>These five build something you own that can earn without you, and the right payment setup matters most here.</p> <h4>81. Build your own app or tool</h4> <p>You build your own app, tool or small piece of software with AI coding tools, and sell it by subscription or one-time sale, or offer it free to bring in visitors and email sign-ups. AI makes building fast, so the hard part now is finding people who want it.</p> <p>**From abroad:** your app needs a payment processor that serves your country, since Stripe is open in 44 countries ([Stripe](https://stripe.com/global)), so pick one before you launch.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an idea for a tool you'd use yourself, and you'll keep improving it after launch.</p> <p>**What it pays:** subscriptions or one-time sales of what you build, or the visitors and email sign-ups a free tool brings in. Across more than 115,000 subscription apps, the median new app made about $72 a month a year after launch, the top 10% made $2,500 or more, and 17.3% reached $1,000 a month within two years ([RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)).</p> <p>**Example:** The 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site are my own builds, vibe coded with Claude Code and Codex. Pieter Levels vibe coded fly.pieter.com, a flight game that runs in the browser, in February 2025, and he says it reached $1 million in annual recurring revenue in 17 days ([levels.io](https://levels.io/fly-pieter-com-vibecoded-flight-simulator)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a free tool that solves one small problem Share it where the people with that problem spend time Add a paid plan once people use it every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex). [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable), [Bolt](/ai-tools/bolt), [Replit](/ai-tools/replit), [Base44](/ai-tools/base44) and [Vibecode](https://navid.link/vibecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) build apps from a prompt, and [Google AI Studio](/ai-tools/google-ai-studio) does it with Gemini. Read [what vibe coding is](/articles/what-is-vibe-coding) if you're new to it.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building for months before anyone uses it wastes the time, so ship a small version first. Launching in a country your payment processor doesn't serve blocks sales, so set up payments first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>82. Build a browser extension</h4> <p>You build a Chrome extension that solves one small problem, then charge a subscription or a one-time price. Extensions reach users in every country through the Chrome Web Store.</p> <p>**From abroad:** you sell through your own payment processor, so check that it serves your country.</p> <p>It fits you if you notice small annoyances in the tools you use every day.</p> <p>**What it pays:** one-time sales or subscriptions. On Upwork, Chrome extension developers typically charge $25 to $41 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chrome-extension-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Google's Chrome team talks with the founders of Pretty Prompt about growing their extension to 15,000 users and charging for it.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i2N7Hqyqyg | Building a profitable Chrome extension - Lessons from Pretty Prompt | | Chrome for Developers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a free extension that fixes one annoyance Publish it in the Chrome Web Store Add a paid tier once people use it daily :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build it with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code), and charge with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) where it's available.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Asking for more permissions than you need scares users away, so request only what the extension uses. Charging before anyone relies on it slows growth, so earn daily users first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>83. Run a paid community</h4> <p>A paid community charges a monthly or yearly fee for access to you, other members and resources, like calls and templates. It earns again each month, as long as members stay.</p> <p>**From abroad:** host live calls at times that suit most members, and record them for everyone else.</p> <p>It fits you if you like hosting conversations and you can show up on a schedule.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly or yearly memberships.</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) has made $630,000 from his community since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** my interview with [Stu McLaren](/creators/stu-mclaren) on building a successful membership site.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U4tFbl93Zg | How to Create a Successful Membership Site with Stu McLaren | | Navid Moazzez | https://cdn.navid.me/navid-moazzez.jpg | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Start a free group around one topic Add a paid tier with a monthly call and resources Ask members what keeps them, and add more of it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** bill members with [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and host the community on [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles). Read my guide on [how to create a membership site](/articles/how-to-create-a-membership-site).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Launching to nobody makes a community feel empty, so invite your first members by hand. Promising daily content burns you out, so promise a rhythm you can keep, like one call a month. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **Time zone:** some overlap · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>84. Run a niche job board</h4> <p>You build a job board for one industry or one kind of role, and charge companies to post jobs or feature them. Remote job boards suit this list, since the jobs themselves are location-free.</p> <p>**From abroad:** companies pay by card for each post, so the payment setup is the only country question.</p> <p>It fits you if you know an industry well and you can bring job seekers to the board.</p> <p>**What it pays:** job post fees, featured listings and sponsors.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one niche where jobs are hard to find Collect jobs by hand and post them for free at first Charge companies once job seekers visit every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build it with [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles) and charge with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Charging before job seekers come leaves companies with no results, so build the audience first. Letting fake listings through hurts trust, so check each company. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>85. Buy and grow websites</h4> <p>You buy small websites or online businesses, improve their content and earnings, and sell them for more, or keep the income. It's a business you can run from anywhere, since a website has no address.</p> <p>**From abroad:** marketplaces close sales through escrow, so the buyer and seller can be in different countries.</p> <p>It fits you if you can read traffic data and you're careful with money.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the sale price, above what you paid and spent.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Study sold listings on a marketplace to learn prices Buy a small site you can afford to lose Improve one thing at a time, like content or conversions :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find sites on [Flippa](https://navid.link/flippa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles), and check their traffic with [Ahrefs](https://navid.link/ahrefs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=remote-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying without checking the traffic and revenue proof is risky, so verify both before you pay. Spending your savings on one site concentrates risk, so start small. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **Time zone:** any · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** through escrow when the sale closes</p> <h3>Where you can work from</h3> <p>I've lived in cities from Kuala Lumpur and Phnom Penh to Barcelona and London, and I pick a place for three things: internet I can rely on, a time zone that works for my clients, and a visa that lets me stay.</p> <p>Many countries now offer digital nomad visas, which let remote workers stay longer than a tourist visa allows. Find the ones that fit you with the [digital nomad visa finder](/free-tools/digital-nomad-visa-finder), and compare countries on the [countries](/countries) hub.</p> <p>Your bank matters too, since some cards charge for each payment abroad. Compare them with the [best bank accounts for digital nomads](/free-tools/best-bank-accounts-for-digital-nomads), and read my guide on [how to become a digital nomad](/articles/how-to-become-a-digital-nomad).</p> <h3>Time zones: which remote side hustles need live hours</h3> <p>The time zone decides more than the country. Here's how the side hustles above split:</p> <p>:::table fancy How live it is | Side hustles | What it means for you  Live hours | Tutoring, teaching English, coaching, customer support, sales calls and streaming | You work in your clients' or viewers' hours  Some overlap | Virtual assistance, project management, design and development for teams, and community management | A few shared hours a day or a call a week  Any time zone | Writing, editing, design work, AI work, selling online and the things you own | You work whenever it suits you :::</p> <p>If you're far from your clients, pick side hustles from the bottom row, or clients in a time zone near yours.</p> <h3>Taxes when you earn remotely</h3> <p>Earning from abroad changes where and how you pay tax, not whether you do. If you're a US citizen, you're taxed on your worldwide income wherever you live ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad)), though you may qualify to exclude part of your foreign earnings, up to an amount adjusted each year ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/foreign-earned-income-exclusion)).</p> <p>Platforms can collect tax for some countries too. Upwork, for example, collects income tax from freelancers in Mexico, at 2.5% of earnings with a valid Mexican tax ID and 20% without one ([Upwork](https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/1500002139802-How-taxes-work-on-Upwork-for-freelancers-in-Mexico)).</p> <p>For most people outside the US, where you're tax resident decides most of the rest. Compare countries with the [tax rates by country](/free-tools/tax-rates-by-country) tool, see which ones tax only local income on the [territorial tax map](/free-tools/territorial-tax-map), and find the [countries with no income tax](/free-tools/countries-with-no-income-tax). I'm not a tax advisor, so check with an accountant who knows both countries as the money grows.</p> <h3>Final thoughts on remote side hustles</h3> <p>The best remote side hustle is one that pays you where you are, at hours you can keep. Check the platform pays out in your country, pick work that fits your time zone, and start with a skill you already have.</p> <p>I'd pick one side hustle from the group that fits you, set up the way you'll get paid first, and give it three months before judging it. That's how I'd start from anywhere.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[How to become a digital nomad](/articles/how-to-become-a-digital-nomad)</li><li>[Location freedom](/articles/location-freedom)</li><li>[35 highest paying side hustles](/articles/highest-paying-side-hustles)</li><li>[60 side hustles from home](/articles/side-hustles-from-home)</li><li>[50 best online side hustles](/articles/best-online-side-hustles)</li><li>[108 ways to make money online](/articles/ways-to-make-money-online)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: compare how you'll get paid with the [money transfer comparison](/free-tools/money-transfer-comparison), then pick one side hustle from this list and land your first client or sale this month. And if this guide helped, DM me on [X](https://x.com/thenavidm) or [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenavidm) and tell me where you're working from.</p><h2>FAQs about remote side hustles</h2><h3>What are the best remote side hustles?</h3><p>The best remote side hustles sell a skill you already have, like writing, design, coding or admin work, through platforms that pay in your country.</p> <p>AI training, AI automation and vibe coding are growing fast, and they work from almost anywhere.</p> <p>Pick one that fits your time zone, since live work ties you to your clients' hours.</p><h3>Which remote side hustles need no experience?</h3><p>AI training, user testing, teaching English, clipping, data entry and paid research studies need no experience to start.</p> <p>They pay less than skilled work, but they teach you how remote work and payouts run.</p> <p>Use them to build skills for the better-paid side hustles on this list.</p><h3>Which remote side hustles need no degree?</h3><p>Most of them don't need a degree, including freelancing, voiceovers, video editing, social media management and selling online.</p> <p>Clients look at your portfolio and reviews more than your diploma.</p> <p>Some specialist work, like grant writing or bookkeeping, goes better with training in that field.</p><h3>Which remote side hustles pay well?</h3><p>Coaching, AI development and consulting pay the most per hour on Upwork, with medians of $55 to $100.</p> <p>Things you own, like courses, apps and newsletters, have no ceiling but start slowly.</p> <p>My guide to the highest paying side hustles ranks 35 of them by real rates.</p><h3>Can I do remote side hustles from any country?</h3><p>You can do most of the work from anywhere, but some platforms limit where they pay.</p> <p>TikTok's Creator Rewards Program is open in eight countries, and Stripe in 44, while Upwork and Fiverr pay out in most countries.</p> <p>Check the payout rules for your country before you start.</p><h3>How do I get paid from abroad?</h3><p>Most platforms pay to PayPal, Payoneer or a local bank, and Wise lets you receive payments in nine currencies for free.</p> <p>Upwork pays to a local bank for $0.99 a withdrawal, and Fiverr pays to PayPal with no withdrawal fee.</p> <p>Compare transfer costs with the money transfer comparison before you choose.</p><h3>What remote side hustles suit nurses?</h3><p>AI training pays experts more than generalists, so a nurse's knowledge can earn more there than general tasks.</p> <p>Health coaching, medical writing and paid research studies for health professionals also use what you know.</p> <p>Check your employer's rules on outside work before you start.</p><h3>What remote side hustles suit teachers?</h3><p>Online tutoring, teaching English and selling printables use skills teachers practice every day.</p> <p>Preply lets tutors set their own rate, and Cambly pays $10.20 an hour for conversation practice.</p> <p>Courses and webinars let you teach many students at once.</p><h3>What remote side hustles suit students?</h3><p>Clipping, AI training, user testing and social media management fit around classes, at hours you choose.</p> <p>Many platforms require you to be 18, so check the age rules first.</p> <p>Pick one that builds a skill you can keep using after graduation.</p><h3>Do I pay tax where I live or where the client is?</h3><p>Usually, you pay tax where you're tax resident, not where your client is.</p> <p>US citizens are taxed on worldwide income wherever they live, and some platforms collect tax locally, like Upwork in Mexico.</p> <p>I'm not a tax advisor, so check with an accountant who knows both countries.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/highest-paying-side-hustles/https://navid.me/blog/highest-paying-side-hustles/35 high paying side hustles ranked by real rates, from fractional work and photography at $100+ an hour to local jobs and businesses with no ceiling, each with a real example where one exists.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of the 35 highest paying side hustles, ranked by what people really charge for them.</p> <p>My first side hustle, in 2013, was a blog I ran beside a part-time bank job. In 2014, my first [virtual summit](/articles/what-is-a-virtual-summit) made over $20,000, and I quit that job on November 28, 2014. Since then I've made money from consulting, coaching, courses and summits, and I vibe coded the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site with AI. You can read more in [my story](/about-navid).</p> <p>Most lists of high paying side hustles guess at the pay. Every rate here comes from a named source instead: Upwork's rate pages for online skills, Thumbtack's and Angi's cost guides for local work, and each platform's own pages. So each side hustle below shows what it pays, a real example where one exists, the tools to use and the mistakes to avoid.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>The 35 highest paying side hustles, ranked by real rates</li><li>Which side hustles pay $100 an hour or more</li><li>The best high paying side hustles for nurses, teachers and students</li><li>The popular side hustles that pay less than you'd think</li><li>How to raise your rate once clients say yes</li></ul> <p>Start with the ranking, then jump to the group that fits your skills.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - Fractional executive work tops the list: in Go Fractional's benchmarks from live job posts, fractional CMOs average $176 an hour ([Go Fractional](https://www.gofractional.com/insights/rates/cmo)) and CTOs $211 ([Go Fractional](https://www.gofractional.com/insights/rates/cto)). - Local work often pays more per hour than the same skill online: photographers average $164 an hour on Thumbtack ([Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/p/photographer-prices)), against a $30 median on Upwork ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/photographers/cost/)). - The best paid online skills in this list are coaching, with a $100 median on Upwork, and AI development, with a $90 median ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/)). - Some popular side hustles pay less than they look: video editors on Upwork typically charge $6 to $25 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)). - High rates come with costs, from equipment and insurance for local jobs to a 15.3% self-employment tax in the US ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes)). :::</p> <h3>The highest paying side hustles at a glance</h3> <p>Here's what the side hustles with an hourly rate pay, from the highest to the lowest:</p> <p>:::chart What the highest paying side hustles pay per hour | $ | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/), [Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/prices) and [Go Fractional](https://www.gofractional.com/insights/rates/cmo) | Upwork medians for online skills, Thumbtack national averages for local work and Go Fractional's lowest role average for fractional work, October 2026 Fractional executive | 176 | $176 to $211 Local photographer | 164 | $164 Real estate photographer | 150 | $150 Coach | 100 | $100 AI developer | 90 | $90 Tax preparer | 60 | $60 Automation consultant | 60 | $60 Consultant | 55 | $55 Voice actor | 55 | $55 Personal trainer | 55 | $55 Grant writer | 50 | $50 Recruiter | 50 | $50 Presentation designer | 45 | $45 Chatbot developer | 45 | $45 Resume writer | 42 | $42 Ghostwriter | 32 | $32 Copywriter | 30 | $30 Technical writer | 30 | $30 Web developer | 30 | $30 Ads specialist | 30 | $30 UX designer | 27 | $27 Graphic designer | 25 | $25 :::</p> <p>And here are all 35, with what each pays and where the figure comes from:</p> <p>:::table fancy Side hustle | What it pays | Source  [Fractional executive](#1-work-as-a-fractional-executive) | $176 to $211 an hour, by role | [Go Fractional](https://www.gofractional.com/insights/rates/cmo)  [Event and family photographer](#2-photograph-events-and-families) | $164 an hour, or $358 a job | [Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/p/photographer-prices)  [Real estate photographer](#3-photograph-homes-for-real-estate-agents) | $150 an hour, or $286 a home | [Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/p/real-estate-photography-prices)  [Coach](#4-coach-people-in-your-field) | $100 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-coaches/cost/)  [AI app and tool builder](#5-vibe-code-apps-and-tools-for-businesses) | $90 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/)  [Tax preparer](#6-prepare-tax-returns) | $60 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/tax-preparers/cost/)  [AI automation builder](#7-build-ai-automations) | $60 an hour, the median for marketing automation | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/marketing-automation-freelancers/cost/)  [Consultant](#8-consult-in-your-industry) | $55 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-consultants/cost/)  [Voice actor](#9-do-voiceovers) | $55 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/voice-actors/cost/)  [Personal trainer](#10-train-people-one-to-one) | $55 an hour, on average | [Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/p/personal-trainer-cost)  [Grant writer](#11-write-grant-applications) | $50 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/grant-writers/cost/)  [Recruiter](#12-recruit-for-companies) | $50 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/recruiting-assistants/cost/)  [Presentation designer](#13-design-presentations) | $45 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/presentation-designers/cost/)  [AI chatbot builder](#14-build-ai-chatbots) | $45 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chatbot-developers/cost/)  [Resume writer](#15-write-resumes-and-linkedin-profiles) | $42 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/resume-writers/cost/)  [SAT and ACT tutor](#16-tutor-for-the-sat-and-act) | $35 to $60 an hour, on average | [Wyzant](https://blog.wyzant.com/how-much-does-tutoring-cost/)  [AI trainer](#17-train-ai-models-with-your-expertise) | $25 to $50 an hour, or $40 to $150+ for experts | [DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/)  [Ghostwriter](#18-ghostwrite-for-founders) | $32 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ghostwriters/cost/)  [Copywriter](#19-write-copy-for-businesses) | $30 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/copywriters/cost/)  [Technical writer](#20-write-technical-docs) | $30 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/technical-writers/cost/)  [Web developer](#21-build-websites) | $30 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/web-developers/cost/)  [Paid ads specialist](#22-run-paid-ads-for-businesses) | $30 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ppc-specialists/cost/)  [UX designer](#23-design-apps-and-websites) | $27 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ux-designers/cost/)  [Graphic designer](#24-design-for-clients) | $25 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)  [Holiday light installer](#25-hang-holiday-lights) | $444 a job, on average | [Angi](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-christmas-light-installation-cost.htm)  [Handyman](#26-do-handyman-work) | $406 a job, or $50 to $150 an hour | [Angi](https://www.angi.com/articles/what-are-common-handyman-prices.htm)  [Pressure washer](#27-pressure-wash-homes) | $312 a house, on average | [Angi](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-pressure-wash-house.htm)  [Window cleaner](#28-clean-windows) | $221 a visit, on average | [Angi](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-window-cleaning-cost.htm)  [Car detailer](#29-detail-cars) | $120 to $350 for a full detail | [HomeGuide](https://homeguide.com/costs/car-detailing-cost)  [Online course](#30-sell-an-online-course) | No ceiling, the price you set | [Virtual Summit Mastery](/virtual-summit-mastery): $60,000+ on its first launch  [Paid community](#31-run-a-paid-community) | No ceiling, a monthly price | Justin Welsh: $630,000 since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey))  [Your own app or tool](#32-vibe-code-your-own-app-or-tool) | No ceiling, but the median app makes $72 a month | [RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)  [Newsletter with sponsors](#33-grow-a-newsletter-with-sponsors) | No ceiling, sponsors and subscriptions | Justin Welsh: $795,000 from sponsors ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey))  [Virtual summit](#34-host-a-virtual-summit) | No ceiling, passes and sponsors | My first summit made over $20,000  [Small agency](#35-start-a-small-agency) | No ceiling, monthly retainers | No public median :::</p> <h3>What makes a side hustle pay well</h3> <p>Three things push a side hustle's rate up, and the top of this list has at least one of them.</p> <p>The first is a skill that takes years to build. A fractional CFO or a coach sells experience a client can't get from a beginner, so the rate reflects the years behind it.</p> <p>The second is risk and equipment. Local jobs like pressure washing and holiday lights need gear, insurance and a ladder or two, and fewer people take that on, so each job pays more.</p> <p>The third is results you can show. A photographer's portfolio, a designer's before and after, and a consultant's case study let a client see the value before paying, which makes a higher price easier to accept.</p> <p>The data shows one more pattern: the same skill pays more locally than online. Photographers average $164 an hour on Thumbtack, where clients book someone near them, against a $30 median on Upwork, where they compete with freelancers worldwide.</p> <h3>Best high paying side hustles for nurses, teachers and students</h3> <p>Your day job already gives you skills some of these side hustles pay well for:</p> <p>:::cards HeartPulse | For nurses | AI training platforms pay experts more than generalists, and coaching or personal training puts your health knowledge to work. | #17-train-ai-models-with-your-expertise GraduationCap | For teachers | Tutoring for the SAT and ACT, grant writing for schools and nonprofits, and presentation design use what you do every day. | #16-tutor-for-the-sat-and-act Backpack | For students | Holiday lights, pressure washing and window cleaning pay per job with no degree, and a recent SAT score helps you tutor. | #25-hang-holiday-lights :::</p> <p>Not sure which fits you? Answer a few questions about your time, skills and budget:</p> <p>:::tool side-hustle-quiz highest-paying-side-hustles :::</p> <p>The 35 side hustles come in five groups:</p> <p>:::cards here Trophy | $100 an hour or more | These four sell senior skills or local shoots. | #side-hustles-that-pay-100-an-hour-or-more TrendingUp | $50 to $99 an hour | These eight turn a skill into well-paid client work. | #side-hustles-that-pay-50-to-99-an-hour Wallet | $25 to $49 an hour | These 12 are freelance skills you can start online. | #side-hustles-that-pay-25-to-49-an-hour Hammer | Paid per job | These five local jobs pay by the job, not the hour. | #local-side-hustles-that-pay-per-job Infinity | No ceiling | These six build something you own, with no rate cap. | #side-hustles-with-no-ceiling :::</p> <h3>Side hustles that pay $100 an hour or more</h3> <p>These four pay the most per hour, because they sell years of experience or a shoot a client can't do alone.</p> <h4>1. Work as a fractional executive</h4> <p>A fractional executive does a senior job, like CMO, CFO or COO, for a few hours a week, for companies that can't afford one full time. You run the plan, the team or the numbers, and the company pays a monthly retainer for your time.</p> <p>It tops this list because it sells years of experience, not hours, and one client can fit beside a job if your employer allows it.</p> <p>It fits you if you've led a team or a function for years and can show what you changed.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer per company. In Go Fractional's benchmarks from live job posts, fractional CMOs average $176 an hour ([Go Fractional](https://www.gofractional.com/insights/rates/cmo)), CFOs $177 ([Go Fractional](https://www.gofractional.com/insights/rates/cfo)), COOs $192 ([Go Fractional](https://www.gofractional.com/insights/rates/coo)) and CTOs $211 ([Go Fractional](https://www.gofractional.com/insights/rates/cto)), for about 12 to 15 hours a week per company. 77% of business leaders say AI increases their need for specialized, fractional talent ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write down the three results you're proudest of from your career Offer a 30-day project to one company you already know Turn it into a monthly retainer once it works :::</p> <p>**Tools:** run the business side with [Mercury](https://navid.link/mercury?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) for banking and [Doola](https://navid.link/doola?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) if you need a US LLC, and prepare for meetings with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude). Shape your offer with the [grand slam offer generator](/free-tools/grand-slam-offer-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking on more companies than your hours allow hurts the results each one pays for, so start with one. Selling hours instead of outcomes keeps your rate low, so price a result, like a hiring plan or a budget. Working for a competitor of your employer can breach your contract, so check it before you sign a client. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** often · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** monthly, by each company</p> <h4>2. Photograph events and families</h4> <p>You photograph families, couples, events and small businesses near you, then edit and deliver the photos. Clients book a session or an event, and they find you through referrals, Google and Instagram.</p> <p>Local clients pay far more per hour than online buyers, because they need someone who can be there. That hourly rate covers the shoot, though, and editing takes more hours on top, so price each session as a package.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a good eye, a decent camera and you're at ease directing people.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per shoot. Photographers on Thumbtack charge a national average of $164 an hour and $358 a job, and portrait sessions average $277 ([Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/p/photographer-prices)). On Upwork, photographers typically charge $25 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/photographers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a portfolio from five free or low-cost shoots Pick one kind of session, like families or headshots Set a package price that covers shooting and editing time :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [Adobe Lightroom](https://navid.link/adobelightroom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), upscale with [Topaz Labs](https://navid.link/topazlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and send invoices with the [invoice generator](/free-tools/invoice-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Pricing by the hour of shooting leaves the editing unpaid, so quote a package. Shooting an event without a contract leaves you exposed if the client cancels, so put the terms in writing. Taking every kind of job makes your portfolio look scattered, so show one style. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per shoot, by the client</p> <h4>3. Photograph homes for real estate agents</h4> <p>Real estate agents need photos of each home they list, often within a day or two. You shoot the rooms and the outside, sometimes with a floor plan or drone shots, then edit and deliver them fast.</p> <p>Agents list homes all year, so one busy agent can send you work every week. Each shoot is short, so you can fit one or two around a job.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a wide-angle lens, you like early starts and you can edit quickly.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per listing, paid by the agent. Real estate photographers on Thumbtack charge a national average of $150 an hour, and about $286 to shoot one property ([Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/p/real-estate-photography-prices)). Employed photographers in the US earn a median of $21.47 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/photographers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** One photographer's real estate business grew from $40,000 in 2024 to over $100,000 in 2025, but it now fills six to seven days a week ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/RealEstatePhotography/comments/1rvne8f/)). A first-year photographer made $12,000 in 2025 from 50 shoots for 20 agents, many at half price to win them ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/RealEstatePhotography/comments/1q59mji/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Shoot three homes for free, like a friend's or an agent's own Show the portfolio to five agents in one area Offer a set price per home with next-day delivery :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [Adobe Lightroom](https://navid.link/adobelightroom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and send invoices with the [invoice generator](/free-tools/invoice-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Flying a drone to help sell a property counts as commercial work under the FAA's Part 107 rules ([FAA](https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers)), so get your remote pilot certificate before you sell aerial shots. Delivering late costs you the agent, because the listing waits on your photos. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per listing, by the agent</p> <h4>4. Coach people in your field</h4> <p>You help people reach a result you've already reached, like a promotion, a first client or a healthier routine, in calls over weeks or months. Many coaches sell a package, like three months of calls, rather than single hours.</p> <p>I took on my first coaching clients in 2014, and later ran the VSM Coaching Accelerator for people hosting their own summits.</p> <p>It fits you if people already ask you for advice on something you've done.</p> <p>**What it pays:** coaching packages, paid up front or monthly. On Upwork, business coaches typically charge $75 to $150 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-coaches/cost/)). On Upwork, life coaches typically charge $50 to $250 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/life-coaches/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Joy, the money coach behind Crush Your Money Goals, made $279,000 in 2023 from a coaching business she runs 20 hours a week ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/19/money-coach-how-i-make-a-living-without-working-all-the-time.html)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write down one result you've reached that others want Coach three people at a low price to get results and quotes Sell a package of calls, like 12 weeks, at a set price :::</p> <p>**Tools:** take payments with [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), record calls with [Granola](https://navid.link/granola?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and shape your offer with the [grand slam offer generator](/free-tools/grand-slam-offer-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling single calls keeps you chasing new clients, so sell a package with a clear result. Promising a result you can't control, like a job offer, invites refunds, so promise the work you'll do together. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h3>Side hustles that pay $50 to $99 an hour</h3> <p>These eight pay well for a skill, and most of them work from anywhere.</p> <h4>5. Vibe code apps and tools for businesses</h4> <p>You build the small apps, tools and websites a business needs, like a booking tool, a calculator for its site or an internal dashboard, with AI coding tools that write the code from plain English. Then you charge to host and update it.</p> <p>In this list, only coaches have a higher Upwork median than AI developers, and businesses now search for AI coding help by name.</p> <p>It fits you if you can describe what a tool should do, step by step, and you like testing until it works.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project and a monthly fee to keep it running. Searches for [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) specialists grew 938% on Fiverr in six months, and searches for vibe coding grew 61% ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, AI developers typically charge $30 to $150 an hour, and the median is $90 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** I build this way for my own business: the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site are my own builds, made with Claude Code and Codex.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build one small tool for a business you know, for free Show it to three similar businesses Charge a setup fee and a monthly fee to host and update it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex), and [Cursor](/ai-tools/cursor) and [Replit](/ai-tools/replit) are other ways in. Write clearer instructions with the [Claude Code prompt generator](/free-tools/claude-code-prompt-generator), and read [what Claude Code is](/articles/what-is-claude-code) if you're new to it.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Shipping code you haven't tested can break a client's site, so test each change before it goes live. Building without a written scope turns one project into several, so agree on what's included first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>6. Prepare tax returns</h4> <p>You prepare tax returns for people and small businesses, mostly from January to April. The work comes in one busy season, then slows for the rest of the year, which makes it fit beside a job.</p> <p>The work needs care, because a mistake costs your client money. So start with simple returns, like W-2 income, and take on business returns as you learn.</p> <p>It fits you if you're careful with numbers and you can work long hours for a few months a year.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per return or an hourly rate, mostly from January to April. On Upwork, tax preparers typically charge $40 to $80 an hour, and the median is $60 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/tax-preparers/cost/)). Anyone who prepares federal returns for pay needs a valid PTIN from the IRS first, and it takes about 15 minutes to apply online ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/ptin-requirements-for-tax-return-preparers)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Get your PTIN from the IRS Prepare simple returns first, like W-2 income Ask friends and local businesses for referrals before January :::</p> <p>**Tools:** use professional tax software and check each rule on the IRS's own pages. Keep client checklists in [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and send invoices with the [invoice generator](/free-tools/invoice-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Preparing returns for pay without a valid PTIN breaks IRS rules, so renew it each year. Guessing on a rule you don't know puts your client at risk, so check it on the IRS site or refer the return out. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per return, by your clients</p> <h4>7. Build AI automations</h4> <p>You connect a business's apps so work happens on its own, like a new lead getting a reply, a CRM update and a task for the team, with AI writing or sorting along the way. Businesses pay to set it up and a monthly fee to keep it running.</p> <p>The best first clients repeat the same task every day, like answering leads, booking calls or sending invoices, because they can see the hours you save.</p> <p>It fits you if you like systems and can explain how a business runs step by step.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee. Upwork doesn't price AI automation on its own, and marketing automation consultants, the closest skill it prices, typically charge $40 to $90 an hour, with a median of $60 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/marketing-automation-freelancers/cost/)). AI integration grew 178% on Upwork in 2025, by freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)), and searches for [n8n](/ai-tools/n8n) AI automation grew 125% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** n8n's own quick start for building your first AI agent.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuaKeDS6UKU | n8n Quick Start Tutorial: Build Your First AI Agent [2026] | | n8n and Flowgrammer | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Automate one task in your own work first Offer the same automation to three businesses that repeat that task Charge a setup fee, then a monthly fee for upkeep :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [n8n](/ai-tools/n8n), [Zapier](/ai-tools/zapier) and [Make](/ai-tools/make-com) connect the apps, and [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) writes the custom parts. See how I connect my own tools in [my AI OS guide](/articles/how-to-build-an-ai-operating-system-ai-os).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Automating a messy process makes the mess faster, so fix the steps first. Leaving a client without notes makes them depend on you for each change, so write down how it works. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>8. Consult in your industry</h4> <p>You solve one problem for companies in an industry you know, like pricing for restaurants or hiring for clinics, through a project, a day rate or a monthly retainer. A consultant sells a result, so the price follows the value, not the hours.</p> <p>It fits you if you've solved the same problem many times in your field.</p> <p>**What it pays:** day rates, projects or monthly retainers. On Upwork, business consultants typically charge $28 to $98 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-consultants/cost/)). Employed management consultants in the US earn a median of $101,860 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** I helped Chandler Bolt run The Self-Publishing Success Summit, my first big consulting gig, which made 30,000 opt-ins and $370,000+. [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $1.17 million from consulting since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)), and a consultant who went solo after a 2024 layoff bills $100 to $150 an hour for consulting, against $35 for design work ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/consulting/comments/1q7vri0/)).</p> <p>:::gallery  :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one problem you've solved many times Write a one-page plan for how you'd solve it for a client Sell a fixed-price first project, then a monthly retainer :::</p> <p>**Tools:** research with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) and [Perplexity](/ai-tools/perplexity), show the plan in [Gamma](/ai-tools/gamma), and price it with the [value equation calculator](/free-tools/value-equation-calculator). If you want to consult on AI, my [AI consultant certification](/ai-consultant-certification) shows how I set up AI for a business.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Pricing by the hour caps what you earn, so price the project by its value to the client. Taking clients outside your field makes you a beginner again, so stay where your record is. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>9. Do voiceovers</h4> <p>You record your voice for ads, explainer videos, phone systems, training videos and audiobooks, from a quiet room at home. A client sends a script, and you record, edit and deliver the audio.</p> <p>Corporate work, like training videos and voicemail greetings, pays steadily and doesn't need a famous voice.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a clear voice, a quiet space and patience for retakes.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or per finished minute. On Upwork, voice actors typically charge $40 to $85 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/voice-actors/cost/)). On Upwork, audiobook narrators typically charge $25 to $55 an hour, and the median is $40 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/audiobook-narrators/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** NASA engineer Eryn Andrews started a voiceover side hustle in 2022 with about $200 for a class, a microphone and a mattress topper for soundproofing. She charged $5 per 100 words on Fiverr at first, and by August 2026 she had earned over $227,000 that year, working one to eight hours a week ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/06/how-nasa-engineer-built-lucrative-voiceover-acting-side-hustle.html)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Record a short demo in three styles, like an ad, a narration and a phone message List a voiceover gig on Fiverr or Upwork at an entry price Raise your price after your first 10 reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** clean your audio with [Adobe Podcast](https://navid.link/adobepodcast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) or the [background noise remover](/free-tools/background-noise-remover), and edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles). Find jobs on [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) and [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recording in an echoey room gets your auditions skipped, so treat a closet or corner with soft materials first. Selling your voice for AI cloning without clear terms can let a client reuse it for good, so read the license before you sign. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>10. Train people one to one</h4> <p>You coach people through workouts in a gym, a park, their home or on video, and build programs that fit their goals. Most trainers sell packages of sessions or a monthly plan.</p> <p>A certification helps clients trust you, and many gyms ask for one before you train their members.</p> <p>It fits you if you train yourself, you like people and you can keep someone motivated.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per session or a monthly package. Personal trainers on Thumbtack charge $40 to $100 an hour, and $55 on average ([Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/p/personal-trainer-cost)). Employed fitness trainers and instructors in the US earn a median of $22.67 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399031.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Get a certification from a recognized program Train three friends for free to collect results and quotes Sell a package of sessions, like 10, at a set price :::</p> <p>**Tools:** plan programs in [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) or a spreadsheet, and record form videos on your phone. Take payments with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Training clients without liability insurance leaves you exposed if someone gets hurt, so get covered first. Selling single sessions lets clients drift away, so sell a package with a goal. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per session or monthly, by the client</p> <h4>11. Write grant applications</h4> <p>You write the applications nonprofits, schools and small businesses send to foundations and governments for funding. You research each funder, write the case and the budget, and keep track of deadlines.</p> <p>One funded grant can be worth many times the fee, and nonprofits apply for grants all year, so the work can keep coming once a client trusts you.</p> <p>It fits you if you write clearly, you like research and you don't miss deadlines.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per application or an hourly rate. On Upwork, grant writers typically charge $35 to $60 an hour, and the median is $50 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/grant-writers/cost/)). Employed fundraisers in the US earn a median of $72,550 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/fundraisers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Volunteer to write one grant for a local nonprofit Build a sample from a real funder's guidelines Charge per application or a monthly retainer :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), research funders with [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini), and polish with [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Charging a percentage of the grant goes against the Grant Professionals Association's code of ethics, which rules out commission and percentage pay ([GPA](https://grantprofessionals.org/page/ethics)), so charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. Sending the same application to each funder lowers your hit rate, so tailor each one to the funder's goals. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>12. Recruit for companies</h4> <p>You find candidates for companies that need to hire, screen them and set up interviews. Some recruiters work by the hour, and others earn a fee when a candidate is hired.</p> <p>It pays best in a field you know, because you can judge candidates and you know where they spend time.</p> <p>It fits you if you like talking to people and you know many people in one industry.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per hire. On Upwork, recruiters typically charge $25 to $70 an hour, and the median is $50 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/recruiting-assistants/cost/)). Employed human resources specialists in the US earn a median of $75,940 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/human-resources-specialists.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one kind of role you understand, like developers or nurses Offer to fill one open role for a company you know Agree on the fee in writing before you send candidates :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find contacts with [RocketReach](https://navid.link/rocketreach?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), write outreach with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude), and sharpen your own profile with the [LinkedIn headline generator](/free-tools/linkedin-headline-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending candidates before the fee is agreed can leave you unpaid, so sign terms first. Pushing a weak candidate to close a deal costs you the client, so send fewer, better ones. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h3>Side hustles that pay $25 to $49 an hour</h3> <p>These 12 are freelance skills, and most of them start online with a portfolio and a profile.</p> <h4>13. Design presentations</h4> <p>You turn a client's notes into clear, good-looking slides for sales pitches, investor decks, conference talks and training. Companies pay for decks because a deck can help win a deal or a funding round.</p> <p>PowerPoint experts on Upwork charge the same $45 median as presentation designers ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/microsoft-powerpoint-producers/cost/)), so the skill pays whichever tool you use.</p> <p>It fits you if you can make a busy idea simple and you have an eye for layout.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per deck. On Upwork, presentation designers typically charge $35 to $60 an hour, and the median is $45 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/presentation-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign three public decks as samples Offer a fixed price per deck, like 10 to 15 slides Ask each client for a referral once the deck is used :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Gamma](https://navid.link/gamma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) turns an outline into slides, then finish in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) or Google Slides. The [presentation generator](/free-tools/presentation-generator) makes a first draft in seconds.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Filling slides with text makes a deck hard to present, so keep one idea per slide. Using fonts or images without a license can get a client in trouble, so use licensed assets. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>14. Build AI chatbots</h4> <p>You build chatbots that answer a business's customers on its website, Instagram or WhatsApp, trained on its own FAQs, prices and policies. Businesses pay a setup fee and a monthly fee to keep the answers current.</p> <p>Start with businesses that answer the same questions all day, like clinics, salons and online stores, because they feel the time saved first.</p> <p>It fits you if you like writing clear answers and testing how people ask questions.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee. On Upwork, chatbot developers typically charge $30 to $61 an hour, and the median is $45 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chatbot-developers/cost/)). AI chatbot development grew 71% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Botpress builds a customer support chatbot without code.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn27M2vAc1Y | Build a Customer Support Chatbot in 5 Minutes (No Code) | | Botpress | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a chatbot for one business's FAQs for free Show it to three businesses in the same industry Charge a setup fee and a monthly fee for updates :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ManyChat](https://navid.link/manychat?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) for Instagram DMs, which I use, plus [Chatbot Builder AI](https://navid.link/chatbotbuilderai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) and [Pickaxe](https://navid.link/pickaxe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Letting a chatbot guess at prices or policies can mislead customers, so give it only checked answers and a way to reach a person. Skipping the monthly check lets answers go stale, so review the chats each month. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>15. Write resumes and LinkedIn profiles</h4> <p>You rewrite resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles so job seekers get more interviews. The best clients aim for a specific role, because you can tailor every line to it.</p> <p>A package, like a resume, a cover letter and a LinkedIn profile together, pays more than a single document and saves each client a second order.</p> <p>It fits you if you know how hiring works in one field and you write tight, clear sentences.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per resume or per package. On Upwork, resume writers typically charge $25 to $65 an hour, and the median is $42 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/resume-writers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Teal on making a resume that stands out in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRha1slhTJU | How to Make A Resume that Stands Out in 2026 (after hiring 1,000s) | | Teal | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rewrite five resumes for friends to build samples Pick one field you know, like tech or nursing Sell a package of a resume, a cover letter and a LinkedIn profile :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), polish with [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles). The [LinkedIn headline generator](/free-tools/linkedin-headline-generator) gives a quick first draft.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising interviews or a job sets you up for refunds, so promise the work, not the outcome. Pasting AI drafts without the client's real results makes resumes sound alike, so start from what each client has done. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>16. Tutor for the SAT and ACT</h4> <p>You help high school students raise their SAT or ACT scores, one to one, online or in person. Test prep is where tutoring pays most at the top, because a higher score can help with admission or a scholarship.</p> <p>It fits you if you scored well on the test yourself and you can explain one question three different ways.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate you set. The average price for tutoring on Wyzant is $35 to $60 an hour ([Wyzant](https://blog.wyzant.com/how-much-does-tutoring-cost/)), and the 25 highest-rated SAT tutors there listed $75 to $500 an hour on October 3, 2026 ([Wyzant](https://www.wyzant.com/SAT_tutors.aspx)).</p> <p>**Example:** Steven Menking started tutoring at $50 to $100 an hour through New York agencies and Wyzant. After a decade of tutoring students and young professionals, including test prep, he charges up to $1,000 an hour ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/03/i-quit-my-6-figure-job-and-now-make-1000-an-hour-working-from-home-my-best-side-hustle-advice.html)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Vivian Zhu on the trial lessons behind over $37,000 earned from 1,568 Preply lessons in three years.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNgkr1_Is6s | I've Earned $39K as a Preply Tutor - Here's My Trial Lesson Blueprint | | Vivian Zhu | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Take a full practice test and note your score Tutor two students at a low rate to build reviews Sell a package of sessions before a test date :::</p> <p>**Tools:** turn the official practice tests into study guides with [Gemini Notebook](/ai-tools/notebooklm), and make extra practice sheets with [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Teaching from old prep books can waste a student's time, so use the current official practice tests. Guaranteeing a score increase invites refunds, so promise a plan and practice, not a number. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per lesson, by the family or through the platform</p> <h4>17. Train AI models with your expertise</h4> <p>AI companies pay people to write, check and rank AI answers, so their models get better. Anyone can start with general tasks, and experts in coding, math, medicine, law or finance get the higher-paid projects.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a degree or years of work in a field, and you're careful with details.</p> <p>**What it pays:** pay per hour. DataAnnotation lists $25 to $50 an hour for generalists and $40 to $150+ an hour for coders and other experts ([DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/)). Demand is real: freelancer earnings from AI data annotation and labeling grew 154% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Utkarsh Amitabh, an author and entrepreneur in the UK, trains AI models for micro1 about 3.5 hours a night. He earns $200 an hour, by a pay stub CNBC saw, and micro1 confirmed he had earned nearly $300,000 since January 2025, bonuses included ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/19/34-year-old-entrepreneur-earns-200-an-hour-training-ai-models.html)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant checks whether DataAnnotation's AI jobs are legit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--i7J5mR720 | Are DataAnnotation Tech AI Jobs Legit? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to one or two AI training platforms and take their tests Name your field in your profile, like coding, medicine or law Do a few tasks well before you take on more :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the work runs on platforms like [DataAnnotation](https://navid.link/dataannotation?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) and [Outlier](https://navid.link/outlier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles). Read each one's pay and rules on its own site first.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying to join an AI training job is a red flag, so walk away from any offer that asks for money first. Rushing tasks can get you dropped from projects, so check each answer before you submit it. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>18. Ghostwrite for founders</h4> <p>You write posts, newsletters, articles or books that a founder or executive publishes under their own name. The steady work is often LinkedIn and X posts on a monthly retainer, and some ghostwriters take on books.</p> <p>The key skill is sounding like the client, so you interview them often and keep notes on how they talk.</p> <p>It fits you if you write fast, you can copy someone's voice, and you don't need your name on the work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer or a fee per book. On Upwork, ghostwriters typically charge $20 to $45 an hour, and the median is $32 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ghostwriters/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write 10 sample posts in the voice of a founder you admire Offer a month of posts to one founder at a starter price Move to a monthly retainer once the posts perform :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) for drafts and [Typefully](https://navid.link/typefully?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) for X and LinkedIn.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Posting without the client's approval can embarrass them, so agree on a review step. Leaning on AI drafts makes posts sound generic, so start each one from the client's own words. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>19. Write copy for businesses</h4> <p>You write the words that sell: [landing pages](/articles/best-landing-page-builders), emails, ads and product descriptions. Copy tied to sales, like a launch email or a sales page, is where rates go up, because the client can measure what it brings in.</p> <p>It fits you if you can write simply and you like testing what makes people click.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per page or a monthly retainer. On Upwork, copywriters typically charge $19 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/copywriters/cost/)). Employed writers and authors in the US earn a median of $76,910 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rewrite three landing pages as samples Pick one type of copy, like emails or sales pages Offer a fixed price per page or a monthly email package :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), polish with [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and test headlines with the [headline analyzer](/free-tools/headline-analyzer). Grade a client's page with the [landing page grader](/free-tools/landing-page-grader).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing about features instead of results makes copy flat, so lead with what the buyer gets. Skipping the client's numbers hides your results, so ask for the conversion rate before and after. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>20. Write technical docs</h4> <p>You write the manuals, help pages and API docs that explain how a product works. Software companies hire freelance technical writers when they launch a product or a new feature.</p> <p>It fits you if you like learning how things work and explaining them in plain steps.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a fee per project. On Upwork, technical writers typically charge $20 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/technical-writers/cost/)). Employed technical writers in the US earn a median of $90,390 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write a guide for an open-source tool you use as a sample Pick one area, like software, medical devices or finance Offer to write or fix the help pages for one product :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) for drafts, [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) to organize the docs, and [CleanShot X](https://navid.link/cleanshot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) for screenshots.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing before you've used the product leads to wrong steps, so test each step yourself. Leaving out screenshots makes docs harder to follow, so show each step. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>21. Build websites</h4> <p>You build and update websites for small businesses, like a dentist's site with booking or a shop's online store. With AI coding tools and site builders, one person can build a site in days, then charge monthly to keep it running.</p> <p>It fits you if you like building things and you can talk to a business owner about what they need.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project and monthly upkeep. On Upwork, web developers typically charge $15 to $50 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/web-developers/cost/)). Employed web developers in the US earn a median of $92,650 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rebuild a local business's site as a sample Offer a fixed-price site to three businesses with weak websites Add a monthly fee for hosting and updates :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build my own sites and apps with [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and I'm not a developer. Host on [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) or [Hostinger](https://navid.link/hostinger?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and grade a client's current site with the [SEO checker](/free-tools/seo-checker).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building without the text and photos stalls the project, so collect them before you start. Handing over a site with no upkeep plan leaves it to break, so sell a monthly care plan. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>22. Run paid ads for businesses</h4> <p>You run a business's ads on Google, Meta or TikTok: the targeting, the budget, the creative tests and the weekly report. Clients pay a monthly fee, and some add a share of the ad spend.</p> <p>It fits you if you like numbers and testing, and you stay calm when results swing.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly fee, often plus a share of the ad spend. On Upwork, PPC specialists typically charge $20 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ppc-specialists/cost/)). Display advertising was among Upwork's fastest-growing marketing skills in 2025, up 26% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Run a small campaign for yourself or a friend's business Write up the results as a case study Offer a monthly management fee to three local businesses :::</p> <p>**Tools:** work inside the ad platforms themselves, study winning ads with [Foreplay](https://navid.link/foreplay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and check your tests with the [A/B test calculator](/free-tools/ab-test-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Spending a client's budget before tracking works wastes it, so check the conversion tracking first. Promising a return on ad spend sets you up to fail, so promise tests and clear reports. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>23. Design apps and websites</h4> <p>You design how an app or a website works and looks, from the first click to checkout, and hand the designs to developers. Clients pay for screens that are easy to use, because confusing screens lose customers.</p> <p>The Upwork median is low, but employed designers in the US earn far more, so a strong portfolio is what moves your rate.</p> <p>It fits you if you notice when an app is confusing and you can explain why.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or a day rate. On Upwork, UX designers typically charge $25 to $39 an hour, and the median is $27 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ux-designers/cost/)). Employed web and digital interface designers in the US earn a median of $104,000 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Shivangi Tiwari on becoming a UI/UX designer in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUf6Wwz1-q4 | How to Become a UI/UX designer in 2026 - With any Degree - Zero Coding - Complete Guide - | | Shivangi Tiwari | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign one screen of an app you use, with your reasons Build three case studies that show the problem and your fix Offer a design review to a startup, then a full project :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Figma](https://navid.link/figma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), build live pages in [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and turn ideas into screens with [Magic Patterns](https://navid.link/magicpatterns?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Showing only pretty screens hides your thinking, so explain the problem each design solves. Skipping user tests means guessing, so watch five people use the design. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>24. Design for clients</h4> <p>You design logos, social posts, ads, packaging and brand kits for businesses. Clients often start with one project, and the good ones come back each month for more.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for design and can take feedback without taking it personally.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or a monthly package. On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)). Employed graphic designers in the US earn a median of $62,960 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm), May 2025). Logo design grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Chisom Okwulehie's design side hustle started with a $20 ad design in 2021, beside her full-time job as an architect. She raised her rate from $60 an hour in 2021 to $80 in 2022 and then $100, and her business brought in about $414,000 in 2023 ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/22/how-chisom-okwulehie-built-lucrative-design-side-hustle.html)).</p> <p>**Watch:** CNBC Make It follows Chisom Okwulehie, whose design side hustle brings in $400,000 a year beside her full-time job.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J6CrgfBW4Q | My Side Hustle Brings In $400K A Year-Here's How I Spend My Money | | CNBC Make It | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Design three sample projects for one kind of client Offer a fixed-price package, like a logo and a brand kit Raise your rate after every few projects :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) and [Figma](https://navid.link/figma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), finish in [Adobe Photoshop](https://navid.link/adobephotoshop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and make vector graphics with [Recraft](https://navid.link/recraft?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Offering unlimited revisions eats your hours, so include two rounds in the price. Using images you don't have rights to can cost your client, so use licensed or original art. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h3>Local side hustles that pay per job</h3> <p>These five pay by the job, and they pay well because they need gear, a vehicle and, for some, the nerve to climb a ladder.</p> <h4>25. Hang holiday lights</h4> <p>You hang holiday lights on homes and businesses from early November, then take them down in January. You can sell the hanging alone, or a package with the lights and the takedown.</p> <p>It's a short season, so it pairs well with a summer side hustle like pressure washing or window cleaning.</p> <p>It fits you if you're at ease on a ladder and you like selling to neighbors.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per house, once a year. Professional holiday light installation costs $444 on average, and $220 to $684, usually at $2 to $5 per foot of lights ([Angi](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-christmas-light-installation-cost.htm)). Hanging lights averaged $54 an hour on Taskrabbit, by data Taskrabbit shared ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/24/profitable-side-hustles-to-make-extra-cash-during-the-holidays.html)).</p> <p>**Example:** Spencer Claeys runs Northwest Pro Wash, which earned just over $10,000 hanging lights in November and December 2022. After he spent more on Facebook ads, it brought in over $30,000 in a single November, mostly from hanging lights, and he says high-quality strands let him charge $700 for two hours of work ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/24/profitable-side-hustles-to-make-extra-cash-during-the-holidays.html)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Price three homes on your street by the foot of lights Post before-and-after photos in local Facebook groups in October Include the takedown in the price :::</p> <p>**Tools:** bring a sturdy ladder and gutter clips, make your flyer in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and send invoices with the [invoice generator](/free-tools/invoice-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Climbing onto steep roofs without fall protection risks a serious fall, so turn down jobs you can't reach safely. Skipping insurance leaves you paying for any damage, so get liability coverage before the season. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per job, by the homeowner</p> <h4>26. Do handyman work</h4> <p>You fix and install things around the home: TV mounts, shelves, furniture, ceiling fans, sticky doors and small repairs. Homeowners book you through apps like Taskrabbit or by word of mouth, and a good handyman gets called back.</p> <p>Bigger jobs, like electrical or plumbing work, often need a license where you live, so check your state's rules before you quote them.</p> <p>It fits you if you own tools, you like fixing things and you show up on time.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job or an hourly rate. Handyman labor runs $50 to $150 an hour, and the average job costs $406, across 103,764 projects ([Angi](https://www.angi.com/articles/what-are-common-handyman-prices.htm)). Employed general maintenance and repair workers in the US earn a median of $23.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499071.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Nesto Works does three handyman jobs in one day, two of them from Taskrabbit, and breaks down the $395 made.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6Ug7W3G348 | How Much I Made Today as a TaskRabbit Handyman | | Nesto Works | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up on Taskrabbit and list the jobs you do best Take small jobs first to build reviews Raise your hourly rate as the reviews grow :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find jobs on [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and bring a drill, a level and a stud finder.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking on licensed work without a license can break your state's rules, so check before you quote. Quoting without seeing the job leads to surprises, so ask for photos first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per job, by the homeowner</p> <h4>27. Pressure wash homes</h4> <p>You clean driveways, siding, decks, patios and roofs with a pressure washer, and soft wash the surfaces high pressure would damage. A happy customer can book you again next year, and neighbors see the result.</p> <p>The skill is knowing when not to use full pressure, since too much can damage siding and window seals.</p> <p>It fits you if you like physical work outside and you can let before-and-after photos do your marketing.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job. Pressure washing a house costs $312 on average, and $100 to $720 depending on its size, and a driveway costs $100 to $250 ([Angi](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-pressure-wash-house.htm)).</p> <p>**Example:** Michael Tracey started a pressure washing business in the UK and spent £736 on Facebook and Instagram ads one February, which booked over £5,000 of roof cleans. By July he had his first £10,000 month ([YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjuVeAaF5T0)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Michael Tracey on how Facebook and Instagram ads grew a UK pressure washing business to its first £10,000 month.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjuVeAaF5T0 | How I Started My Pressure Washing Business &amp; Hit £10K Month | | Michael Tracey | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rent or buy a pressure washer and practice on your own driveway Clean three neighbors' driveways at a starter price for photos Sell house washes with before-and-after photos :::</p> <p>**Tools:** start with a pressure washer and a surface cleaner, post before-and-after photos on social media, and make your flyer in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using full pressure on siding or roofs can damage them, so learn soft washing first. Starting without insurance is risky, and one new pressure washing business in Washington state was quoted about $360 to $665 a month for general liability alone ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/sweatystartup/comments/1pl017w/)), so price it in before you set your rates. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per job, by the homeowner</p> <h4>28. Clean windows</h4> <p>You clean windows for homes and small businesses, inside and out, with a squeegee or a water-fed pole that reaches upper floors from the ground. Customers who rebook are where the steady money is.</p> <p>It fits you if you don't mind heights, and you like work you can finish in an afternoon.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per visit or per window. Window cleaning costs $221 a visit on average, and $150 to $302, at $4 to $8 a window for one side and $8 to $16 for both ([Angi](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-window-cleaning-cost.htm)).</p> <p>**Example:** A retail worker in Australia started a window cleaning business beside a full-time job in mid-2025. Six months in, it had brought in about 16,000 Australian dollars against about 3,750 in costs, and monthly profit had grown from 1,200 in July to 5,500 in December ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/sweatystartup/comments/1q2ibmu/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Buy a squeegee, a scrubber and a ladder, and practice at home Clean five homes on one street at a starter price Offer each customer a recurring visit :::</p> <p>**Tools:** start with a squeegee, a scrubber and a ladder, and add a water-fed pole for upper floors. Make your flyer in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Working from a ladder on upper floors is risky, so use a water-fed pole from the ground where you can. Underpricing to win jobs leaves you busy and broke, so price per window or per visit and hold to it. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per visit, by the homeowner</p> <h4>29. Detail cars</h4> <p>You clean cars inside and out at the owner's home or office, working from a van or a car with your supplies. Add-ons like pet hair removal, odor treatment and paint correction raise the price.</p> <p>One detailer on Reddit's r/AutoDetailing says a US detailing business should bring in at least $100 an hour to pay its bills and you, and that a license or LLC and insurance come before the first paying client ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/AutoDetailing/comments/1qm7xo2/)).</p> <p>It fits you if you're patient with details and you like seeing the before and after.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per car, at a price you set. A basic full-service detail, inside and out, costs $120 to $350, and a deluxe one $300 to $500 ([HomeGuide](https://homeguide.com/costs/car-detailing-cost)). Employed vehicle cleaners in the US earn a median of $17.23 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes537061.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** 3.7Million builds a mobile car detailing business from scratch.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf6DcQFFZSU | I Built A Mobile Car Detailing Business From Scratch | | 3.7Million | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Detail your own car and two friends' cars for photos Set three packages: exterior, interior and full Ask each customer for a review and a referral :::</p> <p>**Tools:** take bookings by text or a simple booking page, and show before-and-after photos on social media. Make your price list in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using the wrong products can damage paint or leather, so learn what each surface needs. Driving across town for one car eats your profit, so book jobs close together. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per car, by the owner</p> <h3>Side hustles with no ceiling</h3> <p>These six don't have an hourly rate, because you build something you own. They start slower and there's no median to quote, so each one shows a real result instead.</p> <h4>30. Sell an online course</h4> <p>A course packages what you know into lessons people buy once. My course, [Virtual Summit Mastery](/virtual-summit-mastery), made $60,000+ on its first launch, from a list of only 1,500 people. The next launch made almost $200,000, and an internal launch made over $200,000 with no affiliates. Over the years it made well over $1 million, and then I sold it to Jan Koch.</p> <p>It fits you if people already pay you, or ask you, to teach the thing you know.</p> <p>**What it pays:** course sales, bundles and payment plans.</p> <p>:::gallery  :::</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) has made $6.75 million from his courses and products since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Teach the topic live to a small group first Turn the sessions into a short course Launch it to your email list with a deadline :::</p> <p>**Tools:** host and sell it with [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), record with [Riverside](/ai-tools/riverside), and read my guide on [how to create an online course](/articles/how-to-create-an-online-course). Estimate a launch with the [online course revenue calculator](/free-tools/online-course-revenue-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building the course before anyone buys risks months of work, so presell it first. Launching without an email list makes the first sale hard, so build the list while you build the course. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>31. Run a paid community</h4> <p>A paid community charges a monthly or yearly fee for access to you, other members and resources, like calls, templates and a forum. It earns again each month, as long as members stay.</p> <p>It fits you if you like hosting conversations and you can show up on a schedule.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly or yearly memberships.</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) has made $630,000 from his community since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** my interview with [Stu McLaren](/creators/stu-mclaren) on building a successful membership site.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U4tFbl93Zg | How to Create a Successful Membership Site with Stu McLaren | | Navid Moazzez | https://cdn.navid.me/navid-moazzez.jpg | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Start a free group around one topic Add a paid tier with a monthly call and resources Ask members what keeps them, and add more of it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** bill members with [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), host the community on [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and read my guide on [how to create a membership site](/articles/how-to-create-a-membership-site). The math behind it is in [1,000 true fans](/articles/1000-true-fans).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Launching to nobody makes a community feel empty, so invite your first members by hand. Promising daily content burns you out, so promise a rhythm you can keep, like one call a month. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>32. Vibe code your own app or tool</h4> <p>You build your own app, tool or small piece of software with AI coding tools, and sell it by subscription or one-time sale, or offer it free to bring in visitors and email sign-ups. AI makes the building fast, so the hard part now is finding people who want it.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an idea for a tool you'd use yourself, and you'll keep improving it after launch.</p> <p>**What it pays:** subscriptions or one-time sales of what you build, or the visitors and email sign-ups a free tool brings in. Across more than 115,000 subscription apps, the median new app made about $72 a month a year after launch, the top 10% made $2,500 or more, and 17.3% reached $1,000 a month within two years ([RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)).</p> <p>**Example:** The 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site are my own builds, vibe coded with Claude Code and Codex. Pieter Levels vibe coded fly.pieter.com, a flight game that runs in the browser, in February 2025, and he says it reached $1 million in annual recurring revenue in 17 days ([levels.io](https://levels.io/fly-pieter-com-vibecoded-flight-simulator)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a free tool that solves one small problem Share it where the people with that problem spend time Add a paid plan once people use it every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex). [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable), [Bolt](/ai-tools/bolt), [Replit](/ai-tools/replit), [Base44](/ai-tools/base44) and [Vibecode](https://navid.link/vibecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) build apps from a prompt, [Google AI Studio](/ai-tools/google-ai-studio) does it with Gemini, and [Cursor](/ai-tools/cursor) is a code editor with AI built in. Read [what vibe coding is](/articles/what-is-vibe-coding) if you're new to it.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building for months before anyone uses it wastes the time, so ship a small version first. Pricing too low leaves you supporting users for little, so charge from the start or keep it free on purpose. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>33. Grow a newsletter with sponsors</h4> <p>You write a newsletter for one audience, then earn from sponsors, paid subscriptions, affiliate links and your own products. Sponsors pay to reach a clear group of readers, so a smaller list in a clear niche can still earn.</p> <p>It fits you if you like writing on a schedule and you know one audience well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, paid subscriptions, affiliate links and your own products. On Substack, writers keep 90% of paid subscriptions, minus card fees ([Substack](https://substack.com/going-paid)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $795,000 from sponsors in his weekly newsletter since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on the easiest way to build a local newsletter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0MRAjVp_Uo | The Easiest Way to Build a Local Newsletter | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one audience and one promise for the newsletter Publish weekly for three months before you look for sponsors Pitch sponsors that already sell to your readers :::</p> <p>**Tools:** send with [Kit](/ai-tools/kit) or [beehiiv](/ai-tools/beehiiv), and research each issue with [Perplexity](/ai-tools/perplexity) and [Claude](/ai-tools/claude). Price a sponsorship with the [sponsorship rate calculator](/free-tools/sponsorship-rate-calculator), and see what a list can earn with the [beehiiv money calculator](/free-tools/beehiiv-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking sponsors that don't fit your readers costs you trust, so say no to the wrong ones. Skipping weeks loses readers, so pick a schedule you can keep. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** through Stripe for paid subscriptions · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>34. Host a virtual summit</h4> <p>A virtual summit is an online event where you interview experts on one topic, free to watch for a few days, with a paid pass for lifetime access. The speakers share it with their audiences, so it grows your email list and earns at the same time.</p> <p>My first summit, The Branding Summit, made over $20,000 in 2014, when I had only a few hundred email subscribers. List Building School added over 26,000 subscribers and made well over $1 million over time, with a six-figure profit from premium pass sales alone. Today I host the [AI Creator Summit](/ai-creator-summit), watched by 100,000+ creators.</p> <p>It fits you if you like interviewing people and you can sell an event to your audience.</p> <p>**What it pays:** all-access passes, sponsors, and commissions on the speakers' offers.</p> <p>:::gallery   :::</p> <p>**Watch:** my step-by-step blueprint for hosting a virtual summit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NjKV4y6VTc | How to Host a Virtual Summit: Step-by-Step Blueprint | | Navid Moazzez | https://cdn.navid.me/navid-moazzez.jpg | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one topic and invite 15 to 25 experts Record the interviews and set a free viewing window Sell an all-access pass for lifetime access :::</p> <p>**Tools:** record with [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and sell passes through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles). Follow my guide on [how to host a virtual summit](/articles/how-to-host-a-virtual-summit).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Inviting speakers who won't share the event limits your reach, so ask each one to promote it. Selling the pass only at the end misses the busiest days, so offer it from day one. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>35. Start a small agency</h4> <p>An agency sells one service to businesses, like ads, design or content, and hires freelancers or a small team to deliver it. You start by doing the work yourself, then hire as clients grow, so your income isn't capped by your own hours.</p> <p>It fits you if you already sell a freelance service and you'd rather manage than do every task.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly retainers and projects.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one service you already deliver well Land three clients on monthly retainers Hire your first freelancer to take over the delivery :::</p> <p>**Tools:** hire help on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles) or [OnlineJobs.ph](https://navid.link/onlinejobsph?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), bank with [Mercury](https://navid.link/mercury?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles), and form a US LLC with [Doola](https://navid.link/doola?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=highest-paying-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Hiring before the work is steady eats your margin, so hire when you can't keep up. Selling every service to every client spreads you thin, so offer one service to one kind of business. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** monthly, by your clients</p> <h3>Popular side hustles that pay less than you'd think</h3> <p>Some side hustles show up on lists of high paying ideas, but their typical rates are low. Here's what they pay, from the same sources:</p> <p>:::table fancy Side hustle | What it typically pays | Source  Video editing | $6 to $25 an hour | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)  Sales | $19 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/sales-representatives/cost/)  Transcription | $15 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/transcriptionists/cost/)  Appointment setting | $14 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/appointment-setters/cost/)  Virtual assistance | $13 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/virtual-assistants/cost/)  Data entry | $13 an hour, the median | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/data-entry-specialists/cost/)  Notary work | Under $100 a month for 52.9% of notaries | [NNA](https://www.nationalnotary.org/file%20library/nna/download/nna-2023-notary-survey-results.pdf) :::</p> <p>These can still be good first side hustles, because they're easy to start. They move up when you specialize: video editors in Upwork's top rate band have a median of $100 an hour, for example ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)).</p> <p>Notary work is a different case. In the National Notary Association's 2023 survey of 1,251 notaries, 52.9% made under $100 a month from notary work, and 76.7% said they weren't earning enough ([NNA](https://www.nationalnotary.org/file%20library/nna/download/nna-2023-notary-survey-results.pdf)). So a fee per signing tells you little about what you'll make in a month.</p> <h3>How to raise your rate</h3> <p>The rates in this guide are medians and averages, so many people in each skill charge more. Here's how three people in this guide moved up:</p> <ul><li>Chisom Okwulehie raised her design rate from $60 an hour in 2021 to $80 in 2022, then $100 ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/22/how-chisom-okwulehie-built-lucrative-design-side-hustle.html)).</li><li>Eryn Andrews started voiceovers at $5 per 100 words, and now she won't turn on her computer for less than $200 ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/06/how-nasa-engineer-built-lucrative-voiceover-acting-side-hustle.html)).</li><li>Steven Menking started tutoring at $50 to $100 an hour, and now he charges up to $1,000 ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/03/i-quit-my-6-figure-job-and-now-make-1000-an-hour-working-from-home-my-best-side-hustle-advice.html)).</li></ul> <p>None of them doubled their rate overnight. They raised it in steps, as their proof grew:</p> <p>:::steps How to raise your rate Pick a niche, like one industry or one kind of client, so you compete with fewer people Sell packages and results instead of hours Raise your rate for new clients after every few projects Show proof, like case studies, reviews and before-and-after photos :::</p> <p>Work out your own numbers with the [freelance rate calculator](/free-tools/freelance-rate-calculator), and see what an hourly rate adds up to in a year with the [hourly to salary calculator](/free-tools/hourly-to-salary-calculator).</p> <p>**Watch:** my interview with Cal Newport on why skill comes before passion, and how rare skills build the career capital that lets you charge more.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqgVceFb6wI | Cal Newport Reveals SECRET to Being So Good They Can't Ignore You | | Navid Moazzez | https://cdn.navid.me/navid-moazzez.jpg | | navid :::</p> <p>My guide on [how to be so good they can't ignore you](/articles/be-so-good-they-cant-ignore-you) turns the idea into 10 steps.</p> <h3>High pay, high risk: what these side hustles cost to start</h3> <p>The top rates come with costs and risks that rate lists leave out. Here's what to plan for before your first client:</p> <p>:::table Side hustle | What it costs to start | What can go wrong Pressure washing | A pressure washer, a surface cleaner and insurance | Damaged siding, and insurance that can cost hundreds a month Holiday lights and windows | Ladders, clips, a water-fed pole and insurance | Falls from ladders and roofs Photography | A camera, lenses and editing software | Cancellations without a contract Personal training | A certification and liability insurance | An injury without coverage Tax preparation | A PTIN and tax software | Mistakes that cost your clients money Fractional work | Your time | A conflict with your employer's contract :::</p> <p>Starting small cuts the risk: rent the equipment for your first jobs, and buy it once the jobs keep coming. The window cleaner in the example above bought a ladder and a water-fed pole for about 1,500 only after the work picked up ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/sweatystartup/comments/1q2ibmu/)).</p> <h3>Taxes on a high paying side hustle</h3> <p>Side hustle income is taxable in the US, whether a client pays you by card, transfer or cash ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/the-one-big-beautiful-bill-what-gig-economy-workers-should-know)). If your net earnings from self-employment reach $400 in a year, you also owe self-employment tax, at 15.3% ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes)).</p> <p>If you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file, the IRS expects estimated tax payments during the year ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes)). Payment platforms send a Form 1099-K once your payments top $20,000 in more than 200 transactions ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-faqs-on-form-1099-k-threshold-under-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-dollar-limit-reverts-to-20000)), and clients send a Form 1099-NEC once they pay you $2,000 or more for payments made after 2025 ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1099mec)).</p> <p>A high rate makes this matter sooner, so set aside part of each payment from the start. I'm not a tax advisor, so check with an accountant as the money grows.</p> <h3>Final thoughts on high paying side hustles</h3> <p>The highest paying side hustles pay for something rare: years of experience, a skill clients can see, or the willingness to climb a ladder. Fractional work and local photography top this list at over $150 an hour, and local jobs pay hundreds of dollars a job.</p> <p>Pick the highest paying side hustle you already have the skill for, not the highest one on the list. Then charge a fair starting rate, collect proof and raise it every few projects. That's how I'd start.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[85 remote side hustles](/articles/remote-side-hustles)</li><li>[50 best online side hustles](/articles/best-online-side-hustles)</li><li>[70 side hustle ideas](/articles/side-hustle-ideas)</li><li>[44 ways to make extra money beside your day job](/articles/extra-money-day-job)</li><li>[45 ways to make money with AI](/articles/how-to-make-money-with-ai)</li><li>[33 AI side hustles](/articles/ai-side-hustles)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: take the [side hustle quiz](/free-tools/side-hustle-quiz), pick the highest paying side hustle that fits your skills and land one client this month. And if this guide helped, DM me on [X](https://x.com/thenavidm) or [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenavidm) and tell me which one you picked.</p><h2>FAQs about high paying side hustles</h2><h3>What is the highest paying side hustle?</h3><p>In this guide, fractional executive work pays the most per hour: Go Fractional's job post benchmarks average $176 to $211 an hour, by role.</p> <p>Local photography comes next, at $164 an hour on average on Thumbtack.</p> <p>The best one for you is the highest paying side hustle you already have the skill for.</p><h3>What side hustle pays $100 an hour?</h3><p>Coaching does: business and life coaches on Upwork have a median of $100 an hour.</p> <p>Fractional executive work, local photography and real estate photography average more than $100 an hour, by Go Fractional's and Thumbtack's figures.</p> <p>These rates reflect years of experience or a strong portfolio, so few people start there.</p><h3>What are high paying side hustles for nurses?</h3><p>AI training platforms pay experts more than generalists, and DataAnnotation lists $40 to $150+ an hour for coders and other experts.</p> <p>Coaching and personal training put your health knowledge to work, and personal trainers on Thumbtack charge $55 an hour on average.</p> <p>Check your employer's rules on outside work before you start.</p><h3>What are high paying side hustles for teachers?</h3><p>SAT and ACT tutoring fits teachers well, and the highest-rated SAT tutors on Wyzant listed $75 to $500 an hour on October 3, 2026.</p> <p>Grant writing has a $50 median on Upwork, and schools and nonprofits need it.</p> <p>Presentation design and course creation also use skills teachers practice every day.</p><h3>What are high paying side hustles for students?</h3><p>Holiday lights, pressure washing and window cleaning pay per job, from $221 to $444 a job on average, by Angi's figures.</p> <p>If you scored well on the SAT or ACT, tutoring pays $35 to $60 an hour on average on Wyzant.</p> <p>Many platforms require you to be 18, so check the age rules first.</p><h3>Which high paying side hustles work from home?</h3><p>Coaching, AI development, tax preparation, consulting, voiceovers, grant writing and recruiting all work from home, at $50 to $100 an hour on Upwork.</p> <p>Fractional work can be remote too, and 45% of the fractional CMO job posts in Go Fractional's data were remote.</p> <p>Local jobs like photography and pressure washing need you on site.</p><h3>Can a side hustle pay more than my job?</h3><p>It can, and NASA engineer Eryn Andrews' voiceover side hustle passed her six-figure salary in the summer of 2025, CNBC reported.</p> <p>That took her three years, though, and most side hustles start small.</p> <p>Treat your first year as the time to build proof, then raise your rate.</p><h3>How do I charge more for my side hustle?</h3><p>Pick a niche, sell packages instead of hours and raise your rate for new clients every few projects.</p> <p>Chisom Okwulehie raised her design rate from $60 an hour in 2021 to $100, CNBC reported.</p> <p>The freelance rate calculator on this site helps you set a starting rate.</p><h3>Which high paying side hustles need no degree?</h3><p>Most of them don't need a degree, and voiceovers, photography, AI app building, holiday lights, pressure washing and car detailing all pay well without one.</p> <p>Some need a license or certificate instead, like a PTIN for tax preparation or an FAA certificate for drone photos.</p> <p>A portfolio often matters more than a degree for freelance work.</p><h3>How much tax do I pay on side income?</h3><p>In the US, you pay income tax on side income, plus 15.3% self-employment tax once your net earnings reach $400 a year.</p> <p>If you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file, the IRS expects estimated payments during the year.</p> <p>I'm not a tax advisor, so check with an accountant as the money grows.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/make-money-on-your-phone/https://navid.me/blog/make-money-on-your-phone/48 ways to make money on your phone, from gig apps that pay the same day to selling, tutoring, creating and AI, each with what it pays and how fast.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of 48 ways to make money on your phone, with what each pays and how fast it pays out.</p> <p>I've run my business from my phone in Cancun, Barcelona, London and Panama City, and much of what I publish starts as a note on it. Today I host the [AI Creator Summit](/ai-creator-summit), watched by 100,000+ creators, and I built the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code). You can read more in [my story](/about-navid).</p> <p>Every way below works from a phone alone, without a laptop. Some pay the same day, some take weeks, and a few only save you money. So each one shows what it pays from a real source, how fast it pays, a real example where one exists and the mistakes to avoid.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>What each kind of phone work really pays per hour</li><li>The apps that can pay you the same day</li><li>48 ways to make money on your phone, in nine groups, from the fastest payers to the slowest</li><li>How to make money on your phone for free, and at 14</li><li>How to spot the phone money scams the FTC warns about</li></ul> <p>Start with the group that fits what you have now: a car, things to sell, a skill or spare minutes.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - You can make real money on your phone, but the money comes from work, sales or a skill, not from tapping or watching ads. - The fastest payers are gig apps: Uber's Instant Pay, DoorDash Crimson and Instacart's Instant Cashout can pay after each job. - Surveys and reward apps pay a few dollars an hour at most, and walking apps like Sweatcoin pay in rewards you can't turn into cash. - Most ways here cost nothing to start, and the ones that need money are usually a car or stock to sell. - An app that asks you to deposit money to unlock your earnings is a task scam: job scam losses reported to the FTC topped $220 million in the first half of 2024 ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2024/12/paying-get-paid-gamified-job-scams-drive-record-losses)). :::</p> <h3>Can you really make money on your phone?</h3> <p>Yes, you can make real money on your phone, as long as the phone is the tool and the work is real: driving, delivering, selling, creating, teaching or helping people. The apps that promise money for tapping, playing or watching pay little, and some are scams.</p> <p>Here's what each kind of phone work pays per hour, from the BLS and the apps' own figures:</p> <p>:::table fancy Kind of work | What it pays | Source  Rideshare, like Uber and Lyft | $20.24 an hour, the median for taxi drivers | [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533054.htm)  Food and grocery delivery | $18.64 an hour, the median for driver/sales workers | [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533031.htm)  Handyman tasks, like Taskrabbit | $23.84 an hour, the median for maintenance and repair workers | [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499071.htm)  Pet care, like Rover | $17.00 an hour, the median for animal caretakers | [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes392021.htm)  Research studies, like Respondent | an average of $75 per study | [Respondent](https://www.respondent.io/participants)  Paid surveys, like Survey Junkie | about $5 an hour, in one test | [Survey Leo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfiVHt2BoRk) :::</p> <p>The BLS figures are for employed workers in May 2025. App workers pay their own costs, like gas, out of what they earn.</p> <h3>The fastest ways to get paid today</h3> <p>These apps can pay you the same day you work, from their own payout pages:</p> <p>:::table fancy App | How fast it pays | Source  Uber | after every trip, with Instant Pay | [Uber](https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/how-much-drivers-make/)  DoorDash | after every dash with Crimson, or daily with Fast Pay for $1.99 | [DoorDash](https://dasher.doordash.com/en-us/about/pay)  Instacart | right away, with Instant Cashout | [Instacart](https://shoppers.instacart.com/)  Shipt | instantly, up to three times a day | [Shipt](https://help.shipt.com/being-a-shopper/how-do-shoppers-get-paid)  eBay | within 30 minutes on demand for eligible sellers, for a $2 fee | [eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814)  Facebook Marketplace | in person, on the spot, for local sales | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920) :::</p> <p>Instant payouts often cost a small fee each time, so take weekly pay when you don't need the money today.</p> <h3>Find your way in two minutes</h3> <p>Answer a few questions about your time, skills and budget, and the quiz suggests side hustles that fit you:</p> <p>:::tool side-hustle-quiz make-money-on-your-phone :::</p> <p>The 48 ways come in nine groups, starting with the fastest payers:</p> <p>:::cards here Zap | Pay the same day | These three pay after each trip or order. | #ways-to-make-money-on-your-phone-that-can-pay-the-same-day MapPin | Local jobs | These six pay per task, walk or shop near you. | #local-phone-jobs-that-pay-per-task Tag | Sell from your phone | These six turn clutter and finds into money. | #sell-from-your-phone MessageSquare | Your opinion | These four pay for tests, studies and surveys. | #get-paid-for-your-opinion Users | Help people | These five pay for a skill, over chat and video. | #help-people-from-your-phone Bot | With AI | These five use AI apps on your phone. | #make-money-on-your-phone-with-ai Video | Create | These twelve pay for videos, photos and designs. | #create-on-your-phone House | Rent things out | These three earn from a car, a garage or a room. | #rent-out-what-you-own Wallet | Rewards | These four save you money, not earn it. | #rewards-that-save-you-money-not-income :::</p> <h3>Ways to make money on your phone that can pay the same day</h3> <p>These need a car and a few hours, and they pay the fastest of any way here: you can cash out after each trip or order.</p> <h4>1. Deliver food with DoorDash or Uber Eats</h4> <p>You switch on the app when you're free, accept the orders you want and deliver them from restaurants and stores. Everything happens on your phone, from the offers to the map to the payout.</p> <p>DoorDash pays base pay from $2 to $10 or more per offer plus 100% of tips, and its Crimson account pays after every dash with no fee ([DoorDash](https://dasher.doordash.com/en-us/about/pay)). A good first goal is three evenings, so you learn your area's busy times.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a car, a bike or a scooter where the apps allow it, and free evenings.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per order plus tips. Employed driver/sales workers, the BLS group that includes food delivery drivers, earn a median of $18.64 an hour in the US ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533031.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** CNBC Make It met Shonnita Leslie, 40, who used DoorDash on the side to pay down about $20,000 of her six-figure student debt, [in May 2024](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPUFJM2ANJA).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jay Fourty lives off DoorDash earnings for a week.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bn_sT4ckM4 | I Survived Off DoorDash Earnings for a Week | | Jay Fourty | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up as a [DoorDash Dasher](https://navid.link/doordash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) or with [Uber Eats](https://navid.link/ubereats?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone), or both Pass the checks and set up your payout in the app Deliver at lunch and dinner on the days you're free :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the apps themselves, and a mileage log for taxes.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Accepting every order can lower your hourly pay, so skip long trips with no tip. Delivering at slow hours wastes your time, because you earn when people order. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** after each dash with Crimson, or daily with Fast Pay</p> <h4>2. Drive with Uber or Lyft</h4> <p>You go online in the driver app, take ride requests and go offline when you're done, all from your phone. You need a car that meets the app's rules and a clean driving record.</p> <p>Uber lets you cash out after every trip with Instant Pay ([Uber](https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/how-much-drivers-make/)), and Lyft pays free instant payouts after every ride to its Lyft Direct card ([Lyft](https://www.lyft.com/driver/earnings)). A good first goal is one weekend of driving, so you see what you earn per hour after gas.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a reliable car and like driving.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fare per trip plus tips. Employed taxi drivers in the US earn a median of $20.24 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533054.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** Scott McKenna drove Uber like a 9-to-5 for three days: 51 trips and $550.13 in about 25 hours, roughly $22 an hour before gas, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqXIdPYQ2Jo).</p> <p>**Watch:** PlayStyle Nick breaks down a first week of earnings as an Uber driver.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXkRIJ84y18 | How Much I Made in My First Week as an Uber Driver (Real Earnings Breakdown) (Uber Vlog 3) | | PlayStyle Nick | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your car and city against [Uber's](https://navid.link/uber?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) and [Lyft's](https://navid.link/lyft?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) requirements Upload your license, insurance and car documents Drive at your city's busy times and cash out after each trip :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the driver apps, and a mileage log, since your miles cut what you owe in taxes.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Counting fares as profit overstates your pay, because gas, wear and taxes come out of each trip. Driving at slow hours wastes your time, so learn your city's rush times first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** after each trip with Instant Pay · **Age:** your state's minimum to drive for Uber, with 1 year of driving experience, or 3 years if you're under 25</p> <h4>3. Shop and deliver groceries with Instacart</h4> <p>You pick an order in the app, shop for it in the store with your phone's shopping list, and deliver it to the customer's door. The app tells you what to buy, where it is and what to swap when something's out of stock.</p> <p>A good first goal is five orders, so you learn which stores and order sizes pay best for your time.</p> <p>It fits you if you know your local stores and don't mind lifting heavy bags.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per order plus tips. Instacart pays shoppers weekly by direct deposit, offers Instant Cashout when you need the money sooner, and lets you keep 100% of customer tips ([Instacart](https://shoppers.instacart.com/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Brandon Pack made about $636 in 30 days of Instacart shopping on days off and after work, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBtbRFM8CPg).</p> <p>**Watch:** Kinsley Finance's tips for a first day as an Instacart shopper.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6aeFEHWqkY | Instacart Shopper FIRST DAY Tips/Tricks (2025) | | Kinsley Finance | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up with [Instacart](https://navid.link/instacart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) and pass the checks Pick small orders near you for your first week Cash out with Instant Cashout when you need the money :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [Instacart](https://navid.link/instacart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) Shopper app, and a mileage log for taxes.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking huge orders on day one slows you down, so start with small ones. Forgetting gas and taxes overstates what you earn, so track both. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly, or right away with Instant Cashout · **Age:** 18+ on Instacart</p> <h3>Local phone jobs that pay per task</h3> <p>These pay you for tasks, walks and checks near you, booked and paid through an app. Most pay within days, and some pay within hours.</p> <h4>4. Do handyman tasks with Taskrabbit</h4> <p>Taskrabbit sends you requests for furniture assembly, TV mounting, moving help and small repairs, and you chat with clients, get booked and [invoice](/free-tools/invoice-generator) from the Tasker app.</p> <p>You set your own rate for each kind of task, so start with what you're best at. A good first goal is five jobs with five-star reviews, since reviews bring the next bookings.</p> <p>It fits you if you're handy and own basic tools.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the [hourly rate](/free-tools/hourly-to-salary-calculator) you set. Clients pay Taskrabbit's service fee on top of your rate ([Taskrabbit](https://support.taskrabbit.com/hc/en-us/articles/46260411872155-What-s-the-Taskrabbit-Service-Fee)), and you pay a one-time, non-refundable $25 registration fee to start ([Taskrabbit](https://support.taskrabbit.com/hc/en-us/articles/46260480151579-What-s-the-Registration-Fee)).</p> <p>**Example:** Nesto Works made $395 in one day from three handyman jobs on Taskrabbit, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6Ug7W3G348).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up as a Tasker on [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) and pay the registration fee Pick two or three kinds of tasks you do well, and set your rates Answer requests fast, since clients often book the first good reply :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the Tasker app, and a basic tool kit you can carry.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Pricing far below other Taskers attracts clients who don't value your work, so price fairly. Taking jobs you can't finish well costs you reviews, so stick to tasks you know. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a $25 registration fee · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps · **Age:** 18+ on Taskrabbit</p> <h4>5. Walk dogs and pet sit with Rover</h4> <p>You set up a profile with your services, like walks, drop-in visits or overnight stays, and pet owners nearby book you in the Rover app. You send photo updates from your phone during each booking.</p> <p>A good first goal is three repeat clients, since repeat bookings fill a week faster than new ones.</p> <p>It fits you if you love animals and live near pet owners.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the rates you set, minus Rover's 20% service fee, so you take home 80% ([Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/205385304-What-are-the-service-fees)). A profile review costs $49 to $79, depending on where you live ([Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/203062400-Is-Rover-free)), and payments show up two days after you complete a service ([Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/202838244-How-do-I-get-paid-for-bookings)).</p> <p>**Example:** Rachel Cole made £4,886 in a first year of dog sitting through Rover in the UK, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38wbhy6g3HU).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Create a profile on [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) with clear photos and your services Price a little low until your first reviews come in Send photo updates during each booking, so owners book you again :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the Rover app, and a few treats and bags in your pocket.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking more dogs than you can handle risks an accident, so stay within your limits. Skipping the meet-and-greet leads to surprises, so meet each pet first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a $49 to $79 profile review · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** two days after each service · **Age:** 18+ on Rover</p> <h4>6. Do in-store tasks with Field Agent</h4> <p>Field Agent shows quick jobs on a map, like checking a shelf, taking product photos or answering questions about a store. You reserve a job, do it with your phone's camera and get paid when it's approved.</p> <p>Most jobs are small, so stack them on errands you're already running. A good first goal is five jobs on one shopping trip.</p> <p>It fits you if you shop often and don't mind taking photos in stores.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job. Field Agent's listing says location jobs generally pay $3 to $20 and that it has paid out over $20 million ([App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/field-agent/id364946558)), and you cash out to PayPal.</p> <p>**Example:** Gigsberg did about 160 Field Agent gigs in a month for about $650, mostly $3 jobs, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AxHe0nRQvc).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Download [Field Agent](https://navid.link/fieldagent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) and set your location Reserve jobs at stores on your usual routes Follow each job's photo instructions exactly, so it gets approved :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the Field Agent app and your phone's camera.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Driving across town for a $3 job loses money, so do jobs on routes you already take. Ignoring store staff can get you asked to leave, so stay polite and quick, and walk away from anyone hostile. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>7. Take property photos with ProxyPics</h4> <p>ProxyPics pays you to photograph homes and buildings near you for lenders, insurers and property managers. You pick jobs on the app's map, take the photos it asks for and upload them from your phone.</p> <p>A good first goal is three jobs near your home, to learn what clients approve.</p> <p>It fits you if you're out and about and comfortable taking photos of buildings.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job. After the client approves your photos, which usually takes 24 to 48 hours, the money goes to your wallet in the app ([ProxyPics](https://www.proxypics.com/faq)).</p> <p>**Example:** Daily Earn Deals compared ProxyPics, iVueit and WeGoLook, with public rate examples of up to $125 a job, [in July 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxT10hucwPo).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Download [ProxyPics](https://navid.link/proxypics?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) and turn on job alerts near you Take the photos in the exact order and angles the job asks for Upload the same day, so approval comes sooner :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the ProxyPics app and your phone's camera.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Missing a required photo gets the job rejected, so check the list before you leave. Lingering on private property makes people nervous, so be quick and polite. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** after the client approves, usually 24 to 48 hours</p> <h4>8. Deliver packages with Amazon Flex</h4> <p>You book delivery blocks of a few hours in the Amazon Flex app, pick up packages at a station and deliver them with the app's route and scanner on your phone.</p> <p>The pay for each block shows before you take it, so you always know what you're working for. A good first goal is one block, to see how long a route takes you.</p> <p>It fits you if you're 21 or older, have a car and like set schedules.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a set amount per delivery block, shown before you take it. Amazon says most Flex drivers earn $18 to $25 an hour, depending on where and when they drive ([Amazon Flex](https://flex.amazon.com/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Package Pursuit on still doing Amazon Flex, and why.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKrEH6abEXQ | This Is Why I Still Do Amazon Flex | | Package Pursuit | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Download the [Amazon Flex](https://navid.link/amazonflex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) app and check that it runs in your city Pass the background check and add your vehicle Book blocks ahead, or take instant offers when you're free :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the Amazon Flex app and your phone's maps.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking blocks far from the station costs you, because the drive there is unpaid. Ignoring your car's costs hides what you really make, so work out what you keep per hour. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Age:** 21+ on Amazon Flex</p> <h4>9. Mystery shop</h4> <p>Mystery shopping companies pay you to visit a store, a restaurant or a bank as a normal customer, then report on the visit from your phone, often with photos and receipts. Many shops include a refund for what you buy.</p> <p>Real mystery shopping companies don't charge you anything to work for them, and the FTC suggests the Mystery Shopping Providers Association's database to find real ones ([FTC](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/mystery-shopping-scams)). A good first goal is three shops near you in one week.</p> <p>It fits you if you notice details and write clear, honest reports.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per shop, and often a refund for what you buy. The FTC says real mystery shopping companies don't charge you to work for them, and that mystery shoppers often pay for the product and get reimbursed ([FTC](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/mystery-shopping-scams)).</p> <p>**Example:** Kayla Laughs Out Loud stacked 14+ mystery shops in one day for $408 in cash plus $169 in free products, [in April 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID6sx9ZBTkk).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up with companies listed by the Mystery Shopping Providers Association Take shops on routes you already drive Submit each report the same day, with every photo and receipt :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the companies' apps, your phone's camera and a notes app for details.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying a fee to become a mystery shopper is a scam sign, because real companies don't charge you. Depositing a check and sending money back is a classic scam, so don't wire money back for any shop. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h3>Sell from your phone</h3> <p>You can photograph, list, sell and ship from your phone. These pay within days of a sale, and fees decide what you keep.</p> <h4>10. Resell clothes on Poshmark, Depop or Vinted</h4> <p>You photograph clothes you own or thrift, list them from the app in a few minutes and ship with a prepaid label. Poshmark keeps 20% of sales of $15 or more ([Poshmark](https://support.poshmark.com/s/article/297755057?language=en_US)), Depop charges US sellers no selling fee, only payment processing ([Depop](https://depophelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360001791127-Seller-fees-and-charges)), and Vinted says sellers keep 100% of what they earn ([Vinted](https://www.vinted.com/how_it_works)).</p> <p>A good first goal is twenty listings, since the more you list, the more you sell.</p> <p>It fits you if you have clothes you don't wear, or you like thrifting.</p> <p>**What it pays:** [the margin](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator) on each item. On eBay, the money is usually available 1 to 2 days after the buyer pays, and daily payouts start about 2 days after that ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814)).</p> <p>**Example:** Jasmeen makes about $100 a week selling old clothes on Vinted, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OATiDPEC2OY). Becky Park's week of reselling on Poshmark, eBay and Depop was mostly $15 to $20 in profit per item, [in June 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUOi8-WwDlY).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on how to start reselling with no money.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ0fdAYPyqE | How to Start Reselling (Even With $0 in the Bank) | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Photograph ten items in daylight on a plain background List them on [Poshmark](https://navid.link/poshmark?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone), [Depop](https://navid.link/depop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) or [Vinted](https://navid.link/vinted?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) with honest sizes and flaws Ship within a day of each sale :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the apps, and the [product photo background remover](/free-tools/product-photo-background-remover) for cleaner photos.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Hiding stains or flaws brings returns and bad reviews, so show them in the photos. Pricing without the fees can turn a sale into a loss, so check what you keep first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>11. Flip items on Facebook Marketplace</h4> <p>You buy items cheap nearby, like furniture, tools or electronics, and sell them for more on Facebook Marketplace, all from your phone. Buyers message you in Messenger, and local sales are paid in person.</p> <p>A good first goal is one flip that makes $50, so you learn what sells in your area.</p> <p>It fits you if you like a bargain and have room to store a few items.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the price you agree on. Shipped orders pay a selling fee of 5% per shipment, or $0.40 for shipments of $8 or less ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)), and local sales you're paid for in person don't go through Facebook at all.</p> <p>**Example:** The Flip Shop made over $4,000 in profit in one month from five Facebook Marketplace flips, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaXt35Q6U8Q).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Search sold prices for one kind of item you know Buy below that price nearby, and clean it up List it with clear photos and meet buyers in a busy public place :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) and your phone's camera.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying what you like instead of what sells leaves you with items that sit. Meeting buyers alone at home puts you at risk, so meet in a public place. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** in person, for local sales</p> <h4>12. Sell live on Whatnot</h4> <p>You go live from your phone and auction cards, collectibles, sneakers or clothes while buyers bid in real time. One show can sell a lot of stock, and payouts usually arrive within a couple of business days.</p> <p>A good first goal is one weekly show with ten items, so your buyers learn when to find you.</p> <p>It fits you if you're comfortable on camera and know a collectible niche well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the sale price, minus Whatnot's commission, which is 8% for standard US sellers and drops as low as 3% at higher sales tiers, plus payment processing of 2.9% plus 30 cents ([Whatnot](https://help.whatnot.com/hc/en-us/articles/4847069165965-Whatnot-seller-fees)). Payouts usually arrive within 1 to 2 business days ([Whatnot](https://help.whatnot.com/hc/en-us/articles/360061604151-Set-up-and-start-payouts)).</p> <p>**Example:** Reaper Reviews sold $5,455 of Pokémon cards on Whatnot, about $1,455 more than the cards cost before taxes, fees and shipping, [in March 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzJv97c3igM).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one niche you know, like trading cards or sneakers Apply to sell on [Whatnot](https://navid.link/whatnot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) and plan a first show Go live at the same time each week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the Whatnot app, a phone stand and good light.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Starting auctions too low on rare items can sell them at a loss, so set a floor you can live with. Shipping late hurts your seller rating, so ship within the deadline. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** 1 to 2 business days after a payout</p> <h4>13. Run an Etsy shop from the app</h4> <p>You can run an Etsy shop from the Sell on Etsy app: list items, answer buyers, print labels and see your sales. Digital downloads, like printables, sell with nothing to ship.</p> <p>A good first goal is ten listings in one niche, so Etsy has enough to show buyers.</p> <p>It fits you if you make things or design simple [digital products](/articles/best-place-to-sell-digital-products).</p> <p>**What it pays:** sales, minus Etsy's fees: $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale, and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)). New sellers get paid weekly, every Monday, and can switch to daily, every two weeks or monthly ([Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046998234-How-to-Receive-Your-Etsy-Payments-Deposit)).</p> <p>**Example:** Cam Finance tested an AI printables shop on Etsy from $0: two sales for $9 in the first week, then $187 in total sales by the end of week two, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1abscZwwsM).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make three products people search for in your niche List them on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) with clear photos or mockups and good titles Answer every message within a day :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the Sell on Etsy app, [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) for designs, and the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying other sellers' designs can get your listings removed, so make your own. Pricing without Etsy's fees can make a sale lose money. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** every Monday by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>14. Run a print on demand shop</h4> <p>You design shirts, mugs and posters, and a print-on-demand company prints and ships each one when it sells, so you never hold stock. You can design in apps like [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) on your phone.</p> <p>A good first goal is ten designs for one group of people you know well.</p> <p>It fits you if you know one group's jokes and interests, like nurses, dog owners or gamers.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each item sold: your price minus the print cost and the marketplace's fees. On Etsy, that's $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Brenon Dopp's print-on-demand Etsy shop made $40 in its first month and $6,076 in its best month, October, in its first year, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3vm3FIm4UE).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jensen Tung on the easiest way to start print on demand from $0.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFGOEaGokaU | Easiest Way To Start Print On Demand From $0 In 2026 | | Jensen Tung | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a niche with its own words and jokes Make ten designs on a few products Keep making the designs that sell :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) for designs, [Printful](https://navid.link/printful?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) to print, and the [print-on-demand profit calculator](/free-tools/print-on-demand-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using brands or characters you don't own can bring trademark claims. Skipping a sample order lets customers find print problems first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>15. Earn on TikTok Shop as an affiliate</h4> <p>You post videos and LIVEs that show products from TikTok Shop, and earn a commission when viewers buy through them. You film, edit and post it all from your phone.</p> <p>A good first goal is ten honest product videos in one niche, like beauty, kitchen or tech.</p> <p>It fits you if you like trying products and talking about them on camera.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a commission on each sale through your videos, LIVEs or affiliate links. TikTok Shop's [affiliate program](/best-affiliate-programs) is for US creators 18 and older who meet its follower minimum ([TikTok Shop](https://seller-us.tiktok.com/university/essay?knowledge_id=6939143037667118&amp;lang=en)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check that you meet TikTok Shop's affiliate rules Pick products you'd use yourself in one niche Show each product in use, not just held up to the camera :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the TikTok app and [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut) for edits.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promoting products you haven't tried costs you your viewers' trust. Skipping the paid-partnership disclosure breaks the FTC's rules on endorsements ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/disclosures-101-social-media-influencers)). :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Age:** 18+ for TikTok Shop's affiliate program</p> <h3>Get paid for your opinion</h3> <p>These pay you to test apps, join research and answer surveys from your phone. Research studies pay well when you qualify, and surveys pay a few dollars an hour.</p> <h4>16. Test apps and websites</h4> <p>You try an app or a website on your phone while you say what you think out loud, and the test records your screen and voice. Each test takes a short while, and companies use your comments to fix their products.</p> <p>Tests depend on your location and profile, so some people see many and others few. A good first goal is passing the practice test and finishing your first paid one.</p> <p>It fits you if you can explain what confuses you, clearly and out loud.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per test. UserTesting sends each payment to PayPal 14 days after you upload the test ([UserTesting](https://participant-support.usertesting.com/hc/en-us/articles/37633031351315-When-and-how-will-I-be-paid)).</p> <p>**Watch:** PaidFromSurveys on getting paid to test websites with UserTesting.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IasjXrnwn1M | Get Paid to Test Websites - Is UserTesting.com the Ultimate Side Hustle? (Full Review) | | PaidFromSurveys | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up on [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) and pass the practice test Fill in your profile honestly so you match more tests Check for new tests often, since they fill up :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the UserTesting app and a quiet room.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking tests in a noisy room can get them rejected, so find a quiet spot. Going quiet during a test leaves out what they pay for, which is your comments. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** by PayPal, 14 days after each test · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>17. Join paid research studies</h4> <p>Companies pay to interview people like their customers, by video call or in short tasks on your phone. If your job, hobbies or purchases match a study, an hour of your time can pay more than a day of surveys.</p> <p>A good first goal is a complete, honest profile, since that's how studies find you.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a job title or experience researchers look for, like a manager, a nurse or a parent of young kids.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per interview, survey or focus group. Respondent shows an average payout of $75 per study, paid 48 hours after your session ([Respondent](https://www.respondent.io/participants)).</p> <p>**Watch:** MediaFuse on a research site that paid $300 for one study.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYBH-uaUHxo | This Research Website Paid Me $300 for Completing A Survey | | MediaFuse | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a profile on [Respondent](https://navid.link/respondent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) and [dscout](https://navid.link/dscout?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) with your real details Apply to studies that match you, with honest screener answers Show up on time for each session :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the platforms' apps, a quiet room and headphones.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Bending the truth to qualify can cost you access, because researchers check. Skipping a booked session can get you banned, so cancel early if you must. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** 48 hours after each session on Respondent</p> <h4>18. Answer Google Opinion Rewards surveys</h4> <p>Google sends you a quick survey now and then, often a few questions long, and pays a small amount for each one you finish. It runs quietly in the background, so it's easy money, if small.</p> <p>A good first goal is turning on notifications, so you catch each survey.</p> <p>It fits you if you want something small that takes seconds a week.</p> <p>**What it pays:** up to $1 per completed survey, paid to your PayPal account on iPhone ([App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-opinion-rewards/id1227019728)), or as Google Play or PayPal credit ([Google](https://surveys.google.com/google-opinion-rewards/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Andy Zhong earned $130+ in total from Google Opinion Rewards, with payment proof, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGm83cJUCXk).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Download [Google Opinion Rewards](https://navid.link/googleopinionrewards?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) and answer the setup questions Turn on notifications for new surveys Answer honestly, since rushed answers can mean fewer surveys :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the Google Opinion Rewards app.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Expecting a steady income sets you up for disappointment, because surveys come only now and then. Answering at random can reduce how many surveys you get, so answer honestly. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per survey, to PayPal or Google Play</p> <h4>19. Take surveys, and know what they really pay</h4> <p>Survey apps pay points for answering questions about products and habits, which you cash out once you reach a minimum. They're easy to start, but you'll be screened out of many, and the pay per hour is low.</p> <p>Treat surveys as something for spare minutes, not a side hustle. A good first goal is your first $5 cash out, so you see the real pace.</p> <p>It fits you if you have spare minutes in line or on a commute, and want something simple.</p> <p>**What it pays:** points you cash out. On Survey Junkie, 100 points are worth $1, with cash outs from $5 ([Survey Junkie](https://www.surveyjunkie.com/how-it-works)), and on Swagbucks a $3 gift card costs 300 points ([Swagbucks](https://help.swagbucks.com/hc/en-us/articles/205094723-Swag-Up-Details)).</p> <p>**Example:** Emilia Davids tested 10 survey sites and got over $800 in rewards from the 5 that paid well, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-RlsP5Yw8M). Survey Leo tested Survey Junkie with a fresh account and earned about $5 an hour, [in August 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfiVHt2BoRk).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one or two apps, like [Survey Junkie](https://navid.link/surveyjunkie?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) or [Swagbucks](https://navid.link/swagbucks?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) Fill in your profile completely, so you qualify for more surveys Cash out as soon as you reach the minimum :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the survey apps, and a separate email for their messages.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Signing up for a dozen apps buries you in emails for little extra pay. Giving out your Social Security number or bank login to a survey is a scam sign, so stop. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** from $5 on Survey Junkie</p> <h3>Help people from your phone</h3> <p>These pay for a skill you sell over chat, calls and video. They pay more per hour than most ways here once you have clients, and they're paid when the platform or the client pays you.</p> <h4>20. Tutor or teach a language on Preply</h4> <p>You teach one-on-one lessons over video, and the Preply app works on your phone for lessons, messages and your schedule. Languages are popular, and so are school subjects and test prep.</p> <p>Preply keeps the full fee for each trial lesson with a new student, then 33% of later lessons, falling to 18% as your teaching hours grow ([Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171383-preply-commission-model)). A good first goal is three regular students.</p> <p>It fits you if you speak a language well or know a school subject, and you're patient.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per lesson, at a rate you set. Preply keeps the first trial lesson with each new student, then 18% to 33% of each lesson, falling as your teaching hours grow ([Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171383-preply-commission-model)). Employed tutors in the US earn a median of $20.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253041.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** vivian zhu has earned $39,000 as a Preply tutor, after 114+ trial lessons, [in July 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNgkr1_Is6s).</p> <p>**Watch:** Vivian Zhu on the trial lessons behind over $37,000 earned from 1,568 Preply lessons in three years.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNgkr1_Is6s | I've Earned $39K as a Preply Tutor - Here's My Trial Lesson Blueprint | | Vivian Zhu | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a profile on [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) for one subject and level Price your first lessons low to get reviews Turn trial lessons into regular students with a clear plan for each :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the Preply app, a phone stand and headphones with a mic.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Teaching every subject slows your bookings, while a clear subject and level books faster. Forgetting that trial lessons pay you nothing on Preply makes your first weeks look worse than they are. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>21. Work as a virtual assistant</h4> <p>You handle tasks for busy people and small businesses, like email, scheduling, customer messages and simple research. Much of it works from a phone, with apps for email, chat and calendars.</p> <p>A good first goal is one client with a few hours of tasks a week.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized and reply fast.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a monthly package. On Upwork, virtual assistants typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/virtual-assistants/cost/)). Specialists earn more: medical virtual assistance grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Employed administrative assistants in the US earn a median of $48,310 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** life and numbers earns $1,300 a month as a virtual assistant for two clients, working about 9 hours a week, [in March 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHqhXLKYGgw).</p> <p>**Watch:** Life and Numbers on becoming a virtual assistant with no experience.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UT1rOreitg | How to Become a Virtual Assistant with No Experience (Step-by-Step Guide + Real Client Stories) | | life and numbers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start List five tasks you can take over Apply to VA jobs on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) Start with one client and grow from there :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Notion](/ai-tools/notion) for task lists and [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt) or [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) for drafts.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Saying yes to every task lets your hours grow, so agree on a clear list. Staying general keeps your rate low, since specialists earn more. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>22. Manage social media for local businesses</h4> <p>You post, reply to comments and make short videos for a local business, all from your phone. Many small businesses know they should post but don't have the time.</p> <p>A good first goal is one local business on a monthly plan.</p> <p>It fits you if you already know how the platforms work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly retainers. On Upwork, social media managers typically charge $14 to $35 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/social-media-managers/cost/)). Demand for Instagram services grew 147% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)), and social media strategy was among Upwork's fastest-growing marketing skills in 2025, up 36% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Mae Bornillo's social media management business brings in about $7,500 a month, with about $4,500 of it as take-home pay, after seven years of building it, [in September 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvURjTKq274).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jade Beason's full guide to starting a social media marketing agency.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3iIIAxppPo | How to start a social media marketing agency step by step - 2026 FULL GUIDE | | Jade Beason | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Grow your own account first Offer a monthly package for one platform Report results every month :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut) and [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) on your phone, and a scheduler like [Metricool](https://navid.link/metricool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising followers sets the wrong goal, so promise steady posting and report on leads. Working in too many industries makes your results hard to compare and sell, so pick one. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>23. Moderate an online community</h4> <p>Creators and brands pay people to keep their communities friendly and busy: welcoming members, answering questions and removing spam. Community apps like Skool and Discord work well on a phone.</p> <p>A good first goal is helping run a community you're already in, a few hours a week.</p> <p>It fits you if you're online often and good with people.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a monthly retainer, usually from a creator or a software company.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Help run a community you're already in Offer a few hours a week to a creator Report on activity every month :::</p> <p>**Tools:** communities run on [Circle](https://navid.link/circle?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone), [Skool](https://navid.link/skool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) and [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone), which I use.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Being online all day burns you out, so set hours. Letting problems sit lets them spread, so act on rule-breaking fast. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>24. Coach clients over video calls</h4> <p>You help people get a result you've gotten yourself, like fitness, career moves or a skill, over video calls from your phone. Coaching pays per session or per package.</p> <p>A good first goal is three clients at a low price, so you can ask for results and reviews.</p> <p>It fits you if you've helped people get a result and can explain the steps.</p> <p>**What it pays:** coaching packages, paid up front or monthly. On Upwork, business coaches typically charge $75 to $150 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-coaches/cost/)). On Upwork, life coaches typically charge $50 to $250 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/life-coaches/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Name the result you help people get Coach three people at a low price Raise the price with each result :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Calendly](https://navid.link/calendly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) for bookings and [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) for payments.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Coaching everyone on everything makes you hard to buy, so pick one result. Underpricing your coaching keeps you stuck at a low income. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h3>Make money on your phone with AI</h3> <p>AI apps on your phone can make images, videos, voices and songs, and they help with AI training work. The pay comes from what you sell or the tasks you finish, not from the AI.</p> <h4>25. Make AI UGC ads</h4> <p>UGC ads look like a real customer talking about a product. With AI apps, you make them with an AI presenter and a script, so a brand can test many hooks without hiring a creator for each.</p> <p>Prices are falling as AI comes in: Superscale's 2025 pricing data puts the average UGC video at $198, down 44% in a year ([Superscale](https://superscale.ai/learn/how-much-does-ugc-cost-real-pricing-breakdown-for-2025/)). A good first goal is a monthly pack of ads for one small brand.</p> <p>It fits you if you write hooks well and know what makes an ad feel natural.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per ad, paid by the brand. Searches for AI UGC video ads grew 265% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** ElevenLabs shows its full workflow for viral AI UGC ads.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_H01wcSCEko | How to Make Viral AI UGC Ads in 2026 (Full Workflow) | | ElevenLabs | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write ten hooks for one product Make three AI UGC ads from the best ones Offer a monthly pack of new ads to test :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [HeyGen](/ai-tools/heygen) for presenters, [ElevenLabs](/ai-tools/elevenlabs) for voices and [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut) for edits.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Passing an AI presenter off as a real customer breaks ad rules, so follow each platform's labeling rules. Making the ads too polished defeats the point, because UGC works by looking real. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per ad, by the brand</p> <h4>26. Make AI images for brands</h4> <p>You turn a small brand's plain product photos into clean scenes and social images with AI apps on your phone. Online stores need more images than most can afford to shoot.</p> <p>A good first goal is a before-and-after set for one product you own.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for what makes a product look good.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per image set or a monthly package. AI image generation and editing grew 95% on Upwork in 2025, by freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Kevin Stratvert](/creators/kevin-stratvert) on making images with Google's Nano Banana.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfE-csUyPF4 | Nano Banana AI Tutorial - How to Use Google’s Free Tool (Step-by-Step) | | Kevin Stratvert | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a sample set for three products you own Show the before and after on one page Pitch online stores with weak photos :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini) and [Higgsfield](/ai-tools/higgsfield) make the images, and [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) adds text.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Changing the product in the image makes it unusable for the brand, so keep the product exactly as it is. Ignoring the AI tool's license terms can put a client at risk, so check them first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per set, or monthly</p> <h4>27. Make custom songs with AI</h4> <p>AI music apps turn your lyrics and a prompt into a full song in minutes, right on your phone. People pay for custom songs for birthdays, weddings and anniversaries.</p> <p>On [Suno](/ai-tools/suno), you own the songs you make while you're on a Pro or Premier plan, and free-plan songs are for non-commercial use only ([Suno](https://help.suno.com/en/articles/2416769)). A good first goal is three custom songs for friends, as samples.</p> <p>It fits you if you write lyrics and have an ear for what sounds right.</p> <p>**What it pays:** licensing, streaming and custom songs. On Upwork, music producers typically charge $30 to $65 an hour, and the median is $35 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/music-producers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Odetta Rockhead made songs with Suno, sent them to Spotify and Apple Music through DistroKid, and says they earned about $2,000 from streaming and affiliate income, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY3egFhsVYI).</p> <p>**Watch:** MoneOnDaBeat's beginner tutorial for Suno.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OUpLRNdE9I | Suno Ai Tutorial 2025 - How To Use Suno V5 for Beginners | | MoneOnDaBeat | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make the songs you'll sell on a paid plan, so you own them Write the lyrics and shape each song yourself Offer custom songs on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) or [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Suno](/ai-tools/suno) on your phone.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling songs made on a free plan breaks Suno's terms, so make anything you sell on a paid plan. Delivering a song without checking the lyrics can embarrass the client, so listen through first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per song for custom work</p> <h4>28. Train AI models, where the platform allows phones</h4> <p>AI companies pay people to write, check and rate answers so their models get better. Much of the work is easier on a laptop, but some tasks and reviews work on a phone, depending on the platform and the project.</p> <p>A good first goal is passing one platform's assessment.</p> <p>It fits you if you write carefully and know a subject well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** pay per hour. DataAnnotation lists $25 to $50 an hour for generalists and $40 to $150+ an hour for coders and other experts ([DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/)). Demand is real: freelancer earnings from AI data annotation and labeling grew 154% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Business Insider spoke with people doing this work in [November 2025](https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-get-ai-training-freelancer-how-much-money-contractor-2025-11): Ryan Adams in Virginia has earned about $31,000 on Outlier, and Jessica Hamilton makes $1,000 to $1,200 a month across Prolific, DataAnnotation and others.</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant checks whether DataAnnotation's AI jobs are legit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--i7J5mR720 | Are DataAnnotation Tech AI Jobs Legit? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to [DataAnnotation](https://navid.link/dataannotation?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) or [Outlier](https://navid.link/outlier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) and take the assessment Do your best work on the first tasks, since quality sets your access Check which projects work well on your phone :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the platforms themselves, and a laptop for longer tasks if you have one.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying a fee to "unlock" AI training work is a scam sign, because real platforms don't charge you to join. Rushing tasks on a small screen leads to mistakes that cost you access, so take your time. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>29. Run a faceless channel from your phone</h4> <p>You run a YouTube or TikTok channel without showing your face, with AI apps on your phone for scripts, voiceovers and edits. You earn from ads, [sponsors](/free-tools/sponsorship-rate-calculator) and affiliate links once the channel grows.</p> <p>YouTube doesn't pay for mass-produced or repetitive videos, a rule it renamed "inauthentic content" in July 2025 ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1311392)). A good first goal is 20 videos in one topic before you judge the results.</p> <p>It fits you if you love one topic and can research it well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** [ad revenue](/free-tools/youtube-money-calculator) share, sponsors and affiliate links, on the same YouTube terms as any channel ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)). Businesses pay for this work too: searches for YouTube automation faceless channels grew 239% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Adavia Davis](https://fortune.com/2025/12/30/ai-slop-faceless-youtube-accounts-adavia-davis-user-generated-content) runs faceless AI channels that make roughly $40,000 to $60,000 a month, which Fortune checked against his AdSense records.</p> <p>**Watch:** Sambucha on secretly voicing faceless YouTube channels.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwF8n7vrF5Q | I Secretly Became The Voice Of Faceless YouTube Channels | | Sambucha | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a topic with the [YouTube niche finder](/free-tools/youtube-niche-finder) Script and voice each video with AI, then edit in [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut) Post every week for six months before you judge it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) for scripts, [ElevenLabs](/ai-tools/elevenlabs) for voice and [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut) for edits.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Mass-producing low-effort videos breaks YouTube's inauthentic content rule, so the channel can lose its earnings. Copying another channel's scripts gets you claims, not views. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h3>Create on your phone</h3> <p>Your phone shoots, edits and posts video, photos and designs. Creator programs pay monthly and only once you qualify, so these are the slowest to start, and they can grow the most.</p> <h4>30. Film UGC videos for brands</h4> <p>Brands pay creators to film short videos that look like a real customer's review, which they use as ads. You film and edit on your phone, and you don't need followers, since the brand posts the video.</p> <p>A good first goal is three sample videos with products you already own.</p> <p>It fits you if you're natural on camera and can talk about products honestly.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video, paid by the brand, at a rate you set. Brands also hire this work as video ads: searches for AI UGC video ads grew 265% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026, and searches for video editing grew 36% ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Samantha Dixon's step-by-step guide to becoming a UGC creator.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKdFfNUsQjY | BECOME A UGC CREATOR IN 2026💰(STEP-BY-STEP) - How To Make Money Online As A UGC Creator? What is UGC | | Samantha Dixon | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Film three sample videos with products you own Pitch five brands in one niche Ask for half the fee up front :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut) for edits and a phone stand with good light.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Filming ads that sound like ads wastes the reason brands hire you. Pitching every brand at once spreads your samples thin, so start with one niche. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when the brand pays your invoice</p> <h4>31. Post videos for TikTok's Creator Rewards</h4> <p>TikTok pays for views on videos of at least 1 minute through its Creator Rewards Program, once you qualify. You film, edit and post from your phone, and many creators add brand deals as they grow.</p> <p>A good first goal is 30 days of posting in one topic.</p> <p>It fits you if you can post often and learn from what the numbers show.</p> <p>**What it pays:** creator programs where you qualify, brand deals and affiliate links. TikTok's Creator Rewards Program pays for videos of at least 1 minute once you have 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in 30 days ([TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/global/creator-rewards-program-us/en)), and YouTube pays 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)).</p> <p>**Example:** Abigail Z. Robinson was paid $2,347 by TikTok's Creator Rewards Program, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fiBo1CbB_k).</p> <p>**Watch:** Buzz on monetizing a faceless TikTok in seven days.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eQDpN4lmNE | How I Monetized My Faceless TikTok in 7 Days | | Buzz | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one topic and post every day for 30 days Make videos of at least 1 minute once you're close to qualifying Keep the formats that get watched to the end :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the TikTok app and [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut), plus the [TikTok money calculator](/free-tools/tiktok-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying trends without a topic gets views but no audience. Relying on one platform's program puts all your income in its hands, so add brand deals and your own offers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly on the 15th on TikTok, once you pass $50 · **Age:** 18+ for TikTok's rewards</p> <h4>32. Post YouTube Shorts</h4> <p>YouTube pays creators 45% of their share of Shorts ads once they join its Partner Program, and Shorts are made to be filmed and posted from a phone.</p> <p>A good first goal is 50 Shorts in one topic, so you learn what holds attention.</p> <p>It fits you if you can make short, punchy videos often.</p> <p>**What it pays:** YouTube's ad revenue share, sponsors, memberships and your own offers. YouTube pays you 55% of the ad revenue on your long videos and 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)), once you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)).</p> <p>**Example:** Kellan Henneberry runs 10+ faceless YouTube Shorts channels, scripted with Claude, and says they make $24,937 a month, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_t51u1tBJc).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one topic and one format you can repeat Post daily for a month Check which Shorts get watched to the end, and make more like them :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the YouTube app, [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut), the [YouTube Shorts script generator](/free-tools/youtube-shorts-script-generator) and the [YouTube Shorts money calculator](/free-tools/youtube-shorts-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Reposting other people's clips without changes doesn't count as original work, so make your own. Judging a channel after ten Shorts quits too early, so give it months. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>33. Grow an Instagram account</h4> <p>You post photos, carousels and Reels from your phone in one niche, and earn from brand deals, affiliate links and Instagram's own subscriptions and gifts as you grow.</p> <p>A good first goal is one post a day for a month, to find what your audience saves and shares.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a niche you love and a good eye.</p> <p>**What it pays:** brand deals, subscriptions, gifts and your own offers. Businesses are paying for Instagram work: searches for Instagram services grew 147% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Example:** Allison of The Simple Table reached 100,000 followers and made $575 from 11 brand deals and $437 from affiliate links in 2025, [in September 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nlFe0Y8Cls).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Pat Flynn](/creators/pat-flynn) talks to an Instagram expert about growing from zero followers.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVEfS6yAIcc | Instagram Expert Explains How to Grow from Zero Followers in 2026 | | Pat Flynn | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one niche and one kind of post you can make every day Study the posts that get saved and shared in your niche Link to a newsletter or an offer from your bio :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) and [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut), and the [Instagram money calculator](/free-tools/instagram-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying followers backfires, because brands check engagement and fake followers drag it down. Posting without a link to anything you own wastes your reach, so give your profile a next step. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when brands pay</p> <h4>34. Stream live from your phone</h4> <p>You stream from your phone on Twitch, TikTok LIVE or YouTube, and earn from subscriptions, gifts and ads once you qualify. Talking, cooking, crafting and mobile games all stream well from a phone.</p> <p>A good first goal is streaming at the same times each week for a month.</p> <p>It fits you if you enjoy talking with an audience in real time.</p> <p>**What it pays:** subscriptions, tips, ads and sponsors. Twitch makes you an Affiliate, and able to get paid, once you stream 4 hours on 4 different days with at least 3 viewers on average and have 25 followers, and it pays out once you pass $50 ([Twitch](https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2026/05/13/monetization-for-all/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Feinberg, a Minecraft streamer, says Twitch pays about $1,000 a day, [in March 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3fuMl76DNM).</p> <p>**Watch:** Twitch streamer sunshinebread on real daily earnings, from $14 days to a $600 day with ads.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FRxhEjOBOA | How Much Money Do Small Streamers Really Make on Twitch? | | sunshinebread | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one thing you'll stream on a schedule Stream at the same times each week Meet Twitch's Affiliate bar to turn on earnings :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a phone stand, earbuds with a mic and the [Twitch money calculator](/free-tools/twitch-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Streaming at random times loses viewers, who come back to a habit. Ignoring chat loses the viewers who came to talk with you. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** once you pass $50 on Twitch</p> <h4>35. Clip videos for creators</h4> <p>You cut long videos and streams into short clips with an editing app on your phone, and creators or brands pay you per clip or per view through clipping programs.</p> <p>A good first goal is one clip that passes a program's minimum views.</p> <p>It fits you if you watch a lot of one kind of content and spot good moments.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per clip, or pay per view on clipping programs. Clips are short-form video editing, and searches for short-form video editing grew 27% and Reels editing 57% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, video editors typically charge $6 to $25 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** SERVIUOS made $1,000 clipping streamers' videos in 30 days, and shows the TikTok page so you can check, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR5WI2jtfmI).</p> <p>**Watch:** Daniel Bitton on how clipping pays.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_i3MscQJ70 | How To Get Rich From Clipping | | Daniel Bitton Extra | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Clip three creators in one topic for practice Keep the formats that get watched Join paid clipping programs on [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone), or pitch creators directly :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut) on your phone, and [OpusClip](/ai-tools/opusclip) to find the moments.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Posting a creator's clips without permission can get your account banned, so clip for creators who invite it. Burying the hook in the middle of a clip loses viewers in the first seconds. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per clip or per view, by the creator</p> <h4>36. Make CapCut templates</h4> <p>CapCut templates let people drop their own photos and clips into an edit you designed. Through CapCut's Template Creator Program, creators earn rewards for templates that people use.</p> <p>A good first goal is ten templates in one trending style.</p> <p>It fits you if you edit fast and follow what's trending.</p> <p>**What it pays:** rewards based on how your templates perform and go viral, plus challenges and tasks from CapCut's team. The US program is for creators 18 and older, and rewards land in your CapCut wallet within 2 to 3 business days at the end of each month ([CapCut](https://www.capcut.com/partners/template-creator-us)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Study the most-used templates in your style Make your own, with fresh music and transitions Apply to CapCut's Template Creator Program in your country :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut) on your phone.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying a popular template too closely can break CapCut's rules, so make your own. Using music you don't have rights to can get a template removed. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** monthly, to your CapCut wallet · **Age:** 18+ for CapCut's Template Creator Program</p> <h4>37. Sell phone photos as stock</h4> <p>Phone cameras are good enough for stock photos of everyday life, food, places and objects. You shoot, edit and upload from your phone, and earn each time someone licenses a photo.</p> <p>A good first goal is 50 uploads, since stock sales come from a big library.</p> <p>It fits you if you take photos everywhere you go.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of each license sold. Shutterstock pays 15% to 40% of each license, by six earnings levels that reset every January 1 ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10594604-how-much-will-i-be-paid-as-a-contributor-to-shutterstock)), and pays monthly, by the 15th ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10617435-how-do-i-get-paid-for-my-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Trace made $3,289 from 3,729 downloads on Adobe Stock in 2025, and shares the year's numbers, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkAEpvi73gQ).</p> <p>**Watch:** Wollertz Photography on making $202,067 selling stock photos.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLWmkcvjRnM | I Made $202,067.19 Selling Photos: Stock Photography Works - Best Agencies 2026 | | Wollertz Photography | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Shoot what buyers search for, not only what you like Title and tag each photo clearly Upload often to [Adobe Stock](https://navid.link/adobestock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) and [Shutterstock](https://navid.link/shutterstock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) :::</p> <p>**Tools:** your phone's camera and an editing app, like [Lightroom](https://navid.link/lightroom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Photos of people without a signed release get rejected, so get releases or shoot without people. Only shooting what you like misses what buyers search for. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, by the 15th on Shutterstock</p> <h4>38. Sell sticker and emoji packs</h4> <p>You draw stickers on your phone or tablet and sell them as digital packs for messaging apps, or as printed and digital stickers on Etsy.</p> <p>A good first goal is one pack of eight to ten stickers around one theme.</p> <p>It fits you if you like drawing simple, cute characters.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of each sale. On LINE Creators Market, creators get 50% of sticker revenue after the app store's fee ([LINE](https://help2.line.me/creators/web/pc?lang=en&amp;contentId=20005127)), and on Etsy you keep your price minus $0.20 to list, 6.5% of each sale and processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Kaitlyn Jeffries' Etsy sticker shop made $182.73 in sales in its first year, with about $124 left after fees and costs, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc3OAVmZdzo).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Draw one character or theme in a set of eight to ten stickers Submit the pack to LINE Creators Market, or list it on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) Make more packs for the themes that sell :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a drawing app on your phone or tablet, and the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Drawing characters you don't own gets packs rejected or removed. Expecting big money from one pack sets you up for disappointment, so build a series. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>39. Edit short videos for creators in CapCut</h4> <p>Many creators would rather not edit their own videos. You cut, caption and polish their short videos in CapCut on your phone, often with AI captions and auto-cuts.</p> <p>A good first goal is one creator who sends you a video every week.</p> <p>It fits you if you have patience for detail and a feel for pacing.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video or a monthly package. AI video generation and editing was the fastest-growing skill on Upwork in 2025, up 329% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Most video editors on Upwork charge $6 to $25 an hour, and the most experienced earn a median of $100 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)). Employed film and video editors in the US earn a median of $75,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** Clumzzy shares a year of video editing, from no experience and no clients to clients paying up to $5,000 a month, [in October 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihx_lkvkL-M).</p> <p>**Watch:** Lerin Nic's full CapCut course for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68KNzsmBarM | CapCut Video Editing Tutorial for Beginners (2026) - Full Course | | Lerin Nic | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Re-edit three videos from creators you like as samples Offer one format, like Reels or Shorts Sell a monthly package to keep clients for longer :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut) on your phone.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Over-editing with effects makes videos tiring to watch, so keep the cuts clean. Missing deadlines loses creators who post on a schedule, so agree on a turnaround and keep it. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>40. Record voiceovers on your phone</h4> <p>You record voiceovers for videos, ads and apps, and a phone with a good mic in a quiet, soft room can sound clean enough to start.</p> <p>A good first goal is a demo with three styles, like friendly, calm and energetic.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a clear voice and can take direction.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or per finished minute. On Upwork, voice actors typically charge $40 to $85 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/voice-actors/cost/)). On Upwork, audiobook narrators typically charge $25 to $55 an hour, and the median is $40 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/audiobook-narrators/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Tawny Platis on becoming a voice actor in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6s2bKmNnPU | How To Become A Voice Actor In 2026 | | Tawny Platis | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Record in a closet or a room with soft furnishings Make a demo in three styles Audition on [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) and [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a phone recording app, a plug-in mic, and [Descript](/ai-tools/descript) to clean the audio.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recording in an echoey room makes a good voice sound cheap. Signing away your voice for AI training without a deal can let others use it without paying you. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>41. Design Canva templates</h4> <p>You design templates in the Canva app, like social posts, resumes and media kits, and sell a link that copies the template into the buyer's Canva account.</p> <p>A good first goal is a set of ten templates for one kind of buyer.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for design and know one kind of buyer.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per template that you set, minus Etsy's $0.20 listing fee, 6.5% of each sale and payment processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Melanie Renee made $30,000 in sales from digital products designed in Canva in spare time, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_mFaI6xVHA).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one kind of buyer and one kind of template Design a set of ten in a matching style List the set on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) with mockups that show it in use :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) app, and the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying another shop's look gets listings removed, so build your own style. Leaving out how to open the template brings confused buyers and refunds. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h3>Rent out what you own</h3> <p>These earn from things you already have. You manage bookings, messages and payouts from the app.</p> <h4>42. Rent your car on Turo</h4> <p>You list your car in the Turo app, set the price and the days it's free, and hand over the keys to renters. You keep 70% to 90% of each trip, depending on the plan you pick.</p> <p>A good first goal is one weekend rental, so you learn the cleaning and handoff.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a car you don't use every day.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of each trip's price that depends on the earnings plan you pick: 70%, 80% or 90%, with more of any damage cost on you as your share goes up ([Turo](https://help.turo.com/en_us/earnings-plans-in-detail-us-hosts-ByMOIVxEc)).</p> <p>**Example:** Turo Hustle says its seven cars made $14,000+ in one month, and shows the costs behind it, [in October 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8-sHujdtKY).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your insurance and Turo's car rules List your car on [Turo](https://navid.link/turo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) with clean photos Price a little low until your first reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the Turo app.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Picking the highest earnings plan without the savings for damage puts you at risk, so pick the plan you can afford. Skipping photos at handoff makes damage disputes hard to win. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>43. Rent storage space on Neighbor</h4> <p>You list a garage, a closet, a driveway or a parking spot in the Neighbor app, and renters pay monthly to store their things there.</p> <p>A good first goal is one renter for space you don't use.</p> <p>It fits you if you have empty space and live where storage is in demand.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the monthly price you set, minus a processing fee of 4.9% plus 30 cents. Listing is free ([Neighbor](https://help.neighbor.com/en_us/how-neighbor-makes-money-BkHYDAU0O)), and you're paid at the end of each 30-day rental period ([Neighbor](https://help.neighbor.com/en_us/how-do-payouts-work-as-a-host-HJkBDAICu)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Measure your space and take clear photos List it on [Neighbor](https://navid.link/neighbor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) with a fair monthly price Agree on access times with each renter :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the Neighbor app.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Renting space you'll need back soon causes trouble, so list space you won't need. Vague access rules lead to disputes, so agree on times up front. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** after each 30-day rental period</p> <h4>44. Rent a room on Airbnb</h4> <p>You rent a spare room to travelers, and the Airbnb app handles bookings, messages and payouts on your phone.</p> <p>A good first goal is your first five reviews, priced a little low.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a spare room and like meeting people.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the nightly price you set, minus Airbnb's fee. Most hosts pay 15.5% under Airbnb's single service fee, which is replacing the older 3% split fee ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857)). Airbnb starts your payout by the end of the business day after your guest checks in, or 28 days after check-in until you've completed two stays ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/425)).</p> <p>**Example:** Shade Tree Cottage's two Airbnb rentals in Virginia brought in about $56,000 in 2025, against almost $61,000 in expenses, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQXxgYiBvVQ). Kristen and Michael's Airbnb business brought in $3,198 to $7,725 a month in early 2025 ([December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4KH3SgSH8Q)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Robuilt on the new rules for Airbnb hosts.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt5DlBE9itI | The Airbnb game as we know it is OVER. THESE are the new rules for 2026. | | Robuilt | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your lease and city rules List the room on [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) with bright photos Price a little low until your first reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) app, and [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt) for your listing and messages.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping your city's rules can get you fined. Hiding flaws in photos leads to bad reviews. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a spare room · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** the business day after check-in</p> <h3>Rewards that save you money, not income</h3> <p>These pay you back on spending or reward small habits. They're fine to have, but they save money rather than earn it, and some pay in rewards you can't cash out.</p> <h4>45. Get cash back with Rakuten, Ibotta or Fetch</h4> <p>Cash back apps pay you a share of what you spend at partner stores, or points for scanning receipts. You'd buy the things anyway, so it's savings, not income.</p> <p>A good first goal is setting up one app for your weekly groceries.</p> <p>It fits you if you shop online or buy groceries every week.</p> <p>**What it pays:** money back on what you already buy, not income. Rakuten pays four times a year once you pass $5 ([Rakuten](https://www.rakuten.com/help/article/when-will-i-get-paid-360002117667)), Ibotta lets you withdraw from $20 ([Ibotta](https://help.ibotta.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004907048-How-do-I-withdraw-my-earnings-to-PayPal)), and Fetch points are worth about $1 in gift cards per 1,000 ([Fetch](https://fetch.com/faq)).</p> <p>**Example:** Money with Andrey got back over $450 in a year of Rakuten cash back, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHicO8ssIyI).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one app for how you shop: [Rakuten](https://navid.link/rakuten?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) online, [Ibotta](https://navid.link/ibotta?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) for groceries or [Fetch](https://navid.link/fetch?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-on-your-phone) for receipts Turn on its browser extension or link your store accounts Cash out as soon as you pass the minimum :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the apps themselves.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying things just for the cash back costs you more than you get back. Letting points sit can cost you, since Fetch points expire after 90 days without activity. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>46. Play games that pay, and know why most don't</h4> <p>Game reward apps pay points for reaching levels in other games, and the points add up slowly, often to a few dollars for many hours. Some game-like apps are task scams that show fake earnings and then ask for a deposit to unlock them.</p> <p>If you play anyway, treat it as fun with a small bonus. A good first goal is checking the cash-out minimum before you start.</p> <p>It fits you if you'd play mobile games anyway.</p> <p>**What it pays:** points for reaching goals in games, usually worth little per hour. The FTC warns that game-like apps that ask you to pay or deposit money to unlock your earnings are task scams, and reported losses to job scams topped $220 million in the first half of 2024 ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2024/12/paying-get-paid-gamified-job-scams-drive-record-losses)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check the app's cash-out minimum and payout methods first Read the newest reviews that mention payouts Cash out as soon as you can, and stop if a payout is refused :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the app's own terms, and the reviews in your app store.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Depositing money to unlock your earnings is how task scams take your money, so walk away. Buying in-game items to reach a payout often costs more than the payout. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>47. Walk with step-counting apps like Sweatcoin, and know what they pay</h4> <p>Step-counting apps reward you for walking with coins you spend on offers and rewards in their marketplaces. You'd walk anyway, but the rewards are small, and Sweatcoin's can't be turned into cash.</p> <p>A good first goal is checking what your steps buy in the app's marketplace before you count on it.</p> <p>It fits you if you walk a lot and like a small reward for it.</p> <p>**What it pays:** rewards, not cash. Sweatcoin gives you 0.95 sweatcoins per 1,000 steps after its 5% commission ([Sweatcoin](https://help.sweatco.in/hc/en-us/articles/360012673992-How-many-steps-does-it-take-to-earn-1-sweatcoin)), and you can't convert sweatcoins to cash or PayPal, only spend them in its marketplace ([Sweatcoin](https://help.sweatco.in/hc/en-us/articles/360012909231-How-does-Sweatcoin-work)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Download a walking app and let it count your steps Check what the coins buy in its marketplace Spend them on things you'd use anyway :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the apps themselves.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Counting walking coins as income sets you up for disappointment, because most can't be cashed out. Giving an app constant location access drains your battery, so check its settings. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>48. Earn app referral bonuses</h4> <p>Many apps pay you when someone you invite signs up and uses the app. It works best when you invite friends to apps you already use and would recommend anyway.</p> <p>A good first goal is one honest recommendation to someone who'd use the app.</p> <p>It fits you if friends ask you which apps you use.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a bonus when someone you invite signs up and uses the app. Ibotta, for example, pays $10 once a new friend redeems a first offer with your code ([Ibotta](https://home.ibotta.com/blog/tips-tricks/referring-friends-get-the-facts)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find the referral page in an app you already use Share your link with people it would help Check the terms, since most bonuses need the friend to use the app first :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the apps' referral pages.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Spamming your link in groups gets you muted or banned, so share where it helps. Making fake accounts to claim bonuses breaks the terms and can close your account. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h3>How to make money on your phone for free</h3> <p>Most ways in this guide cost nothing to start. These need only your phone and your time:</p> <p>:::checks - Paid research studies, app testing and Google Opinion Rewards - Reselling what you already own on Poshmark, Depop, Vinted or Facebook Marketplace - Clipping, CapCut templates, Canva templates and editing for creators - Tutoring, virtual assistant work and community moderation - Posting short videos and growing an account, once you qualify for creator programs :::</p> <p>The ways that need money up front are mostly a car for gig apps, stock to resell, or a paid plan, like Suno's, to own what you sell.</p> <h3>How to make money on your phone at 14</h3> <p>At 14, most apps in this guide won't take you, since gig, care and freelance apps usually require you to be 18. A few ways work through a parent:</p> <p>:::checks - Etsy and Fiverr let 13 to 17 year olds sell through a parent's account ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/terms-of-use)). - YouTube pays creators under 18 through a parent or guardian's AdSense account ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)). - Stripe lets you take payments for your own products from 13, with an adult on the account. :::</p> <p>Local jobs paid in cash, like babysitting, pet sitting and yard work for neighbors, are often the easiest start at 14. My guide on [how to make money as a teen](/articles/how-to-make-money-as-a-teen) covers 40 ways by age, with the labor rules for 14 and 15 year olds.</p> <h3>Phone money scams to avoid</h3> <p>Scammers love phone side hustles, because the job offers arrive by text and the "work" happens in an app:</p> <p>:::numbers TriangleAlert | $220 million+ | lost to job scams in the first half of 2024 | Reports to the FTC | [FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2024/12/paying-get-paid-gamified-job-scams-drive-record-losses) Users | 20,000 | task scam reports in the first half of 2024, against about 5,000 in all of 2023 | Reports to the FTC | [FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2024/12/paying-get-paid-gamified-job-scams-drive-record-losses) :::</p> <p>Walk away from any of these:</p> <p>:::mistakes A job offer by text or WhatsApp with no details is a common scam opener, so don't reply. A task app that asks you to "charge up" your account to withdraw your earnings is a task scam. A mystery shopping job that sends you a check and asks you to wire money back is a fake check scam ([FTC](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/mystery-shopping-scams)). An app that needs your bank login or Social Security number just to start is a red flag. :::</p> <p>If an app asks you to pay before you get paid, walk away.</p> <h3>Final thoughts on making money on your phone</h3> <p>There are 48 ways to make money on your phone in this guide, and the ones that pay real money pay for work, sales or a skill. Surveys, games and walking apps are fine for spare minutes, but they won't pay your bills.</p> <p>Pick one way that fits what you have, give it a month, and track what it pays per hour. Your phone can run a real side hustle, as long as you treat it like one.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[55 money making apps](/articles/money-making-apps)</li><li>[45 side hustle apps](/articles/side-hustle-apps)</li><li>[38 ways to make money fast](/articles/how-to-make-money-fast)</li><li>[50 ways to make money from home](/articles/make-money-from-home)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: take the [side hustle quiz](/free-tools/side-hustle-quiz), pick one way from this list and finish your first paid task this week. And if this guide helped, DM me on [X](https://x.com/thenavidm) or [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenavidm) and tell me which way you picked.</p><h2>FAQs about making money on your phone</h2><h3>Can I really make money on my phone?</h3><p>Yes, as long as the phone is the tool for real work, like driving, delivering, selling, tutoring or creating.</p> <p>Apps that pay for tapping, games or watching ads pay little, and some are scams.</p> <p>Pick one way that pays for real work and give it a month.</p><h3>How can I make money on my phone for free?</h3><p>Research studies, app testing, reselling what you own, clipping, tutoring and creating videos all start free.</p> <p>The ways that cost money up front are mostly gig apps that need a car, or reselling with stock you buy.</p> <p>Start with what you already have, like clothes to sell or a skill to teach.</p><h3>What is the fastest way to make money on my phone?</h3><p>Gig apps pay the fastest: Uber's Instant Pay and DoorDash's Crimson account can pay after each trip or dash.</p> <p>Selling locally on Facebook Marketplace pays in person, on the spot.</p> <p>Surveys and creator programs pay slowest, often monthly or after a minimum.</p><h3>Can I make money playing games on my phone?</h3><p>Some apps pay points for playing games, but the points add up slowly, often to a few dollars for many hours.</p> <p>Game-like apps that ask you to deposit money to unlock earnings are task scams, the FTC warns.</p> <p>Play for fun, and treat any payout as a small bonus.</p><h3>How can I make money on my phone with AI?</h3><p>You can make AI UGC ads, AI images for brands and custom AI songs, all with apps on your phone.</p> <p>Some AI training tasks work on a phone too, depending on the platform.</p> <p>The money comes from what you sell or finish, not from the AI itself.</p><h3>How can I make money on my phone at 14?</h3><p>At 14, Etsy and Fiverr let you sell through a parent's account, and YouTube pays through a parent's AdSense.</p> <p>Most gig, care and freelance apps require you to be 18.</p> <p>Local jobs like babysitting and pet sitting for neighbors are often the easiest start.</p><h3>Which phone apps pay to PayPal?</h3><p>UserTesting, Ibotta, Rakuten, Survey Junkie, Field Agent, Taskrabbit Delivery and iVueit can pay to PayPal.</p> <p>Gig apps like Uber and DoorDash pay to a bank or their own debit cards instead.</p> <p>Check each app's payout options before you start.</p><h3>How much can you make on your phone a month?</h3><p>It depends on the work: gig and freelance work can pay $20 an hour or more, while surveys pay a few dollars an hour.</p> <p>Real users report results like $636 in 30 days of Instacart shopping and $1,300 a month as a virtual assistant.</p> <p>Track what you earn per hour after costs to see what's worth your time.</p><h3>Are phone money apps safe?</h3><p>The big apps, like Uber, DoorDash, eBay, Etsy and Fiverr, are real businesses that pay.</p> <p>Watch for apps that ask for a deposit to withdraw, your bank login or your Social Security number just to start.</p> <p>Check an app's ratings count, newest reviews and developer name before you install it.</p><h3>Do I need a laptop?</h3><p>No, every way in this guide works from a phone alone.</p> <p>A laptop helps with longer work, like AI training tasks or bigger video edits.</p> <p>Start on your phone, and add a laptop when the work grows.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/side-hustle-apps/https://navid.me/blog/side-hustle-apps/45 side hustle apps for driving, delivery, pickup trucks, pet care, selling, freelancing and tutoring, plus the apps that run your side hustle, each with its rating and what it pays.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of 45 side hustle apps, grouped by the kind of side hustle you want, from driving and delivery to pet care, selling and freelancing.</p> <p>My first side hustle, in 2013, was a blog I ran beside a part-time bank job, and its first sale was a $65 affiliate commission. Today I run my business on apps and tools, including Creator Store, an AI-powered store I built myself with the help of AI, and the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site. You can read more in [my story](/about-navid).</p> <p>The right side hustle app depends on what you have: a car, a truck, a skill, spare time or spare space. So each app below shows its App Store rating, what it pays from its own pages, how fast it pays and its pros and cons, and the last group covers the apps that help you run any side hustle.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>45 side hustle apps in eight groups, each with what it pays and how fast</li><li>The apps for a pickup truck or van, which pay more per hour than a car</li><li>How the apps like DoorDash compare</li><li>Which side hustle apps take you at 16, 18 and 21</li><li>How to run two apps at once without burning out</li></ul> <p>Start with the group that matches what you already have.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - Driving and delivery apps pay the fastest: Uber, Lyft and DoorDash can pay after each trip or dash, and Instacart has Instant Cashout. - A truck or van pays more: Lugg says pickup truck drivers average $28 an hour, against $18 for helpers ([Lugg](https://lugg.com/mover/jobs/become-a-lugger)). - Most care and gig apps need you to be 18, DoorDash needs 19 or 21 in some states, and Amazon Flex needs 21. - Freelance and tutoring apps take a share: Fiverr keeps 20% of each order, and Preply keeps 33% of a new tutor's lessons after the trial. - Not every side hustle app pays: TrustedHousesitters trades pet care for free stays, and the apps that run a side hustle cost money instead of paying it. :::</p> <h3>The 45 apps at a glance</h3> <p>Here's each app's side hustle, what it pays and how soon, from its own pages:</p> <p>:::table fancy App | Side hustle | What it pays | Payout  [Uber](https://navid.link/uber?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Driving people | Fare per trip + tips | After each trip, or weekly  [Lyft](https://navid.link/lyft?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Rideshare driving | Fare per ride + tips | After each ride, or Tuesdays  [DoorDash](https://navid.link/doordash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Food delivery | $2 to $10+ per offer + tips | Weekly, daily or after each dash  [Uber Eats](https://navid.link/ubereats?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Food delivery | Fee per delivery + tips | Weekly, or Instant Pay  [Instacart](https://navid.link/instacart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Grocery shopping | Fee per order + tips | Weekly, or Instant Cashout  [Spark Driver](https://navid.link/sparkdriver?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Walmart deliveries | Trip pay + tips | Instantly or weekly  [Shipt](https://navid.link/shipt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Shopping and delivery | Pay per order + tips | Up to 3 times a day, or Fridays  [Amazon Flex](https://navid.link/amazonflex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Package delivery | $18 to $25 an hour for most | Set pay per block  [Roadie](https://navid.link/roadie?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Package delivery | $25 to $50 per multi-stop gig | Tuesdays, or instantly  [GoShare](https://navid.link/goshare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Truck and van jobs | Up to $60 an hour with a pickup, by GoShare | Weekly  [Lugg](https://navid.link/lugg?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Moving help | $28 an hour average with a pickup | Same day  [Taskrabbit Delivery](https://navid.link/taskrabbitdelivery?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Hauling and moves | Pay shown per task + tips | Tuesdays and Fridays  [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Pet sitting | 80% of your rates | 2 days after each service  [Wag](https://navid.link/wag?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Dog walking | Your prices + tips | After each walk  [TrustedHousesitters](https://navid.link/trustedhousesitters?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | House and pet sitting | Free stays, not pay | No pay  [Care.com](https://navid.link/carecom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Babysitting and care | Your rate, paid by the family | Paid directly  [UrbanSitter](https://navid.link/urbansitter?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Babysitting | 100% of your rate | Right after each job  [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Handyman tasks | Your hourly rate | After each task  [Angi](https://navid.link/angi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Home services | Your price, minus lead costs | Paid by homeowners  [Thumbtack](https://navid.link/thumbtack?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Local service pros | Your price, minus lead costs | Paid by your customers  [Instawork](https://navid.link/instawork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Hourly shifts | Over $20 an hour on average | Instantly, on eligible shifts  [Wonolo](https://navid.link/wonolo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Short local jobs | Hourly rate per job | Within 48 hours  [Field Agent](https://navid.link/fieldagent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | In-store tasks | $3 to $20 per job | To PayPal  [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Handmade and digital | Your price, minus fees | Weekly, or daily  [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Selling almost anything | Sale price, minus fees | Daily, or within 30 minutes  [Poshmark](https://navid.link/poshmark?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Clothes and shoes | 80% of sales of $15+ | Once the order is complete  [Depop](https://navid.link/depop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Vintage and streetwear | Sale price, minus 3.3% + $0.45 | After the sale  [Whatnot](https://navid.link/whatnot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Live auctions | Sale price, minus 8% + processing | 1 to 2 business days  [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Selling locally | Your price; 5% if shipped | In person, or after delivery  [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Selling a service | 80% of each order | 14 days after completion  [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Freelance clients | Your rate, minus fees | 10 days after each week  [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Online tutoring | 67% to 82% of your rate | By Wise, Payoneer, PayPal or Skrill  [Outschool](https://navid.link/outschool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Teaching kids | 70% of each class | PayPal, 7 to 8 days after  [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Testing websites | A fee per test | PayPal, 14 days after  [Turo](https://navid.link/turo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Renting your car | 70% to 90% of each trip | After each trip  [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Renting a room | Your price, minus 15.5% | Day after check-in  [Neighbor](https://navid.link/neighbor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Renting storage | Your price, minus 4.9% + 30¢ | Each 30-day period  [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Taking payments | 2.9% + 30¢ per payment | Every business day  [PayPal](https://navid.link/paypal?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Getting paid | 2.99% on goods and services | To your PayPal balance  [Wise](https://navid.link/wise?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Clients abroad | Free to receive most payments | To your Wise balance  [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Design | Free plan, Pro for more | No pay  [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Video editing | Free, Pro from $19.99 a month | No pay  [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Planning | Free, Plus $10 a seat | No pay  [Calendly](https://navid.link/calendly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | Booking calls | Free, Standard $10 a seat | No pay  [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | AI help | Free, Pro $20 a month | No pay :::</p> <h3>Find your side hustle first</h3> <p>Not sure which kind of side hustle fits you? Answer a few questions about your time, skills and budget:</p> <p>:::tool side-hustle-quiz side-hustle-apps :::</p> <p>The 45 apps come in eight groups:</p> <p>:::cards here Car | Driving and delivery | These nine pay you to drive people or deliver orders. | #side-hustle-apps-for-driving-and-delivery Truck | Pickup truck or van | These three pay for moves and big deliveries. | #side-hustle-apps-for-a-pickup-truck-or-van PawPrint | Pet care and childcare | These five connect you with pet owners and parents. | #side-hustle-apps-for-pet-care-and-childcare Wrench | Tasks and shifts | These six pay for handy work, services and shifts. | #side-hustle-apps-for-tasks-and-shifts Tag | Selling | These six turn clutter and finds into money. | #side-hustle-apps-for-selling Briefcase | Freelancing and teaching | These five pay for a skill. | #side-hustle-apps-for-freelancing-and-teaching House | Renting out what you own | These three earn from a car, a room or a garage. | #side-hustle-apps-for-renting-out-what-you-own Wallet | Apps that run it | These eight help you get paid, design, plan and work faster. | #apps-that-run-your-side-hustle :::</p> <h3>Side hustle apps for driving and delivery</h3> <p>These pay you to drive people or deliver orders in your own car, on your own hours. They pay the fastest of any side hustle apps, and gas and car wear come out of what you earn.</p> <h4>1. Uber</h4> <p>Uber is the classic side hustle app for anyone with a car: you go online when you have a free evening, take ride requests, and go offline when you're done.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fare per trip plus tips, and you can cash out after every trip with Instant Pay, or take weekly deposits ([Uber](https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/how-much-drivers-make/)). Employed taxi drivers, the closest job the BLS tracks, earn a median of $20.24 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533054.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** Scott McKenna drove Uber like a 9-to-5 for three days: 51 trips and $550.13 in about 25 hours, roughly $22 an hour before gas, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqXIdPYQ2Jo).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You choose your hours, down to a single trip. - Instant Pay gets you paid after each trip. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Gas, insurance and wear on your car come out of what you earn. - Pay changes with demand, so slow hours earn less. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Paid:** after each trip with Instant Pay, or weekly · **Age:** your state's minimum to drive for Uber, with 1 year of driving experience, or 3 years if you're under 25</p> <p>:::product award: For evening driving name: Uber logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/uber-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: Free app · 656,827 App Store ratings text: Drive people whenever you have a free hour, and cash out after each trip. button: Drive with Uber | https://navid.link/uber?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>2. Lyft</h4> <p>Lyft is the other big rideshare app, and many drivers run it beside Uber to take the better request at any moment.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fare per ride plus tips. Lyft caps its own fee at 30% of what riders pay and pays you an adjustment if it takes more in a month, and you can get free instant payouts after every ride to the Lyft Direct card, or weekly pay every Tuesday ([Lyft](https://www.lyft.com/driver/earnings)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Lyft caps its own fee at 30% of what riders pay. - Free instant payouts go to the Lyft Direct card. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Car costs come out of your earnings. - Some drivers run Lyft and Uber together to stay busy, which takes juggling. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Paid:** after each ride to Lyft Direct, or every Tuesday</p> <p>:::product award: For a second rideshare name: Lyft logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/lyft-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: Free app · 385,955 App Store ratings text: A second rideshare app, with a cap on Lyft's own fee and free instant payouts. button: Drive with Lyft | https://navid.link/lyft?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>3. DoorDash</h4> <p>DoorDash is the side hustle app most people mean when they say "apps like DoorDash": you deliver restaurant and store orders whenever you switch on the Dasher app.</p> <p>**What it pays:** base pay per offer, from $2 to $10 or more depending on time, distance and demand, plus 100% of tips ([DoorDash](https://help.doordash.com/en-us/dashers/article/how-is-dasher-pay-calculated)). Fast Pay sends your earnings once a day for $1.99, and the DoorDash Crimson account gets them after every dash with no fee ([DoorDash](https://dasher.doordash.com/en-us/about/pay)).</p> <p>**Example:** CNBC Make It met Shonnita Leslie, 40, who used DoorDash on the side to pay down about $20,000 of her six-figure student debt, [in May 2024](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPUFJM2ANJA).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You keep 100% of tips. - Daily or after-each-dash payouts are available. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Some offers pay little for the distance, so pick carefully. - Car costs come out of your earnings. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** weekly, daily with Fast Pay, or after each dash with Crimson</p> <p>:::product award: For food delivery name: DoorDash logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/doordash-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 2.5 million App Store ratings text: Deliver orders in your free hours, keep every tip, and cash out daily. button: Dash with DoorDash | https://navid.link/doordash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>4. Uber Eats</h4> <p>Uber Eats runs in the same Uber driver app, so you can switch between deliveries and rides depending on which pays better that night.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per delivery, and you keep 100% of tips. You can cash out up to five or six times a day with Instant Pay, for a small fee ([Uber](https://www.uber.com/us/en/deliver/basics/earnings/how-payments-work/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Your Driver Mike tests Uber Eats deliveries and shows what each offer paid.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTGsTdyV6hw | I Tested Uber Eats Driving in 2026 (How Much I Made) | | Your Driver Mike | | | navid :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - One app covers both rides and deliveries. - You keep 100% of tips. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Instant Pay costs a small fee each time. - Car costs come out of what you earn. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** weekly, or several times a day with Instant Pay</p> <p>:::product award: For delivery and rides name: Uber Eats logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/uber-eats-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: Free app · 656,827 App Store ratings text: Deliveries and rides in one app, with Instant Pay several times a day. button: Deliver with Uber Eats | https://navid.link/ubereats?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>5. Instacart</h4> <p>Instacart pays you to shop for groceries and deliver them, which suits people who like a clear task more than waiting for ride requests.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per order plus tips, and you keep 100% of tips. Instacart pays weekly by direct deposit, and Instant Cashout gets you paid sooner ([Instacart](https://shoppers.instacart.com/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Brandon Pack made about $636 in 30 days of Instacart shopping on days off and after work, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBtbRFM8CPg).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You keep 100% of tips. - Instant Cashout pays you the same day. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Big orders take time and heavy lifting. - Out-of-stock items and swaps slow you down. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Paid:** weekly, or right away with Instant Cashout · **Age:** 18+ on Instacart</p> <p>:::product award: For grocery orders name: Instacart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/instacart-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 1.6 million App Store ratings text: Shop and deliver groceries, keep 100% of tips and cash out right away. button: Shop with Instacart | https://navid.link/instacart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>6. Spark Driver</h4> <p>Spark Driver is Walmart's delivery app, with orders from your nearest Walmart, which makes it a steady option in many towns without much restaurant delivery.</p> <p>**What it pays:** trip earnings that grow with the distance, plus incentives, and you keep 100% of customer-confirmed tips. Earnings can be deposited instantly or weekly, depending on how you set up your account ([Spark Driver](https://drive4spark.walmart.com/driver-earnings)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You keep 100% of confirmed tips. - Instant deposits are an option. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Short trips pay less. - Car costs come out of your earnings. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Paid:** instantly or weekly, depending on your setup</p> <p>:::product award: For Walmart orders name: Spark Driver logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/spark-driver-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 305,601 App Store ratings text: Walmart deliveries near you, paid instantly or weekly. button: Drive with Spark | https://navid.link/sparkdriver?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>7. Shipt</h4> <p>Shipt pays you to shop for and deliver orders from Target and other stores, with pay you can take out up to three times a day.</p> <p>**What it pays:** pay per order, based on the time and effort it takes, plus 100% of tips. You can access your pay instantly up to three times a day, or get a direct deposit every Friday for the week before ([Shipt](https://help.shipt.com/being-a-shopper/how-do-shoppers-get-paid)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You keep 100% of tips. - Pay is available up to three times a day. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Orders depend on demand near you. - Car costs come out of your earnings. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Paid:** instantly up to three times a day, or every Friday</p> <p>:::product award: For store shopping runs name: Shipt logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/shipt-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 230,152 App Store ratings text: Shop and deliver store orders, with pay up to three times a day. button: Shop with Shipt | https://navid.link/shipt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>8. Amazon Flex</h4> <p>Amazon Flex fits people with a set schedule: you book delivery blocks of a few hours ahead of time, and see the pay before you accept.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a set amount per block, shown before you take it. Amazon says most Flex drivers earn $18 to $25 an hour, depending on where and when they drive ([Amazon Flex](https://flex.amazon.com/)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You see the pay for each block before you accept it. - Blocks booked ahead fit around a job. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Good blocks can go fast in busy areas. - You need to be 21 or older. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Age:** 21+ on Amazon Flex</p> <p>:::product award: For scheduled deliveries name: Amazon Flex logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/amazon-flex-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 439,144 App Store ratings text: Book delivery blocks ahead, with the pay shown before you accept. button: Deliver with Amazon Flex | https://navid.link/amazonflex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>9. Roadie</h4> <p>Roadie, a UPS company, pays drivers to deliver packages, and you can pick gigs along a route you already drive.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a set price per gig. Roadie's listing says drivers can earn $25 to $50 per multi-stop gig ([App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roadie-driver/id1436325695)). Weekly pay goes out every Tuesday, and Instant Pay costs $1.99 once you've done 5 gigs and driven for more than 7 days ([Roadie](https://support.roadie.com/hc/en-us/articles/202668319-How-and-when-do-I-get-paid-)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You can pick gigs along a route you already drive. - Instant Pay is there once you qualify. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Instant Pay costs $1.99 each time. - Gigs depend on demand near you. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Paid:** every Tuesday, or instantly for $1.99 · **Age:** 18+ on Roadie</p> <p>:::product award: For on-the-way deliveries name: Roadie logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/roadie-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: Free app · 129,574 App Store ratings text: Deliver packages along your own route, paid weekly or instantly. button: Drive with Roadie | https://navid.link/roadie?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h3>Side hustle apps for a pickup truck or van</h3> <p>A truck or van earns more per hour than a car, because these apps pay you to move and deliver big items. Expect heavy lifting.</p> <h4>10. GoShare</h4> <p>GoShare pays you to move and deliver big items with your own pickup truck, cargo van or box truck, from furniture deliveries to small moves.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per project, set by your vehicle, the time and the distance. GoShare advertises average earnings of up to $60 an hour with a pickup truck and more with a van or box truck ([GoShare](https://goshare.co/drivers/)), and you keep 100% of tips ([App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goshare-drive-deliver-earn/id978279500)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Your Driver Mike tries GoShare for the first time and shows what a delivery paid.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H5g2xD9P9k | My First GoShare Delivery (How Much I Made) | | Your Driver Mike | | | navid :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A truck or van earns more per hour than a car. - You keep 100% of tips. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Moving heavy items is hard work. - GoShare's hourly figures are its own "up to" averages, not a promise. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a pickup truck, van or box truck · **Paid:** weekly · **Age:** 18+, with 2 years of clean driving if you're under 21</p> <p>:::product award: For a truck or van name: GoShare logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/goshare-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 14,377 App Store ratings text: Use your pickup truck or van for moves and big deliveries. button: Drive with GoShare | https://navid.link/goshare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>11. Lugg</h4> <p>Lugg pays drivers and helpers to move furniture and do small moves, booked through the app by people who need two extra hands and a truck.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an [hourly rate](/free-tools/hourly-to-salary-calculator) per job. Lugg says pickup truck drivers earn $28 an hour on average and helpers $18, with same-day pay and 100% of tips ([Lugg](https://lugg.com/mover/jobs/become-a-lugger)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You get paid the same day. - You can start as a helper without a truck. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Lifting furniture all day is tiring. - You need to be 21 to drive. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a pickup truck, or none as a helper · **Paid:** the same day · **Age:** 21+ to drive, 18+ as a helper</p> <p>:::product award: For moving help name: Lugg logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/lugg-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 45,571 App Store ratings text: Move furniture with a truck or as a helper, paid the same day. button: Become a Lugger | https://navid.link/lugg?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>12. Taskrabbit Delivery</h4> <p>Taskrabbit Delivery, formerly Dolly, pays Helpers with trucks to deliver furniture, haul items and help with small moves.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the estimated Helper pay shown with each task, plus 100% of tips. Payments go out through PayPal twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays ([Taskrabbit Delivery](https://delivery-help.taskrabbit.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021405072-Payments)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The pay for each task shows before you take it. - You keep 100% of tips. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Payments go through PayPal only. - Relisting a task late can cost you a fee. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a pickup truck or van · **Paid:** twice a week through PayPal</p> <p>:::product award: For hauling with a truck name: Taskrabbit Delivery logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/taskrabbit-delivery-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 38,271 App Store ratings text: Haul furniture and help with moves, paid twice a week. button: Become a Helper | https://navid.link/taskrabbitdelivery?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h3>Side hustle apps for pet care and childcare</h3> <p>These connect you with pet owners and parents nearby. They need trust, so profiles, reviews and background checks matter.</p> <h4>13. Rover</h4> <p>Rover is the go-to side hustle app for pet lovers: you set your services and prices, and dog owners nearby book walks, drop-ins and overnight stays.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the rates you set, minus Rover's 20% service fee, so you take home 80% ([Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/205385304-What-are-the-service-fees)). A profile review costs $49 to $79, depending on where you live ([Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/203062400-Is-Rover-free)), and payments show up two days after you complete a service ([Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/202838244-How-do-I-get-paid-for-bookings)).</p> <p>**Example:** Rachel Cole made £4,886 in a first year of dog sitting through Rover in the UK, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38wbhy6g3HU).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You set your own prices and services. - Payments arrive two days after each service. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Rover keeps 20% of each booking. - The profile review costs $49 to $79 up front. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a $49 to $79 profile review · **Paid:** two days after each service</p> <p>:::product award: For pet sitting name: Rover logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/rover-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 515,759 App Store ratings text: Walk and sit pets near you at your own prices, keeping 80%. button: Become a Rover sitter | https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>14. Wag</h4> <p>Wag is a dog walking app built around short walks, which slot between work, classes and errands.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the prices you set as a caregiver ([Wag](https://wagwalking.com/daily/how-much-should-you-charge-for-a-wag-dog-walk)), and you keep 100% of tips ([App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wag-pet-caregiver/id940738731)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You keep 100% of tips. - Walks are short, so they fit between other things. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Bookings depend on how many owners use Wag near you. - Pay depends on each booking, so check it before you accept. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For short dog walks name: Wag logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/wag-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 18,514 App Store ratings text: Short dog walks near you, with 100% of tips. button: Walk dogs with Wag | https://navid.link/wag?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>15. TrustedHousesitters</h4> <p>TrustedHousesitters doesn't pay you: you care for people's pets in their home while they travel, and stay there for free. It's a way to travel for less, not to earn.</p> <p>**What it pays:** nothing in money. Sitters pay an annual membership ([TrustedHousesitters](https://support.trustedhousesitters.com/hc/en-gb/articles/213539829-How-much-does-a-membership-cost)) and a booking fee on each confirmed sit, unless they're on the Premium plan ([TrustedHousesitters](https://support.trustedhousesitters.com/hc/en-gb/articles/31682057259421-Does-everyone-pay-a-booking-fee)). Its sitter plan covers up to $1,000,000 per incident in third-party liability ([App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trustedhousesitters/id1292606611)).</p> <p>**Watch:** The House Hoppers break down the $12 booking fee TrustedHousesitters added for each sit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aMxSceTppQ | TrustedHousesitters' $12 Booking Fee: The Change Nobody Wanted! | | The House Hoppers | | | navid :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You stay somewhere new for free. - Each sit comes with liability cover. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - It costs money and pays none. - You need good reviews to win popular sits. :::</p> <p>**Start:** an annual membership</p> <p>:::product award: For free stays, not pay name: TrustedHousesitters logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/trustedhousesitters-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 16,148 App Store ratings text: Care for pets in exchange for free stays while you travel. button: Join TrustedHousesitters | https://navid.link/trustedhousesitters?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>16. Care.com</h4> <p>Care.com connects babysitters, nannies, senior caregivers and pet sitters with families nearby, who post jobs and message you through the app.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the rate you agree with each family. Since March 1, 2026, families pay you directly, outside Care.com, by cash, check or a payment app ([Care.com](https://help.care.com/caregivers/s/article/How-do-I-get-paid?language=en_US)), and in-home caregivers in the US ask for an average starting rate of $22.49 an hour ([Care.com](https://www.care.com/caregiver-rates)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Families come to you with jobs in your area. - You set your own rates. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - You handle payment with each family yourself. - Caregivers pay for the yearly background check. :::</p> <p>**Start:** an annual background check fee · **Age:** 18+ on Care.com</p> <p>:::product award: For babysitting and care name: Care.com logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/care-com-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: Free app · 159,963 App Store ratings text: Find babysitting, nanny and care jobs with families nearby. button: Join Care.com | https://navid.link/carecom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>17. UrbanSitter</h4> <p>UrbanSitter is a babysitting app where local parents find and book sitters.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the rate you set, and you keep 100% of what you earn ([App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/urbansitter-find-child-care/id548126716)), with payouts right after each job ([UrbanSitter](https://www.urbansitter.com/how-it-works-babysitting/)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You keep 100% of what you earn. - Payouts come right after each job. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Jobs depend on parents using it near you. - You need to be 18. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** right after each job · **Age:** 18+ on UrbanSitter</p> <p>:::product award: For babysitting jobs name: UrbanSitter logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/urbansitter-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 15,362 App Store ratings text: Babysit for local families and keep 100% of your rate. button: Sit with UrbanSitter | https://navid.link/urbansitter?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h3>Side hustle apps for tasks and shifts</h3> <p>These pay for handy work, local services and shifts at businesses near you, booked when you have free time.</p> <h4>18. Taskrabbit</h4> <p>Taskrabbit is the side hustle app for handy people: furniture assembly, TV mounting, moving help and repairs, at the hourly rate you set.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the hourly rate you set. Clients pay Taskrabbit's service fee on top of your rate ([Taskrabbit](https://support.taskrabbit.com/hc/en-us/articles/46260411872155-What-s-the-Taskrabbit-Service-Fee)), and you pay a one-time, non-refundable $25 registration fee to start ([Taskrabbit](https://support.taskrabbit.com/hc/en-us/articles/46260480151579-What-s-the-Registration-Fee)).</p> <p>**Example:** Nesto Works made $395 in one day from three handyman jobs on Taskrabbit, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6Ug7W3G348).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You set your own hourly rates. - Clients pay the service fee, not you. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The Tasker app rates 3.0 on the App Store. - Getting booked takes time until you have reviews. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a $25 registration fee</p> <p>:::product award: For handy people name: Taskrabbit logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/taskrabbit-icon.png rating: 3.0 price: Free app · 4,387 App Store ratings text: Get booked for handyman tasks at your own hourly rate. button: Become a Tasker | https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>19. Angi</h4> <p>Angi connects homeowners with home service pros, like cleaners, painters and handymen. It fits a side hustle you run as a small business, with your own insurance and licenses where your state needs them.</p> <p>**What it pays:** what you charge homeowners. Pros pay to advertise and for leads, and on jobs booked through Angi Services, Angi keeps a portion of the booking price ([Angi](https://support.servicepros.angi.com/angiprosupport/s/article/How-much-does-it-cost-to-use-Angi-Services)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Contractor Lance Bachmann talks with Angi's CEO about how pros get results from Angi's leads.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUEgE0dp_kw | We Spend Millions on Angi. Here's What We Learned. | | Lance Bachmann | | | navid :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Homeowners come to you with a job in mind. - Booked jobs can come without your own marketing. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Leads cost money whether or not you win the job. - The Angi for Pros app rates 3.9 on the App Store. :::</p> <p>**Start:** lead costs</p> <p>:::product award: For home service pros name: Angi logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/angi-icon.png rating: 3.9 price: Free app · 39,330 App Store ratings text: Find home service customers, if you run your side hustle as a business. button: Join Angi as a pro | https://navid.link/angi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>20. Thumbtack</h4> <p>Thumbtack suits a skill you sell locally, like cleaning, photography, lessons or repairs: customers post what they need, and you pay for the leads you want.</p> <p>**What it pays:** whatever you charge customers. You set your lead prices and a weekly budget, and you pay for each lead that matches your preferences, whether or not you win the job ([Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/pros/how-thumbtack-works)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Customers come to you with a job in mind. - A weekly budget caps what you spend on leads. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - You pay for leads even when you don't get the job. - Lead costs can eat the profit on small jobs. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money for leads</p> <p>:::product award: For local services name: Thumbtack logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/thumbtack-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: Free app · 64,892 App Store ratings text: Get local customers for your service, within a weekly lead budget. button: Join Thumbtack as a pro | https://navid.link/thumbtack?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>21. Instawork</h4> <p>Instawork is for picking up paid shifts when you have a free day, at restaurants, warehouses, events and stores near you.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate that depends on the market and the job. Instawork says the average across all US markets and jobs is over $20 an hour, and eligible shifts pay instantly ([Instawork](https://www.instawork.com/worker)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You choose shifts from a few hours to a few months. - Eligible shifts pay instantly. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Shifts depend on businesses near you. - Many shifts are physical work, like serving or warehouse jobs. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** instantly for eligible shifts</p> <p>:::product award: For extra shifts name: Instawork logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/instawork-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 100,934 App Store ratings text: Pick up hourly shifts near you, with instant pay on eligible ones. button: Find shifts on Instawork | https://navid.link/instawork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>22. Wonolo</h4> <p>Wonolo works like Instawork: businesses post short jobs, and you accept the ones that fit your free days.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate set for each job. Wonolo says 98% of jobs are paid within 48 hours ([Wonolo](https://www.wonolo.com/workers)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Most jobs pay within 48 hours. - You can take one job or many. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Jobs depend on what's posted near you. - Many jobs are physical work. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** within 48 hours for 98% of jobs</p> <p>:::product award: For short local jobs name: Wonolo logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/wonolo-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 36,666 App Store ratings text: Short local jobs, with most paid within 48 hours. button: Find jobs on Wonolo | https://navid.link/wonolo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>23. Field Agent</h4> <p>Field Agent pays a few dollars for quick store checks, which you can stack on errands you're already running.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job. Field Agent's listing says location jobs generally pay $3 to $20 and that it has paid out over $20 million ([App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/field-agent/id364946558)), and you cash out to PayPal.</p> <p>**Example:** Gigsberg did about 160 Field Agent gigs in a month for about $650, mostly $3 jobs, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AxHe0nRQvc).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Jobs take minutes, often at stores you already visit. - Some jobs reimburse a purchase. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Most jobs pay $3, so it adds up slowly. - Store staff may not like shelf photos, so stay polite and safe. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For quick errands name: Field Agent logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/field-agent-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: Free app · 12,051 App Store ratings text: Earn on errands with quick in-store checks. button: Get Field Agent | https://navid.link/fieldagent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h3>Side hustle apps for selling</h3> <p>These turn clutter, thrift finds or things you make into money. Fees and shipping decide what you keep.</p> <h4>24. Etsy</h4> <p>Etsy is the side hustle app for makers and designers: handmade items, vintage finds and digital downloads you make once and sell many times.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the price you set, minus [Etsy's fees](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator): $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)). New sellers get paid weekly, every Monday, and can switch to daily, every two weeks or monthly ([Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046998234-How-to-Receive-Your-Etsy-Payments-Deposit)).</p> <p>**Example:** Brenon Dopp's print-on-demand Etsy shop made $40 in its first month and $6,076 in its best month, October, in its first year, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3vm3FIm4UE).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Buyers already search Etsy, so you don't need your own audience. - Digital downloads deliver themselves, with nothing to ship. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Listing, transaction and processing fees add up on each sale. - Popular categories are crowded, so a niche matters. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Paid:** weekly by default, or daily · **Age:** 18+, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <p>:::product award: For makers and designers name: Etsy logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/etsy-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 7.3 million App Store ratings text: Sell handmade, vintage and digital items to buyers who search Etsy. button: Start selling on Etsy | https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>25. eBay</h4> <p>eBay is the reseller's app: you sell what you own or source, from sneakers to electronics, to buyers across the country.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the sale price, minus eBay's selling fees. The money is usually available 1 to 2 days after the buyer pays, and eligible sellers can take an on-demand payout that usually arrives within 30 minutes, for a $2 fee ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814)).</p> <p>**Example:** CNBC Make It profiled Rick Senko, who started by flipping a cellphone on eBay in 2008 and now brings in $6.5 million a year selling used clothes, [in October 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ieWUuGCkXY). The Nurse Flipper's reselling business sold $160,600 on eBay in 2025, about 63% of its sales ([January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzkIuwosxcc)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Buyers search eBay for almost every kind of item. - On-demand payouts can reach you within 30 minutes, for a $2 fee. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Fees and shipping eat into thin margins. - Returns and disputes take time to handle. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** daily, or on demand for eligible sellers · **Age:** 18+ on eBay</p> <p>:::product award: For resellers name: eBay logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/ebay-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 5 million App Store ratings text: Resell almost anything, with payouts as fast as 30 minutes. button: Start selling on eBay | https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>26. Poshmark</h4> <p>Poshmark turns a full closet into a side hustle: you list clothes from your phone and ship with Poshmark's prepaid label.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the sale price, minus Poshmark's fee: a flat $2.95 on sales under $15, and 20% on sales of $15 or more ([Poshmark](https://support.poshmark.com/s/article/297755057?language=en_US)). You can cash out as soon as the order is complete ([Poshmark](https://poshmark.com/sell)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The prepaid shipping label makes shipping simple. - There are no listing fees. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The 20% fee on sales of $15 or more is high. - Clothes can sell slowly without regular listing and sharing. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** once the order is complete</p> <p>:::product award: For clothes name: Poshmark logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/poshmark-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 1.1 million App Store ratings text: Sell clothes from your phone, with a prepaid shipping label. button: Sell on Poshmark | https://navid.link/poshmark?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>27. Depop</h4> <p>Depop suits thrifters who sell vintage and streetwear, and US sellers pay no selling fee.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the sale price, minus payment processing. Sellers in the US pay no Depop selling fee, and Depop Payments charges 3.3% plus $0.45 per sale, with a 12% fee on sales from boosted listings ([Depop](https://depophelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360001791127-Seller-fees-and-charges)).</p> <p>**Example:** BriceIsNice made $1,897 reselling clothes on Depop in one week, [in October 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBe_QAr7tpE).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - US sellers pay no selling fee, only payment processing. - Its buyers look for vintage and unique pieces. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Boosting a listing costs 12% of the sale when it sells. - It suits fashion, and little else. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For thrifted fashion name: Depop logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/depop-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 1 million App Store ratings text: Sell vintage and streetwear with no selling fee in the US. button: Sell on Depop | https://navid.link/depop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>28. Whatnot</h4> <p>Whatnot is for sellers who like being on camera: you run live auctions for cards, collectibles and clothes.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the sale price, minus Whatnot's commission, which is 8% for standard US sellers and drops as low as 3% at higher sales tiers, plus payment processing of 2.9% plus 30 cents ([Whatnot](https://help.whatnot.com/hc/en-us/articles/4847069165965-Whatnot-seller-fees)). Payouts usually arrive within 1 to 2 business days ([Whatnot](https://help.whatnot.com/hc/en-us/articles/360061604151-Set-up-and-start-payouts)).</p> <p>**Example:** Reaper Reviews sold $5,455 of Pokémon cards on Whatnot, about $1,455 more than the cards cost before taxes, fees and shipping, [in March 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzJv97c3igM).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Live auctions can sell a lot of stock in one show. - Payouts usually arrive within 1 to 2 business days. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - You need to be comfortable selling on camera. - Commission and processing add up on low-priced items. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Paid:** 1 to 2 business days after a payout</p> <p>:::product award: For live auctions name: Whatnot logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/whatnot-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 1 million App Store ratings text: Run live auctions for cards, collectibles and clothes. button: Sell on Whatnot | https://navid.link/whatnot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>29. Facebook Marketplace</h4> <p>Facebook Marketplace is the easiest place to start flipping: buy low nearby, sell higher, and meet buyers in person.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the price you agree on. Shipped orders pay a selling fee of 5% per shipment, or $0.40 for shipments of $8 or less ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)), and local sales you're paid for in person don't go through Facebook at all.</p> <p>**Example:** The Flip Shop made over $4,000 in profit in one month from five Facebook Marketplace flips, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaXt35Q6U8Q).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Local sales paid in person have no fee. - Many buyers already use Facebook every day. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Many messages lead nowhere, and no-shows happen. - Meeting strangers needs care, so meet in a busy public place. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For local flipping name: Facebook Marketplace logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/facebook-marketplace-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: Free app · 28.6 million App Store ratings text: Flip items locally, with no fee on in-person sales. button: Sell on Marketplace | https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h3>Side hustle apps for freelancing and teaching</h3> <p>These pay for a skill: services, tutoring, classes or testing. They pay more per hour than most apps here once you have clients.</p> <h4>30. Fiverr</h4> <p>Fiverr lets you turn a skill into packaged services, like a logo, an edit or a voiceover, that buyers order without a long hiring process.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the price of your gig, minus Fiverr's cut: you earn 80% of each order, including extras and tips ([Fiverr](https://help.fiverr.com/hc/en-us/articles/9234443621137-Your-earnings-page)). Earnings clear 14 days after an order is complete, or 7 days for Top Rated sellers ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/legal-portal/legal-terms/payment-terms-of-service)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Buyers come to you through Fiverr's search. - Fixed-price gigs make pricing simple. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Fiverr keeps 20% of each order, tips included. - Earnings wait 14 days after each order before you can withdraw. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** 14 days after each order, or 7 for Top Rated sellers · **Age:** 18+ to withdraw, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <p>:::product award: For packaged services name: Fiverr logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/fiverr-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 573,335 App Store ratings text: Sell your skill as fixed-price packages to buyers who are searching. button: Sell on Fiverr | https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>31. Upwork</h4> <p>Upwork suits freelancers who want ongoing clients: you apply to posted jobs and can turn one client into steady work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a fixed price you agree with the client. Upwork pays hourly work 10 days after each weekly billing period, and fixed-price work after the client approves it, plus a five-day security hold ([Upwork](https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211063668-How-payments-for-hourly-contracts-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Michael Elliott made $111,000 from one Upwork client, and explains why the hourly contract still capped his income, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqcBNlucCO8).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Clients post jobs with budgets, so you can choose. - Long contracts can turn one client into steady income. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Winning the first jobs takes many proposals. - Hourly pay arrives 10 days after each work week. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** 10 days after each work week for hourly work · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <p>:::product award: For ongoing clients name: Upwork logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/upwork-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: Free app · 70,760 App Store ratings text: Win freelance clients who post jobs with budgets. button: Join Upwork | https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>32. Preply</h4> <p>Preply is a tutoring marketplace where you teach languages and other subjects one-on-one over video, at the hourly rate you set.</p> <p>**What it pays:** your hourly rate, minus Preply's commission: it keeps 100% of each trial lesson with a new student, then 33% of later lessons, falling to 18% as your total teaching hours grow ([Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171383-preply-commission-model)).</p> <p>**Example:** vivian zhu has earned $39,000 as a Preply tutor, after 114+ trial lessons, [in July 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNgkr1_Is6s).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You set your own hourly rate. - The commission falls as you teach more hours. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Trial lessons pay you nothing. - New tutors give up 33% of each lesson. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** by Wise, Payoneer, PayPal or Skrill</p> <p>:::product award: For online tutoring name: Preply logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/preply-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 44,743 App Store ratings text: Tutor online at your own rate, with a falling commission. button: Teach on Preply | https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>33. Outschool</h4> <p>Outschool lets you teach small online classes for kids, on any subject you know well, from coding to art.</p> <p>**What it pays:** 70% of each class's price, times the number of learners, and Outschool keeps 30%. Payouts go to PayPal, 7 to 8 days after the class starts for up-front enrollments ([Outschool](https://support.outschool.com/en/articles/2382129-teacher-earnings-and-payments-policy)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You teach your own subject, your own way. - Group classes pay per learner. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Outschool keeps 30% of each class. - The app rates 3.2 on the App Store, from few ratings. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** to PayPal, 7 to 8 days after a class starts</p> <p>:::product award: For teaching kids online name: Outschool logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/outschool-icon.png rating: 3.2 price: Free app · 117 App Store ratings text: Teach small online classes for kids, keeping 70%. button: Teach on Outschool | https://navid.link/outschool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>34. UserTesting</h4> <p>UserTesting is a side hustle you can do in a spare half hour: you test websites and apps and say what you think out loud.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per test. UserTesting sends each payment to PayPal 14 days after you upload the test ([UserTesting](https://participant-support.usertesting.com/hc/en-us/articles/37633031351315-When-and-how-will-I-be-paid)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Tests are short and done from home. - You can test on a computer or a phone. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Tests can fill up fast, so you check often. - The app rates 2.9 on the App Store. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** by PayPal, 14 days after each test · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <p>:::product award: For spare half hours name: UserTesting logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/usertesting-icon.png rating: 2.9 price: Free app · 2,606 App Store ratings text: Test websites and apps in a spare half hour, paid by PayPal. button: Become a tester | https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h3>Side hustle apps for renting out what you own</h3> <p>These earn from things you already have, like a car, a spare room or a garage, with little time once they're set up.</p> <h4>35. Turo</h4> <p>Turo turns a car that sits in your driveway into a side hustle, rented by the day to travelers and locals.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of each trip's price that depends on the earnings plan you pick: 70%, 80% or 90%, with more of any damage cost on you as your share goes up ([Turo](https://help.turo.com/en_us/earnings-plans-in-detail-us-hosts-ByMOIVxEc)).</p> <p>**Example:** Turo Hustle says its seven cars made $14,000+ in one month, and shows the costs behind it, [in October 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8-sHujdtKY).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You set the price and when the car is available. - Each earnings plan includes liability insurance. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Cleaning, handoffs and wear take time and money. - Higher earnings plans leave more of the damage cost to you. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car</p> <p>:::product award: For a car you don't use name: Turo logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/turo-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 852,423 App Store ratings text: Rent out your car by the day, keeping 70% to 90%. button: List your car on Turo | https://navid.link/turo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>36. Airbnb</h4> <p>Airbnb is the side hustle for a spare room or a guest house, booked by travelers on the nights you choose.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the nightly price you set, minus Airbnb's fee, which is 15.5% for most hosts under its single service fee ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857)). Airbnb starts your payout by the end of the business day after your guest checks in, or 28 days after check-in until you've completed two stays ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/425)).</p> <p>**Example:** Kristen and Michael's Airbnb business brought in $3,198 to $7,725 a month in early 2025, and costs about $40,000 a year to run, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4KH3SgSH8Q).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You're paid the business day after check-in. - You set the price and the nights. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Cleaning and guest messages take steady work. - Local rules can limit short-term rentals, so check yours. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a spare room · **Paid:** the business day after check-in</p> <p>:::product award: For a spare room name: Airbnb logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/airbnb-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 702,864 App Store ratings text: Rent a spare room on the nights you choose. button: Host on Airbnb | https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>37. Neighbor</h4> <p>Neighbor rents out space you don't use, like a garage or a driveway, to people who need storage, for steady monthly income.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the monthly price you set, minus a processing fee of 4.9% plus 30 cents. Listing is free ([Neighbor](https://help.neighbor.com/en_us/how-neighbor-makes-money-BkHYDAU0O)), and you're paid at the end of each 30-day rental period ([Neighbor](https://help.neighbor.com/en_us/how-do-payouts-work-as-a-host-HJkBDAICu)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Listing is free. - Renters pay monthly, so the income repeats. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Renters need access to your space now and then. - Demand depends on where you live. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** after each 30-day rental period</p> <p>:::product award: For spare space name: Neighbor logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/neighbor-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 12,341 App Store ratings text: Rent out a garage or driveway for steady monthly income. button: Become a Neighbor host | https://navid.link/neighbor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h3>Apps that run your side hustle</h3> <p>These don't pay you. They help you get paid, design, edit, plan, book calls and work faster with AI, and most start free.</p> <h4>38. Stripe</h4> <p>Stripe lets you take card payments for anything you sell, from a checkout page or a payment link, and the Stripe Dashboard app shows your sales on your phone.</p> <p>**What it pays:** 2.9% plus 30 cents per successful card payment from US cards ([Stripe](https://stripe.com/pricing)), with no monthly fee on standard pricing.</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - There's no monthly fee on standard pricing. - Payouts arrive every business day. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Each payment costs 2.9% plus 30 cents. - Setting up products takes a little learning. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** every business day · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <p>:::product award: For taking card payments name: Stripe logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/stripe-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 68,545 App Store ratings text: Take card payments for what you sell, paid out every business day. button: Start with Stripe | https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>39. PayPal</h4> <p>PayPal is the payment app many clients and platforms already use, from freelance marketplaces to survey apps.</p> <p>**What it pays:** 2.99% on goods and services payments sent to you, and 3.49% plus a fixed fee through PayPal Checkout ([PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/us/business/paypal-business-fees)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Many platforms pay to PayPal. - Clients often already have an account. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Fees are higher than a bank transfer. - Disputes can freeze money for a while. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For client payments name: PayPal logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/paypal-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 6.3 million App Store ratings text: Get paid by clients and platforms that already use PayPal. button: Open a PayPal account | https://navid.link/paypal?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>40. Wise</h4> <p>Wise gives you account details in US dollars, euros, pounds and more, so clients abroad can pay you like a local.</p> <p>**What it pays:** nothing to receive most local payments, like US direct deposits, and a fixed fee for international wires, such as $6.11 for a USD wire ([Wise](https://wise.com/us/pricing/receive)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Clients abroad can pay you like a local. - Receiving local payments is free. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Wires cost a fixed fee to receive. - A Business account has a one-time setup fee. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For clients abroad name: Wise logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/wise-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: Free app · 111,310 App Store ratings text: Get paid by clients abroad in their currency, for free in most cases. button: Open a Wise account | https://navid.link/wise?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>41. Canva</h4> <p>[Canva](/ai-tools/canva) is the design app behind many side hustles: social posts, printables, thumbnails, slide decks and product mockups.</p> <p>**What it pays:** nothing up front: Canva has a free plan for everyone, and Canva Pro adds premium templates, Background Remover and 40+ [AI tools](/ai-tools) ([Canva](https://www.canva.com/pro/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Melanie Renee made $30,000 in sales from digital products designed in Canva in spare time, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_mFaI6xVHA).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The free plan goes a long way. - Templates make good design fast. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Popular templates make many designs look alike. - The best tools sit in Canva Pro. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For designing anything name: Canva logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/canva-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 3.6 million App Store ratings text: Design posts, printables and thumbnails on a free plan. button: Try Canva | https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>42. CapCut</h4> <p>[CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut) is a video editor on your phone and computer, used for short videos, clips and ads.</p> <p>**What it pays:** nothing for the free version, and CapCut Pro costs $19.99 a month or $179.99 a year, with prices that vary by region and platform ([CapCut](https://www.capcut.com/help/how-much-does-capcut-pro-cost)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The free version does a lot. - It works on your phone and computer. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Many features need Pro. - Pro prices vary by region. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For editing video name: CapCut logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/capcut-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: Free app · 1.1 million App Store ratings text: Edit short videos and clips on your phone or computer. button: Try CapCut | https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>43. Notion</h4> <p>[Notion](/ai-tools/notion) is where you can plan a side hustle: clients, content calendars, [invoices](/free-tools/invoice-generator) to send and notes, in one workspace.</p> <p>**What it pays:** nothing on the Free plan, and $10 per seat a month on Plus, billed yearly ([Notion](https://www.notion.com/pricing)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The free plan covers one person's side hustle. - One place for notes, tasks and clients. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Setting it up takes time. - It can turn into planning instead of doing. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For planning your hustle name: Notion logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/notion-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 90,293 App Store ratings text: Plan clients, content and tasks in one free workspace. button: Try Notion | https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>44. Calendly</h4> <p>Calendly lets clients book a time with you from a link, which saves the back-and-forth for tutors, coaches and freelancers.</p> <p>**What it pays:** nothing on the free plan, and $10 per seat a month on Standard, billed yearly, or $12 billed monthly ([Calendly](https://calendly.com/pricing)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Clients book themselves from a link. - The free plan covers basic booking. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Some features need a paid plan. - It's one more subscription once you upgrade. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For booking calls name: Calendly logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/calendly-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 55,298 App Store ratings text: Let clients book calls with you from a link. button: Try Calendly | https://navid.link/calendly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h4>45. Claude</h4> <p>[Claude](/ai-tools/claude) is the AI assistant I use most for writing, research and planning, and [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) is how I build my apps. [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini) and [Grok](/ai-tools/grok) do much of the same work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** nothing on the Free plan, and Pro costs $20 a month, or $17 a month billed yearly ([Claude](https://claude.com/pricing)).</p> <p>**Example:** I built the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site with Claude Code and Codex.</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - It drafts, researches and plans fast. - Pro includes Claude Code for building tools. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan has usage limits. - Its work still needs your check. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For AI help name: Claude logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/claude-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 272,398 App Store ratings text: Write, research, plan and build faster with AI. button: Try Claude | https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps :::</p> <h3>Apps like DoorDash: how the delivery apps compare</h3> <p>If you want a side hustle like DoorDash, here's how the delivery apps compare, from each app's own pages:</p> <p>:::table fancy App | How it pays | When you get paid  [DoorDash](https://navid.link/doordash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | $2 to $10+ per offer, plus 100% of tips | weekly, daily with Fast Pay for $1.99, or after each dash with Crimson  [Uber Eats](https://navid.link/ubereats?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | a fee per delivery, plus 100% of tips | weekly, or up to five or six times a day with Instant Pay  [Instacart](https://navid.link/instacart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | a fee per order, plus 100% of tips | weekly, or right away with Instant Cashout  [Spark Driver](https://navid.link/sparkdriver?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | trip pay that grows with distance, plus 100% of confirmed tips | instantly or weekly  [Shipt](https://navid.link/shipt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | pay per order, plus 100% of tips | up to three times a day, or every Friday  [Roadie](https://navid.link/roadie?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-apps) | $25 to $50 per multi-stop gig, by its App Store listing | every Tuesday, or instantly for $1.99 :::</p> <p>Many drivers run two of these at once, so they can take the better offer and wait less between orders.</p> <h3>Side hustle apps by age: 16, 18 and 21</h3> <p>Each app sets its own minimum age, and most gig and care apps start at 18:</p> <p>:::cards User | At 16 | Etsy and Fiverr let 13 to 17 year olds sell through a parent's account, and YouTube pays creators under 18 through a parent or guardian's AdSense. UserCheck | At 18 | Rover, Care.com, UrbanSitter, Taskrabbit, Roadie, GoShare, Instacart, Upwork and eBay all start at 18, and Lugg takes helpers at 18. Car | At 19 or 21 | DoorDash needs 19 in 13 states and 21 for new applicants in California, Amazon Flex needs 21, and Lugg needs 21 to drive. :::</p> <p>The ages come from each app's own pages: [Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/360025561071-Becoming-a-sitter-Frequently-asked-questions), [Care.com](https://help.care.com/caregivers/s/article/Why-can-t-I-enroll-as-a-caregiver-if-I-am-under-18?language=en_US), [UrbanSitter](https://support.urbansitter.com/hc/en-us/articles/360034076514-What-is-required-to-be-a-sitter-on-UrbanSitter-), [Taskrabbit](https://support.taskrabbit.com/hc/en-us/articles/204411070-What-s-Required-to-Become-a-Tasker), [Roadie](https://support.roadie.com/hc/en-us/articles/202668439-What-do-I-need-to-be-a-Driver-on-the-Roadie-Platform-), [DoorDash](https://help.doordash.com/en-us/dashers/article/requirements-for-dashing) and [Amazon Flex](https://flex.amazon.com/). At 16, local jobs like babysitting, yard work and pet sitting for neighbors are often easier to find than an app that takes you.</p> <h3>How to run two side hustle apps without burning out</h3> <p>Two apps can keep you busier, but they can also eat every free hour. Here's how I'd do it:</p> <p>:::steps Pick two apps that pay for the same hours, like two delivery apps, rather than two different kinds of work. Set the hours first, like two weekday evenings and one weekend day, and log off when they're done. Track what each app pays per hour after costs, like gas, for a month. Drop the app that pays less, or keep it only for busy times. Set money aside from each payout for taxes, since app income is taxable. :::</p> <h3>Final thoughts on side hustle apps</h3> <p>There are 45 side hustle apps in this guide, and the best one is the one that fits what you already have: a car, a truck, a skill, spare time or spare space. The apps that pay the most pay for real work, and the apps that run a side hustle help you keep more of it.</p> <p>Pick one app, give it a month, and keep it only if what it pays per hour after costs is worth your time. That's how I'd test any side hustle.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[55 money making apps](/articles/money-making-apps)</li><li>[70 side hustle ideas](/articles/side-hustle-ideas)</li><li>[38 ways to make money fast](/articles/how-to-make-money-fast)</li><li>[44 ways to make extra money beside your day job](/articles/extra-money-day-job)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: take the [side hustle quiz](/free-tools/side-hustle-quiz), pick one app from your group and sign up this week. And if this guide helped, DM me on [X](https://x.com/thenavidm) or [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenavidm) and tell me which app you picked.</p><h2>FAQs about side hustle apps</h2><h3>What is the best side hustle app?</h3><p>The best side hustle app depends on what you have: DoorDash or Uber if you have a car, GoShare or Lugg if you have a truck, and Fiverr or Upwork if you have a skill.</p> <p>Freelance apps pay the most per hour once you have clients, and driving apps pay the fastest.</p> <p>Try one for a month and track what it pays per hour after costs.</p><h3>Which side hustle apps are like DoorDash?</h3><p>Uber Eats, Instacart, Spark Driver, Shipt and Roadie all pay you to deliver orders in your own car.</p> <p>Uber Eats and Instacart pay 100% of tips and let you cash out the same day.</p> <p>Many drivers run two of them at once to wait less between orders.</p><h3>Which side hustle apps work with a pickup truck?</h3><p>GoShare, Lugg and Taskrabbit Delivery pay you to move and deliver big items with a pickup truck or van.</p> <p>Lugg says pickup truck drivers average $28 an hour, and GoShare advertises averages of up to $60 an hour with a pickup.</p> <p>Expect heavy lifting on most jobs.</p><h3>Which side hustle apps are for 16 year olds?</h3><p>Few apps take you at 16, but Etsy and Fiverr let 13 to 17 year olds sell through a parent's account.</p> <p>YouTube pays creators under 18 through a parent or guardian's AdSense account.</p> <p>Care and gig apps like Rover, Care.com and DoorDash start at 18 or older.</p><h3>Which side hustle apps are for 18 year olds?</h3><p>At 18 you can join most apps here, including Rover, Care.com, UrbanSitter, Taskrabbit, Roadie, GoShare, Instacart, Upwork and eBay.</p> <p>DoorDash needs 19 in some states and 21 for new applicants in California.</p> <p>Amazon Flex and driving for Lugg need you to be 21.</p><h3>Do side hustle apps work in the UK and Canada?</h3><p>Some do, like Uber, Etsy, eBay, Fiverr, Upwork and Preply, while many US gig apps work only in the US.</p> <p>Each app lists the countries and cities it works in on its own site.</p> <p>Check your area before you sign up.</p><h3>Which side hustle apps pay the most?</h3><p>Freelance and tutoring apps like Upwork, Fiverr and Preply can pay the most per hour, since you set your own rates.</p> <p>Among gig apps, a truck or van on GoShare or Lugg earns more per hour than a car.</p> <p>Survey and testing apps pay the least.</p><h3>Can I use two side hustle apps at once?</h3><p>Yes, many drivers run two delivery apps at once, so they can take the better offer.</p> <p>Set your hours first, so two apps don't take every free evening.</p> <p>Drop the one that pays less per hour after a month.</p><h3>Do side hustle apps take a cut?</h3><p>Most do: Rover keeps 20% of each booking, Fiverr 20% of each order, Outschool 30% of each class and Preply 18% to 33% of each lesson.</p> <p>Others charge clients instead, like Taskrabbit's service fee, or let you keep 100%, like UrbanSitter.</p> <p>Check each app's fee page before you start, linked in its section above.</p><h3>Do I pay taxes on side hustle app income?</h3><p>Yes, side hustle app income is taxable in the US, whether or not you get a tax form.</p> <p>If your net earnings from self-employment reach $400 in a year, you also owe self-employment tax.</p> <p>I'm not a tax advisor, so check with an accountant as the money grows.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/money-making-apps/https://navid.me/blog/money-making-apps/55 money making apps that pay real money, from selling and gig apps to freelance, survey and cash back apps, each with its App Store rating, what it pays and how fast.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of 55 money making apps that pay real money, rated by their users on the App Store and checked against each app's own pay and payout pages.</p> <p>I've made my living online since 2014, when my first [virtual summit](/articles/what-is-a-virtual-summit) let me quit my bank job. Today I sell through Creator Store, an AI-powered store I built myself with the help of AI, and I've built the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code). You can read more in [my story](/about-navid).</p> <p>Most money making apps pay for a job, a sale or your time, and a few only save you money. So each app below shows its App Store rating, what it pays from its own pages, how fast it pays and who it fits, with pros, cons and a real example where one exists. Most of them work in the US, so check each app's country list first.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>What each kind of app really pays per hour, from the BLS and the apps' own pages</li><li>55 money making apps in seven groups, from selling and gig apps to surveys and cash back</li><li>Which apps pay instantly, and which take weeks</li><li>How to spot fake ratings and app scams</li><li>How app income is taxed in the US</li></ul> <p>Pick the group that matches what you have now: a car, things to sell, a skill, spare time or spare space.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - Gig, selling and freelance apps pay real money for real work, while survey and reward apps pay a few dollars an hour at most. - The fastest apps pay the same day: Uber's Instant Pay, Lyft Direct, DoorDash Crimson and Instacart's Instant Cashout pay after each job. - Fees decide what you keep: Poshmark keeps 20% of sales of $15 or more, Mercari 10%, and Etsy 6.5% plus listing and processing fees. - Cash back apps like Rakuten, Ibotta and Upside save you money on shopping you'd do anyway, but they aren't income. - App income is taxable, and payment apps send a Form 1099-K once your payments pass $20,000 in more than 200 transactions ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-faqs-on-form-1099-k-threshold-under-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-dollar-limit-reverts-to-20000)). :::</p> <h3>The 55 apps at a glance</h3> <p>Here's what each app is best for, what it pays and how soon, from each app's own pages:</p> <p>:::table fancy App | Best for | What it pays | Payout  [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Handmade and digital | Your price, minus fees | Weekly, or daily  [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Selling almost anything | Sale price, minus fees | Daily, or within 30 minutes  [Poshmark](https://navid.link/poshmark?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Clothes and shoes | 80% of sales of $15+ | Once the order is complete  [Mercari](https://navid.link/mercari?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Shipping almost anything | 90% of the sale | After the sale  [Depop](https://navid.link/depop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Vintage and streetwear | Sale price, minus 3.3% + $0.45 | After the sale  [Facebook Marketplace](https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Selling locally | Your price; 5% if shipped | In person, or after delivery  [OfferUp](https://navid.link/offerup?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Local pickup deals | Your price, in person | On the spot  [Vinted](https://navid.link/vinted?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Secondhand clothes | 100% of your price | After the sale  [Whatnot](https://navid.link/whatnot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Live auctions | Sale price, minus 8% + processing | 1 to 2 business days  [BookScouter](https://navid.link/bookscouter?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Selling textbooks | The best buyback offer | 1 to 3 days after delivery  [Uber](https://navid.link/uber?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Driving people | Fare per trip + tips | After each trip, or weekly  [Lyft](https://navid.link/lyft?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Rideshare driving | Fare per ride + tips | After each ride, or Tuesdays  [DoorDash](https://navid.link/doordash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Food delivery | $2 to $10+ per offer + tips | Weekly, daily or after each dash  [Uber Eats](https://navid.link/ubereats?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Food delivery | Fee per delivery + tips | Weekly, or Instant Pay  [Instacart](https://navid.link/instacart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Grocery shopping | Fee per order + tips | Weekly, or Instant Cashout  [Amazon Flex](https://navid.link/amazonflex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Package delivery | $18 to $25 an hour for most | Set pay per block  [Spark Driver](https://navid.link/sparkdriver?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Walmart deliveries | Trip pay + tips | Instantly or weekly  [Shipt](https://navid.link/shipt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Shopping and delivery | Pay per order + tips | Up to 3 times a day, or Fridays  [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Handyman tasks | Your hourly rate | After each task  [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Pet sitting | 80% of your rates | 2 days after each service  [Wag](https://navid.link/wag?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Dog walking | Your prices + tips | After each walk  [Instawork](https://navid.link/instawork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Hourly shifts | Over $20 an hour on average | Instantly, on eligible shifts  [Wonolo](https://navid.link/wonolo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Short local jobs | Hourly rate per job | Within 48 hours  [Thumbtack](https://navid.link/thumbtack?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Local service pros | Your price, minus lead costs | Paid by your customers  [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Selling a service | 80% of each order | 14 days after completion  [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Freelance clients | Your rate, minus fees | 10 days after each week  [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Paid clipping | About $1 per 1,000 views | Instantly, once approved  [Stan Store](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Selling to followers | Your price, minus processing | Through Stripe or PayPal  [Patreon](https://navid.link/patreon?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Fan memberships | 90% of what fans pay | When you ask, or the 5th  [TikTok](https://navid.link/tiktok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Short videos | Rewards per qualified view | The 15th, past $50  [YouTube](https://navid.link/youtube?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Video creators | 55% of long-video ads | Monthly, 21st to 26th  [Instagram](https://navid.link/instagram?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Reels creators | Subscriptions, gifts, brand deals | Monthly, around the 21st  [Twitch](https://navid.link/twitch?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Live streaming | Subs, Bits and ads | Once you pass $50  [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Testing websites | A fee per test | PayPal, 14 days after  [dscout](https://navid.link/dscout?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Research missions | $25 to $150 on average | After approval  [Userlytics](https://navid.link/userlytics?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Usability tests | $10 to $50 per study | After each study  [Meta Viewpoints](https://navid.link/metaviewpoints?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Short surveys | Points, cash at 1,000 | PayPal, 7 to 10 days  [Google Opinion Rewards](https://navid.link/googleopinionrewards?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Tiny surveys | Up to $1 per survey | Per survey  [YouGov](https://navid.link/yougov?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Opinion polls | Points per survey | At a set balance  [Survey Junkie](https://navid.link/surveyjunkie?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Paid surveys | $1 per 100 points | From $5  [Turo](https://navid.link/turo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Renting your car | 70% to 90% of each trip | After each trip  [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Renting a room | Your price, minus 15.5% | Day after check-in  [Neighbor](https://navid.link/neighbor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Renting storage | Your price, minus 4.9% + 30¢ | Each 30-day period  [Sniffspot](https://navid.link/sniffspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Renting your yard | $5 to $15 per dog per hour | After each booking  [SpotHero](https://navid.link/spothero?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Parking spots | Hourly, monthly or event rates | After approval  [Field Agent](https://navid.link/fieldagent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | In-store tasks | $3 to $20 per job | To PayPal  [Observa](https://navid.link/observa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Store audits | $6 to $25 per gig | Usually within 5 days  [ProxyPics](https://navid.link/proxypics?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Property photos | A fee per job | After approval  [Premise](https://navid.link/premise?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Small local tasks | A fee per task | Instantly  [iVueit](https://navid.link/ivueit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Property checks | $5 to $100 per Vue | PayPal, within 24 hours  [Rakuten](https://navid.link/rakuten?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Online shopping | Cash back per store | Four times a year  [Ibotta](https://navid.link/ibotta?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Grocery cash back | Cash back offers | From $20  [Fetch](https://navid.link/fetch?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Scanning receipts | About $1 per 1,000 points | Gift cards, from 3,000  [Upside](https://navid.link/upside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Gas cash back | Cash back per purchase | Any time  [Swagbucks](https://navid.link/swagbucks?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | Points on many tasks | 1 cent per point | Within 10 business days :::</p> <p>The ratings in each app's box below are its App Store score and number of ratings, checked on October 3, 2026.</p> <h3>What money making apps really pay per hour</h3> <p>Apps rarely publish an [hourly rate](/free-tools/hourly-to-salary-calculator), so here's what the work behind each kind pays, from the BLS and the apps' own figures:</p> <p>:::table fancy Kind of app | What the work pays | Source  Rideshare, like Uber and Lyft | $20.24 an hour, the median for taxi drivers | [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533054.htm)  Handyman tasks, like Taskrabbit | $23.84 an hour, the median for maintenance and repair workers | [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499071.htm)  Shift apps, like Instawork | over $20 an hour on average | [Instawork](https://www.instawork.com/worker)  Package delivery, like Amazon Flex | $18 to $25 an hour for most drivers | [Amazon Flex](https://flex.amazon.com/)  Food and grocery delivery | $18.64 an hour, the median for driver/sales workers | [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533031.htm)  Pet care, like Rover and Wag | $17.00 an hour, the median for animal caretakers | [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes392021.htm)  Paid surveys, like Survey Junkie | about $5 an hour, in one test | [Survey Leo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfiVHt2BoRk)  Reward apps, like Swagbucks | about $4 an hour at best | [No Hype Money](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO2bw9e9XWY) :::</p> <p>The BLS figures are for employed workers in May 2025, and app workers pay their own costs, like gas and car wear, out of what they earn. Surveys and reward apps pay far less per hour than any work with a car or a skill.</p> <h3>Are money making apps legit? What real users report</h3> <p>Most big money making apps are real businesses that pay real money, and their own help pages show what they pay. The problem is usually the gap between the ads and the pay.</p> <p>Here's what people report on Reddit's r/sidehustle in 2026:</p> <p>:::checks - Reward apps pay little per hour: one long-time user says Swagbucks "runs in the background" and brings in about $15 a month when they pay attention ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/sidehustle/comments/1t62sx9/best_apps_to_make_money_in_my_experience/)). - Delivery drivers say pay has dropped over the past couple of years, which is why one tried Field Agent's $3 store jobs on the side ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/sidehustle/comments/1wa92n7/almost_got_beaten_up_doing_field_agent/)). - Renting out gear you own can pay steadily: one member rents a camera, a drone and a carpet cleaner on Fat Llama and local Facebook groups, and made more last year renting the $300 carpet cleaner than it cost ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/sidehustle/comments/1rjd1nc/)). :::</p> <p>Fake "earn money" apps and job scams are real too. Americans reported losing $750.6 million to job and business opportunity scams in 2024 ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/03/new-ftc-data-show-big-jump-reported-losses-fraud-125-billion-2024)). Before you install an app, check these:</p> <p>:::steps Look at the number of ratings, not only the score, since a 4.9 from 50 ratings tells you little. Read the newest 1-star reviews, which show payout problems first. Check that the developer's name matches the company, like "Uber Technologies, Inc." for Uber. Find the app's own page on what it pays and when, and skip apps that don't have one. Don't pay to unlock tasks or withdrawals, because real apps pay you, not the other way around. :::</p> <h3>Apps that pay instantly</h3> <p>These apps can pay you the same day, from their own payout pages:</p> <p>:::table fancy App | How fast it pays | Source  Uber | after every trip, with Instant Pay | [Uber](https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/how-much-drivers-make/)  Lyft | after every ride, free to the Lyft Direct card | [Lyft](https://www.lyft.com/driver/earnings)  DoorDash | after every dash with Crimson, or daily with Fast Pay for $1.99 | [DoorDash](https://dasher.doordash.com/en-us/about/pay)  Uber Eats | up to five or six times a day, with Instant Pay | [Uber](https://www.uber.com/us/en/deliver/basics/earnings/how-payments-work/)  Instacart | right away, with Instant Cashout | [Instacart](https://shoppers.instacart.com/)  Shipt | instantly, up to three times a day | [Shipt](https://help.shipt.com/being-a-shopper/how-do-shoppers-get-paid)  Spark Driver | instantly, if you set up your account for it | [Spark Driver](https://drive4spark.walmart.com/driver-earnings)  Instawork | instantly, for eligible shifts | [Instawork](https://www.instawork.com/worker)  eBay | within 30 minutes on demand for eligible sellers, for a $2 fee | [eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814)  Whop | instantly, once a clip payout is approved | [Whop](https://whop.com/blog/content-rewards/)  Ibotta | to PayPal within about 2 hours, from $20 | [Ibotta](https://help.ibotta.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004907048-How-do-I-withdraw-my-earnings-to-PayPal) :::</p> <p>Instant payouts often cost a small fee each time, so a weekly payout keeps more of your money when you don't need it today.</p> <p>The 55 apps come in seven groups, plus web platforms that pay more than most apps:</p> <p>:::cards here Tag | Sell things | These ten pay you when something you own, make or find sells. | #apps-that-pay-you-to-sell Car | Gig apps | These fourteen pay per ride, delivery, task or shift. | #gig-apps-that-pay-per-job Briefcase | Freelance and creator | These nine pay for a skill or an audience. | #freelance-and-creator-apps MessageSquare | Opinion and testing | These seven pay for surveys, tests and research. | #apps-that-pay-for-your-opinion-and-testing House | Rent out what you own | These five pay for your car, room, garage or yard. | #apps-that-rent-out-what-you-own MapPin | Tasks nearby | These five pay for quick store and property jobs. | #task-and-mystery-shopping-apps Wallet | Cash back | These five save you money on shopping you'd do anyway. | #cash-back-and-reward-apps-savings-not-income Globe | Web platforms | These pay more than most apps, with no app needed. | #web-platforms-that-pay-more-than-most-apps-with-no-app :::</p> <h3>Apps that pay you to sell</h3> <p>These apps pay you when something you own, make or find sells. Fees and shipping decide what you keep, so each one shows its fees from its own pages.</p> <h4>1. Etsy</h4> <p>Etsy is the marketplace for handmade goods, vintage and digital downloads like printables and templates. Buyers come to Etsy to search, so a new shop can sell without an audience of its own.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the price you set, minus [Etsy's fees](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator): $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)). New sellers get paid weekly, every Monday, and can switch to daily, every two weeks or monthly ([Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046998234-How-to-Receive-Your-Etsy-Payments-Deposit)).</p> <p>**Example:** Brenon Dopp's print-on-demand Etsy shop made $40 in its first month and $6,076 in its best month, October, in its first year, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3vm3FIm4UE).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Buyers already search Etsy, so you don't need your own audience. - Digital downloads deliver themselves, with nothing to ship. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Listing, transaction and processing fees add up on each sale. - Popular categories are crowded, so a niche matters. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Paid:** weekly by default, or daily · **Age:** 18+, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <p>:::product award: For handmade and digital name: Etsy logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/etsy-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 7.3 million App Store ratings text: The marketplace for handmade, vintage and digital products, with buyers already searching. button: Start selling on Etsy | https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>2. eBay</h4> <p>eBay sells almost anything, new or used, from clothes and sneakers to electronics and collectibles, by auction or at a fixed price. It's where many resellers start.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the sale price, minus eBay's selling fees. The money is usually available 1 to 2 days after the buyer pays, and eligible sellers can take an on-demand payout that usually arrives within 30 minutes, for a $2 fee ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814)).</p> <p>**Example:** CNBC Make It profiled Rick Senko, who started by flipping a cellphone on eBay in 2008 and now brings in $6.5 million a year selling used clothes, [in October 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ieWUuGCkXY). The Nurse Flipper's reselling business sold $160,600 on eBay in 2025, about 63% of its sales ([January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzkIuwosxcc)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Buyers search eBay for almost every kind of item. - On-demand payouts can reach you within 30 minutes, for a $2 fee. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Fees and shipping eat into thin margins. - Returns and disputes take time to handle. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** daily, or on demand for eligible sellers · **Age:** 18+ on eBay</p> <p>:::product award: For selling anything name: eBay logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/ebay-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 5 million App Store ratings text: The biggest marketplace for used and new items, with fast payouts once you sell. button: Start selling on eBay | https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>3. Poshmark</h4> <p>Poshmark is a marketplace for clothes, shoes and accessories. You list from your phone, ship with Poshmark's prepaid label, and buyers find you through search and shares.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the sale price, minus Poshmark's fee: a flat $2.95 on sales under $15, and 20% on sales of $15 or more ([Poshmark](https://support.poshmark.com/s/article/297755057?language=en_US)). You can cash out as soon as the order is complete ([Poshmark](https://poshmark.com/sell)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The prepaid shipping label makes shipping simple. - There are no listing fees. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The 20% fee on sales of $15 or more is high. - Clothes can sell slowly without regular listing and sharing. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** once the order is complete</p> <p>:::product award: For selling clothes name: Poshmark logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/poshmark-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 1.1 million App Store ratings text: A clothes marketplace with a prepaid shipping label and no listing fees. button: Sell on Poshmark | https://navid.link/poshmark?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>4. Mercari</h4> <p>Mercari lets you sell almost anything in the US by shipping it, from clothes to electronics, with a listing you can make from your phone in a few minutes.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the sale price, minus a 10% selling fee on the item price and the shipping the buyer pays, a fee that applies to listings since January 6, 2025 ([Mercari](https://www.mercari.com/us/help_center/article/169/)).</p> <p>**Example:** EducatedHustler sold $1,346 on Mercari in seven days, and Mercari's fees took $134.60, [in September 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4u7cNaYo0g).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Listing is free, and you pay only when an item sells. - One flat fee makes pricing simple. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The 10% fee also applies to the shipping the buyer pays. - Buyers expect low prices, so margins can be thin. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For quick shipped sales name: Mercari logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/mercari-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 2 million App Store ratings text: A simple app for selling and shipping almost anything, with one flat fee. button: Sell on Mercari | https://navid.link/mercari?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>5. Depop</h4> <p>Depop is a fashion marketplace popular for vintage, streetwear and one-of-a-kind pieces.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the sale price, minus payment processing. Sellers in the US pay no Depop selling fee, and Depop Payments charges 3.3% plus $0.45 per sale, with a 12% fee on sales from boosted listings ([Depop](https://depophelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360001791127-Seller-fees-and-charges)).</p> <p>**Example:** BriceIsNice made $1,897 reselling clothes on Depop in one week, [in October 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBe_QAr7tpE).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - US sellers pay no selling fee, only payment processing. - Its buyers look for vintage and unique pieces. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Boosting a listing costs 12% of the sale when it sells. - It suits fashion, and little else. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For vintage fashion name: Depop logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/depop-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 1 million App Store ratings text: A fashion marketplace with no selling fee for US sellers. button: Sell on Depop | https://navid.link/depop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>6. Facebook Marketplace</h4> <p>Facebook Marketplace lets you sell to people near you: you post an item, chat with buyers in Messenger, and meet them in person or ship it to them.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the price you agree on. Shipped orders pay a selling fee of 5% per shipment, or $0.40 for shipments of $8 or less ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223030991929920)), and local sales you're paid for in person don't go through Facebook at all.</p> <p>**Example:** The Flip Shop made over $4,000 in profit in one month from five Facebook Marketplace flips, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaXt35Q6U8Q).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Local sales paid in person have no fee. - Many buyers already use Facebook every day. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Many messages lead nowhere, and no-shows happen. - Meeting strangers needs care, so meet in a busy public place. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For local pickup sales name: Facebook Marketplace logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/facebook-marketplace-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: Free app · 28.6 million App Store ratings text: The easiest way to sell to people nearby, with no fee on local sales. button: Sell on Marketplace | https://navid.link/facebookmarketplace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>7. OfferUp</h4> <p>OfferUp is a local buy-and-sell app. It ended nationwide shipping in September 2025, so you meet buyers in person and get paid on the spot ([OfferUp](https://help.offerup.com/hc/en-us/articles/41043186552980-Nationwide-shipping-ending)).</p> <p>**What it pays:** the price you agree on, paid in person. OfferUp calls cash the safest way to get paid, and warns against checks, gift cards, wire transfers and crypto ([OfferUp](https://help.offerup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360031961592-Getting-paid)).</p> <p>**Example:** HustlerTaughtMe made $220 flipping an iPhone 14 on OfferUp in 30 minutes, [in April 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amkHO_U7W-o).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You get paid on the spot, in person. - Big items like furniture need no shipping. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - It's local only now, so buyers come from your area. - Free listings have limits, and promotions cost extra. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** in person, at the sale</p> <p>:::product award: For local deals name: OfferUp logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/offerup-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 4.4 million App Store ratings text: A local marketplace for quick, in-person sales. button: Sell on OfferUp | https://navid.link/offerup?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>8. Vinted</h4> <p>Vinted is a marketplace for secondhand clothes, shoes and accessories, where sellers don't pay a selling fee.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the full price you set. Vinted says sellers keep 100% of what they earn ([Vinted](https://www.vinted.com/how_it_works)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Sellers keep 100% of the sale price. - Listing is free. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Buyers hunt for bargains, so expect offers below your price. - It suits closet clear-outs more than high-volume reselling. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For no-fee clothes sales name: Vinted logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/vinted-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 389,407 App Store ratings text: A clothes marketplace where sellers keep 100% of the sale price. button: Sell on Vinted | https://navid.link/vinted?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>9. Whatnot</h4> <p>Whatnot is a live shopping app: you sell cards, collectibles, sneakers, clothes and more on live video, and buyers bid in real time.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the sale price, minus Whatnot's commission, which is 8% for standard US sellers and drops as low as 3% at higher sales tiers, plus payment processing of 2.9% plus 30 cents ([Whatnot](https://help.whatnot.com/hc/en-us/articles/4847069165965-Whatnot-seller-fees)). Payouts usually arrive within 1 to 2 business days ([Whatnot](https://help.whatnot.com/hc/en-us/articles/360061604151-Set-up-and-start-payouts)).</p> <p>**Example:** Reaper Reviews sold $5,455 of Pokémon cards on Whatnot, about $1,455 more than the cards cost before taxes, fees and shipping, [in March 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzJv97c3igM).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Live auctions can sell a lot of stock in one show. - Payouts usually arrive within 1 to 2 business days. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - You need to be comfortable selling on camera. - Commission and processing add up on low-priced items. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Paid:** 1 to 2 business days after a payout</p> <p>:::product award: For live selling name: Whatnot logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/whatnot-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 1 million App Store ratings text: Sell live on video, with buyers bidding in real time. button: Sell on Whatnot | https://navid.link/whatnot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>10. BookScouter</h4> <p>BookScouter compares what 30+ buyback vendors will pay for your books, especially textbooks. You scan the barcode, pick the best offer and mail the books with the vendor's prepaid label.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the vendor's buyback price, with free shipping. Most vendors pay within one to three days of receiving and checking your books ([BookScouter](https://bookscouter.com/faq)), by check or PayPal ([App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bookscouter-sell-buy-books/id366508853)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Comparing 30+ vendors finds the best offer in seconds. - Shipping is free with the vendor's prepaid label. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Older editions often get low offers or none. - Vendors pay wholesale prices, not retail. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** 1 to 3 days after the vendor gets your books</p> <p>:::product award: For selling textbooks name: BookScouter logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/bookscouter-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: Free app · 1,678 App Store ratings text: Compare buyback offers for your books from 30+ vendors. button: Check prices on BookScouter | https://navid.link/bookscouter?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h3>Gig apps that pay per job</h3> <p>These pay you for each ride, delivery, task or shift. Most pay the fastest of any apps here, and many need a car.</p> <h4>11. Uber</h4> <p>Uber's driver app sends you ride requests while you're online, so you choose when to drive. You need a car that meets Uber's rules and a clean driving record.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fare per trip plus tips, and you can cash out after every trip with Instant Pay, or take weekly deposits ([Uber](https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/how-much-drivers-make/)). Employed taxi drivers, the closest job the BLS tracks, earn a median of $20.24 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533054.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** Scott McKenna drove Uber like a 9-to-5 for three days: 51 trips and $550.13 in about 25 hours, roughly $22 an hour before gas, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqXIdPYQ2Jo).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You choose your hours, down to a single trip. - Instant Pay gets you paid after each trip. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Gas, insurance and wear on your car come out of what you earn. - Pay changes with demand, so slow hours earn less. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Paid:** after each trip with Instant Pay, or weekly · **Age:** your state's minimum to drive for Uber, with 1 year of driving experience, or 3 years if you're under 25</p> <p>:::product award: For driving people name: Uber logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/uber-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: Free app · 656,827 App Store ratings text: Drive people on your own schedule, and cash out after every trip. button: Drive with Uber | https://navid.link/uber?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>12. Lyft</h4> <p>Lyft works like Uber: you turn on the driver app when you want to drive and accept the rides that suit you.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fare per ride plus tips. Lyft caps its own fee at 30% of what riders pay and pays you an adjustment if it takes more in a month, and you can get free instant payouts after every ride to the Lyft Direct card, or weekly pay every Tuesday ([Lyft](https://www.lyft.com/driver/earnings)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Lyft caps its own fee at 30% of what riders pay. - Free instant payouts go to the Lyft Direct card. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Car costs come out of your earnings. - Some drivers run Lyft and Uber together to stay busy, which takes juggling. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Paid:** after each ride to Lyft Direct, or every Tuesday</p> <p>:::product award: For flexible rideshare name: Lyft logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/lyft-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: Free app · 385,955 App Store ratings text: Rideshare driving with a cap on Lyft's fee and free instant payouts. button: Drive with Lyft | https://navid.link/lyft?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>13. DoorDash</h4> <p>DoorDash pays Dashers to pick up and deliver orders from restaurants and stores, whenever you choose to dash.</p> <p>**What it pays:** base pay per offer, from $2 to $10 or more depending on time, distance and demand, plus 100% of tips ([DoorDash](https://help.doordash.com/en-us/dashers/article/how-is-dasher-pay-calculated)). Fast Pay sends your earnings once a day for $1.99, and the DoorDash Crimson account gets them after every dash with no fee ([DoorDash](https://dasher.doordash.com/en-us/about/pay)).</p> <p>**Example:** CNBC Make It met Shonnita Leslie, 40, who used DoorDash on the side to pay down about $20,000 of her six-figure student debt, [in May 2024](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPUFJM2ANJA).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You keep 100% of tips. - Daily or after-each-dash payouts are available. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Some offers pay little for the distance, so pick carefully. - Car costs come out of your earnings. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** weekly, daily with Fast Pay, or after each dash with Crimson</p> <p>:::product award: For food delivery name: DoorDash logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/doordash-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 2.5 million App Store ratings text: Deliver food on your schedule, keep 100% of tips, and cash out daily. button: Dash with DoorDash | https://navid.link/doordash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>14. Uber Eats</h4> <p>Uber Eats uses the same Uber driver app, so you can deliver food and switch between deliveries and rides.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per delivery, and you keep 100% of tips. You can cash out up to five or six times a day with Instant Pay, for a small fee ([Uber](https://www.uber.com/us/en/deliver/basics/earnings/how-payments-work/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Your Driver Mike tests Uber Eats deliveries and shows what each offer paid.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTGsTdyV6hw | I Tested Uber Eats Driving in 2026 (How Much I Made) | | Your Driver Mike | | | navid :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - One app covers both rides and deliveries. - You keep 100% of tips. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Instant Pay costs a small fee each time. - Car costs come out of what you earn. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** weekly, or several times a day with Instant Pay</p> <p>:::product award: For delivery with Uber name: Uber Eats logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/uber-eats-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: Free app · 656,827 App Store ratings text: Deliver food with the Uber app, and cash out several times a day. button: Deliver with Uber Eats | https://navid.link/ubereats?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>15. Instacart</h4> <p>Instacart pays shoppers to pick groceries in the store and deliver them to customers' doors.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per order plus tips, and you keep 100% of tips. Instacart pays weekly by direct deposit, and Instant Cashout gets you paid sooner ([Instacart](https://shoppers.instacart.com/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Brandon Pack made about $636 in 30 days of Instacart shopping on days off and after work, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBtbRFM8CPg).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You keep 100% of tips. - Instant Cashout pays you the same day. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Big orders take time and heavy lifting. - Out-of-stock items and swaps slow you down. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Paid:** weekly, or right away with Instant Cashout · **Age:** 18+ on Instacart</p> <p>:::product award: For grocery shopping name: Instacart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/instacart-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 1.6 million App Store ratings text: Shop and deliver groceries, keep your tips, and cash out right away. button: Shop with Instacart | https://navid.link/instacart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>16. Amazon Flex</h4> <p>Amazon Flex pays you to deliver Amazon packages in blocks of a few hours, booked ahead in the app, using your own car.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a set amount per block, shown before you take it. Amazon says most Flex drivers earn $18 to $25 an hour, depending on where and when they drive ([Amazon Flex](https://flex.amazon.com/)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You see the pay for each block before you accept it. - Blocks booked ahead fit around a job. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Good blocks can go fast in busy areas. - You need to be 21 or older. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Age:** 21+ on Amazon Flex</p> <p>:::product award: For package delivery name: Amazon Flex logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/amazon-flex-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 439,144 App Store ratings text: Deliver Amazon packages in blocks, with the pay shown up front. button: Deliver with Amazon Flex | https://navid.link/amazonflex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>17. Spark Driver</h4> <p>Spark Driver is Walmart's delivery app: you deliver Walmart orders, and sometimes shop them too, on your own schedule.</p> <p>**What it pays:** trip earnings that grow with the distance, plus incentives, and you keep 100% of customer-confirmed tips. Earnings can be deposited instantly or weekly, depending on how you set up your account ([Spark Driver](https://drive4spark.walmart.com/driver-earnings)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You keep 100% of confirmed tips. - Instant deposits are an option. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Short trips pay less. - Car costs come out of your earnings. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Paid:** instantly or weekly, depending on your setup</p> <p>:::product award: For Walmart deliveries name: Spark Driver logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/spark-driver-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 305,601 App Store ratings text: Deliver Walmart orders, with instant or weekly payouts. button: Drive with Spark | https://navid.link/sparkdriver?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>18. Shipt</h4> <p>Shipt pays shoppers to shop for and deliver orders from Target and other stores in the app.</p> <p>**What it pays:** pay per order, based on the time and effort it takes, plus 100% of tips. You can access your pay instantly up to three times a day, or get a direct deposit every Friday for the week before ([Shipt](https://help.shipt.com/being-a-shopper/how-do-shoppers-get-paid)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You keep 100% of tips. - Pay is available up to three times a day. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Orders depend on demand near you. - Car costs come out of your earnings. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car · **Paid:** instantly up to three times a day, or every Friday</p> <p>:::product award: For grocery runs name: Shipt logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/shipt-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 230,152 App Store ratings text: Shop and deliver orders, with pay up to three times a day. button: Shop with Shipt | https://navid.link/shipt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>19. Taskrabbit</h4> <p>Taskrabbit connects you with people who need help with furniture assembly, mounting, moving, cleaning and handyman jobs, at the hourly rate you set for each kind of task.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the hourly rate you set. Clients pay Taskrabbit's service fee on top of your rate ([Taskrabbit](https://support.taskrabbit.com/hc/en-us/articles/46260411872155-What-s-the-Taskrabbit-Service-Fee)), and you pay a one-time, non-refundable $25 registration fee to start ([Taskrabbit](https://support.taskrabbit.com/hc/en-us/articles/46260480151579-What-s-the-Registration-Fee)).</p> <p>**Example:** Nesto Works made $395 in one day from three handyman jobs on Taskrabbit, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6Ug7W3G348).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You set your own hourly rates. - Clients pay the service fee, not you. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The Tasker app rates 3.0 on the App Store. - Getting booked takes time until you have reviews. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a $25 registration fee</p> <p>:::product award: For handyman tasks name: Taskrabbit logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/taskrabbit-icon.png rating: 3.0 price: Free app · 4,387 App Store ratings text: Get paid your own hourly rate for handyman and moving tasks. button: Become a Tasker | https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>20. Rover</h4> <p>Rover connects pet sitters and dog walkers with pet owners nearby. You choose your services, like walking, drop-in visits or overnight sitting, and set your own prices.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the rates you set, minus Rover's 20% service fee, so you take home 80% ([Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/205385304-What-are-the-service-fees)). A profile review costs $49 to $79, depending on where you live ([Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/203062400-Is-Rover-free)), and payments show up two days after you complete a service ([Rover](https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/202838244-How-do-I-get-paid-for-bookings)).</p> <p>**Example:** Rachel Cole made £4,886 in a first year of dog sitting through Rover in the UK, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38wbhy6g3HU).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You set your own prices and services. - Payments arrive two days after each service. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Rover keeps 20% of each booking. - The profile review costs $49 to $79 up front. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a $49 to $79 profile review · **Paid:** two days after each service</p> <p>:::product award: For pet sitting name: Rover logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/rover-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 515,759 App Store ratings text: Pet sitting and dog walking on your terms, keeping 80% of each booking. button: Become a Rover sitter | https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>21. Wag</h4> <p>Wag connects dog walkers and pet sitters with owners who book walks, drop-ins and overnight stays in the app.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the prices you set as a caregiver ([Wag](https://wagwalking.com/daily/how-much-should-you-charge-for-a-wag-dog-walk)), and you keep 100% of tips ([App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wag-pet-caregiver/id940738731)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You keep 100% of tips. - Walks are short, so they fit between other things. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Bookings depend on how many owners use Wag near you. - Pay depends on each booking, so check it before you accept. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For dog walking name: Wag logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/wag-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 18,514 App Store ratings text: Walk dogs nearby, set your prices and keep 100% of tips. button: Walk dogs with Wag | https://navid.link/wag?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>22. Instawork</h4> <p>Instawork fills shifts at restaurants, warehouses, events and stores. Businesses post shifts, and you pick the ones that fit your week.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate that depends on the market and the job. Instawork says the average across all US markets and jobs is over $20 an hour, and eligible shifts pay instantly ([Instawork](https://www.instawork.com/worker)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You choose shifts from a few hours to a few months. - Eligible shifts pay instantly. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Shifts depend on businesses near you. - Many shifts are physical work, like serving or warehouse jobs. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** instantly for eligible shifts</p> <p>:::product award: For hourly shifts name: Instawork logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/instawork-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 100,934 App Store ratings text: Pick hourly shifts at local businesses, with instant pay on eligible ones. button: Find shifts on Instawork | https://navid.link/instawork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>23. Wonolo</h4> <p>Wonolo offers short jobs in warehouses, delivery, events and more, which you accept in the app.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate set for each job. Wonolo says 98% of jobs are paid within 48 hours ([Wonolo](https://www.wonolo.com/workers)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Most jobs pay within 48 hours. - You can take one job or many. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Jobs depend on what's posted near you. - Many jobs are physical work. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** within 48 hours for 98% of jobs</p> <p>:::product award: For quick local jobs name: Wonolo logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/wonolo-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 36,666 App Store ratings text: Take short local jobs, with most paid within 48 hours. button: Find jobs on Wonolo | https://navid.link/wonolo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>24. Thumbtack</h4> <p>Thumbtack is for people with a service to sell, like cleaning, photography, tutoring or repairs. Customers post what they need, and you pay to receive their leads.</p> <p>**What it pays:** whatever you charge customers. You set your lead prices and a weekly budget, and you pay for each lead that matches your preferences, whether or not you win the job ([Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/pros/how-thumbtack-works)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Customers come to you with a job in mind. - A weekly budget caps what you spend on leads. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - You pay for leads even when you don't get the job. - Lead costs can eat the profit on small jobs. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money for leads</p> <p>:::product award: For local service pros name: Thumbtack logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/thumbtack-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: Free app · 64,892 App Store ratings text: Get leads for your local service business, within a budget you set. button: Join Thumbtack as a pro | https://navid.link/thumbtack?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h3>Freelance and creator apps</h3> <p>These pay for a skill or an audience: services you sell, or content people watch and pay for. They take the longest to start and can pay the most.</p> <h4>25. Fiverr</h4> <p>Fiverr lets you sell a service as a fixed-price package, like a logo, a video edit or a voiceover. Buyers find your gig and order without a long hiring process.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the price of your gig, minus Fiverr's cut: you earn 80% of each order, including extras and tips ([Fiverr](https://help.fiverr.com/hc/en-us/articles/9234443621137-Your-earnings-page)). Earnings clear 14 days after an order is complete, or 7 days for Top Rated sellers ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/legal-portal/legal-terms/payment-terms-of-service)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Buyers come to you through Fiverr's search. - Fixed-price gigs make pricing simple. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Fiverr keeps 20% of each order, tips included. - Earnings wait 14 days after each order before you can withdraw. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** 14 days after each order, or 7 for Top Rated sellers · **Age:** 18+ to withdraw, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <p>:::product award: For selling services name: Fiverr logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/fiverr-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 573,335 App Store ratings text: Sell fixed-price service gigs to buyers who are already searching. button: Sell on Fiverr | https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>26. Upwork</h4> <p>Upwork is a marketplace where clients post freelance jobs, from writing and design to development, and you send proposals to win them.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a fixed price you agree with the client. Upwork pays hourly work 10 days after each weekly billing period, and fixed-price work after the client approves it, plus a five-day security hold ([Upwork](https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211063668-How-payments-for-hourly-contracts-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Michael Elliott made $111,000 from one Upwork client, and explains why the hourly contract still capped his income, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqcBNlucCO8).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Clients post jobs with budgets, so you can choose. - Long contracts can turn one client into steady income. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Winning the first jobs takes many proposals. - Hourly pay arrives 10 days after each work week. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** 10 days after each work week for hourly work · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <p>:::product award: For freelance clients name: Upwork logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/upwork-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: Free app · 70,760 App Store ratings text: Find freelance clients who post jobs with budgets. button: Join Upwork | https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>27. Whop</h4> <p>Whop is a marketplace for [digital products](/articles/best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and communities, and its Content Rewards let creators and brands pay you for views on clips you post.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a rate per 1,000 views, set by each campaign. Whop says clippers earn $1 per 1,000 views on average, with campaigns paying from $0.08 to $8, and approved payouts are instant ([Whop](https://whop.com/blog/content-rewards/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Matt The Method made $20,622.08 clipping through Whop, [in August 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx30n6B1xzE).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You don't need your own audience to start. - Approved payouts are instant. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Clips that don't get views earn nothing. - Rates vary a lot from campaign to campaign. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** instantly, once a payout is approved</p> <p>:::product award: For paid clipping name: Whop logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/whop-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 57,764 App Store ratings text: Get paid per view for clips you post, from creators and brands. button: Find clipping campaigns | https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>28. Stan Store</h4> <p>Stan Store is a link-in-bio store for creators: you sell digital products, coaching calls and courses from one page you link in your social profiles.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the price of what you sell. Stan's Creator plan costs $29 a month and Creator Pro $99, with no transaction fees beyond payment processing ([Stan](https://stan.store/blog/stan-store-pricing/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Arlan Hamilton crossed $1,000,000 in sales on Stan Store, live on video, [in September 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UImNNer_ASQ).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No transaction fees beyond payment processing. - One page holds everything you sell. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The plan costs $29 a month, even before your first sale. - You need followers to send to your store. :::</p> <p>**Start:** $29 a month</p> <p>:::product award: For selling to followers name: Stan Store logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/stan-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 12,887 App Store ratings text: A link-in-bio store for selling digital products to your followers. button: Start a Stan Store | https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>29. Patreon</h4> <p>Patreon lets fans pay you every month for extras, like bonus videos, early access or a community, and you can sell one-off digital products too.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly memberships and one-time sales. Patreon keeps 10% of what you earn, plus payment processing ([Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/pricing)), and pays out when you ask or automatically on the 5th of each month ([Patreon](https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/203913499-Paying-out-your-earnings)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Patreon's own channel, with creator Jake Doubleyoo, on the ways to earn on Patreon.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlEU7fEDS6U | How to earn money on Patreon feat. @JakeDoubleyoo | | Patreon | | | navid :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Monthly memberships repeat, so income is steadier. - You choose what members get. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Patreon keeps 10% plus processing. - You need fans who already like your work. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** when you ask, or on the 5th of each month</p> <p>:::product award: For fan memberships name: Patreon logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/patreon-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 578,227 App Store ratings text: Get paid monthly by fans for extras and one-off products. button: Start on Patreon | https://navid.link/patreon?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>30. TikTok</h4> <p>TikTok pays creators through its [Creator Rewards Program](/free-tools/tiktok-money-calculator), and many creators add [brand deals](/free-tools/sponsorship-rate-calculator) and affiliate links.</p> <p>**What it pays:** rewards for qualified views on videos of at least 1 minute, through the Creator Rewards Program, once you have 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in 30 days. TikTok pays on the 15th of each month once you pass $50 ([TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/global/creator-rewards-program-us/en)).</p> <p>**Example:** Abigail Z. Robinson was paid $2,347 by TikTok's Creator Rewards Program, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fiBo1CbB_k).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Short videos can reach new people fast. - Brand deals come once you have a following. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - You need 10,000 followers before TikTok pays. - Only videos of 1 minute or longer earn rewards. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** monthly on the 15th, once you pass $50 · **Age:** 18+ for the Creator Rewards Program</p> <p>:::product award: For short video creators name: TikTok logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/tiktok-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 18.4 million App Store ratings text: Earn from views on videos of a minute or longer, once you qualify. button: Create on TikTok | https://navid.link/tiktok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>31. YouTube</h4> <p>YouTube pays creators a share of the ads on their videos once they join the YouTube Partner Program, and many add memberships, sponsors and their own products.</p> <p>**What it pays:** 55% of the [ad revenue](/free-tools/youtube-money-calculator) on your long videos and 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)), once you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)).</p> <p>**Example:** Becca Farsace made $151,570 in a first full year as a YouTuber, with $15,513.84 of it from YouTube's ad share and most of the rest from sponsors, [in October 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQhT2bZk-5w).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Old videos keep earning as people find them. - Sponsors and memberships can pay more than ads. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - It can take months to reach 1,000 subscribers. - Ad pay depends on your topic and viewers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <p>:::product award: For video creators name: YouTube logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/youtube-icon.png rating: 4.1 price: Free app · 25,950 App Store ratings text: Earn a share of the ads on your videos, plus sponsors and memberships. button: Start a YouTube channel | https://navid.link/youtube?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>32. Instagram</h4> <p>Instagram pays creators through subscriptions, gifts on Reels and invite-only bonuses, and many creators earn more from brand deals and affiliate links.</p> <p>**What it pays:** subscriptions, gifts and bonuses through Instagram's own tools, paid around the 21st of each month once you pass $5 in the US ([Instagram](https://help.instagram.com/217939383051653/)), plus whatever brands pay you directly.</p> <p>**Example:** Allison of The Simple Table reached 100,000 followers and made $575 from 11 brand deals and $437 from affiliate links in 2025, [in September 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nlFe0Y8Cls).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Brands pay for posts once you have an engaged following. - Subscriptions add monthly income from your biggest fans. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Bonuses are invite-only. - Instagram's own payouts are small for many creators. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** monthly, around the 21st</p> <p>:::product award: For Reels creators name: Instagram logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/instagram-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 29.6 million App Store ratings text: Earn from subscriptions, gifts and brand deals on Instagram. button: Create on Instagram | https://navid.link/instagram?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>33. Twitch</h4> <p>Twitch pays streamers from subscriptions, Bits and ads once they're Affiliates, and big streamers add sponsors.</p> <p>**What it pays:** subscriptions, Bits and ads. Twitch makes you an Affiliate, able to get paid, once you stream 4 hours on 4 different days with at least 3 viewers on average and have 25 followers, and it pays out once you pass $50 ([Twitch](https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2026/05/13/monetization-for-all/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Feinberg, a Minecraft streamer, says Twitch pays about $1,000 a day, [in March 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3fuMl76DNM).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You can become an Affiliate with just 25 followers. - Viewers can pay you live. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Most new streamers have few viewers for a long time. - Streaming takes long hours live. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** once you pass $50</p> <p>:::product award: For live streamers name: Twitch logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/twitch-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 2.8 million App Store ratings text: Stream live and earn from subscriptions, Bits and ads. button: Stream on Twitch | https://navid.link/twitch?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h3>Apps that pay for your opinion and testing</h3> <p>These pay you to answer surveys, test websites or join research. Research studies pay well when you qualify, and surveys pay a few dollars an hour.</p> <h4>34. UserTesting</h4> <p>UserTesting pays you to try websites and apps while you talk through what you think, recorded on your screen.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per test. UserTesting sends each payment to PayPal 14 days after you upload the test ([UserTesting](https://participant-support.usertesting.com/hc/en-us/articles/37633031351315-When-and-how-will-I-be-paid)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Tests are short and done from home. - You can test on a computer or a phone. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Tests can fill up fast, so you check often. - The app rates 2.9 on the App Store. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** by PayPal, 14 days after each test · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <p>:::product award: For testing websites name: UserTesting logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/usertesting-icon.png rating: 2.9 price: Free app · 2,606 App Store ratings text: Get paid to test websites and apps, by PayPal. button: Become a tester | https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>35. dscout</h4> <p>dscout pays you to join research missions from companies: diary studies, video interviews and usability tests on your phone.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a reward per mission. dscout says missions pay $25 to $150 on average, with diary studies from $50 to $200 and usability tests from $10 to $50 ([dscout](https://help.dscout.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037855051-How-much-do-missions-pay-)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Missions pay more than most surveys. - You take part from your phone. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - You qualify through a screener first. - Missions depend on your profile. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** after the team approves your entries</p> <p>:::product award: For research missions name: dscout logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/dscout-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: Free app · 3,639 App Store ratings text: Join paid research missions, from diaries to interviews. button: Join dscout | https://navid.link/dscout?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>36. Userlytics</h4> <p>Userlytics pays testers to complete usability studies on websites and apps, usually by recording your screen and your voice.</p> <p>**What it pays:** $10 to $50 per study, by Userlytics' own range ([Userlytics](https://www.userlytics.com/testers/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Lets Learn AI &amp; Digital Marketing made $140 from Userlytics studies in India, with payment proof, [in April 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4ORXPlRBSk).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Each study pays a set amount. - Studies are done from home. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Studies depend on your profile. - You record your screen and voice. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For usability tests name: Userlytics logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/userlytics-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 3,025 App Store ratings text: Earn $10 to $50 per usability study. button: Test with Userlytics | https://navid.link/userlytics?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>37. Meta Viewpoints</h4> <p>Meta Viewpoints is Meta's own research app: you answer surveys and join studies about its apps, and earn points.</p> <p>**What it pays:** points that turn into PayPal cash or gift cards at set thresholds, like 1,000 points. PayPal payments arrive within 7 to 10 days ([Meta](https://www.facebook.com/help/viewpoints/426437088138541)), and rewards are capped at $599 a calendar year ([Meta](https://www.facebook.com/help/viewpoints/tos)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - It's Meta's own app, not a third party. - Surveys are short. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Rewards are capped at $599 a year. - Studies depend on your profile. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** by PayPal, 7 to 10 days after you redeem</p> <p>:::product award: For Meta's own surveys name: Meta Viewpoints logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/meta-viewpoints-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 21,939 App Store ratings text: Answer Meta's own surveys for PayPal cash or gift cards. button: Join Meta Viewpoints | https://navid.link/metaviewpoints?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>38. Google Opinion Rewards</h4> <p>Google Opinion Rewards sends you quick surveys from Google and its partners now and then.</p> <p>**What it pays:** up to $1 per completed survey, paid to your PayPal account on iPhone ([App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-opinion-rewards/id1227019728)), or as Google Play or PayPal credit ([Google](https://surveys.google.com/google-opinion-rewards/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Andy Zhong earned $130+ in total from Google Opinion Rewards, with payment proof, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGm83cJUCXk).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Surveys take seconds. - It's run by Google. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Surveys arrive only now and then, so totals stay small. - On Android, rewards are often Google Play credit, not cash. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** per survey, to PayPal or Google Play</p> <p>:::product award: For tiny surveys name: Google Opinion Rewards logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/google-opinion-rewards-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 210,476 App Store ratings text: Answer quick Google surveys for PayPal cash or Play credit. button: Get Google Opinion Rewards | https://navid.link/googleopinionrewards?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>39. YouGov</h4> <p>YouGov is a polling company that gives panel members points for surveys on news, brands and everyday life.</p> <p>**What it pays:** points for each survey, which you redeem for cash or gift cards once you reach a set balance ([YouGov](https://account.yougov.com/us-en/account/terms-and-conditions)).</p> <p>**Example:** SIRWILLY made £50 from YouGov surveys in the UK, with proof, [in November 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2xoBfxUG3g).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - It's a well-known polling company. - Surveys cover news and everyday topics. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Reaching the cash-out balance can take a while. - Points vary by survey length. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For opinion polls name: YouGov logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/yougov-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: Free app · 5,082 App Store ratings text: Earn points for polls and surveys, then cash out. button: Join YouGov | https://navid.link/yougov?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>40. Survey Junkie</h4> <p>Survey Junkie gives you points for surveys you qualify for, with cash outs to PayPal, your bank or gift cards.</p> <p>**What it pays:** points worth $1 per 100, with cash outs from $5 by PayPal, bank transfer or gift card ([Survey Junkie](https://www.surveyjunkie.com/how-it-works)).</p> <p>**Example:** Survey Leo tested Survey Junkie with a fresh account and earned about $5 an hour, [in August 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfiVHt2BoRk).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You can cash out from $5. - PayPal and bank transfers are options. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - You'll get screened out of many surveys. - Hourly pay is low. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** from $5, by PayPal, bank or gift card</p> <p>:::product award: For paid surveys name: Survey Junkie logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/survey-junkie-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: Free app · 87,006 App Store ratings text: Earn points for surveys and cash out from $5. button: Join Survey Junkie | https://navid.link/surveyjunkie?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h3>Apps that rent out what you own</h3> <p>These pay you for things you already have: a car, a room, a garage or a yard. They need little time once set up, and they bring wear and strangers.</p> <h4>41. Turo</h4> <p>Turo lets you rent out your car to travelers and locals, at the price and times you set.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of each trip's price that depends on the earnings plan you pick: 70%, 80% or 90%, with more of any damage cost on you as your share goes up ([Turo](https://help.turo.com/en_us/earnings-plans-in-detail-us-hosts-ByMOIVxEc)).</p> <p>**Example:** Turo Hustle says its seven cars made $14,000+ in one month, and shows the costs behind it, [in October 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8-sHujdtKY).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You set the price and when the car is available. - Each earnings plan includes liability insurance. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Cleaning, handoffs and wear take time and money. - Higher earnings plans leave more of the damage cost to you. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a car</p> <p>:::product award: For renting your car name: Turo logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/turo-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 852,423 App Store ratings text: Rent out your car and keep 70% to 90% of each trip. button: List your car on Turo | https://navid.link/turo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>42. Airbnb</h4> <p>Airbnb lets you rent out a spare room, a guest house or your entire home to travelers.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the nightly price you set, minus Airbnb's fee, which is 15.5% for most hosts under its single service fee ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857)). Airbnb starts your payout by the end of the business day after your guest checks in, or 28 days after check-in until you've completed two stays ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/425)).</p> <p>**Example:** Kristen and Michael's Airbnb business brought in $3,198 to $7,725 a month in early 2025, and costs about $40,000 a year to run, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4KH3SgSH8Q).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - You're paid the business day after check-in. - You set the price and the nights. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Cleaning and guest messages take steady work. - Local rules can limit short-term rentals, so check yours. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a spare room · **Paid:** the business day after check-in</p> <p>:::product award: For renting a room name: Airbnb logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/airbnb-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 702,864 App Store ratings text: Rent out a room or a home, paid the day after check-in. button: Host on Airbnb | https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>43. Neighbor</h4> <p>Neighbor lets you rent out space you don't use, like a garage, a closet, a driveway or a parking spot, as storage.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the monthly price you set, minus a processing fee of 4.9% plus 30 cents. Listing is free ([Neighbor](https://help.neighbor.com/en_us/how-neighbor-makes-money-BkHYDAU0O)), and you're paid at the end of each 30-day rental period ([Neighbor](https://help.neighbor.com/en_us/how-do-payouts-work-as-a-host-HJkBDAICu)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Listing is free. - Renters pay monthly, so the income repeats. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Renters need access to your space now and then. - Demand depends on where you live. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** after each 30-day rental period</p> <p>:::product award: For renting storage space name: Neighbor logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/neighbor-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: Free app · 12,341 App Store ratings text: Rent out a garage, closet or driveway for monthly income. button: Become a Neighbor host | https://navid.link/neighbor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>44. Sniffspot</h4> <p>Sniffspot lets you rent your yard or land to dog owners by the hour, as a private place for their dogs to run.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the hourly price you set, and most spots charge $5 to $15 per dog per hour ([Sniffspot](https://www.sniffspot.com/)). Hosting is free to start, and Sniffspot says some hosts earn $3,000 or more a month ([Sniffspot](https://www.sniffspot.com/host)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Hosting is free to start. - Host protection insurance comes with it. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Bookings depend on dog owners near you. - Guests and their dogs come onto your property. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For renting your yard name: Sniffspot logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/sniffspot-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 24,502 App Store ratings text: Rent your yard to dog owners by the hour. button: Host on Sniffspot | https://navid.link/sniffspot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>45. SpotHero</h4> <p>SpotHero is a parking app with spaces from garages and lots, and individuals can apply to list a spot as independent sellers.</p> <p>**What it pays:** hourly, monthly or event rates for your space, once SpotHero approves your listing request ([SpotHero](https://spothero.com/sell-parking/independent-sellers)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Drivers book and pay in the app. - You can rent by the hour, the month or for events. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - SpotHero reviews each seller before listing. - It fits best near busy areas, like stadiums or downtown. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For parking spots name: SpotHero logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/spothero-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 419,665 App Store ratings text: Apply to rent out your parking spot to drivers. button: List a spot on SpotHero | https://navid.link/spothero?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h3>Task and mystery shopping apps</h3> <p>These pay small amounts for quick jobs near you, like store checks and property photos. They suit people who are out and about anyway.</p> <h4>46. Field Agent</h4> <p>Field Agent pays you to do quick jobs in stores, like checking prices, taking shelf photos or buying a product to review.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job. Field Agent's listing says location jobs generally pay $3 to $20 and that it has paid out over $20 million ([App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/field-agent/id364946558)), and you cash out to PayPal.</p> <p>**Example:** Gigsberg did about 160 Field Agent gigs in a month for about $650, mostly $3 jobs, [in February 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AxHe0nRQvc).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Jobs take minutes, often at stores you already visit. - Some jobs reimburse a purchase. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Most jobs pay $3, so it adds up slowly. - Store staff may not like shelf photos, so stay polite and safe. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free</p> <p>:::product award: For in-store tasks name: Field Agent logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/field-agent-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: Free app · 12,051 App Store ratings text: Get paid for quick store checks and shelf photos. button: Get Field Agent | https://navid.link/fieldagent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>47. Observa</h4> <p>Observa pays you for gigs in stores, like checking displays, prices and stock, with photos in the app.</p> <p>**What it pays:** $6 to $25 per gig, usually paid within 5 days, and Observa says it has paid more than $500,000 to its Observers ([App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/observa-earn-money-from-gigs/id1082619370)).</p> <p>**Example:** Gigsberg walked through a real $15 Observa gig, step by step, [in November 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqIJf5k39Ag).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Each gig shows its pay up front. - Payment usually comes within 5 days. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Gigs depend on stores near you. - Small gigs pay little for the drive. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** usually within 5 days</p> <p>:::product award: For store audits name: Observa logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/observa-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: Free app · 10,101 App Store ratings text: Earn $6 to $25 per in-store gig. button: Get Observa | https://navid.link/observa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>48. ProxyPics</h4> <p>ProxyPics pays you to take photos of homes and buildings for lenders, insurers and property managers, with jobs on a map in the app.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job. After the client approves your photos, which usually takes 24 to 48 hours, the money goes to your wallet in the app ([ProxyPics](https://www.proxypics.com/faq)).</p> <p>**Example:** Daily Earn Deals compared ProxyPics, iVueit and WeGoLook, with public rate examples of up to $125 a job, [in July 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxT10hucwPo).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Jobs are near you, on a map. - Photo jobs take little time on site. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Jobs depend on where you live. - Photographing homes takes care and good manners. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** after the client approves, usually 24 to 48 hours</p> <p>:::product award: For property photos name: ProxyPics logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/proxypics-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 9,870 App Store ratings text: Get paid to photograph homes and buildings near you. button: Get ProxyPics | https://navid.link/proxypics?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>49. Premise</h4> <p>Premise pays you for small tasks, like taking photos of places and answering surveys, in many countries.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per task, paid instantly by PayPal, Payoneer or Bitcoin, depending on what's available in your country ([Premise](https://premise.com/contributors/)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Payouts are instant. - PayPal, Payoneer or Bitcoin, depending on your country. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Tasks pay small amounts. - Tasks depend on where you live. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** instantly, by PayPal, Payoneer or Bitcoin</p> <p>:::product award: For small local tasks name: Premise logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/premise-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: Free app · 8,920 App Store ratings text: Earn small amounts for local photo and survey tasks, paid instantly. button: Get Premise | https://navid.link/premise?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>50. iVueit</h4> <p>iVueit pays you to visit nearby properties and stores and answer a short survey with photos, called a Vue.</p> <p>**What it pays:** $5 to $100 per Vue, depending on the job ([App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ivueit-earn-cash-for-surveys/id1212205667)), and your wallet goes to PayPal within 24 hours of approval ([iVueit](https://ivueit.com/become-a-vuer/)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Some Vues pay well for a short visit. - PayPal payouts come within 24 hours. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Vues depend on where you live. - Each one needs photos and a survey done right. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** to PayPal within 24 hours of approval</p> <p>:::product award: For property checks name: iVueit logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/ivueit-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free app · 3,434 App Store ratings text: Earn $5 to $100 per property check, paid to PayPal. button: Become a Vuer | https://navid.link/ivueit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h3>Cash back and reward apps (savings, not income)</h3> <p>These pay you back on money you spend anyway. They're worth having, but they save you money rather than earn it.</p> <h4>51. Rakuten</h4> <p>Rakuten gives you cash back when you shop online at partner stores through its app or browser extension.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a percentage of what you spend at each store. Rakuten sends a Big Fat Check, by check or PayPal, four times a year once you have more than $5 in cash back ([Rakuten](https://www.rakuten.com/help/article/when-will-i-get-paid-360002117667)).</p> <p>**Example:** Money with Andrey got back over $450 in a year of Rakuten cash back, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHicO8ssIyI).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - It pays on shopping you'd do anyway. - PayPal is an option. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - It's savings, not income. - Payouts come only four times a year. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** four times a year, past $5</p> <p>:::product award: For online shopping name: Rakuten logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/rakuten-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 361,874 App Store ratings text: Get cash back on online shopping, paid four times a year. button: Join Rakuten | https://navid.link/rakuten?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>52. Ibotta</h4> <p>Ibotta gives you cash back on groceries and everyday shopping when you link store loyalty accounts or upload receipts.</p> <p>**What it pays:** cash back offers on what you buy. You can withdraw to PayPal or gift cards once you reach $20, and PayPal payments usually arrive within 2 hours ([Ibotta](https://help.ibotta.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004907048-How-do-I-withdraw-my-earnings-to-PayPal)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - PayPal payouts arrive fast. - It works on groceries you already buy. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - You need $20 before you can withdraw. - It's savings, not income. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** from $20, to PayPal within about 2 hours</p> <p>:::product award: For grocery cash back name: Ibotta logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/ibotta-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 2 million App Store ratings text: Get cash back on groceries, withdrawn to PayPal from $20. button: Join Ibotta | https://navid.link/ibotta?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>53. Fetch</h4> <p>Fetch gives you points for scanning your shopping receipts, which you trade for gift cards.</p> <p>**What it pays:** points worth about $1 in gift cards per 1,000, with most rewards starting at 3,000 points ([Fetch](https://fetch.com/faq)). Points expire if your account is inactive for 90 days ([Fetch](https://help.fetch.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015784667-Do-Fetch-Points-Expire)).</p> <p>**Example:** Mo' Budgets &amp; Adventures earned $238 in rewards with Fetch and uses them for travel, [in May 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gpa7wnsnYM).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Any receipt can earn points. - Small gift cards start at $3. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - It pays in gift cards, not cash. - Points expire after 90 days without activity. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** in gift cards, from 3,000 points</p> <p>:::product award: For scanning receipts name: Fetch logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/fetch-icon.png rating: 4.9 price: Free app · 7.7 million App Store ratings text: Scan receipts for points you trade for gift cards. button: Join Fetch | https://navid.link/fetch?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>54. Upside</h4> <p>Upside gives you cash back on gas, groceries and restaurants at partner locations, on top of your card's own rewards.</p> <p>**What it pays:** cash back on each claimed purchase, with no minimum to cash out, to your bank, PayPal or gift cards. Upside says frequent users average $255 in their first year ([Upside](https://www.upside.com/)).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - There's no minimum to cash out. - It stacks on top of your card's rewards. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Offers apply only at partner locations. - It's savings, not income. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** any time, with no minimum</p> <p>:::product award: For gas cash back name: Upside logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/upside-icon.png rating: 4.8 price: Free app · 684,518 App Store ratings text: Get cash back on gas and groceries, with no cash-out minimum. button: Join Upside | https://navid.link/upside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h4>55. Swagbucks</h4> <p>Swagbucks gives you points, called SB, for surveys, shopping, games and videos, which you redeem for gift cards or PayPal cash.</p> <p>**What it pays:** points worth a cent each: a $3 gift card costs 300 SB ([Swagbucks](https://help.swagbucks.com/hc/en-us/articles/205094723-Swag-Up-Details)). Swagbucks says over 15 million members have cashed out nearly $700 million ([Swagbucks](https://help.swagbucks.com/hc/en-us/articles/205640034-What-is-Swagbucks-com)), and rewards usually arrive within 10 business days ([Swagbucks](https://help.swagbucks.com/hc/en-us/articles/205640894-How-long-does-it-take-to-redeem-Rewards)).</p> <p>**Example:** No Hype Money worked out that a typical Swagbucks survey pays 50 cents to $1.50 for 10 to 20 minutes, about $4 an hour at best, [in September 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO2bw9e9XWY). On r/sidehustle, one long-time user puts it at about $15 a month when paying attention ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/sidehustle/comments/1t62sx9/best_apps_to_make_money_in_my_experience/), May 2026).</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - There are many ways to earn, from shopping to surveys. - Gift cards start small, at $3. :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Hourly pay is low. - Surveys often screen you out. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Paid:** usually within 10 business days of redeeming</p> <p>:::product award: For points on many tasks name: Swagbucks logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/swagbucks-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: Free app · 147,762 App Store ratings text: Earn points for surveys and shopping, then redeem for gift cards or PayPal. button: Join Swagbucks | https://navid.link/swagbucks?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps :::</p> <h3>Web platforms that pay more than most apps, with no app</h3> <p>Some of the best-paying ways to earn from your phone or laptop aren't apps at all. These run in the browser and pay well when you qualify:</p> <p>:::table fancy Platform | What it pays | Payout  [DataAnnotation](https://navid.link/dataannotation?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | $25 to $50 an hour for generalists, and $40 to $150+ for coders and other experts ([DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/)) | within a few days of your request ([DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/faq))  [Outlier](https://navid.link/outlier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | an hourly rate for AI training tasks, by project | every Tuesday, for the week before ([Outlier](https://outlier.ai/faq))  [Respondent](https://navid.link/respondent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=money-making-apps) | an average payout of $75 per study ([Respondent](https://www.respondent.io/participants)) | 48 hours after each session ([Respondent](https://www.respondent.io/participants)) :::</p> <p>My guides on [how to make money with AI](/articles/how-to-make-money-with-ai) and [AI side hustles](/articles/ai-side-hustles) cover AI training work in more detail.</p> <h3>Game and "free money" apps: what to know</h3> <p>Apps that promise money for playing games, walking or watching ads usually pay in points, and the points add up slowly. Before you spend hours on one, check three things in the app's own terms and its newest reviews:</p> <p>:::checks - The minimum before you can cash out, and how long payouts take. - Whether reviews mention accounts closed or payouts refused near the cash-out point. - Whether you need to buy anything, like in-game items, to reach the payout. :::</p> <p>If an app asks you to pay or deposit money to unlock your earnings, it's a scam pattern, so walk away.</p> <h3>How to pick the right money making app</h3> <p>The best app for you depends on what you already have:</p> <p>:::cards Car | You have a car | Gig apps like Uber, DoorDash, Instacart and Amazon Flex pay the fastest. Package | You have things to sell | Selling apps like eBay, Poshmark, Mercari and Facebook Marketplace turn clutter into cash. Briefcase | You have a skill | Fiverr and Upwork pay for services, and they pay the most per hour of any apps here. Clock | You have 10 spare minutes | Research apps like dscout pay well per study, and surveys fill small gaps. House | You have spare space | Neighbor, Sniffspot, Turo and Airbnb pay for a garage, a yard, a car or a room. User | You're under 18 | Etsy and Fiverr let 13 to 17 year olds sell through a parent's account, and YouTube pays through a parent's AdSense. :::</p> <h3>Taxes on app income</h3> <p>Money you earn through apps is taxable in the US, whether it comes as cash, a deposit or a gift card ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/the-one-big-beautiful-bill-what-gig-economy-workers-should-know)). Payment apps and marketplaces send a Form 1099-K once your payments top $20,000 in more than 200 transactions ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-faqs-on-form-1099-k-threshold-under-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-dollar-limit-reverts-to-20000)), and businesses send a Form 1099-NEC once they pay you $2,000 or more for payments made after 2025 ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1099mec)).</p> <p>The income is taxable even when you don't get a form. If your net earnings from self-employment reach $400 in a year, you also owe self-employment tax ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes)). I'm not a tax advisor, so check with an accountant as the money grows.</p> <h3>Final thoughts on money making apps</h3> <p>There are 55 money making apps in this guide, and the ones that pay the most pay for real work: a ride, a delivery, a sale or a skill. Survey and reward apps are fine for spare minutes, but they won't replace a paycheck.</p> <p>Pick one app that fits what you have, try it for a month and track what you earn per hour after costs. That number tells you whether to keep going.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[45 side hustle apps](/articles/side-hustle-apps)</li><li>[48 ways to make money on your phone](/articles/make-money-on-your-phone)</li><li>[38 ways to make money fast](/articles/how-to-make-money-fast)</li><li>[70 side hustle ideas](/articles/side-hustle-ideas)</li><li>[108 ways to make money online](/articles/ways-to-make-money-online)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: pick one app from the group that matches what you have, and finish your first paid job, sale or study this week. And if this guide helped, DM me on [X](https://x.com/thenavidm) or [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenavidm) and tell me which app you picked.</p><h2>FAQs about money making apps</h2><h3>Are money making apps legit?</h3><p>Most big money making apps are real businesses that pay, like Uber, DoorDash, eBay, Etsy and Fiverr, and their own help pages show what they pay.</p> <p>The catch is usually the pay, not the app: surveys and reward apps pay a few dollars an hour at most.</p> <p>Skip any app that asks you to pay to unlock tasks or withdrawals.</p><h3>Which money making app pays the most?</h3><p>Apps that pay for a skill can pay the most, like Upwork and Fiverr, where freelancers set their own rates.</p> <p>Among gig apps, Taskrabbit handyman work and rideshare driving pay around $20 an hour or more, by BLS medians for that work.</p> <p>Survey and reward apps pay the least.</p><h3>Which apps pay instantly?</h3><p>Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Shipt and Spark Driver can all pay the same day you work.</p> <p>eBay offers on-demand payouts within 30 minutes for eligible sellers, for a $2 fee.</p> <p>Instant payouts often cost a small fee each time.</p><h3>Can you make money on apps without paying anything?</h3><p>Yes, most apps in this guide are free to join, including the selling, survey, testing and cash back apps.</p> <p>A few cost money to start, like Rover's $49 to $79 profile review, Taskrabbit's $25 registration fee and Stan Store's monthly plan.</p> <p>Gig apps also need a car, which brings its own costs.</p><h3>Which money making apps work for teens?</h3><p>Etsy and Fiverr let 13 to 17 year olds sell through a parent's account.</p> <p>YouTube pays creators under 18 through a parent or guardian's AdSense account.</p> <p>Most gig and survey apps require you to be 18, and Amazon Flex requires 21.</p><h3>Do game apps really pay?</h3><p>Some do, but they usually pay in points that add up slowly, with a minimum before you can cash out.</p> <p>Check the cash-out minimum and the newest reviews before you spend hours on one.</p> <p>If a game app asks you to pay to unlock your earnings, walk away.</p><h3>Which apps pay to PayPal?</h3><p>UserTesting, Ibotta, Rakuten, Survey Junkie, Meta Viewpoints, Field Agent and iVueit can all pay to PayPal.</p> <p>Gig apps like Uber and DoorDash pay to a bank account or their own debit cards instead.</p> <p>Check each app's payout options before you start.</p><h3>Do these apps work on Android and iPhone?</h3><p>Every app in this guide has an iPhone app, which is where its rating comes from.</p> <p>Most also have an Android app, though a few rewards, like Google Opinion Rewards, differ between the two.</p> <p>Check your phone's app store for each one.</p><h3>How much can you make with money making apps?</h3><p>It depends on the kind of app: gig and freelance apps can pay $20 an hour or more, while surveys pay a few dollars an hour.</p> <p>Real users report results like $550 for 25 hours of Uber driving and about $650 for 160 Field Agent gigs in a month.</p> <p>Track what you earn per hour after costs to see if an app is worth it.</p><h3>Do I pay taxes on app earnings?</h3><p>Yes, app income is taxable in the US, whether you get a form or not.</p> <p>Payment apps send a Form 1099-K once your payments top $20,000 in more than 200 transactions, and you owe self-employment tax once your net earnings reach $400 in a year.</p> <p>I'm not a tax advisor, so check with an accountant as the money grows.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/passive-income-with-ai/https://navid.me/blog/passive-income-with-ai/28 ways to make passive income with AI, from digital products and books to small apps and content, each with what it pays, what AI does in the build and how passive it really is.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of 28 ways to make passive income with AI, and how passive each one really is.</p> <p>I've sold digital products for over a decade. My course [Virtual Summit Mastery](/virtual-summit-mastery) made well over $1 million before I sold it, and the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) I vibe coded with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex) keep bringing visitors to this site. You can read more in [my story](/about-navid).</p> <p>AI makes the building faster, but it doesn't make the income passive. You still build something people want, and most of it needs a little upkeep after. So each way below shows what it pays from a real source, what AI does in the build, how much work it takes after, and a real example where one exists.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>What passive income with AI is, and what it isn't</li><li>28 assets AI helps you build, in five groups, each with what it pays and how passive it really is</li><li>The rules Amazon KDP, YouTube, Etsy and Adobe Stock set for AI work</li><li>The mistakes that stop AI income from being passive</li><li>The passive income scams to avoid</li></ul> <p>Pick an asset that fits the time you can put in now, and build one well before you build more.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - AI builds the asset faster, and the asset earns after it's built. None of these earn before the build. - Digital products, books and templates come closest to passive, because they sell again and again with nothing to ship. - Most start slowly: the median new subscription app made about $72 a month a year after launch ([RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)). - Platforms set rules for AI work: Amazon KDP asks you to disclose AI-generated content, and YouTube doesn't pay for mass-produced videos. - "Done-for-you AI income" offers are a known scam pattern, so check each claim before you pay. :::</p> <h3>What is passive income with AI?</h3> <p>Passive income with AI is money from an asset you build with AI's help, like a digital product, a book, a content library or a small app, that keeps selling after the work is done. AI does much of the building: it drafts, designs, narrates, codes and edits. The asset does the earning.</p> <p>It's built income, not free income. You do most of the work once, up front, keep the asset up to date, and it can pay for a long time.</p> <h3>What isn't passive income with AI?</h3> <p>A lot of what's sold as "passive income with AI" is a job, a gamble or a pitch. These don't count:</p> <p>:::mistakes An AI trading bot that promises steady profits isn't passive income, and it can lose your money faster than any market. A "done-for-you" AI store or channel that you pay someone else to run puts your money at their mercy. Reselling AI content you bought in a bulk pack means competing with everyone who bought the same files. Freelancing with AI pays well, but it stops when you stop working, so it's active income. :::</p> <p>If the money stops the week you stop working, it isn't passive. My guide to [33 AI side hustles](/articles/ai-side-hustles) covers the active ways.</p> <h3>How passive is it really?</h3> <p>Here's how much work each kind takes, before and after AI builds it:</p> <p>:::table fancy Kind | Build time with AI | Upkeep | What keeps it earning  Digital products | Days to weeks | Updates and some support | Marketplace search and your list  Books and courses | Weeks to months | Little for books, launches for courses | Amazon search and your audience  Content | Months of posting | New posts to keep growing | Search and recommendations  Software | Weeks | Fixes, support and AI costs | Subscriptions and search  Prints and merch | Hours per design | Almost none, since the printer ships | Marketplace search :::</p> <p>AI shortens the build. It rarely shortens the wait for your first buyers.</p> <h3>What passive income with AI pays</h3> <p>These are the numbers behind the most common kinds, from each platform's own pages:</p> <p>:::numbers Smartphone | $72 | a month, what the median new subscription app makes a year after launch | Across 115,000+ apps | [RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/) BookOpen | 35% or 70% | of an ebook's price, your KDP royalty | You choose per book | [Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200644210) PlayCircle | 55% | of the net ad revenue on your long YouTube videos | Shorts pay 45% of your share | [YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902) Store | 6.5% | of each sale, Etsy's transaction fee | Plus $0.20 to list an item | [Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/) :::</p> <p>The 28 ways come in five groups:</p> <p>:::cards here Package | Digital products | These nine sell again and again, with nothing to ship. | #digital-products-ai-helps-you-make BookOpen | Books, courses and audio | These four take longer to make and can earn for years. | #books-courses-and-audio-ai-helps-you-make PlayCircle | Content | These seven keep finding new people long after you post. | #content-that-keeps-earning Code | Software | These six can earn subscriptions that repeat every month. | #software-and-ai-products Shirt | Prints and merch | These two let a printer make and ship each order. | #prints-and-merch ShieldCheck | Platform rules | These are the rules each platform sets for AI work. | #platform-rules-on-ai-work :::</p> <h3>Find your passive income idea in two minutes</h3> <p>Tell the tool what you know and who you help, and it suggests digital products you could build with AI:</p> <p>:::tool digital-product-idea-generator passive-income-with-ai :::</p> <h3>Digital products AI helps you make</h3> <p>You make these once and sell them again and again, with nothing to ship. AI does much of the making, so most of your work goes into finding what buyers want.</p> <h4>1. Sell digital guides and toolkits made with AI</h4> <p>You turn what you know into a guide, a toolkit, a checklist or a swipe file, and sell it as a download on your own store page or a marketplace. Buyers pay for the shortcut, so the best products answer one question well.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it drafts the outline and the first version, helps design the pages, and writes the sales page, while you add the experience that makes it worth buying.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a few days to make with AI, then updates and an occasional email to your list. Sales keep coming as long as people find it.</p> <p>It fits you if people already ask you how you do something.</p> <p>**What it pays:** one-time sales on your site or a marketplace. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself, and 30% of sales from its own marketplace ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Maria Wendt](/creators/maria-wendt) makes about $1 million a month from her digital products, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QBQzi4r940&amp;t=70s).</p> <p>**Watch:** Yale Jeannette's full masterclass on selling digital products on Etsy.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAn7R954Xhc | how to sell digital products on etsy (full masterclass) | | Yale Jeannette | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a question people keep asking you Make the smallest product that answers it, with AI's help Sell it, then improve it from feedback :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai), which I used for years, or on [Stan Store](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai), [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai), [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai), [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai) or [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai). Draft with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) or [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), and find what to make with the [digital product idea generator](/free-tools/digital-product-idea-generator). My comparison of the [best places to sell digital products](/articles/best-place-to-sell-digital-products) covers 27 platforms.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling an AI draft with nothing of your own in it gives buyers no reason to pick yours over a free chatbot answer. Building a big product first delays your first sale by months, so start small. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>2. Sell printables and planners made with AI</h4> <p>You make planners, trackers, worksheets and wall art with AI and sell them as downloads on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai). Buyers print them at home, so each sale delivers itself.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it makes the art and the layouts, and writes the titles and descriptions, so one design can become ten variations in an evening.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a few evenings per design set, then almost none, since downloads deliver themselves. New listings keep a shop growing.</p> <p>It fits you if you like simple design and can find what buyers search for.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per download that you set, minus Etsy's $0.20 listing fee, 6.5% of each sale and payment processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Cam Finance tested an AI printables shop on Etsy from $0: two sales for $9 in the first week, then $187 in total sales by the end of week two, after cutting prices from $12 to $7, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1abscZwwsM).</p> <p>**Watch:** Lauren Keys tries selling printable planners made with ChatGPT.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En_ut1kyPcc | I Tried Selling Printable Planners Made With ChatGPT (here’s what happened) | | Lauren Keys | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find printables that sell in one niche Make ten better versions with AI and [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) List them with clear photos, keywords and an AI disclosure :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) with images from [Ideogram](/ai-tools/ideogram) or [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), and sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai). See what you keep with the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping the AI disclosure breaks Etsy's rules, because seller-prompted AI creations must say they use AI. Listing one product and waiting gives Etsy too little to show buyers, so list ten or more in one niche. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>3. Sell Notion templates built with AI</h4> <p>You turn a system you use, like a budget, a content calendar or a study planner, into a [Notion](/ai-tools/notion) template, and sell a link buyers can copy into their own Notion.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it helps you plan the structure, write the formulas and the instructions, and make the cover images.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a weekend to build, then occasional updates.</p> <p>It fits you if you love organizing and already run your life in Notion.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per template that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>**Example:** one r/sidehustle member who tested 12 AI side hustles makes decent money from Notion templates for one niche, but says they took months to get traction ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/sidehustle/comments/1pk8xpv/ive_tested_12_ai_side_hustles_over_6_months_most/), December 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Money With Mak makes Notion templates with Claude and sells them on Etsy.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6xU-P9FHJA | How to Use Claude AI to Create &amp; Sell Notion Templates on Etsy | | Money With Mak | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Turn a system you use into a clean template Sell it on a store page with a video walkthrough Add updates and a bundle as it sells :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build in [Notion](/ai-tools/notion) with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) to help, and sell on [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai), [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai) or [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai). Work out what you keep with the [Gumroad fee calculator](/free-tools/gumroad-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes A template that tries to do everything overwhelms buyers, so solve one problem well. Skipping the setup guide brings refund requests, so add a short video. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>4. Sell Canva templates</h4> <p>You design templates in Canva, like social media posts, resumes, slide decks and media kits, and sell a link that copies the template into the buyer's own Canva account. Small businesses and creators buy them to save time.</p> <p>**What AI does:** Canva's AI tools and image generators speed up the designs, and AI writes the placeholder copy and the listing.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a weekend per set, then new sets when you want more sales.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for design and know one kind of buyer, like coaches or real estate agents.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per template that you set, minus Etsy's $0.20 listing fee, 6.5% of each sale and payment processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Melanie Renee made $30,000 in sales from digital products designed in Canva in spare time, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_mFaI6xVHA).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one kind of buyer and one kind of template Design a set of ten in a matching style List the set with mockups that show it in use :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva), and sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai), [Creative Market](https://navid.link/creativemarket?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai) or [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai). See what you keep with the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying another shop's look gets listings removed, so build your own style. Leaving out how to open the template brings confused buyers and refunds, so add a short guide. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>5. Sell presets and LUTs</h4> <p>Presets and LUTs are one-click color edits for photos and videos, in apps like Lightroom, Premiere and [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut). Photographers and creators buy them to get a look without learning to edit.</p> <p>**What AI does:** less than in most ways here. It writes the listings and helps you test the look across many photos, while the look itself comes from your eye.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a few days to make a pack, then almost none.</p> <p>It fits you if you shoot or edit, and people ask how you get your look.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per pack that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>**Example:** Oliur says selling Lightroom presets across marketplaces has brought in about $200,000 over the years, at $39 a pack today, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1m5PAomVb4).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a pack of five to ten presets around one look Show before-and-after examples for each one Sell the pack on a store page :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [Lightroom](https://navid.link/lightroom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai), and sell on [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai) or [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai). See what you keep with the [Gumroad fee calculator](/free-tools/gumroad-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Showing examples only on perfect photos sets up refunds, so show the look on ordinary shots too. A pack with no clear style is hard to sell, so build it around one look. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>6. Sell prompt packs that are tested</h4> <p>A prompt pack is a set of tested prompts for one job, like writing listings, planning content or analyzing data, sold as a download or on a marketplace like [PromptBase](https://navid.link/promptbase?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai).</p> <p>Free prompts are everywhere, so a pack sells only when it's tested, specific and saves real time.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it's both the product and the test bench. You write prompts, run them many times and keep the ones that work.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a few days to build and test, then updates as models change.</p> <p>It fits you if you use AI every day for one kind of work and know which prompts get results.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per pack that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>**Watch:** PaidFromSurveys weighs whether selling prompts on PromptBase is worth the time.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8ejMDZ1vV4 | Make Money Selling AI Prompts on PromptBase - But Is It Worth Your Time? (Pros &amp; Cons) | | PaidFromSurveys | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one job and one kind of user Test each prompt on ten real tasks Sell the pack with examples of the results :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build with [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) and [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini), sharpen prompts with the [prompt improver](/free-tools/prompt-improver), and sell on [PromptBase](https://navid.link/promptbase?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai) or [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling prompts you haven't tested brings refunds, because buyers try them right away. Writing prompts for one model only makes the pack age fast, so test them on [Claude](/ai-tools/claude), [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt) and [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini). :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>7. Sell AI stock images and videos</h4> <p>You upload images and short videos to stock sites, and earn each time someone licenses one. AI images sell when they fill gaps real photos can't, like concepts, backgrounds and illustrations.</p> <p>Adobe Stock takes AI-made work when you tick its "Created using generative AI tools" box ([Adobe](https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/submit-your-content/submit-generative-ai-content/generative-ai-content-guidelines.html)), and each stock site sets its own rules, so check before you upload.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it makes the images and clips, and helps you write the titles and keywords buyers search for.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** each upload takes a little work, then it can sell for years.</p> <p>It fits you if you can spot what buyers need that stock sites don't have yet.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of each license sold. Adobe Stock pays contributors 33% of the license price for photos, vectors and illustrations, and 35% for videos ([Adobe](https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/stock/contributor/payments-earnings/royalties-pricing/royalty-rates-assets.html)).</p> <p>**Example:** Trace made $3,289 from 3,729 downloads on Adobe Stock in 2025, and shares the year's numbers, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkAEpvi73gQ).</p> <p>**Watch:** Wollertz Photography on making $202,067 selling stock photos.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLWmkcvjRnM | I Made $202,067.19 Selling Photos: Stock Photography Works - Best Agencies 2026 | | Wollertz Photography | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find topics buyers search for that have few good results Upload in batches, each with clear titles and keywords Label AI work the way each site asks :::</p> <p>**Tools:** make images with [Midjourney](/ai-tools/midjourney), [Ideogram](/ai-tools/ideogram) or [Adobe Firefly](/ai-tools/adobe-firefly), and upload them to [Adobe Stock](https://navid.link/adobestock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping the AI label breaks Adobe Stock's rules and can get your uploads removed. Showing real brands, logos or famous people can get images rejected, so keep them generic. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>8. License music made with AI</h4> <p>You make songs and background tracks with AI, then earn from streams and from licenses to creators and businesses that need music for videos, podcasts and ads.</p> <p>Rights matter here. On [Suno](/ai-tools/suno), you own the songs you make while you're on a Pro or Premier plan, and songs made on the free plan are for non-commercial use only ([Suno](https://help.suno.com/en/articles/2416769)).</p> <p>**What AI does:** it makes the full track from your lyrics and a prompt, so you spend your time on the idea and the edit.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** each song takes work, then streams and licenses pay over time.</p> <p>It fits you if you write lyrics and have an ear for what sounds right.</p> <p>**What it pays:** licensing, streaming and custom songs. On Upwork, music producers typically charge $30 to $65 an hour, and the median is $35 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/music-producers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Odetta Rockhead made songs with Suno, sent them to Spotify and Apple Music through DistroKid, and says they earned about $2,000 from streaming and affiliate income, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY3egFhsVYI).</p> <p>**Watch:** MoneOnDaBeat's beginner tutorial for Suno.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OUpLRNdE9I | Suno Ai Tutorial 2025 - How To Use Suno V5 for Beginners | | MoneOnDaBeat | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make the songs you'll sell on a paid plan, so you own them Release them to the streaming services through a distributor License background tracks to creators and businesses :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Suno](/ai-tools/suno) makes the songs, and a distributor like DistroKid sends them to the streaming services.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling songs made on a free plan breaks Suno's terms, so make anything you sell on a paid plan. Uploading raw AI songs fills your profile with unfinished work, so shape each one first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>9. Sell teaching resources made with AI</h4> <p>Teachers and homeschool parents buy lesson plans, worksheets, games and slides, mostly on Teachers Pay Teachers and Etsy. If you've taught, you know what saves a teacher's Sunday.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it drafts the lessons, questions and answer keys, and makes the art, while you check each answer and fit it to the grade level.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a few evenings per resource, then sales from search for as long as the topic is taught.</p> <p>It fits you if you've taught, or you know one subject and grade well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per resource that you set. On Teachers Pay Teachers, Basic sellers pay a one-time $29 fee and keep 55% of each sale, minus 30 cents per resource, and Exclusive sellers pay $59.95 a year and keep 80% until January 1, 2027, then 77.5% ([Teachers Pay Teachers](https://help.teacherspayteachers.com/hc/en-us/articles/360044219891-Seller-Fees-and-Payout-Rates)).</p> <p>**Example:** The Behavior Check In's Teachers Pay Teachers store, built beside a full-time job, sold $7,586 in 2025 and took home over $6,000, up from $3,587 in sales the year before, [in January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0L5Kkjywow). Not every store grows: Lingua Land Education's sales fell from $2,734 in 2024 to under $2,000 in 2025 ([January 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU8zGDdRSIY)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Yale Jeannette on selling educational printables on Etsy.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=607xdl3v50U | how to make $1,000/month selling educational printables on etsy | | Yale Jeannette | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one subject and one grade you know Make a small bundle, and give one resource away free Add to the bundle as it sells :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) or [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), design in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva), and sell on [Teachers Pay Teachers](https://navid.link/teacherspayteachers?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai) or [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Publishing AI answer keys you haven't checked puts wrong answers in front of students, so check each one. Listing resources with no preview makes teachers skip them, so show a few pages. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** monthly through Hyperwallet on Teachers Pay Teachers</p> <h3>Books, courses and audio AI helps you make</h3> <p>These take longer to make, and they can earn for years. AI helps you write, design and narrate, and Amazon or your course platform handles the rest.</p> <h4>10. Publish coloring books and journals with AI</h4> <p>You publish coloring books, journals and planners on [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai). Amazon prints and ships each copy when it sells, so there's nothing to store or send.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it makes the illustrations and the journal prompts, and helps you find themes buyers search for. Amazon asks you to disclose AI-generated text, images and translations when you publish ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200672390)).</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a weekend per book, then almost none, since Amazon prints and ships each copy.</p> <p>It fits you if you like simple design and can find niches buyers search for.</p> <p>**What it pays:** royalties on each copy. Amazon KDP pays 60% of a paperback's list price at $9.99 or more, minus the printing cost: a $15 book that costs $5 to print earns $4 ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834330)). Royalties arrive about 60 days after the end of the month of the sale ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GK2MKZUL6U3SFBPZ)).</p> <p>**Example:** Samazonkdp shows $10,155 in profit from two AI coloring books, with the income proof in the video, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZaMMoNTy0g). [John Lee Dumas](/creators/john-lee-dumas) made $3,411 from The Freedom Journal and his other journals in [January 2024](https://www.eofire.com/income125/).</p> <p>**Watch:** Rachel Harrison-Sund on five bestselling low-content books on Amazon KDP.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNBS-v8rkXA | These Are the 5 Bestselling Low and Medium Content Books on Amazon KDP ($3,610 a DAY!!!) | | Rachel Harrison-Sund | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a theme with steady demand on Amazon Make the interior and the cover with AI and Canva Publish several titles in the theme :::</p> <p>**Tools:** illustrate with [Midjourney](/ai-tools/midjourney) or [Ideogram](/ai-tools/ideogram), lay it out in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva), and publish on [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai). Check your royalty with the [KDP royalty calculator](/free-tools/kdp-royalty-calculator), and write the listing with the [book description generator](/free-tools/book-description-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping KDP's AI disclosure breaks its content rules, so declare AI-generated images when you publish. Publishing one title gives you one chance to sell, so build a series in one theme. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on KDP</p> <h4>11. Write a nonfiction book with AI's help</h4> <p>You write a book on something you know, with AI helping you outline, research and edit, and publish it as an ebook and a paperback on Amazon. A book can also bring clients and speaking work to your business.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it helps with the outline, the research and the editing, while the ideas and stories stay yours. Amazon asks you to disclose AI-generated content, but not AI-assisted editing or brainstorming ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200672390)).</p> <p>**How passive it is:** months to write, then royalties for years, especially if it helps your business.</p> <p>It fits you if you have expertise or a story people want.</p> <p>**What it pays:** royalties from each copy sold. Amazon KDP pays 35% or 70% of an ebook's price ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200644210)) and 60% of a paperback's list price at $9.99 or more, minus printing ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834330)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Bookfox on the hard truths of publishing a first book.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMQPv-3gOzs | 17 Harsh Truths I Wish I Knew Before Publishing my First Book | | Bookfox | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Outline the book around one promise to the reader Write a chapter a week, with AI helping you edit Publish the ebook and the paperback together :::</p> <p>**Tools:** outline with the [book outline generator](/free-tools/book-outline-generator), name it with the [book title generator](/free-tools/book-title-generator), edit with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude), and check royalties with the [book royalty calculator](/free-tools/book-royalty-calculator). Publish on [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Publishing a book AI wrote for you, with nothing of your own in it, earns weak reviews that sink it. Launching with no readers waiting means slow first sales, so build a list while you write. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on KDP</p> <h4>12. Turn your books into AI-narrated audiobooks</h4> <p>If you have an ebook, you can turn it into an audiobook read by an AI voice, without paying a narrator. Amazon's KDP beta does it for free for eligible books, and [ElevenReader](https://navid.link/elevenreader?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai) publishes audiobooks narrated with [ElevenLabs](/ai-tools/elevenlabs) voices.</p> <p>**What AI does:** the narration. You pick a voice, listen through, and fix the names and words it gets wrong.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a few hours per book once the ebook is done, then the audiobook sells beside it.</p> <p>It fits you if you already have a book, or plan to write one.</p> <p>**What it pays:** royalties on each copy. In the beta of KDP's audiobooks with virtual voice, Amazon pays a 40% royalty on all sales, at list prices from $3.99 to $14.99 ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GHJW2N8GLTQLK9TY)). The beta is invite-only, free to use, and sells only in the US store, in English, Spanish, Italian and French ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GFAQU3LUEHCRB8KD)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Julie Broad of Book Launchers turns a finished book into an AI-narrated audiobook and gets paid for it.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz9d54Mh5-c | How I Turned My Book Into an Audiobook With ElevenLabs and ElevenReader (And Got Paid) | | Book Launchers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check whether your ebook is eligible for KDP's virtual voice beta Pick a voice and listen to the full book Fix each mispronounced name before you publish :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai) for the virtual voice beta, or [ElevenLabs](/ai-tools/elevenlabs) and [ElevenReader](https://navid.link/elevenreader?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai) for your own AI narration. Check your price with the [KDP royalty calculator](/free-tools/kdp-royalty-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Publishing without listening through lets mispronounced names and odd pauses reach listeners, so check the full book. Picking a voice that doesn't fit the book makes listeners stop early, so test a few on the first chapter. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on KDP</p> <h4>13. Build an online course with AI</h4> <p>You teach a skill you've used to get results, as video lessons with worksheets, and sell it on your own site or a course platform.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it outlines the lessons, writes the scripts and worksheets with you, edits the videos and writes the sales page.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** weeks to build, then launches and support. A course with a steady way to reach buyers, like an email list or a channel, sells between launches.</p> <p>It fits you if you've helped people get a result and can teach the steps.</p> <p>**What it pays:** course sales, bundles and payment plans.</p> <p>**Example:** my course [Virtual Summit Mastery](/virtual-summit-mastery) made well over $1 million before I sold it. [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) has made $6.75 million from his courses and products since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Danie Jay on creating an online course that sells.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5g5Esl-OPo | How to Create an Online Course THAT SELLS in 2026 (from a 6-figure course creator) | | Danie Jay | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pre-sell a pilot to 10 people before you record Teach it live and record the lessons Sell it to your list, then on autopilot between launches :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I sold mine through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai), which also hosts courses in ThriveCart Learn. Find an idea with the [online course idea generator](/free-tools/online-course-idea-generator), estimate sales with the [online course revenue calculator](/free-tools/online-course-revenue-calculator), and read my guides on [how to create an online course](/articles/how-to-create-an-online-course) and the [best online course platforms](/articles/best-online-course-platforms).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building before anyone buys risks a course nobody wants. Expecting sales with no audience leaves the course unsold, because it needs a way to reach buyers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h3>Content that keeps earning</h3> <p>Content is the slowest to start and can pay the longest. Each video, post or episode can keep finding people for years, and AI makes each one faster to produce.</p> <h4>14. Run a faceless YouTube channel with AI</h4> <p>You run a YouTube channel without showing your face, with AI helping on scripts, voice and editing. Old videos keep getting views and earning ads while you make new ones.</p> <p>YouTube doesn't pay for mass-produced or repetitive videos, and it renamed that rule "inauthentic content" in July 2025 ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1311392)). So the channels that earn add real research and a point of view.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it helps with research, scripts, voiceovers and editing, so one person can publish what used to take a small team.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a lot of work to build, and some channels hire writers and editors so the owner only manages.</p> <p>It fits you if you love one topic and can research it better than most.</p> <p>**What it pays:** ad revenue share, [sponsors](/free-tools/sponsorship-rate-calculator) and affiliate links, on the same YouTube terms as any channel ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)). Businesses pay for this work too: searches for YouTube automation faceless channels grew 239% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Adavia Davis](https://fortune.com/2025/12/30/ai-slop-faceless-youtube-accounts-adavia-davis-user-generated-content) runs faceless AI channels that make roughly $40,000 to $60,000 a month, which Fortune checked against his AdSense records.</p> <p>**Watch:** Sambucha on secretly voicing faceless YouTube channels.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwF8n7vrF5Q | I Secretly Became The Voice Of Faceless YouTube Channels | | Sambucha | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a topic with the [YouTube niche finder](/free-tools/youtube-niche-finder) Make your own version of what works, with a better angle Post every week for six months before you judge it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** script with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude), voice with [ElevenLabs](/ai-tools/elevenlabs), edit in [Descript](/ai-tools/descript), and find topics with [vidIQ](/ai-tools/vidiq). See what views pay with the [YouTube money calculator](/free-tools/youtube-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Mass-producing low-effort videos breaks YouTube's inauthentic content rule, so the channel can lose its earnings. Copying another channel's scripts gets you claims, not views. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>15. Post short videos made with AI</h4> <p>You post short videos on TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Reels, with AI helping on ideas, scripts, voice and editing, and earn from creator programs, brand deals and affiliate links.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it writes hooks and scripts, makes voiceovers and visuals, and cuts long videos into shorts.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** not very, since short videos need steady posting, though older ones can keep getting views and clicks on your links.</p> <p>It fits you if you can post every day and learn from what the numbers tell you.</p> <p>**What it pays:** creator programs where you qualify, brand deals and affiliate links. TikTok's Creator Rewards Program pays for videos of at least 1 minute once you have 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in 30 days ([TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/global/creator-rewards-program-us/en)), and YouTube pays 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)).</p> <p>**Example:** Kellan Henneberry runs 10+ faceless YouTube Shorts channels, scripted with Claude, and says they make $24,937 a month, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_t51u1tBJc). [Jeff Rose](/creators/jeff-rose) made $42,035 from Facebook and Instagram payouts for his posts and reels in [June 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYUcFe5R7IE&amp;t=142s).</p> <p>**Watch:** Buzz on monetizing a faceless TikTok in seven days.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eQDpN4lmNE | How I Monetized My Faceless TikTok in 7 Days | | Buzz | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one topic and one platform Post daily for 30 days Keep the formats that get watched :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut), add captions with [Submagic](/ai-tools/submagic), and cut shorts from long videos with [OpusClip](/ai-tools/opusclip). See what views pay with the [TikTok money calculator](/free-tools/tiktok-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying trends without a topic gets views but no audience. Relying on one platform's program puts all your income in its hands, so add brand deals and your own offers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly on the 15th on TikTok, once you pass $50 · **Age:** 18+ for TikTok's rewards</p> <h4>16. Dub your own videos into more languages</h4> <p>If you already have YouTube videos, adding audio tracks in other languages lets each one reach new viewers without making a new video. YouTube can dub some videos for you, and you can upload your own AI dubs in other languages.</p> <p>**What AI does:** the dubbing. YouTube's automatic dubbing is on by default for eligible channels ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/15569972)), and tools like ElevenLabs dub in your own voice.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a little work per video, then the extra views come on their own. It works best on videos that already do well.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a YouTube library with videos that keep getting views.</p> <p>**What it pays:** more watch time on the videos you already have, at YouTube's ad share: 55% of the net ad revenue on your long videos ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)). On average, creators who added audio tracks in other languages saw over 25% of their watch time come from views in those languages ([YouTube](https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/multi-language-audio/), September 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Drost Video shows how to upload your own dubbed audio tracks to YouTube.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9NPz4mNVC0 | Upload Your Own Dubbed Audio Tracks! (YouTube's New Multi Language Audio Feature) | | Drost Video | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick your five videos with the steadiest views Add dubbed audio in the languages your viewers speak Translate the titles and descriptions too :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ElevenLabs](/ai-tools/elevenlabs) dubs in your own voice, and YouTube Studio adds the tracks. See what more views could pay with the [YouTube money calculator](/free-tools/youtube-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Publishing dubs nobody fluent has checked puts mistakes in front of the new audience. Dubbing videos that get few views in your own language rarely changes that, so start with your best ones. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>17. Run a niche blog with AI's help</h4> <p>You write helpful posts on one topic and earn from display ads, affiliate links and your own products as search traffic grows.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it helps you research, outline and edit, and makes the images, while you add the experience and testing that make a post worth ranking.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a year of posts to build traffic, then posts that rank keep earning.</p> <p>It fits you if you like writing and can stick with one topic for a year.</p> <p>**What it pays:** display ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts and your own products.</p> <p>**Example:** Elna Cain shows $1,446 from one niche site between February 10 and March 10, 2026, in a [blog income report](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3HDAQ3K8_w).</p> <p>**Watch:** She Dreams All Day on starting a blog in 2026, and whether it's too late.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43Q3SzxVWGA | How to start a blog in 2026... or is it too late? (honest advice from a 6 figure blogger) | | she dreams all day | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one topic you can write 100 posts about Answer the questions people search for, one post each Add affiliate links and ads once the traffic comes :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I write SEO-friendly posts with [RightBlogger](/ai-tools/rightblogger), and [Ahrefs](/ai-tools/ahrefs) helps with keywords. Name the blog with the [blog name generator](/free-tools/blog-name-generator), and read my guides on [how to start a blog](/articles/how-to-start-a-blog) and [how to make money blogging](/articles/how-to-make-money-blogging).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Publishing AI posts with nothing of your own in them gives Google and readers no reason to pick yours. Skipping an email list leaves you with readers you can't reach again. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, by each ad network and affiliate program</p> <h4>18. Earn affiliate commissions on AI tools</h4> <p>You review and compare the AI tools you use, and earn a commission when readers or viewers sign up through your link. Many AI tools pay a share of each subscription for as long as the customer stays.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it helps you test tools faster, draft reviews and comparisons, and keep them up to date as tools change.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** reviews take work up front, then keep earning as long as people search for them.</p> <p>It fits you if you try new tools all the time and can say honestly which ones are worth it.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a commission per sale or sign-up. Amazon Associates pays up to 10% of each sale, depending on the category ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/GRXPHT8U84RAYDXZ)), about 60 days after the end of the month ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/G63DR893K4DH55XZ)). My biggest affiliate month came from a course, not Amazon: around $40,000 as Ramit Sethi's #1 affiliate for Zero to Launch.</p> <p>**Example:** [Maria Wendt](/creators/maria-wendt) makes $11,000 a month from affiliate links, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QBQzi4r940&amp;t=0s).</p> <p>**Watch:** Greg Gottfried's beginner tutorial for Amazon affiliate marketing.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mgoWw35_8U | How to Start Amazon Affiliate Marketing in 2026 (Beginner Tutorial) | | Greg Gottfried | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Recommend only the tools you use Write reviews and comparisons people search for Disclose each commission :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find programs with the [affiliate program finder](/best-affiliate-programs), and work out what a promotion pays with the [affiliate commission calculator](/free-tools/affiliate-commission-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promoting tools you haven't tried costs you your readers' trust. Hiding commissions breaks the FTC's disclosure rules ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/disclosures-101-social-media-influencers)). :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on Amazon</p> <h4>19. Grow an AI newsletter with sponsors</h4> <p>You write a newsletter for one kind of reader, and earn from sponsors, paid subscriptions and your own products as the list grows. A newsletter about AI for one job or industry is a topic many readers want help with.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it helps you research each issue, summarize what matters and draft, while your take is what readers stay for.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a weekly email, so not passive, but sponsors and paid subscriptions grow with the list without more work per reader.</p> <p>It fits you if you read a lot about one topic and like explaining it.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, paid subscriptions, affiliate links and your own products. On Substack, writers keep 90% of paid subscriptions, minus card fees ([Substack](https://substack.com/going-paid)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $795,000 from sponsors in his weekly newsletter since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)). My own is [Navid Insider](/ai-newsletter), a free weekly AI newsletter for founders.</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on the easiest way to build a local newsletter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0MRAjVp_Uo | The Easiest Way to Build a Local Newsletter | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one reader and one promise Send every week, on the same day Offer a free guide to grow your list :::</p> <p>**Tools:** send with [Kit](/ai-tools/kit) or [beehiiv](/ai-tools/beehiiv), research each issue with [Perplexity](/ai-tools/perplexity) and [Claude](/ai-tools/claude), and see what a list can earn with the [beehiiv money calculator](/free-tools/beehiiv-money-calculator) or the [Substack money calculator](/free-tools/substack-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Summarizing the same AI news as everyone else gives readers no reason to stay. Selling sponsors before readers trust you can shrink the list. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** through Stripe for paid subscriptions · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>20. Build a podcast back catalog</h4> <p>You publish a podcast on one topic, and earn from sponsors, listener support and your own offers. Old episodes keep finding listeners, so the catalog earns more as it grows.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it cleans the audio, writes show notes and titles, and cuts clips to promote each episode.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** weekly episodes, but old episodes keep finding listeners and carrying sponsor reads.</p> <p>It fits you if you like conversations and can publish on a schedule.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, listener support, premium episodes and your own offers. Spotify's Partner Program pays 50% of the ad revenue from its ads in your episodes, once your show reaches 2,000 hours listened and 1,000 listeners in 30 days ([Spotify](https://support.spotify.com/us/creators/article/spotify-partner-program/)).</p> <p>**Example:** [John Lee Dumas](/creators/john-lee-dumas) made $126,550 from podcast sponsorships in [January 2024](https://www.eofire.com/income125/).</p> <p>**Watch:** Think Media on what they'd do if they started a podcast in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PuvMX6MB20 | If I Started a Podcast in 2026, I'd Do this! | | Think Media | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one topic and one listener Record ten episodes before you launch Turn each episode into clips with AI :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I record in [Riverside](/ai-tools/riverside) and edit in [Descript](/ai-tools/descript), and [OpusClip](/ai-tools/opusclip) cuts the clips. Price sponsor slots with the [podcast sponsorship calculator](/free-tools/podcast-sponsorship-calculator), and read my guide on [how to make money podcasting](/articles/how-to-make-money-podcasting).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Quitting after a few episodes stops the show before it can find listeners. Skipping clips leaves your best moments where nobody finds them. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when sponsors pay</p> <h3>Software and AI products</h3> <p>Software takes the most building, and AI has cut that time the most. Subscriptions repeat every month, so a small tool can grow without more work per customer.</p> <h4>21. Vibe code your own app or tool</h4> <p>You build your own app, tool or small piece of software with AI, then charge for it or use it to bring in visitors and email sign-ups. You don't need to be a developer: you describe what you want, test it and keep improving it.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it writes the code. My guide on [what vibe coding is](/articles/what-is-vibe-coding) explains how it works.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** weeks to build the first version, then support and updates. Subscriptions repeat every month, so it can grow without more work per customer.</p> <p>It fits you if you have ideas for tools you'd use yourself and you like to tinker.</p> <p>**What it pays:** subscriptions or one-time sales of what you build, or the visitors and email sign-ups a free tool brings in. Across more than 115,000 subscription apps, the median new app made about $72 a month a year after launch, the top 10% made $2,500 or more, and 17.3% reached $1,000 a month within two years ([RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)).</p> <p>**Example:** the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site are my own builds, vibe coded with Claude Code and Codex. Pieter Levels vibe coded fly.pieter.com, a flight game that runs in the browser, in February 2025, and he says it reached $1 million in annual recurring revenue in 17 days ([levels.io](https://levels.io/fly-pieter-com-vibecoded-flight-simulator)). Marc Lou vibe coded TrustMRR, a marketplace for buying and selling startups, and says it made about $300,000 from ad spots and listing fees in its first nine months, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdjyZmbOENY).</p> <p>**Watch:** Starter Story on how Connor Burd, 23, vibe coded an app in 14 days that makes $20,000 a month.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwHD6Fg-Mjs | I vibe coded a $20K/month mobile app in 14 days | | Starter Story | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a problem people already pay to solve Build the smallest version that solves it Charge from day one and talk to each user :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex). [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable), [Bolt](/ai-tools/bolt), [Replit](/ai-tools/replit), [Base44](/ai-tools/base44) and [Vibecode](https://navid.link/vibecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai) build apps from a prompt, and [Google AI Studio](/ai-tools/google-ai-studio) does it with Gemini. Take payments with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai). My guide on [becoming a vibe creator](/articles/vibe-creator) shows how creators use this.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building too many features before launch delays the first sale by months. Launching to no one means no users, so build an audience while you build. Pasting API keys into a page's code lets anyone who opens the page copy them, so keep keys on the server. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>22. Build a browser extension with AI</h4> <p>A browser extension adds a small feature to Chrome, like summarizing a page, saving prompts or filling in forms. People install it from the Chrome Web Store, and you charge for a pro version.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it writes most of the code. You describe what the extension should do, test it in your own browser and fix what breaks.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a few weeks to build, then fixes when browsers update.</p> <p>It fits you if you keep wishing your browser did one more thing.</p> <p>**What it pays:** one-time sales or subscriptions. On Upwork, Chrome extension developers typically charge $25 to $41 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chrome-extension-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Google's Chrome team talks with the founders of Pretty Prompt about growing their extension to 15,000 users and charging for it.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i2N7Hqyqyg | Building a profitable Chrome extension - Lessons from Pretty Prompt | | Chrome for Developers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build an extension that fixes one of your own daily annoyances Publish a free version to the Chrome Web Store Charge for a pro version once people use it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) or [Codex](/ai-tools/codex), and take payments with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Asking for more permissions than the extension needs scares users off, so request only what it uses. Charging before anyone uses it stalls growth, so let people try a free version first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>23. Build an AI tools directory</h4> <p>A directory lists the tools, services or places in one niche, with filters and reviews, and earns from featured listings, sponsors and affiliate links. People search for lists like these when they compare options.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it collects and cleans the listings, drafts the descriptions and helps you build the site.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** weeks to build and fill, then updates as tools change and new ones launch.</p> <p>It fits you if you follow one niche closely and like organizing information.</p> <p>**What it pays:** featured listings, sponsors and affiliate commissions from the tools you list.</p> <p>**Example:** I run one myself. My [AI tools](/ai-tools) hub has more than 260 reviews of AI tools, with filters by use and price.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a niche where people compare options Fill it with 100 good listings before you launch Sell featured spots once the traffic comes :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code), and earn from [affiliate programs](/best-affiliate-programs) for the tools you list.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Launching with thin listings gives visitors no reason to come back. Letting listings go stale loses trust, so update prices and links often. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** monthly from affiliate programs and sponsors</p> <h4>24. Sell a custom AI assistant as a subscription</h4> <p>You build an AI assistant that knows one subject well, trained on your own material, and charge a monthly fee for access. Experts sell assistants that do one job, like reviewing a resume or planning meals, and creators sell ones that answer like them.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it's the product. You write the instructions, give it your best material and test it until it answers well.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** weeks to build and test, then updates and some support. You also pay for the AI it runs on, so price above your costs.</p> <p>It fits you if you have expertise and material people already pay for, like a course or a book.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly subscription to your assistant. [Pickaxe](/ai-tools/pickaxe) lets you charge subscriptions for the AI agents you put in a Studio, with payments through Stripe ([Pickaxe](https://pickaxe.co/pricing)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build the assistant for one job, from your own material Test it on 20 real questions and fix the weak answers Charge a small monthly fee, with a free trial :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build with [Pickaxe](/ai-tools/pickaxe), which handles the subscriptions, or make an AI version of yourself with [Delphi](/ai-tools/delphi).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Letting the assistant answer outside its material lets it make things up, so limit it to your sources. Pricing below what the AI costs to run loses money on your heaviest users, so check your cost per user. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>25. Sell automation templates</h4> <p>You sell ready-made automations for [n8n](/ai-tools/n8n) or Make, like a lead tracker or a content pipeline, with a setup guide. Buyers import the template and connect their own accounts.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it helps you design and debug the workflow and write the setup guide.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a few days per template, then fixes when the apps it connects change.</p> <p>It fits you if you already build automations for your own work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per template that you set, or a setup fee on top. n8n's community library already lists more than 12,000 workflows ([n8n](https://n8n.io/workflows/)), so a paid template has to save buyers more time than the ones they can find there.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Package an automation that saves you time each week Write a setup guide a beginner can follow Sell it with a short video that shows it working :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build in [n8n](/ai-tools/n8n) or [Make](/ai-tools/make-com), and sell on [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling a template without a setup guide brings support emails instead of reviews. Leaving your own accounts or keys in a template can leak them, so remove them before you sell. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>26. Run a niche job board</h4> <p>A job board for one niche, like remote design jobs or AI jobs, charges companies to post openings. Job seekers come for the focused list, and employers pay to reach them.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it collects and tags the jobs, drafts the listings and helps you build the site.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** weeks to build and fill, then companies post and pay on their own.</p> <p>It fits you if you know an industry where people struggle to find the right jobs.</p> <p>**What it pays:** job post fees, featured listings and sponsors.</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on starting a niche job board.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy3ygDzsXYE | How to Start a Niche Job Board With 80% Margins | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a niche where hiring is hard Fill the board with jobs from company sites before you charge Charge for posts once job seekers visit :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code), and take payments with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Charging before the board has visitors leaves employers with nothing to pay for. Letting old jobs pile up frustrates job seekers, so remove filled ones. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h3>Prints and merch</h3> <p>You make the designs, and print companies print and ship each order. AI makes the designs faster, and the marketplace brings the buyers.</p> <h4>27. Print on demand with AI designs</h4> <p>You design shirts, mugs, posters and phone cases, and a print-on-demand company prints and ships each one when it sells. You never hold stock.</p> <p>**What AI does:** it makes design ideas and art, and writes the titles and tags for each listing.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** designs take a few hours, then the printer handles each order.</p> <p>It fits you if you know one group of people well, like nurses, dog owners or gamers, and what they'd wear.</p> <p>**What it pays:** [the margin](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator) on each item sold: your price minus the print cost and the marketplace's fees. On Etsy, that's $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Brenon Dopp's print-on-demand Etsy shop made $40 in its first month and $6,076 in its best month, October, with about $1,822 in profit that month, in its first year, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3vm3FIm4UE).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jensen Tung on the easiest way to start print on demand from $0.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFGOEaGokaU | Easiest Way To Start Print On Demand From $0 In 2026 | | Jensen Tung | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one group of buyers and learn what they love Make ten designs for them with AI's help List them, and make more of the ones that sell :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) with AI images, print with [Printful](https://navid.link/printful?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai), and sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai). Check your margin with the [print-on-demand profit calculator](/free-tools/print-on-demand-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using trademarked names, characters or logos gets listings removed and can bring legal claims. Pricing without counting the print cost and fees leaves you with little or no profit. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>28. Sell AI art prints</h4> <p>You make wall art with AI and sell it as printable downloads or as prints. Buyers shop by room, style and color, so matching sets sell well. Etsy requires seller-prompted AI creations to disclose the use of AI ([Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360024112614-What-Can-I-Sell-on-Etsy)).</p> <p>**What AI does:** it makes the art. Your part is the taste: the style, the sets and the mockups that show the art on a wall.</p> <p>**How passive it is:** a few hours per set, then almost none for downloads, and a printer ships the physical prints.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for style and know what people hang on their walls.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sales of prints, products and design packs. AI image generation and editing grew 95% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). On Upwork, illustrators typically charge $15 to $30 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/illustrators/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Caitlin runs two AI art shops on Etsy that have sold more than 5,500 artworks and brought in more than $43,000 in revenue in a little over a year, by the video's own numbers, [in September 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4m24SUfaDE).</p> <p>**Watch:** Dylan Jahraus explains Etsy's latest rules on selling AI products.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YgtfUYCpUU | Wait. Is Etsy Banning AI? | | Dylan Jahraus | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find art styles that sell for one room or theme Make sets of three to six prints that match List them with mockups and an AI disclosure :::</p> <p>**Tools:** make the art with [Midjourney](/ai-tools/midjourney), [Ideogram](/ai-tools/ideogram) or [Higgsfield](/ai-tools/higgsfield), and sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-with-ai).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping the AI disclosure breaks Etsy's rules and can get listings removed. Copying a living artist's style by name invites complaints, so build your own look. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h3>Can AI make passive income on its own?</h3> <p>AI can't make passive income on its own. It can do much of the building, and AI agents can run parts of a business, like answering customers or posting on a schedule, but someone still has to pick what to build, check the work and handle what goes wrong.</p> <p>The closest you'll get is an asset that sells while you sleep, built with AI and kept up to date by you. That's the goal of each way in this guide.</p> <h3>Platform rules on AI work</h3> <p>Each platform sets its own rules for AI work, and breaking them can cost you your listings or your earnings:</p> <p>:::table fancy Platform | The rule | Source  Amazon KDP | Disclose AI-generated text, images and translations when you publish; AI-assisted editing needs no disclosure | [Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200672390)  YouTube | No pay for repetitive or mass-produced videos, a rule renamed "inauthentic content" in July 2025 | [YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1311392)  Etsy | Seller-prompted AI creations must disclose the use of AI | [Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360024112614-What-Can-I-Sell-on-Etsy)  Adobe Stock | Tick "Created using generative AI tools" for AI-made content | [Adobe](https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/submit-your-content/submit-generative-ai-content/generative-ai-content-guidelines.html)  Suno | You own songs made on a Pro or Premier plan, and free-plan songs are for non-commercial use | [Suno](https://help.suno.com/en/articles/2416769) :::</p> <p>Read each platform's current rules before you upload, since they change as AI does.</p> <h3>Mistakes that stop AI income from being passive</h3> <p>Most AI income stops being passive for one of these reasons:</p> <p>:::mistakes Building something nobody searches for means no one finds it, so check demand before you make it. Publishing AI work with nothing of your own in it competes with everyone using the same tools, so add your experience and taste. Relying on one platform puts your income in its hands, so build an email list beside it. Ignoring a platform's AI rules can get your listings or your channel shut down. Letting a product go stale lowers sales over time, so update it when the tools or the rules change. :::</p> <h3>Passive income with AI scams to avoid</h3> <p>"Passive income with AI" is one of the most common pitches in money scams:</p> <p>:::numbers Briefcase | $750.6 million | lost to job and business opportunity scams in 2024 | Reports to the FTC | [FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/03/new-ftc-data-show-big-jump-reported-losses-fraud-125-billion-2024) ShieldCheck | $15.9 billion | reported lost to fraud by Americans in 2025 | Reports to the FTC | [FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/ftc-testimony-jec-hearing-on-the-rising-scam-economy.pdf) :::</p> <p>The FTC banned the owner of FBA Machine, formerly Passive Scaling, from selling business opportunities after it falsely guaranteed income from online stores using AI-powered software ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/07/ftc-obtains-permanent-ban-e-commerce-business-opportunity-scheme-operator), July 2025). Walk away from any of these:</p> <p>:::mistakes An "AI income system" that promises money for no work is selling you the system, not the income. A done-for-you AI store or channel that you pay someone else to run puts your money at their mercy. A trading bot that promises steady AI profits can lose your money faster than any market. A pack of AI content with resell rights competes with everyone who bought the same pack. :::</p> <p>If an offer promises passive income with AI before you've built anything, walk away.</p> <h3>Final thoughts on passive income with AI</h3> <p>There are 28 ways to build passive income with AI in this guide. AI makes each one faster to build, but none of them earn until you've built something people want, and most need a little upkeep after.</p> <p>Pick one asset that fits the time you have, build it well, and give it months to find buyers. That's how my course kept selling for years, long before AI could help build it.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[40 passive income ideas](/articles/passive-income-ideas)</li><li>[45 ways to make money with AI](/articles/how-to-make-money-with-ai)</li><li>[33 AI side hustles](/articles/ai-side-hustles)</li><li>[The best place to sell digital products](/articles/best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</li><li>[How to build a recurring revenue business](/articles/recurring-revenue-business)</li><li>[What is financial freedom?](/articles/financial-freedom)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: get an idea from the [digital product idea generator](/free-tools/digital-product-idea-generator), pick one asset from this list and build the first version this month. And if this guide helped, DM me on [X](https://x.com/thenavidm) or [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenavidm) and tell me what you're building.</p><h2>FAQs about passive income with AI</h2><h3>Is passive income with AI real?</h3><p>Yes, but it's built income: AI helps you make an asset, like a digital product or a book, that keeps selling after the work is done.</p> <p>The AI doesn't earn on its own, and most assets need some upkeep.</p> <p>Be wary of anyone who promises AI income with no work.</p><h3>Can I make passive income with AI for free?</h3><p>Yes, many of these start free, like printables, Notion templates, prompt packs and a blog, using the free plans of AI tools.</p> <p>A few need a paid plan, like Suno's, if you want to own and sell the songs you make.</p> <p>What they all take is time to build.</p><h3>How much passive income can you make with AI?</h3><p>Most people start small, and RevenueCat found the median new subscription app made about $72 a month a year after launch.</p> <p>Some grow much bigger, like Maria Wendt's digital products, which make about $1 million a month by her own numbers.</p> <p>Your result depends on the asset, the niche and how long you keep building.</p><h3>What is the best passive income with AI for beginners?</h3><p>Printables, Notion templates and digital guides are good first picks, because they're quick to make and sell with nothing to ship.</p> <p>AI coloring books on Amazon KDP work too, since Amazon prints and ships each copy.</p> <p>Start with one, and give it a few months before you judge it.</p><h3>Can AI agents make passive income?</h3><p>AI agents can run parts of a business, like answering customers, posting content or updating listings.</p> <p>They still need someone to build the product, check the work and fix what breaks.</p> <p>Think of agents as staff for your asset, not as the asset.</p><h3>Does Amazon allow books written with AI?</h3><p>Yes, Amazon KDP accepts books made with AI, but it asks you to disclose AI-generated text, images and translations when you publish.</p> <p>You don't need to disclose AI-assisted work, like using AI to edit or brainstorm.</p> <p>Books that really help readers still earn the reviews that sell more copies.</p><h3>Can you sell AI images on stock sites?</h3><p>Some stock sites accept AI images, and Adobe Stock takes them when you tick its "Created using generative AI tools" box.</p> <p>Adobe Stock pays contributors 33% of the license price for images and 35% for videos.</p> <p>Check each site's rules before you upload, since they differ.</p><h3>Does YouTube pay for AI videos?</h3><p>Yes, YouTube pays for videos made with AI's help on the same terms as any channel, including 55% of the net ad revenue on long videos.</p> <p>It doesn't pay for repetitive or mass-produced videos, a rule it renamed "inauthentic content" in July 2025.</p> <p>Add real research and a point of view to each video.</p><h3>How long until AI passive income starts?</h3><p>Most assets take a few months to find buyers, even when AI makes them in days.</p> <p>Amazon KDP pays about 60 days after the end of each month, and a YouTube channel needs time to grow before ads pay much.</p> <p>Plan on three to six months of building before you judge the results.</p><h3>Do I pay tax on passive income from AI?</h3><p>Yes, in the US, income from product sales, royalties and ads is taxable, whatever tools made the product.</p> <p>If you sell as a business, you may also owe self-employment tax once your net earnings reach $400 in a year.</p> <p>I'm not a tax advisor, so check with an accountant as the money grows.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/ai-side-hustles/https://navid.me/blog/ai-side-hustles/33 AI side hustles you can start beside a job, from AI training and clipping to vibe coding and AI consulting, each with what it pays, real examples and the AI tools to use.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of 33 AI side hustles you can start this week, beside a job.</p> <p>Today I host the [AI Creator Summit](/ai-creator-summit), watched by 100,000+ creators, and I vibe coded the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex) while running my business. It started with a side hustle too: a blog I began in 2013 beside a part-time bank job, where my first online sale was a $65 affiliate commission. You can read more in [my story](/about-navid).</p> <p>AI makes a side hustle easier to start than it was for me, because it does the slow parts of the work. It doesn't find buyers or check the results for you, though. So each side hustle below shows what it pays from a sourced rate, how soon you get paid, a real example where one exists, the AI tools to use and the mistakes to avoid.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>What an AI side hustle is, and what it isn't</li><li>33 AI side hustles in four groups, from ones you can start today to ones you own</li><li>What each one pays, from Upwork, Fiverr and each platform's own pages</li><li>Which ones pay fastest, and how to run one beside a full-time job</li><li>How to spot AI side hustle scams before they cost you</li></ul> <p>Pick the group that fits the time and skills you have now, and start there.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - AI video was the fastest-growing skill on Upwork in 2025, with freelancer earnings up 329% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). - Eight of these need no experience, like AI training, clipping and printables, so you can start them today. - Selling an AI skill to businesses pays the most per hour: AI developers on Upwork charge a median of $90 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/)). - Things you own, like apps, templates and channels, start slowest: the median new subscription app made about $72 a month a year after launch ([RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)). - AI doesn't do the work for you, so walk away from any offer that promises AI income for no work. :::</p> <h3>What is an AI side hustle?</h3> <p>An AI side hustle is paid work you do beside a job, where AI tools do part of the work. You might write, design, edit, build or teach, and AI makes each piece faster, so the work fits into evenings and weekends.</p> <p>It isn't a bot that earns while you sleep. You still find the buyers, check what the AI makes and deliver the result, and that's the part people pay for.</p> <p>The AI side hustles that pay best pair AI with something you already know. A writer who uses AI writes faster, a designer shows more options, and someone who knows dentists can show a dental office where AI saves time.</p> <p>The 33 in this guide come in four groups:</p> <p>:::cards here Rocket | Start today | These eight need no experience, like AI training, clipping and printables. | #ai-side-hustles-you-can-start-today-with-no-experience Moon | Evenings, with a skill | These ten turn writing, design, video or languages into paid work for clients. | #ai-side-hustles-for-your-evenings-with-a-skill Briefcase | Sell to businesses | These nine sell AI help to businesses and pay the most per hour. | #ai-side-hustles-that-sell-to-businesses Package | Build something you own | These six build apps, products and channels that can keep paying. | #ai-side-hustles-that-build-something-you-own :::</p> <h3>Are AI side hustles legit?</h3> <p>Many AI side hustles are legit, as long as someone pays you for a result you deliver. AI companies pay people to train their models, and businesses hire freelancers for AI video, chatbots and automations, as the Upwork and Fiverr numbers below show.</p> <p>The doubts are fair, though. On Reddit's r/sidehustle, people ask who's really [making money with an AI side hustle](https://www.reddit.com/r/sidehustle/comments/1r5o1c9/real_talk_who_in_here_is_actually_making_money/) after hearing claims of $20,000 a month while AI does the work. One member [tested 12 AI side hustles over six months](https://www.reddit.com/r/sidehustle/comments/1pk8xpv/ive_tested_12_ai_side_hustles_over_6_months_most/) and found the popular ones crowded: AI art on print-on-demand sites made them $12 in two months. What worked was less exciting, like helping local businesses with basic AI, and it reached $300 to $500 a month by month three or four.</p> <p>That matches what I've seen. AI side hustles are real, but they're still side hustles: the first months are slow, and the money comes from a skill people pay for, not from the AI.</p> <h3>How much AI side hustles pay</h3> <p>Most side hustles pay less than people hope at first. AI skills pay more than most, because demand for them is growing fast:</p> <p>:::numbers Wallet | $200 | a month, the median side hustle income | Bankrate survey of 2,616 adults, June 2025 | [Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/) Video | +329% | growth in freelancer earnings for AI video on Upwork | 2025 against 2024 | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work) Code | +938% | growth in Fiverr searches for Claude Code specialists | November 2025 to April 2026, against the six months before | [Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026) Smartphone | $72 | a month, what the median new subscription app makes a year after launch | Across 115,000+ apps | [RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/) :::</p> <p>Here's what freelancers charge per hour for the skills behind these side hustles:</p> <p>:::chart What AI side hustle skills pay per hour | $ | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/) | Median rates freelancers charge, from each skill's rate page, October 2026 AI developers | 90 | $90 Consultants | 55 | $55 Chatbot builders | 45 | $45 Resume writers | 42 | $42 Music producers | 35 | $35 Content writers | 25 | $25 Graphic designers | 25 | $25 SEO experts | 21 | $21 Web designers | 21 | $21 Social media | 20 | $20 Translators | 20 | $20 :::</p> <p>Building and consulting pay the most per hour, so they get a group of their own below.</p> <h3>Find your AI side hustle in two minutes</h3> <p>Answer a few questions about your time, skills and budget, and the quiz suggests side hustles that fit you:</p> <p>:::tool side-hustle-quiz ai-side-hustles :::</p> <h3>AI side hustles you can start today, with no experience</h3> <p>These eight need no clients of your own and no experience, so you can start them this week. They pay the least per hour, but they're the quickest way to earn your first money with AI.</p> <h4>1. Train AI models</h4> <p>AI companies pay people to write, check and rate answers so their models get better. You work on a platform like [Outlier](https://navid.link/outlier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles) or [DataAnnotation](https://navid.link/dataannotation?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles), pick tasks when you have time and get paid by the hour, which makes it one of the easiest AI side hustles to fit around a job.</p> <p>Work comes and goes by project, so many people sign up for two or three platforms. A good first goal is to pass one platform's assessment and finish your first paid tasks.</p> <p>It fits you if you write carefully and know a subject well, since experts in coding, math, law or medicine earn the most.</p> <p>**What it pays:** pay per hour. DataAnnotation lists $25 to $50 an hour for generalists and $40 to $150+ an hour for coders and other experts ([DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/)). Demand is real: freelancer earnings from AI data annotation and labeling grew 154% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Business Insider spoke with people doing this work in [November 2025](https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-get-ai-training-freelancer-how-much-money-contractor-2025-11): Ryan Adams in Virginia has earned about $31,000 on Outlier, and Jessica Hamilton makes $1,000 to $1,200 a month across Prolific, DataAnnotation and others.</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant checks whether DataAnnotation's AI jobs are legit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--i7J5mR720 | Are DataAnnotation Tech AI Jobs Legit? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to one platform and take its assessment Do your best work on the first tasks, since quality sets your access Add a second platform once you're accepted, so you have work when one goes quiet :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the platforms themselves, and the [remote jobs](/free-tools/remote-jobs) finder for more openings.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying a fee to "unlock" AI training work is a scam sign, because real platforms don't charge you to join. Rushing tasks gets you removed from projects, so take your time on the first ones. Counting on one platform leaves you with no work when its projects dry up, so keep a second one ready. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>2. Clip videos with AI</h4> <p>Creators pay people to cut their long videos into short clips for TikTok, Reels and Shorts. AI finds the moments, and you pick the ones with a real hook, add captions and post them, often through clipping programs that pay by the view.</p> <p>Anyone can start, so it's crowded, and the clippers who earn pick one niche and learn what holds attention in it. A good first goal is one clip that passes a program's minimum views.</p> <p>It fits you if you watch a lot of one kind of content and know a good moment when you see one.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per clip, or pay per view on clipping programs. Clips are short-form video editing, and searches for short-form video editing grew 27% and Reels editing 57% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, video editors typically charge $6 to $25 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** SERVIUOS made $1,000 clipping streamers' videos in 30 days, and shows the TikTok page so you can check, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR5WI2jtfmI).</p> <p>**Watch:** Daniel Bitton on how clipping pays.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_i3MscQJ70 | How To Get Rich From Clipping | | Daniel Bitton Extra | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Clip three creators in one topic for practice Keep the formats that get watched Join paid clipping programs, or pitch the creators directly :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [OpusClip](/ai-tools/opusclip) finds the moments, [Submagic](/ai-tools/submagic) adds captions, and [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut) finishes the edit. Find paid clipping programs on [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Posting a creator's clips without permission can get your account banned, so clip for creators who invite it. Burying the hook in the middle of a clip loses viewers in the first seconds, so open on the best line. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per clip or per view, by the creator</p> <h4>3. Make AI UGC ads</h4> <p>UGC ads look like a real customer talking about a product. With AI, you make them with an AI presenter, a voice and a script you write, so a brand can test many hooks without hiring a creator for each one.</p> <p>Prices are falling as AI comes in: Superscale's 2025 pricing data puts the average UGC video at $198, down 44% in a year ([Superscale](https://superscale.ai/learn/how-much-does-ugc-cost-real-pricing-breakdown-for-2025/)). So the money is in volume and in hooks that work, not in one polished video. A good first goal is a monthly pack of ads for one small brand.</p> <p>It fits you if you write hooks well and know what makes an ad feel natural.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per ad, paid by the brand. Searches for AI UGC video ads grew 265% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** ElevenLabs shows its full workflow for viral AI UGC ads.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_H01wcSCEko | How to Make Viral AI UGC Ads in 2026 (Full Workflow) | | ElevenLabs | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write ten hooks for one product Make three AI UGC ads from the best ones Offer a monthly pack of new ads to test :::</p> <p>**Tools:** make the presenter with [HeyGen](/ai-tools/heygen) or [Captions](/ai-tools/captions), the voice with [ElevenLabs](/ai-tools/elevenlabs), and the script with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) or [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt). The [AI video prompt generator](/free-tools/ai-video-prompt-generator) helps with the scenes.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Passing an AI presenter off as a real customer breaks ad rules, so follow each platform's labeling rules. Making the ads too polished defeats the point, because UGC works by looking real. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per ad, by the brand</p> <h4>4. Sell AI-made printables on Etsy</h4> <p>You make printable planners, worksheets, checklists and wall art with AI, then sell them as downloads on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles). Each one can sell again and again, with nothing to print or ship.</p> <p>The easy designs are crowded, so the shops that sell pick a narrow buyer, like homeschool parents or new teachers, and make many versions for them. A good first goal is ten listings in one niche and your first sale.</p> <p>It fits you if you like simple design and can find what buyers search for.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per download that you set, minus Etsy's $0.20 listing fee, 6.5% of each sale and payment processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Cam Finance tested an AI printables shop on Etsy from $0: two sales for $9 in the first week, then $187 in total sales by the end of week two, after cutting prices from $12 to $7, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1abscZwwsM).</p> <p>**Watch:** Lauren Keys tries selling printable planners made with ChatGPT.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En_ut1kyPcc | I Tried Selling Printable Planners Made With ChatGPT (here’s what happened) | | Lauren Keys | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find printables that sell in one niche Make ten better versions with AI and Canva List them with clear photos and keywords :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) with images from [Ideogram](/ai-tools/ideogram) or [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), and sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles). See what you keep with the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator), and find ideas with the [digital product idea generator](/free-tools/digital-product-idea-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying another shop's designs gets listings removed, so make your own. Listing one product and waiting gives Etsy too little to show buyers, so list ten or more in one niche. Pricing like a shop with years of reviews slows your first sales, so start lower and raise prices as reviews come in. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>5. Publish AI coloring books on Amazon</h4> <p>You publish coloring books, journals and planners on [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles), with AI making the illustrations. Amazon prints and ships each copy when it sells, and you earn a royalty.</p> <p>Amazon asks you to disclose AI-generated text, images and translations when you publish, so declare the AI illustrations ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200672390)). Coloring books are crowded, so pick a theme with buyers but few good books. A good first goal is three books in one theme.</p> <p>It fits you if you like simple design and can find niches buyers search for.</p> <p>**What it pays:** royalties on each copy. Amazon KDP pays 60% of a paperback's list price at $9.99 or more, minus the printing cost: a $15 book that costs $5 to print earns $4 ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834330)). Royalties arrive about 60 days after the end of the month of the sale ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GK2MKZUL6U3SFBPZ)).</p> <p>**Example:** Samazonkdp shows $10,155 in profit from two AI coloring books, with the income proof in the video, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZaMMoNTy0g).</p> <p>**Watch:** Rachel Harrison-Sund on five bestselling low-content books on Amazon KDP.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNBS-v8rkXA | These Are the 5 Bestselling Low and Medium Content Books on Amazon KDP ($3,610 a DAY!!!) | | Rachel Harrison-Sund | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a theme with steady demand on Amazon Make the interior and the cover with AI and Canva Publish several titles in the theme :::</p> <p>**Tools:** illustrate with [Midjourney](/ai-tools/midjourney) or [Ideogram](/ai-tools/ideogram), lay it out in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva), and publish on [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles). Check your royalty with the [KDP royalty calculator](/free-tools/kdp-royalty-calculator), and write the listing with the [book description generator](/free-tools/book-description-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping KDP's AI disclosure breaks its content rules, so declare AI-generated images when you publish. Copying other books' covers can get your account closed. Publishing one title gives you one chance to sell, so build a series in one theme. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on KDP</p> <h4>6. Make custom songs with AI</h4> <p>AI music tools turn your lyrics and a prompt into a full song in minutes. People pay for custom songs for birthdays, weddings and anniversaries, and small businesses pay for jingles and background music. You write the lyrics, shape the song and deliver it.</p> <p>Rights matter here. On [Suno](/ai-tools/suno), you own the songs you make while you're on a Pro or Premier plan, and songs made on the free plan are for non-commercial use only ([Suno](https://help.suno.com/en/articles/2416769)). A good first goal is three custom songs for friends, so you have samples to show.</p> <p>It fits you if you write lyrics and have an ear for what sounds right.</p> <p>**What it pays:** licensing, streaming and custom songs. On Upwork, music producers typically charge $30 to $65 an hour, and the median is $35 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/music-producers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** Odetta Rockhead made songs with Suno, sent them to Spotify and Apple Music through DistroKid, and says they earned about $2,000 from streaming and affiliate income, [in December 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY3egFhsVYI).</p> <p>**Watch:** MoneOnDaBeat's beginner tutorial for Suno.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OUpLRNdE9I | Suno Ai Tutorial 2025 - How To Use Suno V5 for Beginners | | MoneOnDaBeat | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make the songs you'll sell on a paid plan, so you own them Write the lyrics and shape each song yourself Offer custom songs, or license background music to businesses :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Suno](/ai-tools/suno) makes the songs, and many people sell custom songs on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling songs made on a free plan breaks Suno's terms, so make anything you sell on a paid plan. Uploading raw AI songs to streaming services fills your profile with unfinished work, so shape each one first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per song for custom work</p> <h4>7. Restore and colorize old photos with AI</h4> <p>Many families have boxes of faded, torn and black-and-white photos. You scan or photograph them, repair the damage with AI, add color if they want it, and send back a clean file or a print. It makes a good gift for holidays and anniversaries, which is when many people order.</p> <p>The hard part is keeping faces true, because AI can invent features. Check each face against the original and fix anything that changed. A good first goal is restoring ten photos from your own family to use as samples.</p> <p>It fits you if you're patient with detail and like old photos.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per photo or per batch. On Upwork, photo retouchers typically charge $12 to $25 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/photo-retouchers/cost/)), and photo editors $18 to $35 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/photo-editors/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** PiXimperfect restores old photos with AI without changing a face or a detail.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSgSaisb6Kg | Restore Old Photos with AI (Without Changing Anything!) | | PiXimperfect | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Restore ten of your own family's photos as samples Show each one as a before and after Offer a price per photo, and a lower one for a batch :::</p> <p>**Tools:** restore and colorize in [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt) or [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini), fix small marks in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva), and sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles), [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles) or [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Letting AI change a face turns a family photo into a stranger's, so compare each result with the original. Keeping only the AI file leaves you nothing to work from if the client wants a change, so keep the original scan too. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>8. Make AI headshots for professionals</h4> <p>People need a professional photo for LinkedIn, a team page or a speaker bio, and many don't want to book a photographer. You turn their selfies into realistic headshots with AI, then pick, retouch and deliver the best ones. Companies pay per person to give a team a matching look.</p> <p>Apps do this alone, so your edge is the human part: picking the shots that really look like the person, fixing anything off and matching a team's style. A good first goal is headshots for five people you know.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for a good portrait.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per person, or per team for a company. AI headshot services like HeadshotPro charge $29 to $59 per person, one time ([HeadshotPro](https://www.headshotpro.com/pricing)), and employed photographers in the US earn a median of $21.47 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/photographers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** CBS News on why the market for AI headshots is booming.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC5J-2IwUrE | AI-generated headshot market is booming | | CBS News | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make headshots for five people you know, with their permission Offer one package per person and one for teams Pitch small companies that are updating their team page :::</p> <p>**Tools:** make the headshots with [Higgsfield](/ai-tools/higgsfield), [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt) or a service like [HeadshotPro](https://navid.link/headshotpro?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles), and match a team's backgrounds in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva). Pair them with a new headline from the [LinkedIn headline generator](/free-tools/linkedin-headline-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Delivering a headshot that doesn't look like the person loses the client, so check each one against their real photos. Using someone's photos without written permission puts you at legal risk, so get consent before you make their headshots. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per person or per team, by the client</p> <h3>AI side hustles for your evenings, with a skill</h3> <p>These ten turn a skill you have, or can learn in a few months, into paid work for clients. AI does the first draft, and you do the part clients pay for: the judgment and the finish.</p> <h4>9. Write for businesses with AI</h4> <p>Businesses need emails, blog posts, product pages and social posts every week. You draft them faster with AI, then edit them until they sound like the business, not like a chatbot.</p> <p>It's one of the most crowded AI side hustles, and AI has cut into it: professional writer Kaitlyn McInnis talks about already losing income to AI, and what's helping, in a [2026 video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWktDAEh9VY). The writers who keep clients pick one kind of writing and one industry. A good first goal is one monthly client for one kind of writing, like weekly emails.</p> <p>It fits you if you write clearly and can make AI drafts sound human.</p> <p>**What it pays:** fees per piece or a monthly retainer. On Upwork, content writers typically charge $15 to $40 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/content-writers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Sandeep Swadia on fixing writing that reads like AI.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wreCvpBdso | Everyone Can Spot AI Writing, Here's How To Fix It | | Sandeep Swadia | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one kind of writing, like emails or blog posts Build a process: an AI draft, then your edit Sell a monthly package :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude), [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini) or [Grok](/ai-tools/grok), polish with [Grammarly](/ai-tools/grammarly), and catch robotic phrasing with the [AI slop checker](/free-tools/ai-slop-checker) or the [AI humanizer](/free-tools/ai-humanizer).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Handing over unedited AI text gets you replaced by the AI, so edit each draft. Charging per word rewards length instead of quality, so price per piece or per month. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>10. Design thumbnails with AI</h4> <p>A thumbnail is a big part of whether people click a video, so YouTubers pay for good ones. You design them with AI images and bold text, often three options per video so the creator can test which one gets clicked.</p> <p>Many designers offer this, so a portfolio in one niche, like finance or gaming, sets you apart. A good first goal is one creator on a monthly plan.</p> <p>It fits you if you watch a lot of YouTube and notice which thumbnails make you click.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per thumbnail or a monthly package. Searches for YouTube thumbnails grew 52% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** AahilTube has earned ₹5,00,000, about $5,700, as a freelance thumbnail designer, and shares how the first clients came, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJNuOYnpr1I).</p> <p>**Watch:** Wes McDowell's new way to make YouTube thumbnails in minutes.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-wymxSUUAk | The NEW Way to Make YouTube Thumbnails in Minutes (NO DESIGN EXPERIENCE NEEDED) | | Wes McDowell | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign ten thumbnails from channels you watch Offer a pack of three thumbnail options per video Keep creators on a monthly plan :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I make mine with [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt) and [Higgsfield](/ai-tools/higgsfield), and [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) adds the text. Test titles with the [YouTube title checker](/free-tools/youtube-title-checker), and size images with the [YouTube thumbnail resizer](/free-tools/youtube-thumbnail-resizer).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising something the video doesn't deliver gets clicks but hurts the channel. Cramming in too much text makes thumbnails unreadable on a phone, so keep it to a few words. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>11. Make AI product photos for online sellers</h4> <p>Small sellers on Amazon, Etsy and Shopify need clean product photos and lifestyle shots, and a photo shoot costs more than many can pay. You turn their phone photos into studio-style images and scenes with AI, sized for each store. Restaurants and cafes need better menu and social photos too.</p> <p>The product has to stay exactly as it is, down to the label and the color, or buyers send it back. A good first goal is a before-and-after set for one seller you know.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for what makes a product look good.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per photo or per product set, or a monthly package. AI image generation and editing grew 95% on Upwork in 2025, by freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)), and photo editors there typically charge $18 to $35 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/photo-editors/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Chris Rawlings makes a full set of product listing images with AI from one phone photo.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12pQ0W2bCDE | Nano Banana Pro for Product Photography (Step by Step 2026 Guide) | | Chris Rawlings | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a before-and-after set for one product you own Offer a set of images per product, sized for each store Pitch sellers whose listings have weak photos :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini) and [Higgsfield](/ai-tools/higgsfield) make the scenes, and [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) adds text and sizes each image for its store.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Changing a product's color, size or label in an AI photo misleads buyers and brings returns, so keep the product exactly as it is. Ignoring a marketplace's image rules can get listings suppressed, so check each store's rules, like Amazon's rules for main images. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>12. Edit videos with AI</h4> <p>Many creators and businesses would rather not edit their own videos. You cut, caption and polish them, with AI doing the slow parts like removing silences, writing captions and finding the best takes.</p> <p>Entry rates are low, so most editors start cheap and raise their price with each client they keep. A good first goal is one creator who sends you a video every week.</p> <p>It fits you if you have patience for detail and a feel for pacing.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video or a monthly package. AI video generation and editing was the fastest-growing skill on Upwork in 2025, up 329% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Most video editors on Upwork charge $6 to $25 an hour, and the most experienced earn a median of $100 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)). Employed film and video editors in the US earn a median of $75,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** Clumzzy shares a year of video editing, from no experience and no clients to clients paying up to $5,000 a month, [in October 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihx_lkvkL-M).</p> <p>**Watch:** Lerin Nic's full CapCut course for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68KNzsmBarM | CapCut Video Editing Tutorial for Beginners (2026) - Full Course | | Lerin Nic | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Re-edit three videos from creators you like as samples Offer one format, like podcasts or YouTube videos Sell a monthly package to keep clients for longer :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I edit in [Descript](/ai-tools/descript), and [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut) and [Submagic](/ai-tools/submagic) add captions fast.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Over-editing with effects makes videos tiring to watch, so keep the cuts clean. Missing deadlines loses creators who post on a schedule, so agree on a turnaround and keep it. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>13. Dub videos into other languages with AI</h4> <p>AI can now dub a video into another language in the speaker's own voice. You run the dub, fix the lines that sound off and check the timing, so a creator or a business reaches viewers who speak another language.</p> <p>It pays because it works for creators. On average, creators who added audio tracks in other languages saw over 25% of their watch time come from views in those languages ([YouTube](https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/multi-language-audio/), September 2025). A good first goal is dubbing one creator's video into a language you speak, as a sample.</p> <p>It fits you if you speak two languages well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video or per minute. On Upwork, translators typically charge $15 to $25 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/translators/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** ElevenLabs translates a video into 90+ languages with its dubbing.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CapfiSbuAvM | Translate your Video to 90+ Languages Using Dubbing v2 | | ElevenLabs | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Dub a video from a creator you like into a language you speak Fix each line that sounds off Offer dubbing per video to creators in that niche :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ElevenLabs](/ai-tools/elevenlabs) dubs in the speaker's voice, and [Descript](/ai-tools/descript) helps with the edit. Sell dubbing on [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles) or [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Publishing a dub nobody fluent has checked puts mistakes in front of the new audience, so check each line or work with a native speaker. Cloning a voice without the speaker's permission can get you sued, so get it in writing. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>14. Translate with AI, then check every line</h4> <p>Businesses need websites, product pages, documents and subtitles in other languages. AI makes the first draft in seconds, and you make it accurate and natural, which is what clients pay for.</p> <p>AI handles plain text well, so the money is in subjects you know, like legal, medical or marketing, and in checking AI drafts for businesses that can't risk mistakes. A good first goal is one repeat client in a subject you know.</p> <p>It fits you if you're fluent in two languages and careful with detail.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per word or per project. On Upwork, translators typically charge $15 to $25 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/translators/cost/)). Employed interpreters and translators in the US earn a median of $60,170 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Adrian Probst breaks down where a freelance translator's income comes from.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-FyJt3pcig | Language Freelancer: Income Breakdown (Freelance Translator) | | Adrian Probst | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a language pair and one subject Offer AI translation checked by you Build repeat clients in that subject :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini), [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) or [Grok](/ai-tools/grok) for drafts, [DeepL](https://navid.link/deepl?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles) for a second opinion, then [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles) for clients.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Delivering machine drafts as final work puts errors in front of your client's customers. Taking subjects you don't know, like legal or medical texts, risks costly mistakes. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>15. Write resumes with AI</h4> <p>Job seekers pay for a resume and a LinkedIn profile that get interviews. You interview them about their work, draft with AI, then shape it so it sounds like them and fits the jobs they want.</p> <p>Many job seekers try AI themselves now, so your edge is the interview and the judgment: finding the results they forgot to mention. A good first goal is rewriting three resumes for friends and asking how their applications go.</p> <p>It fits you if you've hired people, or you're good at making someone's work sound as strong as it is.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per resume or per package. On Upwork, resume writers typically charge $25 to $65 an hour, and the median is $42 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/resume-writers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Teal on making a resume that stands out in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRha1slhTJU | How to Make A Resume that Stands Out in 2026 (after hiring 1,000s) | | Teal | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rewrite your own resume and a friend's Offer a resume and LinkedIn package at a set price Ask for a review after each client's interviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) or [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt) for drafts, [Grammarly](/ai-tools/grammarly) to polish, and [Kickresume](/ai-tools/kickresume) or [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) for the layout. Write the LinkedIn headline with the [LinkedIn headline generator](/free-tools/linkedin-headline-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using one template for everyone makes your clients look like every other applicant. Promising interviews sets you up for refunds, so promise a stronger resume instead. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>16. Manage social media for local businesses with AI</h4> <p>Local businesses know they should post, but few have the time. You plan, write and schedule their posts with AI, make the graphics and short videos, and report what worked each month.</p> <p>Social media managers are easy to find, so a niche helps, like restaurants, dentists or real estate. A good first goal is one local business on a monthly plan.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized and already know how the platforms work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly retainers. On Upwork, social media managers typically charge $14 to $35 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/social-media-managers/cost/)). Demand for Instagram services grew 147% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)), and social media strategy was among Upwork's fastest-growing marketing skills in 2025, up 36% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Example:** Mae Bornillo's social media management business brings in about $7,500 a month, with about $4,500 of it as take-home pay, after seven years of building it, [in September 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvURjTKq274).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jade Beason's full guide to starting a social media marketing agency.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3iIIAxppPo | How to start a social media marketing agency step by step - 2026 FULL GUIDE | | Jade Beason | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Grow your own account first Offer a monthly package for one platform Report results every month :::</p> <p>**Tools:** plan posts with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) or [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), schedule with [Metricool](https://navid.link/metricool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles) or [Buffer](https://navid.link/buffer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles), design in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) and edit video in [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut). Check posts with the [Instagram post analyzer](/free-tools/instagram-post-analyzer) and the [LinkedIn post analyzer](/free-tools/linkedin-post-analyzer).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising followers sets the wrong goal, so promise steady posting and report on leads. Working in too many industries makes your results hard to compare and sell, so pick one. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>17. Design logos and brand kits with AI</h4> <p>New businesses need a logo, colors and a few templates to look real. You explore ideas fast with AI, then refine the best one by hand into clean files and a simple brand kit.</p> <p>Cheap logo apps compete at the low end, so sell the kit and the thinking, not just the mark. A good first goal is three sample brands for made-up businesses.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for design and like simple, clean work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per logo or brand kit. On Upwork, logo designers typically charge $15 to $30 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/logo-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Will Paterson on the AI tools used day to day as a brand designer.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKdX0J_8ryE | The AI tools I ACTUALLY use as a Brand Designer in 2026 | | Will Paterson | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Design three brands for made-up businesses as samples Offer one package: logo, colors and a social kit Upsell templates the client can reuse :::</p> <p>**Tools:** explore ideas in [Ideogram](/ai-tools/ideogram) and [Recraft](/ai-tools/recraft), refine in [Figma](/ai-tools/figma), and build the kit in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva). Name the business first with the [business name generator](/free-tools/business-name-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Delivering an AI logo without checking trademarks can land the client in a dispute. Handing over only a flat image leaves the client without files they can use, so deliver vector files and a kit. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>18. Make AI avatar videos for businesses</h4> <p>Businesses need training videos, product explainers and social clips, and many don't want to film them. You make them with an AI avatar, a script and a voice, and update them in minutes when something changes.</p> <p>Most clients start with their own avatar, so you set it up once and then make new videos each month. A good first goal is three sample videos with your own avatar.</p> <p>It fits you if you write clear scripts and don't mind being the face of your samples.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video or a monthly package. AI services in video and animation grew 278% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026, faster than any other category ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** HeyGen walks through making an AI avatar of yourself.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKhZb4Ny_I0 | Make the BEST AI Avatar of Yourself in 2026 (Full HeyGen Walkthrough) | | HeyGen | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make an avatar of yourself and three sample videos Offer training videos to one kind of business Charge per video, or monthly for updates :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [HeyGen](/ai-tools/heygen) for avatars, [ElevenLabs](/ai-tools/elevenlabs) for voices, and [Descript](/ai-tools/descript) to edit. Write the scripts with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using someone's face or voice without written permission can get you sued. Writing long scripts makes avatars feel stiff, so keep each video short. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per video or monthly, by the client</p> <h3>AI side hustles that sell to businesses</h3> <p>Many businesses know they should use AI but don't know where to start. These nine sell that help, and they pay the most per hour in this guide, from a median of $21 for SEO to $90 for AI developers on Upwork.</p> <h4>19. Become a part-time AI consultant for small businesses</h4> <p>You help small businesses find where AI saves them time or money, then set it up and show the team how to use it. Most owners don't need more tools. They need someone to pick the right two or three and make them stick.</p> <p>You can start small and part-time, with one audit for one business you know. A good first goal is one paid audit, then a monthly plan to roll it out. My [AI consultant certification](/ai-consultant-certification) teaches the method I use, and my [AI consultant](/ai-consultant) page shows what the work looks like.</p> <p>It fits you if you know one industry well and you've used AI tools enough to see where they help.</p> <p>**What it pays:** day rates, projects or monthly retainers. On Upwork, business consultants typically charge $28 to $98 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-consultants/cost/)). Employed management consultants in the US earn a median of $101,860 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** the r/sidehustle member who tested 12 AI side hustles found this was what paid: helping a dentist's office write better emails and showing a realtor how to speed up listing descriptions, at $300 to $500 a month by month three or four ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/sidehustle/comments/1pk8xpv/ive_tested_12_ai_side_hustles_over_6_months_most/), December 2025). Over the long run, [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $1.17 million from consulting since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Frederik Pahuus on building a solo consulting business that makes $500,000 a year in profit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvaFGx5eKFc | Exactly How I Built A $500k Per Year (Profit) Solo Consulting Business | | Frederik Pahuus | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one industry you know, like real estate, law or ecommerce Audit one business's work and list the tasks AI could take over Sell the audit, then a monthly plan to roll it out :::</p> <p>**Tools:** research with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) and [Perplexity](/ai-tools/perplexity), show the plan in [Gamma](/ai-tools/gamma), and price it with the [value equation calculator](/free-tools/value-equation-calculator). My guide on [how to build an AI operating system](/articles/how-to-build-an-ai-operating-system-ai-os) shows the kind of setup businesses pay for.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recommending tools before you understand the business wastes the client's money. Selling AI as a magic fix sets up a promise the results won't keep. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>20. Build AI chatbots for local businesses</h4> <p>Local businesses answer the same questions all day: hours, prices and bookings. You build a chatbot that answers them on the website, Instagram or WhatsApp, trained only on the business's own information, and hands the tricky ones to a person.</p> <p>No-code tools make the build quick, so the value you add is the setup and the testing. A good first goal is one chatbot for a business you know, tested against its real questions.</p> <p>It fits you if you like solving puzzles and can think like a customer.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee. On Upwork, chatbot developers typically charge $30 to $61 an hour, and the median is $45 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chatbot-developers/cost/)). AI chatbot development grew 71% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Botpress builds a customer support chatbot without code.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn27M2vAc1Y | Build a Customer Support Chatbot in 5 Minutes (No Code) | | Botpress | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a chatbot for your own site or a friend's Test it against 50 real questions Offer it to one industry at a set price :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I use [ManyChat](/ai-tools/manychat) for Instagram DMs. [Chatbot Builder AI](/ai-tools/chatbot-builder-ai), [Pickaxe](/ai-tools/pickaxe) and [Botpress](https://navid.link/botpress?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles) build chatbots without code.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Letting the bot make up answers loses customers, so limit it to the business's own information. Pitching without a demo makes the sale harder, so show a working bot first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>21. Build AI voice agents that answer the phone</h4> <p>Small businesses miss calls while they work, and a missed call is often a missed customer. You build an AI voice agent that answers, books appointments and takes messages, and passes urgent calls to a person.</p> <p>You charge a setup fee and then a monthly fee, so a few clients add up. A good first goal is one agent for a business you know, tested on 20 real calls.</p> <p>It fits you if you like building things and can write a clear script for a conversation.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee per agent. Searches for AI voice agents grew 49% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). Upwork doesn't price voice agents yet, and chatbot developers, the closest skill it prices, typically charge $30 to $61 an hour, with a median of $45 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chatbot-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** I've built two voice agents myself: one on ElevenLabs in my cloned voice, and an open-source one trained on 142 minutes of my own recordings. My guide on [how to build an AI voice agent](/articles/how-to-build-an-ai-voice-agent) walks through both.</p> <p>**Watch:** Thanh-y David Nguyen builds an AI voice agent with LiveKit, for free.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fhm8goKN6rM | How to build a JARVIS AI Voice Agent for FREE - Full Livekit Tutorial (2026) | | Thanh-y David Nguyen | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a voice agent that answers calls for your own business Record 20 test calls and fix every awkward answer Offer it to one kind of local business :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ElevenLabs](/ai-tools/elevenlabs) for the voice, with [n8n](/ai-tools/n8n) to book calls into the calendar. [Vapi](https://navid.link/vapi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles) is another way to build them.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Hiding that callers are talking to AI breaks trust and can break the law where you live, so say it up front. Skipping the handoff to a human leaves upset callers with nowhere to go. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** a setup fee, then monthly</p> <h4>22. Build AI automations</h4> <p>You connect a business's apps so the boring work runs by itself: leads go into the CRM, [invoices](/free-tools/invoice-generator) go out and reports land in the inbox. AI steps in the middle read emails, sort requests and draft replies.</p> <p>It fits around a job because the work comes in projects: you build an automation once, then charge monthly to keep it running. A good first goal is three automations in your own work, so you have something to show.</p> <p>It fits you if you like puzzles and can explain a process step by step.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee. AI integration grew 178% on Upwork in 2025, by freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)), and searches for [n8n](/ai-tools/n8n) AI automation grew 125% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, AI developers typically charge $30 to $150 an hour, and the median is $90 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** n8n's own quick start for building your first AI agent.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuaKeDS6UKU | n8n Quick Start Tutorial: Build Your First AI Agent [2026] | | n8n and Flowgrammer | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Automate three tasks in your own work Pick one kind of business and one painful task Charge to build it, then monthly to keep it running :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [n8n](/ai-tools/n8n), [Zapier](/ai-tools/zapier) and [Make](/ai-tools/make-com) connect the apps, and [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) writes the custom parts.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Automating a process nobody has written down automates the mess too. Building without error alerts means a broken automation fails quietly for weeks. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>23. Vibe code apps and tools for businesses</h4> <p>Vibe coding means building software by telling an AI what you want in plain English. You use it to build what small businesses need, like booking tools, calculators, dashboards and simple internal apps.</p> <p>You don't need to be a developer to start, but you do need to test what you ship. A good first goal is one fixed-price build for a business you know, then a monthly fee to host and improve it. My guide on [what vibe coding is](/articles/what-is-vibe-coding) explains how it works, and [what Claude Code is](/articles/what-is-claude-code) covers the tool I use most.</p> <p>It fits you if you like making things and you're patient enough to test them.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project and a monthly fee to keep it running. Searches for Claude Code specialists grew 938% on Fiverr in six months, and searches for vibe coding grew 61% ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, AI developers typically charge $30 to $150 an hour, and the median is $90 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** I build this way myself. The 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site are my own builds, made with Claude Code and Codex.</p> <p>**Watch:** [Kevin Stratvert](/creators/kevin-stratvert)'s Claude Code tutorial for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMZmDH3T2bY | Claude Code Tutorial for Beginners | | Kevin Stratvert | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build three tools you use yourself Offer one fixed-price build to a business you know Charge monthly to host and improve it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex). [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable), [Bolt](/ai-tools/bolt), [Replit](/ai-tools/replit), [Base44](/ai-tools/base44) and [Vibecode](https://navid.link/vibecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles) build apps from a prompt, [Google AI Studio](/ai-tools/google-ai-studio) does it with Gemini, and [Cursor](/ai-tools/cursor) is a code editor built around AI. Write clearer instructions with the [Claude Code prompt generator](/free-tools/claude-code-prompt-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Shipping code you haven't tested breaks a client's trust on day one. Selling the method instead of the result makes clients compare you on price. Pasting API keys into a page's code lets anyone who opens the page copy them, so keep keys on the server. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>24. Design websites with AI</h4> <p>Many small businesses have an old website, or none. You build them a clean, fast site with AI tools, write the words with them, and charge monthly to host and update it.</p> <p>AI builders make the first version fast, so your value is in the words, the photos and getting the business found. A good first goal is two sample sites, then one paying local client. My list of the [best website builders](/articles/best-website-builders) compares the tools.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for design and like working with small business owners.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per site and a monthly fee to keep it up. On Upwork, web designers typically charge $15 to $30 an hour, and the median is $21 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/web-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Create a Pro Website builds a website with Claude Code.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDTwHIKltpc | The EASY way to build a beautiful website with Claude Code (full workflow) | | Create a Pro Website | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build two sample sites Offer a fixed price for one kind of site Add monthly hosting and updates :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code). [Framer](/ai-tools/framer), [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable) and [Webflow](/ai-tools/webflow) build sites from a prompt, and the [landing page grader](/free-tools/landing-page-grader) grades the result.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building before the client's words and photos are ready stalls the project. Skipping a monthly plan gives away the income that repeats. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>25. Help businesses show up in AI answers</h4> <p>People now ask ChatGPT, Gemini and Google's AI answers which business to pick, not only search results. You help businesses show up there, which is often called GEO or AI search optimization: clear pages that answer buyers' questions, an llms.txt file, and reviews and mentions on sites AI tools read.</p> <p>It's new, and it builds on SEO skills you can learn. A good first goal is an AI search audit for one local business: what ChatGPT says about it now, and what to fix.</p> <p>It fits you if you like research and can explain what you find in plain words.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer or a fee per audit. On Upwork, SEO experts typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $21 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/seo-experts/cost/)). In Fiverr's survey of its top marketing specialists, 67% reported more requests for optimizing for AI answers, against 56% for Google SEO ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/resources/guides/reports/holiday-marketing-index-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Marketing Against the Grain on how to get ChatGPT to recommend your business.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wea6aSjclIo | How to Make ChatGPT Recommend Your Business | | Marketing Against the Grain | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Ask ChatGPT, Gemini and [Perplexity](/ai-tools/perplexity) about businesses in one local niche Fix what they get wrong for one business you know Sell an audit, then a monthly plan to keep the answers right :::</p> <p>**Tools:** check a site with the [SEO checker](/free-tools/seo-checker), make an llms.txt file with the [llms.txt generator](/free-tools/llms-txt-generator), and research keywords with [Semrush](/ai-tools/semrush) or [Ahrefs](/ai-tools/ahrefs).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising a business that ChatGPT will recommend it sets up a promise nobody controls, so sell the work and report what changes. Chasing AI answers while the site's basic SEO is broken wastes the client's money, because AI answers often draw on pages that already rank. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>26. Write prompts and custom assistants for teams</h4> <p>Teams use AI every day, but many get average results from short prompts. You write the prompts and build custom assistants for their real tasks, like answering customers in their tone, writing proposals or summarizing calls, and show the team how to use them.</p> <p>It often sells alongside consulting or training, as a set of assistants for one kind of business. A good first goal is three assistants for tasks you do yourself, tested against 20 real examples.</p> <p>It fits you if you think clearly and like finding the words that get a better answer.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or a retainer. Prompt engineering is on LinkedIn's 2026 list of the fastest-growing skills in the US ([LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-skills-rise-2026-fastest-growing-us-linkedin-news-nujwe)).</p> <p>**Watch:** NetworkChuck on how to get far better results from AI prompts.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwWBcsxEoLk | You SUCK at Prompting AI (Here's the secret) | | NetworkChuck | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build three assistants for tasks you do yourself Test each one against 20 real examples Sell a set of assistants for one kind of business :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build in [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) and [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini), turn assistants into small apps with [Pickaxe](/ai-tools/pickaxe), and sharpen prompts with the [AI prompt generator](/free-tools/ai-prompt-generator) and the [prompt improver](/free-tools/prompt-improver).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Shipping a prompt you tested once breaks on the first odd request, so test it against real examples. Leaving out the business's own examples makes the assistant sound generic. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, or monthly</p> <h4>27. Teach AI to small teams</h4> <p>Many teams want to use AI but don't know where to start, and a workshop built on their real tasks can change how they work. You teach small teams to use AI for their own jobs, then follow up while the new habits form.</p> <p>The work comes in sessions, so it fits evenings and weekends. A good first goal is one free workshop for a team you know, then a paid half-day program.</p> <p>It fits you if you like explaining things and you use AI every day.</p> <p>**What it pays:** workshop fees and coaching packages. Employed training and development specialists in the US earn a median of $69,280 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/training-and-development-specialists.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** I teach teams to use AI in my [AI training](/ai-training) workshops, and the [AI Creator Summit](/ai-creator-summit) I host has been watched by 100,000+ creators.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Teach one free workshop to a team you know Turn it into a half-day program with exercises from their real work Sell it with a month of follow-up coaching :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build the exercises in [Claude](/ai-tools/claude), [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini) and [Grok](/ai-tools/grok), make the slides in [Gamma](/ai-tools/gamma), and record a replay with [Riverside](/ai-tools/riverside).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Teaching tool features instead of the team's real tasks makes the workshop forgettable. Leaving without follow-up lets the new habits fade within weeks. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** up front, before each workshop</p> <h3>AI side hustles that build something you own</h3> <p>These six build something that can keep paying after the work is done: an app, a template, a product, a channel or a newsletter. They start slowest, and most earn little in the first months, but they can grow past any [hourly rate](/free-tools/hourly-to-salary-calculator).</p> <h4>28. Vibe code your own app or tool</h4> <p>You build your own app, tool or small piece of software with AI, then charge for it or use it to bring in visitors and email sign-ups. You don't need to be a developer: you describe what you want, test it and keep improving it.</p> <p>Most new apps earn little at first, as RevenueCat's numbers show, so start with a problem people already pay to solve. A good first goal is one small tool that ten people use every week.</p> <p>It fits you if you have ideas for tools you'd use yourself and you like to tinker.</p> <p>**What it pays:** subscriptions or one-time sales of what you build, or the visitors and email sign-ups a free tool brings in. Across more than 115,000 subscription apps, the median new app made about $72 a month a year after launch, the top 10% made $2,500 or more, and 17.3% reached $1,000 a month within two years ([RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)).</p> <p>**Example:** the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site are my own builds, vibe coded with Claude Code and Codex. Pieter Levels vibe coded fly.pieter.com, a flight game that runs in the browser, in February 2025, and he says it reached $1 million in annual recurring revenue in 17 days ([levels.io](https://levels.io/fly-pieter-com-vibecoded-flight-simulator)). Marc Lou vibe coded TrustMRR, a marketplace for buying and selling startups, and says it made about $300,000 from ad spots and listing fees in its first nine months, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdjyZmbOENY).</p> <p>**Watch:** Starter Story on how Connor Burd, 23, vibe coded an app in 14 days that makes $20,000 a month.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwHD6Fg-Mjs | I vibe coded a $20K/month mobile app in 14 days | | Starter Story | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a problem people already pay to solve Build the smallest version that solves it Charge from day one and talk to each user :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex). [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable), [Bolt](/ai-tools/bolt), [Replit](/ai-tools/replit), [Base44](/ai-tools/base44) and [Vibecode](https://navid.link/vibecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles) build apps from a prompt, and [Google AI Studio](/ai-tools/google-ai-studio) does it with Gemini. Take payments with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles). My guide on [becoming a vibe creator](/articles/vibe-creator) shows how creators use this.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building too many features before launch delays the first sale by months. Launching to no one means no users, so build an audience while you build. Pasting API keys into a page's code lets anyone who opens the page copy them, so keep keys on the server. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>29. Sell Notion templates built with AI</h4> <p>You turn a system you use, like a budget, a content calendar or a study planner, into a Notion template, with AI helping you build and write it. Then you sell it on a store page or on Etsy.</p> <p>Generic templates are crowded, so the ones that sell solve one problem for one kind of person. A good first goal is one template, a short video walkthrough and your first ten sales.</p> <p>It fits you if you love organizing and already run your life in Notion.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per template that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>**Example:** the same r/sidehustle member makes decent money from Notion templates for one niche, but says they took months to get traction ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/sidehustle/comments/1pk8xpv/ive_tested_12_ai_side_hustles_over_6_months_most/), December 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Money With Mak makes Notion templates with Claude and sells them on Etsy.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6xU-P9FHJA | How to Use Claude AI to Create &amp; Sell Notion Templates on Etsy | | Money With Mak | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Turn a system you use into a clean template Sell it on a store page with a video walkthrough Add updates and a bundle as it sells :::</p> <p>**Tools:** build in [Notion](/ai-tools/notion) with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) to help, and sell on [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles), [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles) or [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles). Work out what you keep with the [Gumroad fee calculator](/free-tools/gumroad-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes A template that tries to do everything overwhelms buyers, so solve one problem well. Skipping the setup guide brings refund requests, so add a short video. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>30. Sell digital products made with AI</h4> <p>You make guides, templates, prompt packs, courses or checklists with AI's help, and sell them on your own store page. You make each one once, and it can sell for years.</p> <p>I've made millions selling digital products like courses and templates, so this is the way I know best. A good first goal is one small product that answers a question people keep asking you, and your first ten buyers. My comparison of the [best places to sell digital products](/articles/best-place-to-sell-digital-products) covers 27 platforms.</p> <p>It fits you if people already ask you how you do something.</p> <p>**What it pays:** one-time sales on your site or a marketplace. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself, and 30% of sales from its own marketplace ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Maria Wendt](/creators/maria-wendt) makes about $1 million a month from her digital products, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QBQzi4r940&amp;t=70s).</p> <p>**Watch:** Yale Jeannette's full masterclass on selling digital products on Etsy.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAn7R954Xhc | how to sell digital products on etsy (full masterclass) | | Yale Jeannette | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a question people keep asking Make the smallest product that answers it Sell it, then improve it from feedback :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles), which I used for years, or on [Stan Store](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles), [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles), [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles), [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles) or [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=ai-side-hustles). Find what to make with the [digital product idea generator](/free-tools/digital-product-idea-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building a big product first delays your first sale by months. Launching with no audience means no one sees it, so build a small list first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>31. Run a faceless YouTube channel with AI</h4> <p>You run a YouTube channel without showing your face, with AI helping on scripts, voice and editing. You earn from ads, [sponsors](/free-tools/sponsorship-rate-calculator) and affiliate links once the channel grows.</p> <p>YouTube doesn't pay for mass-produced or repetitive videos, and it renamed that rule "inauthentic content" in July 2025 ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1311392)). So the channels that earn add real research and a point of view, with AI doing the slow parts. A good first goal is 20 videos in one topic before you judge the results.</p> <p>It fits you if you love one topic and can research it better than most.</p> <p>**What it pays:** ad revenue share, sponsors and affiliate links, on the same YouTube terms as any channel ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)). Businesses pay for this work too: searches for YouTube automation faceless channels grew 239% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Adavia Davis](https://fortune.com/2025/12/30/ai-slop-faceless-youtube-accounts-adavia-davis-user-generated-content) runs faceless AI channels that make roughly $40,000 to $60,000 a month, which Fortune checked against his AdSense records.</p> <p>**Watch:** Sambucha on secretly voicing faceless YouTube channels.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwF8n7vrF5Q | I Secretly Became The Voice Of Faceless YouTube Channels | | Sambucha | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a topic with the [YouTube niche finder](/free-tools/youtube-niche-finder) Make your own version of what works, with a better angle Post every week for six months before you judge it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** script with [Claude](/ai-tools/claude), voice with [ElevenLabs](/ai-tools/elevenlabs), edit in [Descript](/ai-tools/descript), and find topics with [vidIQ](/ai-tools/vidiq). See what views pay with the [YouTube money calculator](/free-tools/youtube-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Mass-producing low-effort videos breaks YouTube's inauthentic content rule, so the channel can lose its earnings. Copying another channel's scripts gets you claims, not views. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>32. Post short videos made with AI</h4> <p>You post short videos on TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Reels, with AI helping on ideas, scripts, voice and editing. You earn from creator programs once you qualify, brand deals and affiliate links.</p> <p>Short videos are crowded, so a clear topic matters more than any tool. A good first goal is 30 days of posting in one topic, then more of the formats that get watched.</p> <p>It fits you if you can post every day and learn from what the numbers tell you.</p> <p>**What it pays:** creator programs where you qualify, brand deals and affiliate links. TikTok's Creator Rewards Program pays for videos of at least 1 minute once you have 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in 30 days ([TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/global/creator-rewards-program-us/en)), and YouTube pays 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)).</p> <p>**Example:** Kellan Henneberry runs 10+ faceless YouTube Shorts channels, scripted with Claude, and says they make $24,937 a month, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_t51u1tBJc). [Jeff Rose](/creators/jeff-rose) made $42,035 from Facebook and Instagram payouts for his posts and reels in [June 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYUcFe5R7IE&amp;t=142s).</p> <p>**Watch:** Buzz on monetizing a faceless TikTok in seven days.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eQDpN4lmNE | How I Monetized My Faceless TikTok in 7 Days | | Buzz | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one topic and one platform Post daily for 30 days Keep the formats that get watched :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [CapCut](/ai-tools/capcut), add captions with [Submagic](/ai-tools/submagic), and cut shorts from long videos with [OpusClip](/ai-tools/opusclip). Write scripts with the [TikTok script generator](/free-tools/tiktok-script-generator) or the [YouTube Shorts script generator](/free-tools/youtube-shorts-script-generator), and see what views pay with the [TikTok money calculator](/free-tools/tiktok-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying trends without a topic gets views but no audience. Relying on one platform's program puts all your income in its hands, so add brand deals and your own offers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly on the 15th on TikTok, once you pass $50 · **Age:** 18+ for TikTok's rewards</p> <h4>33. Write an AI newsletter</h4> <p>You write a newsletter for one kind of reader, with AI helping you research and draft, and earn from sponsors, paid subscriptions and your own products as the list grows. A newsletter about AI for one job or industry is a topic many readers want help with.</p> <p>AI news is crowded, so pick one reader, like real estate agents or teachers, and tell them what to do with AI, not only what's new. A good first goal is 100 subscribers who open each issue. My own is [Navid Insider](/ai-newsletter), a free weekly AI newsletter for founders, and the [best newsletters](/best-newsletters) list has more ideas.</p> <p>It fits you if you read a lot about one topic and like explaining it.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, paid subscriptions, affiliate links and your own products. On Substack, writers keep 90% of paid subscriptions, minus card fees ([Substack](https://substack.com/going-paid)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $795,000 from sponsors in his weekly newsletter since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on the easiest way to build a local newsletter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0MRAjVp_Uo | The Easiest Way to Build a Local Newsletter | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one reader and one promise Send every week, on the same day Offer a free guide to grow your list :::</p> <p>**Tools:** send with [Kit](/ai-tools/kit) or [beehiiv](/ai-tools/beehiiv), research each issue with [Perplexity](/ai-tools/perplexity) and [Claude](/ai-tools/claude), and see what a list can earn with the [beehiiv money calculator](/free-tools/beehiiv-money-calculator) or the [Substack money calculator](/free-tools/substack-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Summarizing the same AI news as everyone else gives readers no reason to stay. Selling sponsors before readers trust you can shrink the list. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** through Stripe for paid subscriptions · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h3>The fastest AI side hustles to first payment</h3> <p>How soon you get paid depends on the platform more than on the side hustle. Here's when the platforms in this guide pay, fastest first, from each one's own pages:</p> <p>:::table fancy Platform | When you get paid | Source  Stripe | within minutes with Instant Payouts, or every business day | [Stripe](https://docs.stripe.com/payouts/instant-payouts)  DataAnnotation | within a few days of your request | [DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/faq)  Etsy | daily if you choose it, weekly by default | [Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046998234-How-to-Receive-Your-Etsy-Payments-Deposit)  Outlier | every Tuesday, for the week before | [Outlier](https://outlier.ai/faq)  Upwork | 10 days after each work week, for hourly work | [Upwork](https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211063668-How-payments-for-hourly-contracts-work)  Fiverr | 14 days after each completed order, or 7 for Top Rated sellers | [Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/legal-portal/legal-terms/payment-terms-of-service)  TikTok | on the 15th of each month, once you pass $50 | [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/global/creator-rewards-program-us/en)  YouTube | monthly, between the 21st and 26th | [YouTube](https://support.google.com/adsense/answer/7164703)  Amazon KDP | about 60 days after the end of the month | [Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GK2MKZUL6U3SFBPZ) :::</p> <p>Client work paid through Stripe reaches you soonest, and AI training pays within a week. Products and content pay slowest: YouTube and Amazon KDP pay a month or two after you earn.</p> <h3>How to run an AI side hustle beside a full-time job</h3> <p>A side hustle only works if it fits your week. Here's how I'd set one up beside a job:</p> <p>:::steps Pick one side hustle from this guide and set a fixed number of hours a week, like five. Check your employment contract for rules on outside work, conflicts with your employer's clients and who owns what you make. Use your own AI accounts and your own laptop, and keep your employer's files and data out of them. Set money aside from each payment for taxes. Review after three months: keep what pays, and drop what doesn't. :::</p> <p>Side income is taxable in the US, whether it comes from an app, a client or a platform ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center)). If your net earnings from self-employment reach $400 in a year, you owe self-employment tax of 15.3% on top of income tax ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes)). I'm not a tax advisor, so check with an accountant as the money grows. My guide to [making extra money beside a day job](/articles/extra-money-day-job) covers your job's rules in more detail.</p> <h3>The AI tools I use myself</h3> <p>These are the AI tools I use in my own business, with my rating for each:</p> <p>:::table fancy Tool | What I use it for | My rating  [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) | I build my apps, my AI OS and the 700+ free tools on this site with it | 5 out of 5  [Claude](/ai-tools/claude) | Writing, research and thinking through plans | 4.5 out of 5  [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt) | Images and quick answers | 4.5 out of 5  [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini) | NotebookLM and Google's image and video models | 4.5 out of 5  [Notion](/ai-tools/notion) | Organizing ideas and projects | 4.8 out of 5  [ElevenLabs](/ai-tools/elevenlabs) | My cloned voice | 4.8 out of 5  [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) | Graphics and templates | 4.5 out of 5  [Descript](/ai-tools/descript) | Editing my recordings | 4 out of 5 :::</p> <p>Each tool here has a full review in my [AI tools](/ai-tools) hub, and my [10 biggest AI lessons](/articles/ai-learnings) cover the mindset behind using them.</p> <h3>Myths about AI side hustles</h3> <p>Here's what's true about the claims you'll hear most:</p> <p>:::table Myth | What's true  AI does the work for you | AI does the slow parts, and you still find buyers, check the work and deliver it.  You'll make money in the first week | Many people report slow first months, and $300 to $500 a month by month three or four is a good start.  You need to know how to code | Most of these need no code, and vibe coding tools build apps from plain English.  You need money to start | Most start free with the free plans of AI tools, and paid plans can wait for your first client.  It's too crowded to start | The general versions are crowded, but a niche, like one industry or one kind of buyer, still has room.  Clients won't pay once they know you use AI | Clients pay for the result, and being open about how you use AI builds trust. :::</p> <h3>AI side hustle scams to avoid</h3> <p>AI is the new favorite word in job and money scams:</p> <p>:::numbers Briefcase | $750.6 million | lost to job and business opportunity scams in 2024 | Reports to the FTC | [FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/03/new-ftc-data-show-big-jump-reported-losses-fraud-125-billion-2024) ShieldCheck | $15.9 billion | reported lost to fraud by Americans in 2025 | Reports to the FTC | [FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/ftc-testimony-jec-hearing-on-the-rising-scam-economy.pdf) :::</p> <p>The FTC banned the owner of FBA Machine, formerly Passive Scaling, from selling business opportunities after it falsely guaranteed income from online stores using AI-powered software ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/07/ftc-obtains-permanent-ban-e-commerce-business-opportunity-scheme-operator), July 2025). Walk away from any of these:</p> <p>:::mistakes A task app that asks you to deposit money to "unlock" paid tasks is a job scam, because real work pays you, not the other way around. An "AI income system" that promises money for no work is selling you the system, not the income. A done-for-you AI store or channel that you pay someone else to run puts your money at their mercy. A trading bot that promises steady AI profits can lose your money faster than any market. A course that's mostly a pitch for the next, more expensive course earns money for the seller, not you. :::</p> <p>If an AI side hustle asks you to pay before you see real results from people you can check, walk away.</p> <h3>Final thoughts on AI side hustles</h3> <p>There are 33 AI side hustles in this guide, and the best one for you builds on something you already know. AI makes the work faster, but people pay for your judgment, your taste and the result you deliver.</p> <p>Pick one, give it a few hours a week for three months, and judge it by what it pays, not by what the videos promise. That's how my first side hustle, a blog beside a part-time job, grew into my business.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[45 ways to make money with AI](/articles/how-to-make-money-with-ai)</li><li>[28 ways to make passive income with AI](/articles/passive-income-with-ai)</li><li>[50 best online side hustles](/articles/best-online-side-hustles)</li><li>[44 ways to make extra money beside your day job](/articles/extra-money-day-job)</li><li>[What is vibe coding?](/articles/what-is-vibe-coding)</li><li>[How to build an AI operating system](/articles/how-to-build-an-ai-operating-system-ai-os)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: take the [side hustle quiz](/free-tools/side-hustle-quiz), pick one side hustle from this list and do your first piece of paid work this week. And if this guide helped, DM me on [X](https://x.com/thenavidm) or [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenavidm) and tell me which one you picked.</p><h2>FAQs about AI side hustles</h2><h3>Are AI side hustles legit?</h3><p>Many are, as long as someone pays you for a result you deliver, like AI training, AI video or chatbots for businesses.</p> <p>On Upwork, freelancer earnings for AI video grew 329% in 2025, so the demand is real.</p> <p>Walk away from any offer that asks you to pay first or promises money for no work.</p><h3>What's the best AI side hustle for beginners?</h3><p>AI training, clipping and printables are good first picks, because they need no experience and no clients of your own.</p> <p>If you already have a skill like writing or design, selling it done faster with AI usually pays more per hour.</p> <p>Start with one, and give it three months before you judge it.</p><h3>Can I start an AI side hustle with no money?</h3><p>Yes, most of the side hustles in this guide start free, with the free plans of AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.</p> <p>A few need a little money, like a paid Suno plan so you own the songs you sell.</p> <p>Wait to pay for tools until your first client or sale covers them.</p><h3>How much can you make with an AI side hustle?</h3><p>Most side hustles start small, and Bankrate's 2025 survey found the median side hustle pays $200 a month.</p> <p>AI skills can pay more per hour, with AI developers on Upwork charging a median of $90 an hour.</p> <p>A realistic first goal is a few hundred dollars a month, then growing from there.</p><h3>Which AI side hustles pay the fastest?</h3><p>Client work paid through Stripe can reach your bank the next business day, and DataAnnotation pays AI training work within a few days of your request.</p> <p>Etsy pays weekly by default, Upwork pays 10 days after each work week, and Fiverr releases earnings 14 days after an order is complete.</p> <p>Products and content pay slowest, since YouTube and Amazon KDP pay a month or two after you earn.</p><h3>Can students start an AI side hustle?</h3><p>Yes, many of these fit around classes, like clipping, thumbnails, printables and AI training.</p> <p>Check each platform's age rules first, since Upwork requires you to be 18, while Etsy lets 13 to 17 year olds sell through a parent's account.</p> <p>Students under 18 can take payments through Stripe with an adult on the account.</p><h3>Do I need to know how to code?</h3><p>Most AI side hustles in this guide need no code.</p> <p>Even building apps doesn't require it now, since vibe coding tools like Claude Code, Lovable and Bolt build software from plain English.</p> <p>You still need to test what you build, so learn the basics as you go.</p><h3>Which AI tools do I need?</h3><p>Start with one AI assistant, like Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini or Grok, which covers writing, research and ideas.</p> <p>Then add the tool for your side hustle, like Canva for design, CapCut for video or ElevenLabs for voice.</p> <p>My AI tools hub has a review of each one.</p><h3>Is AI training work like Outlier and DataAnnotation legit?</h3><p>Yes, Outlier and DataAnnotation are real platforms that pay people to write and check AI answers.</p> <p>Business Insider reported in November 2025 that one person had earned about $31,000 on Outlier.</p> <p>The work comes and goes by project, so sign up for more than one, and don't pay any fee to join.</p><h3>Do I have to tell clients I use AI?</h3><p>It depends on your contract and the platform, but being open about it builds trust.</p> <p>Some platforms set rules, like Amazon KDP, which asks you to disclose AI-generated text, images and translations when you publish.</p> <p>Agree with each client on how you'll use AI before you start.</p><h3>Will AI replace these side hustles?</h3><p>AI is changing them, and the plain versions face the most pressure: the average UGC video fell 44% in price in a year as AI ads came in.</p> <p>The side hustles that hold up pair AI with judgment, taste or a relationship, like consulting, teaching or work in a niche you know.</p> <p>The safest bet is to be the person who uses AI well, not the one competing with it.</p><h3>Are AI side hustles worth it in 2026?</h3><p>Yes, if you pick one that fits your skills and give it a few months.</p> <p>Demand for AI skills is still growing fast, with Fiverr searches for Claude Code specialists up 938% in six months.</p> <p>They're not worth it if you want money without work, since that's what most scams promise.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/best-ecommerce-platforms/https://navid.me/blog/best-ecommerce-platforms/Choosing the right ecommerce platform decides how you sell, what each sale costs, and where your buyers find you, now including AI chats. In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 18 best ecommerce platforms, along with my top 5 picks, so you can pick the one that fits your store.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>:::picks Go to site | Full review | Our top 5 picks Best overall | Shopify | #1-shopify | https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/shopify-icon.jpg | From $29 a month billed yearly, after 3 days free | A complete store that sells online, in person and in AI chats, with $1.1 trillion in sales on it. | 4.8 Best for creator merch | Fourthwall | #2-fourthwall | https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/fourthwall-icon.png | Free plan, or $15 a month | Merch printed and shipped for you, with nothing upfront, and an API for your own store. | 4.6 Best for B2B and scale | BigCommerce | #3-bigcommerce | https://navid.link/bigcommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/bigcommerce-icon.png | From $29 a month billed yearly, after 15 days free | Plans that grow with your sales, B2B tools and a 15-day trial with no card. | 4.5 Best for WordPress | WooCommerce | #4-woocommerce | https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/woocommerce-icon.png | Free, plus hosting and extensions | A free, open-source store on your own WordPress site, with no platform fee. | 4.6 Best for beginners | Wix | #5-wix | https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/wix-icon.jpg | From $29 a month billed yearly | An AI website builder with a store, bookings and a blog, and no code. | 4.5 :::</p> <p>How do you choose between the best ecommerce platforms to launch your online store and sell products online? In 2026, the answer has changed: your store has to sell on your site, on social, in person and now in AI chats like ChatGPT.</p> <p>I've sold online for over a decade: courses, virtual summits and memberships. Today I sell my merch through [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), on a store I built on its API, and my digital products through a store I built myself.</p> <p>I went back through every one this week, and wrote up what each does well, where it falls short, and what it really costs.</p> <p>In this guide, I'll show you:</p> <ul><li>All 18 ecommerce platforms I reviewed, each with who it's for, key features, pros, cons and pricing</li><li>The ecommerce stats that matter in 2026</li><li>How people sell online in 2026, from your own store to AI chats</li><li>The kinds of ecommerce platforms, and how to choose one</li><li>Where to sell digital products instead</li><li>The best free ecommerce platforms</li><li>What I use today</li></ul> <p>Every price here is from each platform's own pages, read on October 3, 2026.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - I reviewed 18 ecommerce platforms, each with who it's for, pros, cons and pricing. - [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is my pick overall: the most complete store, selling online, in person and in AI chats, from $29 a month billed yearly. - US online sales reached $340.2 billion in the second quarter of 2026, up 12.2% in a year, while all retail grew 6.7%, the US Census Bureau reported. - For WordPress, [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is free and open source, and for B2B and scale, [BigCommerce](https://navid.link/bigcommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) grows with your sales. - Selling in AI chats is new: ChatGPT's Instant Checkout lets people buy without leaving the chat, and Shopify, BigCommerce and [Adobe Commerce](https://navid.link/adobecommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) now build for it. - For merch, [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) prints and ships for you, and its Storefront API lets you build your own store on top, which is what I do. :::</p> <h3>The best ecommerce platforms</h3> <p>Here's every platform I reviewed, with what each is best for and what it costs to start. Each name opens its site in a new tab:</p> <p>:::table fancy Tool | Best for | Price | Free to try  [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | A complete store | $29 a month, billed yearly | 3 days free  [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | Creator merch | Free, or $15 a month | Free plan  [BigCommerce](https://navid.link/bigcommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | B2B and growing brands | $29 a month, billed yearly | 15-day free trial  [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | A store on WordPress | Free, plus hosting | Free  [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | Beginners | $29 a month, billed yearly | Free plan  [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | Creatives | $19 a month, billed yearly | 14-day free trial  [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | A store with a CRM | $97 a month | 14-day free trial  [Square Online](https://navid.link/squareonline?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | Selling in person too | Free, or $49 a month | Free plan  [Ecwid](https://navid.link/ecwid?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | Adding a store to any site | $29 a month, billed yearly | Free plan  [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | Designers | $29 a month, billed yearly | Free to start  [Hostinger AI Website Builder](https://navid.link/hostingeraiwebsitebuilder?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | A small budget | $3.99 a month, 48 months | 30-day money-back  [Big Cartel](https://navid.link/bigcartel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | Artists and makers | $15 a month | Free plan  [Sellfy](https://navid.link/sellfy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | Creators | $22 a month, billed yearly | 14-day free trial  [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | A light WordPress store | $199 a year | Free plan  [Medusa](https://navid.link/medusa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | Developers | Free, or $29 a month | Free to host  [Shift4Shop](https://navid.link/shift4shop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | A flat monthly price | $41 a month | No free trial  [Volusion](https://navid.link/volusion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | Small catalogs | $35 a month | 14-day free trial  [Adobe Commerce](https://navid.link/adobecommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) | Enterprise | By quote | Demo :::</p> <h4>1. [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best ecommerce platform overall**</p> <p></p> <p>[Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is the most complete store you can rent: an online store with its own checkout, themes, inventory, shipping and a point of sale for selling in person. Merchants have made $1.1 trillion in sales on it, and someone makes their first sale on Shopify every 26 seconds, it says.</p> <p>It's also built for how people shop in 2026. Every plan sells online, in person and in AI chats, and Sidekick, its AI assistant, helps you run the store.</p> <p>Shopify takes no cut when you use Shopify Payments, whose card rates start at 2.9% + $0.30 on Basic and fall on higher plans. With another payment provider, it adds a transaction fee.</p> <h5>Who is Shopify for?</h5> <p>Shopify is for anyone whose business is mainly a store, from a first product to a brand selling in stores, online and on social.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - An online store with its own checkout - Selling in AI chats, online and in person from one admin - Sidekick, an AI assistant for the store - Themes, plus apps from the Shopify App Store - Orders, inventory and shipping, with up to 87% off shipping from Grow - Point of sale for selling in person, with POS Pro at $89 a month per location - B2B catalogs and a fully customizable checkout, on Plus :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The most complete store of any platform here - No transaction fee with Shopify Payments - 3 days free, then $1 a month for 3 months - No setup fees on any plan :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $39 a month, or $29 billed yearly - Many features come through paid apps - A transaction fee with another payment provider :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Shopify has four plans, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026, billed yearly:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $29 a month, or $39 billed monthly, with card rates from 2.9% + $0.30. - **Grow** – $79 a month, with card rates from 2.7% + $0.30 and five staff accounts. - **Advanced** – $299 a month, with card rates from 2.5% + $0.30 and 15 staff accounts. - **Plus** – from $2,300 a month, with card rates from 2.25% + $0.30 and unlimited B2B catalogs. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best overall name: Shopify logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/shopify-icon.jpg rating: 4.8 price: From $29 a month billed yearly, after 3 days free text: A complete store that sells online, in person and in AI chats, with $1.1 trillion in sales on it. button: Start on Shopify for $1 a month | https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms :::</p> <h4>2. [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best ecommerce platform for creator merch**</p> <p></p> <p>[Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is a store for creators: merch it prints and ships for you, digital products and memberships, from a branded shop with no upfront costs. I use it for my merch.</p> <p>You pick products from its catalog, each with a flat cost listed up front, and set your own price. Fourthwall takes the cost out of each sale and you keep the rest, with no extra percentage. Products you make yourself carry no fee.</p> <p>Its Storefront API goes a step further. You can build your own store on your own site and design, and Fourthwall still handles the products, the checkout, payment, printing and shipping. That's what I do on navid.store.</p> <h5>Who is Fourthwall for?</h5> <p>Fourthwall is for creators who want to sell merch, with nothing to buy upfront and nothing to ship themselves.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Print-on-demand merch from a catalog, printed and shipped for you - Your own products next to theirs, which it can ship for you too - Digital products and memberships - Your products on YouTube's merch shelf, Instagram Shopping and TikTok Shopping - A Storefront API, to build your own store on your own site - Your own domain, and a free .store domain on Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan, with no upfront costs - No percentage on catalog merch, only its flat cost - A custom store of your own through the API :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The API needs a developer, or an AI coding tool like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) - 5% of digital product sales on the free plan - Memberships keep 5% on both plans :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Fourthwall has a free plan and Pro, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with 5% on digital products and 5 GB of storage. - **Pro** – $15 a month, or $48 less a year billed yearly, with 0% on digital products, 100 GB and $10 of shop credit a month. - **Card processing** – 2.9% + $0.30 on US cards, on both plans. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for creator merch name: Fourthwall logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/fourthwall-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: Free plan, or $15 a month text: Merch printed and shipped for you, with nothing upfront, and an API for your own store. button: Start on Fourthwall for free | https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms :::</p> <h4>3. [BigCommerce](https://navid.link/bigcommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best ecommerce software for B2B and growing brands**</p> <p></p> <p>[BigCommerce](https://navid.link/bigcommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is a hosted store built to grow into: its plans go by your yearly sales, and its higher tiers add B2B ordering for selling to other businesses.</p> <p>Its home page now leads with getting your brand ready for agentic commerce, the shopping that AI agents do for people.</p> <p>The catch is the payment fee. On Core and Growth, orders through what BigCommerce calls Open Payment Providers carry a fee of 2% and 1% of the order. Orders through its embedded payment providers carry none.</p> <h5>Who is BigCommerce for?</h5> <p>BigCommerce is for growing brands and B2B sellers with large catalogs, who want a store that scales without moving platforms.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A hosted store with plans by yearly sales - B2B ordering for selling to other businesses - Tools for agentic commerce, where AI agents shop for people - Embedded payment providers with no extra fee - Enterprise plans for $1 million and more in yearly sales :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 15-day free trial, with no credit card needed - 25% off billed yearly - Room to grow from a first store to enterprise :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Each plan caps your yearly sales, and moves you up when you pass it - A fee on orders through Open Payment Providers, on Core and Growth - More to learn than [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) or [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>BigCommerce has four plans, with a 15-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Core** – $39 a month, or $29 billed yearly, for up to $30,000 in yearly sales. - **Growth** – $105 a month, or $79 billed yearly, for up to $100,000. - **Scale** – $299 a month billed yearly, for about $1 million a year, with 0.9% on sales above its cap. - **Enterprise** – from $1,499 a month billed yearly, for $1 million and more. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for B2B and scale name: BigCommerce logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/bigcommerce-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $29 a month billed yearly, after 15 days free text: Plans that grow with your sales, B2B tools and a 15-day trial with no card. button: Try BigCommerce free for 15 days | https://navid.link/bigcommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms :::</p> <h4>4. [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best ecommerce platform for WordPress**</p> <p></p> <p>[WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is the free, open-source store for WordPress: you install it on your own site and own your store, your checkout and your data.</p> <p>It charges no platform fee and no cut of your sales. What you pay for is everything around it: hosting, usually $25 to $350 a month for most stores, and paid extensions at $29 to $299 a year each, it says.</p> <p>WooPayments, its own payments, charges about 2.9% + $0.30 a sale on US cards, and you can use [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), PayPal or almost any other provider instead.</p> <h5>Who is WooCommerce for?</h5> <p>WooCommerce is for anyone who runs WordPress, or wants to, and would rather own their store than rent it.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A free store plugin for WordPress - Unlimited products, orders and APIs - Physical products, downloads, subscriptions and memberships - Any payment provider, including WooPayments, Stripe and PayPal - Selling in unlimited markets, with no fee for each one - Extensions for almost anything :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free, and open source - No platform fee and no cut of your sales - Your store and your data on your own site :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Hosting, updates and security are yours to run - Paid extensions add up - More setup than a hosted store :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>WooCommerce is free, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026. These are the costs around it:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **WooCommerce** – free, with no platform fee. - **Hosting** – $25 to $350 a month for most stores, it says. - **Extensions** – $29 to $299 a year each. - **WooPayments** – about 2.9% + $0.30 a sale on US cards. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for WordPress name: WooCommerce logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/woocommerce-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: Free, plus hosting and extensions text: A free, open-source store on your own WordPress site, with no platform fee. button: Get WooCommerce for free | https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms :::</p> <h4>5. [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best ecommerce website builder for beginners**</p> <p></p> <p>[Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is a website builder with a store built in. You can start from a single prompt and let its AI build the site, then change any detail in its drag-and-drop editor, or start from one of thousands of templates.</p> <p>A store starts on Core: you accept payments and sell from your own site, and the higher plans add a standard and then an advanced store, with selling on marketplaces.</p> <p>Square now syncs a Wix store with a Square catalog too, so inventory, orders and discounts stay the same online and in person.</p> <h5>Who is Wix for?</h5> <p>Wix is for beginners and small businesses who want a good-looking store fast, with bookings or a blog next to it, and no code.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - An AI website builder that starts from a single prompt - A drag-and-drop editor and thousands of templates - A store: basic on Core, standard on Business, advanced on Business Elite - Selling on marketplaces - Bookings, events and a blog - Your own domain, free for the first year :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The easiest start of any platform here - A store, bookings and a blog without plugins - A 14-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - A store starts on Core, at $29 a month billed yearly - The free and Light plans can't take payments - Moving your store off Wix later is hard :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Wix has a free plan and four paid ones, billed yearly, each with a 14-day money-back guarantee, from its plans page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Light** – $17 a month, with your own domain, but no payments. - **Core** – $29 a month, adding payments and a basic store. - **Business** – $39 a month, with a standard store. - **Business Elite** – $159 a month, with an advanced store and unlimited storage. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for beginners name: Wix logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/wix-icon.jpg rating: 4.5 price: From $29 a month billed yearly text: An AI website builder with a store, bookings and a blog, and no code. button: Start on Wix for free | https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms :::</p> <h4>6. [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best online store builder for creatives**</p> <p></p> <p>[Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is the website builder known for its templates: stores for creatives, makers and small brands that look polished from the start.</p> <p>What its first plan keeps from your sales is the catch. Basic takes 2% of store sales and 7% of digital content and memberships. From Core, the store fee is 0%.</p> <p>It also calculates sales tax for over 100 countries, for 0.15% of an order, at most $0.99.</p> <h5>Who is Squarespace for?</h5> <p>Squarespace is for creatives, photographers and small brands who care most about how their store looks.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Templates that look designed, for every kind of store - Card rates from 2.9% + $0.30 with Squarespace Payments, and 2.7% + $0.30 on Plus - Shipping labels and real-time carrier rates - Automatic sales tax for over 100 countries - Digital content, courses and memberships :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Templates that look good with little work - A 14-day free trial - 0% store fees from Core - Up to 36% off billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Basic keeps 2% of store sales and 7% of memberships - Fewer store features than [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) or [BigCommerce](https://navid.link/bigcommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) - No free plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Squarespace has four plans, with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $25 a month, or $19 billed yearly, with a 2% store fee. - **Core** – $39 a month, or $29 billed yearly, with no store fee. - **Plus** – $65 a month, or $49 billed yearly, with card rates from 2.7% + $0.30. - **Advanced** – $139 a month, or $99 billed yearly. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for creatives name: Squarespace logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/squarespace-icon.jpg rating: 4.5 price: From $19 a month billed yearly, after 14 days free text: Templates that look designed, with a store and 0% store fees from Core. button: Try Squarespace free for 14 days | https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>7. [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best ecommerce software with a built-in CRM**</p> <p></p> <p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is an all-in-one platform for marketing and selling, and its store builder sells unlimited products from a template you customize, with no code.</p> <p>Each sale comes with the follow-up behind it: the contact in its CRM, abandoned cart reminders, the emails and texts, and the next offer. Buyers can pay with Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay at checkout.</p> <p>It takes no cut of your sales, with payments through [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), PayPal, NMI and others. Every plan has unlimited contacts and users, and phone, SMS, email and AI are charged as you use them.</p> <h5>Who is HighLevel for?</h5> <p>HighLevel is for businesses and agencies that want their store, CRM, email, SMS and bookings in one account.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A store builder with unlimited products - Inventory management - Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay at checkout - Abandoned cart reminders and workflow automation - A CRM, email and SMS behind every sale - One-click upsell funnels :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No cut of your sales - The store and the follow-up in one place - A 14-day free trial, month to month :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $97 a month, more than a store on its own - Phone, SMS, email and AI are charged by use - Its plans are built around sub-accounts, the way an agency works :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>HighLevel has three plans, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing and store pages as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $97 a month, or $970 a year, with three sub-accounts. - **Unlimited** – $297 a month, or $2,970 a year, with unlimited sub-accounts. - **Agency Pro** – $497 a month, or $4,970 a year, with SaaS mode. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best with a CRM name: HighLevel logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: From $97 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: A store with unlimited products and the CRM, email and SMS behind every sale. button: Try HighLevel free for 14 days | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>8. [Square Online](https://navid.link/squareonline?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best ecommerce platform for in-person sellers**</p> <p></p> <p>[Square Online](https://navid.link/squareonline?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is the free online store that comes with every Square account, built for businesses that also sell in person. Square also owns Weebly, which still runs as a separate website builder.</p> <p>Your store shares one catalog with your Square point of sale, so items, inventory and orders stay in sync, and it handles pickup, local delivery and shipping.</p> <p>The free plan has no monthly fee, but its online card rate is 3.3% + $0.30. Square Plus, at $49 a month per location, brings it down to 2.9% + $0.30.</p> <h5>Who is Square Online for?</h5> <p>Square Online is for shops, cafes and restaurants that sell in person and want an online store on the same system.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A free online store on every Square plan - One catalog with your Square point of sale - Pickup, local delivery and shipping labels - Abandoned cart emails and product reviews - Four interest-free installments for buyers, paid to you upfront - A sync for [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) stores with your Square catalog :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan, with no monthly fee - Online and in person on one system - A 30-day free trial of Square Plus :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - 3.3% + $0.30 on online sales on the free plan - Fewer store designs than [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) or [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) - Built around in-person selling first :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Square has three plans, from its online store plans page and its pricing announcement as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with an online card rate of 3.3% + $0.30. - **Plus** – $49 a month per location, with 2.9% + $0.30 online, after a 30-day free trial. - **Premium** – $149 a month per location, with every Square tool and its lowest processing rate. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for in-person sellers name: Square Online logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/square-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: Free plan, or $49 a month per location text: A free online store on one catalog with your Square point of sale. button: Start a free Square online store | https://navid.link/squareonline?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms :::</p> <h4>9. [Ecwid](https://navid.link/ecwid?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best ecommerce solution to add a store to any site**</p> <p></p> <p>[Ecwid](https://navid.link/ecwid?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), by Lightspeed, is a store you can add to any website you already have, or to several at once, managing every product and order from one account.</p> <p>It also builds a store site for you from scratch, and syncs your catalog to Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, eBay and Walmart.</p> <p>Ecwid charges no transaction fees on any plan. Its free Starter plan sells up to ten products, and digital products start on Venture.</p> <h5>Who is Ecwid for?</h5> <p>Ecwid is for anyone who already has a website, on any builder, and wants to add a store to it rather than move.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A store you add to any website, or to several at once - A code-free site builder for a store of its own - Shops on Facebook and Instagram, with product tags in your posts - Syncing your catalog with Amazon, eBay and Walmart - Digital products, from Venture - A link-in-bio microsite :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan for up to ten products - No transaction fees on any plan - Works with the site you already have :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Lightspeed Payments and other providers charge their own card fees - Digital products start on Venture, at $35 a month - Product limits on every plan but Unlimited :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Ecwid has a free plan and three paid ones, from its pricing page and its March 2, 2026 price change article as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – free, for up to ten products. - **Venture** – $35 a month, or $29 billed yearly, for up to 100 products and digital goods. - **Business** – $65 a month, or $49 billed yearly, for up to 2,500 products. - **Unlimited** – $149 a month, or $119 billed yearly, for unlimited products. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best to add to any site name: Ecwid logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/ecwid-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: Free plan, or from $29 a month billed yearly text: A store you add to the website you have, with no transaction fees. button: Start on Ecwid for free | https://navid.link/ecwid?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms :::</p> <h4>10. [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best ecommerce website builder for designers**</p> <p></p> <p>[Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is the website builder for designers, and its ecommerce plans give you a custom shopping cart and checkout you design down to the last detail, with a CMS and hosting behind it.</p> <p>Each plan caps your products, which Webflow calls ecommerce items: 500 on Standard, 5,000 on Plus and 15,000 on Advanced. Standard also keeps 2% of each sale.</p> <h5>Who is Webflow for?</h5> <p>Webflow is for designers and design-led brands who want a store that looks exactly like their design.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A custom shopping cart and checkout you design - A visual editor with full control of every element - A CMS and hosting - Unbranded emails to buyers, from Plus :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - More design control than any other builder here - No transaction fee from Plus - Your products in the same CMS as your content :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Standard keeps 2% of each sale - A cap of 500 products on Standard - More to learn than [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) or [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Webflow has three ecommerce plans, billed yearly, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Standard** – $29 a month, with 500 ecommerce items and a 2% transaction fee. - **Plus** – $74 a month, with 5,000 items and no transaction fee. - **Advanced** – $212 a month, with 15,000 items and no transaction fee. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for designers name: Webflow logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/webflow-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: From $29 a month billed yearly text: A custom cart and checkout you design, with a CMS and hosting. button: Start on Webflow for free | https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>11. [Hostinger AI Website Builder](https://navid.link/hostingeraiwebsitebuilder?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best ecommerce platform on a budget**</p> <p></p> <p>[Hostinger AI Website Builder](https://navid.link/hostingeraiwebsitebuilder?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), the builder that used to be called Zyro, builds a store from a short description, which you fine-tune in a drag-and-drop editor. Its AI assistant can build and manage the store for you too.</p> <p>It sells physical and digital products, print-on-demand and services, with 0% transaction fees. The low prices are for long plans: from $3.99 a month on a 48-month plan, renewing at $16.99 a month.</p> <h5>Who is Hostinger AI Website Builder for?</h5> <p>Hostinger AI Website Builder is for beginners who want a store on a small budget and are happy to pay for years upfront.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - An AI builder that starts from a short description - An AI assistant that builds or manages your store - Physical and digital products, print-on-demand and services - Hosting and a free domain for the first year - 400+ templates :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The lowest price of any store here - 0% transaction fees - Hosting and a domain included :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The low price needs a 48-month plan - It renews at more than four times the first price - A store starts on Unlimited, not the cheapest plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Hostinger's builder plans are priced for 48 months, from its website builder page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Premium** – $2.99 a month, renewing at $10.99, for up to three websites, without a store. - **Unlimited** – $3.99 a month, renewing at $16.99, with ecommerce and unlimited websites. - **Cloud Startup** – $7.99 a month, renewing at $25.99, with ecommerce and more speed. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best on a budget name: Hostinger AI Website Builder logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/hostinger-icon.jpg rating: 4.2 price: From $3.99 a month on a 48-month plan text: An AI-built store with hosting and a domain, and 0% transaction fees. button: See Hostinger's website builder | https://navid.link/hostingeraiwebsitebuilder?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>12. [Big Cartel](https://navid.link/bigcartel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best online store platform for artists**</p> <p></p> <p>[Big Cartel](https://navid.link/bigcartel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is the simple store for artists and makers: a shop for physical and digital products, with print-on-demand apps, shipping labels and sales tax handled.</p> <p>It's cheap and plain on purpose. Platinum is $15 a month, and Diamond, at $30, adds abandoned cart recovery, scheduled product drops and password-protected products.</p> <h5>Who is Big Cartel for?</h5> <p>Big Cartel is for artists, makers and small shops who want a simple store at a low, flat price.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Physical and digital products - Print-on-demand and other apps - Shipping labels, with up to 90% off shipping - Sales tax on autopilot - Importing products from [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) and [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) - Selling in person from the mobile app :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 7-day free trial, and a free limited plan - A low, flat price - Simple to set up :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Abandoned carts and product drops start on Diamond - Fewer features than Shopify or [BigCommerce](https://navid.link/bigcommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) - Built for small shops more than growing brands :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Big Cartel has a free plan and two paid ones, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Gold** – free, with fewer features. - **Platinum** – $15 a month, after a 7-day free trial. - **Diamond** – $30 a month, adding abandoned carts, product drops and Zapier. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for artists name: Big Cartel logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/big-cartel-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free plan, or from $15 a month text: A simple store for artists and makers at a low, flat price. button: Start on Big Cartel | https://navid.link/bigcartel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms :::</p> <h4>13. [Sellfy](https://navid.link/sellfy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best simple ecommerce platform for creators**</p> <p></p> <p>[Sellfy](https://navid.link/sellfy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is a store builder for creators: digital downloads, subscriptions, print-on-demand merch and physical products, from one store. It says over 75,000 creators earn with it.</p> <p>It charges no transaction fees. What you pay for is a plan, sized by how much you sell in a year.</p> <h5>Who is Sellfy for?</h5> <p>Sellfy is for creators who want a simple store for downloads and merch, at a flat monthly price.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Digital downloads - Subscriptions - Print-on-demand merch - Physical products - Unlimited products on every plan :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No transaction fees - A 14-day free trial, with no card needed - 25% off billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Each plan caps your yearly sales: $10,000 on Starter - Starts at $22 a month billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Sellfy has three plans, with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $29 a month, or $22 billed yearly, for up to $10,000 in sales a year. - **Business** – $79 a month, or $59 billed yearly, for up to $50,000. - **Premium** – $159 a month, or $119 billed yearly, for up to $200,000. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best simple creator store name: Sellfy logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/sellfy-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: From $22 a month billed yearly, after a 14-day free trial text: Downloads, subscriptions and print-on-demand merch, with no transaction fees. button: Try Sellfy free for 14 days | https://navid.link/sellfy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms :::</p> <h4>14. [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best lightweight ecommerce software for WordPress**</p> <p></p> <p>[SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is a checkout and ecommerce plugin for WordPress, used by over 80,000 merchants, it says.</p> <p>It sells files, ebooks, courses and templates with secure, instant delivery, plus license keys for software.</p> <p>Every plan, the free one included, has order bumps, one-click upsells, subscriptions and sales tax, on your own site, without [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms).</p> <p>The free Launch plan charges a 2.9% transaction fee. Pro, from $199 a year for one store, charges none.</p> <h5>Who is SureCart for?</h5> <p>SureCart is for WordPress site owners who want a lighter store than WooCommerce, with order bumps and upsells built in.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A checkout native to WordPress - Digital downloads with secure, instant delivery, and license keys - Order bumps and one-click upsells, on every plan - Subscriptions, free and paid trials, setup fees and a subscription saver - Automatic sales tax for 40+ countries and every US state, and EU VAT - Coupons, an affiliate program and a customer portal - An agency suite to run many stores from one place :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Order bumps and upsells, even on the free plan - No transaction fee on Pro - A lifetime option - A 14-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan charges a 2.9% transaction fee - Card fees on top on every plan - WordPress and hosting are yours to run :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>SureCart has a free plan and Pro by the number of stores, yearly or once, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – free, with a 2.9% transaction fee. - **Pro, one store** – $199 a year, or $699 once. - **Pro, five stores** – $299 a year ($249 the first year when I checked), or $1,199 once. - **Pro, unlimited stores** – $499 a year ($399 the first year when I checked), or $1,999 once. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best light WordPress store name: SureCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/surecart-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: Free plan, or from $199 a year text: A WordPress store with order bumps, one-click upsells and subscriptions on every plan. button: Start on SureCart for free | https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms :::</p> <h4>15. [Medusa](https://navid.link/medusa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best open-source ecommerce platform**</p> <p></p> <p>[Medusa](https://navid.link/medusa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is an open-source commerce platform for developers: the store's backend, which you put your own storefront in front of, built with AI agents in mind. Its code has over 36,500 stars on GitHub.</p> <p>You can host it yourself for free, or let Medusa Cloud host it, from $29 a month. Either way, it takes no cut of your sales.</p> <h5>Who is Medusa for?</h5> <p>Medusa is for developers and teams building a custom store, who want a backend they own and can change.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - An open-source commerce backend - Any storefront you build in front of it - Medusa MCP and a Cloud CLI, for working with AI agents - Deploys from GitHub on Medusa Cloud - Search and emails built into Medusa Cloud :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free to host yourself - 0% platform fee on your sales - Your own backend, with no lock-in :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Needs a developer, or an AI coding tool - You build the storefront yourself - Medusa Cloud adds usage fees above each plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Medusa is free to host yourself, and Medusa Cloud has three plans and Enterprise, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Develop** – from $29 a month. - **Launch** – from $99 a month, with autoscaling and backups. - **Scale** – from $299 a month, with background workers and priority support. - **Enterprise** – custom, with an SLA and SSO. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best open-source backend name: Medusa logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/medusa-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: Free to host, or from $29 a month text: An open-source commerce backend for a store you build yourself. button: Start on Medusa for free | https://navid.link/medusa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms :::</p> <h4>16. [Shift4Shop](https://navid.link/shift4shop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best ecommerce software at a flat price**</p> <p></p> <p>[Shift4Shop](https://navid.link/shift4shop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), formerly 3dcart, is a hosted store with hundreds of features built in, from SEO and email marketing to inventory and fraud protection, for one flat price.</p> <p>Its plan costs $41 a month, with PayPal's card processing built in and no setup or transaction fees. It says its merchants process over $200 billion a year.</p> <h5>Who is Shift4Shop for?</h5> <p>Shift4Shop is for sellers who want a full-featured store at a flat monthly price, without paying for apps.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Hundreds of features built in, with no apps to buy - 100+ free themes, with HTML and CSS editing - Card payments through PayPal - Fraud protection by Kount - A free domain and SSL certificate :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - One flat price, with no setup or transaction fees - A free domain, renewed every year - Many features without paid apps :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Payments run through PayPal's processing - Its themes look dated next to [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)'s or [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)'s - A smaller app ecosystem :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Shift4Shop has one plan, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **End-to-End** – $41 a month, with no setup or transaction fees, plus your payment processor's fees. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best flat price name: Shift4Shop logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/shift4shop-mark-icon.png rating: 4.0 price: $41 a month text: A hosted store with hundreds of features built in and no transaction fees. button: See Shift4Shop | https://navid.link/shift4shop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms :::</p> <h4>17. [Volusion](https://navid.link/volusion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best ecommerce platform for small catalogs**</p> <p></p> <p>[Volusion](https://navid.link/volusion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is one of the oldest hosted stores, now sold on a low total cost of ownership: plans by your number of products, from 100 to unlimited.</p> <p>It has a 14-day free trial, with no credit card needed, and ecommerce support from its own team.</p> <h5>Who is Volusion for?</h5> <p>Volusion is for small stores with a set catalog that want a simple hosted store and support.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A hosted store with themes you can customize - Plans by number of products - Ecommerce support - A Prime plan priced by your yearly sales :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial, with no credit card - Simple plans - Ecommerce support from its own team :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - A cap of 100 products on Personal - A smaller app ecosystem than [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) or [BigCommerce](https://navid.link/bigcommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) - Each plan also caps your yearly sales :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Volusion has four plans, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Personal** – $35 a month, for up to 100 products. - **Professional** – $79 a month, for up to 5,000 products. - **Business** – $299 a month, for unlimited products. - **Prime** – priced by your yearly sales. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for small catalogs name: Volusion logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/volusion-icon.png rating: 4.0 price: From $35 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: A simple hosted store with plans by number of products. button: Try Volusion free for 14 days | https://navid.link/volusion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms :::</p> <h4>18. [Adobe Commerce](https://navid.link/adobecommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best enterprise ecommerce platform**</p> <p></p> <p>[Adobe Commerce](https://navid.link/adobecommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), formerly Magento, is an enterprise store for B2B and B2C: multiple brands, countries and catalogs from one platform, on cloud infrastructure that it says handles over 200,000 orders an hour.</p> <p>It now promises storefronts built for agentic commerce, with AI-powered product discovery for people and AI agents alike. Pricing is by quote, after a demo.</p> <h5>Who is Adobe Commerce for?</h5> <p>Adobe Commerce is for large retailers and B2B companies with a development team and an enterprise budget.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - B2B and B2C on one platform - Multiple sites, brands, markets and languages - AI-powered product discovery and single-click checkout - Auto-scaling cloud hosting for flash sales - PCI-certified security :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Built for the biggest catalogs and B2B - Deep customization - Built for flash sales at scale :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Pricing only by quote - Needs developers to run it - Far more than a small store needs :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Adobe Commerce is priced by quote, from its product page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Adobe Commerce** – by quote, after a demo with Adobe's sales team. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for enterprise name: Adobe Commerce logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/adobe-commerce-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: By quote text: B2B and B2C commerce for large catalogs, brands and markets. button: See Adobe Commerce | https://navid.link/adobecommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms :::</p> <h3>Ecommerce stats for 2026</h3> <p>Here are the numbers that show where online selling stands this year:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **$340.2 billion** – US online retail sales in the second quarter of 2026, adjusted for the season, from the US Census Bureau's report of August 18, 2026. - **12.2%** – how much those online sales grew from a year earlier, against 6.7% for all retail. - **17.1%** – online sales' share of all US retail sales that quarter. - **$1.1 trillion** – what merchants have made in sales on [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), it says. - **Every 26 seconds** – how often someone makes their first sale on Shopify, it says. - **700 million** – people using ChatGPT each week when OpenAI launched Instant Checkout on September 29, 2025. :::</p> <p>Online sales keep growing almost twice as fast as retail overall, and the next channel, buying inside AI chats, has already started.</p> <h3>How to sell online in 2026</h3> <p>These are the ways people sell online today, and most stores use more than one:</p> <p>1. **Your own hosted store** – a store on a platform that hosts it for you, like [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) or [BigCommerce](https://navid.link/bigcommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms). 2. **A store on WordPress** – a store you own on your own site, with [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) or [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms). 3. **A custom store on an API** – your own design and site, with a platform behind it for products and checkout. [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)'s Storefront API does this for merch, and [Medusa](https://navid.link/medusa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is an open-source backend for any store. 4. **Print on demand** – merch that's printed and shipped only when someone buys it, through Fourthwall or [Big Cartel](https://navid.link/bigcartel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)'s apps. 5. **Social and marketplaces** – your products on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Amazon, eBay and Walmart. Fourthwall puts them on YouTube's merch shelf and TikTok Shopping, and [Ecwid](https://navid.link/ecwid?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) syncs your catalog to Amazon, eBay and Walmart. 6. **In person** – one catalog for your shop and your store, with Square or Shopify's point of sale. 7. **AI chats** – people buying inside ChatGPT, through OpenAI's Instant Checkout and the Agentic Commerce Protocol it built with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms). Shopify sells in AI chats on every plan, and BigCommerce and [Adobe Commerce](https://navid.link/adobecommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) now build stores for AI agents that shop for people.</p> <h3>Types of ecommerce platforms</h3> <p>They come in six kinds:</p> <p>:::cards tinted Store | Hosted stores | A store the platform hosts and updates for you, like [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), [BigCommerce](https://navid.link/bigcommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) and [Square Online](https://navid.link/squareonline?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms). Code | Open-source stores | A store you own and host, like [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) and [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) on WordPress, or [Medusa](https://navid.link/medusa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)'s backend. Layers | Custom stores on an API | Your own design and site, with the platform behind it, like [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)'s Storefront API and Medusa. Shirt | Creator stores | Merch and products for creators, like Fourthwall, [Big Cartel](https://navid.link/bigcartel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) and [Sellfy](https://navid.link/sellfy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms). Plug | Stores you add to a site | A store added to the website you already have, like [Ecwid](https://navid.link/ecwid?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms). Building2 | Enterprise | Large catalogs, brands and B2B, like [Adobe Commerce](https://navid.link/adobecommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), BigCommerce Enterprise and Shopify Plus. :::</p> <h3>How to choose an ecommerce platform</h3> <p>Five things decide most of it:</p> <p>1. **What you sell** – merch, physical products, digital products or services. [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) prints merch for you, and [Ecwid](https://navid.link/ecwid?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) and [Big Cartel](https://navid.link/bigcartel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) sell downloads too. 2. **What it takes from each sale** – [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)'s Basic plan keeps 2%, [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)'s Standard plan keeps 2%, and [BigCommerce](https://navid.link/bigcommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) charges a fee on orders through some payment providers. [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) takes no cut with Shopify Payments, and [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), Ecwid and [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) take none at all. 3. **How you want to build** – a builder like [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) or Squarespace, a theme on Shopify, or your own design on an API. 4. **Where you sell** – online only, in person too with Square or Shopify, or on social, marketplaces and AI chats. 5. **How big you'll grow** – BigCommerce, Shopify Plus and [Adobe Commerce](https://navid.link/adobecommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) are built for large catalogs and B2B.</p> <h3>Selling digital products?</h3> <p>Ecommerce isn't only physical products and merch. Most stores here sell digital products too: [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) through its free Digital Products app, [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) through digital content and memberships, [Ecwid](https://navid.link/ecwid?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) from its Venture plan, and [Big Cartel](https://navid.link/bigcartel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), [Sellfy](https://navid.link/sellfy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) and [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) on their own.</p> <p>If you mostly sell courses, ebooks, templates or memberships, you may not need a store at all. A checkout like [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) takes 0% of your sales, and [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) has no monthly fee, at 2.7% + $0.30 a sale. I compare them in my guides to the [best shopping cart software](/articles/best-shopping-cart-software) and the [best place to sell digital products](/articles/best-place-to-sell-digital-products).</p> <h3>The best free ecommerce platforms</h3> <p>Here's where you can start a store without a monthly bill:</p> <ul><li>**[WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)** – free and open source, on WordPress hosting you pay for.</li><li>**[Square Online](https://navid.link/squareonline?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)** – a free plan, with 3.3% + $0.30 on online sales.</li><li>**[Ecwid](https://navid.link/ecwid?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)** – a free Starter plan for up to ten products.</li><li>**[Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)** – a free plan, with no upfront costs for merch.</li><li>**[Big Cartel](https://navid.link/bigcartel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)** – a free Gold plan, with fewer features.</li><li>**[SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)** – a free plan for WordPress, with a 2.9% transaction fee.</li><li>**[Medusa](https://navid.link/medusa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)** – free to host yourself, if you can build the storefront.</li></ul> <p>[Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) has a free plan too, but it can't take payments until Core.</p> <h3>What I use</h3> <p>I sell my merch on [navid.store](https://navid.store), a store I built on [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms). Fourthwall's Storefront API gives my own Next.js site the products, the collections and the cart, and its checkout takes the payment and handles printing, shipping and returns. So my store looks like my brand, not one of Fourthwall's templates, and it runs on [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms).</p> <p>It's a bit more on the advanced side than a hosted store, but AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) can figure it out quickly.</p> <p>My digital products sell through Creator Store, a store I built myself with Next.js, [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) and [Supabase](https://navid.link/supabase?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), with no plan and no cut of my sales. Before that, [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) was my go-to cart for years, and I processed millions of dollars through it.</p> <p>If you'd rather not build anything, [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is where I'd start a store today, and Fourthwall for merch.</p> <p>Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you sign up through one, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.</p> <p>:::faq :::</p> <h3>Final thoughts on the best ecommerce platforms</h3> <p>There are a lot of ecommerce platforms, so it comes down to what you sell, how you want to build, and where your buyers are.</p> <p>Here are my final recommendations:</p> <p>:::cards list https://cdn.navid.me/tools/shopify-icon.jpg | Shopify | The best overall: the most complete store, selling online, in person and in AI chats. | https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms | Best overall | Start on Shopify https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/fourthwall-icon.png | Fourthwall | The best for creator merch, and what I use, with my own store on its API. | https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms | Best for creator merch | Start on Fourthwall https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/bigcommerce-icon.png | BigCommerce | The best for B2B and scale, with plans that grow with your sales. | https://navid.link/bigcommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms | Best for B2B and scale | Try BigCommerce free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/woocommerce-icon.png | WooCommerce | The best for WordPress: a free, open-source store you own. | https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms | Best for WordPress | Get WooCommerce https://cdn.navid.me/tools/wix-icon.jpg | Wix | The best for beginners, with an AI builder and a store from Core. | https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms | Best for beginners | Start on Wix https://cdn.navid.me/tools/squarespace-icon.jpg | Squarespace | The best for creatives, with templates that look designed. | https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms | Best for creatives | Try Squarespace free :::</p> <p>Now I'd like to turn it over to you. Which platform will you sell on? Or do you use a great one I didn't cover? [Send me a message](/contact) and tell me.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[The best shopping cart software](/articles/best-shopping-cart-software) – checkouts for your products, compared</li><li>[The best place to sell digital products](/articles/best-place-to-sell-digital-products) – 33 places for downloads, courses and memberships</li><li>[The best website builders](/articles/best-website-builders) – builders for the site around your store, compared</li></ul> <p>Start with the platform that fits what you sell today, and move up when your store outgrows it.</p><h2>FAQs about ecommerce platforms</h2><h3>What is the best ecommerce platform?</h3><p>[Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is my pick overall, with the most complete store and selling online, in person and in AI chats, from $29 a month billed yearly.</p> <p>For creator merch, I'd pick [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), which I use, and for WordPress, [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms).</p><h3>What is an ecommerce platform?</h3><p>An ecommerce platform is the software behind an online store: your products, the cart and checkout, payments, orders and shipping.</p> <p>Some host everything for you, like [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), and some you host yourself, like [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms).</p><h3>What is the best ecommerce platform for a small business?</h3><p>[Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is the best for most small businesses, [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is the easiest start, and [Square Online](https://navid.link/squareonline?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is the best if you also sell in person.</p> <p>For a small, simple shop at a flat price, [Big Cartel](https://navid.link/bigcartel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) starts at $15 a month.</p><h3>Are there free ecommerce platforms?</h3><p>Yes, [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is free on WordPress, and [Square Online](https://navid.link/squareonline?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), [Ecwid](https://navid.link/ecwid?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) and [Big Cartel](https://navid.link/bigcartel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) have free plans.</p> <p>Free plans usually limit your products or take a bigger share of each sale.</p><h3>How much does an ecommerce platform cost?</h3><p>Most hosted stores cost $15 to $80 a month to start, like [Big Cartel](https://navid.link/bigcartel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) at $15 and [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) at $29 billed yearly.</p> <p>Card processing adds about 2.9% + $0.30 a sale, and enterprise plans like [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) Plus start at $2,300 a month.</p><h3>Is Shopify easier than WordPress?</h3><p>Yes, [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) hosts and updates your store for you, while [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) on WordPress needs your own hosting, updates and security.</p> <p>WordPress gives you more control and no platform fee in return.</p><h3>What is headless ecommerce?</h3><p>Headless ecommerce means your store's front, the design and pages, is separate from the platform that runs products and checkout.</p> <p>I do this with [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms)'s Storefront API, and [Medusa](https://navid.link/medusa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) and [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) work this way too.</p><h3>Can I sell in ChatGPT?</h3><p>Yes, ChatGPT's Instant Checkout lets people buy without leaving the chat, through the Agentic Commerce Protocol that OpenAI built with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms).</p> <p>It started with [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) sellers in September 2025, and [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) now sells in AI chats on every plan.</p><h3>Can I sell on Instagram and TikTok without a website?</h3><p>Yes, [Ecwid](https://navid.link/ecwid?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) builds shops on Facebook and Instagram, and [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) puts your products on TikTok Shopping and YouTube's merch shelf.</p> <p>A store of your own still helps, so the buyers and their emails are yours.</p><h3>What is the best ecommerce platform for merch?</h3><p>[Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) is my pick for merch, since it prints and ships for you, with nothing to buy upfront.</p> <p>[Big Cartel](https://navid.link/bigcartel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) and [Sellfy](https://navid.link/sellfy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) work too, with print-on-demand apps.</p><h3>How big is ecommerce in 2026?</h3><p>US online retail sales were $340.2 billion in the second quarter of 2026, 17.1% of all retail sales.</p> <p>They grew 12.2% from a year earlier, almost twice as fast as all retail, the US Census Bureau reported.</p><h3>Should I build my own store or use a platform?</h3><p>Start on a platform, since [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms), [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) or [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-ecommerce-platforms) get you selling quickly.</p> <p>Build your own when you need your own design or no platform fee, as I did with navid.store and Creator Store.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/best-place-to-sell-digital-products/https://navid.me/blog/best-place-to-sell-digital-products/Choosing the best place to sell digital products decides how much of each sale you keep, who brings the buyers, and whether the customers are yours. In this guide, I ranked and reviewed 33 places to sell digital products, along with my top 5 picks, so you can pick the one that fits what you sell.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>:::picks Go to site | Full review | Our top 5 picks Best overall | Whop | #1-whop | https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/whop-icon.png | No monthly fee, 2.7% + $0.30 a sale | Sell products, memberships and courses with payments from 195 countries, and pay only when you sell. | 4.6 Best checkout | ThriveCart | #2-thrivecart | https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrivecart-icon.png | From $47 a month, after a 30-day free trial | Checkouts with order bumps, one-click upsells and subscriptions, and 0% of your sales. | 4.5 Best for courses | Kajabi | #3-kajabi | https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/kajabi-icon.png | From $179 a month, after 14 days free | Courses, coaching, a community, email and a checkout, with no cut of your sales. | 4.5 Best creator workspace | Eden | #4-eden | https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/eden-icon.png | From $29 a month, plus 5% a sale | Save ideas, write your content and sell courses, coaching and downloads, paid to your own Stripe. | 4.5 Best link-in-bio store | Stan | #5-stan | https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/stan-icon.png | From $29 a month, after a 14-day free trial | Your products, bookings and memberships behind the link in your bio, with zero transaction fees. | 4.5 :::</p> <p>This is my guide to the best place to sell digital products, from ebooks, templates and courses to memberships and coaching. Where you sell decides how much of each sale you keep, who brings the buyers, and whether the customers are yours.</p> <p>I've sold digital products for over a decade: courses, virtual summits and memberships. I processed millions of dollars through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), and today I sell through Creator Store, a store I built myself.</p> <p>I went back through every one this week, and wrote up what each does well, where it falls short, and what it really costs.</p> <p>In this guide, I'll show you:</p> <ul><li>All 33 places to sell digital products I reviewed, each with who it's for, key features, pros, cons and pricing</li><li>What digital products you can sell</li><li>How to choose where to sell, and the kinds of places there are</li><li>The best free places to sell digital products</li><li>Why sell digital products, and how to start</li><li>What I use today</li></ul> <p>Every price here is from each place's own pages, read in late September and early October 2026.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - I reviewed 33 places to sell digital products, each with who it's for, pros, cons and pricing. - [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is my pick overall: no monthly fee, 2.7% + $0.30 a sale, and payments from 195 countries. - For a checkout that sells more per order, [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) takes 0% of your sales, and for courses and coaching, [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products). - To pay nothing until you sell, Whop, [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)'s free plan, [Ko-fi](https://navid.link/kofi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and [Patreon](https://navid.link/patreon?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) take a share of each sale instead. - Marketplaces like [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Creative Market](https://navid.link/creativemarket?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and [Udemy](https://navid.link/udemy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) bring their own buyers, but keep more of each sale and own the customer. - [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is the new one to watch: one place to save ideas, create your content and sell courses, coaching and downloads. :::</p> <h3>The best places to sell digital products</h3> <p>Here's every place I reviewed, with what each is best for and what it costs to start. Each name opens its site in a new tab:</p> <p>:::table fancy Tool | Best for | Price | Free to try  [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Selling with no monthly fee | 2.7% + $0.30 a sale | No monthly fee  [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Checkouts and upsells | $47 a month | 30-day free trial  [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Courses and coaching | $179 a month | 14 days free  [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Creating and selling in one place | $29 a month, plus 5% | Free workspace  [Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Selling from your bio | $29 a month | 14-day free trial  [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Selling with the follow-up | $97 a month | 14-day free trial  [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Sales funnels and upsells | $81 a month, billed yearly | Free trial  [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | More ways to pay | $79 a month | 7-day free trial  [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Coaches and memberships | $52 a month, billed yearly | 30-day money-back  [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | A free all-in-one | Free, or $17 a month | Free plan  [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Your first digital product | 10% + $0.50 a sale | No monthly fee  [Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | A free store | Free, or $29 a month | Free plan  [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Tax handled for you | 5% + $0.50 a sale | No monthly fee  [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Printables and digital art | $0.20 a listing, 6.5% a sale | No monthly fee  [Linktree](https://navid.link/linktree?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Selling from your Linktree | Free, or $6 a month | Free plan  [Beacons](https://navid.link/beacons?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Brand deals and a store | Free, or $10 a month | Free plan  [Sellfy](https://navid.link/sellfy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | A simple store with merch | $22 a month, billed yearly | 14-day free trial  [Ko-fi](https://navid.link/kofi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Tips and fan support | 5% of sales, 0% on tips | Free  [Patreon](https://navid.link/patreon?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Memberships | 10% of what you earn | Free to start  [Podia](https://navid.link/podia?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Courses, downloads and email | $49 a month | 14-day free trial  [Teachable](https://navid.link/teachable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Courses with student apps | $39 a month | 7-day free trial  [Thinkific](https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Courses | $54 a month | 30-day free trial  [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Selling to your email list | $39 a month | Free plan  [PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Subscriptions and affiliates | $79 a month | 14-day free trial  [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | A full online store | $29 a month, billed yearly | 3 days free  [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | A checkout on WordPress | $199 a year | Free plan  [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | No fees on WordPress | $199 a year | Free version  [Easy Digital Downloads](https://navid.link/easydigitaldownloads?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Software on WordPress | $199 a year | Free version  [SendOwl](https://navid.link/sendowl?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | A checkout priced by sales | $39 a month | Free trial  [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Merch and memberships | 5% of digital sales | Free plan  [Creative Market](https://navid.link/creativemarket?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Fonts, templates and graphics | 50% of each sale | Free to sell  [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | Ebooks and print books | Up to 70% royalty | Free to publish  [Udemy](https://navid.link/udemy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) | A course marketplace | 37% to 97% a sale | Free to teach :::</p> <h4>1. [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best place to sell digital products overall**</p> <p></p> <p>[Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is where you sell digital products, memberships, courses, communities and services, with the checkout and payouts built in. It says sellers earned over $300 million on Whop last month.</p> <p>There's no setup fee and no monthly cost. Whop charges 2.7% + $0.30 for each successful card payment, plus 1.5% for international cards and 1% if a currency is converted.</p> <p>The extras are optional: 0.8% for payment orchestration, 0.5% for billing and 2% for tax handling. With all of them on and tax collected, a sale costs 6% + $0.30.</p> <p>It also runs its own MCP server, so AI agents like Claude can work with your store, and a marketplace on whop.com where buyers can find your products.</p> <h5>Who is Whop for?</h5> <p>Whop is for creators who want to sell without a monthly plan, and pay only when they make a sale.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - No monthly fee, only a fee on each sale - Digital products, memberships, courses and communities - Payments in 195 countries and 135+ currencies, with 100+ payment methods - Klarna and Afterpay, so buyers can pay over time - An affiliate program, with affiliate payouts at 1.25% - A marketplace where buyers can find you - An MCP server for AI agents like Claude :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No setup fee and no monthly cost - Card processing included in its 2.7% + $0.30 - Buyers can pay from almost anywhere - Works with AI agents through its MCP server :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Orchestration, billing and tax handling add up to 3.3% more when you turn them on - Payouts cost from $2.50 each - A fee on every sale grows with your sales, where a flat plan stays the same :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Whop has no plan to pay for. These are its fees, from its fee docs as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Card payments** – 2.7% + $0.30, plus 1.5% for international cards and 1% for currency conversion. - **Orchestration** – 0.8%, when you turn it on. - **Billing** – 0.5%, when you turn it on. - **Tax and remittance** – 2%, when you turn it on and tax is collected. - **Payouts** – from $2.50 each, by next-day ACH. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best overall name: Whop logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/whop-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: No monthly fee, 2.7% + $0.30 a sale text: Sell products, memberships and courses with payments from 195 countries, and pay only when you sell. button: Start selling on Whop | https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>2. [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best checkout to sell digital products**</p> <p></p> <p>[ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is a checkout platform: cart and checkout pages with order bumps, one-click upsells, subscriptions and an affiliate center, plus ThriveCart Academy for your courses and a community.</p> <p>It takes 0% of your sales on every plan, with payments through your own [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), PayPal or Authorize.Net. ThriveCart says sellers have processed over $8 billion through it.</p> <p>I'm one of them. I was one of ThriveCart's early adopters, and I processed millions of dollars through it, selling my courses and virtual summits.</p> <p>It was my go-to shopping cart for years, and I still stand behind it.</p> <h5>Who is ThriveCart for?</h5> <p>ThriveCart is for creators and course sellers who want a checkout that sells more per order, without a big monthly plan.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Custom checkout and cart pages, in 100+ countries - One-click upsells and downsells, order bumps and A/B split testing - Abandoned cart recovery and sales tax automation - Buy now pay later, split pay, pay-what-you-like and subscriptions - ThriveCart Academy: courses, a community, quizzes and certificates - An affiliate center with automated payouts, on Pro+ :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - 0% fees on your sales, on every plan - Order bumps and one-click upsells from the first plan - A 30-day free trial - Your courses and a community in the same account :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Standard gives you one order bump - The affiliate center, coupons and your own domain start on Pro+, at $87 a month - No email marketing of its own :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>ThriveCart has two plans, each with a 30-day free trial, and Enterprise on request, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Standard** – $47 a month, with ThriveCart Academy Starter: unlimited courses and students, and up to 2,000 community members. - **Pro+** – $87 a month, with multiple order bumps, the affiliate center, coupons, custom domains and up to 10,000 community members. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best checkout name: ThriveCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrivecart-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $47 a month, after a 30-day free trial text: Checkouts with order bumps, one-click upsells and subscriptions, and 0% of your sales. button: Try ThriveCart free for 30 days | https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>3. [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best platform to sell courses and digital products**</p> <p></p> <p>[Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is an all-in-one platform for courses, coaching, memberships and a community, with your website, email, funnels and checkout built in.</p> <p>It takes no cut of your sales on any plan. Kajabi Payments charges card fees, which differ by country.</p> <p>By Kajabi's own count, experts on it have earned over $12 billion since 2010.</p> <p>It costs more than most places here, from $179 a month, but it also replaces your course platform, your email tool and your website.</p> <h5>Who is Kajabi for?</h5> <p>Kajabi is for course creators and coaches who want their funnels, email, community and courses in one place, and would rather pay one plan than connect five tools.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Courses, coaching and memberships - A private community with multiple groups - Unlimited emails, landing pages and funnels - Checkout and payments built in - Your own website and custom domain - A mobile app for your students on iPhone and Android - Your own affiliate program, from Growth :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No cut of your sales on any plan - Email, funnels, a website, a community and a checkout under one plan - 14 days free and a 30-day money-back guarantee - Unlimited email sends on every plan :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $179 a month - Basic caps you at 2,500 contacts - Your own affiliate program starts on Growth, at $249 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Kajabi has three plans, each with 14 days free, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $179 a month, or $143 a month billed yearly, with 2,500 contacts. - **Growth** – $249 a month, or $199 billed yearly, with 25,000 contacts and your own affiliate program. - **Pro** – $499 a month, or $399 billed yearly, with 100,000 contacts and your own branded app. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for courses name: Kajabi logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/kajabi-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $179 a month, after 14 days free text: Courses, coaching, a community, email and a checkout, with no cut of your sales. button: Try Kajabi free for 14 days | https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>4. [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best creator workspace to sell digital products**</p> <p></p> <p>[Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is one place to save ideas, study viral posts, write and schedule your content, and sell what you know. Its store sells courses, cohorts, coaching, digital downloads, memberships and bundles, from one page at your handle.</p> <p>Custom AI is one of its workspace features: an AI built around your notes, sources and voice. A course can come with one, built from its lessons, so buyers get answers as they learn.</p> <p>Its connectors bring in the apps you already use: Notion, [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), beehiiv, Klaviyo, Webflow, [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), Circle and Zapier, plus any app with a hosted MCP server. You can ask about your business in one chat, and put the routine checks on a schedule.</p> <p>Every sale goes straight to your own Stripe account. Eden takes a flat 5% of each sale, and Stripe's fee comes out of your share.</p> <p>Selling starts on Starter, at $29 a month, or $299 a year ($200 for the first year with its welcome offer). Pro adds up to three one-click upsells after checkout and your own affiliate program.</p> <h5>Who is Eden for?</h5> <p>Eden is for creators who want their ideas, their content and their store in one place, selling courses, coaching and downloads from the link in their bio.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A workspace to save ideas, study viral posts, and write and schedule posts - A store for courses, cohorts, coaching, downloads, memberships and bundles - A Custom AI built from a course's lessons, to answer buyers as they learn - Charge once or monthly - Sales through your own Stripe account - Email broadcasts to 250 contacts, with 5,000 sends a month, on Starter - Up to three one-click upsells and your own affiliate program, on Pro - Connectors for Notion, Kit, beehiiv, Klaviyo, Webflow, Stripe, Kajabi, Whop, Circle and Zapier, plus any hosted MCP server :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Your ideas, your content and your store in one place - Connects to the tools you already use, and thousands more through Zapier - The money lands in your own Stripe account - A flat 5%, with no store fee on top of the plan :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Keeps 5% of each sale, with Stripe's fee on top - Selling starts on Starter, at $29 a month - Upsells and an affiliate program start on Pro, at $79 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Eden's selling plans are billed monthly or yearly, plus its flat 5% of each sale, from its pricing and store pages as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $29 a month, or $299 a year ($200 for the first year), with your store and 200 AI credits a month. - **Pro** – $79 a month, or $790 a year ($529 for the first year), adding one-click upsells and your own affiliate program. - **Studio** – $199 a month, or $1,999 a year, for teams and agencies, with five workspaces. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best creator workspace name: Eden logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/eden-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $29 a month, plus 5% a sale text: Save ideas, write your content and sell courses, coaching and downloads, paid to your own Stripe. button: See Eden's store | https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>5. [Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best link-in-bio store to sell digital products**</p> <p></p> <p>[Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is a link-in-bio store: your digital products, courses, bookings and memberships behind the one link in your social profiles.</p> <p>It takes zero transaction fees on both plans, so you keep 100% of each sale, apart from your payment processor's fee.</p> <p>Creator, at $29 a month, includes a course builder, a calendar for bookings, subscriptions, lead magnets, a community and AutoDM, which answers Instagram comments and DMs for you.</p> <p>Creator Pro, at $99 a month, adds email marketing, funnels, upsells, payment plans, Afterpay and Klarna, and pixel tracking for Meta, Google, Pinterest and TikTok.</p> <h5>Who is Stan for?</h5> <p>Stan is for creators who sell from Instagram and TikTok, and want their products, bookings and downloads one tap from their bio.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A store behind your link in bio - Digital products, courses and memberships - Calendar and bookings for coaching calls - Recurring subscriptions and a community - AutoDM for Instagram - Email marketing, funnels and upsells, on Creator Pro - Afterpay, Klarna and payment plans, on Creator Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Zero transaction fees on both plans - Built for selling from social media - A 14-day free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - No free plan - Email, funnels and upsells start on Creator Pro, at $99 a month - Afterpay, Klarna and payment plans also start on Creator Pro :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Stan has two plans, with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Creator** – $29 a month, or $300 a year. - **Creator Pro** – $99 a month, or $948 a year, with email, funnels, upsells and payment plans. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best link-in-bio store name: Stan logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/stan-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $29 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Your products, bookings and memberships behind the link in your bio, with zero transaction fees. button: Try Stan free for 14 days | https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>6. [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best all-in-one platform to sell digital products with follow-up**</p> <p></p> <p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is an all-in-one platform for marketing and selling: payments and one-click upsell funnels, plus a CRM, email and SMS, calendars, and courses and memberships.</p> <p>For digital products, it takes payments through [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), PayPal, NMI and others, sells courses, memberships, paid content access and paid calendar bookings, and takes no cut of your sales.</p> <p>Each sale comes with the follow-up behind it: the contact, the emails and texts, and the next offer.</p> <p>Every plan has unlimited contacts and unlimited users. What you pay on top is usage: phone numbers, SMS, emails and AI are charged as you use them.</p> <h5>Who is HighLevel for?</h5> <p>HighLevel is for businesses and agencies that want their checkout, courses, CRM, email, SMS and bookings in one account.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Payments through Stripe, PayPal, NMI and others - One-click upsell funnels - Paid memberships and courses - Paid calendar bookings - A CRM with unlimited contacts and users - Email and SMS follow-up :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No cut of your sales - Unlimited contacts and users on every plan - The checkout and the follow-up in one place - A 14-day free trial, month to month :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $97 a month, more than a store on its own - Phone, SMS, email and AI are charged by use, on top of the plan - Its plans are built around sub-accounts, the way an agency works :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>HighLevel has three plans, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $97 a month, or $970 a year, with three sub-accounts. - **Unlimited** – $297 a month, or $2,970 a year, with unlimited sub-accounts. - **Agency Pro** – $497 a month, or $4,970 a year, with SaaS mode, to sell HighLevel as your own software. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best all-in-one with follow-up name: HighLevel logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: From $97 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Payments, upsell funnels, courses and memberships, with the CRM, email and SMS behind each sale. button: Try HighLevel free for 14 days | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>7. [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best place to sell digital products through sales funnels**</p> <p></p> <p>[ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is the classic funnel builder: sales pages and checkouts with one-click upsells and order bumps, plus email, a CRM and courses, from the company Russell Brunson co-founded.</p> <p>I used ClickFunnels for many years. Just to sell digital products, though, I'd only pick it if you already use ClickFunnels and want everything under one roof.</p> <p>Every plan has unlimited visitors, and unlimited funnels for now, which ClickFunnels marks as a limited-time offer. Its plans grow by courses, contacts and team members.</p> <p>It takes no fee on your sales beyond [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)'s.</p> <p>If you want something like it for less, or with more in one place, see my guide to the [best ClickFunnels alternatives](/articles/best-clickfunnels-alternatives).</p> <h5>Who is ClickFunnels for?</h5> <p>ClickFunnels is for sellers who want sales funnels, upsells, email and courses in one place.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales funnels with sales pages and checkouts - One-click upsells and order bumps - Unlimited visitors on every plan - Email and a CRM - Courses: three on Launch, six on Scale - Unlimited custom domains, from Scale - An API, on Optimize :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - One-click upsells and order bumps - Email, a CRM and courses in one account - Unlimited visitors - A free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $97 a month - Launch has three courses and 10,000 contacts - Unlimited funnels are a limited-time offer :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>ClickFunnels has four plans, each with a free trial, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – $97 a month, or $81 billed yearly, with three courses and 10,000 contacts. - **Scale** – $197 a month, or $164 billed yearly, with six courses and 75,000 contacts. - **Optimize** – $297 a month, or $248 billed yearly, with 10 courses and an API. - **Dominate** – $5,997 a year, with 20 courses. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for sales funnels name: ClickFunnels logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/clickfunnels-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $81 a month billed yearly, with a free trial text: Sales pages and checkouts with one-click upsells and order bumps, plus email and courses. button: Try ClickFunnels free | https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>8. [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best place to sell digital products with more ways to pay**</p> <p></p> <p>[SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is a checkout platform for digital products, courses, subscriptions and coaching, used by over 75,000 businesses, it says.</p> <p>It builds your sales pages and checkouts, hosts your courses, and takes Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, cards and buy now pay later.</p> <p>SamCart takes no cut of your sales. One-click upsells and order bumps start on its second plan, Pro.</p> <h5>Who is SamCart for?</h5> <p>SamCart is for sellers who care most about the checkout itself, and the ways people can pay.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales pages and checkouts - Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, cards and buy now pay later - Cart abandonment and coupons - Subscriptions, with a customer portal - A members area for your courses - One-click upsells, order bumps, A/B tests and an affiliate center, on Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No cut of your sales - Many ways to pay at checkout - A 7-day free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $79 a month - Upsells, order bumps and affiliates start on Pro, at $199 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>SamCart has two plans, with a 7-day free trial and 25% off billed yearly, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Core** – $79 a month, with unlimited pages, products and checkouts. - **Pro** – $199 a month, with one-click upsells, order bumps, A/B tests and an affiliate center. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for ways to pay name: SamCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/samcart-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $79 a month, after a 7-day free trial text: Checkouts with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and buy now pay later. button: Try SamCart free for 7 days | https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>9. [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best platform for coaches selling digital products**</p> <p></p> <p>[Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is an all-in-one platform: pages, funnels, email and SMS, a CRM, a membership portal and a checkout that takes cards and PayPal.</p> <p>I was a paying user of Kartra too. Kartra says over 60,000 coaches and business owners have earned more than $1.5 billion with it.</p> <p>Its first plan, Essentials, is $59 a month, but it keeps 5% of each sale and caps you at 500 contacts. From Starter, at $119 a month, there are no transaction fees.</p> <h5>Who is Kartra for?</h5> <p>Kartra is for coaches and course sellers who want pages, funnels, email and a members area in one account.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop page builder with ready templates - Multi-page funnels - Email and SMS campaigns - A CRM with lists and tags - A membership portal for your courses - Checkout for cards and PayPal :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Pages, funnels, email, a CRM and courses in one place - No transaction fees from Starter - A 30-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Essentials keeps 5% of each sale and caps you at 500 contacts - No free trial, only the money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Kartra has four plans, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Essentials** – $59 a month, or $52 billed yearly, with a 5% transaction fee and 500 contacts. - **Starter** – $119 a month, or $99 billed yearly, with no transaction fee and 2,500 contacts. - **Growth** – $229 a month, or $189 billed yearly, with 12,500 contacts. - **Professional** – $549 a month, or $429 billed yearly, with 25,000 contacts. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for coaches name: Kartra logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/kartra-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: From $52 a month billed yearly text: Pages, funnels, email and a membership portal, with no transaction fee from Starter. button: See Kartra's plans | https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>10. [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best free all-in-one platform to sell digital products**</p> <p></p> <p>[Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is an all-in-one platform with a free plan that never expires: funnels, email, a blog, courses, a community and your own affiliate program, with payments through [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) or PayPal.</p> <p>It says over 500,000 entrepreneurs use it.</p> <p>The free plan needs no credit card, and Systeme.io takes no transaction fees on any plan. Stripe or PayPal charge their usual card fees.</p> <p>Your plan goes by the size of your list, so a growing audience moves you up a plan.</p> <h5>Who is Systeme.io for?</h5> <p>Systeme.io is for beginners who want to sell courses with funnels and email, on a small budget or for free.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales funnels and a website builder - Unlimited email sends on every plan - Courses and a community - A blog - Your own affiliate program - Evergreen webinars, from the Webinar plan :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan that never expires, with no credit card needed - No transaction fees on any plan - Paid plans from $17 a month :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan has three funnels and one automation rule - Your plan goes by your contacts: 2,000 free, 5,000 on Startup, 10,000 on Webinar - Evergreen webinars start on the $47 plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Systeme.io has a free plan and three paid ones, billed monthly, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with three funnels, one custom domain and 2,000 contacts. - **Startup** – $17 a month, with 10 funnels, three custom domains and 5,000 contacts. - **Webinar** – $47 a month, with 50 funnels, evergreen webinars and 10,000 contacts. - **Unlimited** – $97 a month, with unlimited funnels, contacts and custom domains. :::</p> <p>Yearly billing costs less.</p> <p>:::product award: Best free all-in-one name: Systeme.io logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/systemeio-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: Free plan, or from $17 a month text: Funnels, email, courses and a community, with no transaction fees on any plan. button: Start on Systeme.io's free plan | https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>11. [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best place to start selling digital products today**</p> <p></p> <p>[Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) sells digital products, ebooks, courses and memberships, with no monthly fee.</p> <p>Instead, it keeps 10% + $0.50 of each sale through your profile or your own links, with card processing on top. On a sale it finds for you through Discover, its marketplace, it keeps 30%.</p> <p>Since January 1, 2025, Gumroad is the merchant of record for your sales. So it collects and pays sales tax, VAT and GST worldwide, and you don't have to.</p> <h5>Who is Gumroad for?</h5> <p>Gumroad is for creators selling their first digital product, who want to pay nothing until they make a sale.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Digital products, courses and memberships - A profile store and product pages - Its Discover marketplace - Email to your customers - Coupons, upsells and an affiliate program - Sales tax, VAT and GST handled worldwide :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No monthly fee - The merchant of record, so tax is handled for you - A marketplace that can bring you buyers - Its cut drops to 5% + $0.50 once paid sales pass $20,000 in a month :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Keeps 10% + $0.50 of each sale, with card fees on top - Keeps 30% of sales through Discover - Costs more than a flat plan once you sell a lot :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Gumroad has no plans. Its fees, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Your own sales** – 10% + $0.50 per sale, plus card processing. - **Discover sales** – 30% per sale. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best to start selling today name: Gumroad logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/gumroad-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: No monthly fee, 10% + $0.50 a sale text: Digital products and memberships, with tax handled worldwide. button: Start selling on Gumroad | https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>12. [Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best free store to sell digital products**</p> <p></p> <p>[Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) sells digital downloads, courses, coaching, memberships and physical products, from a store it builds for you.</p> <p>Every plan has the same features. What you choose is how you pay: a share of each sale, or a monthly plan.</p> <p>The free plan keeps 5% of each sale, Plus at $29 a month keeps 2%, and Pro at $99 a month keeps nothing. PayPal and [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) charge their own fees on every plan.</p> <p>Payhip also collects and pays EU and UK VAT for you, and pays your sales out as soon as each one completes.</p> <h5>Who is Payhip for?</h5> <p>Payhip is for creators who want to start selling today without a monthly bill, and switch to a flat plan once sales grow.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Digital downloads, courses, coaching and memberships - A store and website - Coupons, upsells and an affiliate program - Email marketing - EU and UK VAT collected and paid for you - Payouts as soon as each sale completes :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan, with no credit card needed - Every feature on every plan - EU and UK VAT handled for you - No cut of your sales on Pro :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan keeps 5% of each sale, and Plus 2% - PayPal and Stripe fees on top, on every plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Payhip has three plans, all with the same features, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free Forever** – $0, keeping 5% of each sale. - **Plus** – $29 a month, keeping 2%. - **Pro** – $99 a month, keeping nothing. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best free store name: Payhip logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/payhip-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: Free plan, keeping 5% of each sale text: Downloads, courses, coaching and memberships, from a store it builds for you. button: Start on Payhip for free | https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>13. [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best place to sell digital products with tax handled**</p> <p></p> <p>[Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is a checkout for digital products, subscriptions and software licenses, and part of [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products).</p> <p>It's built for software companies first, and it sells downloads, subscriptions and license keys.</p> <p>There's no monthly fee. Lemon Squeezy keeps 5% + $0.50 of each sale, card processing included, and some payments carry small extra fees.</p> <p>It's also the merchant of record, so it handles sales tax and VAT for you.</p> <h5>Who is Lemon Squeezy for?</h5> <p>Lemon Squeezy is for creators and software makers who sell downloads and subscriptions worldwide and never want to deal with sales tax.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A checkout for digital products and subscriptions - Sales tax and VAT handled as the merchant of record - Secure download links - License keys for software - Email marketing, free up to 500 subscribers - An affiliate program :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No monthly fee, and free to start - Sales tax and VAT handled for you - Card processing included in its cut - Part of Stripe :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Keeps 5% + $0.50 of each sale - Built for software first - Some payments carry extra fees :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Lemon Squeezy has one price, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Every sale** – 5% + $0.50, with volume pricing on request. - **Email marketing** – free up to 500 subscribers. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best with tax handled name: Lemon Squeezy logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/lemon-squeezy-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: No monthly fee, 5% + $0.50 a sale text: A checkout for downloads, subscriptions and licenses, as the merchant of record. button: Start on Lemon Squeezy for free | https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>14. [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best marketplace to sell printables and digital downloads**</p> <p></p> <p>[Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is the marketplace for creative goods, where millions of shoppers spend billions each year, it says. It sells digital downloads too: printables, planners, patterns, templates and art.</p> <p>A digital listing works like any other. You upload the file, and the buyer gets it the moment they pay, or you make it to order and send it later.</p> <p>There's no monthly fee. You pay $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale, and Etsy Payments' processing fee, which is 3% + $0.25 in the US. If a buyer comes from one of Etsy's ads off Etsy, it also keeps 15% of that order, or 12% once your shop passes $10,000 in yearly sales.</p> <h5>Who is Etsy for?</h5> <p>Etsy is for creators of printables, templates and digital art who want buyers who are already searching for them.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A marketplace of millions of shoppers - Digital downloads, delivered instantly or made to order - Etsy Ads, and Offsite Ads that promote your listings across the web - Etsy Plus, with extra tools for growing shops, at $10 a month :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Buyers already searching on Etsy - No monthly fee - $0.20 to list an item :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - 6.5% of each sale, plus payment processing - Offsite Ads can take 15% of an order - Your buyers are Etsy's customers as much as yours - A one-time shop setup fee for some sellers :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Etsy has no plan to pay for. These are its fees for a US shop, from its fees and Etsy Payments policies as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Listing** – $0.20 an item, for four months. - **Transaction** – 6.5% of each sale. - **Payment processing** – 3% + $0.25 a sale in the US. - **Offsite Ads** – 15% of an order it brings, or 12% once you pass $10,000 in yearly sales. - **Etsy Plus** – $10 a month, if you want it. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best marketplace for printables name: Etsy logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/etsy-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: $0.20 a listing, 6.5% a sale text: Printables, templates and digital art in front of millions of Etsy shoppers. button: Start selling on Etsy | https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>15. [Linktree](https://navid.link/linktree?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best way to sell digital products from your Linktree**</p> <p></p> <p>[Linktree](https://navid.link/linktree?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is the link in bio that over 70 million people use, it says. Beyond links, it sells digital products, like guides, ebooks, music files and paid community access, and courses powered by [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), straight from your Linktree.</p> <p>On Pro and Premium, Linktree takes 0% of your sales. On Free and Starter, it takes a fee that depends on your plan. [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) charges 2.9% + $0.30 a purchase on every plan.</p> <p>Paid products are open to sellers in 34 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia and most of the EU, but not the UK yet.</p> <h5>Who is Linktree for?</h5> <p>Linktree is for creators who already send their audience to a Linktree, and want to sell a few products there without another tool.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Digital products: guides, ebooks, music files and lead magnets - Courses, powered by Kajabi - Paid community access, in the US - Linktree Shops for affiliate products, in the US - Mailing list integrations, from Pro - Social media scheduling and Instagram auto-replies, on Premium :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The link in bio most people already know - 0% Linktree fees from Pro - A 7-day free trial of Pro and Premium :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - A Linktree fee on each sale on Free and Starter - Paid products in 34 countries, and not the UK yet - A link in bio first, with a simpler store than a checkout platform :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Linktree has a free plan and three paid ones, from its pricing page and fee help article as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with a Linktree fee on each sale. - **Starter** – $8 a month, or $6 billed yearly. - **Pro** – $15 a month, or $12 billed yearly, with 0% Linktree fees and mailing list integrations. - **Premium** – $35 a month, or $30 billed yearly, adding social media scheduling and Instagram auto-replies. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for an existing Linktree name: Linktree logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/linktree-icon.jpg rating: 4.1 price: Free plan, or from $6 a month billed yearly text: Digital products and courses powered by Kajabi, sold from your link in bio. button: Start on Linktree for free | https://navid.link/linktree?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>16. [Beacons](https://navid.link/beacons?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best place to sell digital products next to brand deals**</p> <p></p> <p>[Beacons](https://navid.link/beacons?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is a link-in-bio platform with a store for digital products, merch and courses, email, a media kit for brand deals, and Beam, an AI teammate for your content and brand deals.</p> <p>Its free plan keeps 9% of each sale, and so does Creator, at $10 a month. Creator Plus, at $30 a month, keeps nothing.</p> <p>Its plans come with AI tools built in: chat with Beam, AI text and images, and an AI designer for your link in bio.</p> <h5>Who is Beacons for?</h5> <p>Beacons is for creators who earn from brand deals and want to sell from the same link in bio.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A link-in-bio page and a website - A store for digital products - Email collection and sends - An auto-updating media kit and brand deals - Beam, AI text and images, and an AI link-in-bio designer - A free custom domain, from Creator :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan - AI tools built in - 0% seller fees on Creator Plus - Two months free billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Free and Creator keep 9% of each sale - 0% seller fees start on Creator Plus, at $30 a month - Email sends are capped: 50 a month free, 500 on Creator :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Beacons has a free plan and three paid ones, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with a 9% seller fee and 50 email sends a month. - **Creator** – $10 a month, or $8.33 billed yearly, with a free custom domain and a 9% seller fee. - **Creator Plus** – $30 a month, or $25 billed yearly, with 0% seller fees. - **Creator Max** – $100 a month, or $83.33 billed yearly. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for brand deals name: Beacons logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/beacons-icon.jpg rating: 4.2 price: Free plan, or from $10 a month text: A link-in-bio store with AI tools, a media kit and brand deals. button: Start on Beacons for free | https://navid.link/beacons?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>17. [Sellfy](https://navid.link/sellfy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best simple store to sell digital products**</p> <p></p> <p>[Sellfy](https://navid.link/sellfy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is a store builder for creators: digital downloads, subscriptions, print-on-demand merch and physical products, from one store. It says over 75,000 creators earn with it.</p> <p>It charges no transaction fees. What you pay for is a plan, sized by how much you sell in a year.</p> <h5>Who is Sellfy for?</h5> <p>Sellfy is for creators who want a simple store for downloads and merch, at a flat monthly price.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Digital downloads - Subscriptions - Print-on-demand merch - Physical products - Unlimited products on every plan :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No transaction fees - A 14-day free trial, with no card needed - 25% off billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Each plan caps your yearly sales: $10,000 on Starter - Starts at $22 a month billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Sellfy has three plans, with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $29 a month, or $22 billed yearly, for up to $10,000 in sales a year. - **Business** – $79 a month, or $59 billed yearly, for up to $50,000. - **Premium** – $159 a month, or $119 billed yearly, for up to $200,000. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best simple store name: Sellfy logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/sellfy-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: From $22 a month billed yearly, after a 14-day free trial text: Downloads, subscriptions and print-on-demand merch, with no transaction fees. button: Try Sellfy free for 14 days | https://navid.link/sellfy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>18. [Ko-fi](https://navid.link/kofi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best place to sell digital products to your fans**</p> <p></p> <p>[Ko-fi](https://navid.link/kofi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is where fans support creators: tips, memberships, a shop for digital and physical products, and commissions, all from your Ko-fi page.</p> <p>It's free to set up. Ko-fi keeps nothing from tips and 5% of memberships, shop sales and commissions, and card processing fees apply on top. Ko-fi Gold, at $12 a month, drops that 5% to 0%.</p> <h5>Who is Ko-fi for?</h5> <p>Ko-fi is for creators with fans who want to tip, join and buy in one place.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Tips, one-time or monthly - Memberships - A shop for digital and physical products - Commissions :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free to set up - 0% on tips - Ko-fi Gold removes the 5% fee for $12 a month :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - 5% of shop sales on the free plan - Card processing fees on top - Built for fan support more than for a full store :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Ko-fi is free, with a fee on each payment, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with 0% on tips and 5% on memberships, shop sales and commissions. - **Ko-fi Gold** – $12 a month, with 0% on everything. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for tips and fan support name: Ko-fi logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/ko-fi-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free, 0% on tips and 5% on sales text: Tips, memberships, a shop and commissions from one Ko-fi page. button: Start on Ko-fi for free | https://navid.link/kofi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>19. [Patreon](https://navid.link/patreon?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best place to sell digital memberships**</p> <p></p> <p>[Patreon](https://navid.link/patreon?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is a membership platform: your fans pay you monthly or yearly for your work, and you can sell one-time purchases too.</p> <p>It's free to start. Patreon keeps 10% of what you earn, plus payment processing, currency conversion and payout fees.</p> <p>Around the memberships, it gives you video and livestreaming, email newsletters, chats and DMs, and an email list you can export.</p> <h5>Who is Patreon for?</h5> <p>Patreon is for creators with an audience who'll pay every month for more of their work.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Monthly and yearly memberships, in tiers - One-time purchases - Video, livestreaming and podcasts - Email newsletters - Chats, DMs and comments - Free trials, discounts and sales - An email list you can export :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free to start - Memberships and one-time sales in one place - Your email list is yours to export :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Keeps 10% of what you earn, plus payment and payout fees - Built for memberships first :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Patreon has one price, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Patreon** – free to start, then 10% of what you earn, plus payment processing, currency conversion and payout fees. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for memberships name: Patreon logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/patreon-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: Free to start, 10% of what you earn text: Monthly and yearly memberships, one-time sales, video and newsletters. button: Start on Patreon for free | https://navid.link/patreon?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>20. [Podia](https://navid.link/podia?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best platform to sell digital products for starters**</p> <p></p> <p>[Podia](https://navid.link/podia?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) puts your courses, community, coaching, digital downloads and email in one place.</p> <p>Over 15,000 creators have earned more than $900 million on it, Podia says.</p> <p>Every plan includes Podia Email, so you can send newsletters and sequences without a separate email tool. But each plan caps your subscribers: 100 on Mover, 500 on Shaker and 1,000 on Earthquaker.</p> <p>Mover keeps 5% of each sale. From Shaker, Podia keeps nothing, and [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) or PayPal charge their usual 2.9% + $0.30.</p> <h5>Who is Podia for?</h5> <p>Podia is for creators starting out who want courses, a community and email in one simple account, with a small list to begin with.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Courses, digital downloads, coaching and webinars - A community - Email marketing, built in - A website and landing pages - Sales tax handling - An affiliate program and upsells, from Shaker :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial, with no credit card needed - Courses, a community and email in one account - No Podia fees on sales from Shaker - Free migration of up to 50 products, or 150 from Shaker :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Mover keeps 5% of each sale - Email caps you at 100 subscribers on Mover and 1,000 on Earthquaker - Affiliates, upsells and PayPal start on Shaker, at $99 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Podia has three plans, after a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Mover** – $49 a month, or $42 billed yearly, with a 5% transaction fee, 50 products and 100 email subscribers. - **Shaker** – $99 a month, or $84 billed yearly, with no transaction fee, 150 products, affiliates and 500 subscribers. - **Earthquaker** – $179 a month, or $150 billed yearly, with unlimited products and 1,000 subscribers. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for starters name: Podia logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/podia-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: From $49 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Courses, a community, coaching, downloads and email in one place. button: Try Podia free for 14 days | https://navid.link/podia?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>21. [Teachable](https://navid.link/teachable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best platform to sell digital courses with student apps**</p> <p></p> <p>[Teachable](https://navid.link/teachable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is a course platform for courses, coaching and digital downloads, used by creators in 180 countries.</p> <p>It hosts your lessons, takes the payment, and gives your students apps on iOS and Android.</p> <p>The Starter plan is $39 a month, but it keeps 7.5% of each sale. From Builder, at $89 a month, there are no transaction fees when you sell through teachable:pay.</p> <p>Every plan also caps how many products you can publish: five on Starter, 10 on Builder and 50 on Growth.</p> <h5>Who is Teachable for?</h5> <p>Teachable is for course creators who want a proven course platform with student apps, and who sell a handful of products rather than a large catalog.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Courses, coaching and digital downloads - Quizzes, certificates and drip lessons - Student apps on iOS and Android - Checkout with upsells - Sales tax handling - An affiliate program, from Builder - Free subtitles and translations, on Growth :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee - No transaction fees from Builder, through teachable:pay - Student apps on iOS and Android - 22% off with yearly billing :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starter keeps 7.5% of each sale - A cap on products: five on Starter, 10 on Builder, 50 on Growth - The affiliate program starts on Builder, at $89 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Teachable has three plans, with a 7-day free trial, and Custom on request, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $39 a month, or $29 billed yearly, with a 7.5% transaction fee and five products. - **Builder** – $89 a month, or $69 billed yearly, with no transaction fee and 10 products. - **Growth** – $189 a month, or $139 billed yearly, with 50 products and free subtitles and translations. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for student apps name: Teachable logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/teachable-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: From $39 a month, after a 7-day free trial text: Courses, coaching and digital downloads, with apps for your students. button: Try Teachable free for 7 days | https://navid.link/teachable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>22. [Thinkific](https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best course platform to sell digital courses**</p> <p></p> <p>[Thinkific](https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is a course platform: video lessons, quizzes and discussions, a community with a private feed and DMs, and a checkout with order bumps and coupon codes, all on your own domain.</p> <p>It's rated 4.5 out of 5 from over 405 reviews on G2.</p> <p>There's no free plan: every account starts with a 30-day free trial. The plans run from $54 to $219 a month, or $40 to $164 a month billed yearly, and every plan comes with up to 10,000 current students and unlimited courses.</p> <p>Thinkific takes no cut when you sell through Thinkific Payments, which charges 2.9% + $0.30 a card payment in the US.</p> <p>But if you sell through [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) instead, Thinkific adds a gateway fee: 5% on Basic, 2% on Start and 1% on Grow.</p> <h5>Who is Thinkific for?</h5> <p>Thinkific is for experts and course businesses that want the course itself done well: lessons, quizzes, certificates, a community and a checkout, without stitching separate tools together.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Video lessons, quizzes and student discussions - A community with a private feed, DMs and weekly digests - Checkout, order bumps, gifting and coupon codes - Abandoned checkout recovery - Your school on your own domain - Certificates, graded work, bundles, upsells and payment plans, from Start - Memberships and subscriptions, from Start - Your own iOS and Android app, on select Plus plans :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 30-day free trial to build your first course - Up to 10,000 current students and unlimited courses on every plan - No cut of your sales through Thinkific Payments - Lessons, quizzes, a community and a checkout in one place - Rated 4.5 out of 5 from over 405 reviews on G2 :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Selling through Stripe adds 5% on Basic, 2% on Start and 1% on Grow - Certificates, payment plans and memberships start on Start - Basic allows five digital downloads and five coaching sessions :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Thinkific has three plans, each with a 30-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $54 a month, or $40 a month billed yearly, with 100 GB of video bandwidth a month and five digital downloads. - **Start** – $109 a month, or $82 billed yearly, with certificates, payment plans, memberships and 200 GB a month. - **Grow** – $219 a month, or $164 billed yearly, with bulk seats for companies, B2B invoicing and phone support. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best course platform name: Thinkific logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/thinkific-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $54 a month, after a 30-day free trial text: Lessons, quizzes, a community and a checkout, with up to 10,000 students. button: Try Thinkific free for 30 days | https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>23. [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best place to sell digital products to your email list**</p> <p></p> <p>[Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is email marketing for creators, with landing pages, forms, automations, digital products and paid newsletters. It used to be called ConvertKit, and I used it for years.</p> <p>Its free plan covers up to 10,000 subscribers, with unlimited landing pages, forms and email broadcasts, and you can sell digital products and subscriptions on it.</p> <p>Kit isn't a store with a catalog. It sells to your email list: simple product pages, delivery handled for you and low transaction fees, it says, with the emails that sell them.</p> <h5>Who is Kit for?</h5> <p>Kit is for creators who build their business on an email list, and sell digital products and newsletters to it.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Unlimited landing pages and forms - Unlimited email broadcasts - Tagging and segmentation - Digital products, subscriptions and paid newsletters - Visual automations and email sequences, from Creator - A/B tests on subject lines, from Creator - Kit's MCP, to work with your account from AI tools, from Creator :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan for up to 10,000 subscribers - A 14-day free trial of Creator and Pro, with no credit card - Free migrations from another platform - A refund within 30 days of signing up :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Automations and sequences start on Creator - The price rises with your number of subscribers - No order bumps or one-click upsells at checkout :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Kit has a free plan and two paid ones, priced for 1,000 subscribers, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, for up to 10,000 subscribers. - **Creator** – $39 a month, or $33 a month billed yearly ($390 a year), with automations, sequences and Kit's MCP. - **Pro** – $79 a month, or $66 a month billed yearly ($790 a year), adding subscriber signals, engagement analytics and unlimited users. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for selling to your list name: Kit logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/kit-icon.jpg rating: 4.4 price: Free plan, or from $39 a month text: Digital products and paid newsletters sold to your email list, free up to 10,000 subscribers. button: Try Kit free | https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>24. [PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best place to sell digital subscriptions with affiliates**</p> <p></p> <p>[PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is a checkout, subscription billing and affiliate platform: hosted checkout pages, one-click upsells and order bumps, subscriptions with dunning, and an affiliate center.</p> <p>Every plan has every feature. What changes is the price, which goes by your monthly revenue, from $79 a month for up to $3,000 in sales.</p> <p>Its affiliate center pays first- and second-tier commissions, and its marketplace puts your product in front of over 100,000 affiliates, it says.</p> <h5>Who is PayKickstart for?</h5> <p>PayKickstart is for sellers of subscriptions, software and digital products who want a checkout with an affiliate program built in.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - 50+ hosted checkout page designs, plus pop-ups and embeddable forms - Cards, PayPal, ACH and mobile wallets - One-click upsells, order bumps, coupons and cart recovery - Subscriptions, free and paid trials, payment plans and usage-based billing - Dunning, a self-serve billing portal and cancellation savers - An affiliate center with first- and second-tier commissions - Tax profiles for US sales tax, EU VAT and GST, and checkouts in 19 languages :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Every feature on every plan - A 14-day free trial - Free migration help and 24/7 support :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $79 a month, for up to $3,000 in monthly revenue - Revenue over your plan's limit costs a 5.27% fee - Your pages, courses and emails need tools of their own :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>PayKickstart's plans go by your average monthly revenue, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **From $79 a month** – for up to $3,000 in monthly revenue, with a 5.27% fee on revenue over that. - **Launch** – no monthly fee, with every feature, for 6% of your revenue. :::</p> <p>Plans for more revenue cost more, and the slider on its pricing page shows each one.</p> <p>:::product award: Best for subscriptions and affiliates name: PayKickstart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/paykickstart-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $79 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Checkouts, subscription billing and an affiliate platform, priced by your revenue. button: Try PayKickstart free for 14 days | https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>25. [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best place to sell digital products in a full store**</p> <p></p> <p>[Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is the platform for online stores: a store with its own checkout, themes, inventory, and a point of sale for selling in person.</p> <p>For digital products, Shopify's own Digital Products app is free: you add files or links to a product, and the buyer gets an access link after paying.</p> <p>Sidekick, its AI assistant, helps you run the store, and its app store adds whatever Shopify doesn't do itself.</p> <p>Shopify takes no cut when you use Shopify Payments, whose card rates start at 2.9% + $0.30 on Basic. With another payment provider, it adds a transaction fee.</p> <h5>Who is Shopify for?</h5> <p>Shopify is for sellers whose digital products sit next to physical ones, in a full store.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - An online store with its own checkout - Themes, plus apps from the Shopify App Store - Orders and inventory - Digital products through Shopify's free Digital Products app - Point of sale for selling in person - Sidekick, an AI assistant for the store - Shopify Payments, from 2.9% + $0.30 on Basic down to 2.5% + $0.30 on Advanced :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The most complete store of any builder here - No transaction fee with Shopify Payments - Three days free, then $1 a month for three months :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $39 a month, or $29 billed yearly - Many features come through paid apps - A transaction fee with another payment provider :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Shopify has three main plans, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026, with today's card rates:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $39 a month, or $29 billed yearly. - **Grow** – $105 a month, or $79 billed yearly, with five staff accounts. - **Advanced** – $399 a month, or $299 billed yearly, with 15 staff accounts. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for a full store name: Shopify logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/shopify-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $29 a month billed yearly, after three days free text: A complete online store, for digital products next to physical ones. button: Start on Shopify for $1 a month | https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>26. [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best WordPress checkout to sell digital products**</p> <p></p> <p>[SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is a checkout and ecommerce plugin for WordPress, used by over 80,000 merchants, it says.</p> <p>It sells files, ebooks, courses and templates with secure, instant delivery, plus license keys for software.</p> <p>Every plan, the free one included, has order bumps, one-click upsells, subscriptions and sales tax, on your own site, without WooCommerce.</p> <p>The free Launch plan charges a 2.9% transaction fee. Pro, from $199 a year for one store, charges none.</p> <h5>Who is SureCart for?</h5> <p>SureCart is for WordPress site owners who want a checkout with order bumps and upsells on a site they own.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A checkout native to WordPress - Digital downloads with secure, instant delivery, and license keys - Order bumps and one-click upsells, on every plan - Subscriptions, free and paid trials, setup fees and a subscription saver - Automatic sales tax for 40+ countries and every US state, and EU VAT - Coupons, an affiliate program and a customer portal - An agency suite to run many stores from one place :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Order bumps and upsells, even on the free plan - No transaction fee on Pro - A lifetime option - A 14-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan charges a 2.9% transaction fee - Card fees on top on every plan - WordPress and hosting are yours to run :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>SureCart has a free plan and Pro by the number of stores, yearly or once, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – free, with a 2.9% transaction fee. - **Pro, one store** – $199 a year, or $699 once. - **Pro, five stores** – $299 a year ($249 the first year when I checked), or $1,199 once. - **Pro, unlimited stores** – $499 a year ($399 the first year when I checked), or $1,999 once. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best WordPress checkout name: SureCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/surecart-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: Free plan, or from $199 a year text: A WordPress checkout with order bumps, one-click upsells and subscriptions on every plan. button: Start on SureCart for free | https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>27. [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best way to sell digital products on WordPress with no fees**</p> <p></p> <p>[FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is an ecommerce plugin for WordPress from the team behind FluentCommunity: physical and digital products, subscriptions and licenses, with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and PayPal built in.</p> <p>To sell more per order, it has order bumps, upsells and cross-sells, and coupons, and it charges no transaction fees on the free version or Pro.</p> <p>It's new, with over 9,000 active installs. Pro is $199 a year for one site, and for now there's an early-bird lifetime deal from $249.</p> <h5>Who is FluentCart for?</h5> <p>FluentCart is for WordPress sellers who want to sell downloads, subscriptions and licenses, with order bumps and no fee on sales.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Physical and digital products, subscriptions and licenses - Order bumps, upsells and cross-sells, and coupons - Stripe and PayPal built in - Installments, bundles and invoicing - Shipping and taxes - Reports on how customers move through your store :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No transaction fees on the free version or Pro - A free version - A 60-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - New, with over 9,000 active installs so far - WordPress and hosting are yours to run - Card fees from Stripe or PayPal on top :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>FluentCart is free to start, with yearly plans by the number of sites, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **One site** – $199 a year, or $249 once in the early-bird lifetime deal. - **Five sites** – $499 a year. - **15 sites** – $699 a year. - **50 sites** – $899 a year. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best with no fees on WordPress name: FluentCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/fluentcart-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free version, or from $199 a year text: Downloads, subscriptions and licenses on WordPress, with order bumps and no transaction fees. button: Start on FluentCart for free | https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>28. [Easy Digital Downloads](https://navid.link/easydigitaldownloads?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best place to sell software and downloads on WordPress**</p> <p></p> <p>[Easy Digital Downloads](https://navid.link/easydigitaldownloads?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is a WordPress plugin for selling digital products on your own site: downloads, subscriptions and software, with content protection and reports. Over 50,000 professionals use it, it says.</p> <p>Its free version charges an extra 3% on each [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) or PayPal payment, renewals included. An Extended pass or higher removes it.</p> <h5>Who is Easy Digital Downloads for?</h5> <p>Easy Digital Downloads is for WordPress site owners who sell downloads, software or subscriptions on their own site.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A store for digital products on WordPress - Secure payments through Stripe and PayPal - Subscription billing and free trials, on the paid passes - Content protection - Store management and reports - 100+ integrations :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Your store and your customers on your own site - A free version - No platform fee from the Extended pass - A 14-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free version adds 3% to each payment - Needs WordPress and hosting of your own :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Easy Digital Downloads is free to start, with yearly passes at half price for the first year when I checked, from its pricing page and Stripe docs as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with an extra 3% on each Stripe or PayPal payment. - **$199 a year** – for one site, with the 3% fee still on. - **$399 a year** – for one site, with no platform fee. - **$599 a year** – for two sites. - **$999 a year** – for three sites. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for software on WordPress name: Easy Digital Downloads logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/easy-digital-downloads-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: Free version, or from $199 a year text: Downloads, subscriptions and software sold from your own WordPress site. button: Get Easy Digital Downloads | https://navid.link/easydigitaldownloads?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>29. [SendOwl](https://navid.link/sendowl?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best place to sell digital products, priced by your sales**</p> <p></p> <p>[SendOwl](https://navid.link/sendowl?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) sells anything digital straight to your customers, with no marketplace in between: downloads, courses, subscriptions and physical goods.</p> <p>Every plan has every feature. What you pay for is sales volume.</p> <p>Launch covers up to $10,000 in sales a year, Grow up to $36,000, and Business starts at $299 a month for up to $200,000. Go past your plan's limit, and SendOwl moves you up.</p> <p>SendOwl takes no cut of your sales.</p> <h5>Who is SendOwl for?</h5> <p>SendOwl is for creators who already have a site and want a checkout that delivers digital products securely, without a transaction fee.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Three checkout flows, overlay checkout and shareable links - Instant delivery of PDFs, videos, images and music - Subscriptions and recurring billing - Bundles and pre-orders - Upsells, coupons and an affiliate program - License keys and video streaming :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No cut of your sales - Every feature on every plan - A free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Launch stops at $10,000 in sales a year, and Grow at $36,000 - Business starts at $299 a month - No marketplace: you bring the buyers :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>SendOwl's plans go by your sales in a year, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – $39 a month, or $32.50 billed yearly, for up to $10,000 in sales a year. - **Grow** – $87 a month, or $72.50 billed yearly, for up to $36,000. - **Scale** – $159 a month, or $132.50 billed yearly, for up to $100,000. - **Business** – from $299 a month, for up to $200,000. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best priced by your sales name: SendOwl logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/sendowl-icon.png rating: 4.1 price: From $39 a month, after a free trial text: A checkout for downloads, courses and subscriptions, with no marketplace in between. button: Try SendOwl for free | https://navid.link/sendowl?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>30. [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best place to sell digital products next to merch**</p> <p></p> <p>[Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is a creator store for merch, digital products and memberships, with no upfront costs and no credit card to start.</p> <p>It hosts your digital products and delivers them securely to buyers, next to your merch, and it runs video memberships, with your videos organized into series in its video catalog.</p> <p>Its free plan keeps 5% of digital product sales, and Pro, at $15 a month, keeps nothing on them. Memberships keep 5% on both plans, and card processing is 2.9% + $0.30 on US cards.</p> <h5>Who is Fourthwall for?</h5> <p>Fourthwall is for creators who sell merch and memberships to their audience, and want to add a course or a digital product to the same shop.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A branded shop for merch, digital products and memberships - A video catalog, with videos organized into series - Private livestreams, polls, badges and Discord roles for members - Branded mobile apps for your members - Your own domain :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan, with no upfront costs - Merch, downloads and memberships in one shop - No fee on digital products on Pro - Branded mobile apps for members :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Built around merch and memberships more than a catalog of downloads - Keeps 5% of digital product sales on the free plan - Memberships keep 5% on both plans :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Fourthwall has a free plan and Pro, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, keeping 5% of digital product sales, with 5 GB of storage. - **Pro** – $15 a month, or $48 less a year billed yearly, with no fee on digital products, 100 GB, a free .store domain and $120 of shop credit a year. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for merch and memberships name: Fourthwall logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/fourthwall-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free plan, keeping 5% of digital sales text: Merch, digital products and memberships, with no upfront costs. button: Start on Fourthwall for free | https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>31. [Creative Market](https://navid.link/creativemarket?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best marketplace to sell digital design assets**</p> <p></p> <p>[Creative Market](https://navid.link/creativemarket?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is a marketplace for design assets: fonts, templates, graphics, illustrations, brushes and effects. It says over 11 million members shop there.</p> <p>Shops earn 50% of their list price by default, and Creative Market covers card processing and the marketing. You set your own prices, there's no approval for each product, and you can sell the same work on your own site too.</p> <h5>Who is Creative Market for?</h5> <p>Creative Market is for designers who sell fonts, templates and graphics, and want a marketplace of buyers who come for exactly that.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A marketplace of over 11 million members - Fonts, templates, graphics, illustrations, brushes and effects - Your own prices - No approval for each product - No exclusivity :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Buyers who come for design assets - Card fees and marketing covered - Sell the same work elsewhere too :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Keeps half of each sale by default - Only for design assets :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Creative Market pays a share of each sale, from its seller pages as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Your share** – 50% of your list price by default, with rates that vary by shop and product. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for design assets name: Creative Market logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/creative-market-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: 50% of each sale by default text: Fonts, templates and graphics in front of over 11 million members. button: Open a shop on Creative Market | https://navid.link/creativemarket?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>32. [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best place to sell ebooks**</p> <p></p> <p>Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, or KDP, self-publishes your ebooks and print books to Amazon, in more than 10 countries and over 45 languages, with free tools.</p> <p>You choose a royalty for each ebook: 35% of the list price, or 70% minus a small delivery cost, for buyers in eligible countries. On Amazon.com, the 70% option covers ebooks priced from $2.99 to $12.99 since July 7, 2026, up from $9.99.</p> <p>Enroll a book in KDP Select, and you also earn for each page read on Kindle Unlimited. KDP says authors earned $69.4 million from it in August.</p> <h5>Who is Amazon KDP for?</h5> <p>[Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is for authors who want their ebook or print book in front of Amazon's readers.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Ebooks and print books on Amazon - Free tools to publish, in more than 10 countries and over 45 languages - A 70% or 35% royalty on each ebook - Kindle Unlimited page reads through KDP Select :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Amazon's readers - Free to publish - Up to 70% royalty :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - 35% outside the 70% price band and countries - Delivery costs come out of the 70% option, about $0.06 a copy - Amazon owns the customer, not you :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>KDP is free to publish on, and pays royalties, from its help pages as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **70% option** – 70% of the list price, minus delivery costs, for ebooks from $2.99 to $12.99 sold in eligible countries. - **35% option** – 35% of the list price. - **KDP Select** – royalties for pages read on Kindle Unlimited. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for ebooks name: Amazon KDP logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/amazon-kdp-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: Free to publish, up to 70% royalty text: Ebooks and print books on Amazon, in more than 10 countries. button: Publish with Amazon KDP | https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h4>33. [Udemy](https://navid.link/udemy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)</h4> <p>**The best marketplace to sell online courses**</p> <p></p> <p>[Udemy](https://navid.link/udemy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is a course marketplace: you publish a course, and Udemy sells it to its own students.</p> <p>It's free to teach on. What you earn depends on who brought the student: a sale through your own coupon or referral link pays you 97%, and a sale Udemy finds for you, through its ads or its marketplace, pays you 37%.</p> <h5>Who is Udemy for?</h5> <p>Udemy is for teachers who want buyers without building an audience first, and who are fine earning less on each sale for it.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A marketplace of students looking for courses - Free to publish - Quizzes and certificates - A mobile app for students - A Teaching Center with guides for planning, recording and marketing :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Brings its own students - Free to teach on - 97% of sales through your own coupon or referral link :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Pays you 37% of a sale it finds - To earn 97%, the sale has to come through your own coupon or link :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Udemy is free to teach on and pays a share of each sale, from its instructor terms as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Your own sales** – 97%, through your coupon or referral link. - **Udemy's sales** – 37%, when Udemy finds the student. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best course marketplace name: Udemy logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/udemy-icon.png rating: 4.1 price: Free to teach, 37% to 97% a sale text: A marketplace that brings its own students to your course. button: Teach on Udemy | https://navid.link/udemy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products :::</p> <h3>What digital products can you sell?</h3> <p>Almost anything you can deliver as a file, a login or a link:</p> <ul><li>**Ebooks and guides** – on [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) or your own store.</li><li>**Online courses and cohorts** – on [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Thinkific](https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Teachable](https://navid.link/teachable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Podia](https://navid.link/podia?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) or [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), or [Udemy](https://navid.link/udemy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)'s marketplace.</li><li>**Templates, planners and printables** – on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), Gumroad, Payhip or [Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products).</li><li>**Fonts, graphics and design assets** – on [Creative Market](https://navid.link/creativemarket?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) or your own store.</li><li>**Memberships and communities** – on Whop, [Patreon](https://navid.link/patreon?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), Kajabi or [Ko-fi](https://navid.link/kofi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products).</li><li>**Coaching and calls** – on Stan, Kajabi or Podia.</li><li>**Software, apps and license keys** – on [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) or [Easy Digital Downloads](https://navid.link/easydigitaldownloads?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products).</li><li>**Music, audio and stock files** – on Gumroad, Payhip, [Sellfy](https://navid.link/sellfy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) or Ko-fi.</li></ul> <h3>How to choose where to sell digital products</h3> <p>Five things decide most of it:</p> <p>1. **Who brings the buyers** – a marketplace like [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Creative Market](https://navid.link/creativemarket?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) or [Udemy](https://navid.link/udemy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) brings its own, and a store like [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) or [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) sells to the audience you bring. 2. **How you pay for it** – a share of each sale, like Whop, Gumroad and [Patreon](https://navid.link/patreon?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), or a flat plan, like ThriveCart, [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and [Sellfy](https://navid.link/sellfy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products). A share costs little at first and more as you grow. 3. **Sales tax and VAT** – [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and Gumroad act as the merchant of record and handle it for you, [Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) handles EU and UK VAT, and Whop handles it for 2% when you turn it on. 4. **Selling more per order** – order bumps and one-click upsells raise what each buyer spends. ThriveCart, [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), HighLevel, [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and [PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) have them. 5. **Who owns the customer** – on a marketplace, the buyer is the marketplace's. On your own store, the email list and the relationship are yours.</p> <p>They come in seven kinds:</p> <p>:::cards tinted Layers | All-in-one platforms | Products, courses, memberships and your marketing in one place, like Whop, Kajabi, HighLevel, [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Podia](https://navid.link/podia?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products). ShoppingCart | Checkouts and funnels | Checkouts and funnels that sell more per order, like ThriveCart, SamCart, ClickFunnels, PayKickstart and Lemon Squeezy. Store | Stores | A store for your downloads and merch, like Gumroad, Payhip, Sellfy, [SendOwl](https://navid.link/sendowl?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products). Smartphone | Link-in-bio stores | A store behind the link in your profiles, like [Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Beacons](https://navid.link/beacons?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and [Linktree](https://navid.link/linktree?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products). Users | Fan support and memberships | Tips and monthly support from your fans, like Patreon and [Ko-fi](https://navid.link/kofi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products). Globe | Marketplaces | Buyers who come to the marketplace, like Etsy, Creative Market, Amazon KDP and Udemy. Code | WordPress | A store on your own WordPress site, like SureCart, [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and [Easy Digital Downloads](https://navid.link/easydigitaldownloads?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products). :::</p> <h3>The best free places to sell digital products</h3> <p>Here's where you can start without a monthly bill:</p> <ul><li>**[Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)** – 2.7% + $0.30 a sale, with no setup fee.</li><li>**[Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)** – 10% + $0.50 a sale, with tax handled worldwide.</li><li>**[Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)** – 5% + $0.50 a sale, card processing and tax included.</li><li>**[Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)** – a free plan that keeps 5% of each sale.</li><li>**[Ko-fi](https://navid.link/kofi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)** – 0% on tips and 5% on shop sales.</li><li>**[Patreon](https://navid.link/patreon?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)** – 10% of what you earn.</li><li>**[Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)** – $0.20 a listing and 6.5% a sale.</li><li>**[Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)** – a free plan with no transaction fees, only [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)'s or PayPal's card fees.</li><li>**[Beacons](https://navid.link/beacons?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)**, **[Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)** and **[Linktree](https://navid.link/linktree?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)** – free plans with a share of each sale.</li><li>**[Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)** and **[Udemy](https://navid.link/udemy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products)** – free to publish, paying you a share of each sale.</li></ul> <h3>Why sell digital products?</h3> <p>You make a digital product once and sell it again and again. There's no stock to buy, nothing to ship, and almost no cost for each extra sale, so most of the price is yours.</p> <p>It also scales with your audience: the same course or template can sell to 10 people or 10,000.</p> <h3>How to sell digital products</h3> <p>Here's how I'd start today:</p> <p>1. **Pick one problem you can solve** – for a group you know, ideally one you've already helped. 2. **Make the smallest useful version** – a guide, a template or a short course, before a big program. 3. **Choose where to sell** – your own store if you have an audience, a marketplace if you don't yet. 4. **Price it and write the page** – who it's for, what they get and what it changes for them. 5. **Bring buyers to it** – your email list, social media, search, or a marketplace's own traffic.</p> <h3>What I use</h3> <p>I sell through Creator Store, a store I built myself. It sells my digital products through my own [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) account, with real invoices, order bumps, upsells and bundles, coupons, and an affiliate program with its own portal for my partners. There's no plan and no cut of my sales.</p> <p>It's built with Next.js, Stripe and [Supabase](https://navid.link/supabase?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), and I write it with AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products). That's a lot more setup than any place here, so it isn't for everyone.</p> <p>Before Creator Store, [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) was my go-to shopping cart for years, and I processed millions of dollars through it. If you'd rather not build your own, [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is where I'd start today, or ThriveCart for a checkout that sells more per order.</p> <p>Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you sign up through one, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.</p> <p>:::faq :::</p> <h3>Final thoughts on the best place to sell digital products</h3> <p>There are a lot of places to sell digital products, so it comes down to what you sell, whether you bring the buyers or the marketplace does, and how you want to pay.</p> <p>Here are my final recommendations:</p> <p>:::cards list https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/whop-icon.png | Whop | The best overall: products, memberships and courses with no monthly fee, for 2.7% + $0.30 a sale. | https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products | Best overall | Start selling on Whop https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrivecart-icon.png | ThriveCart | The best checkout, with order bumps and upsells and 0% of your sales. I processed millions of dollars through it. | https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products | Best checkout | Try ThriveCart free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/kajabi-icon.png | Kajabi | The best for courses and coaching, with email, a community and a checkout under one plan. | https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products | Best for courses | Try Kajabi free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/eden-icon.png | Eden | The best creator workspace: your ideas, your content and a store for courses, coaching and downloads. | https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products | Best creator workspace | See Eden's store https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/stan-icon.png | Stan | The best for creators on social, with your store behind the link in your bio. | https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products | Best link-in-bio store | Try Stan free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/etsy-icon.png | Etsy | The best marketplace for printables and digital art, where buyers are already searching. | https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products | Best marketplace for printables | Start selling on Etsy :::</p> <p>Now I'd like to turn it over to you. Where will you sell? Or do you use a great place I didn't cover? [Send me a message](/contact) and tell me.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[The best shopping cart software](/articles/best-shopping-cart-software) – checkouts for your products, compared</li><li>[The best online course platforms](/articles/best-online-course-platforms) – 40 platforms for selling a course, compared</li><li>[The best landing page builders](/articles/best-landing-page-builders) – pages that sell your product, compared</li></ul> <p>Start with the place that fits what you sell, and put one product on it before you build a catalog.</p><h2>FAQs about where to sell digital products</h2><h3>What is the best place to sell digital products?</h3><p>[Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) is my pick overall, with no monthly fee, 2.7% + $0.30 a sale and payments from 195 countries.</p> <p>For a checkout that sells more per order, I'd pick [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), and for courses and coaching, [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products).</p><h3>Where can I sell digital products for free?</h3><p>[Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Ko-fi](https://navid.link/kofi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and [Patreon](https://navid.link/patreon?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) have no monthly fee and take a share of each sale instead.</p> <p>[Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) has a free plan that keeps 5%, and [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) charges $0.20 a listing and 6.5% a sale.</p><h3>Which platform has the lowest fees for digital products?</h3><p>[Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) charges 2.7% + $0.30 a sale, card processing included, with no monthly fee.</p> <p>[ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and [Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) take no cut of your sales, but you pay a monthly plan.</p><h3>Is selling digital products a good business?</h3><p>It can be, since you make a product once and sell it again and again, with no stock or shipping.</p> <p>Most of the price is yours, and the same product can sell to 10 people or 10,000.</p><h3>How do I create digital products?</h3><p>Start with one problem you can solve for a group you know, and make the smallest useful version of the answer.</p> <p>A guide, a template or a short course is enough to start, and AI tools make the first draft faster.</p><h3>How do I find a low-competition niche for digital products?</h3><p>Look for a specific group with a specific problem, rather than a broad topic everyone covers.</p> <p>Search [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and Amazon for it, and pick a corner where the products are few, dated or poorly reviewed.</p><h3>Do I need a website to sell digital products?</h3><p>No, [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and [Ko-fi](https://navid.link/kofi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) give you a page to sell from.</p> <p>Marketplaces like [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products), [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and [Udemy](https://navid.link/udemy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) sell your product on their own sites.</p><h3>Can I sell digital products on Linktree?</h3><p>Yes, [Linktree](https://navid.link/linktree?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) sells digital products and courses powered by [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) from your link in bio, for sellers in 34 countries.</p> <p>Pro and Premium take 0% of your sales, and [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) charges 2.9% + $0.30 a purchase on every plan.</p><h3>Can I sell digital products on Etsy?</h3><p>Yes, [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) sells digital downloads, delivered the moment the buyer pays or made to order.</p> <p>It charges $0.20 a listing, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee.</p><h3>What is a merchant of record?</h3><p>A merchant of record sells your product on your behalf, so it collects and pays sales tax and VAT for you.</p> <p>[Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) work this way.</p><h3>Where do you sell your digital products?</h3><p>I sell through Creator Store, a store I built myself with Next.js, [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and [Supabase](https://navid.link/supabase?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products).</p> <p>Before that, [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-place-to-sell-digital-products) was my go-to cart for years, and I processed millions of dollars through it.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/best-online-side-hustles/https://navid.me/blog/best-online-side-hustles/50 online side hustles, ranked by what freelancers charge per hour on Upwork, plus products and content that pay per sale, each with how to start, the tools and the mistakes to avoid.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of the 50 best online side hustles, ranked by what they really pay.</p> <p>I've made my living online since 2014, when my first [virtual summit](/articles/what-is-a-virtual-summit) let me quit my bank job. Today I host the [AI Creator Summit](/ai-creator-summit), watched by 100,000+ creators, and I've built the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code). You can read more in [my story](/about-navid).</p> <p>Online side hustles pay very different amounts, from a median of $13 an hour for virtual assistants to $100 for business coaches on Upwork. So every side hustle below shows what it pays, how to start and how to get paid from anywhere.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>What online side hustles really pay per hour, from Upwork's own rate pages</li><li>37 online side hustles ranked by what they pay per hour, each with how to start, the tools and the mistakes to avoid</li><li>13 more that pay per sale, per view or per video instead</li><li>How to get paid from outside the US, and the age rules for teens</li></ul> <p>Start with the highest-paying side hustle you already have the skill for.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - Online skills pay far more per hour than online tasks. On Upwork, business coaches charge a median of $100 an hour, while virtual assistants charge $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-coaches/cost/)). - AI skills are near the top and growing fastest. AI developers charge a median of $90 an hour on Upwork, and freelancer earnings for AI video grew 329% in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). - Products and content pay per sale or per view, so they start slow and can grow past any [hourly rate](/free-tools/hourly-to-salary-calculator). - Fiverr, Preply, Shutterstock and Patreon all pay outside the US through PayPal or Payoneer, among other methods. - Many platforms require you to be 18, but Fiverr and Etsy let 13 to 17 year olds sell through a parent's account. :::</p> <h3>What is an online side hustle?</h3> <p>An online side hustle is work you do on the internet, outside your main job, for clients, customers or an audience. You need a laptop and an internet connection, and you can do it from anywhere a platform can pay you.</p> <p>Online side hustles pay in two ways. Skills like writing, design and building pay by the hour or by the project, while products and content pay per sale or per view. Skills pay sooner, and products and content can grow past any hourly rate.</p> <p>The 50 in this guide come in four groups:</p> <p>:::cards here TrendingUp | $40 an hour or more | Coaching, consulting and AI builds pay the most per hour. | #online-side-hustles-that-pay-40-an-hour-or-more Briefcase | $25 to $39 an hour | Writing, design, ads and building are skills you can learn in months. | #online-side-hustles-that-pay-25-to-39-an-hour Rocket | Under $25 an hour | These are the easiest to start, and many need no experience. | #online-side-hustles-that-pay-under-25-an-hour Package | Per sale, view or video | Products and content start slow and keep paying. | #online-side-hustles-that-pay-per-sale-per-view-or-per-video :::</p> <h3>What online side hustles really pay per hour</h3> <p>Here's the range, from the median rates freelancers charge on Upwork for the side hustles in this guide:</p> <p>:::chart What online side hustles pay per hour | $ | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/) | Median rates freelancers charge, from each skill's rate page, October 2026 Business coaching | 100 | $100 Vibe coding | 90 | $90 Influencer campaigns | 60 | $60 Voiceovers | 55 | $55 Consulting | 55 | $55 Grant writing | 50 | $50 Presentations | 45 | $45 AI music | 35 | $35 Copywriting | 30 | $30 Graphic design | 25 | $25 Social media | 20 | $20 Transcription | 15 | $15 Virtual assistants | 13 | $13 :::</p> <p>These are what clients pay, before Upwork's fee, so see what you keep with the [Upwork fee calculator](/free-tools/upwork-fee-calculator).</p> <p>AI skills are where the growth is. Here are the fastest-rising ones on the two biggest freelance marketplaces:</p> <p>:::numbers Video | +329% | growth in freelancer earnings for AI video on Upwork | 2025 against 2024 | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work) Bot | +178% | growth in freelancer earnings for AI integration on Upwork | 2025 against 2024 | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work) Code | +938% | growth in Fiverr searches for Claude Code specialists | November 2025 to April 2026, against the six months before | [Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026) :::</p> <h3>Find your online side hustle in two minutes</h3> <p>Answer six questions about your skills, time and budget, and get your top three online side hustles.</p> <p>:::tool side-hustle-quiz best-online-side-hustles :::</p> <h3>Online side hustles that pay $40 an hour or more</h3> <p>These need real skill or experience, and they pay the most per hour of any online side hustle.</p> <h4>1. Coach people online</h4> <p>You help clients reach one result over video calls, a few sessions a week. Online coaching works from anywhere, and two or three clients can fit around a job.</p> <p>It fits you if you've solved a problem that others are still stuck on.</p> <p>**What it pays:** coaching packages, paid up front or monthly. On Upwork, business coaches typically charge $75 to $150 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-coaches/cost/)). On Upwork, life coaches typically charge $50 to $250 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/life-coaches/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Iman Gadzhi](/creators/iman-gadzhi) on building an online coaching business.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edM2x0NBMnI | Give me 33 minutes &amp; I’ll Show You How To Make $10,000/pm with Online Coaching | | Iman Gadzhi | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Name the result you help with, and who you help Coach three people at a low price and collect their results Raise your price with each new result :::</p> <p>**Tools:** take payments with [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and keep call notes with [Granola](https://navid.link/granola?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Coaching everyone on everything makes you hard to recommend. Staying cheap for too long hides what your results are worth. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>2. Vibe code apps and tools, for clients or yourself</h4> <p>[Vibe coding](/articles/what-is-vibe-coding) means building software by describing what you want in plain English, then letting an AI agent write, run and fix the code. You can sell builds to businesses that never had a developer, or make your own apps, tools and calculators that charge a subscription or bring visitors to your business.</p> <p>It fits you if you can turn a problem into clear steps, even without a coding background.</p> <p>**What it pays:** fees from clients, or subscriptions and one-time sales of your own apps and tools. On Upwork, AI developers typically charge $30 to $150 an hour, and the median is $90 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/)). Searches for vibe coding grew 61% on Fiverr, and searches for Claude Code specialists 938%, in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). Across more than 115,000 subscription apps, the median new app made about $72 a month a year after launch, and the top 10% made $2,500 or more ([RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)).</p> <p>**Example:** the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site are my own builds, vibe coded with Claude Code and Codex. Pieter Levels vibe coded fly.pieter.com, a flight game that runs in the browser, in February 2025, and he says it reached $1 million in annual recurring revenue in 17 days ([levels.io](https://levels.io/fly-pieter-com-vibecoded-flight-simulator)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Starter Story on how Connor Burd, 23, vibe coded an app in 14 days that makes $20,000 a month.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwHD6Fg-Mjs | I vibe coded a $20K/month mobile app in 14 days | | Starter Story | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build three small tools you'd use yourself Offer one fixed-price build to a business you know, or put your best tool online Charge a monthly fee to host and improve it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex). [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable), [Bolt](/ai-tools/bolt), [Replit](/ai-tools/replit), [Base44](/ai-tools/base44) and [Vibecode](https://navid.link/vibecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) build apps from a prompt, [Google AI Studio](/ai-tools/google-ai-studio) does it with Gemini, and [Cursor](/ai-tools/cursor) is a code editor with AI built in. Write clearer instructions with the [Claude Code prompt generator](/free-tools/claude-code-prompt-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Shipping an app you haven't tested yourself puts bugs in front of paying users and clients. Selling the method instead of the result makes clients compare you on price. Pasting API keys into a page's code lets anyone who opens the page copy them, so keep keys on the server. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per project from clients, or every business day through Stripe for your own app · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>3. Run influencer campaigns</h4> <p>You find the right creators for a brand, agree on the deal and manage the posts. I've worked with influencers since 2013, from my first summit's speakers to my [AI Creator Summit](/ai-creator-summit), and the relationship is most of the work.</p> <p>It fits you if you know the creators in a niche and like making deals.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per campaign or a monthly retainer. On Upwork, [influencer marketing](/articles/influencer-marketing) managers typically charge $40 to $90 an hour, and the median is $60 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/influencer-marketing-managers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Latasha James on running a successful influencer marketing campaign.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcJPRIo9eYo | How to Create a Successful Influencer Marketing Campaign | | Latasha James and Content Creator Confessions | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one niche and list the creators in it Run a small campaign for a brand you know Report the results and pitch the next campaign :::</p> <p>**Tools:** check creators with the [engagement rate calculator](/free-tools/engagement-rate-calculator), price deals with the [sponsorship rate calculator](/free-tools/sponsorship-rate-calculator), and reach out with the [influencer outreach email generator](/free-tools/influencer-outreach-email-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Picking creators by follower count alone misses the ones whose audiences buy. Skipping a written brief leads to posts the brand didn't expect. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>4. Do voiceovers</h4> <p>You record narration for ads, videos, courses and audiobooks from a quiet room. Clients book voices from anywhere, so your accent can be the reason they hire you.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a clear voice and can take direction.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or per finished minute. On Upwork, voice actors typically charge $40 to $85 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/voice-actors/cost/)). On Upwork, audiobook narrators typically charge $25 to $55 an hour, and the median is $40 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/audiobook-narrators/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Tawny Platis on becoming a voice actor in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6s2bKmNnPU | How To Become A Voice Actor In 2026 | | Tawny Platis | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Set up a quiet corner and a good microphone Record a demo in three styles: an ad, an explainer and a story Audition for new jobs every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** clean your audio with [Adobe Podcast](https://navid.link/adobepodcast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) or the [background noise remover](/free-tools/background-noise-remover), and edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles). Find jobs on [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recording in an echoey room makes every take sound cheap. Signing away your voice for AI training can cost you future work, so read every contract. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>5. Consult small businesses</h4> <p>You advise businesses in your field over calls and shared documents. A few hours a week of advice can pay more than a full day at a job.</p> <p>It fits you if you have years of experience in an industry and know what its problems cost.</p> <p>**What it pays:** day rates, projects or monthly retainers. On Upwork, business consultants typically charge $28 to $98 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-consultants/cost/)). Employed management consultants in the US earn a median of $101,860 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $1.17 million from consulting since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Frederik Pahuus on building a solo consulting business that makes $500,000 a year in profit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvaFGx5eKFc | Exactly How I Built A $500k Per Year (Profit) Solo Consulting Business | | Frederik Pahuus | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write down the one problem you solve best Offer a paid audit of that problem Turn the audit into a monthly retainer :::</p> <p>**Tools:** invoice with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), research with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), and shape your offer with the [value equation calculator](/free-tools/value-equation-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking your employer's clients can break your contract and your reputation. Selling hours instead of results caps what you can charge. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>6. Write grant applications</h4> <p>You write funding applications for nonprofits, schools and small companies. Each grant has a deadline, so you can plan the work around your week.</p> <p>It fits you if you write persuasively and like research.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per application or an hourly rate. On Upwork, grant writers typically charge $35 to $60 an hour, and the median is $50 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/grant-writers/cost/)). Employed fundraisers in the US earn a median of $72,550 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/fundraisers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** The Grant Writers Collective's guide to grant writing for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI4Y9awPXqk | Grant Writing For Beginners (updated 2026) | | The Grant Writers Collective | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write one grant for a nonprofit you know Learn the funders in one field Charge a flat fee per application :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and polish with [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Working for a percentage of the grant leaves you unpaid when the grant isn't won. Missing a funder's deadline wastes the application. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>7. Build AI agents</h4> <p>You build AI agents that do a job end to end for a business, like research, outreach or reporting. My business runs on an [AI OS](/how-i-use-ai) I built with Claude Code.</p> <p>It fits you if you can think in steps and test until it works.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee. On Upwork, AI engineers typically charge $35 to $60 an hour, and the median is $50 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/artificial-intelligence-engineers/cost/)). Searches for Claude Code specialists grew 938% on Fiverr in six months ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Teacher's Tech builds a first AI agent with Claude Code.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHB4JFG9i3k | Claude Code: Build Your First AI Agent | | Teacher's Tech | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build an agent for one task in your own work Test it until it runs without you Sell it to businesses with the same task :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build agents with [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles). [n8n](https://navid.link/n8n?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [Lindy](https://navid.link/lindy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [Pickaxe](https://navid.link/pickaxe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) build them with less code.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Letting an agent act without checks invites costly errors, so add a human review on important steps. Selling an agent before it runs without you turns the sale into unpaid support. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>8. Build AI chatbots</h4> <p>You build chatbots for websites and DMs that answer questions and book calls, and you charge to keep them updated. Businesses answer the same questions again and again, and a chatbot handles them around the clock.</p> <p>It fits you if you can write clear answers and test them.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee. On Upwork, chatbot developers typically charge $30 to $61 an hour, and the median is $45 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chatbot-developers/cost/)). AI chatbot development grew 71% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Botpress builds a customer support chatbot without code.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn27M2vAc1Y | Build a Customer Support Chatbot in 5 Minutes (No Code) | | Botpress | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a chatbot for your own site or a friend's Test it against 50 real questions Offer it to one industry at a set price :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I use [ManyChat](https://navid.link/manychat?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) for Instagram DMs. [Chatbot Builder AI](https://navid.link/chatbotbuilderai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [Pickaxe](https://navid.link/pickaxe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) build chatbots without code.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Letting the bot make up answers loses customers, so limit it to the business's own information. Pitching without a demo makes the sale harder, so show a working bot first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>9. Design presentations</h4> <p>You turn rough decks into clear, sharp slides for pitches, sales calls and talks. Each deck is a short project, so the work fits around a job.</p> <p>It fits you if you can simplify ideas visually.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per deck. On Upwork, presentation designers typically charge $35 to $60 an hour, and the median is $45 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/presentation-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Analyst Academy tests every AI presentation tool.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtRHtfR2egc | I Tested Every AI Presentation Tool - There’s One Clear Winner | | Analyst Academy | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign three decks you find online Offer a fixed price per deck Sell your best layouts as templates :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Gamma](https://navid.link/gamma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) turns an outline into slides, then finish in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) or Google Slides. The [presentation generator](/free-tools/presentation-generator) makes a first draft in seconds.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Filling slides with text makes the speaker read instead of talk. Designing before the story is clear means redoing the deck later. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>10. Write resumes and LinkedIn profiles</h4> <p>You rewrite resumes and LinkedIn profiles as one package for job seekers. Each client is a short project, and happy clients send their friends.</p> <p>It fits you if you know what hiring managers look for.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per resume or per package. On Upwork, resume writers typically charge $25 to $65 an hour, and the median is $42 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/resume-writers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Teal on making a resume that stands out in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRha1slhTJU | How to Make A Resume that Stands Out in 2026 (after hiring 1,000s) | | Teal | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rewrite your own resume and a friend's Offer a resume and LinkedIn package at a set price Ask for a review after each client's interviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) for drafts, [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) to polish and [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) for the layout.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using one template for everyone makes your clients look like every other applicant. Promising interviews sets you up for refunds, so promise a stronger resume instead. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h3>Online side hustles that pay $25 to $39 an hour</h3> <p>These are skills many people learn in a few months, and they pay well for the hours.</p> <h4>11. Make music with AI</h4> <p>AI music tools make full songs from your lyrics and a prompt. People pay for custom songs for birthdays and weddings, and businesses pay for background music.</p> <p>It fits you if you write lyrics and have an ear.</p> <p>**What it pays:** licensing, streaming and custom songs. On Upwork, music producers typically charge $30 to $65 an hour, and the median is $35 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/music-producers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** MoneOnDaBeat's beginner tutorial for Suno.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OUpLRNdE9I | Suno Ai Tutorial 2025 - How To Use Suno V5 for Beginners | | MoneOnDaBeat | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check each tool's terms for selling what it makes Write the lyrics and shape each song yourself Offer custom songs or license background music :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Suno](https://navid.link/suno?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) makes the songs. Read its terms for selling what it makes before you start.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Uploading raw AI songs to streaming services fills your profile with unfinished work. Ignoring each tool's commercial terms can cost you the rights to your songs. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per song for custom work</p> <h4>12. Ghostwrite for founders</h4> <p>You write LinkedIn and X posts, newsletters and articles in a founder's voice. Founders want to post without spending their own hours on it, so the work is monthly.</p> <p>It fits you if you can write like someone else.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer or a fee per book. On Upwork, ghostwriters typically charge $20 to $45 an hour, and the median is $32 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ghostwriters/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Nicolas Cole](/creators/nicolas-cole) on the most profitable ghostwriting opportunity of 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W5sPupJL_A | The Most Profitable Ghostwriting Opportunity of 2026 | | Nicolas Cole | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write three sample posts in a founder's voice Offer a monthly package of posts Keep clients with steady, on-time drafts :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) for drafts and [Typefully](https://navid.link/typefully?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) for X and LinkedIn.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing in your own voice instead of the founder's gets drafts rejected. Missing review deadlines breaks the posting schedule your client counts on. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>13. Write copy for businesses</h4> <p>You write the sales pages, ads and emails that sell. AI writes first drafts now, so clients pay for the strategy and the words that convert.</p> <p>It fits you if you understand why people buy.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per page or a monthly retainer. On Upwork, copywriters typically charge $19 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/copywriters/cost/)). Employed writers and authors in the US earn a median of $76,910 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Joanna Wiebe on becoming a top 1% copywriter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GozdYVnSrkE | How To Become a Top 1% Author, Copywriter, or Communicator | | Joanna Wiebe | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rewrite three sales pages you think could sell more Offer one kind of page at a fixed price Ask for the results and use them to raise your price :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and polish with [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing about the product instead of the buyer's problem makes copy that doesn't sell. Sending unedited AI drafts makes your copy sound like everyone else's. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>14. Write technical docs</h4> <p>You write guides, help pages and API docs for software companies. Clear docs help users succeed without contacting support, so companies pay to get them right.</p> <p>It fits you if you can explain technical things simply.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a fee per project. On Upwork, technical writers typically charge $20 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/technical-writers/cost/)). Employed technical writers in the US earn a median of $90,390 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write a sample guide for a tool you use Offer docs to startups in one field Keep clients with monthly updates as their product changes :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) for drafts and [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) to organize the docs.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing for experts when the users are beginners makes the docs useless. Leaving out screenshots makes every step harder to follow. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>15. Build websites and web apps</h4> <p>Most businesses need a website, and many need small web apps. AI coding tools now write much of the code with you.</p> <p>It fits you if you like building things that work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project and monthly upkeep. On Upwork, web developers typically charge $15 to $50 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/web-developers/cost/)). Employed web developers in the US earn a median of $92,650 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Ali Hossain's roadmap for freelance web development.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yufzdccJm0 | Ultimate Roadmap for Freelance Web Development | | Ali Hossain | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build two sites you can show Pick one kind of client and one kind of site Sell upkeep every month after launch :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build my own sites and apps with [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), and I'm not a developer. Host on [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) or [Hostinger](https://navid.link/hostinger?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), and grade a client's current site with the [SEO checker](/free-tools/seo-checker).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building without a written scope leads to endless changes. Launching and leaving gives away the monthly upkeep fee. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>16. Analyze data for businesses</h4> <p>You turn a business's spreadsheets and sales data into dashboards and clear answers. [AI tools](/ai-tools) now do much of the number crunching, so the value is in asking the right questions.</p> <p>It fits you if you like spreadsheets and finding the story in numbers.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a fee per project. On Upwork, data analysts typically charge $20 to $50 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/data-analysts/cost/)). Employed data scientists in the US earn a median of $120,230 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Jeff Su](/creators/jeff-su) analyzes data with ChatGPT in 12 minutes.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKLr3ft8ea0 | Master Data Analysis with ChatGPT (in just 12 minutes) | | Jeff Su | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a dashboard from public data you care about Offer one kind of report to one kind of business Keep clients with a monthly update :::</p> <p>**Tools:** analyze with [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) or [Julius AI](https://navid.link/juliusai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), and build simple systems in [Airtable](https://navid.link/airtable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Making charts nobody acts on wastes the client's money, so end every report with what to do. Trusting AI's math without checking it puts wrong numbers in front of clients. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>17. Run paid ads</h4> <p>You manage Google and Meta ads for businesses, testing what brings in customers at a profit. Clients keep a good ads manager for as long as the numbers work.</p> <p>It fits you if you like testing and numbers.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly fee, often plus a share of the ad spend. On Upwork, PPC specialists typically charge $20 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ppc-specialists/cost/)). Display advertising was among Upwork's fastest-growing marketing skills in 2025, up 26% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Neil Patel](/creators/neil-patel) runs through Facebook ads from the start.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZWJCjhZanQ | The Only Facebook Ads Tutorial You Need for 2025 | | Neil Patel | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Run a small campaign for yourself or a friend Offer a fixed monthly fee for one platform Report results every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the ad platforms themselves, and the [A/B test calculator](/free-tools/ab-test-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Running ads without tracking means you can't prove what worked. Promising a return on ad spend sets you up to lose the client. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>18. Manage online stores for brands</h4> <p>You run a brand's online store: the listings, orders, customer emails and promotions. Brands on Shopify, Etsy and Amazon pay to keep it all moving while they make the products.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized and like selling.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer, sometimes plus a share of sales. Ecommerce management was the fastest-growing skill in Upwork's admin and support category in 2025, up 130% in freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). On Upwork, ecommerce experts typically charge $25 to $48 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/e-commerce-freelancers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Steve Chou shows how ChatGPT helped improve a Shopify store.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehe0zU6LrZM | ChatGPT Optimized My Shopify Store - 4X Sales, 22% Bigger Orders | | MyWifeQuitHerJob Ecommerce Channel | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn one platform well Fix one store's listings as a sample Offer a monthly plan :::</p> <p>**Tools:** most stores run on [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) or [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles). Write listings faster with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), make product images in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), and connect tools with [Zapier](https://navid.link/zapier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Making changes without the owner's okay can cost you the client. Reporting tasks instead of sales hides the value you add. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>19. Build browser extensions</h4> <p>You build small browser extensions that fix one annoyance, then sell them once or monthly, or build them for clients. AI coding tools make small extensions quick to build.</p> <p>It fits you if you can build small tools.</p> <p>**What it pays:** one-time sales or subscriptions. On Upwork, Chrome extension developers typically charge $25 to $41 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chrome-extension-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Paul J Lipsky builds Chrome extensions with Claude, no coding needed.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbgolE1kPDI | Use Claude Cowork To Build Chrome Extensions (Zero Coding Skills Needed) | | Paul J Lipsky | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find one annoyance people complain about Build the smallest fix Charge for a pro version :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) to build it, and [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) to charge.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Asking for too many permissions scares users away at install. Giving everything away for free leaves no reason to upgrade. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>20. Design apps and websites</h4> <p>UX and UI designers decide how apps and websites look and work. Startups pay well for screens that are easy to use.</p> <p>It fits you if you notice what makes an app easy or annoying.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or a day rate. On Upwork, UX designers typically charge $25 to $39 an hour, and the median is $27 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ux-designers/cost/)). Employed web and digital interface designers in the US earn a median of $104,000 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Shivangi Tiwari on becoming a UI/UX designer in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUf6Wwz1-q4 | How to Become a UI/UX designer in 2026 - With any Degree - Zero Coding - Complete Guide - | | Shivangi Tiwari | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign three screens of apps you use Show your process, not only the result Pitch startups in one field :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Figma](https://navid.link/figma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), build live pages in [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), and turn ideas into screens with [Magic Patterns](https://navid.link/magicpatterns?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Showing only final screens hides the thinking clients pay for. Designing for yourself instead of real users leads to screens people struggle with. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>21. Build mobile apps</h4> <p>You build apps for clients, or your own with subscriptions. AI coding tools now help one person build and ship an app.</p> <p>It fits you if you can build, with AI's help.</p> <p>**What it pays:** client fees, or subscriptions and in-app purchases. On Upwork, mobile app developers typically charge $18 to $39 an hour, and the median is $27 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/mobile-app-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Tech With Tim's full Claude Code tutorial for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntDIxaeo3Wg | Claude Code - Full Tutorial for Beginners | | Tech With Tim | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build one small app Offer builds to small businesses Add monthly upkeep :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [Cursor](https://navid.link/cursor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) to build, or [Vibecode](https://navid.link/vibecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), which builds mobile apps from a prompt.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Adding too many features delays the launch and confuses users. Skipping an upkeep plan leaves the app broken after the next phone update. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** more than 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>22. Design for clients</h4> <p>You design logos, social posts and brand kits for small businesses. AI tools speed up the drafts, and your eye decides what's good.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for design.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or a monthly package. On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)). Employed graphic designers in the US earn a median of $62,960 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm), May 2025). Logo design grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Edgy Katrina's realistic week as a freelance graphic designer.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VDq7pubiZE | a realistic week in my life as a freelance graphic designer and creator in LA | | edgykatrina | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make five samples for one kind of business Offer one package at a set price Add a monthly plan for social graphics :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [Figma](https://navid.link/figma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [Recraft](https://navid.link/recraft?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Offering unlimited revisions turns one project into months of work. Showing a portfolio in every style makes it hard for clients to see what you do best. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>23. Proofread and edit</h4> <p>You fix and tighten writing for authors, students and businesses. The jobs are short, so they fit around a job.</p> <p>It fits you if you catch every typo.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per word or per project. On Upwork, proofreaders typically charge $18 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/proofreaders/cost/)). Employed editors in the US earn a median of $77,920 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick what you edit: books, blogs or business documents Edit a free sample for one client Charge per word once you have reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and the [Flesch-Kincaid calculator](/free-tools/flesch-kincaid-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Rewriting the author's voice instead of fixing errors annoys clients. Taking rush jobs at your normal rate burns you out, so charge more for them. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>24. Run email marketing for businesses</h4> <p>Email is a channel a business owns, with no algorithm in between. You write the emails and build the automations that turn a list into sales.</p> <p>It fits you if you write well and like seeing numbers move.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer. On Upwork, email marketers typically charge $15 to $40 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/email-marketing-consultants/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Kevin Stratvert](/creators/kevin-stratvert)'s Mailchimp tutorial for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVWmh3ikMnA | Mailchimp Tutorial for Beginners - Learn Email Marketing in 2026 | | Kevin Stratvert | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write a welcome series for your own list or a friend's business Offer a monthly package of campaigns and automations Report opens, clicks and sales :::</p> <p>**Tools:** most clients use [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [beehiiv](https://navid.link/beehiiv?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [MailerLite](https://navid.link/mailerlite?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) or [Flodesk](https://navid.link/flodesk?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles). Test subject lines with the [subject line tester](/free-tools/subject-line-tester), and check deliverability with the [email deliverability checker](/free-tools/email-deliverability-checker).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending only promotions trains readers to ignore the emails. Reporting opens alone hides whether the emails sell, so report clicks and sales. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>25. Write with AI for businesses</h4> <p>You write blog posts, emails and social posts with AI, then edit them until they sound human. Businesses want more content than they can write, and they pay for drafts they can publish.</p> <p>It fits you if you can make AI drafts sound human.</p> <p>**What it pays:** fees per piece or a monthly retainer. On Upwork, content writers typically charge $15 to $40 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/content-writers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Sandeep Swadia on fixing writing that reads like AI.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wreCvpBdso | Everyone Can Spot AI Writing, Here's How To Fix It | | Sandeep Swadia | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one kind of writing Build a process: an AI draft, then your edit Sell a monthly package :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), polish with [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), and catch robotic phrasing with the [AI slop checker](/free-tools/ai-slop-checker).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Handing over unedited AI text gets you replaced by the AI. Charging per word rewards length instead of quality. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>26. Edit podcasts</h4> <p>You clean up episodes, cut clips and write show notes as a package per show. Shows publish on a schedule, so one client is steady work.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a good ear.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per episode or a monthly package. On Upwork, podcast producers typically charge $20 to $31 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/podcasting-freelancers/cost/)). Employed broadcast, sound and video technicians in the US earn a median of $60,150 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/broadcast-and-sound-engineering-technicians.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** FastEditor edits viral podcast reels in Premiere Pro.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4zBqRGa24I | Viral Podcast Reels in Premiere Pro - Fast Minimal Text Animation Tutorial | | Ur · FastEditor | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Edit two sample episodes Offer a package with clips and show notes Keep shows on a monthly plan :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) records it and [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) edits it, and I use both. Remove filler words with the [filler word remover](/free-tools/filler-word-remover).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Over-editing makes hosts sound robotic. Leaving out clips misses an easy way to charge more. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h3>Online side hustles that pay under $25 an hour</h3> <p>These are easier to start, and many need no experience. They pay less per hour, so use them to earn while you build a better-paying skill.</p> <h4>27. Offer SEO</h4> <p>You help businesses show up in Google and in AI answers, with audits, content plans and fixes. Search traffic keeps coming after the work is done, so businesses pay for it month after month.</p> <p>It fits you if you've ranked your own site.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer or a fee per audit. On Upwork, SEO experts typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $21 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/seo-experts/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Surfer's complete SEO and AI SEO course for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DRO4rEIHDk | The Complete SEO &amp; AI SEO Course for 2026 (Full Beginner’s Guide) | | Surfer Academy and Matt Kenyon | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rank your own site for a few searches Offer a paid audit Turn the audit into monthly work :::</p> <p>**Tools:** research with [Ahrefs](https://navid.link/ahrefs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) or [Semrush](https://navid.link/semrush?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), and check pages with the [SEO checker](/free-tools/seo-checker) and the [title and meta checker](/free-tools/title-and-meta-checker).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising the first spot on Google sets up a promise you can't control. Reporting rankings without traffic hides whether the work pays off. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>28. Design websites with AI</h4> <p>You build simple websites for small businesses, fast, with AI website builders and coding tools. Small businesses pay for a site that looks good, loads fast and brings in customers.</p> <p>It fits you if you have good taste and patience for small fixes.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per site and a monthly fee to keep it up. On Upwork, web designers typically charge $15 to $30 an hour, and the median is $21 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/web-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Create a Pro Website builds a website with Claude Code.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDTwHIKltpc | The EASY way to build a beautiful website with Claude Code (full workflow) | | Create a Pro Website | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build two sample sites Offer a fixed price for one kind of site Add monthly hosting and updates :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles). [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [Lovable](https://navid.link/lovable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) build sites from a prompt, and the [landing page grader](/free-tools/landing-page-grader) grades the result.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building before the client's content is ready stalls the project. Skipping a monthly plan gives away the recurring income. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>29. Tutor online</h4> <p>You teach students over video, in any subject or language you know well. Platforms like Preply bring the students, so you can start without an audience.</p> <p>It fits you if you can explain things simply and patiently.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per lesson, at a rate you set. Preply keeps the first trial lesson with each new student, then 18% to 33% of each lesson, falling as your teaching hours grow ([Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171383-preply-commission-model)). Employed tutors in the US earn a median of $20.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253041.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Vivian Zhu on the trial lessons behind over $37,000 earned from 1,568 Preply lessons in three years.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNgkr1_Is6s | I've Earned $39K as a Preply Tutor - Here's My Trial Lesson Blueprint | | Vivian Zhu | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a subject and level Start on [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) to get your first students Move regular students to packages :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), plus [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) to make quizzes and practice sheets.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Teaching every subject at once makes your profile hard to trust. Setting your price without counting Preply's cut leaves you earning less than you think. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>30. Manage social media</h4> <p>You plan, post and reply for a business's social accounts each week. Small businesses pay a monthly fee so they can stop thinking about it.</p> <p>It fits you if you know what works on social media.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly retainers. On Upwork, social media managers typically charge $14 to $35 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/social-media-managers/cost/)). Demand for Instagram services grew 147% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)), and social media strategy was among Upwork's fastest-growing marketing skills in 2025, up 36% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jade Beason's full guide to starting a social media marketing agency.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3iIIAxppPo | How to start a social media marketing agency step by step - 2026 FULL GUIDE | | Jade Beason | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Grow your own account first Offer a monthly package for one platform Report results every month :::</p> <p>**Tools:** schedule with [Metricool](https://navid.link/metricool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) or [Buffer](https://navid.link/buffer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and edit video in [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising followers sets the wrong goal, so promise steady posting and report on leads. Working in too many industries makes your results hard to compare and sell. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>31. Translate</h4> <p>AI drafts translations now, and you make them right. Clients pay for accuracy, tone and the cultural details a machine misses.</p> <p>It fits you if you're fluent in two languages.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per word or per project. On Upwork, translators typically charge $15 to $25 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/translators/cost/)). Employed interpreters and translators in the US earn a median of $60,170 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a language pair and one subject Offer AI translation checked by you Build repeat clients in that subject :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) for drafts, then [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) for clients.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Delivering machine drafts as final work puts errors in front of your client's customers. Taking subjects you don't know, like legal or medical texts, risks costly mistakes. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>32. Find leads for businesses</h4> <p>You research prospects and book meetings for businesses that sell to other businesses. Sales teams pay for meetings, so your results are easy to measure.</p> <p>It fits you if you like research and short emails.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per list, per meeting booked or a retainer. On Upwork, lead generation specialists typically charge $13 to $45 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/lead-generation-specialists/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Instantly on the new way of cold emailing in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8u840Wm-BI | The New Way of Cold Emailing in 2026 | | Instantly | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one kind of business to find leads for Build a small list and test one email Charge per meeting booked :::</p> <p>**Tools:** gather lists with [Apify](https://navid.link/apify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), find emails with [Hunter](https://navid.link/hunter?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [RocketReach](https://navid.link/rocketreach?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), and check them with the [bulk email verifier](/free-tools/bulk-email-verifier).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Emailing unchecked lists hurts your client's email reputation. Sending long first emails buries the one question you need answered. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>33. Transcribe audio</h4> <p>You turn recordings of interviews, podcasts and meetings into text. AI makes the first draft now, and you fix what it gets wrong.</p> <p>It fits you if you type fast and listen closely.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per audio minute. Rev pays $0.40 to $1.10 per audio minute for transcripts and $0.54 to $1.10 for captions, weekly through PayPal ([Rev](https://www.rev.com/freelancers)). On Upwork, transcriptionists typically charge $12 to $22 an hour, and the median is $15 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/transcriptionists/cost/)). Employed court reporters and live captioners in the US earn a median of $72,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/court-reporters.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant tests whether Rev's transcription jobs are worth it.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPSngnJlD2Y | Rev Transcription Jobs: Worth It or Complete Waste of Time? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to [Rev](https://navid.link/rev?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) Pass the transcription test Work in short sessions to keep your accuracy high :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) for drafts, and the [transcript cleaner](/free-tools/transcript-cleaner).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Trusting AI drafts without listening lets errors through. Working without good headphones makes you miss words. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly by PayPal on Rev · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>34. Keep the books for small businesses</h4> <p>You record a business's income and expenses each month and keep its accounts ready for tax time. The work repeats every month, so each client is steady income.</p> <p>It fits you if you're careful with numbers.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly fee. On Upwork, bookkeepers typically charge $11 to $25 an hour, and the median is $15 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/bookkeepers/cost/)). Employed bookkeeping clerks in the US earn a median of $50,670 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Bookkeepers on the first step when you start a bookkeeping business.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej088ohbbMY | Starting a Bookkeeping Business? Do THIS First | | Bookkeepers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn one accounting tool well Take two clients at a monthly fee Add clients as your process gets faster :::</p> <p>**Tools:** clients bank with [Mercury](https://navid.link/mercury?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and get paid through [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), and [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) helps sort transactions.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Giving tax advice you're not qualified for puts you and your client at risk. Taking on a year of catch-up work at your monthly rate leaves you underpaid. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>35. Do customer support</h4> <p>You answer emails and chats for online businesses, in shifts you choose. Online stores and software companies hire support help in many time zones.</p> <p>It fits you if you're patient and write clearly.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. On Upwork, customer service representatives typically charge $10 to $19 an hour, and the median is $14 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/customer-service-representatives/cost/)). Employed customer service representatives in the US earn a median of $21.53 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/customer-service-representatives.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Omowunmi on companies hiring remote customer support with no experience.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp9XshWoLsY | These 10 Companies Are Hiring Remote Customer Support (No Experience) | | Omowunmi’s Virtual Assistant Academy | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn one help desk tool Apply to remote support roles Specialize in one kind of product :::</p> <p>**Tools:** help desks like [Tidio](https://navid.link/tidio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), and the [remote jobs](/free-tools/remote-jobs) finder.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending copy-paste replies makes customers feel ignored. Promising what the business can't deliver creates angrier customers later. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>36. Do data entry</h4> <p>You type, clean and organize data in spreadsheets and business systems. It's simple work you can start without experience.</p> <p>It fits you if you're accurate and patient.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. On Upwork, data entry specialists typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/data-entry-specialists/cost/)). Employed data entry keyers in the US earn a median of $19.88 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes439021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** The Remote Times on data entry jobs from home.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IaAaLvHxzk | Work From Home Data Entry Jobs - Remote Hiring No Phones, No Degree | | The Remote Times | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn spreadsheet basics Apply to small jobs to get reviews Speed up with AI and raise your rate :::</p> <p>**Tools:** spreadsheets, [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying for "training" to get data entry work is a scam sign, because real jobs pay you. Staying at the lowest rate after good reviews leaves money on the table. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>37. Work as a virtual assistant</h4> <p>You take admin work off a business owner's plate: email, scheduling, research and small tasks. Assistants who specialize, in podcasts, ecommerce or social media, can charge more.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized and reliable.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a monthly package. On Upwork, virtual assistants typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/virtual-assistants/cost/)). Specialists earn more: medical virtual assistance grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Employed administrative assistants in the US earn a median of $48,310 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Life and Numbers on becoming a virtual assistant with no experience.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UT1rOreitg | How to Become a Virtual Assistant with No Experience (Step-by-Step Guide + Real Client Stories) | | life and numbers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start List the tasks you can take over Find one client through your network or a job board Write down every process as you learn it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) for processes and [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) for drafts, with clients on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [OnlineJobs.ph](https://navid.link/onlinejobsph?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Doing every task at any hour turns the side hustle into a second full-time job. Staying a general assistant keeps your rate low, so specialize as you go. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h3>Online side hustles that pay per sale, per view or per video</h3> <p>These don't pay by the hour. They start slow, and the best ones can grow past any hourly rate above.</p> <h4>38. Sell digital products</h4> <p>You make templates, guides, planners, photo presets or video LUTs once and sell them again and again. There's nothing to ship, so each extra sale costs you almost nothing.</p> <p>It fits you if you can save people time on something they do often.</p> <p>**What it pays:** one-time sales on your site or a marketplace. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself, and 30% of sales from its own marketplace ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Maria Wendt](/creators/maria-wendt) has made $21 million all time from her digital products and courses ([her video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgraeLDUMVM&amp;t=0s)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Yale Jeannette's full masterclass on selling digital products on Etsy.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAn7R954Xhc | how to sell digital products on etsy (full masterclass) | | Yale Jeannette | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a question people keep asking Make the smallest product that answers it Sell it, then improve it from feedback :::</p> <p>**Tools:** Sell on [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), which I used for years, or on [Stan Store](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) or [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles). Find what to make with the [digital product idea generator](/free-tools/digital-product-idea-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building a big product first delays your first sale by months. Launching with no audience means no one sees it, so build a small list first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>39. Sell an online course</h4> <p>A course turns what you know into a product you sell again and again. Mine, [Virtual Summit Mastery](/virtual-summit-mastery), made $60,000 on its first launch from an email list of 1,500 people, and well over $1 million before I sold it.</p> <p>:::gallery  :::</p> <p>It fits you if you've helped people get a result.</p> <p>**What it pays:** course sales, bundles and payment plans.</p> <p>**Watch:** Danie Jay on creating an online course that sells.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5g5Esl-OPo | How to Create an Online Course THAT SELLS in 2026 (from a 6-figure course creator) | | Danie Jay | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pre-sell a pilot to people who want the result Teach it live the first time Record it and sell the course :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), which also hosts courses, and my guide on [how to create an online course](/articles/how-to-create-an-online-course).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recording the course before anyone buys risks months on something no one wants. Making it longer than it needs to be means fewer students finish. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>40. Run a paid community</h4> <p>You charge members monthly or yearly for a community with lessons, live calls and each other. Members who get results stay, so the income repeats.</p> <p>It fits you if you like hosting people and can show up every week.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly or yearly memberships.</p> <p>**Watch:** my interview with [Stu McLaren](/creators/stu-mclaren) on building a successful membership site.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U4tFbl93Zg | How to Create a Successful Membership Site with Stu McLaren | | Navid Moazzez | https://cdn.navid.me/navid-moazzez.jpg | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Start with your email list or a free group Open paid spots to your most engaged people Hold one live call a month to keep members active :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) for billing and [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) for the community.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Opening a community with no audience leaves an empty room. Promising daily content burns you out, so promise only what you can keep up. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>41. Start a YouTube channel</h4> <p>Videos that people search for can earn for years after you post them. YouTube shares [ad revenue](/free-tools/youtube-money-calculator) once you join its Partner Program, and sponsors pay more as you grow.</p> <p>It fits you if you can post every week for a year.</p> <p>**What it pays:** YouTube's ad revenue share, sponsors, memberships and your own offers. YouTube pays you 55% of the ad revenue on your long videos and 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)), once you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Pat Flynn](/creators/pat-flynn) has made $27,732 from [one podcasting tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkhkx4MPdfI&amp;t=266s) with a million views. **Watch:** Think Media's step-by-step guide to creating a YouTube channel in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGKXSLmZBz8 | How to Create a YouTube Channel in 2026 (Step-By-Step) | | Think Media | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find videos that beat their channel's usual views Make your own better version Post every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [vidIQ](https://navid.link/vidiq?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), with the [YouTube outlier finder](/free-tools/youtube-outlier-finder).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Quitting after a few months stops the channel before it has a chance to grow. Counting on ads alone leaves money behind, so add sponsors and your own offers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>42. Post short videos</h4> <p>You post short videos on TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, and earn from creator programs, brand deals and affiliate links. Short videos can reach people who've never heard of you.</p> <p>It fits you if you're comfortable on camera or good at editing.</p> <p>**What it pays:** creator programs where you qualify, brand deals and affiliate links. TikTok's Creator Rewards Program pays for videos of at least 1 minute once you have 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in 30 days ([TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/global/creator-rewards-program-us/en)), and YouTube pays 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Buzz on monetizing a faceless TikTok in seven days.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eQDpN4lmNE | How I Monetized My Faceless TikTok in 7 Days | | Buzz | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one topic and one platform Post daily for 30 days Keep the formats that get watched :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), add captions with [Submagic](https://navid.link/submagic?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), and cut shorts from long videos with [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles). See what views pay in the [TikTok money calculator](/free-tools/tiktok-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying trends without a topic gets views but no audience. Relying on one platform's program puts all your income in its hands. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly on the 15th on TikTok, once you pass $50 · **Age:** 18+ for TikTok's rewards</p> <h4>43. Clip videos for creators</h4> <p>You cut long videos into short clips for creators, paid per clip or per view on clipping programs. Creators pay for clips because each one can bring new viewers to their long videos.</p> <p>It fits you if you watch a lot of one kind of content.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per clip, or pay per view on clipping programs. Clips are short-form video editing, and searches for short-form video editing grew 27% and Reels editing 57% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, video editors typically charge $6 to $25 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Daniel Bitton on how clipping pays.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_i3MscQJ70 | How To Get Rich From Clipping | | Daniel Bitton Extra | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Clip three creators in one topic for practice Keep the formats that get watched Pitch the creators or join their clipping programs :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [Submagic](https://navid.link/submagic?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Posting a creator's clips without permission can get your account banned. Burying the hook in the middle of a clip loses viewers in the first seconds. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per clip or per view, by the creator</p> <h4>44. Write a newsletter</h4> <p>You write one email a week for readers who care about a topic, and earn from sponsors, paid subscriptions and your own products. Your email list is an audience no platform can take away.</p> <p>It fits you if you can write every week.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, paid subscriptions, affiliate links and your own products. On Substack, writers keep 90% of paid subscriptions, minus card fees ([Substack](https://substack.com/going-paid)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $795,000 from sponsors in his weekly newsletter since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on the easiest way to build a local newsletter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0MRAjVp_Uo | The Easiest Way to Build a Local Newsletter | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one reader and one promise Send every week, on the same day Offer a free guide to grow your list :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [beehiiv](https://navid.link/beehiiv?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) or [Substack](https://navid.link/substack?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping weeks teaches readers not to expect you. Selling sponsors before readers trust you can shrink the list. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** through Stripe for paid subscriptions · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>45. Start a blog</h4> <p>You write posts that answer what people search for, and earn from ads, affiliate links and your own products. Posts that rank keep bringing readers for years.</p> <p>It fits you if you like writing and research.</p> <p>**What it pays:** display ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts and your own products.</p> <p>My business started with a blog in 2013.</p> <p>**Watch:** She Dreams All Day on starting a blog in 2026, and whether it's too late.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43Q3SzxVWGA | How to start a blog in 2026... or is it too late? (honest advice from a 6 figure blogger) | | she dreams all day | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic you could write 100 posts about Write what people search for Add an email list from the first post :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [RightBlogger](https://navid.link/rightblogger?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [Ahrefs](https://navid.link/ahrefs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), and my guides on [how to start a blog](/articles/how-to-start-a-blog) and [how to make money blogging](/articles/how-to-make-money-blogging).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing about too many topics makes it hard for Google and readers to trust you. Skipping an email list leaves you with readers you can't reach again. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, by each ad network and affiliate program</p> <h4>46. Earn from affiliate links</h4> <p>You recommend products you use and earn a commission on each sale through your link. My first online money came this way, a $65 commission in 2013.</p> <p>It fits you if you review or recommend things.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a commission per sale or sign-up. Amazon Associates pays up to 10% of each sale, depending on the category ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/GRXPHT8U84RAYDXZ)), about 60 days after the end of the month ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/G63DR893K4DH55XZ)). My biggest affiliate month came from a course, not Amazon: around $40,000 as Ramit Sethi's #1 affiliate for Zero to Launch.</p> <p>**Example:** [Maria Wendt](/creators/maria-wendt) makes $11,000 a month from affiliate links, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QBQzi4r940&amp;t=0s).</p> <p>**Watch:** Greg Gottfried's beginner tutorial for Amazon affiliate marketing.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mgoWw35_8U | How to Start Amazon Affiliate Marketing in 2026 (Beginner Tutorial) | | Greg Gottfried | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Recommend only what you use Write reviews and comparisons people search for Disclose every commission :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [affiliate program finder](/best-affiliate-programs) and the [affiliate commission calculator](/free-tools/affiliate-commission-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promoting products you haven't tried costs you your readers' trust. Hiding commissions breaks the FTC's disclosure rules ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/disclosures-101-social-media-influencers)). :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on Amazon</p> <h4>47. Sell print-on-demand designs</h4> <p>You design shirts, mugs and posters, and the printer makes and ships each order. You never hold stock, so you can test designs without buying inventory.</p> <p>It fits you if you can design for a niche.</p> <p>**What it pays:** [the margin](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator) on each item sold: your price minus the print cost and the marketplace's fees. On Etsy, that's $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jensen Tung on the easiest way to start print on demand from $0.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFGOEaGokaU | Easiest Way To Start Print On Demand From $0 In 2026 | | Jensen Tung | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a niche you know Make 10 designs for it Keep what sells and drop the rest :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [Ideogram](https://navid.link/ideogram?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) for designs, [Printful](https://navid.link/printful?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) to print, and the [print on demand profit calculator](/free-tools/print-on-demand-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using trademarks or characters you don't own gets listings removed. Selling without ordering a sample risks bad reviews on print quality. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>48. Self-publish on Amazon</h4> <p>You publish journals, planners and books on Amazon KDP, and Amazon prints and ships each copy. You earn a royalty on every sale.</p> <p>It fits you if you like simple design or writing.</p> <p>**What it pays:** royalties on each copy. Amazon KDP pays 60% of a paperback's list price at $9.99 or more, minus the printing cost: a $15 book that costs $5 to print earns $4 ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834330)). Royalties arrive about 60 days after the end of the month of the sale ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GK2MKZUL6U3SFBPZ)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Rachel Harrison-Sund on five bestselling low-content books on Amazon KDP.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNBS-v8rkXA | These Are the 5 Bestselling Low and Medium Content Books on Amazon KDP ($3,610 a DAY!!!) | | Rachel Harrison-Sund | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a niche with steady demand Design the interior and the cover Publish several titles in the niche :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and the [KDP royalty calculator](/free-tools/kdp-royalty-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying other books' covers can get your account closed. Publishing one title only gives you one chance to sell. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on KDP</p> <h4>49. Start a dropshipping store</h4> <p>You sell products online that a supplier ships straight to your customers. You keep the margin after ads and fees, so testing products quickly matters.</p> <p>It fits you if you like marketing and testing products.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each order, after ads and fees. Check yours with the [dropshipping profit calculator](/free-tools/dropshipping-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jordan Welch's beginner guide to dropshipping in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KmXbRiJVyg | Beginners Guide To Dropshipping In 2026 | | Jordan Welch | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one product category Test a few products with small ad budgets Keep what sells at a profit :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and the [dropshipping profit calculator](/free-tools/dropshipping-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Ignoring shipping times leads to refunds and bad reviews. Spending on ads before checking your margin can lose money on every sale. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>50. Make UGC videos</h4> <p>You film short product videos that brands run as ads, and they pay you per video. You don't need followers, because the brand posts the video.</p> <p>It fits you if you're natural on camera.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video, paid by the brand, at a rate you set. Brands also hire this work as video ads: searches for AI UGC video ads grew 265% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026, and searches for video editing grew 36% ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Samantha Dixon's step-by-step guide to becoming a UGC creator.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKdFfNUsQjY | BECOME A UGC CREATOR IN 2026💰(STEP-BY-STEP) - How To Make Money Online As A UGC Creator? What is UGC | | Samantha Dixon | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Film three sample videos with products you own Pitch brands in one niche Ask for half the fee up front :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) and [Captions](https://navid.link/captions?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles), with scripts from the [video script generator](/free-tools/video-script-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Making videos that sound like ads gets them skipped. Pitching every kind of brand makes your samples hard to trust. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when the brand pays your invoice</p> <h3>How to get paid from outside the US</h3> <p>Most online side hustles work worldwide, as long as the platform can pay you in your country. Here's how some of the main ones pay out, from their own pages:</p> <p>:::table fancy Platform | How it pays you | Source  Fiverr | PayPal, bank transfer through Payoneer, or a Payoneer account | [Fiverr](https://help.fiverr.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010530058-Withdrawing-your-earnings-managing-payout-methods)  Preply | Wise, Payoneer, PayPal or Skrill | [Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171348-when-and-how-you-get-paid-for-lessons)  Outlier | PayPal, Airtm or bank transfer | [Outlier](https://outlier.ai/faq)  DataAnnotation | PayPal | [DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/faq)  Shutterstock | Payoneer, PayPal or Skrill | [Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10617435-how-do-i-get-paid-for-my-work)  Patreon | PayPal, Payoneer, or bank transfer where available | [Patreon](https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/203913499-Paying-out-your-earnings)  Rev | PayPal | [Rev](https://www.rev.com/freelancers) :::</p> <p>If you work with clients directly, [Wise](https://navid.link/wise?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-side-hustles) lets you receive [payments in other currencies](/free-tools/money-transfer-comparison). Check each platform's list for your country before you start, since methods change by location.</p> <h3>Online side hustles for students and teens</h3> <p>Many platforms set age rules, so check before you sign up:</p> <p>:::table fancy Platform | Age rule | Source  Upwork | You must be 18 or older | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/legal)  Fiverr | 18 to withdraw earnings, and 13 to 17 through a parent's account | [Fiverr](https://help.fiverr.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010530058-Withdrawing-your-earnings-managing-payout-methods)  Etsy | 13 to 17 through a parent's account, with their supervision | [Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/terms-of-use)  YouTube | 18 or older, or younger through a parent or guardian's AdSense account | [YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)  TikTok | 18 or older for the Creator Rewards Program | [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/global/creator-rewards-program-us/en) :::</p> <p>Teens can still start with a parent's account on Etsy or Fiverr, or with a channel, a blog or a skill they're building for later.</p> <h3>Online side hustle scams to avoid</h3> <p>Online side hustles attract scammers:</p> <p>:::numbers ShieldCheck | $15.9 billion | reported lost to fraud by Americans in 2025 | Reports to the FTC | [FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/ftc-testimony-jec-hearing-on-the-rising-scam-economy.pdf) Briefcase | $750.6 million | lost to job and business opportunity scams in 2024 | Reports to the FTC | [FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/03/new-ftc-data-show-big-jump-reported-losses-fraud-125-billion-2024) :::</p> <p>Walk away from any of these:</p> <p>:::mistakes A "job" that asks you to pay for training or software first is a scam. A task app that needs a deposit to unlock bigger tasks is a scam. A client who overpays and asks you to refund the difference is running a scam. Anyone who asks for your bank login to send you money is a scammer. :::</p> <p>If an online job asks you to pay before you get paid, walk away.</p> <h3>Final thoughts on online side hustles</h3> <p>There are 50 online side hustles in this guide, and the gap between them is huge: from $13 an hour for virtual assistants to $100 for business coaches on Upwork.</p> <p>Start with the best-paying one you already have the skill for. If you don't have one yet, start lower and learn your way up. My business started online, with one small step.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[35 highest paying side hustles](/articles/highest-paying-side-hustles)</li><li>[85 remote side hustles](/articles/remote-side-hustles)</li><li>[108 ways to make money online](/articles/ways-to-make-money-online)</li><li>[60 side hustles from home](/articles/side-hustles-from-home)</li><li>[70 side hustle ideas](/articles/side-hustle-ideas)</li><li>[40 passive income ideas](/articles/passive-income-ideas)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: take the [side hustle quiz](/free-tools/side-hustle-quiz) and start the highest-paying side hustle it suggests this week.</p><h2>FAQs about online side hustles</h2><h3>What is the best online side hustle?</h3><p>The best online side hustle is the best-paying one you already have the skill for.</p> <p>On Upwork, business coaches charge a median of $100 an hour, AI developers $90 and business consultants $55.</p> <p>If you don't have a skill yet, start with transcription or virtual assistance and learn a better-paying one on the side.</p><h3>Which online side hustles pay the most?</h3><p>Coaching, building apps with AI, influencer campaigns, voiceovers and consulting pay the most per hour, at Upwork medians of $55 to $100.</p> <p>Products and content pay per sale or per view instead, so they can grow past any hourly rate.</p> <p>Every hourly rate in this guide comes from Upwork's own rate pages.</p><h3>What online side hustles need no experience?</h3><p>Transcription, data entry, customer support, virtual assistance, clipping and UGC videos need no experience.</p> <p>They pay less per hour, but you can start this week.</p> <p>Learn a better-paying skill on the side to raise your rate.</p><h3>How much can you make from an online side hustle?</h3><p>Bankrate found the median side hustle brings in $200 a month, while the average is $885.</p> <p>Online skills range from a median of $13 an hour for virtual assistants to $100 for business coaches on Upwork.</p> <p>Your hours and your rate decide where you land.</p><h3>Can I do an online side hustle from outside the US?</h3><p>Most online side hustles work from anywhere a platform can pay you.</p> <p>Fiverr, Preply, Shutterstock and Patreon all pay through PayPal or Payoneer, among other methods.</p> <p>Check each platform's payout list for your country before you start.</p><h3>What online side hustles can teens do?</h3><p>Teens 13 to 17 can sell on Etsy and Fiverr through a parent's account.</p> <p>Upwork and TikTok's Creator Rewards Program require you to be 18, and YouTube pays younger creators through a parent or guardian's AdSense account.</p> <p>A blog, a channel or a skill you build now pays off later.</p><h3>Which online side hustles use AI?</h3><p>Building apps with Claude Code, building AI agents and chatbots, making music with AI and writing with AI all use AI directly.</p> <p>On Upwork, freelancer earnings for AI video grew 329% in 2025, and Fiverr searches for Claude Code specialists grew 938% in six months.</p> <p>AI skills are where online demand is growing fastest.</p><h3>How do I start an online side hustle?</h3><p>Pick the best-paying side hustle you already have the skill for.</p> <p>Make three samples, offer one fixed-price package and get your first review.</p> <p>Take the side hustle quiz if you're not sure where to start.</p><h3>Do I pay taxes on online side hustle income?</h3><p>In the US, side hustle income is taxable, whether it comes through an app, a marketplace or cash.</p> <p>If your net self-employment earnings are $400 or more in a year, you also owe self-employment tax.</p> <p>I'm not a tax advisor, so check the rules where you live.</p><h3>Are online side hustles legit?</h3><p>Most online side hustles are real, but they attract scammers, and Americans reported $15.9 billion lost to fraud in 2025.</p> <p>A real side hustle never asks you to pay for training, make a deposit or share your bank login.</p> <p>Stick to known platforms, and walk away from anything that asks you to pay first.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/passive-income-ideas/https://navid.me/blog/passive-income-ideas/40 passive income ideas, from digital products and content to software, rentals and investing, rated by the work up front and after, with what each pays.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of 40 passive income ideas, rated by how passive each one really is.</p> <p>I know the honest version. My course [Virtual Summit Mastery](/virtual-summit-mastery) kept selling for years and made well over $1 million before I sold it. But it wasn't passive at the start. It took months to build, and every launch took weeks of work.</p> <p>Most "passive income" is built income. You do the work once, up front, and it can pay for a long time. So every idea below shows what it pays, from a real source, how much work it takes up front and how much it takes after.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>What passive income really is, and how passive each kind is</li><li>40 passive income ideas, rated by the work up front and the work after, each with what it pays</li><li>The passive income schemes the FTC has shut down</li><li>How passive income is taxed in the US</li></ul> <p>Look for the ideas that match what you have more of: time to build now, or money to invest.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - Almost no income is passive at the start. Products, content libraries and software come closest once they're built. - My course Virtual Summit Mastery made well over $1 million over the years, from one build and a few launches. - The most passive options need money up front: savings, Treasury bills and I bonds. I bonds issued through October 31, 2026 pay 4.26% ([TreasuryDirect](https://www.treasurydirect.gov/savings-bonds/i-bonds/)). - Offers of passive income from "done-for-you" online stores are a known scam pattern. The FTC has banned the owners of several of them. - Passive income is taxable in the US: product sales, royalties and rental income all count ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc414)). :::</p> <h3>What is passive income?</h3> <p>Passive income is money you earn without trading each hour for it. Active income stops when you stop working. Passive income keeps coming from something you built or own.</p> <p>The IRS uses a narrower meaning for taxes. It counts a business as passive only when you don't take part in running it on a regular basis, and it treats most rentals as passive ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc425)).</p> <p>Here's how passive each kind really is:</p> <p>:::table fancy Kind | Work up front | Work after | Examples  Digital products | Weeks | A few hours a month for updates and support | Courses, templates, ebooks  Content | Months | Regular posts to keep growing | YouTube, blogs, newsletters  Software | Months | Fixes, support and updates | Apps, extensions, tools  Royalties | Weeks | Little | Books, music, art prints  Rentals | Money and setup | Guests, repairs and cleaning | A spare room, a property  Investing | Money | Almost none | Savings, Treasury bills, index funds :::</p> <p>The less work something takes after, the more money or work it usually takes before.</p> <h3>What isn't passive income?</h3> <p>A lot of what's sold as passive income is a job or a business with a better story. These don't count:</p> <p>:::mistakes Freelancing, consulting and gig work stop paying when you stop working. A store that needs daily ads and customer service is a business you run. Day trading and sports betting take your time and can lose your money. A course or "system" that promises passive income for no work is a common way scams start. :::</p> <p>If the money stops the week you stop working, it isn't passive.</p> <h3>How my course kept selling for years</h3> <p>Virtual Summit Mastery made $60,000 on its first launch, from an email list of 1,500 people. Later launches made almost $200,000, then over $200,000 with no affiliates. Between launches, it kept selling.</p> <p>:::gallery  :::</p> <p>It made well over $1 million in total before I sold it to Jan Koch. That's as close to passive as I've seen, and it still needed launches, updates and support. Expect the same from any idea below.</p> <p>Here's what passive income has paid, in real numbers:</p> <p>:::numbers GraduationCap | $1 million+ | in total from my course, Virtual Summit Mastery | Before I sold it to Jan Koch | Package | $1 million | a month from digital products | Maria Wendt, in 2026 | [Her video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QBQzi4r940&amp;t=70s) BookOpen | $6.75 million | from courses and products since 2019 | Justin Welsh, as of 2025 | [His breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey) PiggyBank | 4.26% | on I bonds issued through October 31, 2026 | Including a fixed rate of 0.90% | [TreasuryDirect](https://www.treasurydirect.gov/savings-bonds/i-bonds/) :::</p> <h3>Digital products you make once</h3> <p>You build these once and sell them again and again, with nothing to ship. They're the closest thing to passive income most people can build.</p> <h4>1. Create an online course</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** weeks to build, then launches and support. A course with a steady way to reach buyers, like an email list or a channel, sells between launches.</p> <p>It fits you if you've helped people get a result and can teach the steps.</p> <p>**What it pays:** course sales, bundles and payment plans.</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) has made $6.75 million from his courses and products since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Danie Jay on creating an online course that sells.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5g5Esl-OPo | How to Create an Online Course THAT SELLS in 2026 (from a 6-figure course creator) | | Danie Jay | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pre-sell a pilot to 10 people before you record Teach it live and record the lessons Sell it to your list, then on autopilot between launches :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I sold mine through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas), which also hosts courses in ThriveCart Learn. Read my guide on [how to create an online course](/articles/how-to-create-an-online-course).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building before anyone buys risks a course nobody wants. Expecting sales with no audience leaves the course unsold, because it needs a way to reach buyers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>2. Teach on Udemy or Skillshare</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** a few weeks to record, then little work while the marketplace sells it.</p> <p>It fits you if you can teach a skill people search for, like design, video or software.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of what the marketplace earns from your classes. The marketplace brings students who search for classes, so you can start without an audience.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a skill people search for on the marketplace Record a short, practical class Publish more classes, since each one brings students to the others :::</p> <p>**Tools:** record with [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas), and compare platforms in my [best online course platforms](/articles/best-online-course-platforms) guide.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes A long, slow class rarely gets finished, while short and practical gets finished and reviewed. Relying on one class keeps income small, since a catalog earns more. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>3. Sell Notion templates</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** a weekend to build, then occasional updates.</p> <p>It fits you if you've built a [Notion](/ai-tools/notion) system you use every day.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per template that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a template for one job, like planning or a CRM Record a short demo Sell it on [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) or [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas), and [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) or [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas), which Thomas Frank uses.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes A template that tries to do everything overwhelms buyers. Selling without a demo loses buyers who want to see it working. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe</p> <h4>4. Sell Canva templates</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** a weekend per set, then new sets when you want more sales.</p> <p>It fits you if you design well in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva).</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per template that you set, minus Etsy's $0.20 listing fee, 6.5% of each sale and payment processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Design a set for one kind of buyer List it with clear mockups Add sets for what sells :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) and [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Fonts or images you can't license for resale can get your templates taken down. Selling single templates instead of sets keeps each sale small. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>5. Sell printables and planners</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** a few evenings per design, then almost none, since downloads deliver themselves.</p> <p>It fits you if you like designing useful pages.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per download that you set, minus Etsy's $0.20 listing fee, 6.5% of each sale and payment processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find printables that sell in your niche Make a better set List them with mockups :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) and [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas), and the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying other sellers can get your listings removed. Vague titles keep your printables from being found. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>6. Write and sell an ebook</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** weeks to write, then little work while it sells.</p> <p>It fits you if you can teach something useful in a short book.</p> <p>**What it pays:** royalties per copy. Amazon KDP pays 35% or 70% of an ebook's price, depending on the option you choose ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200644210)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one problem and write the shortest book that solves it Get a good cover Publish on [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) to outline and the [book royalty calculator](/free-tools/book-royalty-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes A long book nobody finishes earns few reviews. A homemade cover hurts sales, because buyers judge books by them. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** about 60 days after each month on KDP</p> <h4>7. Publish low-content books</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** a weekend per book, then almost none, since Amazon prints and ships every copy.</p> <p>It fits you if you like simple design.</p> <p>**What it pays:** royalties on each copy. Amazon KDP pays 60% of a paperback's list price at $9.99 or more, minus the printing cost: a $15 book that costs $5 to print earns $4 ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834330)). Royalties arrive about 60 days after the end of the month of the sale ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GK2MKZUL6U3SFBPZ)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Rachel Harrison-Sund on five bestselling low-content books on Amazon KDP.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNBS-v8rkXA | These Are the 5 Bestselling Low and Medium Content Books on Amazon KDP ($3,610 a DAY!!!) | | Rachel Harrison-Sund | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a niche that wants a specific journal Design the interior and cover Publish several titles :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) and [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying covers makes yours easy to scroll past. Publishing one title only keeps sales small. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on KDP</p> <h4>8. Sell stock photos and videos</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** each upload takes a little work, then it can sell for years.</p> <p>It fits you if you already shoot photos or video.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of each license sold. Shutterstock pays 15% to 40% of each license, by six earnings levels that reset every January 1 ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10594604-how-much-will-i-be-paid-as-a-contributor-to-shutterstock)), and pays monthly, by the 15th ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10617435-how-do-i-get-paid-for-my-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Wollertz Photography on making $202,067 selling stock photos.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLWmkcvjRnM | I Made $202,067.19 Selling Photos: Stock Photography Works - Best Agencies 2026 | | Wollertz Photography | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Shoot what buyers search for Tag every file carefully Upload often :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Adobe Stock](https://navid.link/adobestock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) and [Shutterstock](https://navid.link/shutterstock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Photos of people without model releases get rejected. Only shooting what you like misses what buyers search for. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, by the 15th on Shutterstock</p> <h4>9. Sell presets and LUTs</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** a few days to make a pack, then almost none.</p> <p>It fits you if people ask how you edit your photos or videos.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per pack that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Save the edits you use most as presets or LUTs Show before and after examples Sell the pack to your followers :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Adobe Lightroom](https://navid.link/adobelightroom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) for presets, and [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) to sell.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Presets that only work on your own photos disappoint buyers, so test them on other people's photos. Selling presets without a before and after hides what they do. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe</p> <h4>10. Sell sound and music packs</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** a few weeks to produce a pack, then almost none.</p> <p>It fits you if you make beats, loops or sound effects.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per pack that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a pack around one style or genre Share a free sample Sell the full pack :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) to sell, and [Suno](https://navid.link/suno?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) to sketch ideas.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Unclear licenses scare off buyers, so say exactly how they can use your sounds. Samples you don't own can get your pack taken down. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe</p> <h4>11. Sell website templates</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** weeks to build and test, then updates as the platform changes.</p> <p>It fits you if you design websites.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per template that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a template for one kind of business Make a live demo Sell it, and update it as the platform changes :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) to build, and [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) to sell.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Templates that break on phones bring refund requests. Selling without documentation for buyers brings support emails and refunds. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe</p> <h4>12. Sell prompt packs</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** a few days to build and test, then updates as models change.</p> <p>It fits you if you've built prompts that get great results for a specific job.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per pack that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Collect the prompts you use for one job, like writing emails Test them in [ChatGPT](/ai-tools/chatgpt), [Claude](/ai-tools/claude), [Gemini](/ai-tools/gemini) and [Grok](/ai-tools/grok) Sell them with examples of the results :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas), [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) and [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) to test, and [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) to sell. Tidy your prompts with the [AI prompt generator](/free-tools/ai-prompt-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Prompts that only work in one model disappoint buyers who use another. Selling prompts without proof makes buyers doubt them, so show what each prompt produces. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe</p> <h3>Content that keeps earning</h3> <p>Content is slow to build, and the library you build keeps earning from ads, [sponsors](/free-tools/sponsorship-rate-calculator) and affiliate links.</p> <h4>13. Build a YouTube library</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** months of weekly videos to start, then old videos keep earning while you make new ones.</p> <p>It fits you if you can post every week for a year.</p> <p>**What it pays:** YouTube's ad revenue share, sponsors, memberships and your own offers. YouTube pays you 55% of the ad revenue on your long videos and 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)), once you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Pat Flynn](/creators/pat-flynn) has made $27,732 from [one podcasting tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkhkx4MPdfI&amp;t=266s) with a million views.</p> <p>**Watch:** Think Media's step-by-step guide to creating a YouTube channel in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGKXSLmZBz8 | How to Create a YouTube Channel in 2026 (Step-By-Step) | | Think Media | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make videos people search for, not only trends Post every week Update and link your best old videos :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [vidIQ](https://navid.link/vidiq?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) and [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas), and the [YouTube money calculator](/free-tools/youtube-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Making only trend videos limits your library, because they stop earning when the trend ends. Quitting before a year stops a library before it can earn. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>14. Run a faceless channel</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** a lot of work to build, and some channels hire writers and editors so the owner only manages.</p> <p>It fits you if you can manage a process.</p> <p>**What it pays:** ad revenue share, sponsors and affiliate links, on the same YouTube terms as any channel ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)). Businesses pay for this work too: searches for YouTube automation faceless channels grew 239% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Adavia Davis](https://fortune.com/2025/12/30/ai-slop-faceless-youtube-accounts-adavia-davis-user-generated-content) runs faceless AI channels that make roughly $40,000 to $60,000 a month, which Fortune checked against his AdSense records.</p> <p>**Watch:** Sambucha on secretly voicing faceless YouTube channels.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwF8n7vrF5Q | I Secretly Became The Voice Of Faceless YouTube Channels | | Sambucha | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic that works without a face Build a repeatable process: script, voice, visuals Post on a schedule :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas), [ElevenLabs](https://navid.link/elevenlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) and [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Posting mass-produced videos can cost you your earnings, because YouTube doesn't pay for repetitive content ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1311392)). Clips you don't have rights to can block a video's earnings. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>15. Build a blog</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** a year of posts to build traffic, then posts that rank keep earning.</p> <p>It fits you if you like writing and can wait.</p> <p>**What it pays:** display ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts and your own products.</p> <p>My business started with a blog in 2013.</p> <p>**Watch:** She Dreams All Day on starting a blog in 2026, and whether it's too late.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43Q3SzxVWGA | How to start a blog in 2026... or is it too late? (honest advice from a 6 figure blogger) | | she dreams all day | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic for 100 posts Write what people search for Update your best posts each year :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [RightBlogger](https://navid.link/rightblogger?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) and [Ahrefs](https://navid.link/ahrefs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas), plus my guide on [how to make money blogging](/articles/how-to-make-money-blogging).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing about too many topics slows a blog's growth. Never updating old posts lets them slip in search. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, by each ad network and affiliate program</p> <h4>16. Earn affiliate commissions from content</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** reviews take work up front, then keep earning as long as people search for them.</p> <p>It fits you if you write or film honest reviews.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a commission per sale or sign-up. Amazon Associates pays up to 10% of each sale, depending on the category ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/GRXPHT8U84RAYDXZ)), about 60 days after the end of the month ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/G63DR893K4DH55XZ)). My biggest affiliate month came from a course, not Amazon: around $40,000 as Ramit Sethi's #1 affiliate for Zero to Launch.</p> <p>**Example:** [Maria Wendt](/creators/maria-wendt) makes $11,000 a month from affiliate links, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QBQzi4r940&amp;t=0s).</p> <p>**Watch:** Greg Gottfried's beginner tutorial for Amazon affiliate marketing.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mgoWw35_8U | How to Start Amazon Affiliate Marketing in 2026 (Beginner Tutorial) | | Greg Gottfried | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Recommend only what you use Write reviews and comparisons people search for Update them when products change :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [affiliate program finder](/best-affiliate-programs) and the [affiliate commission calculator](/free-tools/affiliate-commission-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Reviews of things you haven't used cost you readers' trust. Hiding the commission breaks the FTC's disclosure rules ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/disclosures-101-social-media-influencers)). :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on Amazon</p> <h4>17. Grow a newsletter with sponsors</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** a weekly email, so not passive, but sponsors and paid subscriptions grow with the list without more work per reader.</p> <p>It fits you if you can write weekly.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, paid subscriptions, affiliate links and your own products. On Substack, writers keep 90% of paid subscriptions, minus card fees ([Substack](https://substack.com/going-paid)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $795,000 from newsletter sponsors since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on the easiest way to build a local newsletter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0MRAjVp_Uo | The Easiest Way to Build a Local Newsletter | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one reader and one promise Send every week Add sponsors once the list is engaged :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas), [beehiiv](https://navid.link/beehiiv?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) or [Substack](https://navid.link/substack?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping weeks costs you readers and sponsors. Running too many sponsors wears out readers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** through Stripe for paid subscriptions · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>18. Build a podcast back catalog</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** weekly episodes, but old episodes keep finding listeners and carrying sponsor reads.</p> <p>It fits you if you like conversations.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, listener support, premium episodes and your own offers. Spotify's Partner Program pays 50% of the ad revenue from its ads in your episodes, once your show reaches 2,000 hours listened and 1,000 listeners in 30 days ([Spotify](https://support.spotify.com/us/creators/article/spotify-partner-program/)).</p> <p>**Example:** [John Lee Dumas](/creators/john-lee-dumas) made $126,550 from podcast sponsorships in [January 2024](https://www.eofire.com/income125/).</p> <p>**Watch:** Think Media on what they'd do if they started a podcast in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PuvMX6MB20 | If I Started a Podcast in 2026, I'd Do this! | | Think Media | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic and format Record three episodes before launch Publish on a schedule :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) and [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas), which I use.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Publishing irregularly loses listeners, who come back to a schedule. Skipping a video version misses the listeners who find shows on YouTube. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when sponsors pay</p> <h3>Memberships that pay every month</h3> <p>Recurring payments are the closest a business gets to a salary: members pay every month for as long as the membership is worth it.</p> <h4>19. Run a paid membership</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** not very at first, since members expect new content and a community, but the income repeats every month.</p> <p>It fits you if you can keep giving a group value every month.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly or yearly memberships.</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) has made $630,000 from his community since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** my interview with [Stu McLaren](/creators/stu-mclaren) on building a successful membership site.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U4tFbl93Zg | How to Create a Successful Membership Site with Stu McLaren | | Navid Moazzez | https://cdn.navid.me/navid-moazzez.jpg | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Start with a small group at a founding price Give members one clear monthly win Raise the price as you add value :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) for billing and [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) for the community.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising more content than you can keep making leads to cancellations. Ignoring cancellations hides why members leave, so ask every leaver why. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>20. Get paid by fans</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** fans pay monthly for extras, so you keep making those extras.</p> <p>It fits you if you already have fans who'd pay for more.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly memberships and tips. Patreon keeps 10% of what you earn, plus payment processing ([Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/pricing)), and pays out when you ask or automatically on the 5th of each month ([Patreon](https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/203913499-Paying-out-your-earnings)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Patreon on how to start a Patreon, with Becca Farsace.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vohbcf5ZOKE | How to start a Patreon feat. @BeccaFarsace | | Patreon | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Offer one simple extra, like early access Set two or three membership tiers Thank members by name :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Patreon](https://navid.link/patreon?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) and the [Patreon money calculator](/free-tools/patreon-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Too many tiers make fans hesitate. Perks you can't keep up lead to cancellations. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** on the 5th of each month on Patreon, or when you ask · **Age:** 13+ on Patreon</p> <h3>Software and tools</h3> <p>Software is the most scalable passive income, and the hardest to build. AI coding tools have made the building part far easier.</p> <h4>21. Vibe code your own software</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** weeks to build the first version, then support and updates. Subscriptions repeat every month, so it can grow without more work per customer.</p> <p>[Vibe coding](/articles/what-is-vibe-coding) means building software by describing what you want in plain English, then letting an AI agent write, run and fix the code. That lets one person build the app or tool that used to need a team, and charge for it every month.</p> <p>It fits you if you can solve a problem people pay for monthly, even without a coding background.</p> <p>**What it pays:** subscriptions or one-time sales of what you build, or the visitors and email sign-ups a free tool brings in. Across more than 115,000 subscription apps, the median new app made about $72 a month a year after launch, the top 10% made $2,500 or more, and 17.3% reached $1,000 a month within two years ([RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)).</p> <p>**Example:** the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site are my own builds, vibe coded with Claude Code and Codex. Pieter Levels vibe coded fly.pieter.com, a flight game that runs in the browser, in February 2025, and he says it reached $1 million in annual recurring revenue in 17 days ([levels.io](https://levels.io/fly-pieter-com-vibecoded-flight-simulator)). Software built the usual way can grow big too: [Nathan Barry](/creators/nathan-barry) built Kit, the email platform, to $46 million a year in [2024](https://nathanbarry.com/2024-review/), and [Joel Gascoigne](/creators/joel-gascoigne) runs Buffer at $22.3 million a year ([August 2025](https://buffer.com/shareholders/august-2025)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Starter Story on how Connor Burd, 23, vibe coded an app in 14 days that makes $20,000 a month.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwHD6Fg-Mjs | I vibe coded a $20K/month mobile app in 14 days | | Starter Story | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a problem people already pay to solve Build the smallest version that solves it Charge from day one :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex). [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable), [Bolt](/ai-tools/bolt), [Replit](/ai-tools/replit), [Base44](/ai-tools/base44) and [Vibecode](https://navid.link/vibecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) build apps from a prompt, and [Google AI Studio](/ai-tools/google-ai-studio) does it with Gemini. Charge with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building for months before you talk to a customer can leave you with software nobody pays for. A free plan that never turns users into paying customers keeps the costs and drops the income. Pasting API keys into a page's code lets anyone who opens the page copy them, so keep keys on the server. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** more than 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>22. Build a browser extension</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** a few weeks to build, then fixes when browsers update.</p> <p>It fits you if you can build small tools, with AI's help.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price you set, as a one-time sale or a monthly plan. If you'd rather build them for clients, on Upwork, Chrome extension developers typically charge $25 to $41 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chrome-extension-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Paul J Lipsky builds Chrome extensions with Claude, no coding needed.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbgolE1kPDI | Use Claude Cowork To Build Chrome Extensions (Zero Coding Skills Needed) | | Paul J Lipsky | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find one annoyance people complain about Build the smallest fix Charge for a pro version :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) to build and [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) to charge.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Asking for permissions you don't need scares users off. Giving users no reason to upgrade keeps income at zero. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>23. Build a mobile app</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** months to build, then updates for new phones and app store rules.</p> <p>It fits you if you can build an app that solves one problem well, with AI's help.</p> <p>**What it pays:** subscriptions and in-app purchases, minus the app store's share. If you'd rather build them for clients, on Upwork, mobile app developers typically charge $18 to $39 an hour, and the median is $27 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/mobile-app-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Tech With Tim's full Claude Code tutorial for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntDIxaeo3Wg | Claude Code - Full Tutorial for Beginners | | Tech With Tim | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one problem phone users have daily Build a simple version Charge with a free trial :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) and [Cursor](https://navid.link/cursor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) to build, or [Vibecode](https://navid.link/vibecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas), which builds mobile apps from a prompt.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Launching with too many features delays the app and confuses users. Launching without a plan to get users leaves the app unseen in the store. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** more than 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>24. Run a niche job board</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** weeks to build and fill, then companies post and pay on their own.</p> <p>It fits you if you know an industry where hiring is hard.</p> <p>**What it pays:** job post fees, featured listings and sponsors.</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on starting a niche job board.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy3ygDzsXYE | How to Start a Niche Job Board With 80% Margins | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a niche with hard-to-fill jobs Post jobs from company sites for free to start Charge companies to post once job seekers come :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) to build it and [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) to charge.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes A niche that's too broad puts you up against the big job sites. Charging employers before there are job seekers makes them pay for nothing. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h3>Royalties and licensing</h3> <p>You make something once, and every sale or stream pays you a share.</p> <h4>25. Write a book</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** months to write, then royalties for years, especially if it helps your business.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a book's worth of expertise or story.</p> <p>**What it pays:** royalties from each copy sold. Amazon KDP pays 35% or 70% of an ebook's price ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200644210)) and 60% of a paperback's list price at $9.99 or more, minus printing ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834330)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Bookfox on the hard truths of publishing a first book.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMQPv-3gOzs | 17 Harsh Truths I Wish I Knew Before Publishing my First Book | | Bookfox | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Outline the book from questions people ask you Write a little every day Publish and promote it to your list :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) to outline and edit, and the [book royalty calculator](/free-tools/book-royalty-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Publishing without a launch plan leaves the book unseen. Skipping a professional edit lets mistakes reach readers and their reviews. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on KDP</p> <h4>26. Sell your music</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** each song takes work, then streams and licenses pay over time.</p> <p>It fits you if you make music.</p> <p>**What it pays:** streaming royalties, licensing fees and sales. On Upwork, music producers typically charge $30 to $65 an hour, and the median is $35 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/music-producers/cost/)). Employed musicians and singers in the US earn a median of $47.80 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/musicians-and-singers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Burstimo's guide for musicians in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPvNqkAHJM4 | A Musicians Guide to Making It in 2026 | | Burstimo | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Finish and release songs regularly Put them on streaming services through a distributor License them for videos and ads :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Suno](https://navid.link/suno?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) to sketch ideas and [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) for simple edits.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Waiting for one perfect song keeps your catalog empty. Unclear rights on samples can block your releases. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per job for licensing and custom songs</p> <h4>27. Sell your art as prints</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** you make the art, and print companies print and ship every order.</p> <p>It fits you if people would hang your art on their walls.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each print. Employed craft and fine artists in the US earn a median of $55,290 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/craft-and-fine-artists.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Leighann Creates on making and selling art prints.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZJlHWTB2KY | How to Make &amp; Sell ART PRINTS ✨ a Complete Guide ✨ | | Leighann Creates | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a style and subject Upload your best 10 pieces Share your process online :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Topaz Labs](https://navid.link/topazlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) and [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Low-resolution files print badly. Posting art without its story loses buyers who connect with the artist. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>28. Sell print-on-demand designs</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** designs take a few hours, then the printer handles every order.</p> <p>It fits you if you can design for a niche.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each item sold: your price minus the print cost and the marketplace's fees. On Etsy, that's $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jensen Tung on the easiest way to start print on demand from $0.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFGOEaGokaU | Easiest Way To Start Print On Demand From $0 In 2026 | | Jensen Tung | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a niche Make 10 designs Keep making what sells :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas), [Printful](https://navid.link/printful?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) and the [print on demand profit calculator](/free-tools/print-on-demand-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Trademarks you don't own can get your designs taken down. Skipping samples lets customers find the print problems first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h3>Rentals</h3> <p>Renting out space earns from something you already own, but guests and tenants usually need some work.</p> <h4>29. Rent out a room</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** setup and a few hours a week for guests and cleaning, less if you hire a cleaner.</p> <p>It fits you if your lease and city allow short-term rentals.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the nightly price you set, minus Airbnb's fee. Most hosts pay 15.5% under Airbnb's single service fee, which is replacing the older 3% split fee ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857)). Airbnb starts your payout by the end of the business day after your guest checks in, or 28 days after check-in until you've completed two stays ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/425)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Robuilt on the new rules for Airbnb hosts.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt5DlBE9itI | The Airbnb game as we know it is OVER. THESE are the new rules for 2026. | | Robuilt | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your lease and city rules List on [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) Hire a cleaner once bookings are steady :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping city rules can get you fined. Underpricing your cleaning fee eats into what each stay pays you. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** the business day after check-in</p> <h4>30. Own a rental property</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** a lot of money up front, then tenants and repairs. A property manager makes it more passive, for a fee.</p> <p>It fits you if you have savings for a down payment and reserves.</p> <p>**What it pays:** rent, minus your mortgage, taxes, insurance and repairs. Rental income is taxable, and you can generally deduct the expenses of renting ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc414)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn the numbers: rent, costs and vacancy where you'd buy Run your numbers with a mortgage calculator before you buy Keep reserves for repairs and empty months :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [mortgage calculator](/free-tools/mortgage-calculator) and the [down payment calculator](/free-tools/down-payment-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying with no reserves leaves you exposed to the first big repair. Counting rent as profit before costs overstates what the property earns. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a lot of money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h3>Small businesses that run with little work</h3> <p>These take money up front, then run with a few hours a month.</p> <h4>31. Run vending machines</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** money and setup up front, then regular restocking.</p> <p>It fits you if you can find good locations and restock on a schedule.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each sale, minus restocking and the location's cut.</p> <p>**Watch:** [Codie Sanchez](/creators/codie-sanchez) buys three vending machines and shows what they really earned.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSSUx4TuGug | | | | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a busy location and agree on terms with the owner Buy one machine and track every sale Add machines only once the first one pays :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a simple spreadsheet for sales and restocking, and the [profit margin calculator](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying many machines before you know a location works ties up your money. Ignoring theft and breakdowns makes the numbers look better than they are. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>32. Buy a website that earns</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** money up front, then a few hours a month to keep it growing.</p> <p>It fits you if you understand how websites make money.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the sale price, above what you paid and spent.</p> <p>**Watch:** Pavlo on three ways to make money selling websites.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx_MANHXGYk | 3 Different Ways To Make 1mil Selling Websites in 2026 | | Pavlo | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Study sold sites on [Flippa](https://navid.link/flippa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) Check traffic and income with proof Buy small, then grow it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Flippa](https://navid.link/flippa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) and [Ahrefs](https://navid.link/ahrefs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Trusting income claims without proof can cost you the purchase price. Sites that live on one traffic source can lose most of their income overnight. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a lot of money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** through escrow when the sale closes</p> <h4>33. Hold domain names</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** research up front, then you wait for a buyer.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for names businesses want.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the difference between what you pay and what you sell for, minus the marketplace's commission.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Buy a few short, brandable names List them for sale Renew only the names that get interest :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [GoDaddy](https://navid.link/godaddy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas) and [Namecheap](https://navid.link/namecheap?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=passive-income-ideas), and the [domain name generator](/free-tools/domain-name-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Trademarked names can cost you the domain in a dispute. Renewing hundreds of names that never sell drains your money every year. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** when a buyer pays through the marketplace's escrow</p> <h3>Passive income from investing</h3> <p>These are the most passive of all, because your money does the work, but they need money first, and some can lose value. This section explains what each is, from official sources. It isn't financial advice, so speak to a licensed adviser about your own situation.</p> <h4>34. Keep savings in a high-yield savings account</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** completely, once the money is in.</p> <p>It fits you if you want a safe place for savings that earns something.</p> <p>**What it pays:** interest at a rate the bank sets, which can change. At an FDIC-insured bank, deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, for each account ownership category ([FDIC](https://www.fdic.gov/resources/deposit-insurance/understanding-deposit-insurance)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Compare rates at FDIC-insured banks Check for fees and minimums Move savings you won't need soon :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [compound interest calculator](/free-tools/compound-interest-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Keeping more than the insured limit at one bank leaves the extra unprotected. Chasing a teaser rate that drops after a few months means moving your money again and again. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>35. Buy certificates of deposit</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** completely, until the CD matures.</p> <p>It fits you if you won't need the money until a set date.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a set interest rate for a set time. A CD holds your money for a fixed period, such as six months, one year or five years, and the bank pays interest in exchange ([Investor.gov](https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/investment-products/certificates-deposit-cds)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a term that matches when you'll need the money Read the early withdrawal penalty Compare rates at insured banks :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [compound interest calculator](/free-tools/compound-interest-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Locking up money you might need soon can force you to pay a penalty. Ignoring early withdrawal penalties can eat the interest you earned. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>36. Buy I bonds</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** completely. You can cash them in after 12 months, but before five years you give up the last three months of interest. You can buy from $25 up to $10,000 in electronic I bonds a year ([TreasuryDirect](https://www.treasurydirect.gov/savings-bonds/i-bonds/)).</p> <p>It fits you if you have savings you won't need for at least a year.</p> <p>**What it pays:** I bonds issued from May 1 to October 31, 2026 pay 4.26%, including a fixed rate of 0.90%, and the rate resets every six months with inflation ([TreasuryDirect](https://www.treasurydirect.gov/savings-bonds/i-bonds/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Open an account at TreasuryDirect Buy any amount from $25 Hold at least five years to keep all the interest :::</p> <p>**Tools:** TreasuryDirect, the US Treasury's own site.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying with money you'll need within a year locks it up, because I bonds can't be cashed for 12 months. Cashing in early can cost you interest, since I bonds cashed before five years lose the last three months of it. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>37. Buy Treasury bills</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** completely, until the bill matures.</p> <p>It fits you if you want a short-term place for cash.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the difference between the price you pay and the face value you get back. Treasury bills last from four to 52 weeks, sell at a discount or at face value, and start at $100 ([TreasuryDirect](https://www.treasurydirect.gov/marketable-securities/treasury-bills/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Open an account at TreasuryDirect, or use a brokerage Pick a term Decide whether to reinvest when it matures :::</p> <p>**Tools:** TreasuryDirect.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Needing the money before the bill matures forces you to sell it early, at the market price. Forgetting to reinvest leaves your cash sitting idle when a bill matures. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>38. Invest in index funds</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** completely, once you've chosen.</p> <p>It fits you if you're investing for many years and can ride out drops.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the return of the index the fund follows, minus fees, and it can go down as well as up. Index funds follow a passive strategy that aims to match an index's return before fees, and usually cost less than actively managed funds ([Investor.gov](https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/glossary/index-fund)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn the basics on Investor.gov Compare funds by what they hold and what they cost Invest regularly, and leave it alone :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [compound interest calculator](/free-tools/compound-interest-calculator) and the [FIRE calculator](/free-tools/fire-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling in a panic when prices drop locks in the loss. Ignoring fees lets them eat your returns over the years. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>39. Own dividend stocks or funds</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** completely, once you own them.</p> <p>It fits you if you're investing for the long term and want regular payouts.</p> <p>**What it pays:** dividends, a portion of a company's profit paid to shareholders, usually on a fixed schedule ([Investor.gov](https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/glossary/dividend)). Companies can cut them, and share prices can fall.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn how dividends work on Investor.gov Look at a fund's holdings and costs before you buy Reinvest dividends while you build :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [compound interest calculator](/free-tools/compound-interest-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Chasing the highest yield is risky, because a very high yield can signal trouble. Owning only a few companies puts your income at risk if one cuts its dividend. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>40. Invest in REITs</h4> <p>**How passive it is:** completely, once you own them.</p> <p>It fits you if you want real estate income without being a landlord.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of the income from commercial real estate. REITs own and usually run income-producing property, like offices, apartments and hotels, and let individuals share in that income without buying property themselves ([Investor.gov](https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/investment-products/real-estate-investment-trusts-reits)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Read Investor.gov's guide to REITs Prefer publicly traded REITs, which are easier to sell Check fees before you buy :::</p> <p>**Tools:** Investor.gov's guides.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Non-traded REITs can be hard to sell when you need the money. Forgetting that property values can fall makes REITs look safer than they are. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h3>Passive income scams to avoid</h3> <p>"Passive income" is a favorite promise of scams. The FTC has shut down several schemes that sold people "done-for-you" online stores:</p> <ul><li>**Automators AI:** the FTC said its owners sold "passive investment income" from online stores supposedly powered by AI, and two of them face a lifetime ban on selling business opportunities ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/02/ftc-action-leads-ban-owners-automators-ai-e-commerce-money-making-scheme), February 2024).</li><li>**FBA Machine, formerly Passive Scaling:** the FTC said it falsely guaranteed income from online stores using AI-powered software, and its owner is permanently banned from selling business opportunities ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/07/ftc-obtains-permanent-ban-e-commerce-business-opportunity-scheme-operator), July 2025).</li></ul> <p>Walk away from any offer that guarantees income, asks you to pay for a store someone else runs, or promises returns from a trading bot.</p> <h3>How passive income is taxed</h3> <p>In the US, passive income is still income. Sales of products and royalties are taxable, and so is rental income: cash or property you receive for the use of real estate or other property is taxable as rental income ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc414)). If you sell products as a business, self-employment tax applies once your net earnings reach $400 a year ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes)).</p> <p>Keep records from your first sale, and ask an accountant once the money grows. I'm not a tax advisor.</p> <h3>Final thoughts on passive income</h3> <p>There are 40 passive income ideas in this guide, and none of them is passive on day one. Products, content and software take time up front. Investing takes money up front.</p> <p>Pick the trade you can make: build something with your time, or put your savings to work, or both. My course was months of work that paid for years, and that's the best kind of passive income I know.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[108 ways to make money online](/articles/ways-to-make-money-online)</li><li>[How to create an online course](/articles/how-to-create-an-online-course)</li><li>[70 side hustle ideas](/articles/side-hustle-ideas)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: pick one product you could build in a month, and pre-sell it before you build it.</p><h2>FAQs about passive income</h2><h3>What is the best passive income idea?</h3><p>For most people, a digital product like a course or a template comes closest, because you build it once and sell it again and again.</p> <p>My course Virtual Summit Mastery made well over $1 million over the years.</p> <p>If you have money instead of time, insured savings, Treasury bills and I bonds are the most passive.</p><h3>How can I make passive income with no money?</h3><p>Digital products, content and affiliate links cost little or nothing to start, but they take time.</p> <p>Printables on Etsy cost $0.20 per listing to put up.</p> <p>The money-free ideas trade your time now for income later.</p><h3>What are passive income ideas for beginners?</h3><p>Printables, low-content books, stock photos and Notion templates are good first products.</p> <p>They're small, quick to make and sell without shipping.</p> <p>Start with one and learn what sells.</p><h3>How much money do you need for passive income?</h3><p>Products and content need time more than money.</p> <p>Investing needs money: I bonds start at $25 and Treasury bills at $100, according to TreasuryDirect.</p> <p>Rental property needs the most, from a down payment to reserves.</p><h3>Is passive income real?</h3><p>Yes, but almost nothing is passive at the start.</p> <p>Products, content and software take months to build, and they still need updates.</p> <p>Offers of income with no work are often scams, and the FTC has banned the owners of several passive income store schemes.</p><h3>What are passive income ideas for young adults?</h3><p>Digital products, a YouTube channel or a blog are worth starting young, since they grow over years.</p> <p>Many platforms require you to be 18, though Etsy and Fiverr allow 13 to 17 year olds through a parent's account.</p> <p>A savings habit started early matters too.</p><h3>How much can you make from passive income?</h3><p>It ranges from a few dollars to millions a year.</p> <p>Thomas Frank made $15,000 a month from one Notion template, and Ali Abdaal made $859,106 from Skillshare classes in 2021.</p> <p>Most first products earn far less, so start small and improve.</p><h3>Is passive income taxed?</h3><p>Yes, in the US passive income is taxable, including product sales, royalties and rental income.</p> <p>If you sell products as a business, self-employment tax applies once your net earnings reach $400 a year.</p> <p>Keep records, and ask an accountant as it grows.</p><h3>What is the most passive income?</h3><p>Money in insured savings, Treasury bills and I bonds needs no work once it's invested.</p> <p>Index funds are passive too, but their value can fall.</p> <p>Everything else needs some work after it's built.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/side-hustles-from-home/https://navid.me/blog/side-hustles-from-home/60 side hustles you can do from home, from beginner tasks and freelance skills to digital products, content and AI, each with what it pays and how to start.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of 60 side hustles from home, with what each one pays.</p> <p>The side hustle that got me out of my job was done from home. I hosted my first [virtual summit](/articles/what-is-a-virtual-summit) from my apartment in 2014, and it made over $20,000. On November 28, 2014, I made over $5,000 in all-access pass sales and quit my bank job the same day.</p> <p>You don't need a summit. Most home side hustles need a laptop, a few free hours and one thing you're good at. So every idea below shows what it pays, from a real source, and what it takes to start.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>60 side hustles you can do from home, in seven groups, each with what it pays, how to start, the tools and the mistakes to avoid</li><li>The best home side hustles for students, parents, teachers, nurses and introverts</li><li>Whether side hustles from home really work, with the numbers</li><li>What you need to start, and which offers are scams</li></ul> <p>Pick the group that fits you, and give one side hustle three months before you judge it.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - Most home side hustles need only a laptop and internet, and many cost nothing to start. - The median side hustler in the US makes $200 a month, and the average is $885 ([Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/), 2025). Skills and products pull you toward the higher end. - Beginner side hustles like testing websites and AI training pay small amounts fast. Skill-based ones like copywriting pay a median of $30 an hour on Upwork ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/copywriters/cost/)). - [Digital products](/articles/best-place-to-sell-digital-products) and content pay slowly at first and keep paying. - Any home "job" that asks you to pay first is a scam. :::</p> <h3>What is a side hustle from home?</h3> <p>A side hustle from home is paid work you do from your own desk, beside a job, school or family, in the hours you choose. It can be a skill you sell by the hour, a product you make once or content that grows an audience.</p> <h3>Do side hustles from home really work?</h3> <p>Yes, but most pay a little. Here's the honest spread from Bankrate's 2025 survey:</p> <p>:::numbers Users | 27% | of US adults have a side hustle | Bankrate survey of 2,616 adults, June 2025 | [Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/) Wallet | $200 | a month, the median side hustle income | Half earn more, half earn less | [Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/) ChartColumn | $885 | a month, the average side hustle income | A few high earners pull it up | [Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/) Hourglass | 28% | of side hustlers make $1 to $50 a month | Bankrate, 2025 | [Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/) :::</p> <p>The side hustles that pay well from home have something in common: a skill clients pay for by the hour, or a product that sells without you. The beginner ones below are a fine place to start, as long as you're building toward one of those.</p> <p>The 60 side hustles below come in seven groups, and the last section has my picks for different lives:</p> <p>:::cards here Rocket | Beginner | These need no experience, and you can start this week. | #beginner-side-hustles-from-home PenLine | Skill-based | You sell writing, editing, organizing or design, and they pay more per hour. | #skill-based-side-hustles-from-home Package | Digital products | You make it once and sell it again and again, with nothing to ship. | #digital-product-side-hustles-from-home Palette | Creative | These turn the things you make into sales. | #creative-side-hustles-from-home PlayCircle | Content | These build an audience from your desk, then keep paying. | #content-side-hustles-from-home ShoppingBag | Ecommerce | You run a store from your laptop, and suppliers do much of the rest. | #ecommerce-side-hustles-you-can-run-from-home Code | Marketing and tech | Businesses pay for marketing and tech skills remotely. | #marketing-and-tech-side-hustles-from-home Heart | Picks for your life | Some fit parents, students or a busy job better than others. | #the-best-side-hustles-from-home-for :::</p> <h3>Find your home side hustle in two minutes</h3> <p>Answer six questions about your skills, time and budget, and get your top three side hustles with a plan for your first week.</p> <p>:::tool side-hustle-quiz side-hustles-from-home :::</p> <h3>Beginner side hustles from home</h3> <p>These need no experience. They pay less per hour, but you can start this week.</p> <h4>1. Test websites and apps</h4> <p>You click through a website or app and say what you think, recorded from your computer.</p> <p>It fits you if you can think out loud.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per test. UserTesting sends each payment to PayPal 14 days after you upload the test ([UserTesting](https://participant-support.usertesting.com/hc/en-us/articles/37633031351315-When-and-how-will-I-be-paid)).</p> <p>**Watch:** PaidFromSurveys on getting paid to test websites with UserTesting.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IasjXrnwn1M | Get Paid to Test Websites - Is UserTesting.com the Ultimate Side Hustle? (Full Review) | | PaidFromSurveys | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up on [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) Pass the practice test Check for new tests often :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and a headset.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Guessing on screener questions can get you fewer tests over time. Testing in a noisy room makes your recording hard to use. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** by PayPal, 14 days after each test · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>2. Join paid research studies</h4> <p>Researchers interview people over video about their work, habits and purchases.</p> <p>It fits you if your job or life matches who companies want to hear from.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per interview or survey. Respondent shows an average payout of $75 per study, paid 48 hours after the session ([Respondent](https://www.respondent.io/participants)).</p> <p>**Watch:** MediaFuse on a research site that paid $300 for one study.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYBH-uaUHxo | This Research Website Paid Me $300 for Completing A Survey | | MediaFuse | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a profile on [Respondent](https://navid.link/respondent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) Apply to studies that match you Join on time from a quiet room :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Respondent](https://navid.link/respondent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Stretching the truth to qualify can cost you access. Missing sessions hurts your rating with researchers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** 48 hours after each session</p> <h4>3. Transcribe and subtitle videos</h4> <p>You turn audio into text and subtitles, fixing what AI got wrong.</p> <p>It fits you if you type fast and have a good ear.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per audio minute. Rev pays $0.40 to $1.10 per audio minute for transcripts and $0.54 to $1.10 for captions, weekly through PayPal ([Rev](https://www.rev.com/freelancers)). On Upwork, transcriptionists typically charge $12 to $22 an hour, and the median is $15 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/transcriptionists/cost/)). Employed court reporters and live captioners in the US earn a median of $72,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/court-reporters.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant tests whether Rev's transcription jobs are worth it.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPSngnJlD2Y | Rev Transcription Jobs: Worth It or Complete Waste of Time? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Practice on a few podcasts Apply to [Rev](https://navid.link/rev?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and pass its test Work in short sessions :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and good headphones.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Trusting the AI draft lets errors with names and numbers through. Working without headphones makes you miss words. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly by PayPal on Rev · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>4. Do data entry</h4> <p>You type and tidy data in spreadsheets for businesses.</p> <p>It fits you if you're accurate and patient.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an [hourly rate](/free-tools/hourly-to-salary-calculator). On Upwork, data entry specialists typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/data-entry-specialists/cost/)). Employed data entry keyers in the US earn a median of $19.88 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes439021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** The Remote Times on data entry jobs from home.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IaAaLvHxzk | Work From Home Data Entry Jobs - Remote Hiring No Phones, No Degree | | The Remote Times | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn spreadsheet basics Apply to small jobs on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) Speed up with [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) :::</p> <p>**Tools:** spreadsheets and [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying for "training" is a common scam. Staying at the lowest rate keeps you underpaid as you get faster. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>5. Clip video content</h4> <p>You cut long videos into short clips for creators' social channels.</p> <p>It fits you if you know a shareable moment when you see one.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per clip, or pay per view on clipping programs. Clips are short-form video editing, and searches for short-form video editing grew 27% and Reels editing 57% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, video editors typically charge $6 to $25 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Daniel Bitton on how clipping pays.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_i3MscQJ70 | How To Get Rich From Clipping | | Daniel Bitton Extra | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Clip three creators for practice Keep the formats that work Pitch creators or join their programs :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Clipping without permission can get your videos taken down. A slow first second loses viewers before the clip starts. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per clip or per view, by the creator</p> <h4>6. Create UGC videos</h4> <p>You film short product videos at home with your phone, and brands run them as ads.</p> <p>It fits you if you're natural on camera.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video, paid by the brand, at a rate you set. Brands also hire this work as video ads: searches for AI UGC video ads grew 265% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026, and searches for video editing grew 36% ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Samantha Dixon's step-by-step guide to becoming a UGC creator.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKdFfNUsQjY | BECOME A UGC CREATOR IN 2026💰(STEP-BY-STEP) - How To Make Money Online As A UGC Creator? What is UGC | | Samantha Dixon | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Film three samples with products you own Put them on one page Pitch brands in one niche :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Captions](https://navid.link/captions?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Ads that sound like ads get skipped. Pitching without a niche spreads your samples thin. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when the brand pays your invoice</p> <h4>7. Answer customer chats</h4> <p>Online businesses pay people to answer chat and email from home, often in evening and weekend shifts.</p> <p>It fits you if you're patient and type well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. On Upwork, customer service representatives typically charge $10 to $19 an hour, and the median is $14 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/customer-service-representatives/cost/)). Employed customer service representatives in the US earn a median of $21.53 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/customer-service-representatives.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Omowunmi on companies hiring remote customer support with no experience.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp9XshWoLsY | These 10 Companies Are Hiring Remote Customer Support (No Experience) | | Omowunmi’s Virtual Assistant Academy | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn a help desk tool Apply to remote support roles Pick shifts that fit your week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** help desks like [Tidio](https://navid.link/tidio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), and the [remote jobs](/free-tools/remote-jobs) finder.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copy-paste replies make customers feel ignored. Promising what you can't deliver gets you in trouble with the business. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>8. Find, buy and resell goods</h4> <p>You source underpriced items and sell them online, packing and shipping from home.</p> <p>It fits you if you know prices in one category.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each item. On eBay, the money is usually available 1 to 2 days after the buyer pays, and daily payouts start about 2 days after that ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on how to start reselling with no money.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ0fdAYPyqE | How to Start Reselling (Even With $0 in the Bank) | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sell what you own first Pick one category Reinvest profits in fast-selling stock :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), [Poshmark](https://navid.link/poshmark?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Whatnot](https://navid.link/whatnot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying what doesn't sell ties up your money. Running out of space slows you down, so sell before you buy more. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** daily or weekly on eBay · **Age:** 18+ on eBay</p> <h4>9. Teach a language you speak</h4> <p>If you speak a language fluently, you can teach conversation online, often with no teaching degree.</p> <p>It fits you if you're fluent and patient.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per lesson, at a rate you set. Preply keeps the first trial lesson with each new student, then 18% to 33% of each lesson, falling as your teaching hours grow ([Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171383-preply-commission-model)). Employed tutors in the US earn a median of $20.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253041.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Vivian Zhu on the trial lessons behind over $37,000 earned from 1,568 Preply lessons in three years.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNgkr1_Is6s | I've Earned $39K as a Preply Tutor - Here's My Trial Lesson Blueprint | | Vivian Zhu | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a profile on [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) Price low for your first reviews Move regular students to packages :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and a good webcam.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Teaching without a lesson plan wastes the student's time. Forgetting that the trial lesson pays nothing on Preply makes your first weeks look worse than they are. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>10. Review AI answers</h4> <p>You rate and fix what AI models write, from home, in any free hour.</p> <p>It fits you if you write clearly and know a subject.</p> <p>**What it pays:** pay per hour. DataAnnotation lists $25 to $50 an hour for generalists and $40 to $150+ an hour for coders and other experts ([DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/)). Demand is real: freelancer earnings from AI data annotation and labeling grew 154% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant checks whether DataAnnotation's AI jobs are legit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--i7J5mR720 | Are DataAnnotation Tech AI Jobs Legit? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to [DataAnnotation](https://navid.link/dataannotation?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Outlier](https://navid.link/outlier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) Pass the subject test Work in focused sessions :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the platforms themselves.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying to join is a warning sign, because real platforms don't charge you. Rushing tasks lowers your accuracy, which matters more than speed. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** within days on DataAnnotation, weekly on Outlier</p> <h4>11. Board pets at home</h4> <p>Owners pay to leave their pets with someone at home while they travel.</p> <p>It fits you if you're home a lot and love animals.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per walk, visit or night. Employed animal caretakers in the US earn a median of $17.00 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes392021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sit for friends first Make a [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) profile for boarding Take one pet at a time :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping a meet-and-greet can lead to surprises with the pet. Mixing pets that don't get along can end in a fight and a bad review. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>12. Rent out a spare room</h4> <p>A room you don't use can earn from travelers, with a few hours a week of messages and cleaning.</p> <p>It fits you if your lease and city allow it.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the nightly price you set, minus Airbnb's fee. Most hosts pay 15.5% under Airbnb's single service fee, which is replacing the older 3% split fee ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857)). Airbnb starts your payout by the end of the business day after your guest checks in, or 28 days after check-in until you've completed two stays ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/425)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Robuilt on the new rules for Airbnb hosts.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt5DlBE9itI | The Airbnb game as we know it is OVER. THESE are the new rules for 2026. | | Robuilt | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your lease and city rules List on [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) Price low until your first reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping city rules can get you fined. Hiding flaws in your listing leads to bad reviews. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** the business day after check-in</p> <h3>Skill-based side hustles from home</h3> <p>If you can write, edit, organize or design, you can sell it from home. These pay more per hour, and they all start free.</p> <h4>13. Proofread for authors and businesses</h4> <p>You fix and tighten writing in short jobs that fit any evening.</p> <p>It fits you if you catch every typo.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per word or per project. On Upwork, proofreaders typically charge $18 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/proofreaders/cost/)). Employed editors in the US earn a median of $77,920 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick what you edit Edit a free sample Charge per word after reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Rewriting the author's voice annoys clients who wanted their errors fixed. Taking rush jobs at normal rates undersells your time. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>14. Work as a virtual assistant</h4> <p>You take admin off a business owner's plate: inbox, calendar, bookings, research.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a monthly package. On Upwork, virtual assistants typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/virtual-assistants/cost/)). Specialists earn more: medical virtual assistance grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Employed administrative assistants in the US earn a median of $48,310 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Life and Numbers on becoming a virtual assistant with no experience.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UT1rOreitg | How to Become a Virtual Assistant with No Experience (Step-by-Step Guide + Real Client Stories) | | life and numbers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start List what you can take over Find one client on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) Document every process :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking every task at any time lets the job swallow your evenings. Staying general instead of specializing keeps your rate low. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>15. Edit videos</h4> <p>You edit for creators and businesses at home, with AI handling captions and rough cuts.</p> <p>It fits you if you can keep weekly deadlines.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video or a monthly package. AI video generation and editing was the fastest-growing skill on Upwork in 2025, up 329% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Most video editors on Upwork charge $6 to $25 an hour, and the most experienced earn a median of $100 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)). Employed film and video editors in the US earn a median of $75,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Lerin Nic's full CapCut course for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68KNzsmBarM | CapCut Video Editing Tutorial for Beginners (2026) - Full Course | | Lerin Nic | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Edit three samples Offer a weekly package Deliver on time :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Missed deadlines lose clients who post on a schedule. Editing without a brief leads to rework. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>16. Do voiceovers and narrate audiobooks</h4> <p>You record narration for ads, courses and audiobooks in a quiet room at home.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a clear voice.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or per finished minute. On Upwork, voice actors typically charge $40 to $85 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/voice-actors/cost/)). On Upwork, audiobook narrators typically charge $25 to $55 an hour, and the median is $40 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/audiobook-narrators/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Tawny Platis on becoming a voice actor in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6s2bKmNnPU | How To Become A Voice Actor In 2026 | | Tawny Platis | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Set up a quiet corner and a USB microphone Record a demo in three styles Audition every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Adobe Podcast](https://navid.link/adobepodcast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes An echoey room makes a good voice sound cheap. Signing away your voice for AI training can let others use it without paying you. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>17. Write resumes</h4> <p>You rewrite resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles as a package.</p> <p>It fits you if you know what hiring managers want.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per resume or per package. On Upwork, resume writers typically charge $25 to $65 an hour, and the median is $42 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/resume-writers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Teal on making a resume that stands out in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRha1slhTJU | How to Make A Resume that Stands Out in 2026 (after hiring 1,000s) | | Teal | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rewrite yours and a friend's Offer a package Ask for reviews after interviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using one template for everyone makes each resume weaker. Promising interviews sets you up for refunds, since no resume writer controls who gets called. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>18. Ghostwrite for founders</h4> <p>You write posts, newsletters and books that go out under someone else's name.</p> <p>It fits you if you can write in another person's voice.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer or a fee per book. On Upwork, ghostwriters typically charge $20 to $45 an hour, and the median is $32 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ghostwriters/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Nicolas Cole](/creators/nicolas-cole) on the most profitable ghostwriting opportunity of 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W5sPupJL_A | The Most Profitable Ghostwriting Opportunity of 2026 | | Nicolas Cole | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write three posts in a founder's voice as samples Offer a monthly package of posts Keep clients for months, not weeks :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) for drafts and [Typefully](https://navid.link/typefully?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) for X and LinkedIn.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing in your own voice instead of the client's makes the posts sound wrong. Missing the client's review deadline pushes back their posting schedule. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>19. Write technical docs</h4> <p>You write guides and help pages for software and technical products.</p> <p>It fits you if you can explain technical things simply.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a fee per project. On Upwork, technical writers typically charge $20 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/technical-writers/cost/)). Employed technical writers in the US earn a median of $90,390 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write a sample guide for a tool you know Offer docs to startups Build repeat clients :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing for experts when users are beginners leaves them stuck. Skipping screenshots makes every step harder to follow. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>20. Manage online communities</h4> <p>You welcome members, start conversations and keep a creator's or brand's community friendly and busy.</p> <p>It fits you if you like people and online conversation.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a monthly retainer, usually from a creator or a software company.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Help run a community you're already in Offer a few hours a week to a creator Report on activity monthly :::</p> <p>**Tools:** communities run on [Circle](https://navid.link/circle?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), [Skool](https://navid.link/skool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), which I use.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Being online all day burns you out, so set hours. Letting problems sit lets them spread, so act on rule-breaking fast. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>21. Plan online events</h4> <p>You plan and run online events, webinars and virtual summits for creators and businesses, all from home.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized and calm under pressure.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a planning fee or a share of the budget. Employed meeting and event planners in the US earn a median of $61,160 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/meeting-convention-and-event-planners.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Run one small online event of your own Write down every step Offer planning for one kind of online event :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), [AddEvent](https://navid.link/addevent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and the [virtual event idea generator](/free-tools/virtual-event-idea-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping a tech rehearsal can stop the event cold. Working without a deposit leaves you unpaid if the client cancels. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per event</p> <h4>22. Write copy for businesses</h4> <p>You write sales pages, emails and ads from your desk.</p> <p>It fits you if you understand why people buy.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per page or a monthly retainer. On Upwork, copywriters typically charge $19 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/copywriters/cost/)). Employed writers and authors in the US earn a median of $76,910 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Joanna Wiebe on becoming a top 1% copywriter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GozdYVnSrkE | How To Become a Top 1% Author, Copywriter, or Communicator | | Joanna Wiebe | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rewrite three sales pages as samples Offer one page type at a fixed price Use results to raise your price :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Unedited AI drafts lose clients, who can often tell. Writing without research on the buyer makes copy that misses. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>23. Translate</h4> <p>You translate with AI's help and your own judgment.</p> <p>It fits you if you're fluent in two languages.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per word or per project. On Upwork, translators typically charge $15 to $25 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/translators/cost/)). Employed interpreters and translators in the US earn a median of $60,170 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a language pair and subject Offer AI translation checked by you Build repeat clients :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) for drafts.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Delivering machine drafts as final work wastes what clients pay for. Taking subjects you don't know lets wrong terms through. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>24. Keep the books for small businesses</h4> <p>You keep small businesses' numbers in order, a few hours a month each.</p> <p>It fits you if you're careful with numbers.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly fee. On Upwork, bookkeepers typically charge $11 to $25 an hour, and the median is $15 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/bookkeepers/cost/)). Employed bookkeeping clerks in the US earn a median of $50,670 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Bookkeepers on the first step when you start a bookkeeping business.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej088ohbbMY | Starting a Bookkeeping Business? Do THIS First | | Bookkeepers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn one accounting tool Take two small clients Charge monthly :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) to sort transactions.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Tax advice you're not qualified for can hurt clients. Leaving the books for a year-end catch-up lets small mistakes grow. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>25. Design presentations</h4> <p>You turn rough decks into clear, sharp slides.</p> <p>It fits you if you can simplify ideas visually.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per deck. On Upwork, presentation designers typically charge $35 to $60 an hour, and the median is $45 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/presentation-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Analyst Academy tests every AI presentation tool.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtRHtfR2egc | I Tested Every AI Presentation Tool - There’s One Clear Winner | | Analyst Academy | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign three decks Offer a fixed price per deck Sell reusable templates :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Gamma](https://navid.link/gamma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Text-heavy slides lose the audience. Designing before the story is clear leads to rework. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>26. Design YouTube thumbnails</h4> <p>You design the image that makes people click, an hour or two per thumbnail.</p> <p>It fits you if you watch a lot of YouTube.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per thumbnail or a monthly package. Searches for YouTube thumbnails grew 52% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Wes McDowell's new way to make YouTube thumbnails in minutes.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-wymxSUUAk | The NEW Way to Make YouTube Thumbnails in Minutes (NO DESIGN EXPERIENCE NEEDED) | | Wes McDowell | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign five thumbnails Post before and after Pitch weekly creators :::</p> <p>**Tools:** ChatGPT's GPT Image 2.5, [Higgsfield](https://navid.link/higgsfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Magnific](https://navid.link/magnific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), which I use myself.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Too many words make a thumbnail hard to read. Ignoring the title breaks the story the thumbnail and title should tell together. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h3>Digital product side hustles from home</h3> <p>You make a digital product once, at home, and sell it again and again with nothing to ship. These start slow and keep paying.</p> <h4>27. Earn from affiliate links</h4> <p>You recommend products you use and earn a commission on each sale. My first online money was a $65 affiliate commission.</p> <p>It fits you if you already review or recommend things online.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a commission per sale or sign-up. Amazon Associates pays up to 10% of each sale, depending on the category ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/GRXPHT8U84RAYDXZ)), about 60 days after the end of the month ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/G63DR893K4DH55XZ)). My biggest affiliate month came from a course, not Amazon: around $40,000 as Ramit Sethi's #1 affiliate for Zero to Launch.</p> <p>**Example:** [Maria Wendt](/creators/maria-wendt) makes $11,000 a month from affiliate links, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QBQzi4r940&amp;t=0s).</p> <p>**Watch:** Greg Gottfried's beginner tutorial for Amazon affiliate marketing.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mgoWw35_8U | How to Start Amazon Affiliate Marketing in 2026 (Beginner Tutorial) | | Greg Gottfried | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Recommend only what you use Write honest reviews people search for Disclose every commission :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [affiliate program finder](/best-affiliate-programs) and the [affiliate commission calculator](/free-tools/affiliate-commission-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promoting what you haven't tried risks your audience's trust. Hiding the commission breaks the FTC's disclosure rules ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/disclosures-101-social-media-influencers)). :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on Amazon</p> <h4>28. Sell Notion templates</h4> <p>You build a [Notion](/ai-tools/notion) system you'd use yourself, like a planner or a CRM, and sell copies of it.</p> <p>It fits you if you love organizing your life or work in Notion.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per template that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Money With Mak makes Notion templates with Claude and sells them on Etsy.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6xU-P9FHJA | How to Use Claude AI to Create &amp; Sell Notion Templates on Etsy | | Money With Mak | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a template that solves one problem for you Make a short demo video of it Sell it on [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) or [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), plus [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) or [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), which Thomas Frank uses.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building a template that does everything makes it hard to sell, while one clear job sells. Selling without a demo loses buyers, who want to see it working. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe</p> <h4>29. Sell Canva templates</h4> <p>You design social posts, resumes or presentations in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) and sell editable copies.</p> <p>It fits you if you design well in Canva.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per template that you set. On Etsy, that's minus $0.20 per listing, 6.5% of each sale and payment processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Design a set of templates for one kind of buyer List them on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) with clear mockups Add new sets for what sells :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), and the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using fonts or images you can't license for resale can get your templates taken down. Selling one-off templates instead of sets keeps each sale small. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>30. Sell printables and planners</h4> <p>Planners, checklists, wall art and party printables sell as instant downloads.</p> <p>It fits you if you like making useful, good-looking pages.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per download that you set, minus Etsy's $0.20 listing fee, 6.5% of each sale and payment processing ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Lauren Keys tries selling printable planners made with ChatGPT.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En_ut1kyPcc | I Tried Selling Printable Planners Made With ChatGPT (here’s what happened) | | Lauren Keys | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find printables that already sell in your niche Make a better set of your own List them with mockups and clear titles :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying other sellers' designs can get your listings removed. Unclear titles keep printables from being found, because buyers search for exact words. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>31. Sell teaching resources</h4> <p>Lesson plans, worksheets and classroom printables you've already made can earn again.</p> <p>It fits you if you teach and have materials other teachers would buy.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per resource that you set. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Yale Jeannette on selling educational printables on Etsy.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=607xdl3v50U | how to make $1,000/month selling educational printables on etsy | | Yale Jeannette | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick your best lesson plans and worksheets Clean them up into a sellable set Sell to other teachers where they shop :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) to polish them, and [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) or [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) to sell.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling materials your school owns can break your contract, so check it first. Uploading messy files loses sales, because teachers want them ready to print. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe</p> <h4>32. Sell workout and meal plans</h4> <p>You turn what you know about training or cooking into plans people follow at home.</p> <p>It fits you if you're qualified in fitness or nutrition, or have a following that trusts you.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a price per plan or a monthly subscription. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make one plan for one goal, like strength for beginners Test it with five people and collect their results Sell it with those results :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) for the plan, [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) to sell, and [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) for subscriptions.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Giving medical or diet advice you're not qualified for can hurt buyers. Promising results you can't back up brings refund requests and complaints. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe</p> <h4>33. Publish ebooks</h4> <p>You write a short, useful book and publish it yourself.</p> <p>It fits you if you can teach something in 20,000 words or fewer.</p> <p>**What it pays:** royalties per copy. Amazon KDP pays 35% or 70% of an ebook's price, depending on the option you choose ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200644210)), about 60 days after the end of each month ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GK2MKZUL6U3SFBPZ)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one problem and write the shortest book that solves it Get a professional cover Publish on [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and ask readers for reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) to outline, [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) for a first cover, and the [book royalty calculator](/free-tools/book-royalty-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes A long book nobody finishes earns few reviews, while short and useful sells. A homemade cover hurts sales, because buyers judge books by them. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** about 60 days after each month on KDP</p> <h4>34. Sell an online course</h4> <p>A course is recorded at home and sold for years. Mine, [Virtual Summit Mastery](/virtual-summit-mastery), made well over $1 million before I sold it.</p> <p>It fits you if you've helped people get a result.</p> <p>**What it pays:** course sales, bundles and payment plans.</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $1.6 million from The Creator MBA in its first six days ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Danie Jay on creating an online course that sells.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5g5Esl-OPo | How to Create an Online Course THAT SELLS in 2026 (from a 6-figure course creator) | | Danie Jay | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pre-sell a pilot to 10 people Teach it live Record and sell it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), and my guide on [how to create an online course](/articles/how-to-create-an-online-course).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recording before anyone buys risks a course nobody wants. A course that's too long wears students out. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>35. Publish low-content books</h4> <p>Journals and logbooks have little text, so you design them in a weekend.</p> <p>It fits you if you like simple design.</p> <p>**What it pays:** royalties on each copy. Amazon KDP pays 60% of a paperback's list price at $9.99 or more, minus the printing cost: a $15 book that costs $5 to print earns $4 ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834330)). Royalties arrive about 60 days after the end of the month of the sale ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GK2MKZUL6U3SFBPZ)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Rachel Harrison-Sund on five bestselling low-content books on Amazon KDP.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNBS-v8rkXA | These Are the 5 Bestselling Low and Medium Content Books on Amazon KDP ($3,610 a DAY!!!) | | Rachel Harrison-Sund | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a niche Design the interior and cover Publish a few titles :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying covers makes yours easy to scroll past. Publishing one title only keeps sales small. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on KDP</p> <h3>Creative side hustles from home</h3> <p>If you make things, these turn your creative work into sales.</p> <h4>36. Sell your art prints</h4> <p>You make the art, and print companies print and ship it.</p> <p>It fits you if people would hang your art on their walls.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each print. Employed craft and fine artists in the US earn a median of $55,290 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/craft-and-fine-artists.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Leighann Creates on making and selling art prints.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZJlHWTB2KY | How to Make &amp; Sell ART PRINTS ✨ a Complete Guide ✨ | | Leighann Creates | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a style and subject Put your best 10 pieces up as prints Share your process online :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Topaz Labs](https://navid.link/topazlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Low-resolution files print badly. Posting art without its story loses buyers who connect with the artist. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>37. Sell graphic design services</h4> <p>Logos, brand kits and social posts for small businesses, made at home.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for design.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or a monthly package. On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)). Employed graphic designers in the US earn a median of $62,960 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm), May 2025). Logo design grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Edgy Katrina's realistic week as a freelance graphic designer.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VDq7pubiZE | a realistic week in my life as a freelance graphic designer and creator in LA | | edgykatrina | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make five samples Offer one package Add a monthly plan :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), [Figma](https://navid.link/figma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Recraft](https://navid.link/recraft?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Offering unlimited revisions lets one client fill your evenings. A portfolio in every style blurs what you're best at. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>38. Start a handmade crafts store</h4> <p>Candles, jewelry and ceramics made at your table, sold online.</p> <p>It fits you if you make things people already ask about.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the price of each piece. Employed craft and fine artists in the US earn a median of $55,290 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/craft-and-fine-artists.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Business Gift on handmade products in demand this year.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z_ESvwT56M | 30 High-Demand Handmade Products to Sell in 2026 | | Business Gift | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a small range in one style Photograph it in natural light Sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and at local markets :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) for listings.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Leaving your time out of the price means working for free. Making too many product types confuses buyers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>39. Sell stock photos</h4> <p>Everyday photos from your home and town can sell again and again.</p> <p>It fits you if you take good photos.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of each license sold. Shutterstock pays 15% to 40% of each license, by six earnings levels that reset every January 1 ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10594604-how-much-will-i-be-paid-as-a-contributor-to-shutterstock)), and pays monthly, by the 15th ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10617435-how-do-i-get-paid-for-my-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Wollertz Photography on making $202,067 selling stock photos.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLWmkcvjRnM | I Made $202,067.19 Selling Photos: Stock Photography Works - Best Agencies 2026 | | Wollertz Photography | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Shoot what buyers search for Tag each file well Upload often :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Adobe Stock](https://navid.link/adobestock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Shutterstock](https://navid.link/shutterstock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Photos of people without releases get rejected. Shooting only beauty shots misses what buyers search for. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, by the 15th on Shutterstock</p> <h4>40. Start a print-on-demand shop</h4> <p>You design shirts and mugs at home, and the printer makes and ships each order.</p> <p>It fits you if you can design for a niche.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each item sold: your price minus the print cost and the marketplace's fees. On Etsy, that's $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jensen Tung on the easiest way to start print on demand from $0.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFGOEaGokaU | Easiest Way To Start Print On Demand From $0 In 2026 | | Jensen Tung | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a niche Make 10 designs Keep what sells :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), [Printful](https://navid.link/printful?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and the [print on demand profit calculator](/free-tools/print-on-demand-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Trademarks you don't own can get your designs taken down. Skipping samples lets customers find the print problems first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h3>Content side hustles from home</h3> <p>These build an audience from your desk. They pay slowly, then keep paying.</p> <h4>41. Write a blog</h4> <p>A blog was my first side hustle, written in the evenings beside my bank job.</p> <p>It fits you if you like writing and can wait for search traffic.</p> <p>**What it pays:** display ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts and your own products.</p> <p>**Watch:** She Dreams All Day on starting a blog in 2026, and whether it's too late.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43Q3SzxVWGA | How to start a blog in 2026... or is it too late? (honest advice from a 6 figure blogger) | | she dreams all day | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic for 100 posts Answer what people search for Add an email list early :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [RightBlogger](https://navid.link/rightblogger?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and my guide on [how to start a blog](/articles/how-to-start-a-blog).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing about too many topics slows a blog's growth. Blogging without an email list loses readers you can't reach again. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, by each ad network and affiliate program</p> <h4>42. Write a paid newsletter</h4> <p>One email a week, with free and paid issues, from your kitchen table.</p> <p>It fits you if you can write for one kind of reader every week.</p> <p>**What it pays:** [sponsors](/free-tools/sponsorship-rate-calculator), paid subscriptions, affiliate links and your own products. On Substack, writers keep 90% of paid subscriptions, minus card fees ([Substack](https://substack.com/going-paid)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $795,000 from newsletter sponsors since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on the easiest way to build a local newsletter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0MRAjVp_Uo | The Easiest Way to Build a Local Newsletter | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one reader and one promise Send weekly Turn on paid issues once readers ask for more :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), [beehiiv](https://navid.link/beehiiv?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) or [Substack](https://navid.link/substack?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping weeks costs you readers and sponsors. Paywalling too early slows the growth a free list would bring. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** through Stripe for paid subscriptions · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>43. Start a podcast</h4> <p>You record remote interviews from a quiet room at home.</p> <p>It fits you if you like conversations.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, listener support, premium episodes and your own offers. Spotify's Partner Program pays 50% of the [ad revenue](/free-tools/youtube-money-calculator) from its ads in your episodes, once your show reaches 2,000 hours listened and 1,000 listeners in 30 days ([Spotify](https://support.spotify.com/us/creators/article/spotify-partner-program/)).</p> <p>**Example:** [John Lee Dumas](/creators/john-lee-dumas) made $126,550 from podcast sponsorships in [January 2024](https://www.eofire.com/income125/).</p> <p>**Watch:** Think Media on what they'd do if they started a podcast in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PuvMX6MB20 | If I Started a Podcast in 2026, I'd Do this! | | Think Media | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic and format Record three episodes first Invite guests with an audience :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), which I use.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Launching with one episode gives listeners little reason to subscribe. Skipping video misses the listeners who find shows on YouTube. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when sponsors pay</p> <h4>44. Start a YouTube channel</h4> <p>A desk, a phone and a weekly schedule are enough to start.</p> <p>It fits you if you can post every week.</p> <p>**What it pays:** YouTube's ad revenue share, sponsors, memberships and your own offers. YouTube pays you 55% of the ad revenue on your long videos and 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)), once you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Pat Flynn](/creators/pat-flynn) has made $27,732 from [one podcasting tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkhkx4MPdfI&amp;t=266s) with a million views. **Watch:** Think Media's step-by-step guide to creating a YouTube channel in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGKXSLmZBz8 | How to Create a YouTube Channel in 2026 (Step-By-Step) | | Think Media | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find videos that beat their channel's usual views Make your own version Post weekly :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [vidIQ](https://navid.link/vidiq?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Quitting early stops a channel before it has time to grow. Relying on ads as your only income keeps it small. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>45. Run a faceless channel</h4> <p>You make videos without showing your face, using voiceovers and visuals.</p> <p>It fits you if you'd rather stay off camera.</p> <p>**What it pays:** ad revenue share, sponsors and affiliate links, on the same YouTube terms as any channel ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)). Businesses pay for this work too: searches for YouTube automation faceless channels grew 239% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Sambucha on secretly voicing faceless YouTube channels.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwF8n7vrF5Q | I Secretly Became The Voice Of Faceless YouTube Channels | | Sambucha | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic that works without a face Script first, then voice and visuals Post on a schedule :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), [ElevenLabs](https://navid.link/elevenlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Mass-produced videos can lose their earnings, because YouTube doesn't pay for repetitive content ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1311392)). Clips you don't have rights to can block a video's earnings. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>46. Start streaming</h4> <p>You stream games, art or conversation from home, and viewers subscribe and tip.</p> <p>It fits you if you enjoy talking to a live audience.</p> <p>**What it pays:** subscriptions, tips, ads and sponsors. Twitch makes you an Affiliate, and able to get paid, once you stream 4 hours on 4 different days with at least 3 viewers on average and have 25 followers, and it pays out once you pass $50 ([Twitch](https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2026/05/13/monetization-for-all/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Twitch streamer sunshinebread on real daily earnings, from $14 days to a $600 day with ads.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FRxhEjOBOA | How Much Money Do Small Streamers Really Make on Twitch? | | sunshinebread | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one thing you'll stream on a schedule Stream at the same times each week Meet Twitch's Affiliate bar to turn on earnings :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a webcam, a microphone and free streaming software, plus the [Twitch money calculator](/free-tools/twitch-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Streaming at random times loses viewers, who come back to a habit. Ignoring chat loses the viewers who came to talk with you. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** once you pass $50 on Twitch</p> <h4>47. Post short videos</h4> <p>Short videos take minutes to film at home, and the best ones keep finding viewers.</p> <p>It fits you if you can post often.</p> <p>**What it pays:** creator programs where you qualify, brand deals and affiliate links. TikTok's [Creator Rewards Program](/free-tools/tiktok-money-calculator) pays for videos of at least 1 minute once you have 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in 30 days ([TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/global/creator-rewards-program-us/en)), and YouTube pays 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Jeff Rose](/creators/jeff-rose) made $42,035 from Facebook and Instagram payouts in [June 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYUcFe5R7IE&amp;t=142s).</p> <p>**Watch:** Buzz on monetizing a faceless TikTok in seven days.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eQDpN4lmNE | How I Monetized My Faceless TikTok in 7 Days | | Buzz | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Post one short a day for a month Keep what works Send viewers to a list or offer :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), [Submagic](https://navid.link/submagic?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Chasing every trend blurs what your account is about. Building no list of your own leaves you exposed to every platform change. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly on the 15th on TikTok, once you pass $50 · **Age:** 18+ for TikTok's rewards</p> <h3>Ecommerce side hustles you can run from home</h3> <p>You run a store from your laptop, and suppliers or marketplaces do much of the rest.</p> <h4>48. Start an online store</h4> <p>You sell products from your own store, with orders and messages handled at home.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a product idea and some money to start.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each order. Work it out with the [profit margin calculator](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator).</p> <p>**Watch:** Creative Hive on how they'd start an online store in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSTYQlU-vSg | How I'd start an online store in 2026 (if I had to start over) | | Creative Hive | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one product people already buy Build a simple store Test small ads and keep what sells :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and the [profit margin calculator](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Launching with too many products splits your attention. Ignoring shipping costs can turn a sale into a loss. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>49. Try dropshipping</h4> <p>A supplier ships each order, so you never handle stock.</p> <p>It fits you if you can test ads and handle customer service.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each order, after ads and fees. Check yours with the [dropshipping profit calculator](/free-tools/dropshipping-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jordan Welch's beginner guide to dropshipping in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KmXbRiJVyg | Beginners Guide To Dropshipping In 2026 | | Jordan Welch | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a product with a clear buyer Check the supplier's shipping times Test with a small ad budget :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and the [dropshipping profit calculator](/free-tools/dropshipping-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Slow suppliers lead to complaints and refunds. Spending big on ads before you know your margin can lose money on every order. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>50. Sell on Etsy</h4> <p>Etsy brings buyers to your shop, and you run it from home.</p> <p>It fits you if you make things or design printables.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sales, minus Etsy's fees: $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale, and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)). New sellers get paid weekly, every Monday, and can switch to daily, every two weeks or monthly ([Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046998234-How-to-Receive-Your-Etsy-Payments-Deposit)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Kate Hayes on starting an Etsy shop, step by step.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxi6dIPHsig | How to Start an Etsy Shop Step by Step in 2026 💻 (Etsy Shop for Beginners Setup Tutorial) | | Kate Hayes | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Search what sells in your niche List 10 products Make more of what sells :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Prices below cost lose money on every sale. Too few listings keep your shop hard to find. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** every Monday by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>51. Run a subscription box</h4> <p>You curate a themed box each month and ship it to subscribers.</p> <p>It fits you if you know a niche well and like packing and shipping.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly subscriptions.</p> <p>**Watch:** Sarah Williams on starting a subscription box in eight steps.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw-bn3IN7pw | How to Start a Subscription Box in 8 Simple Steps | | Sarah Williams - Subscription Box Business Coach | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a niche with passionate buyers Pre-sell your first box Find suppliers who'll sell small quantities :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Cratejoy](https://navid.link/cratejoy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) for the marketplace and [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) for subscriptions.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Underpricing shipping eats the profit on every box. Buying stock before you have subscribers ties up your money. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>52. Buy and flip websites</h4> <p>You buy small websites, improve them from home and sell them for more.</p> <p>It fits you if you know SEO or online business and have money to invest.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the sale price, above what you paid and spent.</p> <p>**Watch:** Pavlo on three ways to make money selling websites.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx_MANHXGYk | 3 Different Ways To Make 1mil Selling Websites in 2026 | | Pavlo | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Study sold listings on [Flippa](https://navid.link/flippa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) Buy one small site you understand Grow its income, then sell :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Flippa](https://navid.link/flippa?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Ahrefs](https://navid.link/ahrefs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) to check a site's traffic.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Trusting the seller's numbers without proof can cost you the purchase price. Buying a site in a topic you don't understand makes it hard to grow. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a lot of money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** through escrow when the sale closes</p> <h3>Marketing and tech side hustles from home</h3> <p>If you know marketing or tech, businesses will pay for it remotely.</p> <h4>53. Sell SEO services</h4> <p>You help businesses rank in Google, from audits to monthly work.</p> <p>It fits you if you've ranked your own site.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer or a fee per audit. On Upwork, SEO experts typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $21 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/seo-experts/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Surfer's complete SEO and AI SEO course for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DRO4rEIHDk | The Complete SEO &amp; AI SEO Course for 2026 (Full Beginner’s Guide) | | Surfer Academy and Matt Kenyon | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rank your own site Offer a paid audit Turn it into monthly work :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Ahrefs](https://navid.link/ahrefs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) or [Semrush](https://navid.link/semrush?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising first place on Google is a promise you can't keep. Reporting rankings without traffic hides whether your work paid off. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>54. Offer PPC services</h4> <p>You run Google and Meta ads for businesses from your laptop.</p> <p>It fits you if you like numbers and testing.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly fee, often plus a share of the ad spend. On Upwork, PPC specialists typically charge $20 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ppc-specialists/cost/)). Display advertising was among Upwork's fastest-growing marketing skills in 2025, up 26% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Neil Patel](/creators/neil-patel) runs through Facebook ads from the start.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZWJCjhZanQ | The Only Facebook Ads Tutorial You Need for 2025 | | Neil Patel | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Run a small campaign for yourself or a friend Offer a fixed monthly fee Report results weekly :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the ad platforms themselves, and the [A/B test calculator](/free-tools/ab-test-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Spending a client's budget without tracking set up leaves you unable to show results. Promising returns sets you up to break a promise. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>55. Manage social media</h4> <p>You plan and schedule a business's posts in one evening a week.</p> <p>It fits you if you know what works on social.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly retainers. On Upwork, social media managers typically charge $14 to $35 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/social-media-managers/cost/)). Demand for Instagram services grew 147% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)), and social media strategy was among Upwork's fastest-growing marketing skills in 2025, up 36% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jade Beason's full guide to starting a social media marketing agency.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3iIIAxppPo | How to start a social media marketing agency step by step - 2026 FULL GUIDE | | Jade Beason | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Grow your own account Offer a monthly package Report monthly :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Metricool](https://navid.link/metricool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising followers sets you up to fail. Working in too many industries slows every post down. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>56. Build websites with AI</h4> <p>You build sites for small businesses with [AI tools](/ai-tools), and host them monthly.</p> <p>It fits you if you like solving small technical problems.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per site and a monthly fee to keep it up. On Upwork, web designers typically charge $15 to $30 an hour, and the median is $21 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/web-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Create a Pro Website builds a website with Claude Code.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDTwHIKltpc | The EASY way to build a beautiful website with Claude Code (full workflow) | | Create a Pro Website | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build two sample sites Offer a fixed-price site Add monthly hosting :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), which I build with, and [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building before the content is ready leads to rework. Skipping a monthly plan gives up steady income from upkeep. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>57. Give remote tech support</h4> <p>You fix computer, phone and software problems for people and small businesses over a video call.</p> <p>It fits you if you're the person friends call when tech breaks.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a monthly plan. Employed computer user support specialists in the US earn a median of $61,860 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Shane Hummus](/creators/shane-hummus) on how anyone can learn IT support.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no4JnUf5HI0 | How Anyone Can Learn IT Support (Beginner Roadmap) | | Shane Hummus | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Help friends and family first, for reviews Offer remote setup and support at a fixed price Add monthly plans for small offices :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a screen-sharing tool and a clear checklist for common fixes.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking remote control without written permission puts you at legal risk. Fixing what you don't understand can make the problem worse. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** monthly, by your clients</p> <h4>58. Build AI automations</h4> <p>You connect a business's apps so its busywork runs itself.</p> <p>It fits you if you like making tools work together.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee. AI integration grew 178% on Upwork in 2025, by freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)), and searches for [n8n](/ai-tools/n8n) AI automation grew 125% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, AI developers typically charge $30 to $150 an hour, and the median is $90 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** n8n's own quick start for building your first AI agent.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuaKeDS6UKU | n8n Quick Start Tutorial: Build Your First AI Agent [2026] | | n8n and Flowgrammer | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Automate a task in your own work Offer it to three businesses Charge monthly to run it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), plus [Zapier](https://navid.link/zapier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home), [Make](https://navid.link/make?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) and [n8n](https://navid.link/n8n?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Automating a messy process makes the mess run faster. Skipping alerts lets a failed step go unnoticed. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>59. Vibe code apps and tools, for clients or yourself</h4> <p>[Vibe coding](/articles/what-is-vibe-coding) means building software by describing what you want in plain English, then letting an AI agent write, run and fix the code. From home, you can build for businesses that never had a developer, or make your own apps, tools and calculators that charge a subscription or bring visitors to your business.</p> <p>It fits you if you can turn a problem into clear steps, even without a coding background.</p> <p>**What it pays:** fees from clients, or subscriptions and one-time sales of your own apps and tools. On Upwork, AI developers typically charge $30 to $150 an hour, and the median is $90 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/)). Searches for vibe coding grew 61% on Fiverr, and searches for [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) specialists 938%, in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). Across more than 115,000 subscription apps, the median new app made about $72 a month a year after launch, and the top 10% made $2,500 or more ([RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)).</p> <p>**Example:** the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site are my own builds, vibe coded at home with Claude Code and Codex. Pieter Levels vibe coded fly.pieter.com, a flight game that runs in the browser, in February 2025, and he says it reached $1 million in annual recurring revenue in 17 days ([levels.io](https://levels.io/fly-pieter-com-vibecoded-flight-simulator)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Starter Story on how Connor Burd, 23, vibe coded an app in 14 days that makes $20,000 a month.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwHD6Fg-Mjs | I vibe coded a $20K/month mobile app in 14 days | | Starter Story | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build three small tools you'd use yourself Offer one fixed-price build to a business you know, or put your best tool online Charge a monthly fee to host and improve it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex). [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable), [Bolt](/ai-tools/bolt), [Replit](/ai-tools/replit), [Base44](/ai-tools/base44) and [Vibecode](https://navid.link/vibecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) build apps from a prompt, [Google AI Studio](/ai-tools/google-ai-studio) does it with Gemini, and [Cursor](/ai-tools/cursor) is a code editor with AI built in. Write clearer instructions with the [Claude Code prompt generator](/free-tools/claude-code-prompt-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Shipping an app you haven't tested yourself puts bugs in front of paying users and clients. Selling the method instead of the result makes clients compare you on price. Pasting API keys into a page's code lets anyone who opens the page copy them, so keep keys on the server. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per project from clients, or every business day through Stripe for your own app · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>60. Create browser extensions</h4> <p>You build a small Chrome extension that solves one annoyance, and sell it or charge monthly.</p> <p>It fits you if you can build simple tools, with AI's help.</p> <p>**What it pays:** one-time sales or subscriptions. On Upwork, Chrome extension developers typically charge $25 to $41 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chrome-extension-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Paul J Lipsky builds Chrome extensions with Claude, no coding needed.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbgolE1kPDI | Use Claude Cowork To Build Chrome Extensions (Zero Coding Skills Needed) | | Paul J Lipsky | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find one annoyance people complain about Build the smallest extension that fixes it Charge for a pro version :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) to build it, and [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustles-from-home) to charge.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Asking for more permissions than you need scares users off. Giving users no reason to pay keeps income at zero, so keep a free version and a better paid one. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h3>The best side hustles from home for…</h3> <p>Every side hustle above works from home, but some fit certain lives better.</p> <p>**Students:** short tasks and skills you can build while you study.</p> <p>:::checks - [Teach a language you speak](#9-teach-a-language-you-speak) - [Design YouTube thumbnails](#26-design-youtube-thumbnails) - [Clip video content](#5-clip-video-content) - [Post short videos](#47-post-short-videos) :::</p> <p>**Parents at home:** work that stops and starts around kids.</p> <p>:::checks - [Sell printables and planners](#30-sell-printables-and-planners) - [Review AI answers](#10-review-ai-answers) - [Transcribe and subtitle videos](#3-transcribe-and-subtitle-videos) - [Publish low-content books](#35-publish-low-content-books) :::</p> <p>**Teachers:** what you already know, sold to people who need it.</p> <p>:::checks - [Sell teaching resources](#31-sell-teaching-resources) - [Teach a language you speak](#9-teach-a-language-you-speak) - [Sell an online course](#34-sell-an-online-course) :::</p> <p>**Nurses and healthcare workers:** your expertise, in short sessions between shifts.</p> <p>:::checks - [Review AI answers](#10-review-ai-answers): experts in medicine get the higher-paying tasks - [Join paid research studies](#2-join-paid-research-studies): researchers pay to hear from healthcare workers - [Work as a virtual assistant](#14-work-as-a-virtual-assistant): medical virtual assistance grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)) :::</p> <p>**Introverts:** quiet work with little live contact.</p> <p>:::checks - [Proofread for authors and businesses](#13-proofread-for-authors-and-businesses) - [Write technical docs](#19-write-technical-docs) - [Keep the books for small businesses](#24-keep-the-books-for-small-businesses) - [Sell Notion templates](#28-sell-notion-templates) :::</p> <h3>Side hustle scams to avoid</h3> <p>Home side hustles attract scammers. Americans reported $15.9 billion lost to fraud in 2025 ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/ftc-testimony-jec-hearing-on-the-rising-scam-economy.pdf)).</p> <p>:::mistakes Jobs that ask you to pay for training, software or a starter kit. Checks you're asked to deposit and partly send back will bounce after you've sent the money. Reshipping packages from home for a stranger can make you part of a fraud. Task apps that need a deposit to unlock earnings are built to keep your money. :::</p> <p>If a side hustle asks you to pay before you get paid, walk away.</p> <h3>Final thoughts on side hustles from home</h3> <p>There are 60 side hustles from home in this guide, and most start with just a laptop.</p> <p>Start with a beginner one if you need money this month, and build a skill or a product beside it if you want more. My own home side hustle, a blog and then a summit, became my full-time work in 2014.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[85 remote side hustles](/articles/remote-side-hustles)</li><li>[70 side hustle ideas](/articles/side-hustle-ideas)</li><li>[50 ways to make money from home](/articles/make-money-from-home)</li><li>[44 ways to make extra money beside your day job](/articles/extra-money-day-job)</li><li>[50 best online side hustles](/articles/best-online-side-hustles)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: take the [side hustle quiz](/free-tools/side-hustle-quiz) and start the first side hustle it gives you this week.</p><h2>FAQs about side hustles from home</h2><h3>What are good side hustles from home?</h3><p>Freelance skills like writing, design and bookkeeping pay the most per hour, and digital products like templates keep selling.</p> <p>Beginner ones like testing websites and AI training are quick to start.</p> <p>The best one fits your skills and the hours you have.</p><h3>What side hustles from home need no experience?</h3><p>Testing websites, paid research studies, transcription, data entry and AI training need no experience.</p> <p>They pay less per hour, but you can start this week.</p> <p>Learn a skill on the side to earn more.</p><h3>What side hustles can I do from home as a student?</h3><p>Tutoring a language, designing thumbnails, clipping videos and posting short videos fit around classes.</p> <p>Many platforms require you to be 18, while Fiverr and Etsy let 13 to 17 year olds sell through a parent's account.</p> <p>Pick one that builds a skill you'll use later.</p><h3>What side hustles can moms do from home?</h3><p>Work that stops and starts fits best: printables, AI training tasks, transcription and low-content books.</p> <p>Freelance writing and design run on deadlines, not set hours.</p> <p>Save live calls for times you have help.</p><h3>Do side hustles from home work?</h3><p>Yes, but most pay a little: the median side hustler makes $200 a month, according to Bankrate.</p> <p>The ones that pay well sell a skill by the hour or a product that sells without you.</p> <p>Give one at least three months before you judge it.</p><h3>Which side hustles from home are legit?</h3><p>Freelancing on Upwork and Fiverr, testing on UserTesting, research studies on Respondent and selling on Etsy are all real and pay.</p> <p>Avoid anything that asks you to pay first, like starter kits or deposits.</p> <p>Real side hustles never ask you to pay to get paid.</p><h3>How much can I make with a side hustle from home?</h3><p>On Upwork, the median rate runs from $13 an hour for virtual assistants to $55 for voice actors.</p> <p>Digital products can earn more over time, like Thomas Frank's $15,000 a month from one Notion template.</p> <p>Half of side hustlers make $200 a month or less, by Bankrate's numbers.</p><h3>What do I need to start a side hustle from home?</h3><p>A laptop, a reliable internet connection and a quiet corner are enough for most.</p> <p>You also need a way to get paid, like PayPal, Stripe or the platform's own payouts.</p> <p>A few need more, like a microphone for voiceovers or a spare room for Airbnb.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/extra-money-day-job/https://navid.me/blog/extra-money-day-job/44 ways to make extra money beside a full-time job, grouped by evenings, weekends and work that keeps paying, with what each pays and the hours it takes.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of 44 ways to make extra money beside your day job, in the hours you already have free.</p> <p>That's how I started. I had a part-time job at a bank and built a blog in the evenings. My first online sale was a $65 affiliate commission, and a year later my first [virtual summit](/articles/what-is-a-virtual-summit) made over $20,000.</p> <p>Most people don't want to quit their job. They want an extra few hundred dollars a month without burning out. So every way below shows what it pays, with the source, how many hours a week it takes and when in your week it fits.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>How much extra money people really make beside a job</li><li>44 ways to make extra money, grouped by when you have time: evenings, weekends, set-up-once, and your own job's skills</li><li>What each way pays per hour, with sources</li><li>Your job's rules on side work, and the taxes on extra income</li><li>How to keep a side income from burning you out</li></ul> <p>Start with the group that matches your free time, and give one way a few months before you add another.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - 27% of US adults have a side hustle, and the median one pays $200 a month ([Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/), 2025). An extra $500 a month is 25 hours of work at $20 an hour. - Evenings suit online work like freelancing, tutoring and AI training. Weekends suit local work like driving, cleaning and photography. - Your job's skills often pay best on the side. On Upwork, business consultants charge a median of $55 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-consultants/cost/)). - Read your employment contract before you start, for rules on outside work, conflicts and who owns what you make. - In the US, extra income is taxable, and self-employment tax applies once your net earnings reach $400 a year ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes)). :::</p> <h3>How much extra money can you make beside a job?</h3> <p>Most people make a little, and some make a lot:</p> <p>:::numbers Users | 27% | of US adults have a side hustle | Bankrate survey of 2,616 adults, June 2025 | [Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/) Wallet | $200 | a month, the median side hustle income | Half earn more, half earn less | [Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/) ChartColumn | $885 | a month, the average side hustle income | A few high earners pull it up | [Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/) Hourglass | 28% | of side hustlers make $1 to $50 a month | Bankrate, 2025 | [Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/) :::</p> <p>Your hours and your hourly rate decide where you land. Here's what different targets take:</p> <p>:::table Extra money a month | At $20 an hour | At $40 an hour $200 | 10 hours | 5 hours $500 | 25 hours | 12.5 hours $1,000 | 50 hours | 25 hours $2,000 | 100 hours | 50 hours :::</p> <p>Here's what $500 a month takes at the median rates for the skills in this guide:</p> <p>:::chart What $500 a month takes, by hourly rate | $ an hour | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/) | Median rates freelancers charge, October 2026. The hours are my math, rounded, before fees Coaching | 100 | $100 · 5 hours Consulting | 55 | $55 · 9 hours Grant writing | 50 | $50 · 10 hours Copywriting | 30 | $30 · 17 hours Technical writing | 30 | $30 · 17 hours Graphic design | 25 | $25 · 20 hours Social media | 20 | $20 · 25 hours Bookkeeping | 15 | $15 · 33 hours Customer support | 14 | $14 · 36 hours Virtual assistant | 13 | $13 · 38 hours :::</p> <p>That's why skills matter: they double what each free hour is worth. Work out your own numbers with the [hourly to salary calculator](/free-tools/hourly-to-salary-calculator).</p> <h3>Find your way in two minutes</h3> <p>Answer six questions about your skills, time and budget, and get your top three ways with a plan for your first week.</p> <p>:::tool side-hustle-quiz extra-money-day-job :::</p> <h3>Ways to make extra money in the evenings</h3> <p>These are online, so you can do them after work from your couch or desk. Most take 5 to 10 hours a week.</p> <h4>1. Freelance your skill</h4> <p>Freelancing is selling a skill, like writing, design or editing, to clients online. Most freelance work runs on deadlines, not set hours, so it fits evenings.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a skill businesses pay for and can deliver on time.</p> <p>**What it pays:** hourly, day or project fees. Upwork pays hourly work 10 days after each weekly billing period, and fixed-price work after the client approves it, plus a five-day security hold ([Upwork](https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211063668-How-payments-for-hourly-contracts-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Aasil Khan's step-by-step roadmap to start freelancing.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apVFrq7YklA | How to Start Freelancing in 2026 - Step by Step Roadmap | | Aasil Khan | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one skill and one kind of client Show three examples of your work Send five specific proposals a week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find clients on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), where I hire freelancers myself, and see what you keep with the [Upwork fee calculator](/free-tools/upwork-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking every project slows you down, since one kind of client gets you hired faster. Promising daytime replies sets an expectation you can't meet beside a job, so tell clients when you work. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>2. Write for businesses</h4> <p>Emails, product pages and blog posts can be written in an evening and sent before bed.</p> <p>It fits you if you write clearly, from teaching, marketing or any job that's taught you to.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per page or a monthly retainer. On Upwork, copywriters typically charge $19 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/copywriters/cost/)). Employed writers and authors in the US earn a median of $76,910 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Joanna Wiebe on becoming a top 1% copywriter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GozdYVnSrkE | How To Become a Top 1% Author, Copywriter, or Communicator | | Joanna Wiebe | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write three samples in one niche Offer one kind of piece at a fixed price Ask for repeat work :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) for drafts and [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) to polish.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending unedited AI drafts loses clients, who can often tell. Taking rush jobs on work nights wears you out for your day job. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>3. Design for clients</h4> <p>Logos, social posts and flyers are small evening projects, delivered by email.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for design.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or a monthly package. On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)). Employed graphic designers in the US earn a median of $62,960 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm), May 2025). Logo design grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Edgy Katrina's realistic week as a freelance graphic designer.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VDq7pubiZE | a realistic week in my life as a freelance graphic designer and creator in LA | | edgykatrina | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make five samples Offer one package at a fixed price Keep clients with a monthly plan :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), [Figma](https://navid.link/figma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and [Recraft](https://navid.link/recraft?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Offering unlimited revisions lets one client fill your evenings. Deadlines that land on your busiest workdays set you up to miss them. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>4. Edit videos</h4> <p>Creators send footage, and you edit it in the evening for weekly delivery.</p> <p>It fits you if you can keep a weekly deadline.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video or a monthly package. AI video generation and editing was the fastest-growing skill on Upwork in 2025, up 329% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Most video editors on Upwork charge $6 to $25 an hour, and the most experienced earn a median of $100 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)). Employed film and video editors in the US earn a median of $75,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Lerin Nic's full CapCut course for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68KNzsmBarM | CapCut Video Editing Tutorial for Beginners (2026) - Full Course | | Lerin Nic | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Edit three sample videos Offer a weekly package Deliver on time :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking more clients than your evenings allow leads to missed deadlines. Editing without a brief leads to rework and unhappy clients. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>5. Tutor in the evenings</h4> <p>After-school and evening hours are when students want help, which fits a day job well.</p> <p>It fits you if you know a subject well, from school, nursing or your profession.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per lesson, at a rate you set. Preply keeps the first trial lesson with each new student, then 18% to 33% of each lesson, falling as your teaching hours grow ([Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171383-preply-commission-model)). Employed tutors in the US earn a median of $20.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253041.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Vivian Zhu on the trial lessons behind over $37,000 earned from 1,568 Preply lessons in three years.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNgkr1_Is6s | I've Earned $39K as a Preply Tutor - Here's My Trial Lesson Blueprint | | Vivian Zhu | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one subject and level Start on [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) for reviews Move regular students to packages :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), and [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) for practice sheets.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Booking every evening burns you out, so leave some nights off. Teaching every subject makes you harder to book. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>6. Work as a virtual assistant</h4> <p>Many business owners need help with email and admin a few hours a week, and evenings work for tasks that aren't urgent.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized and reliable.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a monthly package. On Upwork, virtual assistants typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/virtual-assistants/cost/)). Specialists earn more: medical virtual assistance grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Employed administrative assistants in the US earn a median of $48,310 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Life and Numbers on becoming a virtual assistant with no experience.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UT1rOreitg | How to Become a Virtual Assistant with No Experience (Step-by-Step Guide + Real Client Stories) | | life and numbers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start List tasks you can do outside office hours Find one client on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) Agree on reply times up front :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Clients who expect replies during your workday clash with your job, so set your hours up front. Saying yes to every task lets your hours grow out of control. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>7. Keep the books for small businesses</h4> <p>Monthly bookkeeping takes a few evenings per client, so two or three clients fit beside a job.</p> <p>It fits you if you work in accounting or love numbers.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly fee. On Upwork, bookkeepers typically charge $11 to $25 an hour, and the median is $15 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/bookkeepers/cost/)). Employed bookkeeping clerks in the US earn a median of $50,670 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Bookkeepers on the first step when you start a bookkeeping business.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej088ohbbMY | Starting a Bookkeeping Business? Do THIS First | | Bookkeepers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn one accounting tool Take two small clients Charge a fixed monthly price :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) to sort transactions, and clients' [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and [Mercury](https://navid.link/mercury?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) accounts.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Tax advice you're not qualified for can hurt clients. Taking too many clients at tax time can swamp your evenings. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>8. Manage social media for businesses</h4> <p>You batch a week of posts in one evening and schedule them.</p> <p>It fits you if you're good at social media.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly retainers. On Upwork, social media managers typically charge $14 to $35 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/social-media-managers/cost/)). Demand for Instagram services grew 147% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)), and social media strategy was among Upwork's fastest-growing marketing skills in 2025, up 36% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jade Beason's full guide to starting a social media marketing agency.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3iIIAxppPo | How to start a social media marketing agency step by step - 2026 FULL GUIDE | | Jade Beason | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Grow your own account as a portfolio Offer a monthly package Report results monthly :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Metricool](https://navid.link/metricool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) or [Buffer](https://navid.link/buffer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), and [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Replying to comments all day at work can get you in trouble with your employer. Promising follower numbers sets you up to fail, since no one controls the algorithm. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>9. Help train AI</h4> <p>You pick tasks when you have an hour, with no shifts or clients.</p> <p>It fits you if you write well or know a subject, like nursing, law or coding.</p> <p>**What it pays:** pay per hour. DataAnnotation lists $25 to $50 an hour for generalists and $40 to $150+ an hour for coders and other experts ([DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/)). Demand is real: freelancer earnings from AI data annotation and labeling grew 154% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant checks whether DataAnnotation's AI jobs are legit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--i7J5mR720 | Are DataAnnotation Tech AI Jobs Legit? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to [DataAnnotation](https://navid.link/dataannotation?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and [Outlier](https://navid.link/outlier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) Pass the test in your subject Work an hour or two on weeknights :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the platforms themselves.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying to join is a warning sign, because real platforms don't charge you. Counting on steady work is risky, because projects open and close. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** within days on DataAnnotation, weekly on Outlier</p> <h4>10. Join paid research studies</h4> <p>Researchers pay to talk to people with your job. Your day job is often what qualifies you.</p> <p>It fits you if you're a professional researchers want to hear from, like a nurse, an engineer or a manager.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per study. Respondent shows an average payout of $75, paid 48 hours after each session ([Respondent](https://www.respondent.io/participants)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a profile on [Respondent](https://navid.link/respondent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) with your job title Apply to studies that match you Book sessions in your lunch break or evenings :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Respondent](https://navid.link/respondent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking studies about your employer's products without checking your contract can break it. Stretching the truth to qualify can cost you access. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** 48 hours after each session</p> <h4>11. Test websites and apps</h4> <p>Tests take a short block of time, so a few fit into an evening.</p> <p>It fits you if you can talk through what you think.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per test. UserTesting sends each payment to PayPal 14 days after you upload the test ([UserTesting](https://participant-support.usertesting.com/hc/en-us/articles/37633031351315-When-and-how-will-I-be-paid)).</p> <p>**Watch:** PaidFromSurveys on getting paid to test websites with UserTesting.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IasjXrnwn1M | Get Paid to Test Websites - Is UserTesting.com the Ultimate Side Hustle? (Full Review) | | PaidFromSurveys | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up on [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) Pass the practice test Take tests in the evening :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and a headset.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Guessing on screener questions can get you fewer tests over time. Going quiet during a test leaves out the comments they pay for. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** by PayPal, 14 days after each test · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>12. Transcribe audio</h4> <p>Log in when you're free and work an hour at a time.</p> <p>It fits you if you type fast.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per audio minute. Rev pays $0.40 to $1.10 per audio minute for transcripts and $0.54 to $1.10 for captions, weekly through PayPal ([Rev](https://www.rev.com/freelancers)). On Upwork, transcriptionists typically charge $12 to $22 an hour, and the median is $15 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/transcriptionists/cost/)). Employed court reporters and live captioners in the US earn a median of $72,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/court-reporters.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant tests whether Rev's transcription jobs are worth it.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPSngnJlD2Y | Rev Transcription Jobs: Worth It or Complete Waste of Time? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to [Rev](https://navid.link/rev?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) Pass the test Work in short evening sessions :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and good headphones.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Trusting the AI draft lets errors with names and numbers through. Working when you're tired leads to errors, and errors cost you your rating. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly by PayPal on Rev · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>13. Do customer support shifts</h4> <p>Some online businesses need support in the evenings and on weekends, when their full-time staff are off.</p> <p>It fits you if you're patient and write clearly.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. On Upwork, customer service representatives typically charge $10 to $19 an hour, and the median is $14 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/customer-service-representatives/cost/)). Employed customer service representatives in the US earn a median of $21.53 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/customer-service-representatives.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Omowunmi on companies hiring remote customer support with no experience.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp9XshWoLsY | These 10 Companies Are Hiring Remote Customer Support (No Experience) | | Omowunmi’s Virtual Assistant Academy | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn a common help desk tool Apply for evening or weekend shifts Specialize in one kind of product :::</p> <p>**Tools:** help desks like [Tidio](https://navid.link/tidio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), and the [remote jobs](/free-tools/remote-jobs) finder.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Shifts that run late into work nights leave you tired for your day job. Copying and pasting replies makes customers feel ignored. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>14. Make UGC videos for brands</h4> <p>You film short product videos with your phone in the evening, and the brand runs them as ads.</p> <p>It fits you if you're natural on camera.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video, paid by the brand, at a rate you set. Brands also hire this work as video ads: searches for AI UGC video ads grew 265% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026, and searches for video editing grew 36% ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Samantha Dixon's step-by-step guide to becoming a UGC creator.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKdFfNUsQjY | BECOME A UGC CREATOR IN 2026💰(STEP-BY-STEP) - How To Make Money Online As A UGC Creator? What is UGC | | Samantha Dixon | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Film three sample videos Pitch brands in one niche Batch filming on one evening a week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and [Captions](https://navid.link/captions?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Ads that sound like ads get skipped. Pitching too many brands at once spreads your samples thin. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when the brand pays your invoice</p> <h4>15. Make AI images for brands</h4> <p>A set of product images takes an evening or two with [AI tools](/ai-tools).</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for good images.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per image set or a monthly package. AI image generation and editing grew 95% on Upwork in 2025, by freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Kevin Stratvert](/creators/kevin-stratvert) on making images with Google's Nano Banana.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfE-csUyPF4 | Nano Banana AI Tutorial - How to Use Google’s Free Tool (Step-by-Step) | | Kevin Stratvert | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a sample set for three products Show the before and after Pitch online stores :::</p> <p>**Tools:** ChatGPT's GPT Image 2.5, [Higgsfield](https://navid.link/higgsfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and [Magnific](https://navid.link/magnific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), which I use myself.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Changing the product in the image makes it unusable for the brand. Ignoring license terms can put a client at risk. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per set, or monthly</p> <h3>Ways to make extra money on weekends</h3> <p>Weekends suit local work: people move, throw events, travel and need help at home on Saturdays. These pay by the hour or by the job, usually the same day.</p> <h4>16. Drive with Uber or Lyft</h4> <p>Friday nights and weekends are when you have time, and you can cash out after each trip with Uber's Instant Pay ([Uber](https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/how-much-drivers-make/)).</p> <p>It fits you if you have a car that meets the apps' rules.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fare per trip plus tips. Employed taxi drivers in the US earn a median of $20.24 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533054.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** PlayStyle Nick breaks down a first week of earnings as an Uber driver.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXkRIJ84y18 | How Much I Made in My First Week as an Uber Driver (Real Earnings Breakdown) (Uber Vlog 3) | | PlayStyle Nick | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your car against [Uber's requirements](https://navid.link/uber?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) Upload your documents and pass the checks Drive on the weekend evenings you choose :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the driver apps, and a log of your miles and costs.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Counting fares as profit overstates your pay, because your car's costs and taxes come out. Driving tired after a long week is dangerous. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** after every trip with Instant Pay · **Age:** your state's minimum to drive for Uber, with 1 year of driving experience, or 3 years if you're under 25</p> <h4>17. Deliver groceries or food</h4> <p>Weekend grocery orders and dinner rushes fit around a weekday job, and you pick the orders you take.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a car and a smartphone.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per order plus tips. Instacart pays shoppers weekly by direct deposit, offers Instant Cashout when you need the money sooner, and lets you keep 100% of customer tips ([Instacart](https://shoppers.instacart.com/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Kinsley Finance's tips for a first day as an Instacart shopper.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6aeFEHWqkY | Instacart Shopper FIRST DAY Tips/Tricks (2025) | | Kinsley Finance | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up with [Instacart](https://navid.link/instacart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), [DoorDash](https://navid.link/dasher?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) or [Uber Eats](https://navid.link/ubereats?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) Pass the checks Work the weekend hours you choose :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the apps, and a mileage log for taxes.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Long trips can pay less per hour than short ones nearby. Forgetting gas and taxes overstates what you earn. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly, or right away with Instant Cashout · **Age:** 18+ on Instacart</p> <h4>18. Deliver packages with Amazon Flex</h4> <p>You book delivery blocks in advance, so a Saturday morning block fits around your week.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a car with room for packages.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a set amount per delivery block, shown before you take it. Amazon says most Flex drivers earn $18 to $25 an hour, depending on where and when they drive ([Amazon Flex](https://flex.amazon.com/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Package Pursuit on still doing Amazon Flex, and why.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKrEH6abEXQ | This Is Why I Still Do Amazon Flex | | Package Pursuit | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Download the [Amazon Flex](https://navid.link/amazonflex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) app Pass the checks Book weekend blocks ahead :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the Amazon Flex app.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking blocks far from the station costs you, because the drive there is unpaid. Ignoring your car's costs hides what you really make. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Age:** 21+ on Amazon Flex</p> <h4>19. Help people move</h4> <p>Many moves happen on weekends, and a few hours of lifting pays the same day.</p> <p>It fits you if you're strong and free on Saturday mornings.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. Employed hand laborers and movers in the US earn a median of $19.35 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes537062.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a profile on [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) for moving help Team up with a friend Ask for reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), straps and a dolly.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Lifting more than you can handle risks an injury. Not asking about stairs can leave you underpaid for a hard move. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>20. Do yard work</h4> <p>Homeowners want their yards done on weekends, which is when you're free.</p> <p>It fits you if you like working outside.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job. Employed landscaping and groundskeeping workers in the US earn a median of $18.82 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes373011.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Lawn Legacy on a full day of solo mowing that brought in $575.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XToAdVrsgkA | How Much Can a Solo Lawn Care Business Make in a Day? | | Lawn Legacy | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Offer neighbors a weekend price Take before and after photos Offer a season plan :::</p> <p>**Tools:** your own tools and a flyer from [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying gear before you have clients puts you in the red. Quoting without seeing the yard can leave you working for less than you planned. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>21. Do odd jobs and handyman work</h4> <p>Furniture, shelves and small repairs pile up for people all week, and they book help on Saturdays.</p> <p>It fits you if you're handy.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job or an hourly rate. Employed general maintenance and repair workers in the US earn a median of $23.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499071.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick three jobs you do well Make a [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) profile for them Raise your rate as reviews come in :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and a good drill.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Work that needs a license where you live can get you fined. Guessing the time leads to bad quotes. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>22. Clean homes and rentals</h4> <p>Short-term rental hosts need a clean between guests, and weekends are turnover days.</p> <p>It fits you if you're thorough.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per clean or an hourly rate. Employed housekeeping cleaners in the US earn a median of $17.07 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes372012.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** UpFlip visits a cleaning business making $23,013 a week.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3wDBnIEjaw | This Cleaning Business Makes $23,013.69 a Week and Here's Exactly How They Did It | | UpFlip | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Clean for two people you know Write a checklist Offer rental hosts a price per turnover :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a checklist in [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Pricing by the hour forever punishes you for getting faster. Working without a list of what's included leads to disagreements. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>23. Detail cars</h4> <p>Weekends are when car owners are home and their cars are parked.</p> <p>It fits you if you like making things look new.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per car, at a price you set. Employed vehicle cleaners in the US earn a median of $17.23 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes537061.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** 3.7Million builds a mobile car detailing business from scratch.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf6DcQFFZSU | I Built A Mobile Car Detailing Business From Scratch | | 3.7Million | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Detail three cars for photos Offer two packages Ask for reviews and referrals :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a price list from [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Too many packages confuse buyers. Forgetting to ask about water and power can stop the job before it starts. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>24. Walk dogs and pet sit</h4> <p>Owners travel on weekends and holidays, which is when you're free to sit.</p> <p>It fits you if you love animals.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per walk, visit or night. Employed animal caretakers in the US earn a median of $17.00 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes392021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sit for friends first Make a [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) profile Ask owners to book again :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping the meet-and-greet can lead to surprises on the first booking. Taking too many pets at once makes accidents more likely. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>25. Babysit</h4> <p>Date nights and weekends are when parents go out, so it fits a weekday job well.</p> <p>It fits you if you're good with kids.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. Employed childcare workers in the US earn a median of $16.82 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399011.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Get certified in CPR and first aid Make a [Care.com](https://navid.link/carecom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) profile Turn one booking into a regular night :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Care.com](https://navid.link/carecom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Not agreeing on the rules first can upset the parents later. Charging one rate for any number of kids undersells your work. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>26. Photograph events and families</h4> <p>Weddings, parties and family shoots happen on weekends, and editing fits weeknights.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a good camera and an eye for light.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per shoot. Employed photographers in the US earn a median of $21.47 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/photographers.htm), May 2025). On Upwork, photographers typically charge $25 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/photographers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Shoot To Get Paid on the photography side hustle they'd start.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTsq2Et3fKU | Give Me 9 Minutes and I’ll Show You the Photography Side Hustle I’d Start in 2026 | | Shoot To Get Paid | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Shoot five free sessions for a portfolio Put your best 20 photos on one page Offer two or three packages :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Adobe Lightroom](https://navid.link/adobelightroom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and [Topaz Labs](https://navid.link/topazlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Delivering every raw file weakens your best work. Shooting without a contract invites disputes. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>27. Teach music or art lessons</h4> <p>Saturday lessons are popular with families, and weekly students give you steady extra income.</p> <p>It fits you if you play or make art well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per lesson. Employed self-enrichment teachers, who teach music, art and other classes, earn a median of $22.50 an hour in the US ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253021.htm), May 2025). On Upwork, music teachers typically charge $16 to $30 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/music-teachers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Teach one student for free to build your plan Offer packages of four lessons Ask parents for referrals :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a shared calendar and practice sheets from [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling single lessons only makes your income uneven. Teaching every level makes you harder to recommend. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>28. Resell weekend finds</h4> <p>Garage sales and flea markets happen on weekends. Buy there, and list during the week.</p> <p>It fits you if you love hunting for deals.</p> <p>**What it pays:** [the margin](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator) on each item. On eBay, the money is usually available 1 to 2 days after the buyer pays, and daily payouts start about 2 days after that ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on how to start reselling with no money.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ0fdAYPyqE | How to Start Reselling (Even With $0 in the Bank) | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one category you know Check sold prices before you buy List on weeknights :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), [Poshmark](https://navid.link/poshmark?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and [Whatnot](https://navid.link/whatnot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying what doesn't sell ties up your money. Letting stock pile up ties up your money and your space. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** daily or weekly on eBay · **Age:** 18+ on eBay</p> <h3>Ways to make extra money that keep paying once they're set up</h3> <p>These take evenings and weekends to build, then earn while you're at work. They start slower and pay longer.</p> <h4>29. Sell digital products</h4> <p>A template, a preset pack or a guide you make on a weekend can sell every day you're at your job.</p> <p>It fits you if you can save people time with what you know.</p> <p>**What it pays:** one-time sales on your site or a marketplace. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself, and 30% of sales from its own marketplace ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Yale Jeannette's full masterclass on selling digital products on Etsy.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAn7R954Xhc | how to sell digital products on etsy (full masterclass) | | Yale Jeannette | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a question people keep asking Make the smallest product that answers it Sell it and improve it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** Sell on [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), which I used for years, or on [Stan Store](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) or [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job). Find what to make with the [digital product idea generator](/free-tools/digital-product-idea-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Making a big product first delays your first sale. Having no way to reach buyers leaves the product unseen. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>30. Vibe code your own app or tool</h4> <p>[Vibe coding](/articles/what-is-vibe-coding) means building software by describing what you want in plain English, then letting an AI agent write, run and fix the code. A small app or tool you build on weekends can charge a subscription, or bring visitors to the rest of what you sell, while you're at your job.</p> <p>It fits you if you know a problem in your industry that a simple tool could fix, even without a coding background.</p> <p>**What it pays:** subscriptions or one-time sales of what you build, or the visitors and email sign-ups a free tool brings in. Across more than 115,000 subscription apps, the median new app made about $72 a month a year after launch, the top 10% made $2,500 or more, and 17.3% reached $1,000 a month within two years ([RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)).</p> <p>**Example:** the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site are my own builds, vibe coded with Claude Code and Codex. Pieter Levels vibe coded fly.pieter.com, a flight game that runs in the browser, in February 2025, and he says it reached $1 million in annual recurring revenue in 17 days ([levels.io](https://levels.io/fly-pieter-com-vibecoded-flight-simulator)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Starter Story on how Connor Burd, 23, vibe coded an app in 14 days that makes $20,000 a month.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwHD6Fg-Mjs | I vibe coded a $20K/month mobile app in 14 days | | Starter Story | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one task people in your field repeat every week Build the smallest tool that does it, and use it yourself first Charge for it, or give it away to grow an email list :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex). [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable), [Bolt](/ai-tools/bolt), [Replit](/ai-tools/replit), [Base44](/ai-tools/base44) and [Vibecode](https://navid.link/vibecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) build apps from a prompt, and [Google AI Studio](/ai-tools/google-ai-studio) does it with Gemini. Take payments with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building on company time or with your employer's data can break your contract, so build on your own time and laptop. Building features before anyone asks for them delays your first sale. Pasting API keys into a page's code lets anyone who opens the page copy them, so keep keys on the server. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>31. Sell printables on Etsy</h4> <p>Printables deliver themselves, so sales come in while you're at work.</p> <p>It fits you if you can design simple printables.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sales, minus Etsy's fees: $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale, and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)). New sellers get paid weekly, every Monday, and can switch to daily, every two weeks or monthly ([Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046998234-How-to-Receive-Your-Etsy-Payments-Deposit)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Kate Hayes on starting an Etsy shop, step by step.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxi6dIPHsig | How to Start an Etsy Shop Step by Step in 2026 💻 (Etsy Shop for Beginners Setup Tutorial) | | Kate Hayes | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make three printables people search for List them with clear mockups Add more of what sells :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying other sellers can get your listings removed. Ignoring Etsy's fees in your price can make a sale lose money. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** every Monday by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>32. Print on demand</h4> <p>You design on weekends, and the print company makes and ships every order.</p> <p>It fits you if you can come up with designs for a niche.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each item sold: your price minus the print cost and the marketplace's fees. On Etsy, that's $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jensen Tung on the easiest way to start print on demand from $0.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFGOEaGokaU | Easiest Way To Start Print On Demand From $0 In 2026 | | Jensen Tung | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a niche Make 10 designs Keep the ones that sell :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), [Printful](https://navid.link/printful?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and the [print on demand profit calculator](/free-tools/print-on-demand-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Brands you don't own can bring trademark claims. Skipping samples lets customers find the print problems first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>33. Publish low-content books</h4> <p>Design a journal on a weekend, and Amazon sells and ships it for years.</p> <p>It fits you if you like simple design.</p> <p>**What it pays:** royalties on each copy. Amazon KDP pays 60% of a paperback's list price at $9.99 or more, minus the printing cost: a $15 book that costs $5 to print earns $4 ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834330)). Royalties arrive about 60 days after the end of the month of the sale ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GK2MKZUL6U3SFBPZ)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Rachel Harrison-Sund on five bestselling low-content books on Amazon KDP.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNBS-v8rkXA | These Are the 5 Bestselling Low and Medium Content Books on Amazon KDP ($3,610 a DAY!!!) | | Rachel Harrison-Sund | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a niche Design the interior and cover Publish a few titles :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and the [KDP royalty calculator](/free-tools/kdp-royalty-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying covers makes yours easy to scroll past. Publishing one book only keeps sales small. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on KDP</p> <h4>34. Sell stock photos</h4> <p>Photos you upload once can sell again and again.</p> <p>It fits you if you already take good photos.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of each license sold. Shutterstock pays 15% to 40% of each license, by six earnings levels that reset every January 1 ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10594604-how-much-will-i-be-paid-as-a-contributor-to-shutterstock)), and pays monthly, by the 15th ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10617435-how-do-i-get-paid-for-my-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Wollertz Photography on making $202,067 selling stock photos.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLWmkcvjRnM | I Made $202,067.19 Selling Photos: Stock Photography Works - Best Agencies 2026 | | Wollertz Photography | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Shoot what buyers search for Tag every file Upload often :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Adobe Stock](https://navid.link/adobestock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and [Shutterstock](https://navid.link/shutterstock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Photos of people without releases get rejected. Shooting only beauty shots misses what buyers search for. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, by the 15th on Shutterstock</p> <h4>35. Earn from affiliate links</h4> <p>A review or comparison you write on a weekend can earn commissions for years. My first money online came this way.</p> <p>It fits you if you already recommend products.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a commission per sale or sign-up. Amazon Associates pays up to 10% of each sale, depending on the category ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/GRXPHT8U84RAYDXZ)), about 60 days after the end of the month ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/G63DR893K4DH55XZ)). My biggest affiliate month came from a course, not Amazon: around $40,000 as Ramit Sethi's #1 affiliate for Zero to Launch.</p> <p>**Example:** [Maria Wendt](/creators/maria-wendt) makes $11,000 a month from affiliate links, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QBQzi4r940&amp;t=0s).</p> <p>**Watch:** Greg Gottfried's beginner tutorial for Amazon affiliate marketing.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mgoWw35_8U | How to Start Amazon Affiliate Marketing in 2026 (Beginner Tutorial) | | Greg Gottfried | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Recommend only what you use Write reviews people search for Disclose every commission :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [affiliate program finder](/best-affiliate-programs).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promoting what you haven't tried risks your audience's trust. Hiding the commission breaks the FTC's disclosure rules ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/disclosures-101-social-media-influencers)). :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on Amazon</p> <h4>36. Start a newsletter</h4> <p>One email a week, written on Sunday morning, can grow into [sponsors](/free-tools/sponsorship-rate-calculator) and paid subscribers.</p> <p>It fits you if you can write something useful weekly.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, paid subscriptions, affiliate links and your own products. On Substack, writers keep 90% of paid subscriptions, minus card fees ([Substack](https://substack.com/going-paid)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $795,000 from newsletter sponsors since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on the easiest way to build a local newsletter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0MRAjVp_Uo | The Easiest Way to Build a Local Newsletter | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one reader and one promise Send every week Offer a free guide to grow the list :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), [beehiiv](https://navid.link/beehiiv?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) or [Substack](https://navid.link/substack?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping weeks costs you readers and sponsors. Selling sponsors too early can cost you readers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** through Stripe for paid subscriptions · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>37. Start a YouTube channel</h4> <p>Film on weekends, publish weekly, and old videos keep earning.</p> <p>It fits you if you can stick to a weekly schedule.</p> <p>**What it pays:** YouTube's [ad revenue](/free-tools/youtube-money-calculator) share, sponsors, memberships and your own offers. YouTube pays you 55% of the ad revenue on your long videos and 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)), once you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Think Media's step-by-step guide to creating a YouTube channel in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGKXSLmZBz8 | How to Create a YouTube Channel in 2026 (Step-By-Step) | | Think Media | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find videos that beat their channel's usual views Make your own version Post weekly :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [vidIQ](https://navid.link/vidiq?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and the [YouTube outlier finder](/free-tools/youtube-outlier-finder).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Quitting after 10 videos stops a channel before it has time to grow. Counting on ads alone keeps income small. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>38. Start a blog</h4> <p>My blog started as an evening project beside my bank job, and it's where my business began.</p> <p>It fits you if you like writing.</p> <p>**What it pays:** display ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts and your own products.</p> <p>**Watch:** She Dreams All Day on starting a blog in 2026, and whether it's too late.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43Q3SzxVWGA | How to start a blog in 2026... or is it too late? (honest advice from a 6 figure blogger) | | she dreams all day | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic you can write 100 posts about Answer what people search for Add an email list early :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [RightBlogger](https://navid.link/rightblogger?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), and my guide on [how to start a blog](/articles/how-to-start-a-blog).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing about everything slows a blog's growth. Blogging without an email list loses readers you can't reach again. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, by each ad network and affiliate program</p> <h4>39. Rent out a room</h4> <p>A spare room earns while you're at work, with a few hours a week for messages and cleaning.</p> <p>It fits you if your lease and city allow it.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the nightly price you set, minus Airbnb's fee. Most hosts pay 15.5% under Airbnb's single service fee, which is replacing the older 3% split fee ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857)). Airbnb starts your payout by the end of the business day after your guest checks in, or 28 days after check-in until you've completed two stays ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/425)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Robuilt on the new rules for Airbnb hosts.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt5DlBE9itI | The Airbnb game as we know it is OVER. THESE are the new rules for 2026. | | Robuilt | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your lease and city rules List on [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) Price low until your first reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and a local cleaner.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping city rules can get you fined. Hiding flaws in photos leads to bad reviews. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** the business day after check-in</p> <h3>Ways to make extra money with your job's skills</h3> <p>Your day job already taught you something people pay for. These often pay the most per hour, as long as your contract allows them.</p> <h4>40. Consult in your industry</h4> <p>A few hours of expert advice a month can pay more than a week of side gigs.</p> <p>It fits you if you have years of experience in your field.</p> <p>**What it pays:** day rates, projects or monthly retainers. On Upwork, business consultants typically charge $28 to $98 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-consultants/cost/)). Employed management consultants in the US earn a median of $101,860 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $1.17 million from consulting since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Frederik Pahuus on building a solo consulting business that makes $500,000 a year in profit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvaFGx5eKFc | Exactly How I Built A $500k Per Year (Profit) Solo Consulting Business | | Frederik Pahuus | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write down the problem you solve Offer a paid audit Turn it into a retainer :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) to invoice and the [value equation calculator](/free-tools/value-equation-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Consulting for your employer's clients or competitors can break your contract. Selling hours instead of results caps what you earn. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>41. Coach people in your field</h4> <p>Career coaching, health coaching and skills coaching run on evening video calls.</p> <p>It fits you if you've solved a problem others in your field face.</p> <p>**What it pays:** coaching packages, paid up front or monthly. On Upwork, business coaches typically charge $75 to $150 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-coaches/cost/)). On Upwork, life coaches typically charge $50 to $250 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/life-coaches/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Iman Gadzhi](/creators/iman-gadzhi) on building an online coaching business.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edM2x0NBMnI | Give me 33 minutes &amp; I’ll Show You How To Make $10,000/pm with Online Coaching | | Iman Gadzhi | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Name the result you help with Coach three people at a low price Raise the price as results come in :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and [Granola](https://navid.link/granola?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Coaching everyone on everything makes you hard to buy. Booking calls during work hours puts your day job at risk. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>42. Teach an online course</h4> <p>What you know from your job can become a course that sells while you work. My course [Virtual Summit Mastery](/virtual-summit-mastery) made well over $1 million before I sold it.</p> <p>It fits you if you can teach the steps of something you do well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** course sales, bundles and payment plans.</p> <p>**Watch:** Danie Jay on creating an online course that sells.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5g5Esl-OPo | How to Create an Online Course THAT SELLS in 2026 (from a 6-figure course creator) | | Danie Jay | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pre-sell a pilot to 10 people Teach it live on weekends Record it and sell it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job), and my guide on [how to create an online course](/articles/how-to-create-an-online-course).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Teaching your employer's secrets can break your contract and cost you your job. Recording before anyone buys risks a course nobody wants. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>43. Write grant applications</h4> <p>Nonprofits need grants written on deadlines, and the work fits evenings and weekends.</p> <p>It fits you if you write well and have worked with nonprofits.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per application or an hourly rate. On Upwork, grant writers typically charge $35 to $60 an hour, and the median is $50 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/grant-writers/cost/)). Employed fundraisers in the US earn a median of $72,550 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/fundraisers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** The Grant Writers Collective's guide to grant writing for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI4Y9awPXqk | Grant Writing For Beginners (updated 2026) | | The Grant Writers Collective | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Volunteer to write one grant for a nonprofit you know Learn the funders in one area Charge per application :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) for drafts and [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) to polish.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Charging a percentage of the grant goes against the Grant Professionals Association's code of ethics, so agree on a flat fee instead. Missing a deadline can sink an application, since funders rarely accept late ones. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>44. Write technical docs</h4> <p>If you work in software, healthcare or engineering, your know-how is worth a lot in documentation.</p> <p>It fits you if you can explain technical things clearly.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a fee per project. On Upwork, technical writers typically charge $20 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/technical-writers/cost/)). Employed technical writers in the US earn a median of $90,390 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write a sample guide for a tool you know Offer docs to software startups Build repeat clients :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job) and [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=extra-money-day-job).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing for experts when users are beginners leaves them stuck. Using your employer's private material can break your contract. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h3>Your job's rules on extra work</h3> <p>Before you start, check what your employer allows. Read your employment contract and handbook for three things:</p> <p>:::checks - Outside work: some jobs require you to ask before taking paid work on the side. - Conflicts: most employers don't allow work for competitors or their own clients. - What you make: some contracts claim work you create with company time, tools or knowledge. :::</p> <p>When in doubt, ask HR or a lawyer. Keep side work on your own time and your own laptop.</p> <h3>Taxes on extra money</h3> <p>Extra income is taxable in the US, whether it comes from an app, a client or cash ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center)). If your net earnings from self-employment reach $400 in a year, you owe self-employment tax of 15.3% on top of income tax ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes)).</p> <p>Your paycheck's withholding doesn't cover side income, so set money aside from every payment. Payment apps send a Form 1099-K once your payments top $20,000 in more than 200 transactions, but the income is taxable either way ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-k)). I'm not a tax advisor, so check with an accountant as the money grows.</p> <h3>How to make extra money without burning out</h3> <p>A side income only helps if you can keep it up. Here's what I'd do:</p> <p>:::steps Pick one way and a set number of hours a week, and protect them. Keep at least one evening and one weekend day free. Raise your rate before you add hours. Choose work that builds something, like a skill or a list, so the hours count twice. Review every three months: keep what pays, drop what doesn't. :::</p> <h3>Final thoughts on making extra money</h3> <p>There are 44 ways to make extra money beside your day job in this guide. The best one fits the hours you really have and pays enough per hour to be worth them.</p> <p>Start with one, give it three months, and let the money tell you whether to keep going. That's how my blog turned into the work I've done since 2014.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[35 highest paying side hustles](/articles/highest-paying-side-hustles)</li><li>[52 easiest side hustles](/articles/easiest-side-hustles)</li><li>[70 side hustle ideas](/articles/side-hustle-ideas)</li><li>[50 ways to make money from home](/articles/make-money-from-home)</li><li>[38 ways to make money fast](/articles/how-to-make-money-fast)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: take the [side hustle quiz](/free-tools/side-hustle-quiz) and pick the way that fits your free hours.</p><h2>FAQs about making extra money</h2><h3>How can I make extra money on the side?</h3><p>Pick one way that fits your free hours: online work like freelancing in the evenings, or local work like driving and cleaning on weekends.</p> <p>Skills pay the most per hour, so start with what you already know.</p> <p>Give it three months before you judge it.</p><h3>How can I make extra money with a full-time job?</h3><p>Use evenings for online work and weekends for local jobs, and keep a set number of hours a week.</p> <p>Check your employment contract for rules on outside work first.</p> <p>The ways in this guide are grouped by when they fit.</p><h3>How can a nurse make extra money?</h3><p>Nurses can join paid research studies, do AI training work in medicine, tutor, or work as a medical virtual assistant.</p> <p>Medical virtual assistance grew 44% on Upwork in 2025.</p> <p>Check your employer's rules on outside work before you start.</p><h3>How can a teacher make extra money?</h3><p>Teachers can tutor, sell teaching resources and printables, write for businesses, and teach lessons in the summer.</p> <p>Employed tutors in the US earn a median of $20.84 an hour, according to the BLS.</p> <p>School breaks are a good time to build something that keeps selling.</p><h3>How can I make extra money from home?</h3><p>Freelancing, tutoring, AI training, testing websites and selling digital products all work from home in the evenings.</p> <p>My guide to 50 ways to make money from home covers each one.</p> <p>Most of them cost nothing to start.</p><h3>How can I make an extra $500 a month?</h3><p>At $20 an hour, $500 a month is 25 hours, or about six hours a week.</p> <p>At $40 an hour, it's half that, which is why selling a skill matters.</p> <p>Delivery and local jobs can get you there in a few weekends.</p><h3>How can I make extra money fast?</h3><p>Driving, delivery and local jobs pay the fastest, often the same day.</p> <p>Uber lets drivers cash out after every trip, and Instacart offers Instant Cashout.</p> <p>My guide to 38 ways to make money fast sorts them by how fast they pay.</p><h3>How can I make extra money online?</h3><p>Freelancing, tutoring, AI training, paid research studies and selling digital products are the main online ways.</p> <p>Respondent shows an average payout of $75 per study.</p> <p>Online work fits evenings best.</p><h3>Do I pay tax on extra money?</h3><p>Yes, in the US, extra income is taxable whether it comes from an app, a client or cash.</p> <p>If your net self-employment earnings reach $400 in a year, you also owe self-employment tax of 15.3%.</p> <p>Set money aside from every payment, since your paycheck's withholding doesn't cover it.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/make-money-from-home/https://navid.me/blog/make-money-from-home/50 ways to make money from home, from no-experience work and freelance skills to selling and building your own business, each with what it pays and how to start.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of 50 ways to make money from home, with what each one pays.</p> <p>I've worked from home since November 2014, when my first [virtual summit](/articles/what-is-a-virtual-summit) paid enough for me to quit my bank job. Home has been an apartment in Cancun, Barcelona, London and now Panama City, and I've made money from those desks with summits, courses, affiliate promotions, consulting and software.</p> <p>Most of these ways need only a laptop, an internet connection and a quiet hour. So every way below shows what it pays, with the source, what you need to start and how fast you get paid.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>What you need to make money from home</li><li>50 ways to make money from home, grouped by what you have, each with what it pays, how to start, the tools and the mistakes to avoid</li><li>The ways that fit around kids and a busy home</li><li>How to spot work-from-home scams</li><li>How to set up to get paid, from a payment account to taxes</li></ul> <p>Start with the group that matches you today: no experience, a skill, something to sell, something to build, an interest in AI, or space in your home.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - The quickest money from home comes from selling a skill you already have, like writing, design or admin, to clients online. - The most lasting money comes from something you own, like a product, a channel or an email list. Mine is the reason I've worked from home since 2014. - Many from-home ways cost nothing to start. On Upwork, the median rate runs from $13 an hour for virtual assistants ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/virtual-assistants/cost/)) to $55 for voice actors ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/voice-actors/cost/)). - No real work-from-home job asks you to pay for training or equipment first. Those offers are scams. - You need a way to get paid and a simple record of what you earn, since US side income is taxable ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center)). :::</p> <h3>What does it mean to make money from home?</h3> <p>Making money from home means earning without a commute, at your desk or kitchen table, for clients, customers or an audience anywhere. It can be a remote job, a skill you sell, or something of your own, like a product or a channel.</p> <h3>What do you need to make money from home?</h3> <p>You need less than you'd think. For most of the ways below, this is the full list:</p> <p>:::cards Laptop | A laptop and a phone | Most ways run on a computer, and the phone covers calls and apps. Wifi | Reliable internet | It needs to be fast enough for video calls and uploads. Headphones | A quiet corner | You need somewhere to work and take calls. CreditCard | A way to get paid | PayPal, Stripe or a bank account will do. Clock | A few protected hours | Block time each week that work and family can't take. Camera | Extras for some ways | Video needs a camera, voice work a microphone, and renting a spare room. :::</p> <p>Each way below says what it needs to start.</p> <h3>How I've worked from home since 2014</h3> <p>My first summit, The Branding Summit, made over $20,000 in 2014. I quit my bank job on November 28, 2014, the same day I made over $5,000 in all-access pass sales, and I've worked from home ever since.</p> <p>:::gallery   :::</p> <p>My course [Virtual Summit Mastery](/virtual-summit-mastery), which I sold from home through ThriveCart, made well over $1 million before I sold it. Home is where I've built my business since, and the ways below are the ones I'd look at if I were starting again.</p> <h3>Find your from-home way in two minutes</h3> <p>Answer six questions about your skills, time and budget, and get your top three ways with a plan for your first week.</p> <p>:::tool side-hustle-quiz make-money-from-home :::</p> <h3>Ways to make money from home with no experience</h3> <p>These need no special skill, and most are free to start. They pay less per hour than a skill, but you can begin this week while you learn one.</p> <h4>1. Test websites and apps</h4> <p>You use a website or app at your desk and say out loud what you think. A quiet room is the only real requirement.</p> <p>It fits you if you can talk through what you're doing while you click.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per test. UserTesting sends each payment to PayPal 14 days after you upload the test ([UserTesting](https://participant-support.usertesting.com/hc/en-us/articles/37633031351315-When-and-how-will-I-be-paid)).</p> <p>**Watch:** PaidFromSurveys on getting paid to test websites with UserTesting.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IasjXrnwn1M | Get Paid to Test Websites - Is UserTesting.com the Ultimate Side Hustle? (Full Review) | | PaidFromSurveys | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up on [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and pass the practice test Fill in your profile honestly so you match more tests Check for new tests often :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for tests and [Respondent](https://navid.link/respondent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for paid research interviews. A headset makes your recordings clear.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking tests in a noisy room makes your recording hard to use, so find a quiet spot. Going quiet during a test leaves out what they pay for, which is your comments. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** by PayPal, 14 days after each test · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>2. Join paid research studies</h4> <p>Researchers pay to interview people with your job, hobbies or buying habits, over video from your home.</p> <p>It fits you if your job or life matches the people companies want to hear from.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per interview, survey or focus group. Respondent shows an average payout of $75 per study, paid 48 hours after the session ([Respondent](https://www.respondent.io/participants)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a profile on [Respondent](https://navid.link/respondent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) with your real details Apply to studies that match you Join each session on time, from a quiet room :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Respondent](https://navid.link/respondent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and a laptop with a camera.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Stretching the truth to qualify can get you screened out and cost you access. Missing sessions hurts your rating, because researchers rate you. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** 48 hours after each session</p> <h4>3. Help train AI</h4> <p>AI companies pay people to rate and fix the answers their models give. It's desk work you can do in short sessions, any time of day.</p> <p>It fits you if you write clearly and know a subject well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** pay per hour. DataAnnotation lists $25 to $50 an hour for generalists and $40 to $150+ an hour for coders and other experts ([DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/)). Demand is real: freelancer earnings from AI data annotation and labeling grew 154% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant checks whether DataAnnotation's AI jobs are legit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--i7J5mR720 | Are DataAnnotation Tech AI Jobs Legit? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to [DataAnnotation](https://navid.link/dataannotation?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Outlier](https://navid.link/outlier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) Pass the test in your strongest subject Work in short, focused sessions :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the platforms themselves, plus a second monitor if you have one.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying to join is a warning sign, because real AI training platforms don't charge. Rushing tasks lowers your accuracy, which matters more than speed. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** within days on DataAnnotation, weekly on Outlier</p> <h4>4. Transcribe audio</h4> <p>You turn recordings into text with headphones on, which makes it one of the quietest jobs you can do at home.</p> <p>It fits you if you type fast and have a good ear.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per audio minute. Rev pays $0.40 to $1.10 per audio minute for transcripts and $0.54 to $1.10 for captions, weekly through PayPal ([Rev](https://www.rev.com/freelancers)). On Upwork, transcriptionists typically charge $12 to $22 an hour, and the median is $15 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/transcriptionists/cost/)). Employed court reporters and live captioners in the US earn a median of $72,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/court-reporters.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant tests whether Rev's transcription jobs are worth it.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPSngnJlD2Y | Rev Transcription Jobs: Worth It or Complete Waste of Time? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Practice on a few podcasts and time yourself Apply to [Rev](https://navid.link/rev?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) or [TranscribeMe](https://navid.link/transcribeme?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and pass the test Work in short sessions with good headphones :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for drafts, and the [transcript cleaner](/free-tools/transcript-cleaner).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Trusting the AI draft without checking lets errors reach the client. Working without headphones makes you miss words. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly by PayPal on Rev · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>5. Do data entry</h4> <p>You type and tidy information in spreadsheets and systems for businesses. It needs only a computer and attention to detail.</p> <p>It fits you if you're accurate and like simple, quiet work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an [hourly rate](/free-tools/hourly-to-salary-calculator). On Upwork, data entry specialists typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/data-entry-specialists/cost/)). Employed data entry keyers in the US earn a median of $19.88 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes439021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** The Remote Times on data entry jobs from home.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IaAaLvHxzk | Work From Home Data Entry Jobs - Remote Hiring No Phones, No Degree | | The Remote Times | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Get comfortable with spreadsheets Apply to small data jobs on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) Use [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) to clean and sort data faster :::</p> <p>**Tools:** spreadsheets, [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying for "data entry training" can cost you money, because it's a common scam. Staying at the lowest rate keeps you underpaid, so raise it as you speed up. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>6. Work as a virtual assistant</h4> <p>You run part of someone's business from your desk: inbox, calendar, bookings and research. Many VAs start with one client for a few hours a week.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized and reply fast.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a monthly package. On Upwork, virtual assistants typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/virtual-assistants/cost/)). Specialists earn more: medical virtual assistance grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Employed administrative assistants in the US earn a median of $48,310 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Life and Numbers on becoming a virtual assistant with no experience.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UT1rOreitg | How to Become a Virtual Assistant with No Experience (Step-by-Step Guide + Real Client Stories) | | life and numbers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start List the tasks you can take over Apply on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [OnlineJobs.ph](https://navid.link/onlinejobsph?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) Write down every process so you can add clients :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for processes and [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for drafts. I find my own VAs on Upwork.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking on every task lets your hours grow, so agree on a clear list. Working without set hours lets work spill into your evenings, so tell clients when you're available. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>7. Do customer support</h4> <p>Online businesses hire people to answer emails and chats from home, including shifts that cover evenings and weekends.</p> <p>It fits you if you're patient and write clearly.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. On Upwork, customer service representatives typically charge $10 to $19 an hour, and the median is $14 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/customer-service-representatives/cost/)). Employed customer service representatives in the US earn a median of $21.53 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/customer-service-representatives.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Omowunmi on companies hiring remote customer support with no experience.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp9XshWoLsY | These 10 Companies Are Hiring Remote Customer Support (No Experience) | | Omowunmi’s Virtual Assistant Academy | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn a common help desk tool Apply to remote support roles Specialize in one kind of product :::</p> <p>**Tools:** help desks like [Tidio](https://navid.link/tidio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), and the [remote jobs](/free-tools/remote-jobs) finder.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying and pasting replies makes customers feel ignored. Taking calls in a noisy room makes you sound unprofessional. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>8. Resell from home</h4> <p>You buy things below their value and sell them online, from photos to packing, all at your kitchen table.</p> <p>It fits you if you have space to store a few items and like hunting for deals.</p> <p>**What it pays:** [the margin](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator) on each item. On eBay, the money is usually available 1 to 2 days after the buyer pays, and daily payouts start about 2 days after that ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on how to start reselling with no money.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ0fdAYPyqE | How to Start Reselling (Even With $0 in the Bank) | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sell what you own first Pick one category and learn its prices Ship from home or drop off at the post office :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Poshmark](https://navid.link/poshmark?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Whatnot](https://navid.link/whatnot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), with the [product photo background remover](/free-tools/product-photo-background-remover) for clean photos.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Filling your home with stock that doesn't sell ties up your money and your space. Buying without checking sold prices leads to items you can't sell at a profit. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** daily or weekly on eBay · **Age:** 18+ on eBay</p> <h4>9. Clip videos for creators</h4> <p>You cut long videos into short clips at your computer, on your own schedule.</p> <p>It fits you if you watch a lot of one kind of content.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per clip, or pay per view on clipping programs. Clips are short-form video editing, and searches for short-form video editing grew 27% and Reels editing 57% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, video editors typically charge $6 to $25 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Daniel Bitton on how clipping pays.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_i3MscQJ70 | How To Get Rich From Clipping | | Daniel Bitton Extra | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Clip three creators in one topic for practice Keep the formats that get watched Pitch the creators or join their programs :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Submagic](https://navid.link/submagic?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Clipping without permission can get your videos taken down. Burying the hook loses viewers in the first second. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per clip or per view, by the creator</p> <h4>10. Get a remote job</h4> <p>A remote job is a regular job you do from home, with a salary and often benefits. It's the steadiest way to make money from home, and the hardest to land.</p> <p>It fits you if you want a stable income more than flexibility.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a salary, usually the same as the office version of the job. Browse open roles in the [remote jobs](/free-tools/remote-jobs) finder.</p> <p>**Watch:** [Mark Tilbury](/creators/mark-tilbury) on 7 remote jobs that pay well and keep hiring.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEZyQYbB55Y | These boring online jobs make money with (almost) no effort | | Mark Tilbury | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Search remote-first companies in your field Rewrite your resume for remote work: results, tools and time zones Apply every day, and follow up with a short note :::</p> <p>**Tools:** search the [remote jobs](/free-tools/remote-jobs) finder, and polish your profile with the [LinkedIn headline generator](/free-tools/linkedin-headline-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Answering "jobs" that ask you to buy equipment or training first can cost you money, because real employers don't charge you. Applying with the same resume everywhere lowers your response rate. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** more than 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** on payday, like any job</p> <h3>Ways to make money from home with a skill</h3> <p>If you can write, design, edit, teach or organize, you can sell it from home to clients anywhere. These pay the most per hour of any from-home work, and they all start free.</p> <p>:::chart What from-home skills pay per hour | $ | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/) | Median rates freelancers charge, from each skill's rate page, October 2026 Voiceovers | 55 | $55 Presentations | 45 | $45 Resume writing | 42 | $42 Copywriting | 30 | $30 Graphic design | 25 | $25 Proofreading | 25 | $25 Podcast editing | 25 | $25 Web design | 21 | $21 SEO | 21 | $21 Translation | 20 | $20 Social media | 20 | $20 Bookkeeping | 15 | $15 :::</p> <h4>11. Write for businesses</h4> <p>You write emails, web pages and posts for businesses from your desk, and send them by deadline.</p> <p>It fits you if you write clearly and like working out why people buy.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per page or a monthly retainer. On Upwork, copywriters typically charge $19 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/copywriters/cost/)). Employed writers and authors in the US earn a median of $76,910 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Joanna Wiebe on becoming a top 1% copywriter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GozdYVnSrkE | How To Become a Top 1% Author, Copywriter, or Communicator | | Joanna Wiebe | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write three samples in one niche Offer one kind of piece at a fixed price Ask happy clients for repeat work :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for drafts, [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) to polish, and the [headline analyzer](/free-tools/headline-analyzer).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending unedited AI drafts loses clients, who can often tell. Writing before you know the reader produces copy that misses. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>12. Design for clients</h4> <p>Logos, social posts and brand kits are made on a laptop and delivered by email.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for design.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or a monthly package. On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)). Employed graphic designers in the US earn a median of $62,960 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm), May 2025). Logo design grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Edgy Katrina's realistic week as a freelance graphic designer.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VDq7pubiZE | a realistic week in my life as a freelance graphic designer and creator in LA | | edgykatrina | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make five samples for one kind of business Offer one package at a fixed price Keep clients with a monthly plan :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Figma](https://navid.link/figma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Recraft](https://navid.link/recraft?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Offering unlimited revisions lets one client fill your evenings. A portfolio in every style blurs what you're best at. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>13. Edit videos</h4> <p>You edit for creators and businesses at your computer, and [AI tools](/ai-tools) take care of captions and rough cuts.</p> <p>It fits you if you like editing and keep to deadlines.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video or a monthly package. AI video generation and editing was the fastest-growing skill on Upwork in 2025, up 329% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Most video editors on Upwork charge $6 to $25 an hour, and the most experienced earn a median of $100 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)). Employed film and video editors in the US earn a median of $75,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Lerin Nic's full CapCut course for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68KNzsmBarM | CapCut Video Editing Tutorial for Beginners (2026) - Full Course | | Lerin Nic | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Edit three sample videos Offer a weekly package Deliver on time, every time :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Missing deadlines loses clients, because creators post on a schedule. Editing without a brief leads to rework and unhappy clients. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>14. Keep the books for small businesses</h4> <p>Bookkeeping is monthly desk work: matching transactions and keeping the numbers ready for tax time.</p> <p>It fits you if you're careful with numbers.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly fee. On Upwork, bookkeepers typically charge $11 to $25 an hour, and the median is $15 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/bookkeepers/cost/)). Employed bookkeeping clerks in the US earn a median of $50,670 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Bookkeepers on the first step when you start a bookkeeping business.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej088ohbbMY | Starting a Bookkeeping Business? Do THIS First | | Bookkeepers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn one accounting tool well Take two small clients Charge a fixed monthly price :::</p> <p>**Tools:** clients bank with [Mercury](https://navid.link/mercury?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and get paid through [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), and [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) helps sort transactions.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Giving tax advice you're not qualified for can hurt clients. Waiting until year-end lets small mistakes grow. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>15. Tutor online</h4> <p>You teach over video from home, at times that suit students in other time zones too.</p> <p>It fits you if you can explain a subject simply.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per lesson, at a rate you set. Preply keeps the first trial lesson with each new student, then 18% to 33% of each lesson, falling as your teaching hours grow ([Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171383-preply-commission-model)). Employed tutors in the US earn a median of $20.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253041.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Vivian Zhu on the trial lessons behind over $37,000 earned from 1,568 Preply lessons in three years.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNgkr1_Is6s | I've Earned $39K as a Preply Tutor - Here's My Trial Lesson Blueprint | | Vivian Zhu | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a subject and a level Start on [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) to get reviews Move regular students to packages :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), a good webcam, and [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) or [NotebookLM](https://navid.link/notebooklm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for lesson materials.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Teaching every subject makes you harder to book. A messy background on camera looks unprofessional, and students notice. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>16. Translate</h4> <p>Translation is quiet desk work: AI drafts, and you make it right.</p> <p>It fits you if you're fluent in two languages.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per word or per project. On Upwork, translators typically charge $15 to $25 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/translators/cost/)). Employed interpreters and translators in the US earn a median of $60,170 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick your language pairs and one subject Offer AI translation checked by you Build repeat clients :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for drafts, then [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for clients.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Delivering machine drafts wastes what clients pay for, which is your judgment. Taking subjects you don't know lets wrong terms through. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>17. Proofread and edit</h4> <p>You fix and tighten other people's writing, in short jobs that fit any free hour at home.</p> <p>It fits you if you spot every typo.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per word or per project. On Upwork, proofreaders typically charge $18 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/proofreaders/cost/)). Employed editors in the US earn a median of $77,920 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick what you edit Edit a free sample to show your work Charge per word once you have reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and the [Flesch-Kincaid calculator](/free-tools/flesch-kincaid-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Rewriting the author's voice annoys clients who wanted their errors fixed. Taking rush jobs at normal rates undersells your time. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>18. Do voiceovers</h4> <p>A closet full of clothes makes a decent home booth. You record scripts for ads, videos and audiobooks and send the files.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a clear voice and a quiet room.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or per finished minute. On Upwork, voice actors typically charge $40 to $85 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/voice-actors/cost/)). On Upwork, audiobook narrators typically charge $25 to $55 an hour, and the median is $40 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/audiobook-narrators/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Tawny Platis on becoming a voice actor in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6s2bKmNnPU | How To Become A Voice Actor In 2026 | | Tawny Platis | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Set up a quiet corner and a USB microphone Record a demo in three styles Audition every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Adobe Podcast](https://navid.link/adobepodcast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) to clean audio and [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) to edit, with jobs on [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recording in an echoey room makes a good voice sound cheap. Signing away your voice for AI training without a deal can let others use it without paying you. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>19. Edit podcasts</h4> <p>You clean up episodes, write show notes and cut clips at your desk, once a week per show.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a good ear.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per episode or a monthly package. On Upwork, podcast producers typically charge $20 to $31 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/podcasting-freelancers/cost/)). Employed broadcast, sound and video technicians in the US earn a median of $60,150 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/broadcast-and-sound-engineering-technicians.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** FastEditor edits viral podcast reels in Premiere Pro.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4zBqRGa24I | Viral Podcast Reels in Premiere Pro - Fast Minimal Text Animation Tutorial | | Ur · FastEditor | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Edit two sample episodes Offer a package with notes and clips Keep shows on a monthly plan :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), which I use for my own recordings.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Over-editing the host can strip out their personality. Skipping clips misses an easy way to charge more. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>20. Design YouTube thumbnails</h4> <p>Each thumbnail is an hour or two of design work you can do between other jobs.</p> <p>It fits you if you watch a lot of YouTube.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per thumbnail or a monthly package. Searches for YouTube thumbnails grew 52% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Wes McDowell's new way to make YouTube thumbnails in minutes.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-wymxSUUAk | The NEW Way to Make YouTube Thumbnails in Minutes (NO DESIGN EXPERIENCE NEEDED) | | Wes McDowell | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign five thumbnails Post the before and after Pitch creators who post weekly :::</p> <p>**Tools:** ChatGPT's GPT Image 2.5, [Higgsfield](https://navid.link/higgsfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Magnific](https://navid.link/magnific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), which I use for my own thumbnails.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Too many words make a thumbnail hard to read. Ignoring the title breaks the story the thumbnail and title should tell together. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>21. Build websites</h4> <p>You build simple sites for small businesses with AI tools, and charge monthly to keep them running.</p> <p>It fits you if you like solving small technical problems.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per site and a monthly fee to keep it up. On Upwork, web designers typically charge $15 to $30 an hour, and the median is $21 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/web-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Create a Pro Website builds a website with Claude Code.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDTwHIKltpc | The EASY way to build a beautiful website with Claude Code (full workflow) | | Create a Pro Website | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build two sample sites Offer a fixed-price site for one kind of business Add hosting and updates monthly :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), and [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Lovable](https://navid.link/lovable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) build sites from a prompt.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building before the content is ready leads to rework. Skipping the monthly plan gives up steady income from upkeep. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>22. Offer SEO</h4> <p>SEO is research and writing you do at your desk, for businesses that want more Google traffic.</p> <p>It fits you if you've ranked your own site.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer or a fee per audit. On Upwork, SEO experts typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $21 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/seo-experts/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Surfer's complete SEO and AI SEO course for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DRO4rEIHDk | The Complete SEO &amp; AI SEO Course for 2026 (Full Beginner’s Guide) | | Surfer Academy and Matt Kenyon | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rank your own site for a few searches Offer a paid audit Turn audits into monthly work :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Ahrefs](https://navid.link/ahrefs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) or [Semrush](https://navid.link/semrush?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), and the [SEO checker](/free-tools/seo-checker).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising first place on Google is a promise you can't keep, because Google decides rankings. Reporting rankings without traffic hides whether your work paid off. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>23. Manage social media for businesses</h4> <p>You batch a week of posts in one evening at home and schedule them to go out on their own.</p> <p>It fits you if you know what works on social media.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly retainers. On Upwork, social media managers typically charge $14 to $35 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/social-media-managers/cost/)). Demand for Instagram services grew 147% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)), and social media strategy was among Upwork's fastest-growing marketing skills in 2025, up 36% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jade Beason's full guide to starting a social media marketing agency.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3iIIAxppPo | How to start a social media marketing agency step by step - 2026 FULL GUIDE | | Jade Beason | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Grow your own account as a portfolio Offer a monthly package to small businesses Send a results report every month :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Metricool](https://navid.link/metricool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) or [Buffer](https://navid.link/buffer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) to schedule, and [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) to design.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising follower numbers sets you up to fail, since no one controls the algorithm. Taking clients in too many industries at once slows every post down. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>24. Design presentations</h4> <p>Decks are short projects you design at home and deliver as files.</p> <p>It fits you if you can make ideas simple to look at.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per deck. On Upwork, presentation designers typically charge $35 to $60 an hour, and the median is $45 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/presentation-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Analyst Academy tests every AI presentation tool.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtRHtfR2egc | I Tested Every AI Presentation Tool - There’s One Clear Winner | | Analyst Academy | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign three decks Offer pitch decks at a fixed price Build reusable templates :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Gamma](https://navid.link/gamma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), and the [presentation generator](/free-tools/presentation-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Too much text per slide loses the audience. Designing before the story is clear leads to rework. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>25. Write resumes and LinkedIn profiles</h4> <p>You rewrite resumes and profiles at your desk, usually as a package finished in a day or two.</p> <p>It fits you if you write well and know what hiring managers want.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per resume or per package. On Upwork, resume writers typically charge $25 to $65 an hour, and the median is $42 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/resume-writers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Teal on making a resume that stands out in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRha1slhTJU | How to Make A Resume that Stands Out in 2026 (after hiring 1,000s) | | Teal | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rewrite your own and a friend's resume Offer a resume and LinkedIn package Ask for reviews after interviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using one template for everyone makes each resume weaker. Promising interviews sets you up for refunds, since no resume writer controls who gets called. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h3>Ways to make money from home by selling things</h3> <p>Products sell while you sleep or look after the kids. You make or find them at home, list them online, and ship or deliver them digitally.</p> <h4>26. Sell on Etsy</h4> <p>Printables, crafts and vintage finds all sell on Etsy, and digital files deliver themselves.</p> <p>It fits you if you like making things and can photograph them well.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sales, minus Etsy's fees: $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale, and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)). New sellers get paid weekly, every Monday, and can switch to daily, every two weeks or monthly ([Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046998234-How-to-Receive-Your-Etsy-Payments-Deposit)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Kate Hayes on starting an Etsy shop, step by step.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxi6dIPHsig | How to Start an Etsy Shop Step by Step in 2026 💻 (Etsy Shop for Beginners Setup Tutorial) | | Kate Hayes | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Search Etsy for what sells in your niche List 10 products with clear photos Make more of what sells :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Pricing below your costs loses money on every sale. Listing a few items and waiting keeps sales slow. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** every Monday by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>27. Sell digital products</h4> <p>Templates, planners, guides, photo presets and video LUTs are made once at home and sold again and again, with nothing to ship.</p> <p>It fits you if you can save people time with a template or a guide.</p> <p>**What it pays:** one-time sales on your site or a marketplace. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself, and 30% of sales from its own marketplace ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Yale Jeannette's full masterclass on selling digital products on Etsy.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAn7R954Xhc | how to sell digital products on etsy (full masterclass) | | Yale Jeannette | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a question people ask again and again Make the smallest product that answers it Sell it and improve it from buyers' questions :::</p> <p>**Tools:** Sell on [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), which I used for years, or on [Stan Store](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) or [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home). Find what to make with the [digital product idea generator](/free-tools/digital-product-idea-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building a big product first delays your first sale. Selling with no audience or list leaves the product unseen. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>28. Print on demand</h4> <p>You design at home, and a print company makes and ships each order. Nothing piles up in your living room.</p> <p>It fits you if you can come up with designs for a group with a shared interest.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each item sold: your price minus the print cost and the marketplace's fees. On Etsy, that's $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jensen Tung on the easiest way to start print on demand from $0.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFGOEaGokaU | Easiest Way To Start Print On Demand From $0 In 2026 | | Jensen Tung | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a niche with its own words and jokes Make 10 designs on a few products Keep the designs that sell :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Ideogram](https://navid.link/ideogram?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for designs, [Printful](https://navid.link/printful?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) to print, and the [print on demand profit calculator](/free-tools/print-on-demand-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using brands you don't own can bring trademark claims. Skipping samples lets customers find the print problems first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>29. Publish low-content books</h4> <p>Journals and planners are designed on your laptop, and Amazon prints and ships every copy.</p> <p>It fits you if you like simple design.</p> <p>**What it pays:** royalties on each copy. Amazon KDP pays 60% of a paperback's list price at $9.99 or more, minus the printing cost: a $15 book that costs $5 to print earns $4 ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834330)). Royalties arrive about 60 days after the end of the month of the sale ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GK2MKZUL6U3SFBPZ)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Rachel Harrison-Sund on five bestselling low-content books on Amazon KDP.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNBS-v8rkXA | These Are the 5 Bestselling Low and Medium Content Books on Amazon KDP ($3,610 a DAY!!!) | | Rachel Harrison-Sund | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a niche that wants a specific journal Design the interior and cover Publish a few titles :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and the [KDP royalty calculator](/free-tools/kdp-royalty-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying best-selling covers makes yours easy to scroll past. Publishing one book and stopping keeps sales small. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on KDP</p> <h4>30. Sell handmade goods</h4> <p>Candles, jewelry and soap can be made at a kitchen table in batches.</p> <p>It fits you if you already make things people compliment.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the price of each piece. Employed craft and fine artists in the US earn a median of $55,290 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/craft-and-fine-artists.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Business Gift on handmade products in demand this year.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z_ESvwT56M | 30 High-Demand Handmade Products to Sell in 2026 | | Business Gift | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a small range in one style Photograph it in natural light Sell where handmade buyers shop :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for listings.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Leaving your time out of the price means working for free. Making too many kinds of products confuses buyers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>31. Sell your art prints</h4> <p>You make the art at home, and print-on-demand companies print and ship it.</p> <p>It fits you if you draw, paint or design in a style people hang on walls.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each print. Employed craft and fine artists in the US earn a median of $55,290 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/craft-and-fine-artists.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Leighann Creates on making and selling art prints.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZJlHWTB2KY | How to Make &amp; Sell ART PRINTS ✨ a Complete Guide ✨ | | Leighann Creates | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a style and subject Put your best 10 pieces up as prints Share your process online :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Topaz Labs](https://navid.link/topazlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Low-resolution files print badly. Posting art without its story loses buyers who connect with the artist. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>32. Sell stock photos and videos</h4> <p>Photos of your home, food and everyday life can sell to businesses again and again.</p> <p>It fits you if you already take good photos.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of each license sold. Shutterstock pays 15% to 40% of each license, by six earnings levels that reset every January 1 ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10594604-how-much-will-i-be-paid-as-a-contributor-to-shutterstock)), and pays monthly, by the 15th ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10617435-how-do-i-get-paid-for-my-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Wollertz Photography on making $202,067 selling stock photos.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLWmkcvjRnM | I Made $202,067.19 Selling Photos: Stock Photography Works - Best Agencies 2026 | | Wollertz Photography | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Shoot what buyers search for Title and tag every file Upload often :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Adobe Lightroom](https://navid.link/adobelightroom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Adobe Stock](https://navid.link/adobestock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Shutterstock](https://navid.link/shutterstock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Photos of people without a release get rejected. Only shooting what you like misses what buyers search for. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, by the 15th on Shutterstock</p> <h4>33. 3D print and sell products</h4> <p>A printer on a shelf at home makes parts and decor while you do other things.</p> <p>It fits you if you like design and tinkering.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each piece. If you design models for others instead, 3D modelers on Upwork typically charge $17 to $30 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/3d-modelers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** LayerLab on starting a 3D printing business from home.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKDgWq5midA | I Started a 3D Printing Business from Home - Here’s My Advice | | LayerLab | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn to design useful parts Print and sell your best designs Sell the design files too :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Spline](https://navid.link/spline?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Printables](https://navid.link/printables?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling other people's designs can break their license. Skipping quality checks lets bad prints reach buyers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h3>Ways to make money from home by building something of your own</h3> <p>These are slow at first and pay the longest. They're how I've worked from home for over ten years.</p> <h4>34. Start a blog</h4> <p>A blog is written at home and read worldwide. Posts that rank in Google bring readers for years.</p> <p>It fits you if you like writing and can wait a year for traffic.</p> <p>**What it pays:** display ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts and your own products.</p> <p>My own business started with a blog in 2013.</p> <p>**Watch:** She Dreams All Day on starting a blog in 2026, and whether it's too late.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43Q3SzxVWGA | How to start a blog in 2026... or is it too late? (honest advice from a 6 figure blogger) | | she dreams all day | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic you can write 100 posts about Answer what people search for Add an email list early :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [RightBlogger](https://navid.link/rightblogger?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Ahrefs](https://navid.link/ahrefs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), and my guides on [how to start a blog](/articles/how-to-start-a-blog) and [how to make money blogging](/articles/how-to-make-money-blogging).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing about everything slows a blog's growth. Blogging without an email list loses readers you can't reach again. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, by each ad network and affiliate program</p> <h4>35. Start a YouTube channel</h4> <p>A corner of your home and a phone are enough to start a channel.</p> <p>It fits you if you can post every week.</p> <p>**What it pays:** YouTube's [ad revenue](/free-tools/youtube-money-calculator) share, [sponsors](/free-tools/sponsorship-rate-calculator), memberships and your own offers. YouTube pays you 55% of the ad revenue on your long videos and 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)), once you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Pat Flynn](/creators/pat-flynn) has made $27,732 from [one podcasting tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkhkx4MPdfI&amp;t=266s) with a million views. **Watch:** Think Media's step-by-step guide to creating a YouTube channel in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGKXSLmZBz8 | How to Create a YouTube Channel in 2026 (Step-By-Step) | | Think Media | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find videos that beat their channel's usual views Make your own version Post weekly and study watch time :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [vidIQ](https://navid.link/vidiq?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), with the [YouTube outlier finder](/free-tools/youtube-outlier-finder).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Quitting after 10 videos stops a channel before it has time to grow. Counting on ads alone keeps income small. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>36. Run a faceless channel</h4> <p>You make videos at your desk without filming yourself: voiceovers, animation and screen recordings.</p> <p>It fits you if you'd rather stay off camera.</p> <p>**What it pays:** ad revenue share, sponsors and affiliate links, on the same YouTube terms as any channel ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)). Businesses pay for this work too: searches for YouTube automation faceless channels grew 239% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Sambucha on secretly voicing faceless YouTube channels.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwF8n7vrF5Q | I Secretly Became The Voice Of Faceless YouTube Channels | | Sambucha | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic that works without a face Write the script, then voice and visuals Post on a schedule :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [ElevenLabs](https://navid.link/elevenlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Posting mass-produced videos can cost you your earnings, because YouTube doesn't pay for repetitive content ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1311392)). Music and clips you don't have rights to can block a video's earnings. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>37. Start a newsletter</h4> <p>One email a week, written at home, can grow into sponsors and paid subscribers.</p> <p>It fits you if you can write something useful every week.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, paid subscriptions, affiliate links and your own products. On Substack, writers keep 90% of paid subscriptions, minus card fees ([Substack](https://substack.com/going-paid)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $795,000 from sponsors in his weekly newsletter since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on the easiest way to build a local newsletter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0MRAjVp_Uo | The Easiest Way to Build a Local Newsletter | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one reader and one promise Send every week Offer a free guide to grow the list :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [beehiiv](https://navid.link/beehiiv?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) or [Substack](https://navid.link/substack?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping weeks costs you readers and sponsors. Selling sponsors too early can cost you readers. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** through Stripe for paid subscriptions · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>38. Start a podcast</h4> <p>You record remote interviews from home, and the guests join from theirs.</p> <p>It fits you if you like conversations.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, listener support, premium episodes and your own offers. Spotify's Partner Program pays 50% of the ad revenue from its ads in your episodes, once your show reaches 2,000 hours listened and 1,000 listeners in 30 days ([Spotify](https://support.spotify.com/us/creators/article/spotify-partner-program/)).</p> <p>**Example:** [John Lee Dumas](/creators/john-lee-dumas) made $126,550 from podcast sponsorships in [January 2024](https://www.eofire.com/income125/).</p> <p>**Watch:** Think Media on what they'd do if they started a podcast in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PuvMX6MB20 | If I Started a Podcast in 2026, I'd Do this! | | Think Media | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic and format Record three episodes before launch Invite guests with an audience :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) to record and [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) to edit, which I use myself.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Launching with one episode gives new listeners little reason to subscribe. Skipping video misses the listeners who find shows on YouTube. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when sponsors pay</p> <h4>39. Earn from affiliate links</h4> <p>You recommend products in your content and earn a commission on each sale, from home. My first money online was a $65 affiliate commission.</p> <p>It fits you if you already recommend tools or products.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a commission per sale or sign-up. Amazon Associates pays up to 10% of each sale, depending on the category ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/GRXPHT8U84RAYDXZ)), about 60 days after the end of the month ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/G63DR893K4DH55XZ)). My biggest affiliate month came from a course, not Amazon: around $40,000 as Ramit Sethi's #1 affiliate for Zero to Launch.</p> <p>**Example:** [Maria Wendt](/creators/maria-wendt) makes $11,000 a month from affiliate links, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QBQzi4r940&amp;t=0s).</p> <p>**Watch:** Greg Gottfried's beginner tutorial for Amazon affiliate marketing.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mgoWw35_8U | How to Start Amazon Affiliate Marketing in 2026 (Beginner Tutorial) | | Greg Gottfried | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Recommend only what you use Write honest reviews people search for Disclose every commission :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [affiliate program finder](/best-affiliate-programs) and the [affiliate commission calculator](/free-tools/affiliate-commission-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promoting what you haven't tried risks your audience's trust. Hiding the commission breaks trust, and the FTC asks you to make it obvious ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/disclosures-101-social-media-influencers)). :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on Amazon</p> <h4>40. Create an online course</h4> <p>A course is recorded at home and sold for years. My course Virtual Summit Mastery made over $60,000 on its first launch and well over $1 million before I sold it.</p> <p>It fits you if you've helped people get a result.</p> <p>**What it pays:** course sales, bundles and payment plans.</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $1.6 million from The Creator MBA in its first six days ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Danie Jay on creating an online course that sells.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5g5Esl-OPo | How to Create an Online Course THAT SELLS in 2026 (from a 6-figure course creator) | | Danie Jay | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pre-sell a pilot to 10 people Teach it live Record the lessons and sell the course :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), which also hosts courses, and my guide on [how to create an online course](/articles/how-to-create-an-online-course).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recording before anyone buys risks a course nobody wants. Making a course too long wears students out. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>41. Coach one to one</h4> <p>You coach clients on video calls from your home office.</p> <p>It fits you if you've solved a problem others are stuck on.</p> <p>**What it pays:** coaching packages, paid up front or monthly. On Upwork, business coaches typically charge $75 to $150 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-coaches/cost/)). On Upwork, life coaches typically charge $50 to $250 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/life-coaches/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Iman Gadzhi](/creators/iman-gadzhi) on building an online coaching business.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edM2x0NBMnI | Give me 33 minutes &amp; I’ll Show You How To Make $10,000/pm with Online Coaching | | Iman Gadzhi | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Name the result you help people get Coach three people at a low price Raise the price with each result :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for payments and [Granola](https://navid.link/granola?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for call notes.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Coaching everyone on everything makes you hard to buy. Underpricing your coaching keeps you stuck at a low income. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>42. Consult</h4> <p>Consulting is advice on video calls and documents, all from home.</p> <p>It fits you if you have years of experience in an industry.</p> <p>**What it pays:** day rates, projects or monthly retainers. On Upwork, business consultants typically charge $28 to $98 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-consultants/cost/)). Employed management consultants in the US earn a median of $101,860 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $1.17 million from consulting since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Frederik Pahuus on building a solo consulting business that makes $500,000 a year in profit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvaFGx5eKFc | Exactly How I Built A $500k Per Year (Profit) Solo Consulting Business | | Frederik Pahuus | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write down the problem you solve Offer a paid audit Turn audits into retainers :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for invoices and [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for research.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Working for your employer's clients can break your contract. Selling hours instead of results caps what you earn. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>43. Host a virtual summit</h4> <p>A virtual summit runs entirely online. I've hosted mine from home since 2014, and my first one is the reason I could quit my job.</p> <p>It fits you if you like organizing and can invite experts in one topic.</p> <p>**What it pays:** all-access passes, sponsors, and commissions on the speakers' offers.</p> <p>**Watch:** my step-by-step blueprint for hosting a virtual summit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NjKV4y6VTc | How to Host a Virtual Summit: Step-by-Step Blueprint | | Navid Moazzez | https://cdn.navid.me/navid-moazzez.jpg | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic and 20 speakers Record the interviews Run the free event and sell an all-access pass :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), with passes sold through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home). Follow my guide on [how to host a virtual summit](/articles/how-to-host-a-virtual-summit).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Speakers without an audience bring few signups. Running a summit with no offer at the end leaves it unpaid. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** more than 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h3>Ways to make money from home with AI</h3> <p>AI work is the fastest-growing kind of from-home work. Freelancer earnings from AI video work grew 329% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <h4>44. Make AI video ads for brands</h4> <p>You make video ads at your desk with AI tools, no camera or studio.</p> <p>It fits you if you know what makes people stop scrolling.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per ad or a monthly package. AI video generation and editing was the fastest-growing skill on Upwork in 2025, up 329% in freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)), and searches for AI UGC video ads grew 265% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, motion graphics designers typically charge $18 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/motion-graphics-designer/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Higgsfield's three-step workflow for realistic AI ads.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rDs6FhFoUQ | 3-Step Workflow To Make Ultra-Realistic AI Ads | | Higgsfield AI | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make three sample ads Put them on one page Pitch online brands :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Higgsfield](https://navid.link/higgsfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Kling](https://navid.link/kling?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [HeyGen](https://navid.link/heygen?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes AI mistakes left in the ad can lose you the client. Skipping a platform's AI label can get the ad pulled. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per ad, or monthly</p> <h4>45. Make AI images for brands</h4> <p>Product photos without a studio: AI makes them from one photo at your desk.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for good images.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per image set or a monthly package. AI image generation and editing grew 95% on Upwork in 2025, by freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Kevin Stratvert](/creators/kevin-stratvert) on making images with Google's Nano Banana.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfE-csUyPF4 | Nano Banana AI Tutorial - How to Use Google’s Free Tool (Step-by-Step) | | Kevin Stratvert | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a sample set for three products Show the before and after Pitch stores with weak photos :::</p> <p>**Tools:** ChatGPT's GPT Image 2.5, [Higgsfield](https://navid.link/higgsfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Magnific](https://navid.link/magnific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [fal.ai](https://navid.link/falai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Changing the product makes the image unusable for the brand. Ignoring license terms can put a client at risk. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per set, or monthly</p> <h4>46. Build AI automations for businesses</h4> <p>You connect a business's apps from your laptop so their busywork runs itself.</p> <p>It fits you if you like making things work together.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee. AI integration grew 178% on Upwork in 2025, by freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)), and searches for [n8n](/ai-tools/n8n) AI automation grew 125% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, AI developers typically charge $30 to $150 an hour, and the median is $90 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** n8n's own quick start for building your first AI agent.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuaKeDS6UKU | n8n Quick Start Tutorial: Build Your First AI Agent [2026] | | n8n and Flowgrammer | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Automate a task in your own work Offer it to three businesses Charge monthly to run it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), which I build with, plus [Zapier](https://navid.link/zapier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), [Make](https://navid.link/make?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [n8n](https://navid.link/n8n?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Automating a messy process makes the mess run faster. Skipping alerts lets a failed step go unnoticed. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>47. Build AI chatbots</h4> <p>You build and maintain chatbots for websites and DMs from home.</p> <p>It fits you if you can write clear answers and test patiently.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee. On Upwork, chatbot developers typically charge $30 to $61 an hour, and the median is $45 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chatbot-developers/cost/)). AI chatbot development grew 71% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Botpress builds a customer support chatbot without code.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn27M2vAc1Y | Build a Customer Support Chatbot in 5 Minutes (No Code) | | Botpress | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build one for your own site Test it against real questions Offer it to one industry :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ManyChat](https://navid.link/manychat?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), which I use, plus [Chatbot Builder AI](https://navid.link/chatbotbuilderai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) and [Pickaxe](https://navid.link/pickaxe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Letting it make things up gives customers wrong answers. Selling without a demo makes the value hard to see. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>48. Vibe code apps and tools, for clients or yourself</h4> <p>[Vibe coding](/articles/what-is-vibe-coding) means building software by describing what you want in plain English, then letting an AI agent write, run and fix the code. From home, you can build for businesses that never had a developer, or make your own apps, tools and calculators that charge a subscription or bring visitors to your business.</p> <p>It fits you if you can turn a problem into clear steps, even without a coding background.</p> <p>**What it pays:** fees from clients, or subscriptions and one-time sales of your own apps and tools. On Upwork, AI developers typically charge $30 to $150 an hour, and the median is $90 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/)). Searches for vibe coding grew 61% on Fiverr, and searches for [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) specialists 938%, in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). Across more than 115,000 subscription apps, the median new app made about $72 a month a year after launch, and the top 10% made $2,500 or more ([RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)).</p> <p>**Example:** the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site are my own builds, vibe coded at home with Claude Code and Codex. Pieter Levels vibe coded fly.pieter.com, a flight game that runs in the browser, in February 2025, and he says it reached $1 million in annual recurring revenue in 17 days ([levels.io](https://levels.io/fly-pieter-com-vibecoded-flight-simulator)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Starter Story on how Connor Burd, 23, vibe coded an app in 14 days that makes $20,000 a month.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwHD6Fg-Mjs | I vibe coded a $20K/month mobile app in 14 days | | Starter Story | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build three small tools you'd use yourself Offer one fixed-price build to a business you know, or put your best tool online Charge a monthly fee to host and improve it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex). [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable), [Bolt](/ai-tools/bolt), [Replit](/ai-tools/replit), [Base44](/ai-tools/base44) and [Vibecode](https://navid.link/vibecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) build apps from a prompt, [Google AI Studio](/ai-tools/google-ai-studio) does it with Gemini, and [Cursor](/ai-tools/cursor) is a code editor with AI built in. Write clearer instructions with the [Claude Code prompt generator](/free-tools/claude-code-prompt-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Shipping an app you haven't tested yourself puts bugs in front of paying users and clients. Selling the method instead of the result makes clients compare you on price. Pasting API keys into a page's code lets anyone who opens the page copy them, so keep keys on the server. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per project from clients, or every business day through Stripe for your own app · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h3>Ways to make money from your home itself</h3> <p>Your home can earn too, if you have space you don't use.</p> <h4>49. Rent out a room on Airbnb</h4> <p>A spare room or guest house can earn while you go about your day.</p> <p>It fits you if your lease and city allow short-term rentals.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the nightly price you set, minus Airbnb's fee. Most hosts pay 15.5% under Airbnb's single service fee, which is replacing the older 3% split fee ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857)). Airbnb starts your payout by the end of the business day after your guest checks in, or 28 days after check-in until you've completed two stays ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/425)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Robuilt on the new rules for Airbnb hosts.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt5DlBE9itI | The Airbnb game as we know it is OVER. THESE are the new rules for 2026. | | Robuilt | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your lease and city rules List the room on [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) with bright photos Price a little low until your first reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), and [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for your listing and messages.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping your city's rules can get you fined. Hiding flaws in photos leads to bad reviews. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** the business day after check-in</p> <h4>50. Board pets at home</h4> <p>Owners pay to leave their dog with someone they trust while they travel. If you're home all day, your home is the service.</p> <p>It fits you if you love animals and have a safe, pet-friendly home.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per walk, visit or night. Employed animal caretakers in the US earn a median of $17.00 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes392021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Look after friends' pets first, for reviews Make a profile on [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home) for boarding Take one pet at a time until you know the routine :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home), and photos you send owners during each stay.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping the meet-and-greet can lead to surprises on the first booking. Mixing pets that don't get along can end in a fight and a bad review. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h3>Ways to make money from home that fit around kids</h3> <p>If you're at home with kids, short and flexible tasks fit best. These can stop and start around naps and school runs:</p> <p>:::checks - [Test websites and apps](#1-test-websites-and-apps): tests take a short block of time - [Help train AI](#3-help-train-ai): pick up tasks whenever you have a quiet hour - [Transcribe audio](#4-transcribe-audio): headphones on, any time of day - [Sell digital products](#27-sell-digital-products): make it once, sell it again and again - [Publish low-content books](#29-publish-low-content-books): design in short sessions, Amazon ships - [Write for businesses](#11-write-for-businesses): deadlines, not set hours :::</p> <p>Live calls, like tutoring, coaching and customer support shifts, need protected time, so book them when you have help.</p> <h3>Work-from-home scams to avoid</h3> <p>Work-from-home offers attract scammers. Americans reported $15.9 billion lost to fraud in 2025 ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/ftc-testimony-jec-hearing-on-the-rising-scam-economy.pdf)), and job and business opportunity scams took $750.6 million in 2024 ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/03/new-ftc-data-show-big-jump-reported-losses-fraud-125-billion-2024)).</p> <p>Walk away from these:</p> <p>:::mistakes A job that asks you to pay for training, software or equipment first is a scam. A check for equipment with a request to send part of it back will bounce after you've sent the money. Envelope stuffing, product assembly and reshipping packages from home are old scams that still circulate. A task app where you deposit money to unlock bigger tasks is built to keep your money. A recruiter who only talks by text and offers a job without an interview is a common sign of a fake job. :::</p> <p>If a work-from-home job asks you to pay before you get paid, walk away.</p> <h3>How to set up to get paid from home</h3> <p>You don't need a company to start, but a little setup saves trouble later:</p> <p>:::steps Open a way to get paid: PayPal, Stripe or the platform's own payouts. PayPal requires you to be 18 in the US ([PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/useragreement-full)), and Stripe lets 13 to 17 year olds open an account with an adult on it ([Stripe](https://stripe.com/legal/ssa)). Keep your side income in a separate account, so your records stay clean. Take payments from clients abroad with [Wise](https://navid.link/wise?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=make-money-from-home). Write down what you earn and spend from your first sale. Set money aside for taxes, since US side income is taxable and self-employment tax applies once your net earnings reach $400 ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes)). :::</p> <p>Talk to an accountant once the money grows. I'm not a tax advisor, and the rules where you live may differ.</p> <h3>Final thoughts on making money from home</h3> <p>There are 50 ways to make money from home in this guide, and most of them cost nothing to start.</p> <p>If you need money soon, sell a skill you already have. If you want to work from home for good, build something you own beside it, the way my summits did for me.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[70 side hustle ideas](/articles/side-hustle-ideas)</li><li>[52 easiest side hustles](/articles/easiest-side-hustles)</li><li>[38 ways to make money fast](/articles/how-to-make-money-fast)</li><li>[108 ways to make money online](/articles/ways-to-make-money-online)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: take the [side hustle quiz](/free-tools/side-hustle-quiz) and start the first way it gives you this week.</p><h2>FAQs about making money from home</h2><h3>How can I make money from home with no experience?</h3><p>Testing websites, joining paid research studies, data entry, transcription and virtual assistant work need no experience.</p> <p>They pay less per hour than a skill, but you can start this week.</p> <p>Pick one, and learn a skill on the side that pays more.</p><h3>How can I make money from home for free?</h3><p>Freelancing a skill, tutoring, testing websites and selling printables on Etsy all start free or close to it.</p> <p>Etsy charges $0.20 to list an item, so a printables shop costs almost nothing to open.</p> <p>Every way in this guide shows what it costs to start.</p><h3>How can a stay-at-home mom make money?</h3><p>Short, flexible work fits best: testing websites, AI training tasks, transcription and selling digital products.</p> <p>Freelance writing and design run on deadlines rather than set hours.</p> <p>Save live calls, like tutoring, for when you have help.</p><h3>How can I make money from home as a teenager?</h3><p>Many platforms set age rules: Upwork requires you to be 18, while Fiverr and Etsy let 13 to 17 year olds sell through a parent's account.</p> <p>Stripe lets teens open an account with an adult on it.</p> <p>Selling art, printables or designs through a parent's account is a good place to start.</p><h3>What is the best way to make money from home?</h3><p>Selling a skill pays fastest, and building something you own pays longest.</p> <p>On Upwork, the median rate is $30 an hour for copywriters and $50 for grant writers.</p> <p>The best way is the one that fits your skills and the hours you have.</p><h3>Are work-from-home jobs legit?</h3><p>Many are, including remote jobs, freelance work on Upwork and Fiverr, and testing on UserTesting.</p> <p>Avoid any job that asks you to pay for training, equipment or a starter kit.</p> <p>Real jobs never ask you to pay to get paid.</p><h3>How much can you make from home?</h3><p>Most side hustlers make a little: the median is $200 a month, according to Bankrate.</p> <p>Freelancers in high-paying skills charge $50 an hour or more on Upwork.</p> <p>A business of your own can earn far more over time, like my summits did.</p><h3>How do I avoid work-from-home scams?</h3><p>Never pay for training, software or equipment to get a job.</p> <p>Be careful with checks you're asked to deposit and partly send back, and with jobs offered by text without an interview.</p> <p>Americans reported $15.9 billion lost to fraud in 2025, according to the FTC.</p><h3>Can I make money from home on my computer?</h3><p>Yes, almost every way in this guide needs only a computer and an internet connection.</p> <p>Freelance skills, AI work, digital products and content all run on a laptop.</p> <p>A few, like renting a room or boarding pets, use your home instead.</p><h3>Do I need a business to make money from home?</h3><p>No, you can start as an individual with a PayPal or Stripe account.</p> <p>Keep your side income separate, and record what you earn and spend.</p> <p>In the US, self-employment tax applies once your net earnings reach $400 a year.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/how-to-make-money-fast/https://navid.me/blog/how-to-make-money-fast/38 ways to make money fast, sorted by how quickly they pay, with each platform's own payout rules, what each pays and how to start today.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of 38 ways to make money fast, sorted by how quickly they pay.</p> <p>Each one shows what it pays and how fast the money reaches you, from the platform's own payout rules, so you can start this week and get paid in hours or days, not months.</p> <p>The fastest money I've made online came on November 28, 2014, when my first [virtual summit](/articles/what-is-a-virtual-summit) sold over $5,000 in all-access passes in one day. But that day took a year of building, so this guide sticks to money you can have this week.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>What "fast" really means, and the three speeds money can reach you</li><li>How fast 22 platforms pay, from each one's own payout page</li><li>38 ways to make money fast, sorted by how quickly they pay, each with what it pays, how to start and the mistakes to avoid</li><li>The fast-money scams to avoid</li><li>How to turn fast cash into money that keeps coming</li></ul> <p>Start with the ways that pay today, and keep one way from the slower groups going in the background.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - The fastest money comes from selling what you own, or from work you can do today, like driving, delivery and local jobs. - Some apps pay the same day: Uber lets drivers cash out after every trip, and Lyft pays instantly after every ride to its own debit card. - Freelancing pays within about two weeks once you have a client: Upwork pays hourly work 10 days after each work week, and Fiverr releases earnings 14 days after an order is complete. - Any "fast money" job that asks you to pay first is a scam. Americans reported $15.9 billion lost to fraud in 2025 ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/ftc-testimony-jec-hearing-on-the-rising-scam-economy.pdf)). - Fast money is short-term money. To earn more every month, build a skill or something you own on the side. :::</p> <h3>What does it mean to make money fast?</h3> <p>Making money fast means earning money you can spend within days. Two things decide how fast that is: how quickly you can start, and how quickly the platform pays you.</p> <p>Money reaches you at one of three speeds:</p> <p>1. **Today:** cash for local work and things you sell, and apps with instant payouts, like Uber, Lyft and Instacart. 2. **Within a few days:** marketplaces and research platforms that pay after a short hold, like eBay, Respondent and DataAnnotation. 3. **Within two weeks:** platforms with weekly or two-week payout cycles, like Upwork, Fiverr, Rev and UserTesting.</p> <p>Most gig apps check your background and documents before your first job, which can take a few days. Apply to two or three today, so one is ready when you need it.</p> <h3>The fastest money I've made, and what it took</h3> <p>That $5,000 day came from my first summit, The Branding Summit, which made over $20,000 in all. Here's the sales page from that week:</p> <p>:::gallery  :::</p> <p>It looked fast, but it came from a year of blogging, interviews and building an email list. Fast money and lasting money are different things, and this guide gives you both: ways to get paid this week, and the ones that grow.</p> <h3>How fast each platform pays</h3> <p>Here's how soon the main platforms pay, at a glance:</p> <p>:::cards Zap | The same day | Uber and Lyft pay after every trip, Instacart with Instant Cashout, and eBay and Stripe on demand. Clock | Within 2 days | Airbnb pays the business day after check-in, and Respondent 48 hours after a session. CalendarDays | Every week | Outlier pays every Tuesday, Rev weekly, and Etsy weekly by default or daily if you choose it. CalendarClock | Within 2 weeks | Upwork pays 10 days after each work week, Fiverr 14 days after each completed order, and UserTesting 14 days after each test. Calendar | Every month | TikTok pays on the 15th, Shutterstock by the 15th, and YouTube between the 21st and 26th. Hourglass | After 2 months | Amazon KDP and Amazon Associates pay about 60 days after the end of the month. :::</p> <p>And here are all 22, fastest first, from each platform's own payout page:</p> <p>:::table fancy Platform | When you get paid | Source  Uber | after every trip with Instant Pay, or weekly | [Uber](https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/how-much-drivers-make/)  Lyft | after every ride to the Lyft Direct card, or every Tuesday | [Lyft](https://www.lyft.com/driver/earnings)  Instacart | right away with Instant Cashout, or weekly | [Instacart](https://shoppers.instacart.com/)  eBay | within 30 minutes on demand for eligible sellers, for a $2 fee, or daily | [eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814)  Stripe | within minutes with Instant Payouts, or every business day | [Stripe](https://docs.stripe.com/payouts/instant-payouts)  Airbnb | by the end of the business day after check-in | [Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/425)  Respondent | 48 hours after each session | [Respondent](https://www.respondent.io/participants)  DataAnnotation | within a few days of your request | [DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/faq)  Etsy | daily if you choose it, weekly by default | [Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046998234-How-to-Receive-Your-Etsy-Payments-Deposit)  Outlier | every Tuesday, for the week before | [Outlier](https://outlier.ai/faq)  Rev | weekly | [Rev](https://www.rev.com/freelancers)  Upwork | 10 days after each work week, for hourly work | [Upwork](https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211063668-How-payments-for-hourly-contracts-work)  Fiverr | 14 days after each completed order, or 7 for Top Rated sellers | [Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/legal-portal/legal-terms/payment-terms-of-service)  UserTesting | 14 days after each test | [UserTesting](https://participant-support.usertesting.com/hc/en-us/articles/37633031351315-When-and-how-will-I-be-paid)  Patreon | when you ask, or on the 5th of each month | [Patreon](https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/203913499-Paying-out-your-earnings)  Twitch | once you pass $50 | [Twitch](https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2026/05/13/monetization-for-all/)  TikTok | on the 15th of each month, once you pass $50 | [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/global/creator-rewards-program-us/en)  Shutterstock | monthly, by the 15th | [Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10617435-how-do-i-get-paid-for-my-work)  YouTube | monthly, between the 21st and 26th | [YouTube](https://support.google.com/adsense/answer/7164703)  Kickstarter | 14 days after the campaign ends, then 3 to 14 business days | [Kickstarter](https://help.kickstarter.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010120934-If-my-project-is-successfully-funded-how-do-I-receive-my-funds)  Amazon KDP | about 60 days after the end of the month | [Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GK2MKZUL6U3SFBPZ)  Amazon Associates | about 60 days after the end of the month | [Amazon Associates](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/G63DR893K4DH55XZ) :::</p> <p>The slow payers aren't bad, they're just not fast. YouTube, Amazon KDP and [affiliate programs](/best-affiliate-programs) can pay well, but you wait a month or two for each payout.</p> <h3>Ways to make money fast that pay today</h3> <p>These pay the same day: cash in hand for local work, or apps that send your earnings right after the job.</p> <h4>1. Sell things you already own</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** the moment a local buyer picks it up. On [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), eligible sellers can take an on-demand payout that usually arrives within 30 minutes, for a $2 fee ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814)).</p> <p>Clothes, electronics, furniture, tools and games you don't use are the fastest money most people have. Price them a little below similar listings and they sell faster.</p> <p>It fits you if you have things you don't use and can meet buyers or ship.</p> <p>**What it pays:** whatever buyers pay for it, and nothing goes to a platform when you sell locally for cash.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Walk through your home and list everything you haven't used in a year Check sold listings to price each item Post locally for big items and on eBay for small ones :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell big items locally and small ones on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), [Poshmark](https://navid.link/poshmark?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) for clothes and [Whatnot](https://navid.link/whatnot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) for live sales. Write listings with [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), and clean up photos with the [product photo background remover](/free-tools/product-photo-background-remover).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Accepting checks or "overpayments" from strangers is how many scams work, so take cash or an instant payment app. Meeting buyers at your home puts you at risk, so meet in a busy public place. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** the same day</p> <h4>2. Drive with Uber</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** Uber lets drivers cash out after every trip with Instant Pay, or take weekly deposits ([Uber](https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/how-much-drivers-make/)).</p> <p>You can drive this evening once your account is approved, and cash out before you go to bed.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a car that meets Uber's rules and a clean driving record.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fare per trip plus tips. Employed taxi drivers in the US earn a median of $20.24 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533054.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** PlayStyle Nick breaks down a first week of earnings as an Uber driver.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXkRIJ84y18 | How Much I Made in My First Week as an Uber Driver (Real Earnings Breakdown) (Uber Vlog 3) | | PlayStyle Nick | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your car and city against [Uber's requirements](https://navid.link/uber?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) Upload your license, insurance and car documents Drive at your city's busy times and cash out after each trip :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the Uber Driver app. Keep a simple log of your miles and costs, since they cut what you owe in taxes.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Counting fares as profit overstates your pay, because gas, wear and taxes come out of every trip. Driving at slow hours wastes your time, so learn your city's rush times first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** after every trip with Instant Pay · **Age:** your state's minimum to drive for Uber, with 1 year of driving experience, or 3 years if you're under 25</p> <h4>3. Drive with Lyft</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** free instant payouts after every ride to the Lyft Direct debit card, Express Pay for a $1.75 fee, or weekly pay every Tuesday that arrives within two business days ([Lyft](https://www.lyft.com/driver/earnings)).</p> <p>Some drivers run Lyft and Uber at the same time to wait less between rides.</p> <p>It fits you if you already drive for Uber or want a second app to stay busy.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fare per ride plus tips. Lyft caps its own fee at 30% of what passengers pay, and pays you an adjustment if it takes more in a month ([Lyft](https://www.lyft.com/driver/earnings)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up in the Lyft Driver app and pass the checks Order the Lyft Direct card if you want free instant pay Drive at busy times and switch apps when one is slow :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the Lyft Driver app and its debit card. A phone mount and charger make long evenings easier.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying the Express Pay fee every day adds up, while the free debit card does the same job. Skipping the insurance question can leave you uncovered, so ask your insurer how it covers app driving. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** after every ride to the Lyft Direct card</p> <h4>4. Shop and deliver with Instacart</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** right away with Instant Cashout, or weekly by direct deposit for the week before ([Instacart](https://shoppers.instacart.com/)).</p> <p>You pick orders in the app, shop for them and drive them over. You can do one order or ten, so it fits any free afternoon.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a car, a smartphone and can lift heavy bags.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per order plus tips, and you keep 100% of tips ([Instacart](https://shoppers.instacart.com/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up at [Instacart](https://navid.link/instacart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and pass the background check Start with orders near home to learn the stores Cash out after a shift when you need the money that day :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the Instacart Shopper app. Track your mileage from your first order.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking big orders far from home can lower your pay, since they can pay less per hour than short ones nearby. Forgetting your costs overstates your pay, because gas and taxes come out of what you earn. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** right away with Instant Cashout · **Age:** 18+ on Instacart</p> <h4>5. Deliver packages with Amazon Flex</h4> <p>**How fast it starts:** Amazon Flex has instant offers in some areas: delivery blocks that start 0 to 30 minutes after you accept them ([Amazon Flex](https://flex.amazon.com/faq)).</p> <p>That makes it one of the quickest ways to start earning once you're approved, when you have a free hour and a car.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a car with room for packages and want work you can grab on short notice.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a set amount per delivery block, shown before you take it. Amazon says most Flex drivers earn $18 to $25 an hour, depending on where and when they drive ([Amazon Flex](https://flex.amazon.com/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Package Pursuit on still doing Amazon Flex, and why.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKrEH6abEXQ | This Is Why I Still Do Amazon Flex | | Package Pursuit | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Download the Amazon Flex app and check that it runs in your city Pass the background check and add your vehicle Turn on instant offers when you have a free hour :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the [Amazon Flex](https://navid.link/amazonflex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) app and your phone's maps.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking blocks far from the station costs you, because the drive there is unpaid. Ignoring your car's costs hides what you really make, so work out what you keep per hour. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Age:** 21+ on Amazon Flex</p> <h4>6. Help people move</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** when the job is done, in cash or by payment app if you find clients yourself.</p> <p>Weekends are busy for moves, and a few hours of lifting pays the same day.</p> <p>It fits you if you're strong, careful with furniture and free on weekend mornings.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an [hourly rate](/free-tools/hourly-to-salary-calculator). Employed hand laborers and movers in the US earn a median of $19.35 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes537062.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Tell friends and neighbors you help with moves Make a profile on [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) for moving help Team up with a friend for bigger jobs :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), plus straps, gloves and a dolly.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Lifting more than you can handle risks an injury that costs more than the job pays. Pricing without asking about stairs and heavy pieces can leave you underpaid for a hard job. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when the job is done</p> <h4>7. Do yard work</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** when the job is done, from the homeowner.</p> <p>Mowing, raking and pressure washing are jobs you can knock on doors for today.</p> <p>It fits you if you like working outside and can get basic tools to the job.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job. Employed landscaping and groundskeeping workers in the US earn a median of $18.82 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes373011.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Lawn Legacy on a full day of solo mowing that brought in $575.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XToAdVrsgkA | How Much Can a Solo Lawn Care Business Make in a Day? | | Lawn Legacy | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Offer your neighbors a price for this weekend Take before and after photos of each job Offer a regular weekly or monthly plan :::</p> <p>**Tools:** your own tools at first, a flyer from [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), and before and after photos on your phone.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying gear before you have clients puts you in the red, so borrow or rent it first. Quoting without seeing the yard can leave you working for less than you planned. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when the job is done</p> <h4>8. Do odd jobs and handyman work</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** when the job is done, from the client.</p> <p>Furniture assembly, mounting TVs and small fixes are quick jobs people need done this week.</p> <p>It fits you if you're handy and own a good drill.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job or an hourly rate. Employed general maintenance and repair workers in the US earn a median of $23.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499071.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start List the three jobs you do best Make a profile on [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) for those jobs Ask every client for a review :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), a drill, a level and a stud finder.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking work that needs a license where you live, like electrical or plumbing, can get you fined. Guessing the time leads to bad quotes, so price per job once you know your speed. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** when the job is done</p> <h4>9. Clean homes</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** when the clean is done, from the client.</p> <p>Short-term rental hosts need a clean between guests, often at short notice, so you can get your first job fast.</p> <p>It fits you if you're thorough and like physical work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per clean or an hourly rate. Employed housekeeping cleaners in the US earn a median of $17.07 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes372012.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** UpFlip visits a cleaning business making $23,013 a week.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3wDBnIEjaw | This Cleaning Business Makes $23,013.69 a Week and Here's Exactly How They Did It | | UpFlip | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Clean for two people you know and ask for reviews Write a checklist so every clean is the same Offer rental hosts a price per turnover :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a checklist in [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), and [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) or local groups for clients.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Pricing by the hour forever punishes you for getting faster, while a set price per home pays you for it. Skipping a list of what's included leads to disagreements about the job. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when the clean is done</p> <h4>10. Walk dogs and pet sit</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** after each walk or stay, from the owner.</p> <p>Many owners need walkers on workdays and sitters when they travel, so neighbors are often your first clients.</p> <p>It fits you if you love animals and live where people have pets.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per walk, visit or night. Employed animal caretakers in the US earn a median of $17.00 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes392021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Offer walks to neighbors and friends first Make a profile on [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) Ask happy owners to book again :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and a simple flyer from [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping the meet-and-greet before the first booking can lead to surprises with the pet. Walking too many dogs at once makes accidents more likely. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** after each walk or stay</p> <h4>11. Babysit</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** at the end of the night, from the parents.</p> <p>Parents need sitters for date nights and weekends, and one family's referral can bring the next.</p> <p>It fits you if you're good with kids and reliable.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. Employed childcare workers in the US earn a median of $16.82 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399011.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Get certified in CPR and first aid Make a profile on [Care.com](https://navid.link/carecom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and ask families you know for references Turn one booking into a regular night :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Care.com](https://navid.link/carecom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and a shared calendar for regular families.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Not agreeing on the rules before the parents leave can upset them later. Charging the same for three kids as for one undersells your work. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** at the end of each booking</p> <h4>12. Detail cars</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** when the car is done, from the owner.</p> <p>A mobile detailing service needs no shop. Wash and clean cars at people's homes and offices, and get paid on the spot.</p> <p>It fits you if you like making things look new and can work outside.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per car, at a price you set. Employed vehicle cleaners in the US earn a median of $17.23 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes537061.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** 3.7Million builds a mobile car detailing business from scratch.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf6DcQFFZSU | I Built A Mobile Car Detailing Business From Scratch | | 3.7Million | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Detail your own car and two friends' cars for photos Offer two packages with set prices Ask every client for a review :::</p> <p>**Tools:** a price list from [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and before and after photos.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Offering too many packages confuses buyers, and two clear options tend to sell better. Arriving without asking about water and power can stop the job before it starts. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when the car is done</p> <h4>13. Rent out a room on Airbnb</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** Airbnb starts your payout by the end of the business day after your guest checks in, and Fast Pay can arrive 30 minutes after that, where it's available. Until you've completed two stays, the first payouts can start 28 days after check-in instead ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/425)).</p> <p>A spare room can earn this month if your listing is ready and your area has travelers.</p> <p>It fits you if you have space you don't use and your lease and city allow short-term rentals.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the nightly price you set, minus Airbnb's fee, which is 15.5% for most hosts under its single service fee ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Robuilt on the new rules for Airbnb hosts.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt5DlBE9itI | The Airbnb game as we know it is OVER. THESE are the new rules for 2026. | | Robuilt | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your lease and your city's rules List the room on [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) with bright photos Price a little low until your first reviews come in :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), and [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) to write your listing and guest messages.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Counting on fast payouts for your first stays can leave you short, because new hosts can wait longer. Skipping your city's short-term rental rules can get you fined. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** the business day after check-in</p> <h4>14. Sell a service and take card payments</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** Stripe pays out every business day, and eligible accounts can take Instant Payouts that arrive within minutes, for a fee. New accounts aren't eligible right away ([Stripe](https://docs.stripe.com/payouts/instant-payouts)).</p> <p>A payment link turns any skill into money you can collect today. Send it to the people who already ask you for help.</p> <p>It fits you if people already ask you for help with something.</p> <p>**What it pays:** whatever you charge for a service you can do this week: cleaning, editing, tutoring, setup, design.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write down one service and a fixed price Create a payment link in [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) Send it to five people who've asked you for help before :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) for payment links, and the [Stripe fee calculator](/free-tools/stripe-fee-calculator) to see what you keep. Make a quick invoice with the [invoice generator](/free-tools/invoice-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Starting the work before you're paid risks not getting paid, so take payment up front for small jobs. Underpricing because you need money fast is rarely needed, since a fair price still sells. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day, or within minutes with Instant Payouts · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h3>Ways to make money fast that pay within a few days</h3> <p>These take a little setup or a short hold before the money is yours, but most pay within the week you start.</p> <h4>15. Join paid research studies</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** Respondent says it pays 48 hours after your session ([Respondent](https://www.respondent.io/participants)).</p> <p>Companies pay to hear from people like their customers. If your job, hobbies or purchases match a study, an hour of your opinions pays well.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a job title or experience researchers look for, like a manager, a nurse or a software buyer.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per interview, survey or focus group. Respondent shows an average payout of $75 per study ([Respondent](https://www.respondent.io/participants)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a profile on [Respondent](https://navid.link/respondent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) with your real job details Apply to studies that match you, with honest screener answers Show up on time and on camera for each session :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Respondent](https://navid.link/respondent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) for studies, and [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) for shorter tests.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Bending the truth to qualify can cost you access, because researchers check. Applying to everything wastes time, since studies that match your job tend to pay the most. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** 48 hours after each session</p> <h4>16. Help train AI</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** DataAnnotation pays through PayPal within a few days after you request it ([DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/faq)). Outlier pays every Tuesday for the week before, by PayPal, Airtm or bank transfer ([Outlier](https://outlier.ai/faq)).</p> <p>You rate, write and fix answers from AI models. Once you pass a test, you can pick tasks whenever you have time.</p> <p>It fits you if you write well and know a subject, like coding, math or a second language.</p> <p>**What it pays:** DataAnnotation lists $25 to $50 an hour for general projects and $40 to $150+ an hour for coding projects ([DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/faq)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to [DataAnnotation](https://navid.link/dataannotation?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and [Outlier](https://navid.link/outlier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) Pass the test in your strongest subject Work a few hours each week and request your pay :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the platforms themselves. Read each one's pay and rules on its own site first.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying to join is a warning sign, because real AI training platforms don't charge you. Counting on steady work is risky, because projects open and close. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** within days on DataAnnotation, weekly on Outlier</p> <h4>17. Resell things online</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** on eBay, money is usually available 1 to 2 days after the buyer pays ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814)).</p> <p>Once you've sold what you own, buy underpriced things at thrift stores and garage sales and sell them for more.</p> <p>It fits you if you like hunting for deals and know prices in one category.</p> <p>**What it pays:** [the margin](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator) on each item. On eBay, the money is usually available 1 to 2 days after the buyer pays, and daily payouts start about 2 days after that ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on how to start reselling with no money.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ0fdAYPyqE | How to Start Reselling (Even With $0 in the Bank) | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one category you know, like sneakers or electronics Check sold prices before you buy anything Put the profit back into more stock :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), [Poshmark](https://navid.link/poshmark?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and [Whatnot](https://navid.link/whatnot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), with listings written by [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying what you like instead of what sells leaves you with stock that sits. Holding stock for months ties up your money, so lower the price on anything that sits. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** 1 to 2 days after each sale on eBay · **Age:** 18+ on eBay</p> <h4>18. Sell on Etsy with daily deposits</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** you can switch your Etsy deposits from weekly to daily, so each day's sales go to your bank the next day, above any minimum for your country ([Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046998234-How-to-Receive-Your-Etsy-Payments-Deposit)).</p> <p>Printables you make in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva) can be listed tonight and sold tomorrow, with nothing to ship.</p> <p>It fits you if you can design simple printables, planners or templates.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sales, minus Etsy's fees: $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale, and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)). New sellers get paid weekly, every Monday, and can switch to daily, every two weeks or monthly ([Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046998234-How-to-Receive-Your-Etsy-Payments-Deposit)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Kate Hayes on starting an Etsy shop, step by step.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxi6dIPHsig | How to Start an Etsy Shop Step by Step in 2026 💻 (Etsy Shop for Beginners Setup Tutorial) | | Kate Hayes | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make three printables people search for in your niche List them with clear mockups and titles Switch to daily deposits in your Payments settings :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying other sellers' designs can get your listings removed, so make your own. Pricing without counting Etsy's fees can make a sale lose money. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** daily, if you switch it on · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>19. Tutor students</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** on Preply, each lesson's earnings go to your balance once the lesson is confirmed, and you withdraw them by Wise, Payoneer, PayPal or Skrill ([Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171348-when-and-how-you-get-paid-for-lessons)).</p> <p>Once your profile is live, you're paid lesson by lesson.</p> <p>It fits you if you can explain a subject simply.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per lesson, at a rate you set. Preply keeps the first trial lesson with each new student, then 18% to 33% of each lesson, falling as your teaching hours grow ([Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171383-preply-commission-model)). Employed tutors in the US earn a median of $20.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253041.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Vivian Zhu on the trial lessons behind over $37,000 earned from 1,568 Preply lessons in three years.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNgkr1_Is6s | I've Earned $39K as a Preply Tutor - Here's My Trial Lesson Blueprint | | Vivian Zhu | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a profile on [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) for one subject Price your first lessons low to get reviews Withdraw your balance when you need it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), plus [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) to make quizzes and practice sheets.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Teaching every subject slows your bookings, while a clear subject and level books faster. Forgetting that the trial lesson pays you nothing on Preply makes your first weeks look worse than they are. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** when you withdraw, after each confirmed lesson</p> <h3>Ways to make money fast that pay within two weeks</h3> <p>These platforms pay on a weekly or two-week cycle. They're slower than the apps above, but they pay more per hour, and the clients come back.</p> <h4>20. Freelance on Upwork</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** hourly work is paid 10 days after each weekly billing period, and fixed-price work after the client approves it, plus a five-day security hold ([Upwork](https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211063668-How-payments-for-hourly-contracts-work)).</p> <p>A strong, specific proposal can land work within days.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a skill businesses pay for: writing, design, editing, admin or code.</p> <p>**What it pays:** hourly or fixed-price fees. On Upwork, the median rate is $30 an hour for copywriters ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/copywriters/cost/)) and $13 for virtual assistants ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/virtual-assistants/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Aasil Khan's step-by-step roadmap to start freelancing.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apVFrq7YklA | How to Start Freelancing in 2026 - Step by Step Roadmap | | Aasil Khan | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a profile for one skill and one kind of client Send five short, specific proposals a day Deliver well and ask for a review :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), and the [Upwork fee calculator](/free-tools/upwork-fee-calculator) to see what you keep.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending the same proposal to every job gets ignored, so answer what each client asked. Underpricing for too long keeps you stuck, so raise your rate after five good reviews. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>21. Sell a quick gig on Fiverr</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** Fiverr releases your earnings 14 days after an order is complete, or 7 days for Top Rated sellers ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/legal-portal/legal-terms/payment-terms-of-service)), and a PayPal withdrawal then takes 24 hours ([Fiverr](https://help.fiverr.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010530058-Withdrawing-your-earnings-managing-payout-methods)).</p> <p>Small fixed-price gigs are a quick way to sell a skill online, because buyers order without a long hiring process.</p> <p>It fits you if you have one skill you can deliver in a day or two.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fixed price per gig that you set, from small tasks like a logo, a resume or a short edit.</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make one gig for one task you can deliver fast Price it low for your first reviews Deliver early and ask for a review :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), and the [Fiverr fee calculator](/free-tools/fiverr-fee-calculator) to see what you keep.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Offering 10 gigs at once splits your reviews, while one sharp gig gets them faster. Promising delivery you can't keep costs you reviews, because late orders hurt them. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** 14 days after each completed order, or 7 for Top Rated sellers · **Age:** 18+ to withdraw on Fiverr, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>22. Work as a virtual assistant</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week, or when your client pays your invoice.</p> <p>Busy people need help with inbox, calendar and admin now, so VA work is one of the quickest freelance jobs to land.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized and quick to reply.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a monthly package. On Upwork, virtual assistants typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/virtual-assistants/cost/)). Specialists earn more: medical virtual assistance grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Employed administrative assistants in the US earn a median of $48,310 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Life and Numbers on becoming a virtual assistant with no experience.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UT1rOreitg | How to Become a Virtual Assistant with No Experience (Step-by-Step Guide + Real Client Stories) | | life and numbers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start List five tasks you can take over Apply to VA jobs on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and [OnlineJobs.ph](https://navid.link/onlinejobsph?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) Start with one client and grow from there :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) for processes and [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) for drafts.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Saying yes to every task lets your hours grow, so agree on a clear list. Staying general keeps your rate low, since specialists earn more. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>23. Write for businesses</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** per piece, when the client approves it, or weekly on Upwork.</p> <p>A product description, an email or a short blog post can be written and paid for in the same week.</p> <p>It fits you if you write clearly and on deadline.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per page or a monthly retainer. On Upwork, copywriters typically charge $19 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/copywriters/cost/)). Employed writers and authors in the US earn a median of $76,910 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Joanna Wiebe on becoming a top 1% copywriter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GozdYVnSrkE | How To Become a Top 1% Author, Copywriter, or Communicator | | Joanna Wiebe | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write three samples in one niche Offer one kind of piece at a fixed price Ask for repeat work from every happy client :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) for drafts and [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) to polish.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending AI drafts without editing loses clients, who can often tell. Writing without knowing the reader produces copy that doesn't land. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per piece, or weekly on Upwork · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>24. Design for clients</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** when the client approves the design, or weekly on Upwork.</p> <p>Logos, social posts and flyers are small projects you can finish and get paid for within days.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for design.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or a monthly package. On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)). Employed graphic designers in the US earn a median of $62,960 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm), May 2025). Logo design grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Edgy Katrina's realistic week as a freelance graphic designer.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VDq7pubiZE | a realistic week in my life as a freelance graphic designer and creator in LA | | edgykatrina | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make five samples for one kind of business Offer one design package at a fixed price Take half up front on new clients :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), [Figma](https://navid.link/figma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and [Recraft](https://navid.link/recraft?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Offering unlimited revisions lets a project drag on, so agree on two rounds. Starting small jobs before you're paid risks not getting paid at all. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** when the design is approved, or weekly on Upwork · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>25. Edit videos</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** per video when it's delivered, or weekly on Upwork.</p> <p>Creators and businesses need short clips cut from long videos every week, and [AI tools](/ai-tools) make each edit faster.</p> <p>It fits you if you can edit quickly and keep to deadlines.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video or a monthly package. AI video generation and editing was the fastest-growing skill on Upwork in 2025, up 329% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Most video editors on Upwork charge $6 to $25 an hour, and the most experienced earn a median of $100 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)). Employed film and video editors in the US earn a median of $75,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Lerin Nic's full CapCut course for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68KNzsmBarM | CapCut Video Editing Tutorial for Beginners (2026) - Full Course | | Lerin Nic | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Edit three sample clips for creators you like Offer a weekly clip package at a fixed price Deliver on time, every time :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Missing deadlines loses clients, because creators post on a schedule. Editing without a brief leads to rework and unhappy clients. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per video, or weekly on Upwork · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>26. Do data entry</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week.</p> <p>Data jobs need no portfolio, so they're among the easier jobs to land.</p> <p>It fits you if you're accurate and fast in spreadsheets.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. On Upwork, data entry specialists typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/data-entry-specialists/cost/)). Employed data entry keyers in the US earn a median of $19.88 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes439021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** The Remote Times on data entry jobs from home.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IaAaLvHxzk | Work From Home Data Entry Jobs - Remote Hiring No Phones, No Degree | | The Remote Times | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Brush up on sorting, filtering and simple formulas Apply to small data jobs on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) Use [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) to clean data faster :::</p> <p>**Tools:** spreadsheets, [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Answering data entry ads that ask you to pay for training can cost you money, because that's a scam. Staying at the lowest rate keeps you underpaid, so raise it as you get faster. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>27. Proofread and edit</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** per job on delivery, or weekly on Upwork.</p> <p>Short proofreading jobs can be finished in one evening.</p> <p>It fits you if you spot every typo.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per word or per project. On Upwork, proofreaders typically charge $18 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/proofreaders/cost/)). Employed editors in the US earn a median of $77,920 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick what you edit, like blog posts or books Edit a short free sample to show your work Charge per word once you have reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and the [Flesch-Kincaid calculator](/free-tools/flesch-kincaid-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Rewriting the author's voice annoys clients who wanted their errors fixed. Taking rush jobs at normal rates undersells your evenings. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** on delivery, or weekly on Upwork · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>28. Write resumes and LinkedIn profiles</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** up front or on delivery, since each resume is a short project.</p> <p>Job seekers want help now, and a resume package takes an evening or two.</p> <p>It fits you if you write well and know what hiring managers want.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per resume or per package. On Upwork, resume writers typically charge $25 to $65 an hour, and the median is $42 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/resume-writers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Teal on making a resume that stands out in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRha1slhTJU | How to Make A Resume that Stands Out in 2026 (after hiring 1,000s) | | Teal | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rewrite your own resume and a friend's Offer a package: resume, cover letter and LinkedIn Ask clients to review you after each interview :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using one template for everyone makes each resume weaker. Promising interviews sets you up for refunds, since no resume writer controls who gets called. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** up front or on delivery · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>29. Manage social media for businesses</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** monthly, usually up front, from each client.</p> <p>Local businesses need someone to post for them this month. One client can start paying you within a week of your first message.</p> <p>It fits you if you know what works on Instagram or TikTok.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly retainers. On Upwork, social media managers typically charge $14 to $35 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/social-media-managers/cost/)). Demand for Instagram services grew 147% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)), and social media strategy was among Upwork's fastest-growing marketing skills in 2025, up 36% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jade Beason's full guide to starting a social media marketing agency.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3iIIAxppPo | How to start a social media marketing agency step by step - 2026 FULL GUIDE | | Jade Beason | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Offer a free week of posts to one local business Show the results and offer a monthly plan Ask for referrals to other businesses :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Metricool](https://navid.link/metricool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising follower numbers sets you up to fail, since no one controls the algorithm. Working without a contract leaves you with no protection when a client stops paying. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** monthly · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>30. Design YouTube thumbnails</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** per thumbnail on delivery, or weekly on Upwork.</p> <p>A thumbnail takes an hour or two, and creators need one for every video.</p> <p>It fits you if you watch a lot of YouTube.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per thumbnail or a monthly package. Searches for YouTube thumbnails grew 52% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Wes McDowell's new way to make YouTube thumbnails in minutes.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-wymxSUUAk | The NEW Way to Make YouTube Thumbnails in Minutes (NO DESIGN EXPERIENCE NEEDED) | | Wes McDowell | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign five thumbnails from channels you watch Post the before and after Pitch creators who post every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** ChatGPT's GPT Image 2.5, [Higgsfield](https://navid.link/higgsfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and [Magnific](https://navid.link/magnific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), which I use for my own thumbnails.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Too many words make a thumbnail hard to read, so keep to three or fewer. Ignoring the title next to it breaks the story the two should tell together. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per thumbnail · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>31. Translate</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** per job on delivery, or weekly on Upwork.</p> <p>Short translations, like product pages and emails, are quick jobs if you're fluent in two languages.</p> <p>It fits you if you're fluent in two languages and careful.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per word or per project. On Upwork, translators typically charge $15 to $25 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/translators/cost/)). Employed interpreters and translators in the US earn a median of $60,170 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Adrian Probst breaks down where a freelance translator's income comes from.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-FyJt3pcig | Language Freelancer: Income Breakdown (Freelance Translator) | | Adrian Probst | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick your language pairs Offer AI translation checked by you, at a fixed price per page Build repeat clients in one industry :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) for drafts, then check every line.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Delivering machine drafts wastes what clients pay for, which is your judgment. Translating subjects you don't know lets wrong terms through. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** on delivery, or weekly on Upwork · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>32. Do customer support</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** weekly on Upwork, or on your client's payroll schedule.</p> <p>Online businesses hire support help for evenings and weekends, and the work starts as soon as you're trained on their help desk.</p> <p>It fits you if you're patient and write clearly.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. On Upwork, customer service representatives typically charge $10 to $19 an hour, and the median is $14 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/customer-service-representatives/cost/)). Employed customer service representatives in the US earn a median of $21.53 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/customer-service-representatives.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Omowunmi on companies hiring remote customer support with no experience.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp9XshWoLsY | These 10 Companies Are Hiring Remote Customer Support (No Experience) | | Omowunmi’s Virtual Assistant Academy | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn a common help desk tool Apply to remote support roles Specialize in one kind of product :::</p> <p>**Tools:** help desks like [Tidio](https://navid.link/tidio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), and the [remote jobs](/free-tools/remote-jobs) finder.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying and pasting replies makes customers feel ignored. Promising refunds you can't give gets you in trouble with the business. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>33. Transcribe audio</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** Rev pays every week through PayPal ([Rev](https://www.rev.com/freelancers)).</p> <p>You choose when to log in and work, so you can earn in any free hour.</p> <p>It fits you if you type fast and have a good ear.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per audio minute. Rev pays $0.40 to $1.10 per audio minute for transcripts and $0.54 to $1.10 for captions, weekly through PayPal ([Rev](https://www.rev.com/freelancers)). On Upwork, transcriptionists typically charge $12 to $22 an hour, and the median is $15 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/transcriptionists/cost/)). Employed court reporters and live captioners in the US earn a median of $72,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/court-reporters.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant tests whether Rev's transcription jobs are worth it.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPSngnJlD2Y | Rev Transcription Jobs: Worth It or Complete Waste of Time? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to [Rev](https://navid.link/rev?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and pass its test Work in short sessions with good headphones Move regular clients to your own rates :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) for drafts, and the [transcript cleaner](/free-tools/transcript-cleaner).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Trusting the AI draft lets errors with names and numbers through. Working without headphones makes you miss words. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly by PayPal on Rev · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>34. Test websites and apps</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** UserTesting sends each payment to PayPal 14 days after you upload the test ([UserTesting](https://participant-support.usertesting.com/hc/en-us/articles/37633031351315-When-and-how-will-I-be-paid)).</p> <p>Tests take a short block of time, so you can fit several into a day off.</p> <p>It fits you if you can think out loud while you click.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per test, paid by the company through the testing platform.</p> <p>**Watch:** PaidFromSurveys on getting paid to test websites with UserTesting.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IasjXrnwn1M | Get Paid to Test Websites - Is UserTesting.com the Ultimate Side Hustle? (Full Review) | | PaidFromSurveys | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up on [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and pass the practice test Check for new tests often Talk through everything you notice :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and a headset with a good microphone.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Guessing on screener questions can get you fewer tests over time. Going quiet during a test leaves out the comments they pay for. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** 14 days after each test · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>35. Clip videos for creators</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** per clip or per batch, paid by the creator, or by views on clipping programs.</p> <p>Creators need clips every week, and you can make your first ones tonight.</p> <p>It fits you if you can spot the moments people share.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per clip, or pay per view on clipping programs. Clips are short-form video editing, and searches for short-form video editing grew 27% and Reels editing 57% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, video editors typically charge $6 to $25 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Daniel Bitton on how clipping pays.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_i3MscQJ70 | How To Get Rich From Clipping | | Daniel Bitton Extra | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Clip three creators in one topic for practice Keep the formats that get watched Pitch the creators or join their programs :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), [Submagic](https://navid.link/submagic?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Clipping without permission can get your videos taken down. Burying the hook loses viewers in the first second. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per clip or per view</p> <h4>36. Make UGC videos for brands</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** when the brand pays your invoice, often half up front if you ask.</p> <p>A 30-second video filmed on your phone can be delivered this week.</p> <p>It fits you if you're natural on camera.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video, paid by the brand, at a rate you set. Brands also hire this work as video ads: searches for AI UGC video ads grew 265% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026, and searches for video editing grew 36% ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Samantha Dixon's step-by-step guide to becoming a UGC creator.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKdFfNUsQjY | BECOME A UGC CREATOR IN 2026💰(STEP-BY-STEP) - How To Make Money Online As A UGC Creator? What is UGC | | Samantha Dixon | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Film three sample videos with products you own Pitch five brands in one niche Ask for half the fee up front :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and [Captions](https://navid.link/captions?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), with scripts from the [video script generator](/free-tools/video-script-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Filming ads that sound like ads wastes the reason brands hire you. Pitching every brand at once spreads your samples thin. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when the brand pays</p> <h4>37. Make AI images for brands</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** per image set when it's delivered.</p> <p>AI makes a full set of product images in an evening, so it's one of the fastest skills to sell this week.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for good images.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per image set or a monthly package. AI image generation and editing grew 95% on Upwork in 2025, by freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Kevin Stratvert](/creators/kevin-stratvert) on making images with Google's Nano Banana.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfE-csUyPF4 | Nano Banana AI Tutorial - How to Use Google’s Free Tool (Step-by-Step) | | Kevin Stratvert | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a sample set for three products you own Show the before and after on one page Pitch online stores with weak photos :::</p> <p>**Tools:** ChatGPT's GPT Image 2.5, [Higgsfield](https://navid.link/higgsfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) and [Magnific](https://navid.link/magnific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast), which I use myself.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Changing the product in the image makes it unusable for the brand. Ignoring the license terms can put a client at risk. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per image set</p> <h4>38. Vibe code a quick tool or automation</h4> <p>**How fast it pays:** a setup fee when the build is done, often half up front.</p> <p>[Vibe coding](/articles/what-is-vibe-coding) means building software by describing what you want in plain English, then letting an AI agent write, run and fix the code. A business that loses hours to a task will often pay for a fix, and with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) or [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable) a small tool or automation can take an afternoon.</p> <p>It fits you if you like making things work together.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee. AI integration grew 178% on Upwork in 2025, by freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)), and searches for [n8n](/ai-tools/n8n) AI automation grew 125% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, AI developers typically charge $30 to $150 an hour, and the median is $90 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** n8n's own quick start for building your first AI agent.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuaKeDS6UKU | n8n Quick Start Tutorial: Build Your First AI Agent [2026] | | n8n and Flowgrammer | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Automate one task in your own work Offer the same fix to three businesses at a fixed price Ask for half up front :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex). [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable), [Bolt](/ai-tools/bolt), [Replit](/ai-tools/replit), [Base44](/ai-tools/base44) and [Vibecode](https://navid.link/vibecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=how-to-make-money-fast) build apps from a prompt, [Google AI Studio](/ai-tools/google-ai-studio) does it with Gemini, and [Zapier](/ai-tools/zapier) and [Make](/ai-tools/make-com) connect apps without code.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Automating a messy process makes the mess run faster, so fix the process first. Skipping alerts means a broken step can go unnoticed for days. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project</p> <h3>What surveys, cashback and game apps really pay</h3> <p>Apps that pay you to take surveys, watch ads or play games are real, but they pay in small amounts, often as points or gift cards you can cash out only after a minimum. That matches what Bankrate found: 28% of side hustlers make between $1 and $50 a month ([Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/)).</p> <p>They're fine for spare minutes on your phone. If you need real money this week, an hour of delivery or one small freelance job pays more than a week of surveys, which is why they're not in the 38.</p> <h3>Fast-money scams to avoid</h3> <p>People who need money fast are who scammers look for:</p> <p>:::numbers ShieldCheck | $15.9 billion | reported lost to fraud by Americans in 2025 | Reports to the FTC | [FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/ftc-testimony-jec-hearing-on-the-rising-scam-economy.pdf) Briefcase | $750.6 million | lost to job and business opportunity scams in 2024 | Reports to the FTC | [FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/03/new-ftc-data-show-big-jump-reported-losses-fraud-125-billion-2024) :::</p> <p>Walk away from any of these:</p> <p>:::mistakes A job that asks you to pay for training, a starter kit or equipment first is a scam. A task app where you deposit money to unlock bigger payouts is built to keep your money. A buyer who sends a check for more than the price and asks for the difference back is running a scam, and the check will bounce. A stranger who offers quick money for receiving or forwarding packages or payments may be using you to move stolen goods or money. A "guaranteed" return from crypto, trading or betting tips is a sign of a scam. :::</p> <p>If a way to make money fast asks you to pay before you get paid, walk away.</p> <h3>How to turn fast money into money that keeps coming</h3> <p>Fast money solves this month. To earn more next month, use the fast ways to pay the bills while you build something that grows:</p> <p>:::steps Pick one fast way from the groups above and get paid this week. Pick one skill you'd like to be paid more for, and practice it a few hours a week. Sell that skill to your first client, then raise your price with each review. Build an email list or a small product beside it. Drop the fast ways once the skill or the product pays more. :::</p> <p>My guides to [70 side hustle ideas](/articles/side-hustle-ideas) and [108 ways to make money online](/articles/ways-to-make-money-online) cover the ways that grow, with what each pays.</p> <h3>Final thoughts on making money fast</h3> <p>There are 38 ways to make money fast in this guide, and the fastest are the simplest: sell what you own, drive, deliver or do a local job, and cash out the same day.</p> <p>Use them to get through this month, and keep one slower way growing beside them. That's the difference between fast money and freedom.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[60 things to sell to make money](/articles/things-to-sell-to-make-money)</li><li>[52 easiest side hustles](/articles/easiest-side-hustles)</li><li>[70 side hustle ideas](/articles/side-hustle-ideas)</li><li>[108 ways to make money online](/articles/ways-to-make-money-online)</li><li>[How to make money with AI](/articles/how-to-make-money-with-ai)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: pick the fastest way on this list that fits you, and apply or post your first listing today.</p><h2>FAQs about making money fast</h2><h3>How can I make money fast today?</h3><p>Sell something you own locally for cash, or drive or deliver with an app that pays out the same day.</p> <p>Uber lets drivers cash out after every trip, and Instacart offers Instant Cashout.</p> <p>Local jobs like yard work and moving help pay when the job is done.</p><h3>How can I make $100 fast?</h3><p>Selling one or two things you don't use is the quickest $100 for most people.</p> <p>A few hours of delivery, moving help or yard work can add up to $100 in a day at the BLS median wages for that work.</p> <p>A small freelance gig can earn it too, though Fiverr releases earnings 14 days after the order is complete.</p><h3>How can I make money fast with no money?</h3><p>Sell what you own, do local jobs, or freelance a skill you have, since none of them cost anything to start.</p> <p>Paid research studies on Respondent are free to join and pay 48 hours after each session.</p> <p>Avoid anything that asks you to pay to start.</p><h3>How can I make money fast online?</h3><p>Paid research studies on Respondent and AI training work on DataAnnotation pay within days.</p> <p>Respondent pays 48 hours after a session, and DataAnnotation pays within a few days of your request.</p> <p>Selling printables on Etsy with daily deposits works too.</p><h3>How can I make money fast as a teenager?</h3><p>Local jobs like babysitting, yard work, pet sitting and car washing are the fastest for teens, since they don't need a platform account.</p> <p>Many apps require you to be 18, and Amazon Flex requires 21.</p> <p>On Fiverr and Etsy, 13 to 17 year olds can sell through a parent's account.</p><h3>How can I make money fast from home?</h3><p>Freelance gigs, paid research studies, AI training work and selling printables all work from home.</p> <p>Renting out a spare room on Airbnb pays by the end of the business day after a guest checks in.</p> <p>Most of the ways that pay within a few days in this guide work from home.</p><h3>What apps pay instantly?</h3><p>Uber's Instant Pay, Lyft's debit card payouts and Instacart's Instant Cashout pay right after the work.</p> <p>eBay offers on-demand payouts that usually arrive within 30 minutes for eligible sellers, for a $2 fee.</p> <p>Stripe's Instant Payouts arrive within minutes for eligible accounts.</p><h3>Is it possible to make $1,000 fast?</h3><p>Yes, if you sell something valuable you own, or put in full days of driving or local work.</p> <p>At the BLS median wage for yard work, $18.82 an hour, $1,000 is about 53 hours of work.</p> <p>My fastest $5,000 day came after a year of building, so plan for both fast money and something that grows.</p><h3>What are fast-money scams?</h3><p>Jobs that ask you to pay first, task apps that need a deposit, and buyers who overpay by check are three signs to watch for.</p> <p>Americans reported $15.9 billion lost to fraud in 2025, according to the FTC.</p> <p>Real ways to make money never ask you to pay to get paid.</p><h3>What should I sell for quick cash?</h3><p>Start with things you don't use that people buy secondhand, like electronics, furniture, tools and branded clothes.</p> <p>Check sold listings to price each item.</p> <p>Sell big items locally for cash, and ship small ones.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/side-hustle-ideas/https://navid.me/blog/side-hustle-ideas/70 side hustle ideas, from delivery apps and local jobs to freelance skills and AI, each with what it pays from a real source, how to start and the tools to use.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>This is a list of 70 side hustle ideas, with what each one pays and how to start.</p> <p>I started with one myself. In 2013 I had a part-time job at a bank and a blog I worked on at night, and my first online sale was a $65 affiliate commission. A year later, my first [virtual summit](/articles/what-is-a-virtual-summit) brought in over $20,000, and I quit the bank on November 28, 2014.</p> <p>Most side hustles pay a lot less than that, and that's fine. The median side hustler in the US makes $200 a month ([Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/), 2025). So every idea below shows what it pays, with the source, how fast you get paid and who can do it.</p> <p>In this guide, you'll learn:</p> <ul><li>What a side hustle is, and what most people really make from one</li><li>How my side hustle became my full-time work</li><li>70 side hustle ideas in six groups, each with what it pays from a real source, how fast it pays, how to start, the tools and the mistakes to avoid</li><li>The side hustles that pay the most per hour</li><li>How side hustle income is taxed in the US</li></ul> <p>Pick the group that matches what you have today: free hours, a car, a skill, something to sell, an audience or an interest in AI.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - 27% of US adults have a side hustle. The median one pays $200 a month, and the average is $885 ([Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/), 2025). - The quickest side hustles are apps and local jobs that pay per task, like delivery and pet sitting. Amazon says most of its Flex drivers earn $18 to $25 an hour. - The best-paying side hustles sell a skill. On Upwork, grant writers charge a median of $50 an hour and AI developers $90. - In the US, side hustle income is taxable, and self-employment tax applies once your net earnings reach $400 a year ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes)). - Start one side hustle that fits your hours, and add a second only when the first one pays. :::</p> <h3>What is a side hustle?</h3> <p>A side hustle is work you do outside your main job for extra income. You choose when you work, and you can stop when you want. That's what makes it different from a second job with a fixed schedule.</p> <p>Most side hustles fall into one of five kinds:</p> <p>1. **Gig apps:** you take jobs through an app, like delivering groceries or testing websites, and get paid per task. 2. **Local services:** you work for people near you, like pet sitting, cleaning or tutoring. 3. **Freelance skills:** you sell a skill online, like writing, design or bookkeeping, to clients anywhere. 4. **Things you sell:** you sell products, from resold finds to printables and handmade goods. 5. **An audience or a business:** you build something that earns while it grows, like a channel, a newsletter or a course.</p> <p>Here's what side hustlers in the US really make, by Bankrate's numbers:</p> <p>:::numbers Users | 27% | of US adults have a side hustle | Bankrate survey of 2,616 adults, June 2025 | [Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/) Wallet | $200 | a month, the median side hustle income | Half earn more, half earn less | [Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/) ChartColumn | $885 | a month, the average side hustle income | A few high earners pull it up | [Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/) Hourglass | 28% | of side hustlers make $1 to $50 a month | Bankrate, 2025 | [Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/loans/small-business/side-hustles-survey/) :::</p> <p>The gap between the median and the average says it all: most people earn a little, and a few earn a lot. The ones who earn a lot usually sell a skill at a good price or build something they own.</p> <h3>How my side hustle became my full-time work</h3> <p>I didn't plan to quit. My blog was a side project, and I learned online marketing by interviewing people who were better at it than me.</p> <p>Then I hosted my first virtual summit, The Branding Summit, in 2014. It made over $20,000, and on launch day alone I made over $5,000 in all-access pass sales. That was the day I quit my bank job.</p> <p>:::gallery   :::</p> <p>Since then, summits, courses, affiliate promotions and consulting have paid my way while I've lived in Cancun, Barcelona, London and now Panama City. My full numbers are in my guide to [108 ways to make money online](/articles/ways-to-make-money-online).</p> <p>The lesson I took from it: a side hustle grows when you put the money and the hours back into it, and you quit when it already pays.</p> <h3>Find your side hustle in two minutes</h3> <p>Answer six questions about your skills, time and budget, and get your top three side hustles with a plan for your first week.</p> <p>:::tool side-hustle-quiz side-hustle-ideas :::</p> <h3>Side hustles you can start this week</h3> <p>These need little or no money and no special skills. Most run through an app that sends you work, so you can start earning as soon as you're approved. They pay by the task, so your hours set your income.</p> <h4>1. Shop and deliver groceries with Instacart</h4> <p>You get an order in the app, shop for it at the store, and drive it to the customer. You pick the orders you want, so you can work a couple of hours after your job or a full Saturday.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a car, a smartphone and a few free hours at times when people order groceries.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per order plus tips. Instacart pays shoppers weekly by direct deposit, offers Instant Cashout when you need the money sooner, and lets you keep 100% of customer tips ([Instacart](https://shoppers.instacart.com/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Kinsley Finance's tips for a first day as an Instacart shopper.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6aeFEHWqkY | Instacart Shopper FIRST DAY Tips/Tricks (2025) | | Kinsley Finance | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up in the Instacart Shopper app and pass the background check Start with orders close to home to learn the stores Shop at the busiest times, when there are more orders to pick from :::</p> <p>**Tools:** you work through [Instacart](https://navid.link/instacart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) itself. Track your mileage and costs in a simple spreadsheet from day one, since they cut what you owe in taxes.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Counting your pay without your costs overstates it, because gas, wear on your car and taxes come out of what you earn. Taking every order can lower your hourly pay, since big orders far from home can pay less per hour than short ones nearby. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly, or right away with Instant Cashout · **Age:** 18+ on Instacart</p> <h4>2. Deliver packages with Amazon Flex</h4> <p>You sign up for delivery blocks, usually a few hours long, pick up packages from an Amazon station and deliver them with your own car. The block and its pay are set before you start, so you know what a shift is worth.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a car with space for packages and want set hours rather than order-by-order work.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a set amount per delivery block, shown before you take it. Amazon says most Flex drivers earn $18 to $25 an hour, depending on where and when they drive ([Amazon Flex](https://flex.amazon.com/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Package Pursuit on still doing Amazon Flex, and why.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKrEH6abEXQ | This Is Why I Still Do Amazon Flex | | Package Pursuit | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Download the Amazon Flex app and check that it runs in your city Pass the background check and add your vehicle Grab blocks at times that fit around your job :::</p> <p>**Tools:** everything runs in the [Amazon Flex](https://navid.link/amazonflex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) app. Use your phone's maps, and keep a mileage log for taxes.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Picking blocks too far from home costs you, because the drive to the station is unpaid. Forgetting the costs of your car hides what you really make, so work out what you keep per hour after gas and wear. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Age:** 21+ on Amazon Flex</p> <h4>3. Deliver food with DoorDash or Uber Eats</h4> <p>You pick up meals from restaurants and drop them at people's doors, by car, bike or scooter in some cities. Lunch and dinner are the busy times, which fit well around a day job.</p> <p>It fits you if you know your area and want to earn in the evenings or on weekends, with no schedule to keep.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per order plus tips. Employed driver/sales workers, the BLS group that includes food delivery drivers, earn a median of $18.64 an hour in the US ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533031.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jay Fourty lives off DoorDash earnings for a week.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bn_sT4ckM4 | I Survived Off DoorDash Earnings for a Week | | Jay Fourty | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up as a [DoorDash Dasher](https://navid.link/dasher?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or with [Uber Eats](https://navid.link/ubereats?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), or both Pass the checks and set up your bank account in the app Drive at lunch and dinner on the days you're free :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the apps themselves. Some drivers run both apps to wait less between orders.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Accepting every order can lower your hourly pay, since short trips with a tip usually pay more per hour than long ones without. Driving at slow hours wastes your time, because you earn when people order, so learn your area's rush times. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>4. Drive people with Uber or Lyft</h4> <p>You drive passengers in your own car when you turn the app on. You choose when to drive, so it fits around a weekday job.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a newer car, a clean driving record and like talking to people, or at least don't mind it.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fare per trip plus tips. Employed taxi drivers in the US earn a median of $20.24 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533054.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** PlayStyle Nick breaks down a first week of earnings as an Uber driver.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXkRIJ84y18 | How Much I Made in My First Week as an Uber Driver (Real Earnings Breakdown) (Uber Vlog 3) | | PlayStyle Nick | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your city's rules and your car against [Uber's requirements](https://navid.link/uber?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) Upload your license, insurance and car documents Drive at the busy times you know in your city :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the driver apps, and a phone mount and charger. Uber lists its requirements by city on its own site.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping the insurance question can leave you uncovered, so ask your insurer how your policy covers driving for an app. Counting fares as profit overstates your pay, because your car's costs and taxes come out of every trip. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Age:** your state's minimum to drive for Uber, with 1 year of driving experience, or 3 years if you're under 25</p> <h4>5. Test websites and apps</h4> <p>Companies pay to watch real people use their website or app while they think out loud. Each test takes a short block of time, so it fits into a lunch break.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a computer with a microphone, a quiet room and can say what you think while you click.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per test. UserTesting sends each payment to PayPal 14 days after you upload the test ([UserTesting](https://participant-support.usertesting.com/hc/en-us/articles/37633031351315-When-and-how-will-I-be-paid)).</p> <p>**Watch:** PaidFromSurveys on getting paid to test websites with UserTesting.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IasjXrnwn1M | Get Paid to Test Websites - Is UserTesting.com the Ultimate Side Hustle? (Full Review) | | PaidFromSurveys | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sign up on testing platforms and fill in your profile honestly Take the practice test and pass it Check for new tests often, since popular ones fill up :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the tests come through [UserTesting](https://navid.link/usertesting?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and [Respondent](https://navid.link/respondent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) runs paid research interviews too. A good headset makes your recordings easier to follow.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Guessing on screener questions can get you fewer tests, while honest answers get you more over time. Going quiet during a test leaves out what they pay for, which is your comments. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** by PayPal, 14 days after each test · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>6. Help train AI</h4> <p>AI companies pay people to write, rate and fix the answers their models give. You log in, pick tasks and work when you want, which is why it's one of the easiest side hustles to fit around a job.</p> <p>It fits you if you write clearly and know a subject well, like coding, math, law, medicine or a second language.</p> <p>**What it pays:** pay per hour. DataAnnotation lists $25 to $50 an hour for generalists and $40 to $150+ an hour for coders and other experts ([DataAnnotation](https://www.dataannotation.tech/)). Demand is real: freelancer earnings from AI data annotation and labeling grew 154% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant checks whether DataAnnotation's AI jobs are legit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--i7J5mR720 | Are DataAnnotation Tech AI Jobs Legit? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Apply to the platforms AI companies use for this work Take the test in your strongest subject Do a few tasks each week to stay active and get more work :::</p> <p>**Tools:** the work runs on platforms like [DataAnnotation](https://navid.link/dataannotation?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Outlier](https://navid.link/outlier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Read each one's pay and rules on its own site first.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Paying to join is a warning sign, because real AI training platforms don't charge you. Counting on it as steady income is risky, because projects open and close, so keep it as extra money. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>7. Transcribe and caption</h4> <p>You turn recordings into text and captions. AI writes the first draft now, so the job is fixing names, numbers and anything it misheard.</p> <p>It fits you if you type fast, have a good ear and like quiet, detailed work you can do in short sessions.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per audio minute. Rev pays $0.40 to $1.10 per audio minute for transcripts and $0.54 to $1.10 for captions, weekly through PayPal ([Rev](https://www.rev.com/freelancers)). On Upwork, transcriptionists typically charge $12 to $22 an hour, and the median is $15 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/transcriptionists/cost/)). Employed court reporters and live captioners in the US earn a median of $72,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/court-reporters.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Justin Bryant tests whether Rev's transcription jobs are worth it.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPSngnJlD2Y | Rev Transcription Jobs: Worth It or Complete Waste of Time? | | Justin Bryant | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Practice on a few podcasts and time yourself Apply to a transcription platform and pass its test Take regular clients to your own rates once you have reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) makes a draft transcript you can correct quickly, and [Rev](https://navid.link/rev?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [TranscribeMe](https://navid.link/transcribeme?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) are where many people start. Clean up messy text with the [transcript cleaner](/free-tools/transcript-cleaner).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Trusting the AI draft lets errors through, so check every name and number before you submit. Working without headphones makes you miss words, and missed words can cost you your rating. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly by PayPal on Rev · **Age:** 18+ for PayPal in the US</p> <h4>8. Resell things online</h4> <p>You buy things below what they're worth, at thrift stores, garage sales and clearance racks, and sell them online for more. Start by selling what you already own and don't use.</p> <p>It fits you if you like hunting for deals and can photograph and ship a few items a week.</p> <p>**What it pays:** [the margin](/free-tools/profit-margin-calculator) on each item. On eBay, the money is usually available 1 to 2 days after the buyer pays, and daily payouts start about 2 days after that ([eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on how to start reselling with no money.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ0fdAYPyqE | How to Start Reselling (Even With $0 in the Bank) | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Sell five things from your own home first Pick one category, like sneakers or vintage clothes, and learn its prices Put the profit back into stock that sells fast :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [eBay](https://navid.link/ebay?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) for almost anything, [Poshmark](https://navid.link/poshmark?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) for clothes and [Whatnot](https://navid.link/whatnot?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) for live selling. Write listings with [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and clean product photos with the [product photo background remover](/free-tools/product-photo-background-remover).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying what you like instead of what sells leaves you with stock, so check sold listings before you buy. Letting stock pile up ties up your money, so lower the price on anything that hasn't sold in a month. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** daily or weekly on eBay · **Age:** 18+ on eBay</p> <h4>9. Do data entry</h4> <p>You type, copy and clean up information for businesses: product lists, contacts, [invoices](/free-tools/invoice-generator) and spreadsheets. It's simple work you can do in the evenings.</p> <p>It fits you if you're accurate, fast at typing and comfortable in spreadsheets.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an [hourly rate](/free-tools/hourly-to-salary-calculator). On Upwork, data entry specialists typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/data-entry-specialists/cost/)). Employed data entry keyers in the US earn a median of $19.88 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes439021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** The Remote Times on data entry jobs from home.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IaAaLvHxzk | Work From Home Data Entry Jobs - Remote Hiring No Phones, No Degree | | The Remote Times | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Get good at spreadsheets, including sorting, filtering and simple formulas Offer small data jobs on a freelance platform Learn to speed the work up with AI so you can take more of it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find work on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and use [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) to clean and sort data faster.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Answering "data entry" job ads that ask you to pay for training can cost you money, because that's a common scam. Charging too little for too long keeps you underpaid, so raise your rate as you get faster. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>10. Clip videos for creators</h4> <p>You cut the best moments of long videos, like podcasts and streams, into short clips for TikTok, Reels and Shorts. Creators pay because clips bring them new viewers.</p> <p>It fits you if you watch a lot of one kind of content and can spot the moment people will share.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per clip, or pay per view on clipping programs. Clips are short-form video editing, and searches for short-form video editing grew 27% and Reels editing 57% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, video editors typically charge $6 to $25 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Daniel Bitton on how clipping pays.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_i3MscQJ70 | How To Get Rich From Clipping | | Daniel Bitton Extra | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick three creators in one topic and clip their videos for practice Post the clips and keep the formats that get watched Pitch the creators or join their clipping programs :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) finds the moments, and [Submagic](https://navid.link/submagic?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) add captions and cuts. Add captions for free with the [video caption generator](/free-tools/video-caption-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Clipping without permission can get your videos taken down, so work with the creator or their official program. Burying the hook loses viewers, because the first second often decides whether anyone watches. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per clip or per view, by the creator</p> <h3>Side hustles in your neighborhood</h3> <p>Local work pays by the hour or by the job, and people near you need it every week. These don't scale like an online business, but you can start them this weekend, and many grow into a small business with regular clients.</p> <h4>11. Pet sit and walk dogs</h4> <p>You walk dogs, drop in to feed cats, or stay with pets while their owners travel. Walks fit before or after work, and overnight stays pay the most.</p> <p>It fits you if you love animals and are home or nearby at the times owners need help.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per walk, visit or night. Employed animal caretakers in the US earn a median of $17.00 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes392021.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Look after the pets of friends and neighbors first, for reviews Make a profile on [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) with clear photos and your rules Ask happy owners to book again and to refer friends :::</p> <p>**Tools:** most sitters find clients on [Rover](https://navid.link/rover?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and keep repeat clients by text. Make a simple flyer for your area in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping a meet-and-greet can lead to a bad first booking, so meet every pet beforehand. Taking more pets than you can handle is risky, because one bad walk can undo months of good reviews. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>12. Babysit</h4> <p>Parents need sitters for date nights, weekends and after school. Regular families give you steady evening work around a day job.</p> <p>It fits you if you're good with kids, reliable, and free at the times parents go out.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. Employed childcare workers in the US earn a median of $16.82 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399011.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Get certified in CPR and first aid Make a profile on [Care.com](https://navid.link/carecom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and ask families you know for references Turn one-off bookings into a regular weekly slot :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Care.com](https://navid.link/carecom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) connects you with families, and a shared calendar keeps regular bookings straight.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping the rules talk can upset parents, so ask about bedtimes, screens, food and who to call. Charging the same for more kids undersells your work, so agree on a rate for each extra child up front. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>13. Clean homes</h4> <p>You clean homes and short-term rentals, usually on a set day each week or between guests. Short-term rental hosts need a clean between guests, often at short notice.</p> <p>It fits you if you're thorough, physically fit and like work you can see the results of.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per clean or an hourly rate. Employed housekeeping cleaners in the US earn a median of $17.07 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes372012.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** UpFlip visits a cleaning business making $23,013 a week.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3wDBnIEjaw | This Cleaning Business Makes $23,013.69 a Week and Here's Exactly How They Did It | | UpFlip | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Clean for two people you know and ask for a review Write down your checklist so every clean is the same Offer a weekly or every-two-weeks price to keep clients :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find clients through [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and local groups, and keep your checklist and bookings in [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Pricing by the hour forever punishes you for getting faster, while a set price per home rewards it. Skipping a written list of what's included leads to disagreements, so agree on one before the first clean. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>14. Do yard work and pressure washing</h4> <p>You mow lawns, trim hedges, rake leaves and pressure wash driveways and decks. Weekends are when homeowners want it done, so it fits around a weekday job.</p> <p>It fits you if you like working outside and can get basic equipment to people's homes.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job. Employed landscaping and groundskeeping workers in the US earn a median of $18.82 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes373011.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Lawn Legacy on a full day of solo mowing that brought in $575.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XToAdVrsgkA | How Much Can a Solo Lawn Care Business Make in a Day? | | Lawn Legacy | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Start with the tools you have and your neighbors' yards Take before and after photos of every job Offer a weekly or every-two-weeks plan for the season :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find jobs on [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and in neighborhood groups, and show your work with before and after photos. Make a flyer in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying expensive gear before you have clients puts you in the red, so rent it or borrow it at first. Quoting without seeing the job can lose you money, so ask for photos or visit before you price it. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>15. Help people move</h4> <p>You load and unload trucks, carry furniture and pack boxes. Many moves happen on weekends, which fits well around a job.</p> <p>It fits you if you're strong, careful with other people's things and have weekend mornings free.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. Employed hand laborers and movers in the US earn a median of $19.35 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes537062.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a profile on [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) for moving help Team up with a friend so you can take bigger jobs Ask for reviews after every move :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) sends you local jobs. Bring straps, gloves and a dolly to work faster and safer.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Lifting more than you can handle risks an injury that costs you more than the job pays. Skipping a quick call before the move leads to surprises, so ask about stairs, elevators and heavy pieces. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>16. Do odd jobs and handyman work</h4> <p>You assemble furniture, hang TVs and shelves, and fix small things around people's homes. Small jobs add up, and people book a handyman they trust again and again.</p> <p>It fits you if you're handy with tools and can turn up on weekends or evenings.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per job or an hourly rate. Employed general maintenance and repair workers in the US earn a median of $23.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499071.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start List the jobs you can do well, like furniture assembly or mounting Make a profile on [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) for those jobs only Raise your rate as your reviews come in :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Taskrabbit](https://navid.link/taskrabbit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) is where people book this work, and a good drill and level cover most jobs.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Taking jobs that need a license can get you fined, so leave electrical and plumbing work to licensed pros where your state requires it. Guessing at the time leads to bad quotes, so price by the job once you know how long each one takes. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>17. Detail cars</h4> <p>You clean cars inside and out, at the owner's home or office. A mobile service needs no shop, so you can start with a few hundred dollars of supplies.</p> <p>It fits you if you like making things look new and can work outside on weekends.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per car, at a price you set. Employed vehicle cleaners in the US earn a median of $17.23 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes537061.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** 3.7Million builds a mobile car detailing business from scratch.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf6DcQFFZSU | I Built A Mobile Car Detailing Business From Scratch | | 3.7Million | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Detail your own car and two friends' cars for before and after photos Offer one or two clear packages with set prices Ask happy clients for reviews and referrals :::</p> <p>**Tools:** take bookings by text or a simple booking page, and show before and after photos on social media. Make your price list in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Offering too many packages confuses buyers, and two clear options tend to sell better than eight. Forgetting about water and power can stop a job before it starts, so ask clients what you can use before you arrive. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed</p> <h4>18. Tutor students</h4> <p>You help students with a subject, for school, exams or a language, online or at their home. After-school and evening hours fit well around a day job.</p> <p>It fits you if you know a subject well and can explain it simply to someone who's stuck.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per lesson, at a rate you set. Preply keeps the first trial lesson with each new student, then 18% to 33% of each lesson, falling as your teaching hours grow ([Preply](https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171383-preply-commission-model)). Employed tutors in the US earn a median of $20.84 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253041.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Vivian Zhu on the trial lessons behind over $37,000 earned from 1,568 Preply lessons in three years.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNgkr1_Is6s | I've Earned $39K as a Preply Tutor - Here's My Trial Lesson Blueprint | | Vivian Zhu | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick the subject and the grade or level you teach best Start on a tutoring marketplace like [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) to get reviews Move regular students to weekly packages :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Preply](https://navid.link/preply?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) finds students for you, and [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [NotebookLM](https://navid.link/notebooklm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) turn your notes into quizzes and study guides.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Teaching everything slows your bookings, while a clear subject and level gets you booked faster. Doing the homework for them doesn't help, because parents pay for better grades, not finished worksheets. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>19. Teach music or art lessons</h4> <p>You teach an instrument, singing, drawing or painting, at your home, the student's home or online. Weekly students give you steady income on evenings and weekends.</p> <p>It fits you if you play or make art well and enjoy watching beginners get better.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per lesson. Employed self-enrichment teachers, who teach music, art and other classes, earn a median of $22.50 an hour in the US ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253021.htm), May 2025). On Upwork, music teachers typically charge $16 to $30 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/music-teachers/cost/)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Teach one friend or neighbor for free to build your lesson plan Set a price per lesson and offer a package of four Ask parents and students for reviews and referrals :::</p> <p>**Tools:** teach online with a good microphone, and book lessons with a shared calendar. [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) makes simple practice sheets.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Charging by the lesson only makes income uneven, while monthly packages keep students coming. Teaching every level makes you harder to recommend, so pick beginners or advanced students and get known for it. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>20. Train people one to one</h4> <p>You train clients in a gym, a park or their home, or coach them online with a program and check-ins. Many clients train early or after work, which fits around a job.</p> <p>It fits you if you know training well, ideally with a certification, and like helping people stick with it.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per session or a monthly package. Employed fitness trainers and instructors in the US earn a median of $22.67 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399031.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Get a recognized personal trainer certification Train two people for free and record their results Offer a monthly package with sessions and check-ins :::</p> <p>**Tools:** plan programs in [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or a spreadsheet, and record form videos on your phone. Take payments with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling single sessions loses clients before they see results, so sell monthly packages. Training anyone without a health check risks injuries, so ask about injuries and conditions first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** real expertise</p> <h4>21. Photograph events, families and products</h4> <p>You shoot portraits, families, events and products for small businesses. Most shoots happen on weekends, and editing fits into your evenings.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a good camera, an eye for light and the patience to direct people.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per shoot. Employed photographers in the US earn a median of $21.47 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/photographers.htm), May 2025). On Upwork, photographers typically charge $25 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/photographers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Shoot To Get Paid on the photography side hustle they'd start.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTsq2Et3fKU | Give Me 9 Minutes and I’ll Show You the Photography Side Hustle I’d Start in 2026 | | Shoot To Get Paid | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Shoot five free sessions for a portfolio in one style Put your best 20 photos on a simple page Offer two or three packages with clear prices :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [Adobe Lightroom](https://navid.link/adobelightroom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and upscale with [Topaz Labs](https://navid.link/topazlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Remove backgrounds for product shots with the [product photo background remover](/free-tools/product-photo-background-remover).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Giving away every photo you take weakens your work, so deliver your best edited set, not hundreds of raw files. Shooting without a contract invites disputes, so agree on what's included and when they'll get the photos. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h4>22. Plan events</h4> <p>You plan birthdays, small weddings, company events and online events for busy people. Much of the work is calls and planning you can do in the evenings, with the event itself on a weekend.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized, calm under pressure and good at keeping many people on schedule.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a planning fee or a share of the budget. Employed meeting and event planners in the US earn a median of $61,160 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/meeting-convention-and-event-planners.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Plan one small event for friends or family Write down every step as a checklist you can reuse Offer a planning package for one kind of event :::</p> <p>**Tools:** keep plans and checklists in [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), send calendar invites with [AddEvent](https://navid.link/addevent?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and run online events on [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Brainstorm formats with the [virtual event idea generator](/free-tools/virtual-event-idea-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Planning without a deposit leaves you unpaid if the client cancels, so take part of the fee up front. Promising what vendors control can break your word, so confirm every booking in writing. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per event</p> <h4>23. Rent out a room on Airbnb</h4> <p>You host guests in a spare room, a guest house or your home while you travel. Once your listing and cleaning are set up, it earns with only a few hours of work a week.</p> <p>It fits you if you have space you don't use, live where travelers come, and your lease and local rules allow short-term rentals.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the nightly price you set, minus Airbnb's fee. Most hosts pay 15.5% under Airbnb's single service fee, which is replacing the older 3% split fee ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857)). Airbnb starts your payout by the end of the business day after your guest checks in, or 28 days after check-in until you've completed two stays ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/425)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Robuilt on the new rules for Airbnb hosts.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt5DlBE9itI | The Airbnb game as we know it is OVER. THESE are the new rules for 2026. | | Robuilt | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Check your lease and your city's rules for short-term rentals List the room on [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) with bright photos and clear house rules Price a little low until you have your first reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** host on [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), write your listing and guest messages with [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and find a local cleaner for turnovers.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping the rules can get you fined, because many cities require a permit or limit short-term rentals. Hiding flaws in your photos leads to bad reviews, while honest listings get better ones. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** the business day after check-in</p> <h4>24. Lead tours and local experiences</h4> <p>You show visitors your city: a food walk, a photo tour, a hike or a class in something you're good at. Weekends are when travelers book, so it fits around a job.</p> <p>It fits you if you know your city well, love meeting people and can tell a good story while you walk.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per person or per group. Employed tour and travel guides in the US earn a median of $17.83 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes396011.htm), May 2025). If you list on Airbnb as an experience, Airbnb typically keeps a 20% service fee ([Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857)).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Plan one route or class you could run every weekend Run it for friends and fix what drags List it where travelers search, and ask every group for a review :::</p> <p>**Tools:** list on [Airbnb](https://navid.link/airbnb?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and plan your stops and stories in [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Take great photos of each tour for your listing.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Making a tour too long can hurt bookings, since two or three hours often sells better than a full day. Ignoring local permits can get you fined, because some cities license tour guides. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps</p> <h3>Side hustles that sell a skill you have</h3> <p>If you can write, design, edit, organize or sell, someone online will pay you for it by the hour or by the project. These pay the most per hour of any side hustle, and you can do them from anywhere, in the evenings and on weekends.</p> <p>Most people start on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Upwork pays hourly work 10 days after each weekly billing period ([Upwork](https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211063668-How-payments-for-hourly-contracts-work)), and Fiverr releases your earnings 14 days after an order is complete, or 7 days for Top Rated sellers ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/legal-portal/legal-terms/payment-terms-of-service)). See what you keep after fees with the [Upwork fee calculator](/free-tools/upwork-fee-calculator) and the [Fiverr fee calculator](/free-tools/fiverr-fee-calculator).</p> <h4>25. Write for businesses</h4> <p>You write the words businesses use to sell: emails, sales pages, ads and product descriptions. One clear page can be a weekend project, which makes it a good side hustle to start with.</p> <p>It fits you if you write clearly and like working out why people buy.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per page or a monthly retainer. On Upwork, copywriters typically charge $19 to $45 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/copywriters/cost/)). Employed writers and authors in the US earn a median of $76,910 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Joanna Wiebe on becoming a top 1% copywriter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GozdYVnSrkE | How To Become a Top 1% Author, Copywriter, or Communicator | | Joanna Wiebe | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rewrite three sales pages you think could sell more, as samples Offer one kind of page or email at a fixed price Ask for the results and use them to raise your price :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), polish with [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and test headlines with the [headline analyzer](/free-tools/headline-analyzer).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending the AI's first draft loses clients, who can often tell, and it rarely sells. Writing before you know the buyer misses the point, so ask the client who buys and why. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>26. Design for clients</h4> <p>You design logos, social posts, packaging and brand kits for small businesses. Small projects fit into evenings, and good clients come back every month.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for design and can take feedback without taking it personally.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or a monthly package. On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)). Employed graphic designers in the US earn a median of $62,960 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm), May 2025). Logo design grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Edgy Katrina's realistic week as a freelance graphic designer.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VDq7pubiZE | a realistic week in my life as a freelance graphic designer and creator in LA | | edgykatrina | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make five pieces for made-up brands in one niche Offer one package, like a logo and brand kit, at a fixed price Keep clients with a monthly design plan :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Figma](https://navid.link/figma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), finish in [Adobe Photoshop](https://navid.link/adobephotoshop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and make vector graphics with [Recraft](https://navid.link/recraft?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Offering unlimited revisions lets a project drag on, so agree on two rounds up front. Showing work in every style blurs what you do, while a focused portfolio wins the clients you want. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>27. Edit videos</h4> <p>Many creators and businesses would rather not edit their own videos. You cut long videos, add captions and turn one video into several short clips, often with AI doing the slow parts.</p> <p>It fits you if you like editing and can keep to a weekly delivery schedule.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video or a monthly package. AI video generation and editing was the fastest-growing skill on Upwork in 2025, up 329% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Most video editors on Upwork charge $6 to $25 an hour, and the most experienced earn a median of $100 an hour ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/video-editors/cost/)). Employed film and video editors in the US earn a median of $75,420 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Lerin Nic's full CapCut course for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68KNzsmBarM | CapCut Video Editing Tutorial for Beginners (2026) - Full Course | | Lerin Nic | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Edit three sample videos for creators you like Offer a package: one long video edited and cut into short clips Keep clients on a monthly plan :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [Submagic](https://navid.link/submagic?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [VEED](https://navid.link/veed?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) handle captions and clips.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Missing deadlines loses clients, because creators post on a schedule. Editing without a brief leads to rework, so ask for examples of videos the client loves. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>28. Work as a virtual assistant</h4> <p>You take tasks off a busy person's plate: inbox, calendar, research, bookings and simple admin. A few hours a week for one client is a common start.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized, reliable and quick to reply.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate or a monthly package. On Upwork, virtual assistants typically charge $10 to $20 an hour, and the median is $13 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/virtual-assistants/cost/)). Specialists earn more: medical virtual assistance grew 44% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). Employed administrative assistants in the US earn a median of $48,310 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Life and Numbers on becoming a virtual assistant with no experience.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UT1rOreitg | How to Become a Virtual Assistant with No Experience (Step-by-Step Guide + Real Client Stories) | | life and numbers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start List the tasks you can take over, like inbox and calendar Start with one client at a fair rate Write down every process so you can take on more clients :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find clients on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), where I find mine, and [OnlineJobs.ph](https://navid.link/onlinejobsph?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Keep processes in [Notion](https://navid.link/notion?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and draft emails with [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Saying yes to everything lets your hours grow out of control, so agree on a clear list of tasks. Staying general keeps your rate low, since specialists, like medical or ecommerce assistants, earn more. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>29. Manage social media for businesses</h4> <p>You plan, post and reply on a business's social accounts each week. Scheduling tools let you batch a week of posts in one evening.</p> <p>It fits you if you already know what works on Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn.</p> <p>**What it pays:** monthly retainers. On Upwork, social media managers typically charge $14 to $35 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/social-media-managers/cost/)). Demand for Instagram services grew 147% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)), and social media strategy was among Upwork's fastest-growing marketing skills in 2025, up 36% ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jade Beason's full guide to starting a social media marketing agency.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3iIIAxppPo | How to start a social media marketing agency step by step - 2026 FULL GUIDE | | Jade Beason | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Run your own account well first, as your portfolio Offer a monthly package to small local businesses Send a short results report every month :::</p> <p>**Tools:** schedule with [Metricool](https://navid.link/metricool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or [Buffer](https://navid.link/buffer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), write for X and LinkedIn in [Typefully](https://navid.link/typefully?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Show results with the [engagement rate calculator](/free-tools/engagement-rate-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising followers sets you up to fail, so promise posts and reporting, and let the results speak. Taking clients in five industries slows you down, while one niche makes every post faster. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>30. Keep the books for small businesses</h4> <p>You record income and expenses, match bank statements and keep the numbers ready for tax time. Most of it happens once a month, so a few clients fit beside a job.</p> <p>It fits you if you're careful with numbers and like things to add up.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly fee. On Upwork, bookkeepers typically charge $11 to $25 an hour, and the median is $15 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/bookkeepers/cost/)). Employed bookkeeping clerks in the US earn a median of $50,670 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Bookkeepers on the first step when you start a bookkeeping business.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej088ohbbMY | Starting a Bookkeeping Business? Do THIS First | | Bookkeepers | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn one accounting tool well Take two small clients Charge a fixed monthly price based on how many transactions they have :::</p> <p>**Tools:** many small clients bank with [Mercury](https://navid.link/mercury?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), get paid through [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and pay abroad with [Wise](https://navid.link/wise?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Sort transactions faster with [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Giving tax advice you're not qualified for can hurt clients, so leave filings to an accountant. Waiting until year-end lets mistakes grow, while monthly books catch them while they're small. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>31. Translate</h4> <p>You translate documents, websites and videos between languages you know well. AI makes the first draft fast, and you make it right.</p> <p>It fits you if you're fluent in two languages and know one subject well, like law, medicine or marketing.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per word or per project. On Upwork, translators typically charge $15 to $25 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/translators/cost/)). Employed interpreters and translators in the US earn a median of $60,170 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Adrian Probst breaks down where a freelance translator's income comes from.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-FyJt3pcig | Language Freelancer: Income Breakdown (Freelance Translator) | | Adrian Probst | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick your language pairs and one subject Offer AI translation checked by a person Build repeat clients in one industry :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), then check every line. Find clients on [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Delivering the machine draft wastes what clients pay for, which is your judgment. Translating every subject keeps your rate low, since specialists earn more and work faster. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>32. Proofread and edit</h4> <p>You fix errors and tighten writing for authors, bloggers and businesses. Jobs are short and steady, which suits evenings.</p> <p>It fits you if you notice every typo and enjoy making writing clearer.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per word or per project. On Upwork, proofreaders typically charge $18 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/proofreaders/cost/)). Employed editors in the US earn a median of $77,920 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick what you edit: books, blog posts or business writing Edit a short sample for free and show your changes Charge per word once you have reviews :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) catches the obvious, and your judgment does the rest. Check reading ease with the [Flesch-Kincaid calculator](/free-tools/flesch-kincaid-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Rewriting the author's voice annoys clients, so fix the errors and keep how they sound. Taking rush jobs at normal rates undersells your evenings, so charge more for next-day work. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>33. Build websites</h4> <p>Small businesses need a simple, fast website, and [AI tools](/ai-tools) now build most of it from a prompt. You design it, set it up and keep it running for a monthly fee.</p> <p>It fits you if you have good taste, can talk to business owners, and like solving small technical problems.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per site and a monthly fee to keep it up. On Upwork, web designers typically charge $15 to $30 an hour, and the median is $21 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/web-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Create a Pro Website builds a website with Claude Code.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDTwHIKltpc | The EASY way to build a beautiful website with Claude Code (full workflow) | | Create a Pro Website | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build two sample sites for made-up businesses Offer a fixed-price site for one kind of business Add hosting and updates as a monthly plan :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Lovable](https://navid.link/lovable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) build sites from a prompt. Grade the result with the [landing page grader](/free-tools/landing-page-grader).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building before the content is ready leads to rework, so ask for text and photos first. Leaving out monthly upkeep gives up steady income, since hosting and updates can turn one project into a monthly fee. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>34. Do voiceovers</h4> <p>You record narration for ads, explainer videos, audiobooks and e-learning. A short script takes an evening, and good voices get hired again.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a clear voice and a quiet place to record.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per project or per finished minute. On Upwork, voice actors typically charge $40 to $85 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/voice-actors/cost/)). On Upwork, audiobook narrators typically charge $25 to $55 an hour, and the median is $40 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/audiobook-narrators/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Tawny Platis on becoming a voice actor in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6s2bKmNnPU | How To Become A Voice Actor In 2026 | | Tawny Platis | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Set up a quiet corner and a good USB microphone Record a short demo in three styles Audition for a few jobs every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** clean your audio with [Adobe Podcast](https://navid.link/adobepodcast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or the [background noise remover](/free-tools/background-noise-remover), and edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Find jobs on [Fiverr](https://navid.link/fiverr?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Upwork](https://navid.link/upwork?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recording in an echoey room makes you sound cheap, and blankets and a closet often beat an expensive mic. Letting a client use your voice to train AI without a deal can give your voice away, so read every contract. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>35. Edit podcasts</h4> <p>Many podcasters would rather not edit. You clean the audio, cut the mistakes, write show notes and make short clips for social media.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a good ear and can deliver every week without reminders.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per episode or a monthly package. On Upwork, podcast producers typically charge $20 to $31 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/podcasting-freelancers/cost/)). Employed broadcast, sound and video technicians in the US earn a median of $60,150 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/broadcast-and-sound-engineering-technicians.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** FastEditor edits viral podcast reels in Premiere Pro.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4zBqRGa24I | Viral Podcast Reels in Premiere Pro - Fast Minimal Text Animation Tutorial | | Ur · FastEditor | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Edit two episodes of a show you like as samples Offer a package: edit, show notes and clips Keep shows on a monthly plan :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) records it and [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) edits it, and I use both. Remove filler words with the [filler word remover](/free-tools/filler-word-remover).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Over-editing can strip out the host's personality, so leave it in. Skipping clips misses an easy upsell, since short clips are what many podcasters want next. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>36. Design YouTube thumbnails</h4> <p>A thumbnail is a big part of whether people click, so creators pay for good ones. Each takes an hour or two, which makes it an easy side hustle to fit in.</p> <p>It fits you if you watch a lot of YouTube and can tell why one thumbnail works and another doesn't.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per thumbnail or a monthly package. Searches for YouTube thumbnails grew 52% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Wes McDowell's new way to make YouTube thumbnails in minutes.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-wymxSUUAk | The NEW Way to Make YouTube Thumbnails in Minutes (NO DESIGN EXPERIENCE NEEDED) | | Wes McDowell | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign five thumbnails from channels you watch Post the before and after Pitch creators who post every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I make thumbnails with ChatGPT's GPT Image 2.5, [Higgsfield](https://navid.link/higgsfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Magnific](https://navid.link/magnific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and [fal.ai](https://navid.link/falai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) runs the newest image models. Test the title next to it with the [YouTube title checker](/free-tools/youtube-title-checker).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using too many words makes a thumbnail hard to read, so keep it to three words or fewer. Ignoring the title breaks the story, because the thumbnail and title should tell one story together. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>37. Design presentations</h4> <p>Founders, consultants and sales teams need decks that look sharp. A deck is a short project you can finish over a weekend.</p> <p>It fits you if you can make complicated ideas simple to look at.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per deck. On Upwork, presentation designers typically charge $35 to $60 an hour, and the median is $45 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/presentation-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Analyst Academy tests every AI presentation tool.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtRHtfR2egc | I Tested Every AI Presentation Tool - There’s One Clear Winner | | Analyst Academy | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Redesign three decks and show the before and after Offer pitch decks or sales decks at a fixed price Build templates clients can reuse :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Gamma](https://navid.link/gamma?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) turns an outline into slides, then finish in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or Google Slides. The [presentation generator](/free-tools/presentation-generator) makes a first draft in seconds.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Cramming text onto slides loses the audience, so keep to one idea per slide. Designing before the story is clear leads to rework, so ask for the outline first. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>38. Write resumes and LinkedIn profiles</h4> <p>Job seekers pay to stand out. You rewrite resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles, usually as a package you can finish in an evening or two.</p> <p>It fits you if you write well and know what hiring managers look for.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per resume or per package. On Upwork, resume writers typically charge $25 to $65 an hour, and the median is $42 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/resume-writers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Teal on making a resume that stands out in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRha1slhTJU | How to Make A Resume that Stands Out in 2026 (after hiring 1,000s) | | Teal | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rewrite your own and a friend's resume and profile Offer a package: resume, cover letter and LinkedIn Ask for a review after each interview your clients land :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), polish with [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). The [LinkedIn headline generator](/free-tools/linkedin-headline-generator) gives a quick first draft.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using the same template for everyone weakens each resume, so tailor it to the jobs the client wants. Promising interviews sets you up for refunds, so promise a stronger resume instead. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>39. Offer SEO</h4> <p>You help businesses show up in Google: fixing pages, finding keywords and writing content that ranks. Audits are short projects, and monthly work keeps it steady.</p> <p>It fits you if you've ranked a site of your own and like digging into data.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer or a fee per audit. On Upwork, SEO experts typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $21 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/seo-experts/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Surfer's complete SEO and AI SEO course for beginners.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DRO4rEIHDk | The Complete SEO &amp; AI SEO Course for 2026 (Full Beginner’s Guide) | | Surfer Academy and Matt Kenyon | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Rank your own site for a few searches first Offer a paid audit with clear fixes Turn the audit into monthly work :::</p> <p>**Tools:** research with [Ahrefs](https://navid.link/ahrefs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or [Semrush](https://navid.link/semrush?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and check pages with the [SEO checker](/free-tools/seo-checker) and the [title and meta checker](/free-tools/title-and-meta-checker).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promising first place on Google is a promise you can't keep, because Google decides rankings, not you. Reporting rankings only hides your value, so show the traffic and leads that came with them. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>40. Do customer support</h4> <p>Online businesses need people to answer emails and chats, including evenings and weekends, which fits beside a day job.</p> <p>It fits you if you're patient, write clearly and stay calm with upset customers.</p> <p>**What it pays:** an hourly rate. On Upwork, customer service representatives typically charge $10 to $19 an hour, and the median is $14 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/customer-service-representatives/cost/)). Employed customer service representatives in the US earn a median of $21.53 an hour ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/customer-service-representatives.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Omowunmi on companies hiring remote customer support with no experience.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp9XshWoLsY | These 10 Companies Are Hiring Remote Customer Support (No Experience) | | Omowunmi’s Virtual Assistant Academy | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn a common help desk tool Apply to remote support roles and agencies Specialize in one kind of product to earn more :::</p> <p>**Tools:** most teams use help desks with AI built in, like [Tidio](https://navid.link/tidio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Find roles in the [remote jobs](/free-tools/remote-jobs) finder.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying and pasting replies frustrates customers, and managers notice too. Promising refunds you can't give gets you in trouble, so learn the rules before your first shift. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>41. Find leads for businesses</h4> <p>Businesses pay for lists of good prospects and for meetings with them. You research the right companies, find the right person and write a short first email.</p> <p>It fits you if you like research and writing short messages that get replies.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per list, per meeting booked or a retainer. On Upwork, lead generation specialists typically charge $13 to $45 an hour, and the median is $20 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/lead-generation-specialists/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Instantly on the new way of cold emailing in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8u840Wm-BI | The New Way of Cold Emailing in 2026 | | Instantly | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one kind of business and its buyers Build a small list and test a short email Charge per meeting booked :::</p> <p>**Tools:** gather lists with [Apify](https://navid.link/apify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), find emails with [Hunter](https://navid.link/hunter?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [RocketReach](https://navid.link/rocketreach?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and check them with the [bulk email verifier](/free-tools/bulk-email-verifier).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending to unchecked lists hurts your client's sender reputation, because bounced emails count against it. Writing long first emails gets fewer replies than short, specific messages do. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>42. Manage online stores for brands</h4> <p>You keep a brand's store running: listings, photos, prices, orders and the emails that bring buyers back. Much of it can be done in the evenings.</p> <p>It fits you if you're organized and curious about what makes people buy.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a monthly retainer, sometimes plus a share of sales. Ecommerce management was the fastest-growing skill in Upwork's admin and support category in 2025, up 130% in freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). On Upwork, ecommerce experts typically charge $25 to $48 an hour, and the median is $30 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/e-commerce-freelancers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Steve Chou shows how ChatGPT helped improve a Shopify store.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehe0zU6LrZM | ChatGPT Optimized My Shopify Store - 4X Sales, 22% Bigger Orders | | MyWifeQuitHerJob Ecommerce Channel | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn one platform well, like Shopify, Amazon or Etsy Fix the listings of one store for free and show the before and after Offer a monthly plan to stores in the same niche :::</p> <p>**Tools:** most stores run on [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Write listings faster with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), make product images in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and connect tools with [Zapier](https://navid.link/zapier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Changing prices without the owner's okay can cost you the client, so agree on what you can change on your own. Reporting tasks instead of sales hides your value, so show what your work did to revenue each month. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h4>43. Make UGC videos for brands</h4> <p>UGC means user-generated content: short videos of you using a product, which brands run as ads. You don't need followers, because the brand posts the video, not you.</p> <p>It fits you if you're comfortable on camera and can film a natural 30-second video with your phone.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per video, paid by the brand, at a rate you set. Brands also hire this work as video ads: searches for AI UGC video ads grew 265% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026, and searches for video editing grew 36% ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Samantha Dixon's step-by-step guide to becoming a UGC creator.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKdFfNUsQjY | BECOME A UGC CREATOR IN 2026💰(STEP-BY-STEP) - How To Make Money Online As A UGC Creator? What is UGC | | Samantha Dixon | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Film three sample videos with products you own Put them on one simple page Pitch brands in your niche every week :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and add captions with [Captions](https://navid.link/captions?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Write hooks and scripts with [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), or with the [video script generator](/free-tools/video-script-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Filming ads that sound like ads wastes the reason brands hire you, since they pay for videos that feel like a real recommendation. Pitching every brand spreads your samples thin, so pick one niche and make samples that match it. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** yes · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when the brand pays your invoice</p> <h3>Side hustles you can sell online</h3> <p>Products keep selling while you're at work. You make or find something once, list it, and every sale after that takes little of your time. Most start free on a marketplace like Etsy or Amazon, where buyers are already searching.</p> <h4>44. Sell on Etsy</h4> <p>Etsy buyers come looking for handmade, vintage and digital goods. You can start with printables you make in [Canva](/ai-tools/canva), which ship themselves.</p> <p>It fits you if you like making things and can take clear product photos.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sales, minus Etsy's fees: $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale, and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)). New sellers get paid weekly, every Monday, and can switch to daily, every two weeks or monthly ([Etsy](https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046998234-How-to-Receive-Your-Etsy-Payments-Deposit)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Kate Hayes on starting an Etsy shop, step by step.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxi6dIPHsig | How to Start an Etsy Shop Step by Step in 2026 💻 (Etsy Shop for Beginners Setup Tutorial) | | Kate Hayes | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Search Etsy for what already sells in your niche List 10 products with clear photos and titles Make more of whatever sells :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) itself, [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) for printables and mockups, and [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) for titles and tags. Work out what you keep per sale with the [Etsy fee calculator](/free-tools/etsy-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Pricing below your costs loses money on every sale, so count Etsy's fees and your materials in every price. Listing a few items and waiting keeps sales slow, since shops with more listings get found more often. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** every Monday by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>45. Print on demand</h4> <p>You design shirts, mugs and posters, and a print company makes and ships each one when someone orders. You never touch stock, so it fits around any job.</p> <p>It fits you if you can come up with designs and phrases for a group of people with a shared interest.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each item sold: your price minus the print cost and the marketplace's fees. On Etsy, that's $0.20 to list an item, 6.5% of each sale and a payment processing fee that depends on your country ([Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Jensen Tung on the easiest way to start print on demand from $0.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFGOEaGokaU | Easiest Way To Start Print On Demand From $0 In 2026 | | Jensen Tung | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a niche with its own jokes and words Make 10 designs and put them on a few products Keep the designs that sell and make more like them :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft designs with [Ideogram](https://navid.link/ideogram?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [Midjourney](https://navid.link/midjourney?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or ChatGPT's image model, and finish them in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), with a print supplier like [Printful](https://navid.link/printful?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Check your margin with the [print on demand profit calculator](/free-tools/print-on-demand-profit-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Using brands and characters you don't own can bring trademark claims and get your listings pulled. Skipping samples lets customers find the print problems first, so order one and check the quality. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>46. Sell digital products</h4> <p>Templates, planners, guides, photo presets and video LUTs sell again and again with no shipping. You make the product once, on a weekend, and keep selling it.</p> <p>It fits you if you know a topic well enough to save people time with a template or a guide.</p> <p>**What it pays:** one-time sales on your site or a marketplace. Gumroad keeps 10% plus $0.50 of each sale you bring in yourself, and 30% of sales from its own marketplace ([Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/pricing)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Maria Wendt](/creators/maria-wendt) has made $21 million all time from her digital products and courses ([her video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgraeLDUMVM&amp;t=0s)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Yale Jeannette's full masterclass on selling digital products on Etsy.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAn7R954Xhc | how to sell digital products on etsy (full masterclass) | | Yale Jeannette | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a question people ask about your topic again and again Make the smallest thing that answers it Sell it at a low price and improve it from buyers' questions :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I sell through Creator Store, an AI-powered store I built myself with the help of AI, and I used [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) for years before that. Thomas Frank sells through [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), Dan Koe co-founded [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and [Stan Store](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) sell from one page too. Find what to make with the [digital product idea generator](/free-tools/digital-product-idea-generator), and see Gumroad's cut with the [Gumroad fee calculator](/free-tools/gumroad-fee-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Building a big product first delays your first sale, so start small and let sales tell you what to make next. Selling with no way to reach buyers leaves the product unseen, since an email list or audience sells more than a store page alone. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>47. Publish low-content books</h4> <p>Journals, planners, logbooks and coloring books have little or no text, so you can make one in a weekend. Amazon prints and ships each copy when someone buys it.</p> <p>It fits you if you like design and can find a niche that wants a specific kind of journal.</p> <p>**What it pays:** royalties on each copy. Amazon KDP pays 60% of a paperback's list price at $9.99 or more, minus the printing cost: a $15 book that costs $5 to print earns $4 ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834330)). Royalties arrive about 60 days after the end of the month of the sale ([Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GK2MKZUL6U3SFBPZ)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Rachel Harrison-Sund on five bestselling low-content books on Amazon KDP.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNBS-v8rkXA | These Are the 5 Bestselling Low and Medium Content Books on Amazon KDP ($3,610 a DAY!!!) | | Rachel Harrison-Sund | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find a niche where buyers want a specific journal or logbook Design the interior and cover Publish a few titles and keep the ones that sell :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and publish on [Amazon KDP](https://navid.link/amazonkdp?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Work out what you'll earn per copy in the [KDP royalty calculator](/free-tools/kdp-royalty-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Copying best-selling covers makes yours easy to scroll past, so make it stand out in the same niche. Publishing one book and stopping keeps sales small, since a small catalog often sells far more than one title. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on KDP</p> <h4>48. Sell stock photos and videos</h4> <p>Every photo or clip you upload can sell many times to businesses and creators. It's a good use of photos you take anyway.</p> <p>It fits you if you already shoot photos or video and can think like a buyer looking for a picture.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a share of each license sold. Shutterstock pays 15% to 40% of each license, by six earnings levels that reset every January 1 ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10594604-how-much-will-i-be-paid-as-a-contributor-to-shutterstock)), and pays monthly, by the 15th ([Shutterstock](https://submit.shutterstock.com/help/en/articles/10617435-how-do-i-get-paid-for-my-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Wollertz Photography on making $202,067 selling stock photos.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLWmkcvjRnM | I Made $202,067.19 Selling Photos: Stock Photography Works - Best Agencies 2026 | | Wollertz Photography | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Shoot what buyers search for, not only what you like Title and tag every file carefully Upload often, since sales grow with the size of your library :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [Adobe Lightroom](https://navid.link/adobelightroom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), upscale with [Topaz Labs](https://navid.link/topazlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and upload to [Adobe Stock](https://navid.link/adobestock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Shutterstock](https://navid.link/shutterstock?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Write titles and tags with ChatGPT.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Uploading photos with people and no release gets them rejected, so get model releases or leave people out. Shooting only beauty shots misses what buyers search for, since everyday scenes and work settings sell well. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, by the 15th on Shutterstock</p> <h4>49. Sell handmade goods</h4> <p>Candles, jewelry, ceramics and soap sell online and at local markets. You make in batches on weekends and ship during the week.</p> <p>It fits you if you already make things people compliment, and you can make them consistently.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the price of each piece. Employed craft and fine artists in the US earn a median of $55,290 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/craft-and-fine-artists.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Business Gift on handmade products in demand this year.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z_ESvwT56M | 30 High-Demand Handmade Products to Sell in 2026 | | Business Gift | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a small range in one style Photograph it well in natural light Sell where handmade buyers shop, online and at markets :::</p> <p>**Tools:** sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), write listings with [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and clean photos with the [product photo background remover](/free-tools/product-photo-background-remover).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Leaving your time out of the price means working for free, because your hours are part of the cost. Making too many kinds of things confuses buyers, while a clear style builds repeat ones. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>50. Sell your art prints</h4> <p>Print-on-demand companies print and ship your art as posters and canvases, so you only make the art. It's a way to earn from work you'd make anyway.</p> <p>It fits you if you draw, paint or design, and have a style people would hang on their walls.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each print. Employed craft and fine artists in the US earn a median of $55,290 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/craft-and-fine-artists.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Watch:** Leighann Creates on making and selling art prints.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZJlHWTB2KY | How to Make &amp; Sell ART PRINTS ✨ a Complete Guide ✨ | | Leighann Creates | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a style and a subject people hang on walls Put your best 10 pieces up as prints Share your process where art buyers look :::</p> <p>**Tools:** upscale for print with [Topaz Labs](https://navid.link/topazlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and make room mockups in [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Low-resolution files print badly, because prints show flaws that screens hide, so upscale before you upload. Posting the art without the story loses buyers, who connect with the artist behind it. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h4>51. 3D print and sell products</h4> <p>A home 3D printer makes organizers, replacement parts, toys and decor that sell online. Prints run on their own while you're at work.</p> <p>It fits you if you like design and tinkering, and can spend a few hundred dollars on a printer.</p> <p>**What it pays:** the margin on each piece. If you design models for others instead, 3D modelers on Upwork typically charge $17 to $30 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/3d-modelers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** LayerLab on starting a 3D printing business from home.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKDgWq5midA | I Started a 3D Printing Business from Home - Here’s My Advice | | LayerLab | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Learn to design parts people need Print and sell a few of your best designs Sell your design files too :::</p> <p>**Tools:** design in [Spline](https://navid.link/spline?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), sell on [Etsy](https://navid.link/etsy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and sell your design files on [Printables](https://navid.link/printables?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Selling other people's designs can break their license, so check it before you sell a print. Skipping quality checks can cost you a refund and a bad review for one bad print. :::</p> <p>**Start:** some money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** no · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Etsy by default · **Age:** 18+ on Etsy, or 13 to 17 through a parent's account</p> <h3>Side hustles that can grow into a business</h3> <p>These pay slowly at first, because you're building an audience or a product. They're also the side hustles most likely to replace your job. Mine did. Give each one a year of steady work before you judge it.</p> <h4>52. Start a YouTube channel</h4> <p>A video people search for can earn for years. You can film on weekends and post once a week, which fits around a job.</p> <p>It fits you if you can stick to a weekly schedule and like teaching or entertaining on video.</p> <p>**What it pays:** YouTube's ad revenue share, [sponsors](/free-tools/sponsorship-rate-calculator), memberships and your own offers. YouTube pays you 55% of the ad revenue on your long videos and 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)), once you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Pat Flynn](/creators/pat-flynn) has made $27,732 from [one podcasting tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkhkx4MPdfI&amp;t=266s) with a million views.</p> <p>**Watch:** Think Media's step-by-step guide to creating a YouTube channel in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGKXSLmZBz8 | How to Create a YouTube Channel in 2026 (Step-By-Step) | | Think Media | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Find videos in your topic that beat their channel's usual views Make your own version, better Post every week and study what people watch longest :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I find ideas with [vidIQ](https://navid.link/vidiq?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Find videos that beat their channel's usual views with the [YouTube outlier finder](/free-tools/youtube-outlier-finder), and see what views pay in the [YouTube money calculator](/free-tools/youtube-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Quitting after 10 videos is too early, since many channels need a year of weekly videos. Counting on ads alone keeps income small, so add sponsors and your own offers early. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>53. Run a faceless channel</h4> <p>You make videos without showing your face: voiceovers over footage, animation or screen recordings. It's the YouTube side hustle for people who'd rather stay off camera at work.</p> <p>It fits you if you can research and write scripts, and don't mind learning to edit.</p> <p>**What it pays:** ad revenue share, sponsors and affiliate links, on the same YouTube terms as any channel ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857)). Businesses pay for this work too: searches for YouTube automation faceless channels grew 239% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Adavia Davis](https://fortune.com/2025/12/30/ai-slop-faceless-youtube-accounts-adavia-davis-user-generated-content) runs faceless AI channels that make roughly $40,000 to $60,000 a month, which Fortune checked against his AdSense records.</p> <p>**Watch:** Sambucha on secretly voicing faceless YouTube channels.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwF8n7vrF5Q | I Secretly Became The Voice Of Faceless YouTube Channels | | Sambucha | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic that works without a face, like history, finance or explainers Write the script first, then the voiceover and the visuals Post on a schedule and keep what gets watched :::</p> <p>**Tools:** write scripts with [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), voice them with [ElevenLabs](https://navid.link/elevenlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), make visuals with [Higgsfield](https://navid.link/higgsfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and edit in [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Draft scripts faster with the [video script generator](/free-tools/video-script-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Posting mass-produced AI videos can cost you your earnings, because YouTube doesn't pay for repetitive or mass-produced content ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1311392)). Using music and clips you don't have rights to is risky, because one claim can block a video's earnings. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, between the 21st and 26th · **Age:** 18+, or a parent or guardian through AdSense</p> <h4>54. Post short videos</h4> <p>TikTok, Reels and Shorts reward one good idea a day. A short takes minutes to film, so it's easy to fit into a busy week.</p> <p>It fits you if you can post often and enjoy trends in your niche.</p> <p>**What it pays:** creator programs where you qualify, brand deals and affiliate links. TikTok's Creator Rewards Program pays for videos of at least 1 minute once you have 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in 30 days ([TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/global/creator-rewards-program-us/en)), and YouTube pays 45% of your share of Shorts ads ([YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72902)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Jeff Rose](/creators/jeff-rose) made $42,035 from Facebook and Instagram payouts for his posts and reels in [June 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYUcFe5R7IE&amp;t=142s).</p> <p>**Watch:** Buzz on monetizing a faceless TikTok in seven days.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eQDpN4lmNE | How I Monetized My Faceless TikTok in 7 Days | | Buzz | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Post one short video a day for a month Copy the formats that work in your topic, with your own take Send viewers to a newsletter or an offer :::</p> <p>**Tools:** edit in [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), add captions with [Submagic](https://navid.link/submagic?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and cut shorts from long videos with [OpusClip](https://navid.link/opusclip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). See what views pay in the [TikTok money calculator](/free-tools/tiktok-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Chasing every trend blurs what your account is about, so pick trends that fit your topic. Building only on rented platforms leaves you exposed to their changes, so send viewers to an email list you own. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly on the 15th on TikTok, once you pass $50 · **Age:** 18+ for TikTok's rewards</p> <h4>55. Start a blog</h4> <p>A blog post that ranks in Google brings readers for years. You can write one or two posts a week in the evenings.</p> <p>It fits you if you like writing and can wait a year for search traffic to build.</p> <p>**What it pays:** display ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts and your own products.</p> <p>My own blog is where my online business started, in 2013.</p> <p>**Watch:** She Dreams All Day on starting a blog in 2026, and whether it's too late.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43Q3SzxVWGA | How to start a blog in 2026... or is it too late? (honest advice from a 6 figure blogger) | | she dreams all day | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic you could write 100 posts about Answer the questions people search for, from your own experience Add an email list and one product early :::</p> <p>**Tools:** Ryan Robinson writes with [RightBlogger](https://navid.link/rightblogger?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), which he co-founded, and researches with [Ahrefs](https://navid.link/ahrefs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). My guides are [how to start a blog](/articles/how-to-start-a-blog) and [how to make money blogging](/articles/how-to-make-money-blogging).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Writing about everything slows a blog down, since a focused blog ranks and sells faster. Waiting for traffic before building a list loses your first readers, so add an email signup from day one. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, by each ad network and affiliate program</p> <h4>56. Start a newsletter</h4> <p>An email newsletter is an audience you own. One issue a week fits into a weekend morning, and sponsors and paid subscribers come as it grows.</p> <p>It fits you if you can write something useful every week for one kind of reader.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, paid subscriptions, affiliate links and your own products. On Substack, writers keep 90% of paid subscriptions, minus card fees ([Substack](https://substack.com/going-paid)).</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $795,000 from sponsors in his weekly newsletter since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Chris Koerner](/creators/chris-koerner) on the easiest way to build a local newsletter.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0MRAjVp_Uo | The Easiest Way to Build a Local Newsletter | | Chris Koerner on The Koerner Office Podcast | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one reader and one promise Send every week, even to 10 people Offer a free guide to grow the list :::</p> <p>**Tools:** Justin Welsh, Pat Flynn and Dickie Bush use [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), Dan Koe uses [beehiiv](https://navid.link/beehiiv?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and Tim Denning uses [Substack](https://navid.link/substack?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). See what a list can earn with the [Substack money calculator](/free-tools/substack-money-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Skipping weeks costs you readers and sponsors, who pay for a steady schedule. Selling sponsors too early can cost you readers, so grow trust first, then sell the attention. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** through Stripe for paid subscriptions · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>57. Start a podcast</h4> <p>A podcast builds trust in a way few formats do, and guests open doors. One episode a week can be recorded on a weekend.</p> <p>It fits you if you like conversations and can keep a weekly schedule.</p> <p>**What it pays:** sponsors, listener support, premium episodes and your own offers. Spotify's Partner Program pays 50% of the ad revenue from its ads in your episodes, once your show reaches 2,000 hours listened and 1,000 listeners in 30 days ([Spotify](https://support.spotify.com/us/creators/article/spotify-partner-program/)).</p> <p>**Example:** [John Lee Dumas](/creators/john-lee-dumas) made $126,550 from podcast sponsorships in [January 2024](https://www.eofire.com/income125/).</p> <p>**Watch:** Think Media on what they'd do if they started a podcast in 2026.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PuvMX6MB20 | If I Started a Podcast in 2026, I'd Do this! | | Think Media | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic and a format you can keep up every week Record three episodes before you launch Invite guests with an audience and ask them to share :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I record in [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Price your ads with the [podcast sponsorship calculator](/free-tools/podcast-sponsorship-calculator), and read my guide on [how to make money podcasting](/articles/how-to-make-money-podcasting).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Launching with one episode gives new listeners little reason to subscribe, so launch with three. Skipping video misses the listeners who find shows on YouTube, so post every episode there too. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when sponsors pay</p> <h4>58. Grow an Instagram account</h4> <p>Brands pay creators with engaged followers in their niche. Posts and Reels can be batched on a weekend.</p> <p>It fits you if you have a clear niche and can post consistently.</p> <p>**What it pays:** brand deals, subscriptions, gifts and your own offers. Businesses are paying for Instagram work: searches for Instagram services grew 147% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Pat Flynn](/creators/pat-flynn) talks to an Instagram expert about growing from zero followers.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVEfS6yAIcc | Instagram Expert Explains How to Grow from Zero Followers in 2026 | | Pat Flynn | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one niche and one kind of post you can make every day Study the posts that get saved and shared in your niche Link to a newsletter or an offer from your bio :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I use [ManyChat](https://navid.link/manychat?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) to answer DMs automatically. [Canva](https://navid.link/canva?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) make posts and Reels. Make carousels with the [Instagram carousel generator](/free-tools/instagram-carousel-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Buying followers backfires, because brands check engagement and fake followers drag it down. Posting without a link to anything you own wastes your reach, so give every profile a next step. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** when brands pay</p> <h4>59. Earn from affiliate links</h4> <p>You recommend products you use and earn a commission when people buy through your link. It works best with a blog, a channel or a newsletter, and it's how I made my first money online.</p> <p>It fits you if you already review or recommend tools and products.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a commission per sale or sign-up. Amazon Associates pays up to 10% of each sale, depending on the category ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/GRXPHT8U84RAYDXZ)), about 60 days after the end of the month ([Amazon](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/G63DR893K4DH55XZ)). My biggest affiliate month came from a course, not Amazon: around $40,000 as Ramit Sethi's #1 affiliate for Zero to Launch.</p> <p>**Example:** [Maria Wendt](/creators/maria-wendt) makes $11,000 a month from affiliate links, [in 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QBQzi4r940&amp;t=0s).</p> <p>**Watch:** Greg Gottfried's beginner tutorial for Amazon affiliate marketing.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mgoWw35_8U | How to Start Amazon Affiliate Marketing in 2026 (Beginner Tutorial) | | Greg Gottfried | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Recommend only what you use Write honest reviews and comparisons people search for Say clearly that you earn a commission :::</p> <p>**Tools:** find programs with the [affiliate program finder](/best-affiliate-programs), and work out what a promotion pays with the [affiliate commission calculator](/free-tools/affiliate-commission-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Promoting what you haven't tried is risky, because one bad recommendation costs your audience's trust. Hiding the commission breaks trust, and the FTC asks you to make any paid relationship with a brand obvious ([FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/disclosures-101-social-media-influencers)). :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** monthly, about 60 days after each month on Amazon</p> <h4>60. Coach one to one</h4> <p>You help people get a result you've gotten yourself, on video calls. Two or three clients fit around a job, and coaching pays well per hour.</p> <p>It fits you if you've solved a problem others are still stuck on.</p> <p>**What it pays:** coaching packages, paid up front or monthly. On Upwork, business coaches typically charge $75 to $150 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-coaches/cost/)). On Upwork, life coaches typically charge $50 to $250 an hour, and the median is $100 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/life-coaches/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Iman Gadzhi](/creators/iman-gadzhi) on building an online coaching business.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edM2x0NBMnI | Give me 33 minutes &amp; I’ll Show You How To Make $10,000/pm with Online Coaching | | Iman Gadzhi | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Name the result you help people get, and for whom Coach three people at a low price and collect their results Raise the price with every new result :::</p> <p>**Tools:** take payments with [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), record calls with [Granola](https://navid.link/granola?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and shape your offer with the [grand slam offer generator](/free-tools/grand-slam-offer-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Coaching everyone on everything makes you hard to buy, while a clear result for one kind of person sells. Undercharging for too long keeps you stuck, so raise your prices as your results grow. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>61. Consult</h4> <p>Companies pay for expertise they don't have in-house. A few hours a week of advice can pay more than a full day at a job.</p> <p>It fits you if you have years of experience in an industry and know what its problems cost.</p> <p>**What it pays:** day rates, projects or monthly retainers. On Upwork, business consultants typically charge $28 to $98 an hour, and the median is $55 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-consultants/cost/)). Employed management consultants in the US earn a median of $101,860 a year ([BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm), May 2025).</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $1.17 million from consulting since 2019 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Frederik Pahuus on building a solo consulting business that makes $500,000 a year in profit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvaFGx5eKFc | Exactly How I Built A $500k Per Year (Profit) Solo Consulting Business | | Frederik Pahuus | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Write down the problem you solve and what it costs a company Offer a paid audit as the first step Turn the audit into a project or a retainer :::</p> <p>**Tools:** invoice through [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), research clients with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and price with the [value equation calculator](/free-tools/value-equation-calculator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Working for your current employer's clients can break your contract, so check it first. Selling hours caps your income, so sell a result with a clear price. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>62. Create an online course</h4> <p>A course turns what you know into a product you sell again and again. My course [Virtual Summit Mastery](/virtual-summit-mastery) made $60,000 on its first launch, from an email list of 1,500 people, and well over $1 million before I sold it.</p> <p>It fits you if you've helped people get a result and can teach the steps.</p> <p>**What it pays:** course sales, bundles and payment plans.</p> <p>**Example:** [Justin Welsh](/creators/justin-welsh) made $1.6 million from The Creator MBA in its first six days in January 2024 ([his breakdown](https://justinwelsh.me/essays/my-10m-journey)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Danie Jay on creating an online course that sells.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5g5Esl-OPo | How to Create an Online Course THAT SELLS in 2026 (from a 6-figure course creator) | | Danie Jay | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pre-sell a pilot to 10 people before you record Teach the pilot live and write down every question Record the lessons and sell the course :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I sold mine through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), which also hosts courses in ThriveCart Learn. Pat Flynn and Gillian Perkins use [Teachable](https://navid.link/teachable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Run your numbers in the [online course revenue calculator](/free-tools/online-course-revenue-calculator), and read my guide on [how to create an online course](/articles/how-to-create-an-online-course).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Recording before anyone buys risks a course nobody wants, so pre-sell first. Making a course too long wears students out, because they pay for the result, not the hours of video. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** real expertise · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>63. Host a virtual summit</h4> <p>A virtual summit is an online event where experts give talks for free for a few days, and you sell lifetime access. It's how I quit my job: my first summit made over $20,000 in 2014.</p> <p>It fits you if you like organizing and can invite 15 to 30 experts in one topic.</p> <p>**What it pays:** all-access passes, sponsors, and commissions on the speakers' offers.</p> <p>**Watch:** my step-by-step blueprint for hosting a virtual summit.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NjKV4y6VTc | How to Host a Virtual Summit: Step-by-Step Blueprint | | Navid Moazzez | https://cdn.navid.me/navid-moazzez.jpg | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick a topic people pay to learn and 20 speakers who teach it Invite the speakers with a short pitch and record the interviews Run the free event and sell an all-access pass :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I record every interview in [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and edit in [Descript](https://navid.link/descript?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and I sold my passes through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) for years. Follow my guide on [how to host a virtual summit](/articles/how-to-host-a-virtual-summit).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Inviting speakers without an audience leaves you short of signups, because speakers who share the event bring them. Running a summit without an offer leaves it unpaid, because the all-access pass is where the money comes from. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** more than 15 hours a week · **On camera:** optional · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** every business day through Stripe · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h3>AI side hustles</h3> <p>AI is the fastest-growing kind of side hustle. Freelancer earnings from AI video work grew 329% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)), and searches for [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) specialists grew 938% on Fiverr in six months ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). These use AI tools to do work businesses already pay for, faster.</p> <h4>64. Make AI video ads for brands</h4> <p>You make short ads with AI video tools instead of a camera crew. Each ad is a small project you can finish in an evening.</p> <p>It fits you if you know what makes people stop scrolling.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per ad or a monthly package. AI video generation and editing was the fastest-growing skill on Upwork in 2025, up 329% in freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)), and searches for AI UGC video ads grew 265% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, motion graphics designers typically charge $18 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/motion-graphics-designer/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Higgsfield's three-step workflow for realistic AI ads.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rDs6FhFoUQ | 3-Step Workflow To Make Ultra-Realistic AI Ads | | Higgsfield AI | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make three sample ads for products you like Put the best ones on one simple page Pitch online brands that already run video ads :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [Higgsfield](https://navid.link/higgsfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), which I use for my thumbnails, makes AI video too, and [Kling](https://navid.link/kling?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Google Flow](https://navid.link/googleflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) turn a prompt into a scene. Add a presenter with [HeyGen](https://navid.link/heygen?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and cut it in [CapCut](https://navid.link/capcut?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Write hooks with the [viral hook generator](/free-tools/viral-hook-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending ads with AI mistakes in them can lose the client, so check every label, hand and word on screen. Skipping the AI label when a platform asks for one can get the ad pulled. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per ad, or monthly</p> <h4>65. Make AI images for brands</h4> <p>You make product photos and ad images with AI from one photo of the product. A set for one store is a few evenings of work.</p> <p>It fits you if you have an eye for what looks good.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a fee per image set or a monthly package. AI image generation and editing grew 95% on Upwork in 2025, by freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)). On Upwork, graphic designers typically charge $15 to $35 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** [Kevin Stratvert](/creators/kevin-stratvert) on making images with Google's Nano Banana.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfE-csUyPF4 | Nano Banana AI Tutorial - How to Use Google’s Free Tool (Step-by-Step) | | Kevin Stratvert | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Make a sample set for three products you own Show the before and after on one page Pitch online stores whose photos look dated :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I make images with ChatGPT's GPT Image 2.5, [Higgsfield](https://navid.link/higgsfield?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [Magnific](https://navid.link/magnific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [fal.ai](https://navid.link/falai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas). Write prompts with the [AI image prompt generator](/free-tools/ai-image-prompt-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Changing the product makes the image unusable, because labels, logos and colors have to match the real thing. Ignoring the license can put a client at risk, so check each tool's terms for commercial use. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** under 5 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per set, or monthly</p> <h4>66. Build AI automations for businesses</h4> <p>You connect a business's apps so the boring work runs itself: leads into the CRM, invoices into the books, replies drafted by AI. Setups are projects you can do on weekends, and the monthly upkeep is light.</p> <p>It fits you if you like making things work together and can explain them simply.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee. AI integration grew 178% on Upwork in 2025, by freelancer earnings ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)), and searches for [n8n](/ai-tools/n8n) AI automation grew 125% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). On Upwork, AI developers typically charge $30 to $150 an hour, and the median is $90 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** n8n's own quick start for building your first AI agent.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuaKeDS6UKU | n8n Quick Start Tutorial: Build Your First AI Agent [2026] | | n8n and Flowgrammer | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Automate one task in your own work first Offer the same automation to three businesses at a low price Charge monthly to run and improve it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and connect apps with [Zapier](https://navid.link/zapier?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [Make](https://navid.link/make?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or [n8n](https://navid.link/n8n?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Automating a messy process makes the mess run faster, so fix the process first. Building without monitoring lets a broken step go unnoticed, so set alerts for when one fails. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>67. Build AI chatbots</h4> <p>A chatbot answers customers on a website or in DMs, day and night. You build it once and charge to keep it updated.</p> <p>It fits you if you can write clear answers and like testing until something works.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee. On Upwork, chatbot developers typically charge $30 to $61 an hour, and the median is $45 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chatbot-developers/cost/)). AI chatbot development grew 71% on Upwork in 2025 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upworks-in-demand-skills-2026-demand-for-top-ai-skills-more-than-doubles-as-ai-is-embedded-into-everyday-work)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Botpress builds a customer support chatbot without code.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn27M2vAc1Y | Build a Customer Support Chatbot in 5 Minutes (No Code) | | Botpress | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build one for your own site or a friend's business Write down the questions it must answer and test it Offer it to businesses in one industry :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I use [ManyChat](https://navid.link/manychat?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) for Instagram DMs. [Chatbot Builder AI](https://navid.link/chatbotbuilderai?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Pickaxe](https://navid.link/pickaxe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) build chatbots without code.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Letting it make things up gives customers wrong answers, so give it the real answers and a way to reach a person. Selling it without a demo makes the value hard to see, so show it answering the client's own questions. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** per project, then monthly</p> <h4>68. Build AI voice agents for businesses</h4> <p>A voice agent answers a business's phone like a person: it books appointments and takes messages. Local businesses that miss calls are the easiest clients.</p> <p>It fits you if you like setting things up and can write a natural phone script.</p> <p>**What it pays:** a setup fee and a monthly fee per agent. Searches for AI voice agents grew 49% on Fiverr in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). Upwork doesn't price voice agents yet, and chatbot developers, the closest skill it prices, typically charge $30 to $61 an hour, with a median of $45 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chatbot-developers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Example:** I've built two voice agents myself: one on ElevenLabs in my cloned voice, and an open-source one trained on 142 minutes of my own recordings. My guide on [how to build an AI voice agent](/articles/how-to-build-an-ai-voice-agent) walks through both.</p> <p>**Watch:** Thanh-y David Nguyen builds an AI voice agent with LiveKit, for free.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fhm8goKN6rM | How to build a JARVIS AI Voice Agent for FREE - Full Livekit Tutorial (2026) | | Thanh-y David Nguyen | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build a voice agent that answers questions about your own offer Record a demo call for one kind of business Offer a free week to a local business, then a monthly plan :::</p> <p>**Tools:** [ElevenLabs](https://navid.link/elevenlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) and [Synthflow](https://navid.link/synthflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) build voice agents without code, and [n8n](https://navid.link/n8n?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or [Make](https://navid.link/make?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) connect them to calendars.</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Letting the agent guess gives callers wrong answers, so give it real prices, hours and answers. Skipping the rules on recorded calls can break the law, so check the consent laws where your client works. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** a setup fee, then monthly</p> <h4>69. Vibe code apps and tools, for clients or yourself</h4> <p>[Vibe coding](/articles/what-is-vibe-coding) means building software by describing what you want in plain English, then letting an AI agent write, run and fix the code. You can sell builds to businesses that never had a developer, or make your own apps, tools and calculators that charge a subscription or bring visitors to your business.</p> <p>It fits you if you can turn a problem into clear steps, even without a coding background.</p> <p>**What it pays:** fees from clients, or subscriptions and one-time sales of your own apps and tools. On Upwork, AI developers typically charge $30 to $150 an hour, and the median is $90 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/)). Searches for vibe coding grew 61% on Fiverr, and searches for Claude Code specialists 938%, in the six months to April 2026 ([Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/news/business-trends-index-ai-2026)). Across more than 115,000 subscription apps, the median new app made about $72 a month a year after launch, and the top 10% made $2,500 or more ([RevenueCat](https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps/)).</p> <p>**Example:** the 700+ [free tools](/free-tools) on this site are my own builds, vibe coded with Claude Code and Codex. Pieter Levels vibe coded fly.pieter.com, a flight game that runs in the browser, in February 2025, and he says it reached $1 million in annual recurring revenue in 17 days ([levels.io](https://levels.io/fly-pieter-com-vibecoded-flight-simulator)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Starter Story on how Connor Burd, 23, vibe coded an app in 14 days that makes $20,000 a month.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwHD6Fg-Mjs | I vibe coded a $20K/month mobile app in 14 days | | Starter Story | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Build three small tools you'd use yourself Offer one fixed-price build to a business you know, or put your best tool online Charge a monthly fee to host and improve it :::</p> <p>**Tools:** I build with [Claude Code](/ai-tools/claude-code) and [Codex](/ai-tools/codex). [Lovable](/ai-tools/lovable), [Bolt](/ai-tools/bolt), [Replit](/ai-tools/replit), [Base44](/ai-tools/base44) and [Vibecode](https://navid.link/vibecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) build apps from a prompt, [Google AI Studio](/ai-tools/google-ai-studio) does it with Gemini, and [Cursor](/ai-tools/cursor) is a code editor with AI built in. Write clearer instructions with the [Claude Code prompt generator](/free-tools/claude-code-prompt-generator).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Shipping an app you haven't tested yourself puts bugs in front of paying users and clients. Selling the method instead of the result makes clients compare you on price. Pasting API keys into a page's code lets anyone who opens the page copy them, so keep keys on the server. :::</p> <p>**Start:** a little money · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** none needed · **Paid:** per project from clients, or every business day through Stripe for your own app · **Age:** 13+ on Stripe, with an adult on the account under 18</p> <h4>70. Write for businesses with AI</h4> <p>Businesses need blog posts, emails and social posts every week. AI drafts fast, and you make the writing sound like them.</p> <p>It fits you if you can edit AI drafts into something a real person would write.</p> <p>**What it pays:** fees per piece or a monthly retainer. On Upwork, content writers typically charge $15 to $40 an hour, and the median is $25 ([Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/content-writers/cost/)).</p> <p>**Watch:** Sandeep Swadia on fixing writing that reads like AI.</p> <p>:::video Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wreCvpBdso | Everyone Can Spot AI Writing, Here's How To Fix It | | Sandeep Swadia | | | navid :::</p> <p>:::steps How to start Pick one kind of writing, like emails or blog posts Build a process: AI draft, your edit, the client's voice Sell a monthly package :::</p> <p>**Tools:** draft with [Claude](https://navid.link/claude?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [ChatGPT](https://navid.link/chatgpt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), [Gemini](https://navid.link/gemini?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas) or [Grok](https://navid.link/grok?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), polish with [Grammarly](https://navid.link/grammarly?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=side-hustle-ideas), and catch robotic phrasing with the [AI slop checker](/free-tools/ai-slop-checker).</p> <p>**Mistakes to avoid:**</p> <p>:::mistakes Sending unedited AI text loses clients, because readers spot it and so do they. Charging per word undersells you now that AI made words cheap, so charge per piece. :::</p> <p>**Start:** free · **Time:** 5 to 15 hours a week · **On camera:** no · **From anywhere:** yes · **Experience:** some helps · **Paid:** weekly on Upwork, 10 days after each work week · **Age:** 18+ on Upwork</p> <h3>The side hustles that pay the most per hour</h3> <p>Here's what the side hustles in this guide pay per hour, highest first. For online skills, it's the median rate freelancers charge on Upwork. For local work, it's the median wage employees earn in the same job, from the BLS, which is a fair guide to what you can charge:</p> <p>:::chart The best-paying online side hustles per hour | $ | [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/hire/) | Median rates freelancers charge, from each skill's rate page, October 2026 Coaching | 100 | $100 Vibe coding | 90 | $90 Consulting | 55 | $55 Voiceovers | 55 | $55 AI chatbots | 45 | $45 Presentations | 45 | $45 Resume writing | 42 | $42 Copywriting | 30 | $30 Store management | 30 | $30 Graphic design | 25 | $25 Proofreading | 25 | $25 Podcast editing | 25 | $25 Writing with AI | 25 | $25 :::</p> <p>:::table fancy Side hustle | Median per hour | Source [60. Coach one to one](#60-coach-one-to-one) | $100 |  [Upwork, business coaches](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-coaches/cost/) [69. Vibe code apps and tools, for clients or yourself](#69-vibe-code-apps-and-tools-for-clients-or-yourself) | $90 |  [Upwork, AI developers](https://www.upwork.com/hire/ai-developers/cost/) [61. Consult](#61-consult) | $55 |  [Upwork, business consultants](https://www.upwork.com/hire/business-consultants/cost/) [34. Do voiceovers](#34-do-voiceovers) | $55 |  [Upwork, voice actors](https://www.upwork.com/hire/voice-actors/cost/) [67. Build AI chatbots](#67-build-ai-chatbots) | $45 |  [Upwork, chatbot developers](https://www.upwork.com/hire/chatbot-developers/cost/) [37. Design presentations](#37-design-presentations) | $45 |  [Upwork, presentation designers](https://www.upwork.com/hire/presentation-designers/cost/) [38. Write resumes and LinkedIn profiles](#38-write-resumes-and-linkedin-profiles) | $42 |  [Upwork, resume writers](https://www.upwork.com/hire/resume-writers/cost/) [25. Write for businesses](#25-write-for-businesses) | $30 |  [Upwork, copywriters](https://www.upwork.com/hire/copywriters/cost/) [42. Manage online stores for brands](#42-manage-online-stores-for-brands) | $30 |  [Upwork, ecommerce experts](https://www.upwork.com/hire/e-commerce-freelancers/cost/) [26. Design for clients](#26-design-for-clients) | $25 |  [Upwork, graphic designers](https://www.upwork.com/hire/graphic-designers/cost/) [32. Proofread and edit](#32-proofread-and-edit) | $25 |  [Upwork, proofreaders](https://www.upwork.com/hire/proofreaders/cost/) [35. Edit podcasts](#35-edit-podcasts) | $25 |  [Upwork, podcast producers](https://www.upwork.com/hire/podcasting-freelancers/cost/) [70. Write for businesses with AI](#70-write-for-businesses-with-ai) | $25 |  [Upwork, content writers](https://www.upwork.com/hire/content-writers/cost/) [16. Do odd jobs and handyman work](#16-do-odd-jobs-and-handyman-work) | $23.84 |  [BLS, maintenance and repair workers](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499071.htm) [20. Train people one to one](#20-train-people-one-to-one) | $22.67 |  [BLS, fitness trainers](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399031.htm) [19. Teach music or art lessons](#19-teach-music-or-art-lessons) | $22.50 |  [BLS, self-enrichment teachers](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253021.htm) [21. Photograph events, families and products](#21-photograph-events-families-and-products) | $21.47 |  [BLS, photographers](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/photographers.htm) [39. Offer SEO](#39-offer-seo) | $21 |  [Upwork, SEO experts](https://www.upwork.com/hire/seo-experts/cost/) [33. Build websites](#33-build-websites) | $21 |  [Upwork, web designers](https://www.upwork.com/hire/web-designers/cost/) [18. Tutor students](#18-tutor-students) | $20.84 |  [BLS, tutors](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253041.htm) [4. Drive people with Uber or Lyft](#4-drive-people-with-uber-or-lyft) | $20.24 |  [BLS, taxi drivers](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533054.htm) [29. Manage social media for businesses](#29-manage-social-media-for-businesses) | $20 |  [Upwork, social media managers](https://www.upwork.com/hire/social-media-managers/cost/) [31. Translate](#31-translate) | $20 |  [Upwork, translators](https://www.upwork.com/hire/translators/cost/) [41. Find leads for businesses](#41-find-leads-for-businesses) | $20 |  [Upwork, lead generation specialists](https://www.upwork.com/hire/lead-generation-specialists/cost/) [15. Help people move](#15-help-people-move) | $19.35 |  [BLS, hand laborers and movers](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes537062.htm) [14. Do yard work and pressure washing](#14-do-yard-work-and-pressure-washing) | $18.82 |  [BLS, landscaping workers](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes373011.htm) [3. Deliver food with DoorDash or Uber Eats](#3-deliver-food-with-doordash-or-uber-eats) | $18.64 |  [BLS, driver/sales workers](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533031.htm) [2. Deliver packages with Amazon Flex](#2-deliver-packages-with-amazon-flex) | $18 to $25 for most drivers |  [Amazon Flex](https://flex.amazon.com/) [24. Lead tours and local experiences](#24-lead-tours-and-local-experiences) | $17.83 |  [BLS, tour and travel guides](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes396011.htm) [17. Detail cars](#17-detail-cars) | $17.23 |  [BLS, vehicle cleaners](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes537061.htm) [13. Clean homes](#13-clean-homes) | $17.07 |  [BLS, housekeeping cleaners](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes372012.htm) [11. Pet sit and walk dogs](#11-pet-sit-and-walk-dogs) | $17.00 |  [BLS, animal caretakers](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes392021.htm) [12. Babysit](#12-babysit) | $16.82 |  [BLS, childcare workers](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399011.htm) [30. Keep the books for small businesses](#30-keep-the-books-for-small-businesses) | $15 |  [Upwork, bookkeepers](https://www.upwork.com/hire/bookkeepers/cost/) [7. Transcribe and caption](#7-transcribe-and-caption) | $15 |  [Upwork, transcriptionists](https://www.upwork.com/hire/transcriptionists/cost/) [40. Do customer support](#40-do-customer-support) | $14 |  [Upwork, customer service reps](https://www.upwork.com/hire/customer-service-representatives/cost/) [9. Do data entry](#9-do-data-entry) | $13 |  [Upwork, data entry specialists](https://www.upwork.com/hire/data-entry-specialists/cost/) [28. Work as a virtual assistant](#28-work-as-a-virtual-assistant) | $13 |  [Upwork, virtual assistants](https://www.upwork.com/hire/virtual-assistants/cost/) :::</p> <p>Skills pay the most per hour, and local work is the quickest to start. The best plan for many people is both: local work for cash now, and a skill on the side that pays more later.</p> <h3>Side hustle taxes in the US</h3> <p>Side hustle income is taxable, whether it comes through an app, a marketplace or cash ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center)). Here are the three rules most side hustlers need to know:</p> <p>1. **Self-employment tax:** if your net earnings from self-employment are $400 or more in a year, you owe self-employment tax of 15.3%, for Social Security and Medicare, on top of income tax ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes)). 2. **Estimated taxes:** no employer withholds tax from side income, so you may need to pay estimated taxes during the year ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes)). 3. **Form 1099-K:** payment apps and marketplaces must send you one when your payments for goods or services top $20,000 in more than 200 transactions, and they may send one for less. Either way, you report the income ([IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-k)).</p> <p>Keep a simple record of what you earn and spend from your first sale, and talk to an accountant once the money grows. I'm not a tax advisor, and the rules where you live may differ.</p> <h3>How to turn a side hustle into a full-time income</h3> <p>I kept my bank job until my side hustle paid more than it did. Here's the path I'd follow again:</p> <p>:::steps Pick one side hustle and give it a full year of steady hours. Put the first profits back into it: better tools, help or ads. Build an email list from day one, since it's the one audience you own. Raise your prices as your results and reviews grow. Quit only when the side hustle has paid more than your job for a few months in a row. :::</p> <p>That's how my summits went from a side project to my income, and how I've worked from anywhere since 2014.</p> <h3>Final thoughts on side hustles</h3> <p>There are 70 side hustle ideas in this guide, and the best one is the one that fits the hours you really have.</p> <p>If you need money this month, take a local job or a gig app. If you want a side hustle that grows, sell a skill or build something you own, and give it a year.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[35 highest paying side hustles](/articles/highest-paying-side-hustles)</li><li>[52 easiest side hustles](/articles/easiest-side-hustles)</li><li>[108 ways to make money online](/articles/ways-to-make-money-online)</li><li>[50 best online side hustles](/articles/best-online-side-hustles)</li><li>[How to make money with AI](/articles/how-to-make-money-with-ai)</li><li>[How to host a virtual summit](/articles/how-to-host-a-virtual-summit)</li><li>[How to start a blog](/articles/how-to-start-a-blog)</li></ul> <p>Your next step: take the [side hustle quiz](/free-tools/side-hustle-quiz) and start the first idea it gives you this week.</p><h2>FAQs about side hustles</h2><h3>What is the best side hustle?</h3><p>The best side hustle fits the hours you have and uses something you already have, like a skill, a car or a spare room.</p> <p>If you need money soon, local work and gig apps pay the fastest.</p> <p>If you want it to grow, sell a skill or build something you own, like a newsletter or a course.</p><h3>What side hustle pays the most?</h3><p>Skills pay the most per hour: on Upwork, the median rate is $100 an hour for business coaches and $90 for AI developers.</p> <p>Local work pays less per hour but starts faster, from about $17 to $24 an hour by BLS medians.</p> <p>The table in this guide ranks the side hustles by what they pay per hour.</p><h3>How much do side hustles make?</h3><p>The median side hustler in the US makes $200 a month, and the average is $885, according to Bankrate.</p> <p>Most people earn a little, and a few earn a lot.</p> <p>The ones who earn the most sell a skill at a good price or build something they own.</p><h3>What side hustles can I start with no money?</h3><p>Testing websites, helping train AI, transcription, pet sitting, tutoring and most freelance skills cost nothing to start.</p> <p>Delivery apps need only the car you already have.</p> <p>Every idea in this guide shows what it costs to start.</p><h3>Can I have a side hustle with a full-time job?</h3><p>Yes, most side hustles in this guide fit evenings and weekends, and many let you pick your own hours.</p> <p>Check your employment contract for rules on outside work and conflicts of interest.</p> <p>Start with a few hours a week, and add more only when it pays.</p><h3>Do I have to pay taxes on side hustle income?</h3><p>Yes, in the US side hustle income is taxable, whether it comes through an app, a marketplace or cash.</p> <p>If your net self-employment earnings reach $400 in a year, you also owe self-employment tax of 15.3%.</p> <p>Keep records from your first sale, and check with an accountant as your income grows.</p><h3>What side hustles can I do from home?</h3><p>Freelance skills like writing, design, bookkeeping and video editing all work from home.</p> <p>So do testing websites, helping train AI and selling digital products.</p> <p>Renting a room on Airbnb earns from home too.</p><h3>Can teenagers have a side hustle?</h3><p>Yes, but many platforms set age rules.</p> <p>Upwork requires you to be 18, while Fiverr and Etsy let 13 to 17 year olds sell through a parent's account.</p> <p>Local jobs like babysitting, pet sitting, yard work and tutoring don't need a platform account, so they're easier to start young.</p><h3>How fast can a side hustle make money?</h3><p>Gig apps and local jobs can pay in your first week, since you're paid per task.</p> <p>Freelancing pays as soon as you land your first client.</p> <p>An audience or a product usually takes months before it pays well.</p><h3>Are side hustle apps legit?</h3><p>The big ones are real companies that pay, like Instacart, Amazon Flex, UserTesting and Upwork.</p> <p>Avoid any app or job that asks you to pay first to unlock work or bigger payouts.</p> <p>Real side hustles never ask you to pay to get paid.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/best-shopping-cart-software/https://navid.me/blog/best-shopping-cart-software/Choosing the right shopping cart software decides how much of each sale you keep, how much each buyer spends, and how smooth it is to pay. In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 17 best shopping carts, along with my top 5 picks, so you can pick the one that fits how you sell.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>:::picks Go to site | Full review | Our top 5 picks Best all-in-one | HighLevel | #1-highlevel | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png | From $97 a month, after a 14-day free trial | Payments and upsell funnels with a CRM, email and SMS behind them, and no cut of your sales. | 4.7 Best for digital products | ThriveCart | #2-thrivecart | https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrivecart-icon.png | From $47 a month, after a 30-day free trial | Checkouts with order bumps, one-click upsells and subscriptions, and 0% of your sales. | 4.5 Best with no monthly fee | Whop | #3-whop | https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/whop-icon.png | No monthly fee, 2.7% + $0.30 a sale | Sell products, memberships and courses with payments from 195 countries, and pay only when you sell. | 4.6 Best for WordPress | SureCart | #4-surecart | https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/surecart-icon.png | Free plan, or from $199 a year | A WordPress checkout with order bumps, one-click upsells and subscriptions on every plan. | 4.5 Best for ways to pay | SamCart | #5-samcart | https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/samcart-icon.jpg | From $79 a month, after a 7-day free trial | Checkouts with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and buy now pay later, and no cut of your sales. | 4.5 :::</p> <p>There are few tools I consider essential when running an online business, and the best shopping cart software is one of them. It's how you get paid for your courses, coaching, memberships and virtual summits, and how you sell more to each buyer.</p> <p>I was one of [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)'s early adopters and processed millions of dollars through it, and I've used [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) to sell online too. Today I sell through Creator Store, an AI-powered store I built myself with the help of AI. Building your own isn't for everyone, so this guide covers the carts that do the job for you.</p> <p>I went back through every one this week, and wrote up what each does well, where it falls short, and what it really costs.</p> <p>In this guide, I'll show you:</p> <ul><li>All 17 shopping carts I reviewed, each with who it's for, key features, pros, cons and pricing</li><li>What shopping cart software is, and the kinds there are</li><li>What to look for before you pick one</li><li>The best shopping carts with no monthly fee</li><li>What I use today</li></ul> <p>Every price here is from the tool's own pages, read in late September and early October 2026.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - I reviewed 17 shopping carts, each with who it's for, pros, cons and pricing. - [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is my pick for an all-in-one: payments and upsell funnels with a CRM, email and SMS behind them, from $97 a month. - For a cart on its own, [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) takes 0% of your sales, with order bumps and upsells from $47 a month. - On WordPress, [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) has order bumps and upsells even on its free plan, and [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) takes no transaction fees. - To pay nothing until you sell, [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) charges 2.7% + $0.30 a sale, and [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and [Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) take a share and handle tax for you. :::</p> <h3>The best shopping cart software</h3> <p>Here's every cart I reviewed, with what each is best for and what it costs to start. Each name opens its site in a new tab:</p> <p>:::table fancy Tool | Best for | Price | Free to try  [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | A cart with a CRM, email and SMS | $97 a month | 14-day free trial  [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | Courses and digital products | $47 a month | 30-day free trial  [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | Selling with no monthly fee | 2.7% + $0.30 a sale | No monthly fee  [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | A checkout on WordPress | $199 a year | Free plan  [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | More ways to pay | $79 a month | 7-day free trial  [PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | Subscriptions and affiliates | $79 a month | 14-day free trial  [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | No fees on WordPress | $199 a year | Free version  [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | Tax handled for you | 5% + $0.50 a sale | No monthly fee  [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | Your first digital product | 10% + $0.50 a sale | No monthly fee  [Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | A free store | Free, or $29 a month | Free plan  [Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | Selling from your bio | $29 a month | 14-day free trial  [Beacons](https://navid.link/beacons?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | Brand deals and a store | Free, or $10 a month | Free plan  [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | Creating and selling in one place | $29 a month, plus 5% | Free workspace  [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | Online stores | $29 a month, billed yearly | 3 days free  [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | A free WordPress store | Free | Free plugin  [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | If you already use ClickFunnels | $97 a month | Free trial  [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) | Coaches who want it all in one | $59 a month | 30-day money-back :::</p> <h4>1. [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best all-in-one shopping cart software**</p> <p></p> <p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is an all-in-one platform for marketing and selling: payments and one-click upsell funnels, plus a CRM, email and SMS, calendars, and courses and memberships.</p> <p>As a shopping cart, it takes payments through [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), PayPal, NMI and others, sells paid content access and paid calendar bookings, and takes no cut of your sales.</p> <p>It's the one I'd pick if I weren't building my own. The cart comes with the follow-up behind it: the contact, the emails and texts, and the next offer.</p> <p>Every plan has unlimited contacts and unlimited users. What you pay on top is usage: phone numbers, SMS, emails and AI are charged as you use them.</p> <h5>Who is HighLevel for?</h5> <p>HighLevel is for businesses and agencies that want their checkout, CRM, email, SMS and bookings in one account.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Payments through Stripe, PayPal, NMI and others - One-click upsell funnels - Paid memberships and courses - Paid calendar bookings - A CRM with unlimited contacts and users - Email and SMS follow-up :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No cut of your sales - Unlimited contacts and users on every plan - The checkout and the follow-up in one place - A 14-day free trial, month to month :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $97 a month, more than a cart on its own - Phone, SMS, email and AI are charged by use, on top of the plan - Its plans are built around sub-accounts, the way an agency works :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>HighLevel has three plans, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $97 a month, or $970 a year, with three sub-accounts. - **Unlimited** – $297 a month, or $2,970 a year, with unlimited sub-accounts. - **Agency Pro** – $497 a month, or $4,970 a year, with SaaS mode, to sell HighLevel as your own software. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best all-in-one name: HighLevel logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: From $97 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Payments and upsell funnels with a CRM, email and SMS behind them, and no cut of your sales. button: Try HighLevel free for 14 days | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>2. [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best shopping cart for digital products**</p> <p></p> <p>[ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is a checkout platform: cart and checkout pages with order bumps, one-click upsells, subscriptions and an affiliate center, plus ThriveCart Academy for your courses and a community.</p> <p>It takes 0% of your sales on every plan, with payments through your own [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), PayPal or Authorize.Net. ThriveCart says sellers have processed over $8 billion through it.</p> <p>I'm one of them. I was one of ThriveCart's early adopters, and I processed millions of dollars through it, selling my courses and virtual summits.</p> <p>It was my go-to shopping cart for years, and I still stand behind it.</p> <h5>Who is ThriveCart for?</h5> <p>ThriveCart is for creators and course sellers who want a checkout that sells more per order, without a big monthly plan.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Custom checkout and cart pages, in 100+ countries - One-click upsells and downsells, order bumps and A/B split testing - Abandoned cart recovery and sales tax automation - Buy now pay later, split pay, pay-what-you-like and subscriptions - ThriveCart Academy: courses, a community, quizzes and certificates - An affiliate center with automated payouts, on Pro+ :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - 0% fees on your sales, on every plan - Order bumps and one-click upsells from the first plan - A 30-day free trial - Your courses and a community in the same account :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Standard gives you one order bump - The affiliate center, coupons and your own domain start on Pro+, at $87 a month - No email marketing of its own :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>ThriveCart has two plans, each with a 30-day free trial, and Enterprise on request, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Standard** – $47 a month, with ThriveCart Academy Starter: unlimited courses and students, and up to 2,000 community members. - **Pro+** – $87 a month, with multiple order bumps, the affiliate center, coupons, custom domains and up to 10,000 community members. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for digital products name: ThriveCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrivecart-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $47 a month, after a 30-day free trial text: Checkouts with order bumps, one-click upsells and subscriptions, and 0% of your sales. button: Try ThriveCart free for 30 days | https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>3. [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best shopping cart software with no monthly fee**</p> <p></p> <p>[Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is where you sell digital products, memberships, courses, communities and services, with the checkout and payouts built in. It says sellers earned over $300 million on Whop last month.</p> <p>There's no setup fee and no monthly cost. Whop charges 2.7% + $0.30 for each successful card payment, plus 1.5% for international cards and 1% if a currency is converted.</p> <p>The extras are optional: 0.8% for payment orchestration, 0.5% for billing and 2% for tax handling. With all of them on and tax collected, a sale costs 6% + $0.30.</p> <p>It also runs its own MCP server, so AI agents like Claude can work with your store, and a marketplace on whop.com where buyers can find your products.</p> <h5>Who is Whop for?</h5> <p>Whop is for creators who want to sell without a monthly plan, and pay only when they make a sale.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - No monthly fee, only a fee on each sale - Digital products, memberships, courses and communities - Payments in 195 countries and 135+ currencies, with 100+ payment methods - Klarna and Afterpay, so buyers can pay over time - An affiliate program, with affiliate payouts at 1.25% - A marketplace where buyers can find you - An MCP server for AI agents like Claude :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No setup fee and no monthly cost - Card processing included in its 2.7% + $0.30 - Buyers can pay from almost anywhere - Works with AI agents through its MCP server :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Orchestration, billing and tax handling add up to 3.3% more when you turn them on - Payouts cost from $2.50 each - A fee on every sale grows with your sales, where a flat plan stays the same :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Whop has no plan to pay for. These are its fees, from its fee docs as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Card payments** – 2.7% + $0.30, plus 1.5% for international cards and 1% for currency conversion. - **Orchestration** – 0.8%, when you turn it on. - **Billing** – 0.5%, when you turn it on. - **Tax and remittance** – 2%, when you turn it on and tax is collected. - **Payouts** – from $2.50 each, by next-day ACH. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best with no monthly fee name: Whop logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/whop-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: No monthly fee, 2.7% + $0.30 a sale text: Sell products, memberships and courses with payments from 195 countries, and pay only when you sell. button: Start selling on Whop | https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>4. [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best shopping cart for WordPress**</p> <p></p> <p>[SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is a checkout and ecommerce plugin for WordPress, used by over 80,000 merchants, it says. I've used it to sell online myself.</p> <p>Every plan, the free one included, has order bumps, one-click upsells, subscriptions and sales tax, so it runs a full checkout on your own site, without [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software).</p> <p>The free Launch plan charges a 2.9% transaction fee. Pro, from $199 a year for one store, charges none.</p> <h5>Who is SureCart for?</h5> <p>SureCart is for WordPress site owners who want a checkout with order bumps and upsells on a site they own.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A checkout native to WordPress - Order bumps and one-click upsells, on every plan - Subscriptions, free and paid trials, setup fees and a subscription saver - Automatic sales tax for 40+ countries and every US state, and EU VAT - Coupons, an affiliate program and a customer portal - An agency suite to run many stores from one place :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Order bumps and upsells, even on the free plan - No transaction fee on Pro - A lifetime option - A 14-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan charges a 2.9% transaction fee - Card fees on top on every plan - WordPress and hosting are yours to run :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>SureCart has a free plan and Pro by the number of stores, yearly or once, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – free, with a 2.9% transaction fee. - **Pro, one store** – $199 a year, or $699 once. - **Pro, five stores** – $299 a year ($249 the first year when I checked), or $1,199 once. - **Pro, unlimited stores** – $499 a year ($399 the first year when I checked), or $1,999 once. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for WordPress name: SureCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/surecart-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: Free plan, or from $199 a year text: A WordPress checkout with order bumps, one-click upsells and subscriptions on every plan. button: Start on SureCart for free | https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software :::</p> <h4>5. [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best checkout software for more ways to pay**</p> <p></p> <p>[SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is a checkout platform for digital products, courses, subscriptions and coaching, used by over 75,000 businesses, it says.</p> <p>It builds your sales pages and checkouts, hosts your courses, and takes Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, cards and buy now pay later.</p> <p>SamCart takes no cut of your sales. One-click upsells and order bumps start on its second plan, Pro.</p> <h5>Who is SamCart for?</h5> <p>SamCart is for sellers who care most about the checkout itself, and the ways people can pay.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales pages and checkouts - Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, cards and buy now pay later - Cart abandonment and coupons - Subscriptions, with a customer portal - A members area for your courses - One-click upsells, order bumps, A/B tests and an affiliate center, on Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No cut of your sales - Many ways to pay at checkout - A 7-day free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $79 a month - Upsells, order bumps and affiliates start on Pro, at $199 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>SamCart has two plans, with a 7-day free trial and 25% off billed yearly, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Core** – $79 a month, with unlimited pages, products and checkouts. - **Pro** – $199 a month, with one-click upsells, order bumps, A/B tests and an affiliate center. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for ways to pay name: SamCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/samcart-icon.jpg rating: 4.5 price: From $79 a month, after a 7-day free trial text: Checkouts with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and buy now pay later, and no cut of your sales. button: Try SamCart free for 7 days | https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>6. [PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best shopping cart software for subscriptions and affiliates**</p> <p></p> <p>[PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is a checkout, subscription billing and affiliate platform: hosted checkout pages, one-click upsells and order bumps, subscriptions with dunning, and an affiliate center.</p> <p>Every plan has every feature. What changes is the price, which goes by your monthly revenue, from $79 a month for up to $3,000 in sales.</p> <p>Its affiliate center pays first- and second-tier commissions, and its marketplace puts your product in front of over 100,000 affiliates, it says.</p> <h5>Who is PayKickstart for?</h5> <p>PayKickstart is for sellers of subscriptions, software and digital products who want a checkout with an affiliate program built in.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - 50+ hosted checkout page designs, plus pop-ups and embeddable forms - Cards, PayPal, ACH and mobile wallets - One-click upsells, order bumps, coupons and cart recovery - Subscriptions, free and paid trials, payment plans and usage-based billing - Dunning, a self-serve billing portal and cancellation savers - An affiliate center with first- and second-tier commissions - Tax profiles for US sales tax, EU VAT and GST, and checkouts in 19 languages :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Every feature on every plan - A 14-day free trial - Free migration help and 24/7 support :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $79 a month, for up to $3,000 in monthly revenue - Revenue over your plan's limit costs a 5.27% fee - Your pages, courses and emails need tools of their own :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>PayKickstart's plans go by your average monthly revenue, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **From $79 a month** – for up to $3,000 in monthly revenue, with a 5.27% fee on revenue over that. - **Launch** – no monthly fee, with every feature, for 6% of your revenue. :::</p> <p>Plans for more revenue cost more, and the slider on its pricing page shows each one.</p> <p>:::product award: Best for subscriptions and affiliates name: PayKickstart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/paykickstart-icon.jpg rating: 4.4 price: From $79 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Checkouts, subscriptions and a two-tier affiliate center, priced by your monthly revenue. button: Try PayKickstart free for 14 days | https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>7. [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best WordPress shopping cart with no fees**</p> <p></p> <p>[FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is an ecommerce plugin for WordPress from the team behind FluentCommunity: physical and digital products, subscriptions and licenses, with [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and PayPal built in.</p> <p>To sell more per order, it has order bumps, upsells and cross-sells, and coupons, and it charges no transaction fees on the free version or Pro.</p> <p>It's new, with over 9,000 active installs. Pro is $199 a year for one site, and for now there's an early-bird lifetime deal from $249.</p> <h5>Who is FluentCart for?</h5> <p>FluentCart is for WordPress sellers who want a fast checkout with order bumps and no fee on sales.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Physical and digital products, subscriptions and licenses - Order bumps, upsells and cross-sells, and coupons - Stripe and PayPal built in - Installments, bundles and invoicing - Shipping and taxes - Reports on how customers move through your store :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No transaction fees on the free version or Pro - A free version - A 60-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - New, with over 9,000 active installs so far - WordPress and hosting are yours to run - Card fees from Stripe or PayPal on top :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>FluentCart is free to start, with yearly plans by the number of sites, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **One site** – $199 a year, or $249 once in the early-bird lifetime deal. - **Five sites** – $499 a year. - **15 sites** – $699 a year. - **50 sites** – $899 a year. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best with no fees on WordPress name: FluentCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/fluentcart-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: Free version, or from $199 a year text: A fast WordPress checkout with order bumps and upsells, and no transaction fees. button: Start on FluentCart for free | https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software :::</p> <h4>8. [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best shopping cart with sales tax handled**</p> <p></p> <p>[Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is a checkout for digital products, subscriptions and software licenses, and part of [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software).</p> <p>It's built for software companies first, and it sells downloads, subscriptions and license keys.</p> <p>There's no monthly fee. Lemon Squeezy keeps 5% + $0.50 of each sale, card processing included, and some payments carry small extra fees.</p> <p>It's also the merchant of record, so it handles sales tax and VAT for you.</p> <h5>Who is Lemon Squeezy for?</h5> <p>Lemon Squeezy is for creators and software makers who sell downloads and subscriptions worldwide and never want to deal with sales tax.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A checkout for digital products and subscriptions - Sales tax and VAT handled as the merchant of record - Secure download links - License keys for software - Email marketing, free up to 500 subscribers - An affiliate program :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No monthly fee, and free to start - Sales tax and VAT handled for you - Card processing included in its cut - Part of Stripe :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Keeps 5% + $0.50 of each sale - Built for software first - Some payments carry extra fees :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Lemon Squeezy has one price, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Every sale** – 5% + $0.50, with volume pricing on request. - **Email marketing** – free up to 500 subscribers. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best with tax handled name: Lemon Squeezy logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/lemon-squeezy-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: No monthly fee, 5% + $0.50 a sale text: A checkout for downloads, subscriptions and licenses, as the merchant of record. button: Start on Lemon Squeezy for free | https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software :::</p> <h4>9. [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best shopping cart to start selling today**</p> <p></p> <p>[Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) sells digital products, ebooks, courses and memberships, with no monthly fee.</p> <p>Instead, it keeps 10% + $0.50 of each sale through your profile or your own links, with card processing on top. On a sale it finds for you through Discover, its marketplace, it keeps 30%.</p> <p>Since January 1, 2025, Gumroad is the merchant of record for your sales. So it collects and pays sales tax, VAT and GST worldwide, and you don't have to.</p> <h5>Who is Gumroad for?</h5> <p>Gumroad is for creators selling their first digital product, who want to pay nothing until they make a sale.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Digital products, courses and memberships - A profile store and product pages - Its Discover marketplace - Email to your customers - Coupons, upsells and an affiliate program - Sales tax, VAT and GST handled worldwide :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No monthly fee - The merchant of record, so tax is handled for you - A marketplace that can bring you buyers - Its cut drops to 5% + $0.50 once paid sales pass $20,000 in a month :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Keeps 10% + $0.50 of each sale, with card fees on top - Keeps 30% of sales through Discover - Costs more than a flat plan once you sell a lot :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Gumroad has no plans. Its fees, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Your own sales** – 10% + $0.50 per sale, plus card processing. - **Discover sales** – 30% per sale. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best to start selling today name: Gumroad logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/gumroad-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: No monthly fee, 10% + $0.50 a sale text: Digital products and memberships, with tax handled worldwide. button: Start selling on Gumroad | https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software :::</p> <h4>10. [Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best free shopping cart and store**</p> <p></p> <p>[Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) sells digital downloads, courses, coaching, memberships and physical products, from a store it builds for you.</p> <p>Every plan has the same features. What you choose is how you pay: a share of each sale, or a monthly plan.</p> <p>The free plan keeps 5% of each sale, Plus at $29 a month keeps 2%, and Pro at $99 a month keeps nothing. PayPal and [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) charge their own fees on every plan.</p> <p>Payhip also collects and pays EU and UK VAT for you, and pays your sales out as soon as each one completes.</p> <h5>Who is Payhip for?</h5> <p>Payhip is for creators who want to start selling today without a monthly bill, and switch to a flat plan once sales grow.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Digital downloads, courses, coaching and memberships - A store and website - Coupons, upsells and an affiliate program - Email marketing - EU and UK VAT collected and paid for you - Payouts as soon as each sale completes :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan, with no credit card needed - Every feature on every plan - EU and UK VAT handled for you - No cut of your sales on Pro :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan keeps 5% of each sale, and Plus 2% - PayPal and Stripe fees on top, on every plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Payhip has three plans, all with the same features, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free Forever** – $0, keeping 5% of each sale. - **Plus** – $29 a month, keeping 2%. - **Pro** – $99 a month, keeping nothing. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best free store name: Payhip logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/payhip-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free plan, keeping 5% of each sale text: Downloads, courses, coaching and memberships, from a store it builds for you. button: Start on Payhip for free | https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software :::</p> <h4>11. [Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best shopping cart for a link in bio**</p> <p></p> <p>[Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is a link-in-bio store: your digital products, courses, bookings and memberships behind the one link in your social profiles.</p> <p>It takes zero transaction fees on both plans, so you keep 100% of each sale, apart from your payment processor's fee.</p> <p>Creator, at $29 a month, includes a course builder, a calendar for bookings, subscriptions, lead magnets, a community and AutoDM, which answers Instagram comments and DMs for you.</p> <p>Creator Pro, at $99 a month, adds email marketing, funnels, upsells, payment plans, Afterpay and Klarna, and pixel tracking for Meta, Google, Pinterest and TikTok.</p> <h5>Who is Stan for?</h5> <p>Stan is for creators who sell from Instagram and TikTok, and want their products, bookings and downloads one tap from their bio.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A store behind your link in bio - Digital products, courses and memberships - Calendar and bookings for coaching calls - Recurring subscriptions and a community - AutoDM for Instagram - Email marketing, funnels and upsells, on Creator Pro - Afterpay, Klarna and payment plans, on Creator Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Zero transaction fees on both plans - Built for selling from social media - A 14-day free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - No free plan - Email, funnels and upsells start on Creator Pro, at $99 a month - Afterpay, Klarna and payment plans also start on Creator Pro :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Stan has two plans, with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Creator** – $29 a month, or $300 a year. - **Creator Pro** – $99 a month, or $948 a year, with email, funnels, upsells and payment plans. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for link in bio name: Stan logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/stan-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: From $29 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Your products, bookings and memberships behind the link in your profiles. button: Try Stan free for 14 days | https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software :::</p> <h4>12. [Beacons](https://navid.link/beacons?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best shopping cart for creators with brand deals**</p> <p></p> <p>[Beacons](https://navid.link/beacons?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is a link-in-bio platform with a store for digital products, merch and courses, email, a media kit for brand deals, and Beam, an AI teammate for your content and brand deals.</p> <p>Its free plan keeps 9% of each sale, and so does Creator, at $10 a month. Creator Plus, at $30 a month, keeps nothing.</p> <p>Its plans come with AI tools built in: chat with Beam, AI text and images, and an AI designer for your link in bio.</p> <h5>Who is Beacons for?</h5> <p>Beacons is for creators who earn from brand deals and want to sell from the same link in bio.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A link-in-bio page and a website - A store for digital products - Email collection and sends - An auto-updating media kit and brand deals - Beam, AI text and images, and an AI link-in-bio designer - A free custom domain, from Creator :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan - AI tools built in - 0% seller fees on Creator Plus - Two months free billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Free and Creator keep 9% of each sale - 0% seller fees start on Creator Plus, at $30 a month - Email sends are capped: 50 a month free, 500 on Creator :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Beacons has a free plan and three paid ones, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with a 9% seller fee and 50 email sends a month. - **Creator** – $10 a month, or $8.33 billed yearly, with a free custom domain and a 9% seller fee. - **Creator Plus** – $30 a month, or $25 billed yearly, with 0% seller fees. - **Creator Max** – $100 a month, or $83.33 billed yearly. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for brand deals name: Beacons logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/beacons-icon.jpg rating: 4.2 price: Free plan, or from $10 a month text: A link-in-bio store with AI tools, a media kit and brand deals. button: Start on Beacons for free | https://navid.link/beacons?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>13. [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best creator workspace with a shopping cart**</p> <p></p> <p>[Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is one place to save ideas, study viral posts, write and schedule your content, and sell what you know. Its store sells courses, cohorts, coaching, digital downloads, memberships and bundles, from one page at your handle.</p> <p>Custom AI is one of its workspace features: an AI built around your notes, sources and voice. A course can come with one, built from its lessons, so buyers get answers as they learn.</p> <p>Its connectors bring in the apps you already use: Notion, Kit, beehiiv, Klaviyo, Webflow, [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), Kajabi, [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), Circle and Zapier, plus any app with a hosted MCP server. You can ask about your business in one chat, and put the routine checks on a schedule.</p> <p>Every sale goes straight to your own Stripe account. Eden takes a flat 5% of each sale, and Stripe's fee comes out of your share.</p> <p>Selling starts on Starter, at $29 a month, or $299 a year ($200 for the first year with its welcome offer). Pro adds up to three one-click upsells after checkout and your own affiliate program.</p> <h5>Who is Eden for?</h5> <p>Eden is for creators who want their ideas, their content and their store in one place, selling courses, coaching and downloads from the link in their bio.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A workspace to save ideas, study viral posts, and write and schedule posts - A store for courses, cohorts, coaching, downloads, memberships and bundles - A Custom AI built from a course's lessons, to answer buyers as they learn - Charge once or monthly - Sales through your own Stripe account - Email broadcasts to 250 contacts, with 5,000 sends a month, on Starter - Up to three one-click upsells and your own affiliate program, on Pro - Connectors for Notion, Kit, beehiiv, Klaviyo, Webflow, Stripe, Kajabi, Whop, Circle and Zapier, plus any hosted MCP server :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Your ideas, your content and your store in one place - Connects to the tools you already use, and thousands more through Zapier - The money lands in your own Stripe account - A flat 5%, with no store fee on top of the plan :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Keeps 5% of each sale, with Stripe's fee on top - Selling starts on Starter, at $29 a month - Upsells and an affiliate program start on Pro, at $79 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Eden's selling plans are billed monthly or yearly, plus its flat 5% of each sale, from its pricing and store pages as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $29 a month, or $299 a year ($200 for the first year), with your store and 200 AI credits a month. - **Pro** – $79 a month, or $790 a year ($529 for the first year), adding one-click upsells and your own affiliate program. - **Studio** – $199 a month, or $1,999 a year, for teams and agencies, with five workspaces. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best creator workspace name: Eden logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/eden-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $29 a month, plus 5% a sale text: Save ideas, write your content and sell courses, coaching and downloads, paid to your own Stripe. button: See Eden's store | https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software :::</p> <h4>14. [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best shopping cart software for online stores**</p> <p></p> <p>[Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is the website builder for online stores: a store with its own checkout, themes, inventory, and a point of sale for selling in person.</p> <p>Sidekick, its AI assistant, helps you run the store, and its app store adds whatever Shopify doesn't do itself.</p> <p>Shopify takes no cut when you use Shopify Payments, whose card rates start at 2.9% + $0.30 on Basic. With another payment provider, it adds a transaction fee.</p> <h5>Who is Shopify for?</h5> <p>Shopify is for anyone whose website is mainly a store, from merch to physical products.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - An online store with its own checkout - Themes, plus apps from the Shopify App Store - Orders and inventory - Point of sale for selling in person - Sidekick, an AI assistant for the store - Shopify Payments, from 2.9% + $0.30 on Basic down to 2.5% + $0.30 on Advanced :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The most complete store of any builder here - No transaction fee with Shopify Payments - Three days free, then $1 a month for three months :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $39 a month, or $29 billed yearly - Many features come through paid apps - A transaction fee with another payment provider :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Shopify has three main plans, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026, with today's card rates:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $39 a month, or $29 billed yearly. - **Grow** – $105 a month, or $79 billed yearly, with five staff accounts. - **Advanced** – $399 a month, or $299 billed yearly, with 15 staff accounts. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for online stores name: Shopify logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/shopify-icon.jpg rating: 4.5 price: From $29 a month billed yearly, after three days free text: A complete online store with its own checkout, inventory and point of sale. button: Start on Shopify for $1 a month | https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software :::</p> <h4>15. [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best free shopping cart for WordPress**</p> <p></p> <p>[WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is a free, open-source store for your own WordPress site, with full control of your checkout, your data and your costs.</p> <p>It sells physical products, downloads, subscriptions and memberships, and plugins like [FunnelKit](https://navid.link/funnelkit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) add order bumps and one-click upsells to its checkout.</p> <p>WooCommerce takes no cut of your sales. WooPayments, its own payments, charges 2.9% + $0.30 on US cards, with no monthly fee, and 1.5% more on international cards.</p> <h5>Who is WooCommerce for?</h5> <p>WooCommerce is for anyone who runs WordPress and wants a store on their own site, choosing every piece themselves.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A free store plugin for WordPress - Any payment provider, including WooPayments, [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and PayPal - Physical products, downloads, subscriptions and memberships - Extensions for almost anything, like FunnelKit for funnels and upsells :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free, and open source - No cut of your sales - Your store, data and checkout on your own site :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Order bumps and upsells need an extension - Hosting, updates and security are yours :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>WooCommerce is free, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026. What you pay for is the rest:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **WooCommerce** – free. - **WooPayments** – 2.9% + $0.30 a sale on US cards, with no monthly fee. - **Extensions** – like FunnelKit, from $129 a year. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best free WordPress store name: WooCommerce logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/woocommerce-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free text: A free, open-source store for your own WordPress site. button: Get WooCommerce | https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software :::</p> <h4>16. [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best shopping cart if you already use ClickFunnels**</p> <p></p> <p>[ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is the classic funnel builder: sales pages and checkouts with one-click upsells and order bumps, plus email, a CRM and courses, from the company Russell Brunson co-founded.</p> <p>I used ClickFunnels for many years. As a shopping cart alone, though, I'd only pick it if you already use ClickFunnels and want everything under one roof.</p> <p>Every plan has unlimited visitors, and unlimited funnels for now, which ClickFunnels marks as a limited-time offer. Its plans grow by courses, contacts and team members.</p> <p>It takes no fee on your sales beyond [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)'s.</p> <p>If you want something like it for less, or with more in one place, see my guide to the [best ClickFunnels alternatives](/articles/best-clickfunnels-alternatives).</p> <h5>Who is ClickFunnels for?</h5> <p>ClickFunnels is for sellers who want sales funnels, upsells, email and courses in one place.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales funnels with sales pages and checkouts - One-click upsells and order bumps - Unlimited visitors on every plan - Email and a CRM - Courses: three on Launch, six on Scale - Unlimited custom domains, from Scale - An API, on Optimize :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - One-click upsells and order bumps - Email, a CRM and courses in one account - Unlimited visitors - A free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $97 a month - Launch has three courses and 10,000 contacts - Unlimited funnels are a limited-time offer :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>ClickFunnels has four plans, each with a free trial, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – $97 a month, or $81 billed yearly, with three courses and 10,000 contacts. - **Scale** – $197 a month, or $164 billed yearly, with six courses and 75,000 contacts. - **Optimize** – $297 a month, or $248 billed yearly, with 10 courses and an API. - **Dominate** – $5,997 a year, with 20 courses. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best if you use ClickFunnels name: ClickFunnels logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/clickfunnels-icon.jpg rating: 4.2 price: From $97 a month, after a free trial text: Sales funnels and checkouts with one-click upsells and order bumps. button: Try ClickFunnels free | https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>17. [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)</h4> <p>**The best shopping cart software for coaches**</p> <p></p> <p>[Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is an all-in-one platform: pages, funnels, email and SMS, a CRM, a membership portal and a checkout that takes cards and PayPal.</p> <p>I was a paying user of Kartra too. Kartra says over 60,000 coaches and business owners have earned more than $1.5 billion with it.</p> <p>Its first plan, Essentials, is $59 a month, but it keeps 5% of each sale and caps you at 500 contacts. From Starter, at $119 a month, there are no transaction fees.</p> <h5>Who is Kartra for?</h5> <p>Kartra is for coaches and course sellers who want pages, funnels, email and a members area in one account.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop page builder with ready templates - Multi-page funnels - Email and SMS campaigns - A CRM with lists and tags - A membership portal for your courses - Checkout for cards and PayPal :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Pages, funnels, email, a CRM and courses in one place - No transaction fees from Starter - A 30-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Essentials keeps 5% of each sale and caps you at 500 contacts - No free trial, only the money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Kartra has four plans, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Essentials** – $59 a month, or $52 billed yearly, with a 5% transaction fee and 500 contacts. - **Starter** – $119 a month, or $99 billed yearly, with no transaction fee and 2,500 contacts. - **Growth** – $229 a month, or $189 billed yearly, with 12,500 contacts. - **Professional** – $549 a month, or $429 billed yearly, with 25,000 contacts. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for coaches name: Kartra logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/kartra-icon.png rating: 4.1 price: From $59 a month text: Pages, funnels, email, a CRM and a checkout for cards and PayPal. button: See Kartra's plans | https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h3>What is shopping cart software?</h3> <p>Shopping cart software is the checkout of your online business: the page where a buyer pays, and everything around it, like order bumps, upsells, subscriptions, coupons, tax and the receipt.</p> <p>It's the backbone of selling online. It gets you paid, it raises what each buyer spends, and a smooth checkout builds trust.</p> <h3>What to look for in shopping cart software</h3> <p>Five things decide most of it:</p> <p>1. **What it takes from each sale** – [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), [Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) take no cut, while [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and the free plans of [Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and [Beacons](https://navid.link/beacons?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) keep a share. 2. **Order bumps and upsells** – they raise what each buyer spends. ThriveCart, [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and [PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) have them on every plan, and SamCart from Pro. 3. **Ways to pay** – SamCart takes Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo and buy now pay later, and Stan adds Afterpay and Klarna on Creator Pro. 4. **Sales tax and VAT** – Lemon Squeezy and Gumroad act as the merchant of record and handle it for you, and SureCart and PayKickstart work it out at checkout. 5. **Hosted or WordPress** – a hosted cart runs everything for you, and SureCart, [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) run on your own site.</p> <p>They come in five kinds:</p> <p>:::cards tinted Layers | All-in-one platforms | A checkout with a CRM, email and funnels behind it, like HighLevel, [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software). ShoppingCart | Checkout platforms | Checkouts with order bumps and upsells, like ThriveCart, SamCart and PayKickstart. Wallet | Pay as you sell | No monthly fee, for a share of each sale, like Whop, Gumroad, Lemon Squeezy and Payhip. Smartphone | Creator stores | A store behind the link in your profiles, like Stan, Beacons and Eden. Globe | Stores on your own site | [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)'s hosted store, or SureCart, FluentCart and WooCommerce on WordPress. :::</p> <h3>The best shopping cart software with no monthly fee</h3> <p>Here's where you can start without a monthly bill:</p> <ul><li>**[Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)** – 2.7% + $0.30 a sale, with no setup fee.</li><li>**[Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)** – 10% + $0.50 a sale, with tax handled worldwide.</li><li>**[Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)** – 5% + $0.50 a sale, card processing and tax included.</li><li>**[Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)** – a free plan that keeps 5% of each sale.</li><li>**[SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)** – a free plan with order bumps and upsells, for a 2.9% fee on sales.</li><li>**[FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)** and **[WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)** – free on WordPress, on hosting of your own.</li><li>**[PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)** – its Launch plan has no monthly fee, for 6% of your revenue.</li></ul> <h3>What I use</h3> <p>I sell through Creator Store, an AI-powered store I built myself with the help of AI. It sells my digital products through my own [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) account, with real invoices, order bumps, upsells and bundles, coupons, and an affiliate program with its own portal for my partners. There's no plan and no cut of my sales.</p> <p>It's built with Next.js, Stripe and [Supabase](https://navid.link/supabase?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), and I write it with AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software). Building and hosting your own, on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) or [Cloudflare Workers](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), is a lot more setup than any cart here, so it isn't for everyone.</p> <p>Before Creator Store, [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) was my go-to shopping cart for years, and I processed millions of dollars through it. If you'd rather not build your own, it's the cart I'd start with, or [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) if you want the CRM and follow-up in the same place.</p> <p>Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you sign up through one, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.</p> <p>:::faq :::</p> <h3>Final thoughts on shopping cart software</h3> <p>There are a lot of shopping carts out there, so it comes down to what you sell, how you want to pay for the cart, and where your site runs.</p> <p>Here are my final recommendations:</p> <p>:::cards list https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png | HighLevel | The best all-in-one, and the one I'd pick if I weren't building my own: payments and upsells with the follow-up behind them. | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software | Best all-in-one | Try HighLevel free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrivecart-icon.png | ThriveCart | The best for courses and digital products, with 0% of your sales. I was one of its early adopters. | https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software | Best for digital products | Try ThriveCart free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/whop-icon.png | Whop | The best with no monthly fee: products, memberships and courses, for 2.7% + $0.30 a sale. | https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software | Best with no monthly fee | Start selling on Whop https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/surecart-icon.png | SureCart | The best for WordPress, with order bumps and upsells even on its free plan. | https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software | Best for WordPress | Start SureCart free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/samcart-icon.jpg | SamCart | The best for ways to pay, from Apple Pay to buy now pay later. | https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software | Best for ways to pay | Try SamCart free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/paykickstart-icon.jpg | PayKickstart | The best for subscriptions and affiliates, with every feature on every plan. | https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software | Best for subscriptions and affiliates | Try PayKickstart free :::</p> <p>Now I'd like to turn it over to you. Which one will you use? Or do you use a great one I didn't cover? [Send me a message](/contact) and tell me.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[The best sales funnel software](/articles/best-sales-funnel-software) – funnel builders and checkouts, compared</li><li>[The best online course platforms](/articles/best-online-course-platforms) – 40 platforms for selling a course, compared</li><li>[The best ClickFunnels alternatives](/articles/best-clickfunnels-alternatives) – funnel builders and checkouts, compared</li></ul> <p>Start the free trial or free plan of the one that fits, and sell one product through it before you move everything over.</p><h2>FAQs about shopping cart software</h2><h3>What is the best shopping cart software?</h3><p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is my pick for an all-in-one, with payments, upsell funnels, a CRM and email, from $97 a month.</p> <p>For a cart on its own, I'd pick [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), which takes 0% of your sales.</p><h3>What is the best free shopping cart software?</h3><p>[Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and [Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) have no monthly fee, and charge a share of each sale instead.</p> <p>On WordPress, [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) are free, and [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software)'s free plan keeps 2.9% of each sale.</p><h3>Which shopping cart takes no cut of your sales?</h3><p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), [Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) take no cut of your sales.</p> <p>Your payment processor still charges its card fees.</p><h3>What is a merchant of record?</h3><p>A merchant of record sells your product on your behalf, so it collects and pays sales tax and VAT for you.</p> <p>[Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) work this way, and [Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) handles EU and UK VAT.</p><h3>Is ThriveCart better than SamCart?</h3><p>[ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) costs less, from $47 a month, and has order bumps and upsells from its first plan.</p> <p>[SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) offers more ways to pay, like Apple Pay, Venmo and buy now pay later, from $79 a month.</p><h3>What is the best shopping cart for WordPress?</h3><p>[SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) has order bumps and one-click upsells on every plan, even the free one.</p> <p>[FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) takes no transaction fees, and [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is a free store you can extend.</p><h3>What is the best shopping cart for digital products?</h3><p>[ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) is my pick, with order bumps, upsells and 0% of your sales.</p> <p>To pay nothing until you sell, [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and [Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) handle the tax for you.</p><h3>Do I need a shopping cart if I have a website builder?</h3><p>[Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software), [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) have checkouts built in.</p> <p>A dedicated cart like [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) adds order bumps, one-click upsells and an affiliate center.</p><h3>Can I build my own checkout?</h3><p>You can, and it's what I do, with Next.js, [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) for payments and [Supabase](https://navid.link/supabase?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) for the data.</p> <p>It takes a lot more setup than a cart, so it isn't for everyone.</p><h3>What shopping cart do you use?</h3><p>I sell through Creator Store, an AI-powered store I built myself with the help of AI, on Next.js, [Stripe](https://navid.link/stripe?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) and [Supabase](https://navid.link/supabase?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software).</p> <p>Before that, [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-shopping-cart-software) was my go-to cart for years, and I processed millions of dollars through it.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/best-website-builders/https://navid.me/blog/best-website-builders/Choosing the right website builder decides how your site looks, what it can do, and what you pay for it each year. In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 14 best website builders, along with my top 5 picks, so you can pick the one that fits your site.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>:::picks Go to site | Full review | Our top 5 picks Best all-in-one | HighLevel | #1-highlevel | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png | From $97 a month, after a 14-day free trial | Websites and funnels built with AI, with a CRM, email, SMS and payments behind them. | 4.7 Best to build your own | Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare | #2-next-js-on-vercel-or-cloudflare | https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/nextjs-icon.jpg | Free to start, then from $5 a month | Your own pages, written with AI coding tools like Claude Code and Codex, on Vercel or Cloudflare. | 4.8 Best for design | Framer | #3-framer | https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/framer-icon.jpg | Free plan, or from $10 a month billed yearly | Sites that look designed, with AI agents, a CMS and fast hosting. | 4.7 Best for full control | Webflow | #4-webflow | https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/webflow-icon.png | Free plan, or from $15 a month billed yearly | Every detail of the design in your hands, with a CMS, Webflow AI and an MCP server. | 4.5 Best for most people | Wix | #5-wix | https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/wix-icon.jpg | Free plan, or from $17 a month billed yearly | A site from a single prompt or thousands of templates, with stores and bookings built in. | 4.5 :::</p> <p>This is a complete guide to the best website builders this year.</p> <p>I've built websites for over a decade, for my business, my courses and my virtual summits. My old site ran on [WordPress](https://navid.link/wordpress?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) with the Kadence theme, and I built my pages with Thrive's plugins.</p> <p>Today navid.me is built with Next.js on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), and I write it with AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders). That isn't for everyone, so this guide covers that way and the builders that do it for you.</p> <p>I went back through every one this week, and wrote up what each does well, where it falls short, and what it really costs.</p> <p>In this guide, I'll show you:</p> <ul><li>All 14 website builders I reviewed, each with who it's for, key features, pros, cons and pricing</li><li>What a website builder is, and the kinds there are</li><li>The best website builder for each kind of site</li><li>The best free website builders</li><li>What I use today</li></ul> <p>Every price here is from the tool's own pages, read in late September and early October 2026.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - I reviewed 14 website builders, each with who it's for, pros, cons and pricing. - [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is my pick: it builds your site with AI and puts a CRM, email, SMS and bookings behind it, from $97 a month. - I build navid.me with Next.js on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), but that isn't for everyone. - For a site that looks designed, [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders); for full control, [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders); and for most people, [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders). - For a store, [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), and for a blog with a newsletter, [WordPress](https://navid.link/wordpress?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) or [Ghost](https://navid.link/ghost?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders). - Watch the renewal prices: [Hostinger](https://navid.link/hostingeraiwebsitebuilder?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)'s lowest prices need 48 months up front, and several builders charge more after the first year. :::</p> <h3>The best website builders</h3> <p>Here's every builder I reviewed, with what each is best for and what it costs to start. Each name opens its site in a new tab:</p> <p>:::table fancy Tool | Best for | Price | Free to try  [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) | An all-in-one with AI websites, a CRM and email | $97 a month | 14-day free trial  [Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) | Building your own with AI | From $5 a month | Free plans  [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) | Sites that look designed | $10 a month, billed yearly | Free plan  [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) | Full control with a CMS | $15 a month, billed yearly | Free plan  [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) | Most people and small businesses | $17 a month, billed yearly | Free plan  [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) | Creatives and portfolios | $19 a month, billed yearly | 14-day free trial  [WordPress](https://navid.link/wordpress?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) | Blogs and full control | Free, plus hosting | Free software  [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) | Online stores | $29 a month, billed yearly | 3 days free  [Hostinger AI Website Builder](https://navid.link/hostingeraiwebsitebuilder?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) | The lowest price | $2.99 a month, for 48 months | 30-day money-back  [Ghost](https://navid.link/ghost?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) | A site with a newsletter | $15 a month, billed yearly | Free trial  [Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) | Simple one-page sites | $9 a year | Free plan  [Bolt](https://navid.link/bolt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) | Custom sites from a chat | $25 a month | Free plan  [Lovable](https://navid.link/lovable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) | Apps and sites from a chat | $25 a month | Free plan  [Duda](https://navid.link/duda?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) | Agencies and client sites | $19 a month, billed yearly | 14-day free trial :::</p> <h4>1. [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)</h4> <p>**The best all-in-one website builder**</p> <p></p> <p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is an all-in-one platform for marketing and selling: websites, funnels and blogs, plus a CRM, email and SMS, calendars, payments, and courses and communities.</p> <p>Its AI builds the site for you. You describe what you need, and HighLevel's AI website and funnel builder generates the pages. Its AI also writes web pages, emails and social posts in your brand voice.</p> <p>It's the one I'd pick if I weren't building my own. A website on HighLevel comes with everything a business runs on behind it: your contacts, the emails and texts that follow up, and your bookings.</p> <p>Every plan has unlimited contacts and unlimited users, and HighLevel takes no cut of your sales.</p> <p>What you pay on top is usage: phone numbers, SMS, emails and AI are charged as you use them.</p> <h5>Who is HighLevel for?</h5> <p>HighLevel is for businesses and agencies that want their website, CRM, email, SMS and bookings in one account, with no cap on contacts.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Websites, funnels and blogs on your own domains - An AI builder that generates pages from a description - A CRM with unlimited contacts and users - Email and SMS marketing - Calendars and bookings - Payments through Stripe, PayPal, NMI and others - Courses and communities for your members :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Unlimited contacts and users on every plan - Builds your site with AI from a description - Replaces your website builder, CRM, email, scheduler and SMS tools - A 14-day free trial, month to month with no long-term contract :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $97 a month, more than a plain website builder - Phone, SMS, email and AI are charged by use, on top of the plan - Its plans are built around sub-accounts, the way an agency works :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>HighLevel has three plans, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $97 a month, or $970 a year, with three sub-accounts. - **Unlimited** – $297 a month, or $2,970 a year, with unlimited sub-accounts. - **Agency Pro** – $497 a month, or $4,970 a year, with SaaS mode, to sell HighLevel as your own software. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best all-in-one name: HighLevel logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: From $97 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Websites and funnels built with AI, with a CRM, email, SMS and payments behind them. button: Try HighLevel free for 14 days | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>2. [Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)</h4> <p>**The best way to build your own website**</p> <p></p> <p>This is how I build my own websites, pages and checkouts today: in Next.js, written with AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), and hosted on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) or [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders).</p> <p>Next.js is a free, open-source web framework from Vercel. [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) both put what you build on a global network, with HTTPS and preview links for your changes.</p> <p>I run a lot of tools, and Cloudflare costs far less for them, so I'm looking at moving my sites there. On Cloudflare, a static site is free on Cloudflare Pages, and a full Next.js site runs on Cloudflare Workers, free up to 100,000 requests a day. [Railway](https://navid.link/railway?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) runs apps that need a database, like Postgres.</p> <p>You don't have to be a developer to start. You describe the page you want, and the AI coding tool writes it, runs it and changes what you point out.</p> <p>Nothing caps my pages or contacts, and every page looks the way I want. But it takes longer to set up than a builder, so it isn't for everyone.</p> <p>I'm working on templates of my own, so you can start from what I use.</p> <h5>Who is Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare for?</h5> <p>It's for creators and founders who want their websites, pages and checkouts to look exactly the way they want, with no builder's limits, and who don't mind learning as they go.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Pages built to your own design, with no template or page limits - AI coding tools that write the code: Claude Code with Claude Pro, and Codex with ChatGPT Plus - Next.js, free and open source - Hosting on Vercel's or Cloudflare's global network, with HTTPS on every plan - Preview links for your changes before they go live - A free first-year domain on Vercel Pro, on endings like .app and .site :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No caps on pages, contacts or design - The code is yours, and Next.js runs on either host - Free hosting to start, on Cloudflare or Vercel's Hobby plan - Cloudflare costs far less once you run many sites and tools - Any email tool or checkout works with it :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Slower to set up than a builder - You look after the code, with your AI tool's help - Vercel's free Hobby plan is for non-commercial use, so a business needs Pro, at $20 a month - Cloudflare's free Workers plan stops at 100,000 requests a day - Forms, email and a checkout are yours to connect :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Here's what it costs, from Cloudflare's, Vercel's, Railway's, Claude's and ChatGPT's pricing pages as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Next.js** – free and open source. - **Cloudflare Pages** – free for a static site, with unlimited sites, requests and bandwidth, and 500 builds a month. - **Cloudflare Workers** – free up to 100,000 requests a day, then $5 a month with 10 million requests included, for a site with server code like Next.js. - **Vercel Hobby** – free, for personal, non-commercial projects. - **Vercel Pro** – $20 a month, with $20 of usage included and a 14-day free trial. Each extra developer seat is $20 a month. - **Railway** – $5 a month on Hobby, with $5 of usage included, after a 30-day free trial. - **Claude Pro, with Claude Code** – $17 a month billed yearly, or $20 monthly. - **ChatGPT Plus, with Codex** – $20 a month. ChatGPT's free plan has limited Codex access. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best to build your own name: Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/nextjs-icon.jpg rating: 4.8 price: Free to start, then from $5 a month text: Your own pages, written with AI coding tools like Claude Code and Codex, on Vercel or Cloudflare. button: Start on Cloudflare free | https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders :::</p> <h4>3. [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)</h4> <p>**The best website builder for design**</p> <p></p> <p>[Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is a website builder for pages that look designed, now built around AI agents. It calls itself the design agent for every step from idea to launch.</p> <p>You design on a canvas, like in a design tool, or ask its agents to build and change pages for you. Then you publish to Framer's hosting, with a CMS, analytics and translation into other languages.</p> <p>It's one of my favorites for a page that has to look custom rather than built from a template.</p> <p>A/B testing, funnels and triggers come with Convert, an add-on at $50 per 500,000 events.</p> <h5>Who is Framer for?</h5> <p>Framer is for designers, founders and creators who want landing pages and sites that look custom, without writing code.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A design canvas with AI agents that build and edit pages - A CMS: two collections on Basic, 10 on Pro - Hosting on a global network: 20 locations on Basic, 300+ on Pro - AI translation into up to 20 languages, as an add-on - Staging, branching and site redirects, on Pro - A/B testing, funnels and triggers with the Convert add-on - External agents, to connect your own AI tools, free during the preview :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan, with 500 AI credits to try - Pages that look designed, not templated - A free custom domain on yearly plans - Viewers are free :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - A/B testing is a paid add-on - Each extra editor is $20 a month - Basic allows 30 pages :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Framer has a free plan and two paid ones, billed yearly, and Enterprise on request, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, on a Framer domain, with 1 GB of bandwidth and 500 AI credits to try. - **Basic** – $10 a month, with your own domain, 30 pages, two CMS collections and 1,000 AI credits a month. - **Pro** – $30 a month, with 150 pages, 10 CMS collections, staging and 3,000 AI credits a month. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for design name: Framer logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/framer-icon.jpg rating: 4.7 price: Free plan, or from $10 a month billed yearly text: Sites that look designed, with AI agents, a CMS and fast hosting. button: Start on Framer's free plan | https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>4. [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)</h4> <p>**The best website builder for full control**</p> <p></p> <p>[Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is a website builder for teams and designers who want control of every detail, with a CMS, hosting and Webflow AI.</p> <p>You design each page visually, down to the layout and the interactions, and publish it to Webflow's hosting. Landing pages are one part of what it does.</p> <p>Every plan, the free one included, comes with Webflow AI, an MCP server for AI tools, and Webflow Cloud for hosting apps.</p> <p>Its CMS starts on Premium, at $25 a month billed yearly.</p> <h5>Who is Webflow for?</h5> <p>Webflow is for teams and designers who want a full website with landing pages and a CMS, and control over every detail.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A visual designer for layouts and interactions - Webflow AI and an MCP server, on every plan - Webflow Cloud, for hosting apps - Unlimited form submissions, from Basic - Webflow CMS, site search and code components, on Premium - Localization and publishing workflows, on Team :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free Starter plan - Control over every detail of the design - Works with AI tools through its MCP server - Up to 40% off billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - More to learn than a landing page builder - The CMS starts on Premium - Starter allows two pages and 50 form submissions, on a webflow.io address :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Webflow has a free site plan and two paid ones, billed yearly, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – free, on a webflow.io address, with two pages, 1 GB of bandwidth and 50 form submissions. - **Basic** – $15 a month, with your own domain, 300 pages, 10 GB of bandwidth and unlimited forms. - **Premium** – $25 a month, adding Webflow CMS, 50 GB of bandwidth and site search. :::</p> <p>For larger teams, Team is $2,500 a month on an annual contract, and Enterprise is priced on request.</p> <p>:::product award: Best for full control name: Webflow logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/webflow-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: Free plan, or from $15 a month billed yearly text: Every detail of the design in your hands, with a CMS, Webflow AI and an MCP server. button: Start on Webflow free | https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>5. [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)</h4> <p>**The best website builder for most people**</p> <p></p> <p>[Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is a website builder for almost any kind of site: a business, a portfolio, a store, bookings or a blog.</p> <p>You can start from a single prompt, and Wix's AI builds the site, then switch to its drag-and-drop editor to change any detail. Or you start from one of thousands of templates.</p> <p>It's free to start on a Wix address. Paid plans add your own domain, free for the first year, and a store from Core.</p> <h5>Who is Wix for?</h5> <p>Wix is for small businesses and creators who want a good-looking site fast, with a store or bookings, and no code.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - An AI website builder that starts from a single prompt - A drag-and-drop editor and thousands of templates - A store: basic on Core, standard on Business, advanced on Business Elite - Bookings, events, online programs and a blog - A marketing suite with email and SEO tools - Your own domain, free for the first year :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan to start - AI and drag-and-drop in the same editor - A store, bookings and a blog without plugins - A 14-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan shows Wix's branding on a Wix address - A store starts on Core, at $29 a month billed yearly - Moving your site off Wix later is hard :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Wix has a free plan and four paid ones, billed yearly, each with a 14-day money-back guarantee, from its plans page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Light** – $17 a month, with your own domain and 2 GB of storage. - **Core** – $29 a month, adding a basic store and 50 GB of storage. - **Business** – $39 a month, with a standard store and 100 GB of storage. - **Business Elite** – $159 a month, with an advanced store and unlimited storage. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for most people name: Wix logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/wix-icon.jpg rating: 4.5 price: Free plan, or from $17 a month billed yearly text: A site from a single prompt or thousands of templates, with stores and bookings built in. button: Start on Wix for free | https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders :::</p> <h4>6. [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)</h4> <p>**The best website builder for creatives**</p> <p></p> <p>[Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is a website builder known for its templates: sites for creatives, portfolios, restaurants and small stores that look polished from the start.</p> <p>It has AI tools built in for writing your content, and it hosts everything for you, with your own domain free for the first year on a yearly plan.</p> <p>What its first plan keeps from your sales is the catch: 2% of store sales and 7% of digital content and memberships on Basic, falling to 0% on Advanced.</p> <h5>Who is Squarespace for?</h5> <p>Squarespace is for creatives, photographers and small businesses who care most about how the site looks.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Templates that look designed, for every kind of site - Built-in AI tools for your content - A store, with card rates from 2.9% + $0.30 on Squarespace Payments - Digital content and memberships - Free invoices to your clients - Professional email from Google Workspace, on Core and above :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Templates that look good with little work - A 14-day free trial - Up to 36% off billed yearly - Hosting, security and updates done for you :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Basic keeps 2% of store sales and 7% of memberships - Fewer design options than [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) or [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) - No free plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Squarespace has four plans, with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $25 a month, or $19 billed yearly, with a 2% store fee and 7% on memberships. - **Core** – $39 a month, or $29 billed yearly, with no store fee and 5% on memberships. - **Plus** – $65 a month, or $49 billed yearly, with 1% on memberships. - **Advanced** – $139 a month, or $99 billed yearly, with 0% on memberships. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for creatives name: Squarespace logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/squarespace-icon.jpg rating: 4.4 price: From $19 a month billed yearly, after a 14-day free trial text: Templates that look designed, with a store, memberships and AI tools built in. button: Try Squarespace free for 14 days | https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>7. [WordPress](https://navid.link/wordpress?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)</h4> <p>**The best website platform for blogs**</p> <p></p> <p>[WordPress](https://navid.link/wordpress?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is the free, open-source publishing platform behind millions of websites, from blogs to stores.</p> <p>You install it on hosting of your own, add a theme and plugins, and own every part of the site. My old site ran on WordPress with the Kadence theme, and I built my pages with Thrive's plugins for years.</p> <p>[WordPress.com](https://navid.link/wordpresscom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is the hosted version: the same software, with the hosting, updates and security done for you, and plugins from its Business plan.</p> <h5>Who is WordPress for?</h5> <p>WordPress is for bloggers and businesses who want full control of their site, and are happy to look after hosting and updates, or pay WordPress.com to do it.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Free, open-source software that runs on any host - The block editor for pages and posts - 60,000+ plugins and thousands of themes - A store with WooCommerce, and courses with plugins like LearnDash - Page builders like Elementor and Thrive Architect :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The software is free - You own the site and can move it to any host - The biggest choice of themes and plugins :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Hosting, updates, backups and security are yours, unless you pay WordPress.com - More to learn than a hosted builder - Premium themes and plugins add up :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>WordPress.org is free: you pay for hosting, a domain and any premium themes or plugins. WordPress.com's plans renew at these prices, billed yearly, from its plans page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with WordPress.com ads on your site. - **Personal** – $5 a month, with your own domain free for the first year and no ads. - **Premium** – $9 a month, adding premium themes and stats. - **Business** – $28 a month, adding plugins. - **Commerce** – $50 a month, for a store. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for blogs name: WordPress logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/wordpress-icon.jpg rating: 4.4 price: Free software, hosting extra text: The open-source platform behind millions of sites, with 60,000+ plugins. button: Get WordPress | https://navid.link/wordpress?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders :::</p> <h4>8. [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)</h4> <p>**The best website builder for online stores**</p> <p></p> <p>[Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is the website builder for online stores: a store with its own checkout, themes, inventory, and a point of sale for selling in person.</p> <p>Sidekick, its AI assistant, helps you run the store, and its app store adds whatever Shopify doesn't do itself.</p> <p>Shopify takes no cut when you use Shopify Payments, whose card rates start at 2.9% + $0.30 on Basic. With another payment provider, it adds a transaction fee.</p> <h5>Who is Shopify for?</h5> <p>Shopify is for anyone whose website is mainly a store, from merch to physical products.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - An online store with its own checkout - Themes, plus apps from the Shopify App Store - Orders and inventory - Point of sale for selling in person - Sidekick, an AI assistant for the store - Shopify Payments, from 2.9% + $0.30 on Basic down to 2.5% + $0.30 on Advanced :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The most complete store of any builder here - No transaction fee with Shopify Payments - Three days free, then $1 a month for three months :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $39 a month, or $29 billed yearly - Many features come through paid apps - A transaction fee with another payment provider :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Shopify has three main plans, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026, with today's card rates:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $39 a month, or $29 billed yearly. - **Grow** – $105 a month, or $79 billed yearly, with five staff accounts. - **Advanced** – $399 a month, or $299 billed yearly, with 15 staff accounts. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for online stores name: Shopify logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/shopify-icon.jpg rating: 4.5 price: From $29 a month billed yearly, after three days free text: A complete online store with its own checkout, inventory and point of sale. button: Start on Shopify for $1 a month | https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders :::</p> <h4>9. [Hostinger AI Website Builder](https://navid.link/hostingeraiwebsitebuilder?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)</h4> <p>**The best website builder on a budget**</p> <p></p> <p>[Hostinger AI Website Builder](https://navid.link/hostingeraiwebsitebuilder?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is a drag-and-drop builder with an AI builder, from the web host [Hostinger](https://navid.link/hostingeraiwebsitebuilder?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders): describe what you need, and AI builds the site.</p> <p>It's the cheapest way here to a site on your own domain, with hosting, a domain free for the first year and email included. The catch is the term: the lowest prices are for 48 months paid up front, and renewals cost more.</p> <h5>Who is Hostinger AI Website Builder for?</h5> <p>Hostinger AI Website Builder is for small businesses and beginners who want a site on their own domain for the lowest price.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop editor with 300+ templates - An AI builder that creates a site from a description - Hosting, with a domain free for the first year - Email mailboxes, free for the first year - A store and email marketing, from the Unlimited plan :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - The lowest starting price here - Hosting, a domain and email in one plan - A 30-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The low prices need 48 months paid up front - Renewals cost several times the starting price - A store starts on Unlimited :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Hostinger AI Website Builder has three plans, at their 48-month prices, from its page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Premium** – $2.99 a month ($143.52 for 48 months), renewing at $10.99 a month. - **Unlimited** – $3.99 a month ($191.52 for 48 months), renewing at $16.99 a month, with a store and email marketing. - **Cloud Startup** – $7.99 a month ($383.52 for 48 months), renewing at $25.99 a month. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best on a budget name: Hostinger AI Website Builder logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/hostinger-icon.jpg rating: 4 price: From $2.99 a month for 48 months text: A drag-and-drop and AI builder with hosting, a domain and email included. button: See Hostinger's website builder | https://navid.link/hostingeraiwebsitebuilder?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>10. [Ghost](https://navid.link/ghost?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)</h4> <p>**The best website builder for a newsletter**</p> <p></p> <p>[Ghost](https://navid.link/ghost?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is an open-source publishing platform: a website, a blog and an email newsletter in one, with paid subscriptions for your members.</p> <p>You can run it yourself for free, or let Ghost host it for you on Ghost(Pro). Ghost takes no fee on your payments, on any plan.</p> <h5>Who is Ghost for?</h5> <p>Ghost is for writers and creators whose website is their publication, with a newsletter and paid members.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A website, a blog and an email newsletter in one - Paid subscriptions, from Publisher - Custom themes and 8,000+ integrations, on Publisher - A free custom domain for the first year on Ghost(Pro) - Open source, so you can host it yourself :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No fees on your payments - Your site and your newsletter in one place - A free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Built for publishing, not for stores or bookings - The price rises with your number of members - Paid subscriptions start on Publisher :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Ghost(Pro) has three plans billed yearly, priced for 1,000 members, and Custom on request, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $15 a month, with your website and an email newsletter. - **Publisher** – $29 a month, adding paid subscriptions, custom themes and three staff users. - **Business** – $199 a month, for 10,000 members and 15 staff users. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for a newsletter name: Ghost logo: https://cdn.navid.me/brand/platforms/ghost.png rating: 4.3 price: From $15 a month billed yearly text: A website, a blog and a newsletter with paid members, and no fees on payments. button: Try Ghost free | https://navid.link/ghost?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>11. [Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)</h4> <p>**The best website builder for one-page sites**</p> <p></p> <p>[Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) builds simple, responsive one-page sites: a landing page, a profile, a signup page or a portfolio.</p> <p>It's free for up to three sites on a carrd.co address, and Pro starts at $9 a year. That's a year, not a month.</p> <p>Your own domain, forms, and embeds from Stripe, PayPal and Gumroad start on Pro Standard, at $19 a year.</p> <h5>Who is Carrd for?</h5> <p>Carrd is for anyone who needs one good page fast, for almost nothing.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - One-page sites from templates - Custom domains with SSL, from Pro Standard - Signup forms for email tools like beehiiv, GetResponse and ActiveCampaign - Widgets and embeds from Stripe, PayPal, Gumroad and Typeform - Analytics with Google Analytics, Plausible and others - Redirects, password protection and site downloads, on Pro Plus :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free for up to three sites - Pro from $9 a year - A 7-day Pro trial, with no credit card :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - One page per site - No A/B testing - The free plan shows Carrd's branding :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Carrd has a free plan and three Pro plans, billed yearly, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, for up to three sites on a carrd.co address. - **Pro Lite** – $9 a year, for three sites with no branding. - **Pro Standard** – $19 a year, for 10 sites with your own domains, forms, embeds and analytics. - **Pro Plus** – $49 a year, for 25 sites, adding advanced forms, redirects and password protection. :::</p> <p>Larger tiers of each Pro plan cover up to 1,000 sites.</p> <p>:::product award: Best for one-page sites name: Carrd logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/carrd.jpg rating: 4.3 price: Free plan, or from $9 a year text: Simple one-page sites, free for up to three, and $19 a year with your own domain. button: Start on Carrd free | https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>12. [Bolt](https://navid.link/bolt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)</h4> <p>**The best AI website builder**</p> <p></p> <p>[Bolt](https://navid.link/bolt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) builds websites and apps from a chat: you describe the site, and its AI writes it, shows it to you live and changes what you ask.</p> <p>You can also start from a Figma design or a GitHub project. It's free to start, and paid plans remove Bolt's branding from your sites.</p> <p>What you pay for is tokens, the AI's working time: 1 million a month free, and 10 million on Pro.</p> <h5>Who is Bolt for?</h5> <p>Bolt is for founders and creators who want a custom website or app without writing the code themselves.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Websites, apps, slides and prototypes from a chat - A start from Figma or GitHub - Private sharing of your sites, on Pro - Unused tokens that roll over for a month - Team workspaces :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan to start - A custom site, not a template - Up to 28% off billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan puts Bolt's branding on your sites - Big changes use up tokens fast - You still need to check what the AI built :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Bolt has a free plan and two paid ones, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with 1 million tokens a month and Bolt's branding. - **Pro** – $25 a month, from 10 million tokens a month, with no branding. - **Teams** – $30 a month per member. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best AI builder name: Bolt logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/bolt-icon.jpg rating: 4.5 price: Free plan, or from $25 a month text: Websites and apps from a chat, from a prompt, Figma or GitHub. button: Start on Bolt for free | https://navid.link/bolt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders :::</p> <h4>13. [Lovable](https://navid.link/lovable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)</h4> <p>**The best AI app and website builder**</p> <p></p> <p>[Lovable](https://navid.link/lovable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is an AI app and website builder: you describe what you want in a chat, and it builds a working site or app you can publish.</p> <p>It's free to start with no credit card. Paid plans give you monthly credits for the AI, and unlimited users on every plan.</p> <h5>Who is Lovable for?</h5> <p>Lovable is for founders and teams who want to turn an idea into a working website or app fast.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Websites and apps from a chat - Publishing built in - Unlimited users on paid plans - Credits that roll over for a month - Internal publishing for your team, on Business :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan, with no credit card needed - Two months free billed yearly - A working app, not only a page :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - 100 credits a month on Pro go fast on big changes - You still need to check what the AI built :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Lovable has a free plan and two paid ones, and Enterprise on request, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with no credit card needed. - **Pro** – $25 a month, with 100 credits a month. - **Business** – $50 a month, with 100 credits a month and internal publishing. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best AI app builder name: Lovable logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/lovable-icon.jpg rating: 4 price: Free plan, or from $25 a month text: Working websites and apps from a chat, with publishing built in. button: Start on Lovable for free | https://navid.link/lovable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>14. [Duda](https://navid.link/duda?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)</h4> <p>**The best website builder for agencies**</p> <p></p> <p>[Duda](https://navid.link/duda?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is a website builder for agencies and freelancers who build sites for clients, with an AI builder, client management and white-label options.</p> <p>Every plan includes 150 AI credits a month, and each extra published site costs from $17 a month.</p> <h5>Who is Duda for?</h5> <p>Duda is for agencies and freelancers who build and manage many client websites.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - An AI website builder with 150 AI credits a month - Tools for working with clients and teams - White-label branding, on its White Label plan - AI visibility tracking, as an add-on from $19 a month - Stores and bookings, priced separately :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Built for client work - A 14-day free trial - About 25% off billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Each extra site adds a monthly price - Stores and bookings cost extra - Made for agencies more than for your own single site :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Duda has four plans, each with a 14-day free trial, and Custom on request, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $25 a month, or $19 billed yearly. - **Team** – $39 a month, or $29 billed yearly. - **Agency** – $69 a month, or $52 billed yearly. - **White Label** – $199 a month, or $149 billed yearly. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for agencies name: Duda logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/duda-icon.jpg rating: 4.1 price: From $19 a month billed yearly, after a 14-day free trial text: Client websites with an AI builder, team tools and white-label options. button: Try Duda free for 14 days | https://navid.link/duda?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders :::</p> <h3>What is a website builder?</h3> <p>A website builder is a tool for making a website without writing code: you pick a template or describe the site to an AI, change it in an editor, and publish it on hosting the builder runs for you.</p> <p>Most come with a domain, security and updates included, and many add a store, bookings, a blog or email.</p> <h3>The best website builder for each kind of site</h3> <p>Here's where I'd start, by what the site is for:</p> <ul><li>**A small business** – [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), or [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) if you want your contacts, emails and bookings behind the site.</li><li>**A blog** – [WordPress](https://navid.link/wordpress?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) for full control, or [Ghost](https://navid.link/ghost?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) for a blog with a newsletter and paid members.</li><li>**Creatives and photographers** – [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), or [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) for a site that looks custom.</li><li>**An online store** – [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders).</li><li>**One simple page** – [Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders).</li><li>**Client sites, as an agency** – [Duda](https://navid.link/duda?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) or [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders).</li></ul> <h3>What to look for in a website builder</h3> <p>Five things decide most of it:</p> <p>1. **Design freedom** – [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) let you shape every detail, [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) start you from templates, and [Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) keeps it to one page. 2. **AI** – Wix, [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), [Hostinger](https://navid.link/hostingeraiwebsitebuilder?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and Framer build a site from a description, [Bolt](https://navid.link/bolt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [Lovable](https://navid.link/lovable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) build custom ones from a chat, and [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) or [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) can build one from scratch. 3. **What the site has to do** – a store suits [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), bookings suit Wix or HighLevel, and a newsletter suits [Ghost](https://navid.link/ghost?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders). 4. **The full price** – the first-year price, the renewal, and what the builder keeps from your sales, like Squarespace's 2% on Basic. 5. **Who owns it** – a hosted builder runs it for you, and [WordPress](https://navid.link/wordpress?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), Ghost or your own code can move to any host.</p> <p>They come in six kinds:</p> <p>:::cards tinted Layers | All-in-one platforms | A website with a CRM, email and bookings behind it, like HighLevel. Code | Build your own | Your own site, written with AI coding tools like Claude Code and Codex, on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) or [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders). Palette | Design-first builders | Sites that look custom, with a CMS, like Framer and Webflow. LayoutTemplate | Website builders for everyone | Templates, AI and hosting in one plan, like Wix, Squarespace, Hostinger, Carrd and [Duda](https://navid.link/duda?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders). Globe | Open-source platforms | Software you can host anywhere, like WordPress and Ghost. Bot | AI app builders | Custom sites and apps from a chat, like Bolt and Lovable. :::</p> <h3>The best free website builders</h3> <p>Here's where you can start without paying:</p> <ul><li>**[Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)** – a free plan on a Wix address, with Wix's branding.</li><li>**[Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)** – a free plan on a Framer domain, with 500 AI credits to try.</li><li>**[Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)** – a free Starter plan on a webflow.io address, with two pages.</li><li>**[Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)** – free for up to three one-page sites.</li><li>**[WordPress](https://navid.link/wordpress?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)** – free software, on hosting you pay for, or [WordPress.com](https://navid.link/wordpresscom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)'s free plan with ads.</li><li>**[Bolt](https://navid.link/bolt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [Lovable](https://navid.link/lovable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders)** – free plans to build with AI.</li></ul> <h3>What I use</h3> <p>navid.me is built with Next.js, hosted on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and written with AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), the way I describe in [Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare](#2-next-js-on-vercel-or-cloudflare) above.</p> <p>If you'd rather not build your own, [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is the one I'd pick for a business, and [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) for a site that has to look designed. And I'm working on templates of my own, so you can start from what I use.</p> <p>Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you sign up through one, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.</p> <p>:::faq :::</p> <h3>Final thoughts on website builders</h3> <p>There are a lot of website builders out there, so it comes down to what your site has to do, how much of the design you want to control, and your budget.</p> <p>Here are my final recommendations:</p> <p>:::cards list https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png | HighLevel | The best all-in-one, and the one I'd pick if I weren't building my own: a site built with AI, with a CRM, email, SMS and bookings behind it. | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders | Best all-in-one | Try HighLevel free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/nextjs-icon.jpg | Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare | How I build navid.me today, with AI coding tools like Claude Code and Codex. It isn't for everyone, but nothing caps you. | https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders | Best to build your own | Start on Cloudflare free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/framer-icon.jpg | Framer | The best for a site that looks designed, with a free plan to start. | https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders | Best for design | Start Framer free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/webflow-icon.png | Webflow | The best for full control of every detail, with a CMS. | https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders | Best for full control | Start Webflow free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/wix-icon.jpg | Wix | The best for most people, from a single prompt to a store and bookings. | https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders | Best for most people | Start Wix free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/shopify-icon.jpg | Shopify | The best when your website is mainly a store. | https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders | Best for online stores | Start Shopify :::</p> <p>Now I'd like to turn it over to you. Which one will you use? Or do you use a great one I didn't cover? [Send me a message](/contact) and tell me.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[The best landing page builders](/articles/best-landing-page-builders) – from [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) to [Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), compared</li><li>[The best sales funnel software](/articles/best-sales-funnel-software) – funnel builders and checkouts, compared</li><li>[What is Claude Code?](/articles/what-is-claude-code) – the AI coding tool I build my site with</li></ul> <p>Start on the free plan or free trial of the one that fits, and build one page before you move everything over.</p><h2>FAQs about website builders</h2><h3>What is the best website builder?</h3><p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is my pick, with an AI website builder, a CRM, email, SMS and bookings, from $97 a month.</p> <p>For a site that looks designed, I'd pick [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), and for most people, [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders).</p><h3>What is the best free website builder?</h3><p>[Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) all have free plans on their own addresses.</p> <p>[WordPress](https://navid.link/wordpress?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is free software too, but you pay for the hosting.</p><h3>How much does it cost to build a website?</h3><p>Most website builders cost $10 to $40 a month for a business site, billed yearly.</p> <p>[Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) starts at $9 a year for a single page, and a store on [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) starts at $29 a month billed yearly.</p><h3>What is the best website builder for a small business?</h3><p>[Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is the easiest start, with a store and bookings built in.</p> <p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is the one I'd pick if you want your contacts, emails and bookings behind the site.</p><h3>What is the best ecommerce website builder?</h3><p>[Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is the most complete store, with its own checkout, inventory and point of sale.</p> <p>[Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) also sell well for a smaller store.</p><h3>What is the best website builder for blogging?</h3><p>[WordPress](https://navid.link/wordpress?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) gives you full control of a blog on hosting you choose.</p> <p>[Ghost](https://navid.link/ghost?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is the one to pick for a blog with a newsletter and paid members.</p><h3>Is Wix better than WordPress?</h3><p>[Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) is easier, with hosting, security and updates done for you.</p> <p>[WordPress](https://navid.link/wordpress?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) gives you more control and plugins, but the hosting and updates are yours.</p><h3>Can AI build a website?</h3><p>Yes, [Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), [Hostinger](https://navid.link/hostingeraiwebsitebuilder?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) build a site from a description, and [Bolt](https://navid.link/bolt?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [Lovable](https://navid.link/lovable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) build custom ones from a chat.</p> <p>I build mine with AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), and host it on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders).</p><h3>Do I need a custom domain?</h3><p>You can start on a free address from your builder, but your own domain looks more professional.</p> <p>[Wix](https://navid.link/wix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), [Squarespace](https://navid.link/squarespace?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders), [Hostinger](https://navid.link/hostingeraiwebsitebuilder?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [WordPress.com](https://navid.link/wordpresscom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) include one free for the first year on paid plans.</p><h3>Is it better to code your own website than use a website builder?</h3><p>It is if you want full control and no limits, which is why I build navid.me myself.</p> <p>A builder is the faster start for most people, since it takes no setup.</p><h3>Can I switch website builders later?</h3><p>You can, but moving a site takes work, and most builders don't export your design.</p> <p>It pays to start on the one that fits what your site will need.</p><h3>What do you use for your website?</h3><p>navid.me is built with Next.js, hosted on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and written with AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders).</p> <p>If I weren't building my own, I'd use [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-website-builders).</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/best-sales-funnel-software/https://navid.me/blog/best-sales-funnel-software/Choosing the right sales funnel software decides what you pay each month, how much of each sale you keep, and how many buyers take the upsell. In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 19 best sales funnel tools, along with my top 5 picks, so you can pick the one that fits how you sell.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>:::picks Go to site | Full review | Our top 5 picks Best all-in-one | HighLevel | #1-highlevel | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png | From $97 a month, after a 14-day free trial | Funnels built with AI, with a CRM, email, SMS and payments, and unlimited contacts. | 4.7 Best to build your own | Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare | #2-next-js-on-vercel-or-cloudflare | https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/nextjs-icon.jpg | Free to start, then from $5 a month | Your own pages, written with AI coding tools like Claude Code and Codex, on Vercel or Cloudflare. | 4.8 Best classic funnels | ClickFunnels | #3-clickfunnels | https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/clickfunnels-icon.jpg | From $97 a month, after a free trial | Sales funnels with one-click upsells and order bumps, plus email, a CRM and courses. | 4.6 Best checkout and upsells | ThriveCart | #4-thrivecart | https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrivecart-icon.png | From $47 a month, after a 30-day free trial | Checkouts with order bumps, one-click upsells and subscriptions, and 0% of your sales. | 4.5 Best for ways to pay | SamCart | #5-samcart | https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/samcart-icon.jpg | From $79 a month, after a 7-day free trial | Checkouts with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and buy now pay later, and no cut of your sales. | 4.5 :::</p> <p>This is the ultimate guide to the best sales funnel software and builders.</p> <p>I've built sales funnels for over a decade, for my courses, my virtual summits and my email list. Over the years I paid for [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and [Thrive Suite](https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), and sold through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), where I processed millions of dollars.</p> <p>Today I build my own pages, funnels and checkouts with Next.js and AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), hosted on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) or [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software). That isn't for everyone, so this guide covers that way and the tools that do it for you.</p> <p>I went back through every one this week, and wrote up what each does well, where it falls short, and what it really costs.</p> <p>In this guide, I'll show you:</p> <ul><li>All 19 sales funnel tools I reviewed, each with who it's for, key features, pros, cons and pricing</li><li>What sales funnel software is, and the kinds there are</li><li>What to look for before you pick one</li><li>The best free sales funnel software</li><li>What I use today</li></ul> <p>Every price here is from the tool's own pages, read in late September and early October 2026.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - I reviewed 19 sales funnel tools, each with who it's for, pros, cons and pricing. - [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is my pick: it builds funnels with AI and puts a CRM, email, SMS and payments behind them, with unlimited contacts, from $97 a month. - I build my own with Next.js and AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) or [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), but that isn't for everyone. - [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is still the classic funnel builder, from $97 a month, and I used it for years. - For the checkout, [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) takes 0% of your sales, [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) takes the most ways to pay, and [PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is built for subscriptions and affiliates. - [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) has a free plan with three funnels and 2,000 contacts. :::</p> <h3>The best sales funnel software</h3> <p>Here's every tool I reviewed, with what each is best for and what it costs to start. Each name opens its site in a new tab:</p> <p>:::table fancy Tool | Best for | Price | Free to try  [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | An all-in-one with AI funnels, a CRM, email and SMS | $97 a month | 14-day free trial  [Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | Building your own with AI | From $5 a month | Free plans  [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | Classic sales funnels with upsells | $97 a month | Free trial  [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | Checkouts and upsells | $47 a month | 30-day free trial  [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | More ways to pay at checkout | $79 a month | 7-day free trial  [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | Courses and coaching | $179 a month | 14 days free  [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | Coaches who want it all in one | $59 a month | 30-day money-back  [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | Funnels on a small budget | $17 a month | Free plan  [PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | Subscriptions and affiliates | $79 a month | 14-day free trial  [GetResponse](https://navid.link/getresponse?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | Email with funnels and webinars | $19 a month | 14-day free trial  [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | Email for creators | $39 a month | Free plan  [Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | Landing pages with no traffic caps | $99 a month | 7-day free trial  [Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | Landing pages and A/B tests | $29 a month | 14-day free trial  [Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | Landing pages for teams | $99 a month | 14-day free trial  [Landingi](https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | Landing pages on a budget | $24 a month, billed yearly | 14-day free trial  [FunnelKit](https://navid.link/funnelkit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | Funnels on WooCommerce | $129 a year | 14-day money-back  [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | A WordPress checkout with upsells | $199 a year | Free plan  [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | A WordPress checkout with no fees | $199 a year | Free version  [Thrive Architect](https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) | Funnel pages on WordPress | $199 a year | 30-day money-back :::</p> <h4>1. [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best all-in-one sales funnel software**</p> <p></p> <p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is an all-in-one platform for marketing and selling: funnels, websites and landing pages, plus a CRM, email and SMS, calendars, payments, and courses and communities.</p> <p>Its AI builds funnels too. You describe the page you need, and HighLevel's AI website and sales funnel builder generates it. Its AI also writes web pages, emails and social posts in your brand voice.</p> <p>It's the one I'd pick if I weren't building my own. It does what [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) does, and adds a CRM, SMS and bookings, with no cap on contacts.</p> <p>Every plan has unlimited contacts and unlimited users, and HighLevel takes no cut of your sales. Payments go through Stripe, PayPal, NMI and others.</p> <p>What you pay on top is usage: phone numbers, SMS, emails and AI are charged as you use them.</p> <h5>Who is HighLevel for?</h5> <p>HighLevel is for businesses and agencies that want their funnels, CRM, email, SMS and bookings in one account, with no cap on contacts.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Funnels, websites and landing pages on your own domains - An AI builder that generates pages from a description - One-click upsell funnels and webinar funnels - A CRM with unlimited contacts and users - Email and SMS marketing - Calendars and bookings - Payments through Stripe, PayPal, NMI and others - Courses and communities for your members :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Unlimited contacts and users on every plan - Builds funnels with AI from a description - Replaces your CRM, funnels, email, scheduler and SMS tools - A 14-day free trial, month to month with no long-term contract :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $97 a month - Phone, SMS, email and AI are charged by use, on top of the plan - Its plans are built around sub-accounts, the way an agency works :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>HighLevel has three plans, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $97 a month, or $970 a year, with three sub-accounts. - **Unlimited** – $297 a month, or $2,970 a year, with unlimited sub-accounts. - **Agency Pro** – $497 a month, or $4,970 a year, with SaaS mode, to sell HighLevel as your own software. :::</p> <p>Its AI Employee add-on is $50 or $97 a month per sub-account.</p> <p>:::product award: Best all-in-one name: HighLevel logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: From $97 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Funnels built with AI, with a CRM, email, SMS and payments, and unlimited contacts. button: Try HighLevel free for 14 days | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>2. [Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best way to build your own sales funnels**</p> <p></p> <p>This is how I build my own sales funnels, pages and checkouts today: in Next.js, written with AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), and hosted on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) or [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software).</p> <p>Next.js is a free, open-source web framework from Vercel. [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) both put what you build on a global network, with HTTPS and preview links for your changes.</p> <p>I run a lot of tools, and Cloudflare costs far less for them, so I'm looking at moving my sites there. On Cloudflare, a static site is free on Cloudflare Pages, and a full Next.js site runs on Cloudflare Workers, free up to 100,000 requests a day. [Railway](https://navid.link/railway?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) runs apps that need a database, like Postgres.</p> <p>You don't have to be a developer to start. You describe the page you want, and the AI coding tool writes it, runs it and changes what you point out.</p> <p>Nothing caps my pages or contacts, and every page looks the way I want. But it takes longer to set up than a builder, so it isn't for everyone.</p> <p>I'm working on templates of my own, so you can start from what I use.</p> <h5>Who is Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare for?</h5> <p>It's for creators and founders who want their sales funnels, pages and checkouts to look exactly the way they want, with no builder's limits, and who don't mind learning as they go.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Pages built to your own design, with no template or page limits - AI coding tools that write the code: Claude Code with Claude Pro, and Codex with ChatGPT Plus - Next.js, free and open source - Hosting on Vercel's or Cloudflare's global network, with HTTPS on every plan - Preview links for your changes before they go live - A free first-year domain on Vercel Pro, on endings like .app and .site :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No caps on pages, contacts or design - The code is yours, and Next.js runs on either host - Free hosting to start, on Cloudflare or Vercel's Hobby plan - Cloudflare costs far less once you run many sites and tools - Any email tool or checkout works with it :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Slower to set up than a builder - You look after the code, with your AI tool's help - Vercel's free Hobby plan is for non-commercial use, so a business needs Pro, at $20 a month - Cloudflare's free Workers plan stops at 100,000 requests a day - Forms, email and a checkout are yours to connect :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Here's what it costs, from Cloudflare's, Vercel's, Railway's, Claude's and ChatGPT's pricing pages as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Next.js** – free and open source. - **Cloudflare Pages** – free for a static site, with unlimited sites, requests and bandwidth, and 500 builds a month. - **Cloudflare Workers** – free up to 100,000 requests a day, then $5 a month with 10 million requests included, for a site with server code like Next.js. - **Vercel Hobby** – free, for personal, non-commercial projects. - **Vercel Pro** – $20 a month, with $20 of usage included and a 14-day free trial. Each extra developer seat is $20 a month. - **Railway** – $5 a month on Hobby, with $5 of usage included, after a 30-day free trial. - **Claude Pro, with Claude Code** – $17 a month billed yearly, or $20 monthly. - **ChatGPT Plus, with Codex** – $20 a month. ChatGPT's free plan has limited Codex access. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best to build your own name: Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/nextjs-icon.jpg rating: 4.8 price: Free to start, then from $5 a month text: Your own pages, written with AI coding tools like Claude Code and Codex, on Vercel or Cloudflare. button: Start on Cloudflare free | https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software :::</p> <h4>3. [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best classic sales funnel builder**</p> <p></p> <p>[ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is the classic funnel builder: sales pages and checkouts with one-click upsells and order bumps, plus email, a CRM and courses, from the company Russell Brunson co-founded.</p> <p>I used ClickFunnels for many years, and it was my top pick in the first version of this guide.</p> <p>Every plan has unlimited visitors, and unlimited funnels for now, which ClickFunnels marks as a limited-time offer. Its plans grow by courses, contacts and team members.</p> <p>It takes no fee on your sales beyond Stripe's.</p> <p>If you want something like it for less, or with more in one place, see my guide to the [best ClickFunnels alternatives](/articles/best-clickfunnels-alternatives).</p> <h5>Who is ClickFunnels for?</h5> <p>ClickFunnels is for sellers who want sales funnels, upsells, email and courses in one place.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales funnels with sales pages and checkouts - One-click upsells and order bumps - Unlimited visitors on every plan - Email and a CRM - Courses: three on Launch, six on Scale - Unlimited custom domains, from Scale - An API, on Optimize :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - One-click upsells and order bumps - Email, a CRM and courses in one account - Unlimited visitors - A free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $97 a month - Launch has three courses and 10,000 contacts - Unlimited funnels are a limited-time offer :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>ClickFunnels has four plans, each with a free trial, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – $97 a month, or $81 billed yearly, with three courses and 10,000 contacts. - **Scale** – $197 a month, or $164 billed yearly, with six courses and 75,000 contacts. - **Optimize** – $297 a month, or $248 billed yearly, with 10 courses and an API. - **Dominate** – $5,997 a year, with 20 courses. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best classic funnels name: ClickFunnels logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/clickfunnels-icon.jpg rating: 4.6 price: From $97 a month, after a free trial text: Sales funnels with one-click upsells and order bumps, plus email, a CRM and courses. button: Try ClickFunnels free | https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>4. [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best sales funnel software for checkouts and upsells**</p> <p></p> <p>[ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is a checkout platform: cart and checkout pages with order bumps, one-click upsells, subscriptions and an affiliate center, plus ThriveCart Academy for your courses and a community.</p> <p>It takes 0% of your sales on every plan, with payments through your own Stripe, PayPal or Authorize.Net. ThriveCart says sellers have processed over $8 billion through it.</p> <p>I'm one of them. I processed millions of dollars through ThriveCart, selling my courses and virtual summits.</p> <p>It's the selling end of a funnel: pair it with your pages and your email tool, and it handles the order and everything after it.</p> <h5>Who is ThriveCart for?</h5> <p>ThriveCart is for creators and course sellers who want a checkout that sells more per order, without a big monthly plan.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Custom checkout and cart pages, in 100+ countries - One-click upsells and downsells, order bumps and A/B split testing - Abandoned cart recovery and sales tax automation - Buy now pay later, split pay, pay-what-you-like and subscriptions - ThriveCart Academy: courses, a community, quizzes and certificates - An affiliate center with automated payouts, on Pro+ :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - 0% fees on your sales, on every plan - Order bumps and one-click upsells from the first plan - A 30-day free trial - Your courses and a community in the same account :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Standard gives you one order bump - The affiliate center, coupons and your own domain start on Pro+, at $87 a month - No email marketing of its own :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>ThriveCart has two plans, each with a 30-day free trial, and Enterprise on request, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Standard** – $47 a month, with ThriveCart Academy Starter: unlimited courses and students, and up to 2,000 community members. - **Pro+** – $87 a month, with multiple order bumps, the affiliate center, coupons, custom domains and up to 10,000 community members. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best checkout and upsells name: ThriveCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrivecart-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $47 a month, after a 30-day free trial text: Checkouts with order bumps, one-click upsells and subscriptions, and 0% of your sales. button: Try ThriveCart free for 30 days | https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>5. [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best funnel builder for more ways to pay**</p> <p></p> <p>[SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is a checkout platform for digital products, courses, subscriptions and coaching, used by over 75,000 businesses, it says.</p> <p>It builds your sales pages and checkouts, hosts your courses, and takes Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, cards and buy now pay later.</p> <p>SamCart takes no cut of your sales. One-click upsells and order bumps start on its second plan, Pro.</p> <h5>Who is SamCart for?</h5> <p>SamCart is for sellers who care most about the checkout itself, and the ways people can pay.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales pages and checkouts - Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, cards and buy now pay later - Cart abandonment and coupons - Subscriptions, with a customer portal - A members area for your courses - One-click upsells, order bumps, A/B tests and an affiliate center, on Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No cut of your sales - Many ways to pay at checkout - A 7-day free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $79 a month - Upsells, order bumps and affiliates start on Pro, at $199 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>SamCart has two plans, with a 7-day free trial and 25% off billed yearly, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Core** – $79 a month, with unlimited pages, products and checkouts. - **Pro** – $199 a month, with one-click upsells, order bumps, A/B tests and an affiliate center. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for ways to pay name: SamCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/samcart-icon.jpg rating: 4.5 price: From $79 a month, after a 7-day free trial text: Checkouts with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and buy now pay later, and no cut of your sales. button: Try SamCart free for 7 days | https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>6. [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best sales funnel software for courses**</p> <p></p> <p>[Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is an all-in-one platform for courses, coaching, memberships and a community, with your website, email, funnels and checkout built in.</p> <p>It takes no cut of your sales on any plan. Kajabi Payments charges card fees, which differ by country.</p> <p>By Kajabi's own count, experts on it have earned over $12 billion since 2010.</p> <p>It costs more than most funnel builders, from $179 a month, but it also replaces your course platform, your email tool and your website.</p> <h5>Who is Kajabi for?</h5> <p>Kajabi is for course creators and coaches who want their funnels, email, community and courses in one place, and would rather pay one plan than connect five tools.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Courses, coaching and memberships - A private community with multiple groups - Unlimited emails, landing pages and funnels - Checkout and payments built in - Your own website and custom domain - A mobile app for your students on iPhone and Android - Your own affiliate program, from Growth :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No cut of your sales on any plan - Email, funnels, a website, a community and a checkout under one plan - 14 days free and a 30-day money-back guarantee - Unlimited email sends on every plan :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $179 a month - Basic caps you at 2,500 contacts - Your own affiliate program starts on Growth, at $249 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Kajabi has three plans, each with 14 days free, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $179 a month, or $143 a month billed yearly, with 2,500 contacts. - **Growth** – $249 a month, or $199 billed yearly, with 25,000 contacts and your own affiliate program. - **Pro** – $499 a month, or $399 billed yearly, with 100,000 contacts and your own branded app. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for courses name: Kajabi logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/kajabi-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $179 a month, after 14 days free text: Courses, coaching, a community, email, funnels and a checkout, with no cut of your sales. button: Try Kajabi free for 14 days | https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software :::</p> <h4>7. [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best sales funnel builder for coaches**</p> <p></p> <p>[Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is an all-in-one platform: pages, funnels, email and SMS, a CRM, a membership portal and a checkout that takes cards and PayPal.</p> <p>I was a paying user of Kartra too, and it was my second pick after [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) in the first version of this guide. Kartra says over 60,000 coaches and business owners have earned more than $1.5 billion with it.</p> <p>Its first plan, Essentials, is $59 a month, but it keeps 5% of each sale and caps you at 500 contacts. From Starter, at $119 a month, there are no transaction fees.</p> <h5>Who is Kartra for?</h5> <p>Kartra is for coaches and course sellers who want pages, funnels, email and a members area in one account.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop page builder with ready templates - Multi-page funnels - Email and SMS campaigns - A CRM with lists and tags - A membership portal for your courses - Checkout for cards and PayPal :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Pages, funnels, email, a CRM and courses in one place - No transaction fees from Starter - A 30-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Essentials keeps 5% of each sale and caps you at 500 contacts - No free trial, only the money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Kartra has four plans, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Essentials** – $59 a month, or $52 billed yearly, with a 5% transaction fee and 500 contacts. - **Starter** – $119 a month, or $99 billed yearly, with no transaction fee and 2,500 contacts. - **Growth** – $229 a month, or $189 billed yearly, with 12,500 contacts. - **Professional** – $549 a month, or $429 billed yearly, with 25,000 contacts. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for coaches name: Kartra logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/kartra-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: From $59 a month text: Pages, funnels, email and SMS, a CRM and a members area, in one account. button: See Kartra's plans | https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>8. [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best free sales funnel software**</p> <p></p> <p>[Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is an all-in-one platform with a free plan that never expires: funnels, email, a blog, courses, a community and your own affiliate program, with payments through Stripe or PayPal.</p> <p>It says over 500,000 entrepreneurs use it.</p> <p>The free plan needs no credit card, and Systeme.io takes no transaction fees on any plan. Stripe or PayPal charge their usual card fees.</p> <p>Your plan goes by the size of your list, so a growing audience moves you up a plan.</p> <h5>Who is Systeme.io for?</h5> <p>Systeme.io is for beginners who want funnels, email and courses on a small budget, or for free.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales funnels and a website builder - Unlimited email sends on every plan - Courses and a community - A blog - Your own affiliate program - Evergreen webinars, from the Webinar plan :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan that never expires, with no credit card needed - No transaction fees on any plan - Paid plans from $17 a month :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan has three funnels and one automation rule - Your plan goes by your contacts: 2,000 free, 5,000 on Startup, 10,000 on Webinar - Evergreen webinars start on the $47 plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Systeme.io has a free plan and three paid ones, billed monthly, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with three funnels, one custom domain and 2,000 contacts. - **Startup** – $17 a month, with 10 funnels, three custom domains and 5,000 contacts. - **Webinar** – $47 a month, with 50 funnels, evergreen webinars and 10,000 contacts. - **Unlimited** – $97 a month, with unlimited funnels, contacts and custom domains. :::</p> <p>Yearly billing costs less.</p> <p>:::product award: Best free plan name: Systeme.io logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/systemeio-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: Free plan, or from $17 a month text: Funnels, email, courses and a community, with a free plan and no transaction fees. button: Start on Systeme.io's free plan | https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>9. [PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best funnel software for subscriptions and affiliates**</p> <p></p> <p>[PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is a checkout, subscription billing and affiliate platform: hosted checkout pages, one-click upsells and order bumps, subscriptions with dunning, and an affiliate center.</p> <p>Every plan has every feature. What changes is the price, which goes by your monthly revenue, from $79 a month for up to $3,000 in sales.</p> <p>Its affiliate center pays first- and second-tier commissions, and its marketplace puts your product in front of over 100,000 affiliates, it says.</p> <h5>Who is PayKickstart for?</h5> <p>PayKickstart is for sellers of subscriptions, software and digital products who want a checkout with an affiliate program built in.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - 50+ hosted checkout page designs, plus pop-ups and embeddable forms - Cards, PayPal, ACH and mobile wallets - One-click upsells, order bumps, coupons and cart recovery - Subscriptions, free and paid trials, payment plans and usage-based billing - Dunning, a self-serve billing portal and cancellation savers - An affiliate center with first- and second-tier commissions - Tax profiles for US sales tax, EU VAT and GST, and checkouts in 19 languages :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Every feature on every plan - A 14-day free trial - Free migration help and 24/7 support :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $79 a month, for up to $3,000 in monthly revenue - Revenue over your plan's limit costs a 5.27% fee - Your pages, courses and emails need tools of their own :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>PayKickstart's plans go by your average monthly revenue, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **From $79 a month** – for up to $3,000 in monthly revenue, with a 5.27% fee on revenue over that. - **Launch** – no monthly fee, with every feature, for 6% of your revenue. :::</p> <p>Plans for more revenue cost more, and the slider on its pricing page shows each one.</p> <p>:::product award: Best for subscriptions and affiliates name: PayKickstart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/paykickstart-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $79 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Checkouts, subscriptions and a two-tier affiliate center, priced by your monthly revenue. button: Try PayKickstart free for 14 days | https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>10. [GetResponse](https://navid.link/getresponse?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best email marketing with sales funnels**</p> <p></p> <p>[GetResponse](https://navid.link/getresponse?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is email marketing with landing pages, signup forms and automations, and on its higher plans, sales funnels, webinars and courses.</p> <p>Every plan comes with unlimited email sends.</p> <p>Sales funnels, abandoned cart recovery and promo codes start on Marketer. Webinars, a website builder and courses for up to 500 students come with Creator.</p> <h5>Who is GetResponse for?</h5> <p>GetResponse is for businesses that want email first, with funnels and webinars in the same account.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Unlimited email sends - A landing page builder, signup forms and popups - AI content generators - Automation workflows: one on Starter, unlimited from Marketer - Sales funnels, abandoned cart recovery and promo codes, from Marketer - Webinars, a website builder and courses for up to 500 students, on Creator - Web push notifications :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial, with no credit card - Unlimited sends on every plan - Funnels, webinars and courses under one plan - 18% off billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starter has one automation workflow - Sales funnels start on Marketer, at $59 a month - The price rises with your list :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>GetResponse has three plans priced for 1,000 contacts, and Enterprise on request, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $19 a month, or $15.58 a month billed yearly, with unlimited sends and one automation workflow. - **Marketer** – $59 a month, or $48.38 billed yearly, adding sales funnels and unlimited workflows. - **Creator** – $69 a month, or $56.58 billed yearly, adding webinars, a website builder and courses. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best email with funnels name: GetResponse logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/getresponse-icon.png rating: 4 price: From $19 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Email with landing pages, and sales funnels, webinars and courses on its higher plans. button: Try GetResponse free for 14 days | https://navid.link/getresponse?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>11. [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best email software for the end of your funnel**</p> <p></p> <p>[Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is email marketing for creators, with landing pages, forms, automations, digital products and paid newsletters. It used to be called ConvertKit, and I used it for years.</p> <p>Its free plan covers up to 10,000 subscribers, with unlimited landing pages, forms and email broadcasts, and you can sell digital products and subscriptions on it.</p> <p>Kit isn't a full funnel builder like [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software). Its strength is the email part of a funnel: your list, the sequences you send it and the automations around them.</p> <h5>Who is Kit for?</h5> <p>Kit is for creators who build their business on an email list, and sell digital products and newsletters to it.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Unlimited landing pages and forms - Unlimited email broadcasts - Tagging and segmentation - Digital products, subscriptions and paid newsletters - Visual automations and email sequences, from Creator - A/B tests on subject lines, from Creator - Kit's MCP, to work with your account from AI tools, from Creator :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan for up to 10,000 subscribers - A 14-day free trial of Creator and Pro, with no credit card - Free migrations from another platform - A refund within 30 days of signing up :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Automations and sequences start on Creator - The price rises with your number of subscribers - No checkout with order bumps and upsells, like a funnel builder has :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Kit has a free plan and two paid ones, priced for 1,000 subscribers, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, for up to 10,000 subscribers. - **Creator** – $39 a month, or $33 a month billed yearly ($390 a year), with automations, sequences and Kit's MCP. - **Pro** – $79 a month, or $66 a month billed yearly ($790 a year), adding subscriber signals, engagement analytics and unlimited users. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for email name: Kit logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/kit-icon.jpg rating: 4.5 price: Free plan, or from $39 a month text: Email for creators, with landing pages, forms and digital products, free up to 10,000 subscribers. button: Try Kit free | https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>12. [Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best sales funnel tool for landing pages**</p> <p></p> <p>[Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is a landing page builder, rebuilt from the ground up, with AI page creation and A/B testing on every plan.</p> <p>It's the top of a funnel rather than all of it: the opt-in and sales pages, with no traffic caps on any plan.</p> <p>Smart Traffic, which sends each visitor to the page most likely to convert them, and heatmaps start on Optimize. For more builders like it, see my guide to the [best landing page builders](/articles/best-landing-page-builders).</p> <h5>Who is Leadpages for?</h5> <p>Leadpages is for marketers who run paid traffic to landing pages and want to test and improve them.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - AI page creation - Unlimited traffic and pages - Custom domains with SSL - A/B testing, dynamic text replacement and lead enrichment, on every plan - Smart Traffic, heatmaps and auto-personalization, from Optimize - AI credits every month: 40,000 on Grow, 80,000 on Optimize, 160,000 on Scale :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No traffic caps on any plan - A/B testing from the first plan - A 7-day free trial - 20% off billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $99 a month - The trial asks for a card - No checkout with upsells of its own :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Leadpages has three plans, each with a 7-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Grow** – $99 a month, or $79 billed yearly, with A/B testing. - **Optimize** – $199 a month, or $159 billed yearly, adding Smart Traffic and heatmaps. - **Scale** – $399 a month, or $319 billed yearly, with continuous testing on its own. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for landing pages name: Leadpages logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/leadpages-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $99 a month, after a 7-day free trial text: AI landing pages with A/B testing and no traffic caps on any plan. button: Try Leadpages free for 7 days | https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>13. [Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best funnel software for A/B testing**</p> <p></p> <p>[Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is a landing page builder for marketers and agencies, with popups, A/B tests and AI traffic optimization.</p> <p>Its plans go by visitors: from 500 a month on Starter to 50,000 on Optimize.</p> <p>It also has its own MCP server, so you can work with your pages from AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT, on every plan.</p> <h5>Who is Unbounce for?</h5> <p>Unbounce is for marketers and agencies that build many landing pages and want to test them.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop builder with 100+ templates - Free hosting and unlimited conversions - Popups and sticky bars, from Build - Unlimited A/B testing, from Experiment - AI traffic optimization, on Optimize - An MCP server for AI assistants, on every plan :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial, with no credit card - Unlimited conversions on every plan - Works with AI assistants through its MCP - 25% off billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Every plan caps your visitors - Starter allows five pages - A/B testing starts on Experiment, at $149 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Unbounce has four plans, each with a 14-day free trial, and Concierge on request, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $29 a month, or $22 billed yearly, with five pages and 500 visitors. - **Build** – $99 a month, or $74 billed yearly, with unlimited pages and 20,000 visitors. - **Experiment** – $149 a month, or $112 billed yearly, with A/B testing and 30,000 visitors. - **Optimize** – $249 a month, or $187 billed yearly, with AI traffic optimization and 50,000 visitors. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for A/B testing name: Unbounce logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/unbounce-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $29 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Landing pages, popups and A/B tests, with AI traffic optimization on Optimize. button: Try Unbounce free for 14 days | https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software :::</p> <h4>14. [Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best sales funnel software for teams**</p> <p></p> <p>[Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is a landing page builder with reusable blocks and forms, real-time collaboration on designs, and AI copy.</p> <p>Every plan includes unlimited pages, conversions and contacts. What its first plan caps is visitors: 15,000 a month.</p> <h5>Who is Instapage for?</h5> <p>Instapage is for marketing teams that build many landing pages together.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop website and landing page builder - Reusable page blocks and forms - Real-time visual collaboration - Triggered popups and sticky bars - AI content for headlines, paragraphs and buttons - Contacts and branded emails - Programmatic pages from a shared template :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial - Unlimited pages, conversions and contacts - Collaboration built for teams :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Create caps you at 15,000 visitors a month - The plan above it, Convert, is priced on request :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Instapage has one plan with a price and one on request, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Create** – $99 a month, or $79 billed yearly, with 15,000 unique visitors a month. - **Convert** – priced on request, for larger teams. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for teams name: Instapage logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/instapage-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: From $99 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Landing pages with reusable blocks and real-time collaboration. button: Try Instapage free for 14 days | https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software :::</p> <h4>15. [Landingi](https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best funnel builder for landing pages on a budget**</p> <p></p> <p>[Landingi](https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is a landing page builder with an AI page generator, Lunar, on every plan.</p> <p>Its plans go by how many landing pages you have live at once, from 10 on Build.</p> <h5>Who is Landingi for?</h5> <p>Landingi is for marketers who want a lower-priced landing page builder with AI to start from.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop page builder - Lunar, its AI landing page generator, on every plan - Up to 10 active landing pages on Build - Agency settings and branding, on the higher plans :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Starts at $24 a month billed yearly - A 14-day free trial on every plan - An AI page generator on every plan :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Build allows 10 active landing pages - The trial is capped at 200 visits - The trial may ask for a card :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Landingi has four plans, billed yearly, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Build** – $24 a month, with up to 10 active landing pages. - **Optimize** – $119 a month. - **Scale** – from $229 a month. - **Enterprise** – from $1,199 a month. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best landing pages on a budget name: Landingi logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/landingi-icon.jpg rating: 4.1 price: From $24 a month billed yearly text: Landing pages with an AI generator on every plan. button: Try Landingi free for 14 days | https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software :::</p> <h4>16. [FunnelKit](https://navid.link/funnelkit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best sales funnel builder for WooCommerce**</p> <p></p> <p>[FunnelKit](https://navid.link/funnelkit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is a funnel builder and checkout for [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), on your own WordPress site. Over 40,300 stores use it, it says.</p> <p>It replaces WooCommerce's checkout with its own, then adds sales funnels, one-click upsells and A/B tests from its Plus plan, and email and SMS automations from Professional.</p> <h5>Who is FunnelKit for?</h5> <p>FunnelKit is for WordPress and WooCommerce sellers who want [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)-style funnels on a site they own.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Conversion-focused checkout templates, single and multi-step - A sliding cart - Unlimited sales funnels, funnel analytics and A/B testing, from Plus - One-click upsells, from Plus - Email and SMS automations and broadcasts, from Professional :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Runs on your own WordPress site - A 14-day money-back guarantee - Often on sale for about half :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Needs WordPress and WooCommerce, and hosting of your own - Funnels and upsells start on Plus - Yearly plans only :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>FunnelKit has four yearly plans, at their normal prices on its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026, when they were on sale for about half:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $129 a year, for one site. - **Plus** – $299 a year, for two sites, with funnels, A/B tests and upsells. - **Professional** – $399 a year, for three sites, with email and SMS automations. - **Elite** – $599 a year, for 30 sites. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for WooCommerce name: FunnelKit logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/funnelkit-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $129 a year text: Funnels, checkouts, upsells and email automations on your own WordPress store. button: See FunnelKit's plans | https://navid.link/funnelkit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software :::</p> <h4>17. [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best WordPress checkout for sales funnels**</p> <p></p> <p>[SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is a checkout and ecommerce plugin for WordPress, used by over 80,000 merchants, it says.</p> <p>Every plan, the free one included, has order bumps, one-click upsells, subscriptions and sales tax, so it runs the selling end of a funnel on your own site, without [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software).</p> <p>The free Launch plan charges a 2.9% transaction fee. Pro, from $199 a year for one store, charges none.</p> <h5>Who is SureCart for?</h5> <p>SureCart is for WordPress site owners who want a checkout with order bumps and upsells on a site they own.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A checkout native to WordPress - Order bumps and one-click upsells, on every plan - Subscriptions, free and paid trials, setup fees and a subscription saver - Automatic sales tax for 40+ countries and every US state, and EU VAT - Coupons, an affiliate program and a customer portal - An agency suite to run many stores from one place :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Order bumps and upsells, even on the free plan - No transaction fee on Pro - A lifetime option - A 14-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan charges a 2.9% transaction fee - Card fees on top on every plan - WordPress and hosting are yours to run :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>SureCart has a free plan and Pro by the number of stores, yearly or once, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – free, with a 2.9% transaction fee. - **Pro, one store** – $199 a year, or $699 once. - **Pro, five stores** – $299 a year ($249 the first year when I checked), or $1,199 once. - **Pro, unlimited stores** – $499 a year ($399 the first year when I checked), or $1,999 once. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best WordPress checkout name: SureCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/surecart-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: Free plan, or from $199 a year text: A WordPress checkout with order bumps, one-click upsells and subscriptions on every plan. button: Start on SureCart for free | https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software :::</p> <h4>18. [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best WordPress funnel checkout with no fees**</p> <p></p> <p>[FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is an ecommerce plugin for WordPress from the team behind FluentCommunity: physical and digital products, subscriptions and licenses, with Stripe and PayPal built in.</p> <p>For a funnel, it has order bumps, upsells and cross-sells, and coupons, and it charges no transaction fees on the free version or Pro.</p> <p>It's new, with over 9,000 active installs. Pro is $199 a year for one site, and for now there's an early-bird lifetime deal from $249.</p> <h5>Who is FluentCart for?</h5> <p>FluentCart is for WordPress sellers who want a fast checkout with order bumps and no fee on sales.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Physical and digital products, subscriptions and licenses - Order bumps, upsells and cross-sells, and coupons - Stripe and PayPal built in - Installments, bundles and invoicing - Shipping and taxes - Reports on how customers move through your store :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No transaction fees on the free version or Pro - A free version - A 60-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - New, with over 9,000 active installs so far - WordPress and hosting are yours to run - Card fees from Stripe or PayPal on top :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>FluentCart is free to start, with yearly plans by the number of sites, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **One site** – $199 a year, or $249 once in the early-bird lifetime deal. - **Five sites** – $499 a year. - **15 sites** – $699 a year. - **50 sites** – $899 a year. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best with no fees on WordPress name: FluentCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/fluentcart-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free version, or from $199 a year text: A fast WordPress checkout with order bumps and upsells, and no transaction fees. button: Start on FluentCart for free | https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software :::</p> <h4>19. [Thrive Architect](https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)</h4> <p>**The best sales funnel pages for WordPress**</p> <p></p> <p>[Thrive Architect](https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is a WordPress page builder from Thrive Themes, made for conversions: landing pages, sales pages and lead pages from 300+ templates.</p> <p>It's what I built my virtual summit pages with, back when I built my sites on WordPress, and I paid for [Thrive Suite](https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) for years.</p> <p>It has no checkout of its own, so it pairs with one like [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) or [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software).</p> <h5>Who is Thrive Architect for?</h5> <p>Thrive Architect is for WordPress users who want funnel pages that convert on their own site.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop visual editor for WordPress - 300+ landing page templates - Countdowns, lead forms and other conversion elements - Conditional display, global edits and [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) support - Integrations with email marketing tools - A/B testing with the Thrive Optimize add-on :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Made for pages that convert - Runs on your own WordPress site - A 30-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Needs WordPress and hosting of your own - No checkout of its own - Renews at full price after the first year :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Thrive Architect comes three ways, billed yearly, from its page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Thrive Architect** – $199 a year, or $99 for the first year when I checked. - **Thrive Architect + Optimize** – $399 a year, or $199 for the first year, with A/B testing. - **Thrive Suite** – $599 a year, or $299 for the first year, with every Thrive plugin. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for WordPress pages name: Thrive Architect logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrive-suite-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $199 a year, or $99 the first year text: A conversion-focused WordPress page builder with 300+ templates. button: See Thrive Architect | https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h3>What is sales funnel software?</h3> <p>A sales funnel is the path from a stranger to a buyer: a page that gets their email, the emails that follow, a sales page, a checkout, and the upsells after it.</p> <p>Sales funnel software builds that path for you. An all-in-one tool does every step, and the rest do one part of it well, like the checkout, the pages or the emails.</p> <h3>What to look for in sales funnel software</h3> <p>Five things decide most of it:</p> <p>1. **What you sell** – courses and coaching suit [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) or [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), digital products and subscriptions suit a checkout like [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) or [PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), and a service business suits [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software). 2. **The checkout** – order bumps and one-click upsells raise what each buyer spends. ThriveCart, [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and PayKickstart have them on every plan, and SamCart from Pro. 3. **Email and a CRM** – HighLevel, ClickFunnels, Kajabi, Kartra, [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and [GetResponse](https://navid.link/getresponse?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) send your emails too. A checkout needs an email tool next to it. 4. **What it takes from each sale** – HighLevel, ClickFunnels, ThriveCart, Kajabi, Systeme.io and SamCart take no cut. Kartra's first plan keeps 5%, and PayKickstart's price goes by your revenue. 5. **Who owns it** – a hosted platform runs everything for you. A WordPress plugin, or pages you build yourself, run on a site you own.</p> <p>They come in six kinds:</p> <p>:::cards tinted Layers | All-in-one platforms | Funnels, email, a CRM and a checkout under one plan, like HighLevel, ClickFunnels, Kajabi, Kartra and Systeme.io. Code | Build your own | Your own pages, funnels and checkouts, written with AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) or [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software). ShoppingCart | Checkout platforms | Checkouts with order bumps and upsells, like ThriveCart, SamCart and PayKickstart. Mail | Email platforms with funnels | Your list first, with pages and products, like [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and GetResponse. LayoutTemplate | Landing page builders | The pages at the top of a funnel, like [Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), [Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), [Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and [Landingi](https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software). Globe | WordPress plugins | Funnels and checkouts on your own site, like [FunnelKit](https://navid.link/funnelkit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and [Thrive Architect](https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software). :::</p> <h3>The best free sales funnel software</h3> <p>Here's where you can start without paying:</p> <ul><li>**[Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)** – a free plan with three funnels, unlimited emails and 2,000 contacts.</li><li>**[Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)** – free for up to 10,000 subscribers, with unlimited landing pages and forms.</li><li>**[SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)** – a free plan with order bumps and one-click upsells, for a 2.9% fee on sales.</li><li>**[FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)** – a free version for WordPress, with no transaction fees.</li></ul> <h3>What I use</h3> <p>I build my own pages, funnels and checkouts now, the way I describe in [Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare](#2-next-js-on-vercel-or-cloudflare) above, and I sell through my own checkout, Creator Store.</p> <p>If you'd rather not build your own, [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is the one I'd pick. And I'm working on templates of my own, so you can start from what I use.</p> <p>Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you sign up through one, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.</p> <p>:::faq :::</p> <h3>Final thoughts on sales funnel software</h3> <p>There are a lot of funnel tools out there, so it comes down to what you sell, how much you want in one place, and your budget.</p> <p>Here are my final recommendations:</p> <p>:::cards list https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png | HighLevel | The best all-in-one, and the one I'd pick if I weren't building my own: funnels built with AI, with a CRM, email, SMS and payments behind them. | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software | Best all-in-one | Try HighLevel free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/nextjs-icon.jpg | Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare | How I build my own funnels today, with AI coding tools like Claude Code and Codex. It isn't for everyone, but nothing caps you. | https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software | Best to build your own | Start on Cloudflare free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/clickfunnels-icon.jpg | ClickFunnels | The classic funnel builder, with upsells, email and courses. I used it for years. | https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software | Best classic funnels | Try ClickFunnels free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrivecart-icon.png | ThriveCart | The best checkout, with order bumps and one-click upsells and 0% of your sales. I processed millions of dollars through it. | https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software | Best checkout and upsells | Try ThriveCart free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/samcart-icon.jpg | SamCart | The best for ways to pay, from Apple Pay to buy now pay later. | https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software | Best for ways to pay | Try SamCart free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/systemeio-icon.png | Systeme.io | The best free plan, with funnels, email and courses and no transaction fees. | https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software | Best free plan | Start Systeme.io free :::</p> <p>Now I'd like to turn it over to you. Which one will you use? Or do you use a great one I didn't cover? [Send me a message](/contact) and tell me.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[The best ClickFunnels alternatives](/articles/best-clickfunnels-alternatives) – funnel builders and checkouts, compared</li><li>[The best landing page builders](/articles/best-landing-page-builders) – from [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) to Carrd, compared</li><li>[The best online course platforms](/articles/best-online-course-platforms) – 40 platforms for selling a course, compared</li></ul> <p>Start the free trial of the one that fits what you sell, and build one funnel before you move everything over.</p><h2>FAQs about sales funnel software</h2><h3>What is sales funnel software?</h3><p>Sales funnel software builds the path from a visitor to a buyer: the pages, the checkout, the upsells and the emails that follow.</p> <p>All-in-one tools like [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) do every step, and checkouts like [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) do the selling part.</p><h3>What is the best sales funnel software?</h3><p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) is my pick, with an AI funnel builder, a CRM, email, SMS and payments, and unlimited contacts, from $97 a month.</p> <p>For a classic funnel builder, I'd pick [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), and for the checkout, [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software).</p><h3>What is the cheapest sales funnel software?</h3><p>[Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) has a free plan, and its paid plans start at $17 a month.</p> <p>[ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) starts at $47 a month, and [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) at $59, against [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)' $97.</p><h3>Is ClickFunnels worth it?</h3><p>It is if you want funnels, upsells, email and courses in one place, from $97 a month.</p> <p>For the same price, [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) adds a CRM, SMS, calendars and unlimited contacts.</p><h3>What is the difference between a funnel builder and a checkout?</h3><p>A funnel builder makes the pages before the sale, like the opt-in and the sales page, and often sends the emails.</p> <p>A checkout like [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) or [PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) takes the payment and adds order bumps and upsells.</p><h3>What is the best sales funnel builder for WordPress?</h3><p>[SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) are WordPress checkouts with order bumps and upsells, and [FunnelKit](https://navid.link/funnelkit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) adds funnels to a [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) store.</p> <p>[Thrive Architect](https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) builds the pages, and pairs with a checkout like [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) or [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software).</p><h3>Can AI build a sales funnel?</h3><p>Yes, [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)'s AI website and funnel builder generates pages from a description.</p> <p>I build mine with AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), and host them on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) or [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software).</p><h3>Which sales funnel software takes no cut of your sales?</h3><p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) take no cut of your sales.</p> <p>[Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)'s Essentials plan keeps 5%, and [PayKickstart](https://navid.link/paykickstart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software)'s price goes by your monthly revenue.</p><h3>How do I map out my sales funnel?</h3><p>Start from the offer and work back: what you sell, the page that sells it, and what brings someone to that page.</p> <p>A simple funnel is a free lead magnet, a few emails, a sales page and a checkout with one upsell.</p><h3>Which sales funnel software do you use?</h3><p>I build my own with Next.js and AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) or [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software).</p> <p>Before that, I used [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) for years and sold through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software), and today I'd pick [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-sales-funnel-software) if I weren't building my own.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/best-landing-page-builders/https://navid.me/blog/best-landing-page-builders/Choosing the right landing page builder decides how many visitors sign up or buy, what you pay each month, and how much you can change on your own. In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 15 best landing page builders, along with my top 5 picks, so you can pick the one that fits how you sell.Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>:::picks Go to site | Full review | Our top 5 picks Best all-in-one | HighLevel | #1-highlevel | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png | From $97 a month, after a 14-day free trial | Landing pages and funnels built with AI, with a CRM, email, SMS and payments behind them. | 4.7 Best to build your own | Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare | #2-next-js-on-vercel-or-cloudflare | https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/nextjs-icon.jpg | Free to start, then from $5 a month | Your own pages, written with AI coding tools like Claude Code and Codex, on Vercel or Cloudflare. | 4.8 Best for landing pages | Leadpages | #3-leadpages | https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/leadpages-icon.png | From $99 a month, after a 7-day free trial | AI landing pages with A/B testing and no traffic caps on any plan. | 4.5 Best for design | Framer | #4-framer | https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/framer-icon.jpg | Free plan, or from $10 a month billed yearly | Landing pages and sites that look designed, with AI agents, a CMS and fast hosting. | 4.7 Best free | Kit | #5-kit | https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/kit-icon.jpg | Free plan, or from $39 a month | Unlimited landing pages and forms, free for up to 10,000 subscribers. | 4.4 :::</p> <p>This is a complete guide to the best landing page builders this year.</p> <p>I've built landing pages for over a decade, for my courses, my virtual summits and my email list. I built them with Thrive's plugins on WordPress, and with what is now [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders).</p> <p>Today I build my own with Next.js and AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), hosted on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) or [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders). That isn't for everyone, so this guide covers that way and the builders that do it for you.</p> <p>I went back through every one this week, and wrote up what each does well, where it falls short, and what it really costs.</p> <p>In this guide, I'll show you:</p> <ul><li>All 15 landing page builders I reviewed, each with who it's for, key features, pros, cons and pricing</li><li>What a landing page builder is, and how it differs from a website builder</li><li>What to look for, and the kinds of builders</li><li>The best free landing page builders</li><li>What I use today</li></ul> <p>Every price here is from the tool's own pages, read in late September and early October 2026.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - I reviewed 15 landing page builders, each with who it's for, pros, cons and pricing. - [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is my pick: it builds pages with AI and puts a CRM, email, SMS and payments behind them, with unlimited contacts, from $97 a month. - I build my own with Next.js and AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) or [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), but that isn't for everyone. - For landing pages alone, [Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) has A/B testing and no traffic caps, and [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) makes pages that look designed. - [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) are free to start, and Carrd's paid plans start at $9 a year. - Watch the limits more than the price: visitors on [Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), [Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Swipe Pages](https://navid.link/swipepages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), pages on [Landingi](https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), and sites on Carrd and the WordPress plugins. :::</p> <h3>The best landing page builders</h3> <p>Here's every builder I reviewed, with what each is best for and what it costs to start. Each name opens its site in a new tab:</p> <p>:::table fancy Tool | Best for | Price | Free to try  [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) | An all-in-one with AI pages, a CRM, email and SMS | $97 a month | 14-day free trial  [Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) | Building your own with AI | From $5 a month | Free plans  [Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) | Landing pages with no traffic caps | $99 a month | 7-day free trial  [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) | Landing pages that look designed | $10 a month, billed yearly | Free plan  [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) | Free landing pages for your list | $39 a month | Free plan  [Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) | Landing pages and A/B tests | $29 a month | 14-day free trial  [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) | A full website with a CMS | $15 a month, billed yearly | Free plan  [Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) | Landing pages for teams | $99 a month | 14-day free trial  [Swipe Pages](https://navid.link/swipepages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) | Fast pages for paid ads | $29 a month, billed yearly | 14-day free trial  [Landingi](https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) | Landing pages on a budget | $24 a month, billed yearly | 14-day free trial  [Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) | Simple one-page sites | $9 a year | Free plan  [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) | Funnels on a small budget | $17 a month | Free plan  [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) | Sales funnels with upsells | $97 a month | Free trial  [Elementor](https://navid.link/elementor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) | Pages on WordPress | $60 a year | Free version  [Thrive Architect](https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) | Conversion pages on WordPress | $199 a year | 30-day money-back :::</p> <h4>1. [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)</h4> <p>**The best all-in-one landing page builder**</p> <p></p> <p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is an all-in-one platform for marketing and selling: websites, funnels and landing pages, plus a CRM, email and SMS, calendars, payments, and courses and communities.</p> <p>Its AI builds pages too. You describe the page you need, and HighLevel's AI website and funnel builder generates it. Its AI also writes web pages, emails and social posts in your brand voice.</p> <p>It's the one I'd pick if I weren't building my own. Your pages come with everything behind them: your contacts, the emails and texts that follow up, and your bookings.</p> <p>Every plan has unlimited contacts and unlimited users, and HighLevel takes no cut of your sales.</p> <p>What you pay on top is usage: phone numbers, SMS, emails and AI are charged as you use them.</p> <h5>Who is HighLevel for?</h5> <p>HighLevel is for businesses and agencies that want their landing pages, funnels, CRM, email, SMS and bookings in one account, with no cap on contacts.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Websites, funnels and landing pages on your own domains - An AI builder that generates pages from a description - A CRM with unlimited contacts and users - Email and SMS marketing - Calendars and bookings - Payments through Stripe, PayPal, NMI and others - One-click upsell funnels and webinar funnels - Courses and communities for your members :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Unlimited contacts and users on every plan - Builds pages with AI from a description - Replaces your CRM, funnels, email, scheduler and SMS tools - A 14-day free trial, month to month with no long-term contract :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $97 a month - Phone, SMS, email and AI are charged by use, on top of the plan - Its plans are built around sub-accounts, the way an agency works :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>HighLevel has three plans, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $97 a month, or $970 a year, with three sub-accounts. - **Unlimited** – $297 a month, or $2,970 a year, with unlimited sub-accounts. - **Agency Pro** – $497 a month, or $4,970 a year, with SaaS mode, to sell HighLevel as your own software. :::</p> <p>Its AI Employee add-on is $50 or $97 a month per sub-account.</p> <p>:::product award: Best all-in-one name: HighLevel logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: From $97 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Landing pages and funnels built with AI, with a CRM, email, SMS and payments behind them. button: Try HighLevel free for 14 days | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>2. [Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)</h4> <p>**The best way to build your own landing pages**</p> <p></p> <p>This is how I build my own landing pages, sales pages and checkouts today: in Next.js, written with AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), and hosted on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) or [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders).</p> <p>Next.js is a free, open-source web framework from Vercel. [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) both put what you build on a global network, with HTTPS and preview links for your changes.</p> <p>I run a lot of tools, and Cloudflare costs far less for them, so I'm looking at moving my sites there. On Cloudflare, a static site is free on Cloudflare Pages, and a full Next.js site runs on Cloudflare Workers, free up to 100,000 requests a day. [Railway](https://navid.link/railway?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) runs apps that need a database, like Postgres.</p> <p>You don't have to be a developer to start. You describe the page you want, and the AI coding tool writes it, runs it and changes what you point out.</p> <p>Nothing caps my pages or contacts, and every page looks the way I want. But it takes longer to set up than a builder, so it isn't for everyone.</p> <p>I'm working on templates of my own, so you can start from what I use.</p> <h5>Who is Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare for?</h5> <p>It's for creators and founders who want their landing pages, sales pages and checkouts to look exactly the way they want, with no builder's limits, and who don't mind learning as they go.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Pages built to your own design, with no template or page limits - AI coding tools that write the code: Claude Code with Claude Pro, and Codex with ChatGPT Plus - Next.js, free and open source - Hosting on Vercel's or Cloudflare's global network, with HTTPS on every plan - Preview links for your changes before they go live - A free first-year domain on Vercel Pro, on endings like .app and .site :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No caps on pages, contacts or design - The code is yours, and Next.js runs on either host - Free hosting to start, on Cloudflare or Vercel's Hobby plan - Cloudflare costs far less once you run many sites and tools - Any email tool or checkout works with it :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Slower to set up than a builder - You look after the code, with your AI tool's help - Vercel's free Hobby plan is for non-commercial use, so a business needs Pro, at $20 a month - Cloudflare's free Workers plan stops at 100,000 requests a day - Forms, email and a checkout are yours to connect :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Here's what it costs, from Cloudflare's, Vercel's, Railway's, Claude's and ChatGPT's pricing pages as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Next.js** – free and open source. - **Cloudflare Pages** – free for a static site, with unlimited sites, requests and bandwidth, and 500 builds a month. - **Cloudflare Workers** – free up to 100,000 requests a day, then $5 a month with 10 million requests included, for a site with server code like Next.js. - **Vercel Hobby** – free, for personal, non-commercial projects. - **Vercel Pro** – $20 a month, with $20 of usage included and a 14-day free trial. Each extra developer seat is $20 a month. - **Railway** – $5 a month on Hobby, with $5 of usage included, after a 30-day free trial. - **Claude Pro, with Claude Code** – $17 a month billed yearly, or $20 monthly. - **ChatGPT Plus, with Codex** – $20 a month. ChatGPT's free plan has limited Codex access. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best to build your own name: Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/nextjs-icon.jpg rating: 4.8 price: Free to start, then from $5 a month text: Your own pages, written with AI coding tools like Claude Code and Codex, on Vercel or Cloudflare. button: Start on Cloudflare free | https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders :::</p> <h4>3. [Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)</h4> <p>**The best landing page builder for most people**</p> <p></p> <p>[Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is a landing page builder, rebuilt from the ground up, with AI page creation and A/B testing on every plan.</p> <p>It has no traffic caps on any plan, which most landing page builders do have.</p> <p>Smart Traffic, which sends each visitor to the page most likely to convert them, and heatmaps start on Optimize.</p> <h5>Who is Leadpages for?</h5> <p>Leadpages is for marketers who run paid traffic to landing pages and want to test and improve them.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - AI page creation - Unlimited traffic and pages - Custom domains with SSL - A/B testing, dynamic text replacement and lead enrichment, on every plan - Smart Traffic, heatmaps and auto-personalization, from Optimize - AI credits every month: 40,000 on Grow, 80,000 on Optimize, 160,000 on Scale :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No traffic caps on any plan - A/B testing from the first plan - A 7-day free trial - 20% off billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $99 a month - The trial asks for a card - Smart Traffic and heatmaps start on Optimize, at $199 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Leadpages has three plans, each with a 7-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Grow** – $99 a month, or $79 billed yearly, with A/B testing. - **Optimize** – $199 a month, or $159 billed yearly, adding Smart Traffic and heatmaps. - **Scale** – $399 a month, or $319 billed yearly, with continuous testing on its own. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for landing pages name: Leadpages logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/leadpages-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $99 a month, after a 7-day free trial text: AI landing pages with A/B testing and no traffic caps on any plan. button: Try Leadpages free for 7 days | https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>4. [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)</h4> <p>**The best landing page builder for design**</p> <p></p> <p>[Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is a website builder for pages that look designed, now built around AI agents. It calls itself the design agent for every step from idea to launch.</p> <p>You design on a canvas, like in a design tool, or ask its agents to build and change pages for you. Then you publish to Framer's hosting, with a CMS, analytics and translation into other languages.</p> <p>It's one of my favorites for a page that has to look custom rather than built from a template.</p> <p>A/B testing, funnels and triggers come with Convert, an add-on at $50 per 500,000 events.</p> <h5>Who is Framer for?</h5> <p>Framer is for designers, founders and creators who want landing pages and sites that look custom, without writing code.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A design canvas with AI agents that build and edit pages - A CMS: two collections on Basic, 10 on Pro - Hosting on a global network: 20 locations on Basic, 300+ on Pro - AI translation into up to 20 languages, as an add-on - Staging, branching and site redirects, on Pro - A/B testing, funnels and triggers with the Convert add-on - External agents, to connect your own AI tools, free during the preview :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan, with 500 AI credits to try - Pages that look designed, not templated - A free custom domain on yearly plans - Viewers are free :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - A/B testing is a paid add-on - Each extra editor is $20 a month - Basic allows 30 pages :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Framer has a free plan and two paid ones, billed yearly, and Enterprise on request, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, on a Framer domain, with 1 GB of bandwidth and 500 AI credits to try. - **Basic** – $10 a month, with your own domain, 30 pages, two CMS collections and 1,000 AI credits a month. - **Pro** – $30 a month, with 150 pages, 10 CMS collections, staging and 3,000 AI credits a month. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for design name: Framer logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/framer-icon.jpg rating: 4.7 price: Free plan, or from $10 a month billed yearly text: Landing pages and sites that look designed, with AI agents, a CMS and fast hosting. button: Start on Framer's free plan | https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>5. [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)</h4> <p>**The best free landing page builder**</p> <p></p> <p>[Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is email marketing for creators, with landing pages, forms, automations, digital products and paid newsletters. It used to be called ConvertKit, and I used it for years.</p> <p>Its free plan covers up to 10,000 subscribers, with unlimited landing pages, forms and email broadcasts, and you can sell digital products and subscriptions on it.</p> <p>Its landing pages are made for growing your list, so they're simpler than a dedicated builder's. Its strength is the list behind them, and the emails you send it.</p> <h5>Who is Kit for?</h5> <p>Kit is for creators who want free landing pages that grow an email list, and the emails that follow.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Unlimited landing pages and forms - Unlimited email broadcasts - Tagging and segmentation - Digital products, subscriptions and paid newsletters - Visual automations and email sequences, from Creator - A/B tests on subject lines, from Creator - Kit's MCP, to work with your account from AI tools, from Creator :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan for up to 10,000 subscribers - A 14-day free trial of Creator and Pro, with no credit card - Free migrations from another platform - A refund within 30 days of signing up :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Automations and sequences start on Creator - The price rises with your number of subscribers - Simpler pages than a dedicated landing page builder :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Kit has a free plan and two paid ones, priced for 1,000 subscribers, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, for up to 10,000 subscribers. - **Creator** – $39 a month, or $33 a month billed yearly ($390 a year), with automations, sequences and Kit's MCP. - **Pro** – $79 a month, or $66 a month billed yearly ($790 a year), adding subscriber signals, engagement analytics and unlimited users. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best free name: Kit logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/kit-icon.jpg rating: 4.4 price: Free plan, or from $39 a month text: Unlimited landing pages and forms, free for up to 10,000 subscribers. button: Try Kit free | https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>6. [Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)</h4> <p>**The best landing page software for A/B testing**</p> <p></p> <p>[Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is a landing page builder for marketers and agencies, with popups, A/B tests and AI traffic optimization.</p> <p>Its plans go by visitors: from 500 a month on Starter to 50,000 on Optimize.</p> <p>It also has its own MCP server, so you can work with your pages from AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT, on every plan.</p> <h5>Who is Unbounce for?</h5> <p>Unbounce is for marketers and agencies that build many landing pages and want to test them.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop builder with 100+ templates - Free hosting and unlimited conversions - Popups and sticky bars, from Build - Unlimited A/B testing, from Experiment - AI traffic optimization, on Optimize - An MCP server for AI assistants, on every plan :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial, with no credit card - Unlimited conversions on every plan - Works with AI assistants through its MCP - 25% off billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Every plan caps your visitors - Starter allows five pages - A/B testing starts on Experiment, at $149 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Unbounce has four plans, each with a 14-day free trial, and Concierge on request, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $29 a month, or $22 billed yearly, with five pages and 500 visitors. - **Build** – $99 a month, or $74 billed yearly, with unlimited pages and 20,000 visitors. - **Experiment** – $149 a month, or $112 billed yearly, with A/B testing and 30,000 visitors. - **Optimize** – $249 a month, or $187 billed yearly, with AI traffic optimization and 50,000 visitors. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for A/B testing name: Unbounce logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/unbounce-icon.jpg rating: 4.4 price: From $29 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Landing pages, popups and A/B tests, with AI traffic optimization on Optimize. button: Try Unbounce free for 14 days | https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders :::</p> <h4>7. [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)</h4> <p>**The best landing page builder for a full website**</p> <p></p> <p>[Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is a website builder for teams and designers who want control of every detail, with a CMS, hosting and Webflow AI.</p> <p>You design each page visually, down to the layout and the interactions, and publish it to Webflow's hosting. Landing pages are one part of what it does.</p> <p>Every plan, the free one included, comes with Webflow AI, an MCP server for AI tools, and Webflow Cloud for hosting apps.</p> <p>Its CMS starts on Premium, at $25 a month billed yearly.</p> <h5>Who is Webflow for?</h5> <p>Webflow is for teams and designers who want a full website with landing pages and a CMS, and control over every detail.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A visual designer for layouts and interactions - Webflow AI and an MCP server, on every plan - Webflow Cloud, for hosting apps - Unlimited form submissions, from Basic - Webflow CMS, site search and code components, on Premium - Localization and publishing workflows, on Team :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free Starter plan - Control over every detail of the design - Works with AI tools through its MCP server - Up to 40% off billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - More to learn than a landing page builder - The CMS starts on Premium - Starter allows two pages and 50 form submissions, on a webflow.io address :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Webflow has a free site plan and two paid ones, billed yearly, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – free, on a webflow.io address, with two pages, 1 GB of bandwidth and 50 form submissions. - **Basic** – $15 a month, with your own domain, 300 pages, 10 GB of bandwidth and unlimited forms. - **Premium** – $25 a month, adding Webflow CMS, 50 GB of bandwidth and site search. :::</p> <p>For larger teams, Team is $2,500 a month on an annual contract, and Enterprise is priced on request.</p> <p>:::product award: Best for a full website name: Webflow logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/webflow-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: Free plan, or from $15 a month billed yearly text: Websites and landing pages with a CMS, Webflow AI and an MCP server. button: Start on Webflow free | https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>8. [Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)</h4> <p>**The best landing page software for teams**</p> <p></p> <p>[Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is a landing page builder with reusable blocks and forms, real-time collaboration on designs, and AI copy.</p> <p>Every plan includes unlimited pages, conversions and contacts. What its first plan caps is visitors: 15,000 a month.</p> <h5>Who is Instapage for?</h5> <p>Instapage is for marketing teams that build many landing pages together.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop website and landing page builder - Reusable page blocks and forms - Real-time visual collaboration - Triggered popups and sticky bars - AI content for headlines, paragraphs and buttons - Contacts and branded emails - Programmatic pages from a shared template :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial - Unlimited pages, conversions and contacts - Collaboration built for teams :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Create caps you at 15,000 visitors a month - The plan above it, Convert, is priced on request :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Instapage has one plan with a price and one on request, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Create** – $99 a month, or $79 billed yearly, with 15,000 unique visitors a month. - **Convert** – priced on request, for larger teams. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for teams name: Instapage logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/instapage-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: From $99 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Landing pages with reusable blocks and real-time collaboration. button: Try Instapage free for 14 days | https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders :::</p> <h4>9. [Swipe Pages](https://navid.link/swipepages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)</h4> <p>**The best landing page builder for paid ads**</p> <p></p> <p>[Swipe Pages](https://navid.link/swipepages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is a landing page builder for marketers running paid ads, with AI that builds landing pages, lead quizzes and checkout pages.</p> <p>Its pages are built to load fast on a phone, with AMP, the framework Google made for pages that load instantly, and they're served from a global CDN.</p> <p>Every plan has unlimited landing pages, funnels and conversions, and a checkout with Stripe, PayPal and Razorpay. A/B testing and dynamic text replacement start on Marketer.</p> <p>Swipe Pages says over 7,000 marketers use it.</p> <h5>Who is Swipe Pages for?</h5> <p>Swipe Pages is for marketers and agencies running paid traffic who want fast pages and a checkout in one builder.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - An AI builder for landing pages, lead quizzes and checkout pages - AMP pages, served from a global CDN - Unlimited landing pages, funnels and conversions - A checkout with Stripe, PayPal and Razorpay, on every plan - Multi-step forms and lead magnet delivery - Server-side A/B testing and dynamic text replacement, from Marketer - Client subaccounts and team members, from Marketer :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial of every feature, with no credit card - A checkout on every plan - Overage priced up front: $5 per 5,000 extra visits :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - A/B testing starts on Marketer, at $69 a month billed yearly - Startup has one custom domain and 20,000 visits a month - Monthly billing costs up to 25% more than yearly :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Swipe Pages has three plans, billed yearly, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Startup** – $29 a month, with one custom domain, 20,000 visits and 4,200 AI credits a month. - **Marketer** – $69 a month, with five custom domains, 50,000 visits, A/B testing and five team members. - **Agency** – $149 a month, with unlimited domains, 500,000 visits and unlimited team members. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for paid ads name: Swipe Pages logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/swipe-pages-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $29 a month billed yearly, after a 14-day free trial text: Fast landing pages, quizzes and checkouts for paid traffic, built with AI. button: Try Swipe Pages free for 14 days | https://navid.link/swipepages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders :::</p> <h4>10. [Landingi](https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)</h4> <p>**The best landing page builder on a budget**</p> <p></p> <p>[Landingi](https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is a landing page builder with an AI page generator, Lunar, on every plan.</p> <p>Its plans go by how many landing pages you have live at once, from 10 on Build.</p> <h5>Who is Landingi for?</h5> <p>Landingi is for marketers who want a lower-priced landing page builder with AI to start from.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop page builder - Lunar, its AI landing page generator, on every plan - Up to 10 active landing pages on Build - Agency settings and branding, on the higher plans :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Starts at $24 a month billed yearly - A 14-day free trial on every plan - An AI page generator on every plan :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Build allows 10 active landing pages - The trial is capped at 200 visits - The trial may ask for a card :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Landingi has four plans, billed yearly, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Build** – $24 a month, with up to 10 active landing pages. - **Optimize** – $119 a month. - **Scale** – from $229 a month. - **Enterprise** – from $1,199 a month. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best on a budget name: Landingi logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/landingi-icon.jpg rating: 4.2 price: From $24 a month billed yearly text: Landing pages with an AI generator on every plan. button: Try Landingi free for 14 days | https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders :::</p> <h4>11. [Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)</h4> <p>**The best landing page builder for one-page sites**</p> <p></p> <p>[Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) builds simple, responsive one-page sites: a landing page, a profile, a signup page or a portfolio.</p> <p>It's free for up to three sites on a carrd.co address, and Pro starts at $9 a year. That's a year, not a month.</p> <p>Your own domain, forms, and embeds from Stripe, PayPal and Gumroad start on Pro Standard, at $19 a year.</p> <h5>Who is Carrd for?</h5> <p>Carrd is for anyone who needs one good page fast, for almost nothing.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - One-page sites from templates - Custom domains with SSL, from Pro Standard - Signup forms for email tools like beehiiv, GetResponse and ActiveCampaign - Widgets and embeds from Stripe, PayPal, Gumroad and Typeform - Analytics with Google Analytics, Plausible and others - Redirects, password protection and site downloads, on Pro Plus :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free for up to three sites - Pro from $9 a year - A 7-day Pro trial, with no credit card :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - One page per site - No A/B testing - The free plan shows Carrd's branding :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Carrd has a free plan and three Pro plans, billed yearly, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, for up to three sites on a carrd.co address. - **Pro Lite** – $9 a year, for three sites with no branding. - **Pro Standard** – $19 a year, for 10 sites with your own domains, forms, embeds and analytics. - **Pro Plus** – $49 a year, for 25 sites, adding advanced forms, redirects and password protection. :::</p> <p>Larger tiers of each Pro plan cover up to 1,000 sites.</p> <p>:::product award: Best for one-page sites name: Carrd logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/carrd.jpg rating: 4.3 price: Free plan, or from $9 a year text: Simple one-page sites, free for up to three, and $19 a year with your own domain. button: Start on Carrd free | https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>12. [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)</h4> <p>**The best free landing page builder with funnels**</p> <p></p> <p>[Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is an all-in-one platform with a free plan that never expires: funnels and landing pages, email, a blog, courses, a community and your own affiliate program, with payments through Stripe or PayPal.</p> <p>It says over 500,000 entrepreneurs use it.</p> <p>The free plan needs no credit card, and Systeme.io takes no transaction fees on any plan. Stripe or PayPal charge their usual card fees.</p> <p>Your plan goes by the size of your list, so a growing audience moves you up a plan.</p> <h5>Who is Systeme.io for?</h5> <p>Systeme.io is for beginners who want landing pages, funnels, email and courses on a small budget, or for free.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales funnels and a website builder - Unlimited email sends on every plan - Courses and a community - A blog - Your own affiliate program - Evergreen webinars, from the Webinar plan :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan that never expires, with no credit card needed - No transaction fees on any plan - Paid plans from $17 a month :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan has three funnels and one automation rule - Your plan goes by your contacts: 2,000 free, 5,000 on Startup, 10,000 on Webinar - Evergreen webinars start on the $47 plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Systeme.io has a free plan and three paid ones, billed monthly, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with three funnels, one custom domain and 2,000 contacts. - **Startup** – $17 a month, with 10 funnels, three custom domains and 5,000 contacts. - **Webinar** – $47 a month, with 50 funnels, evergreen webinars and 10,000 contacts. - **Unlimited** – $97 a month, with unlimited funnels, contacts and custom domains. :::</p> <p>Yearly billing costs less.</p> <p>:::product award: Best free plan with funnels name: Systeme.io logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/systemeio-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free plan, or from $17 a month text: Funnels, email, courses and a community, with a free plan and no transaction fees. button: Start on Systeme.io's free plan | https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>13. [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)</h4> <p>**The best landing page software for sales funnels**</p> <p></p> <p>[ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is a funnel builder: sales pages and checkouts with one-click upsells and order bumps, plus email, a CRM and courses, from the company Russell Brunson co-founded.</p> <p>Every plan has unlimited visitors, and unlimited funnels for now, which ClickFunnels marks as a limited-time offer. Its plans grow by courses, contacts and team members.</p> <p>It takes no fee on your sales beyond Stripe's.</p> <p>It's built for selling more than for a single landing page. For the tools that do what it does, see my guide to the [best ClickFunnels alternatives](/articles/best-clickfunnels-alternatives).</p> <h5>Who is ClickFunnels for?</h5> <p>ClickFunnels is for sellers who want sales funnels, upsells, email and courses in one place.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales funnels with sales pages and checkouts - One-click upsells and order bumps - Unlimited visitors on every plan - Email and a CRM - Courses: three on Launch, six on Scale - Unlimited custom domains, from Scale - An API, on Optimize :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - One-click upsells and order bumps - Email, a CRM and courses in one account - Unlimited visitors - A free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $97 a month - Launch has three courses and 10,000 contacts - Unlimited funnels are a limited-time offer :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>ClickFunnels has four plans, each with a free trial, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – $97 a month, or $81 billed yearly, with three courses and 10,000 contacts. - **Scale** – $197 a month, or $164 billed yearly, with six courses and 75,000 contacts. - **Optimize** – $297 a month, or $248 billed yearly, with 10 courses and an API. - **Dominate** – $5,997 a year, with 20 courses. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for sales funnels name: ClickFunnels logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/clickfunnels-icon.jpg rating: 4.4 price: From $97 a month, after a free trial text: Sales pages and checkouts with one-click upsells and order bumps, plus email and courses. button: Try ClickFunnels free | https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>14. [Elementor](https://navid.link/elementor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)</h4> <p>**The best landing page builder for WordPress**</p> <p></p> <p>[Elementor](https://navid.link/elementor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is the drag-and-drop website builder for WordPress. It says it powers over 22 million sites and 13% of the web.</p> <p>The editor is free on WordPress.org. Pro adds the Theme Builder, forms and popups, and Elementor One adds AI, image optimization, accessibility and site management.</p> <p>It also has an MCP now, so you can work on your sites from Claude, [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), Cursor and other AI tools.</p> <h5>Who is Elementor for?</h5> <p>Elementor is for WordPress users who want to design their own landing pages and site, on hosting they control.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A free drag-and-drop editor - The Theme Builder, on every paid plan - A Form Builder and a Popup Builder, from Advanced Solo - Dynamic content from your custom fields, from Advanced Solo - Elementor MCP, for AI tools like Claude, Codex and Cursor - AI for code, copy, images and layouts, on Elementor One :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free version - Paid plans from $60 a year - A 30-day money-back guarantee - Runs on your own WordPress site :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Needs WordPress and hosting of your own - Essential has no popups, and its forms don't collect submissions - The AI features need Elementor One :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Elementor has a free version and five paid plans, billed yearly, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Essential** – $60 a year, for one site, with the Theme Builder. - **Advanced Solo** – $84 a year, for one site, adding popups and form submissions. - **Advanced** – $108 a year, for three sites. - **Expert** – $204 a year, for 25 sites. - **One** – $180 for the first year, then $228 a year, adding AI, image optimization and site management. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for WordPress name: Elementor logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/elementor-icon.jpg rating: 4 price: Free version, or from $60 a year text: The drag-and-drop builder for WordPress, on over 22 million sites. button: Get Elementor | https://navid.link/elementor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>15. [Thrive Architect](https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)</h4> <p>**The best WordPress landing page builder for marketers**</p> <p></p> <p>[Thrive Architect](https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is a WordPress page builder from Thrive Themes, made for conversions: landing pages, sales pages and lead pages from 300+ templates.</p> <p>I used Thrive's products a lot over the years, back when I built my sites on WordPress.</p> <p>It's sold on its own, with Thrive Optimize for A/B tests, or in [Thrive Suite](https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) with every Thrive plugin.</p> <h5>Who is Thrive Architect for?</h5> <p>Thrive Architect is for WordPress users who want conversion-focused landing pages on their own site.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop visual editor for WordPress - 300+ landing page templates - Countdowns, lead forms and other conversion elements - Conditional display, global edits and WooCommerce support - Integrations with email marketing tools - A/B testing with the Thrive Optimize add-on :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Made for landing pages that convert - Runs on your own WordPress site - A 30-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Needs WordPress and hosting of your own - A/B testing costs extra, with Thrive Optimize - Renews at full price after the first year :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Thrive Architect comes three ways, billed yearly, from its page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Thrive Architect** – $199 a year, or $99 for the first year when I checked. - **Thrive Architect + Optimize** – $399 a year, or $199 for the first year, with A/B testing. - **Thrive Suite** – $599 a year, or $299 for the first year, with every Thrive plugin. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for WordPress marketers name: Thrive Architect logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrive-suite-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $199 a year, or $99 the first year text: A conversion-focused WordPress page builder with 300+ templates. button: See Thrive Architect | https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h3>What is a landing page builder?</h3> <p>A landing page builder is a tool for making pages with one goal: to get a visitor to sign up, buy or book.</p> <p>You start from a template, or from a description that AI turns into a page, and change it in a drag-and-drop editor, with no code.</p> <p>The builder hosts the page, sends your form's signups to your email tool, and shows you how many visitors take action. The better ones let you test two versions against each other.</p> <h3>Landing page builder or website builder?</h3> <p>A landing page has one goal and usually no menu, so nothing pulls the visitor away from the one action.</p> <p>A website has many pages for many purposes: who you are, what you sell, your blog and how to reach you.</p> <p>Landing page builders like [Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), [Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) are made for the first, with A/B tests and conversion tracking. Website builders like [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) are made for the second, and build good landing pages too.</p> <h3>What to look for in a landing page builder</h3> <p>Five things decide most of it:</p> <p>1. **Where your traffic comes from** – paid ads suit a builder with A/B tests and fast pages, like [Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), [Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) or [Swipe Pages](https://navid.link/swipepages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), and an email list suits [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders). 2. **A/B testing** – it's how you find out which page converts better. Leadpages has it on every plan, Unbounce from Experiment and Swipe Pages from Marketer. 3. **The limits** – visitors on Unbounce, [Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and Swipe Pages, active pages on [Landingi](https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), and sites on [Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and the WordPress plugins. 4. **AI** – [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), Leadpages, Landingi, Swipe Pages and [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) build a page from a description, and [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) or [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) can build one from scratch. 5. **What's behind the page** – a form needs an email tool, and a sale needs a checkout. HighLevel, [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) have both built in.</p> <p>They come in six kinds:</p> <p>:::cards tinted Layers | All-in-one platforms | Pages with a CRM, email and a checkout behind them, like HighLevel, Systeme.io and ClickFunnels. Code | Build your own | Your own pages, written with AI coding tools like Claude Code and Codex, on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) or [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders). LayoutTemplate | Landing page builders | Pages made to convert, with A/B tests, like Leadpages, Unbounce, Instapage, Swipe Pages and Landingi. Palette | Website builders | Designed sites that make good landing pages too, like Framer, [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and Carrd. Mail | Email platforms | Landing pages for growing your list, like Kit. Globe | WordPress plugins | Pages on your own WordPress site, like [Elementor](https://navid.link/elementor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Thrive Architect](https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders). :::</p> <h3>The best free landing page builders</h3> <p>Here's where you can start without paying:</p> <ul><li>**[Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)** – free for up to 10,000 subscribers, with unlimited landing pages and forms.</li><li>**[Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)** – free for up to three one-page sites, on a carrd.co address.</li><li>**[Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)** – a free plan with three funnels, unlimited emails and 2,000 contacts.</li><li>**[Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)** – a free plan on a Framer domain, with 500 AI credits to try.</li><li>**[Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)** – a free Starter plan on a webflow.io address, with two pages.</li><li>**[Elementor](https://navid.link/elementor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)** – a free editor for WordPress, on hosting of your own.</li><li>**[Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders)** – a free Hobby plan, for personal, non-commercial projects.</li></ul> <h3>What I use</h3> <p>I build my own landing pages, sales pages and checkouts now, the way I describe in [Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare](#2-next-js-on-vercel-or-cloudflare) above, and I sell through my own checkout, Creator Store.</p> <p>If you'd rather not build your own, [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is the one I'd pick. And I'm working on templates of my own, so you can start from what I use.</p> <p>Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you sign up through one, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.</p> <p>:::faq :::</p> <h3>Final thoughts on landing page builders</h3> <p>There are a lot of landing page builders out there, so it comes down to where your traffic comes from, what's behind the page, and your budget.</p> <p>Here are my final recommendations:</p> <p>:::cards list https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png | HighLevel | The best all-in-one, and the one I'd pick if I weren't building my own: pages built with AI, with a CRM, email, SMS and payments behind them. | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders | Best all-in-one | Try HighLevel free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/nextjs-icon.jpg | Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare | How I build my own pages today, with AI coding tools like Claude Code and Codex. It isn't for everyone, but nothing caps you. | https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders | Best to build your own | Start on Cloudflare free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/leadpages-icon.png | Leadpages | The best for landing pages alone, with A/B testing and no traffic caps. | https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders | Best for landing pages | Try Leadpages free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/framer-icon.jpg | Framer | The best for pages that look designed, with a free plan to start. | https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders | Best for design | Start Framer free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/kit-icon.jpg | Kit | The best free option, with unlimited landing pages for up to 10,000 subscribers. | https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders | Best free | Try Kit free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/carrd.jpg | Carrd | The best for a simple one-page site, from $9 a year. | https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders | Best for one-page sites | Start Carrd free :::</p> <p>Now I'd like to turn it over to you. Which one will you use? Or do you use a great one I didn't cover? [Send me a message](/contact) and tell me.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[The best ClickFunnels alternatives](/articles/best-clickfunnels-alternatives) – funnel builders and checkouts, compared</li><li>[The best online course platforms](/articles/best-online-course-platforms) – 40 platforms for selling a course, compared</li><li>[What is Claude Code?](/articles/what-is-claude-code) – the AI coding tool I build my pages with</li></ul> <p>Start the free trial or free plan of the one that fits, and build one page before you move everything over.</p><h2>FAQs about landing page builders</h2><h3>What is the best landing page builder?</h3><p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is my pick, with an AI page builder, a CRM, email, SMS and payments, and unlimited contacts, from $97 a month.</p> <p>For landing pages alone, I'd pick [Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), and for pages that look designed, [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders).</p><h3>Is there a free landing page builder?</h3><p>[Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is free for up to 10,000 subscribers, with unlimited landing pages and forms.</p> <p>[Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is free for up to three one-page sites, and [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) have free plans too.</p><h3>How much does a landing page builder cost?</h3><p>Most landing page builders cost $29 to $99 a month to start, like [Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), [Swipe Pages](https://navid.link/swipepages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), [Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders).</p> <p>[Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) starts at $9 a year, and [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Webflow](https://navid.link/webflow?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) have free plans.</p><h3>Can AI build a landing page?</h3><p>Yes, [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), [Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), [Landingi](https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), [Swipe Pages](https://navid.link/swipepages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) each build a page from a description.</p> <p>I build mine with AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), and host them on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) or [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders).</p><h3>Do you need a website to create a landing page?</h3><p>No, every builder here hosts your landing page, on its own address or on your domain.</p> <p>[Carrd](https://navid.link/carrd?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) let you publish one for free.</p><h3>What is the difference between a landing page and a website?</h3><p>A landing page has one goal, like a signup or a sale, and usually no menu.</p> <p>A website has many pages for many purposes, like who you are, what you sell and your blog.</p><h3>What is the best landing page builder for WordPress?</h3><p>[Elementor](https://navid.link/elementor?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) powers over 22 million sites, with a free editor and paid plans from $60 a year.</p> <p>[Thrive Architect](https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) is built for conversions, with 300+ landing page templates, from $199 a year.</p><h3>Which landing page builders have A/B testing?</h3><p>[Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) has A/B testing on every plan, [Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) from Experiment, and [Swipe Pages](https://navid.link/swipepages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) from Marketer.</p> <p>[Framer](https://navid.link/framer?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) adds it with its Convert add-on, and [Thrive Architect](https://navid.link/thrivearchitect?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) with Thrive Optimize.</p><h3>Should a landing page have a menu?</h3><p>Most landing pages leave the menu out, so nothing pulls the visitor away from the one action.</p> <p>If you're not sure, test a page with a menu against one without and keep the one that converts better.</p><h3>How do I get traffic to my landing page?</h3><p>Paid ads on Google, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube are the most direct way.</p> <p>Email, YouTube, social media and search bring traffic too, without paying per click.</p><h3>What do you use for your landing pages?</h3><p>I build my own with Next.js and AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders), on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders) or [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders).</p> <p>If I weren't building my own, I'd use [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-landing-page-builders).</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/best-clickfunnels-alternatives/https://navid.me/blog/best-clickfunnels-alternatives/Choosing the right ClickFunnels alternative decides what you pay each month, how much of each sale you keep, and how much you can build on your own. In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 17 best ClickFunnels alternatives, along with my top 5 picks, so you can pick the one that fits how you sell.Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>:::picks Go to site | Full review | Our top 5 picks Best all-in-one | HighLevel | #1-highlevel | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png | From $97 a month, after a 14-day free trial | A CRM, funnels, email, SMS, calendars and payments, with unlimited contacts and users. | 4.7 Best to build your own | Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare | #2-next-js-on-vercel-or-cloudflare | https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/nextjs-icon.jpg | Free to start, then from $5 a month | Your own pages, written with AI coding tools like Claude Code and Codex, on Vercel or Cloudflare. | 4.8 Best checkout and upsells | ThriveCart | #3-thrivecart | https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrivecart-icon.png | From $47 a month, after a 30-day free trial | Checkouts with order bumps, one-click upsells and subscriptions, and 0% of your sales. | 4.5 Best for courses | Kajabi | #4-kajabi | https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/kajabi-icon.png | From $179 a month, after 14 days free | Courses, coaching, a community, email, funnels and a checkout, with no cut of your sales. | 4.5 Best for email | Kit | #5-kit | https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/kit-icon.jpg | Free plan, or from $39 a month | Email for creators, with landing pages, forms and digital products, free up to 10,000 subscribers. | 4.5 :::</p> <p>Looking for the best [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) alternatives? ClickFunnels made building high-converting funnels simple, and a lot of people use it. But there are some solid alternatives you should know about.</p> <p>I've built funnels for over a decade. I built my pages with Thrive's plugins on WordPress, sent my emails with what is now [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), and sold through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), where I processed millions of dollars.</p> <p>Today I build my own pages, funnels and checkouts with Next.js and AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), hosted on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) or Cloudflare. That isn't for everyone, so this guide covers that way and the tools that do it for you.</p> <p>I went back through every one this week, and wrote up what each does well, where it falls short, and what it really costs.</p> <p>In this guide, I'll show you:</p> <ul><li>All 17 ClickFunnels alternatives I reviewed, each with who it's for, key features, pros, cons and pricing</li><li>What ClickFunnels costs today, and why people move off it</li><li>The kinds of alternatives, and what to look for</li><li>What I use today</li></ul> <p>Every price here is from the tool's own pages, read in late September and early October 2026.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - I reviewed 17 [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) alternatives, each with who it's for, pros, cons and pricing. - [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is my pick: a CRM, funnels, email, SMS and payments, with unlimited contacts, from $97 a month. - For a checkout with upsells, [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) takes 0% of your sales, and for courses and coaching, [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives). - Watch the limits more than the price: contacts on Kajabi and [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), visitors on [Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) and [Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), and sites on the WordPress plugins. - Today I build my own funnels with Next.js and AI coding tools, but that isn't for everyone. :::</p> <h3>The best ClickFunnels alternatives</h3> <p>Here's every alternative I reviewed, with what each is best for and what it costs to start. Each name opens its site in a new tab:</p> <p>:::table fancy Tool | Best for | Price | Free to try  [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | An all-in-one CRM, funnels, email and SMS | $97 a month | 14-day free trial  [Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | Building your own with AI | From $5 a month | Free plans  [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | Checkouts and upsells | $47 a month | 30-day free trial  [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | Courses and coaching | $179 a month | 14 days free  [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | Email for creators | $39 a month | Free plan  [GetResponse](https://navid.link/getresponse?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | Email with funnels and webinars | $19 a month | 14-day free trial  [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | Coaches who want it all in one | $59 a month | 30-day money-back  [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | Funnels on a small budget | $17 a month | Free plan  [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | More ways to pay at checkout | $79 a month | 7-day free trial  [Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | Landing pages with no traffic caps | $99 a month | 7-day free trial  [Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | Landing pages and A/B tests | $29 a month | 14-day free trial  [Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | Landing pages for teams | $99 a month | 14-day free trial  [Landingi](https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | Landing pages on a budget | $24 a month, billed yearly | 14-day free trial  [FunnelKit](https://navid.link/funnelkit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | Funnels on WooCommerce | $129 a year | 14-day money-back  [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | A WordPress checkout with upsells | $199 a year | Free plan  [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | A WordPress checkout with no fees | $199 a year | Free version  [Thrive Suite](https://navid.link/thrivethemes?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) | Pages and leads on WordPress | $599 a year | 30-day money-back :::</p> <h4>1. [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best all-in-one ClickFunnels alternative**</p> <p></p> <p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is an all-in-one platform for marketing and selling: a CRM, funnels and websites, email and SMS, calendars, payments, and courses and communities.</p> <p>It does what [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) does and more, and it's the one I'd pick if I weren't building my own funnels.</p> <p>Every plan has unlimited contacts and unlimited users, and HighLevel takes no cut of your sales. Payments go through Stripe, PayPal, NMI and others.</p> <p>HighLevel says most of its users replace their CRM, funnel builder, email tool, scheduler and SMS tools with it.</p> <p>What you pay on top is usage: phone numbers, SMS, emails and AI are charged as you use them.</p> <h5>Who is HighLevel for?</h5> <p>HighLevel is for businesses and agencies that want their funnels, CRM, email, SMS and bookings in one account, with no cap on contacts.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A CRM with unlimited contacts and users - Funnels and websites on your own domains - Email and SMS marketing - Calendars and bookings - Payments through Stripe, PayPal, NMI and others - Courses and communities for your members - An affiliate program and a mobile app - Sub-accounts for clients, and SaaS mode on Agency Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Unlimited contacts and users on every plan - Replaces your CRM, funnels, email, scheduler and SMS tools - No cut of your sales - A 14-day free trial, month to month with no long-term contract :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $97 a month - Phone, SMS, email and AI are charged by use, on top of the plan - Its plans are built around sub-accounts, the way an agency works :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>HighLevel has three plans, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $97 a month, or $970 a year, with three sub-accounts. - **Unlimited** – $297 a month, or $2,970 a year, with unlimited sub-accounts. - **Agency Pro** – $497 a month, or $4,970 a year, with SaaS mode, to sell HighLevel as your own software. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best all-in-one name: HighLevel logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: From $97 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: A CRM, funnels, email, SMS, calendars and payments, with unlimited contacts and users. button: Try HighLevel free for 14 days | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>2. [Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best ClickFunnels alternative to build your own**</p> <p></p> <p>This is how I build my own pages, funnels and checkouts today: in Next.js, written with AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), and hosted on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) or Cloudflare.</p> <p>Next.js is a free, open-source web framework from Vercel. [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) and [Cloudflare](https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) both put what you build on a global network, with HTTPS and preview links for your changes.</p> <p>I run a lot of tools, and Cloudflare costs far less for them, so I'm looking at moving my sites there. On Cloudflare, a static site is free on Cloudflare Pages, and a full Next.js site runs on Cloudflare Workers, free up to 100,000 requests a day. [Railway](https://navid.link/railway?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) runs apps that need a database, like Postgres.</p> <p>You don't have to be a developer to start. You describe the page you want, and the AI coding tool writes it, runs it and changes what you point out.</p> <p>Nothing caps my pages or contacts, and every page looks the way I want. But it takes longer to set up than a builder, so it isn't for everyone.</p> <p>I'm working on templates of my own, so you can start from what I use.</p> <h5>Who is Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare for?</h5> <p>It's for creators and founders who want their pages, funnels and checkouts to look exactly the way they want, with no builder's limits, and who don't mind learning as they go.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Pages built to your own design, with no template or page limits - AI coding tools that write the code: Claude Code with Claude Pro, and Codex with ChatGPT Plus - Next.js, free and open source - Hosting on Vercel's or Cloudflare's global network, with HTTPS on every plan - Preview links for your changes before they go live - A free first-year domain on Vercel Pro, on endings like .app and .site :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No caps on pages, contacts or design - The code is yours, and Next.js runs on either host - Free hosting to start, on Cloudflare or Vercel's Hobby plan - Cloudflare costs far less once you run many sites and tools - Any email tool or checkout works with it :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Slower to set up than a builder - You look after the code, with your AI tool's help - Vercel's free Hobby plan is for non-commercial use, so a business needs Pro, at $20 a month - Cloudflare's free Workers plan stops at 100,000 requests a day - Forms, email and a checkout are yours to connect :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Here's what it costs, from Cloudflare's, Vercel's, Railway's, Claude's and ChatGPT's pricing pages as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Next.js** – free and open source. - **Cloudflare Pages** – free for a static site, with unlimited sites, requests and bandwidth, and 500 builds a month. - **Cloudflare Workers** – free up to 100,000 requests a day, then $5 a month with 10 million requests included, for a site with server code like Next.js. - **Vercel Hobby** – free, for personal, non-commercial projects. - **Vercel Pro** – $20 a month, with $20 of usage included and a 14-day free trial. Each extra developer seat is $20 a month. - **Railway** – $5 a month on Hobby, with $5 of usage included, after a 30-day free trial. - **Claude Pro, with Claude Code** – $17 a month billed yearly, or $20 monthly. - **ChatGPT Plus, with Codex** – $20 a month. ChatGPT's free plan has limited Codex access. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best to build your own name: Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/nextjs-icon.jpg rating: 4.8 price: Free to start, then from $5 a month text: Your own pages, written with AI coding tools like Claude Code and Codex, on Vercel or Cloudflare. button: Start on Cloudflare free | https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives :::</p> <h4>3. [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best ClickFunnels alternative for checkouts and upsells**</p> <p></p> <p>[ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is a checkout platform: cart and checkout pages with order bumps, one-click upsells, subscriptions and an affiliate center, plus ThriveCart Academy for your courses and a community.</p> <p>It takes 0% of your sales on every plan, with payments through your own Stripe, PayPal or Authorize.Net. ThriveCart says sellers have processed over $8 billion through it.</p> <p>I'm one of them. I processed millions of dollars through ThriveCart, selling my courses and virtual summits.</p> <p>So if what you like about [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is the checkout and the upsells, this is the one I'd look at first.</p> <h5>Who is ThriveCart for?</h5> <p>ThriveCart is for creators and course sellers who want a checkout that sells more per order, without a big monthly plan.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Custom checkout and cart pages, in 100+ countries - One-click upsells and downsells, order bumps and A/B split testing - Abandoned cart recovery and sales tax automation - Buy now pay later, split pay, pay-what-you-like and subscriptions - ThriveCart Academy: courses, a community, quizzes and certificates - An affiliate center with automated payouts, on Pro+ :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - 0% fees on your sales, on every plan - Order bumps and one-click upsells from the first plan - A 30-day free trial - Your courses and a community in the same account :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Standard gives you one order bump - The affiliate center, coupons and your own domain start on Pro+, at $87 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>ThriveCart has two plans, each with a 30-day free trial, and Enterprise on request, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Standard** – $47 a month, with ThriveCart Academy Starter: unlimited courses and students, and up to 2,000 community members. - **Pro+** – $87 a month, with multiple order bumps, the affiliate center, coupons, custom domains and up to 10,000 community members. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best checkout and upsells name: ThriveCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrivecart-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $47 a month, after a 30-day free trial text: Checkouts with order bumps, one-click upsells and subscriptions, and 0% of your sales. button: Try ThriveCart free for 30 days | https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>4. [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best ClickFunnels alternative for courses**</p> <p></p> <p>[Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is an all-in-one platform for courses, coaching, memberships and a community, with your website, email, funnels and checkout built in.</p> <p>It takes no cut of your sales on any plan. Kajabi Payments charges card fees, which differ by country.</p> <p>By Kajabi's own count, experts on it have earned over $12 billion since 2010.</p> <p>It costs more than [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) to start, at $179 a month. But it also replaces your course platform, your email tool and your website.</p> <h5>Who is Kajabi for?</h5> <p>Kajabi is for course creators and coaches who want their funnels, email, community and courses in one place, and would rather pay one plan than connect five tools.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Courses, coaching and memberships - A private community with multiple groups - Unlimited emails, landing pages and funnels - Checkout and payments built in - Your own website and custom domain - A mobile app for your students on iPhone and Android - Your own affiliate program, from Growth :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No cut of your sales on any plan - Email, funnels, a website, a community and a checkout under one plan - 14 days free and a 30-day money-back guarantee - Unlimited email sends on every plan :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $179 a month - Basic caps you at 2,500 contacts - Your own affiliate program starts on Growth, at $249 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Kajabi has three plans, each with 14 days free, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $179 a month, or $143 a month billed yearly, with 2,500 contacts. - **Growth** – $249 a month, or $199 billed yearly, with 25,000 contacts and your own affiliate program. - **Pro** – $499 a month, or $399 billed yearly, with 100,000 contacts and your own branded app. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for courses name: Kajabi logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/kajabi-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $179 a month, after 14 days free text: Courses, coaching, a community, email, funnels and a checkout, with no cut of your sales. button: Try Kajabi free for 14 days | https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives :::</p> <h4>5. [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best ClickFunnels alternative for email**</p> <p></p> <p>[Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is email marketing for creators, with landing pages, forms, automations, digital products and paid newsletters. It used to be called ConvertKit, and I used it for years.</p> <p>Its free plan covers up to 10,000 subscribers, with unlimited landing pages, forms and email broadcasts, and you can sell digital products and subscriptions on it.</p> <p>Kit isn't a full funnel builder like [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives). Its strength is your list, the emails you send it and the automations around them.</p> <h5>Who is Kit for?</h5> <p>Kit is for creators who build their business on an email list, and sell digital products and newsletters to it.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Unlimited landing pages and forms - Unlimited email broadcasts - Tagging and segmentation - Digital products, subscriptions and paid newsletters - Visual automations and email sequences, from Creator - A/B tests on subject lines, from Creator - Kit's MCP, to work with your account from AI tools, from Creator :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan for up to 10,000 subscribers - A 14-day free trial of Creator and Pro, with no credit card - Free migrations from another platform - A refund within 30 days of signing up :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Automations and sequences start on Creator - The price rises with your number of subscribers - No checkout with order bumps and upsells, like a funnel builder has :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Kit has a free plan and two paid ones, priced for 1,000 subscribers, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, for up to 10,000 subscribers. - **Creator** – $39 a month, or $33 a month billed yearly ($390 a year), with automations, sequences and Kit's MCP. - **Pro** – $79 a month, or $66 a month billed yearly ($790 a year), adding subscriber signals, engagement analytics and unlimited users. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for email name: Kit logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/kit-icon.jpg rating: 4.5 price: Free plan, or from $39 a month text: Email for creators, with landing pages, forms and digital products, free up to 10,000 subscribers. button: Try Kit free | https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>6. [GetResponse](https://navid.link/getresponse?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best ClickFunnels alternative for email with funnels**</p> <p></p> <p>[GetResponse](https://navid.link/getresponse?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is email marketing with landing pages, signup forms and automations, and on its higher plans, sales funnels, webinars and courses.</p> <p>Every plan comes with unlimited email sends.</p> <p>Sales funnels, abandoned cart recovery and promo codes start on Marketer. Webinars, a website builder and courses for up to 500 students come with Creator.</p> <h5>Who is GetResponse for?</h5> <p>GetResponse is for businesses that want email first, with funnels and webinars in the same account.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Unlimited email sends - A landing page builder, signup forms and popups - AI content generators - Automation workflows: one on Starter, unlimited from Marketer - Sales funnels, abandoned cart recovery and promo codes, from Marketer - Webinars, a website builder and courses for up to 500 students, on Creator - Web push notifications :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial, with no credit card - Unlimited sends on every plan - Funnels, webinars and courses under one plan - 18% off billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starter has one automation workflow - Sales funnels start on Marketer, at $59 a month - The price rises with your list :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>GetResponse has three plans priced for 1,000 contacts, and Enterprise on request, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $19 a month, or $15.58 a month billed yearly, with unlimited sends and one automation workflow. - **Marketer** – $59 a month, or $48.38 billed yearly, adding sales funnels and unlimited workflows. - **Creator** – $69 a month, or $56.58 billed yearly, adding webinars, a website builder and courses. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best email with funnels name: GetResponse logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/getresponse-icon.png rating: 4 price: From $19 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Email with landing pages, and sales funnels, webinars and courses on its higher plans. button: Try GetResponse free for 14 days | https://navid.link/getresponse?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>7. [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best ClickFunnels alternative for coaches**</p> <p></p> <p>[Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is an all-in-one platform: pages, funnels, email and SMS, a CRM, a membership portal and a checkout that takes cards and PayPal.</p> <p>It's one of the oldest [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) alternatives. Kartra says over 60,000 coaches and business owners have earned more than $1.5 billion with it.</p> <p>Its first plan, Essentials, is $59 a month, but it keeps 5% of each sale and caps you at 500 contacts. From Starter, at $119 a month, there are no transaction fees.</p> <h5>Who is Kartra for?</h5> <p>Kartra is for coaches and course sellers who want pages, funnels, email and a members area in one account.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop page builder with ready templates - Multi-page funnels - Email and SMS campaigns - A CRM with lists and tags - A membership portal for your courses - Checkout for cards and PayPal :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Pages, funnels, email, a CRM and courses in one place - No transaction fees from Starter - A 30-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Essentials keeps 5% of each sale and caps you at 500 contacts - No free trial, only the money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Kartra has four plans, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Essentials** – $59 a month, or $52 billed yearly, with a 5% transaction fee and 500 contacts. - **Starter** – $119 a month, or $99 billed yearly, with no transaction fee and 2,500 contacts. - **Growth** – $229 a month, or $189 billed yearly, with 12,500 contacts. - **Professional** – $549 a month, or $429 billed yearly, with 25,000 contacts. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for coaches name: Kartra logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/kartra-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: From $59 a month text: Pages, funnels, email and SMS, a CRM and a members area, in one account. button: See Kartra's plans | https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>8. [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best free ClickFunnels alternative**</p> <p></p> <p>[Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is an all-in-one platform with a free plan that never expires: funnels, email, a blog, courses, a community and your own affiliate program, with payments through Stripe or PayPal.</p> <p>It says over 500,000 entrepreneurs use it.</p> <p>The free plan needs no credit card, and Systeme.io takes no transaction fees on any plan. Stripe or PayPal charge their usual card fees.</p> <p>Your plan goes by the size of your list, so a growing audience moves you up a plan.</p> <h5>Who is Systeme.io for?</h5> <p>Systeme.io is for beginners who want funnels, email and courses on a small budget, or for free.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales funnels and a website builder - Unlimited email sends on every plan - Courses and a community - A blog - Your own affiliate program - Evergreen webinars, from the Webinar plan :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan that never expires, with no credit card needed - No transaction fees on any plan - Paid plans from $17 a month :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan has three funnels and one automation rule - Your plan goes by your contacts: 2,000 free, 5,000 on Startup, 10,000 on Webinar - Evergreen webinars start on the $47 plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Systeme.io has a free plan and three paid ones, billed monthly, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with three funnels, one custom domain and 2,000 contacts. - **Startup** – $17 a month, with 10 funnels, three custom domains and 5,000 contacts. - **Webinar** – $47 a month, with 50 funnels, evergreen webinars and 10,000 contacts. - **Unlimited** – $97 a month, with unlimited funnels, contacts and custom domains. :::</p> <p>Yearly billing costs less.</p> <p>:::product award: Best free plan name: Systeme.io logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/systemeio-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: Free plan, or from $17 a month text: Funnels, email, courses and a community, with a free plan and no transaction fees. button: Start on Systeme.io's free plan | https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>9. [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best alternative to ClickFunnels for more ways to pay**</p> <p></p> <p>[SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is a checkout platform for digital products, courses, subscriptions and coaching, used by over 75,000 businesses, it says.</p> <p>It builds your sales pages and checkouts, hosts your courses, and takes Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, cards and buy now pay later.</p> <p>SamCart takes no cut of your sales. One-click upsells and order bumps start on its second plan, Pro.</p> <h5>Who is SamCart for?</h5> <p>SamCart is for sellers who care most about the checkout itself, and the ways people can pay.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales pages and checkouts - Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, cards and buy now pay later - Cart abandonment and coupons - Subscriptions, with a customer portal - A members area for your courses - One-click upsells, order bumps, A/B tests and an affiliate center, on Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No cut of your sales - Many ways to pay at checkout - A 7-day free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $79 a month - Upsells, order bumps and affiliates start on Pro, at $199 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>SamCart has two plans, with a 7-day free trial and 25% off billed yearly, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Core** – $79 a month, with unlimited pages, products and checkouts. - **Pro** – $199 a month, with one-click upsells, order bumps, A/B tests and an affiliate center. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for ways to pay name: SamCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/samcart-icon.jpg rating: 4.5 price: From $79 a month, after a 7-day free trial text: Checkouts with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and buy now pay later, and no cut of your sales. button: Try SamCart free for 7 days | https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>10. [Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best ClickFunnels alternative for landing pages**</p> <p></p> <p>[Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is a landing page builder, rebuilt from the ground up, with AI page creation and A/B testing on every plan.</p> <p>It has no traffic caps on any plan, which most landing page builders do have.</p> <p>Smart Traffic, which sends each visitor to the page most likely to convert them, and heatmaps start on Optimize.</p> <h5>Who is Leadpages for?</h5> <p>Leadpages is for marketers who run paid traffic to landing pages and want to test and improve them.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - AI page creation - Unlimited traffic and pages - Custom domains with SSL - A/B testing, dynamic text replacement and lead enrichment, on every plan - Smart Traffic, heatmaps and auto-personalization, from Optimize - AI credits every month: 40,000 on Grow, 80,000 on Optimize, 160,000 on Scale :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No traffic caps on any plan - A/B testing from the first plan - A 7-day free trial - 20% off billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $99 a month - The trial asks for a card - Smart Traffic and heatmaps start on Optimize, at $199 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Leadpages has three plans, each with a 7-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Grow** – $99 a month, or $79 billed yearly, with A/B testing. - **Optimize** – $199 a month, or $159 billed yearly, adding Smart Traffic and heatmaps. - **Scale** – $399 a month, or $319 billed yearly, with continuous testing on its own. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for landing pages name: Leadpages logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/leadpages-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $99 a month, after a 7-day free trial text: AI landing pages with A/B testing and no traffic caps on any plan. button: Try Leadpages free for 7 days | https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>11. [Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best ClickFunnels alternative for A/B testing**</p> <p></p> <p>[Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is a landing page builder for marketers and agencies, with popups, A/B tests and AI traffic optimization.</p> <p>Its plans go by visitors: from 500 a month on Starter to 50,000 on Optimize.</p> <p>It also has its own MCP server, so you can work with your pages from AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT, on every plan.</p> <h5>Who is Unbounce for?</h5> <p>Unbounce is for marketers and agencies that build many landing pages and want to test them.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop builder with 100+ templates - Free hosting and unlimited conversions - Popups and sticky bars, from Build - Unlimited A/B testing, from Experiment - AI traffic optimization, on Optimize - An MCP server for AI assistants, on every plan :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial, with no credit card - Unlimited conversions on every plan - Works with AI assistants through its MCP - 25% off billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Every plan caps your visitors - Starter allows five pages - A/B testing starts on Experiment, at $149 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Unbounce has four plans, each with a 14-day free trial, and Concierge on request, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $29 a month, or $22 billed yearly, with five pages and 500 visitors. - **Build** – $99 a month, or $74 billed yearly, with unlimited pages and 20,000 visitors. - **Experiment** – $149 a month, or $112 billed yearly, with A/B testing and 30,000 visitors. - **Optimize** – $249 a month, or $187 billed yearly, with AI traffic optimization and 50,000 visitors. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for A/B testing name: Unbounce logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/unbounce-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $29 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Landing pages, popups and A/B tests, with AI traffic optimization on Optimize. button: Try Unbounce free for 14 days | https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives :::</p> <h4>12. [Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best ClickFunnels alternative for teams**</p> <p></p> <p>[Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is a landing page builder with reusable blocks and forms, real-time collaboration on designs, and AI copy.</p> <p>Every plan includes unlimited pages, conversions and contacts. What its first plan caps is visitors: 15,000 a month.</p> <h5>Who is Instapage for?</h5> <p>Instapage is for marketing teams that build many landing pages together.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop website and landing page builder - Reusable page blocks and forms - Real-time visual collaboration - Triggered popups and sticky bars - AI content for headlines, paragraphs and buttons - Contacts and branded emails - Programmatic pages from a shared template :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial - Unlimited pages, conversions and contacts - Collaboration built for teams :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Create caps you at 15,000 visitors a month - The plan above it, Convert, is priced on request :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Instapage has one plan with a price and one on request, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Create** – $99 a month, or $79 billed yearly, with 15,000 unique visitors a month. - **Convert** – priced on request, for larger teams. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for teams name: Instapage logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/instapage-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: From $99 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Landing pages with reusable blocks and real-time collaboration. button: Try Instapage free for 14 days | https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives :::</p> <h4>13. [Landingi](https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best ClickFunnels alternative on a budget**</p> <p></p> <p>[Landingi](https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is a landing page builder with an AI page generator, Lunar, on every plan.</p> <p>Its plans go by how many landing pages you have live at once, from 10 on Build.</p> <h5>Who is Landingi for?</h5> <p>Landingi is for marketers who want a lower-priced landing page builder with AI to start from.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop page builder - Lunar, its AI landing page generator, on every plan - Up to 10 active landing pages on Build - Agency settings and branding, on the higher plans :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Starts at $24 a month billed yearly - A 14-day free trial on every plan - An AI page generator on every plan :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Build allows 10 active landing pages - The trial is capped at 200 visits - The trial may ask for a card :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Landingi has four plans, billed yearly, each with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Build** – $24 a month, with up to 10 active landing pages. - **Optimize** – $119 a month. - **Scale** – from $229 a month. - **Enterprise** – from $1,199 a month. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best on a budget name: Landingi logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/landingi-icon.jpg rating: 4.1 price: From $24 a month billed yearly text: Landing pages with an AI generator on every plan. button: Try Landingi free for 14 days | https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives :::</p> <h4>14. [FunnelKit](https://navid.link/funnelkit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best ClickFunnels alternative for WooCommerce**</p> <p></p> <p>[FunnelKit](https://navid.link/funnelkit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is a funnel builder and checkout for [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), on your own WordPress site. Over 40,300 stores use it, it says.</p> <p>It replaces WooCommerce's checkout with its own, then adds sales funnels, one-click upsells and A/B tests from its Plus plan, and email and SMS automations from Professional.</p> <h5>Who is FunnelKit for?</h5> <p>FunnelKit is for WordPress and WooCommerce sellers who want [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)-style funnels on a site they own.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Conversion-focused checkout templates, single and multi-step - A sliding cart - Unlimited sales funnels, funnel analytics and A/B testing, from Plus - One-click upsells, from Plus - Email and SMS automations and broadcasts, from Professional :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Runs on your own WordPress site - A 14-day money-back guarantee - Often on sale for about half :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Needs WordPress and WooCommerce, and hosting of your own - Funnels and upsells start on Plus - Yearly plans only :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>FunnelKit has four yearly plans, at their normal prices on its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026, when they were on sale for about half:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $129 a year, for one site. - **Plus** – $299 a year, for two sites, with funnels, A/B tests and upsells. - **Professional** – $399 a year, for three sites, with email and SMS automations. - **Elite** – $599 a year, for 30 sites. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for WooCommerce name: FunnelKit logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/funnelkit-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $129 a year text: Funnels, checkouts, upsells and email automations on your own WordPress store. button: See FunnelKit's plans | https://navid.link/funnelkit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives :::</p> <h4>15. [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best ClickFunnels alternative for a WordPress checkout**</p> <p></p> <p>[SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is a checkout and ecommerce plugin for WordPress, used by over 80,000 merchants, it says.</p> <p>Every plan, the free one included, has order bumps, one-click upsells, subscriptions and sales tax, so it runs the selling end of a funnel on your own site, without [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives).</p> <p>The free Launch plan charges a 2.9% transaction fee. Pro, from $199 a year for one store, charges none.</p> <h5>Who is SureCart for?</h5> <p>SureCart is for WordPress site owners who want a checkout with order bumps and upsells on a site they own.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A checkout native to WordPress - Order bumps and one-click upsells, on every plan - Subscriptions, free and paid trials, setup fees and a subscription saver - Automatic sales tax for 40+ countries and every US state, and EU VAT - Coupons, an affiliate program and a customer portal - An agency suite to run many stores from one place :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Order bumps and upsells, even on the free plan - No transaction fee on Pro - A lifetime option - A 14-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan charges a 2.9% transaction fee - Card fees on top on every plan - WordPress and hosting are yours to run :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>SureCart has a free plan and Pro by the number of stores, yearly or once, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – free, with a 2.9% transaction fee. - **Pro, one store** – $199 a year, or $699 once. - **Pro, five stores** – $299 a year ($249 the first year when I checked), or $1,199 once. - **Pro, unlimited stores** – $499 a year ($399 the first year when I checked), or $1,999 once. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best WordPress checkout name: SureCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/surecart-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: Free plan, or from $199 a year text: A WordPress checkout with order bumps, one-click upsells and subscriptions on every plan. button: Start on SureCart for free | https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives :::</p> <h4>16. [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best alternative to ClickFunnels on WordPress with no fees**</p> <p></p> <p>[FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is an ecommerce plugin for WordPress from the team behind FluentCommunity: physical and digital products, subscriptions and licenses, with Stripe and PayPal built in.</p> <p>For a funnel, it has order bumps, upsells and cross-sells, and coupons, and it charges no transaction fees on the free version or Pro.</p> <p>It's new, with over 9,000 active installs. Pro is $199 a year for one site, and for now there's an early-bird lifetime deal from $249.</p> <h5>Who is FluentCart for?</h5> <p>FluentCart is for WordPress sellers who want a fast checkout with order bumps and no fee on sales.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Physical and digital products, subscriptions and licenses - Order bumps, upsells and cross-sells, and coupons - Stripe and PayPal built in - Installments, bundles and invoicing - Shipping and taxes - Reports on how customers move through your store :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No transaction fees on the free version or Pro - A free version - A 60-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - New, with over 9,000 active installs so far - WordPress and hosting are yours to run - Card fees from Stripe or PayPal on top :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>FluentCart is free to start, with yearly plans by the number of sites, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **One site** – $199 a year, or $249 once in the early-bird lifetime deal. - **Five sites** – $499 a year. - **15 sites** – $699 a year. - **50 sites** – $899 a year. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best with no fees on WordPress name: FluentCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/fluentcart-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free version, or from $199 a year text: A fast WordPress checkout with order bumps and upsells, and no transaction fees. button: Start on FluentCart for free | https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives :::</p> <h4>17. [Thrive Suite](https://navid.link/thrivethemes?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)</h4> <p>**The best ClickFunnels alternative for WordPress pages**</p> <p></p> <p>[Thrive Suite](https://navid.link/thrivethemes?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is a set of WordPress plugins from Thrive Themes for building a site that sells: a page builder, a theme builder, lead forms, quizzes, countdowns, A/B tests and courses.</p> <p>I used Thrive's products a lot over the years, back when I built my sites on WordPress.</p> <p>It has no checkout of its own, so it pairs with one like [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) or [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives).</p> <h5>Who is Thrive Suite for?</h5> <p>Thrive Suite is for WordPress users who want landing pages, lead capture and courses on their own site.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Thrive Architect, a drag-and-drop page builder - Thrive Theme Builder, with companion themes and templates - Thrive Leads, for opt-in forms and popups - Thrive Quiz Builder and Thrive Ultimatum, for quizzes and countdowns - Thrive Apprentice, for courses - Thrive Optimize, for A/B tests, and Thrive Ovation, for testimonials :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Every Thrive plugin and theme in one license - Up to five websites - A 30-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Needs WordPress and hosting of your own - No checkout of its own - Renews at $599 a year after the first-year price :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Thrive Suite is sold quarterly or yearly, from its pricing page as read on October 2, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Thrive Suite Yearly** – $599 a year, or $299 for the first year when I checked, for up to five websites. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for WordPress pages name: Thrive Suite logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrive-suite-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: $599 a year text: Every Thrive plugin for pages, leads, quizzes and courses on up to five sites. button: See Thrive Suite | https://navid.link/thrivethemes?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives :::</p> <h3>What is ClickFunnels?</h3> <p>[ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is a funnel builder: sales pages, checkouts with one-click upsells and order bumps, email, a CRM and courses, from the company Russell Brunson co-founded.</p> <p>It takes no fee on your sales beyond Stripe's. Every plan comes with unlimited funnels for now, which ClickFunnels marks as a limited-time offer, and its plans grow by courses, contacts and team members.</p> <p>Here's what it costs, from its pricing page as read on September 29, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – $97 a month, or $81 billed yearly, with three courses and 10,000 contacts. - **Scale** – $197 a month, or $164 billed yearly, with six courses and 75,000 contacts. - **Optimize** – $297 a month, or $248 billed yearly, with 10 courses and an API. - **Dominate** – $499.75 a month, billed yearly, with 20 courses. :::</p> <h3>Why look for a ClickFunnels alternative?</h3> <p>There are three common reasons:</p> <ul><li>**The price** – [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) starts at $97 a month, and several tools here start lower, or free.</li><li>**You only need part of it** – just landing pages, just a checkout, or just email.</li><li>**You want more in one place** – [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) adds a CRM, SMS and calendars with unlimited contacts, for the same $97.</li></ul> <h3>What to look for in a ClickFunnels alternative</h3> <p>Five things decide most of it:</p> <p>1. **What you sell** – courses and coaching suit [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) or [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), physical and digital products suit a checkout like [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) or [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), and lead generation suits a landing page builder. 2. **The checkout** – order bumps and one-click upsells raise what each buyer spends. ThriveCart has them from the first plan, and SamCart from Pro. 3. **Email and a CRM** – [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), Kajabi, Kartra, [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) and [GetResponse](https://navid.link/getresponse?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) send your emails too. Landing page builders need an email tool next to them. 4. **The limits** – contacts on Kajabi, Kartra and Systeme.io, visitors on [Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) and [Instapage](https://navid.link/instapage?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), and sites on the WordPress plugins. 5. **Hosted or WordPress** – a hosted platform runs everything for you, and a WordPress plugin runs on your own site, where hosting and updates are yours.</p> <p>It comes in six kinds:</p> <p>:::cards tinted Layers | All-in-one platforms | Funnels, email, a CRM and a checkout under one plan, like HighLevel, Kajabi, Kartra and Systeme.io. Code | Build your own | Your own pages, funnels and checkouts, written with AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) or Cloudflare. ShoppingCart | Checkout platforms | Checkouts with order bumps and upsells, like ThriveCart and SamCart. LayoutTemplate | Landing page builders | Pages that convert, with A/B tests, like [Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), Unbounce, Instapage and [Landingi](https://navid.link/landingi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives). Mail | Email platforms with funnels | Your list first, with pages and products, like [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) and GetResponse. Globe | WordPress plugins | Funnels and checkouts on your own site, like [FunnelKit](https://navid.link/funnelkit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) and [Thrive Suite](https://navid.link/thrivethemes?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives). :::</p> <h3>The best free ClickFunnels alternatives</h3> <p>Here's where you can start without paying:</p> <ul><li>**[Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)** – a free plan with three funnels, unlimited emails and 2,000 contacts.</li><li>**[Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)** – free for up to 10,000 subscribers, with unlimited landing pages and forms.</li><li>**[SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)** – a free plan with order bumps and one-click upsells, for a 2.9% fee on sales.</li><li>**[FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)** – a free version for WordPress, with no transaction fees.</li></ul> <h3>What I use</h3> <p>I build my own pages, funnels and checkouts now, the way I describe in [Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare](#2-next-js-on-vercel-or-cloudflare) above, and I sell through my own checkout, Creator Store.</p> <p>If you'd rather not build your own, [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is the one I'd pick. And I'm working on templates of my own, so you can start from what I use.</p> <p>Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you sign up through one, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.</p> <p>:::faq :::</p> <h3>Final thoughts on ClickFunnels alternatives</h3> <p>There are a lot of funnel tools out there, so it comes down to what you sell, how much you want in one place, and your budget.</p> <p>Here are my final recommendations:</p> <p>:::cards list https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png | HighLevel | The best all-in-one, and the one I'd pick if I weren't building my own: a CRM, funnels, email, SMS and payments, with unlimited contacts. | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives | Best all-in-one | Try HighLevel free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/nextjs-icon.jpg | Next.js on Vercel or Cloudflare | How I build my own funnels today, with AI coding tools like Claude Code and Codex. It isn't for everyone, but nothing caps you. | https://navid.link/cloudflare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives | Best to build your own | Start on Cloudflare free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrivecart-icon.png | ThriveCart | The best checkout, with order bumps and one-click upsells and 0% of your sales. I processed millions of dollars through it. | https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives | Best checkout and upsells | Try ThriveCart free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/kajabi-icon.png | Kajabi | The best for courses and coaching, with funnels, email and a community under one plan. | https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives | Best for courses | Try Kajabi free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/kit-icon.jpg | Kit | The best for email, and free up to 10,000 subscribers. | https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives | Best for email | Try Kit free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/systemeio-icon.png | Systeme.io | The best free plan, with funnels, email and courses and no transaction fees. | https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives | Best free plan | Start Systeme.io free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/leadpages-icon.png | Leadpages | The best when you only need landing pages, with A/B testing and no traffic caps. | https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives | Best for landing pages | Try Leadpages free :::</p> <p>Now I'd like to turn it over to you. Which one will you use? Or do you use a great one I didn't cover? [Send me a message](/contact) and tell me.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[The best landing page builders](/articles/best-landing-page-builders) – from [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) to Carrd, compared</li><li>[The best online course platforms](/articles/best-online-course-platforms) – 40 platforms for selling a course, compared</li><li>[How to create an online course](/articles/how-to-create-an-online-course) – from the idea to the launch</li><li>[How to make money online](/articles/how-to-make-money-online) – the ways that work, and how to start</li></ul> <p>Start the free trial of the one that fits what you sell, and build one funnel before you move everything over.</p><h2>FAQs about ClickFunnels alternatives</h2><h3>What is the best ClickFunnels alternative?</h3><p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is my pick, with a CRM, funnels, email, SMS and payments and unlimited contacts, from $97 a month.</p> <p>For a checkout with upsells, I'd pick [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), and for courses and coaching, [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives).</p><h3>Is there a free ClickFunnels alternative?</h3><p>[Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) has a free plan with three funnels, unlimited emails and 2,000 contacts.</p> <p>[Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) is free for up to 10,000 subscribers, and [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) and [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) are free to start on WordPress.</p><h3>What is cheaper than ClickFunnels?</h3><p>[Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) starts at $17 a month, [GetResponse](https://navid.link/getresponse?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) at $19 and [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) at $47, against [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)' $97.</p> <p>[Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) and [Kit](https://navid.link/kit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) also have free plans.</p><h3>Is HighLevel better than ClickFunnels?</h3><p>For most businesses it does more for the same price, with a CRM, SMS, calendars and unlimited contacts from $97 a month.</p> <p>[ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)' Launch plan, also $97, includes 10,000 contacts.</p><h3>What is the best ClickFunnels alternative for WordPress?</h3><p>[SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) and [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) are WordPress checkouts with order bumps and upsells, and [FunnelKit](https://navid.link/funnelkit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) adds funnels to a [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) store.</p> <p>[Thrive Suite](https://navid.link/thrivethemes?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) adds landing pages, lead forms and courses, and pairs with a checkout like [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives).</p><h3>Can I build my own funnels instead?</h3><p>You can, and it's what I do, with Next.js and AI coding tools like [Claude Code](https://navid.link/claudecode?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) and [Codex](https://navid.link/codex?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), on [Vercel](https://navid.link/vercel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) or Cloudflare.</p> <p>It takes more setup than a funnel builder, so it isn't for everyone.</p><h3>Is ClickFunnels still worth it?</h3><p>It is if you want funnels, upsells, email and courses in one place, and the $97 Launch plan fits.</p> <p>For the same price, [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) adds a CRM, SMS, calendars and unlimited contacts.</p><h3>What is the best ClickFunnels alternative for landing pages?</h3><p>[Leadpages](https://navid.link/leadpages?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) has A/B testing and no traffic caps on any plan, from $99 a month.</p> <p>[Unbounce](https://navid.link/unbounce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) starts at $29 a month, with A/B testing from its $149 Experiment plan.</p><h3>Which ClickFunnels alternatives take no cut of your sales?</h3><p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) and [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives) take no cut of your sales.</p> <p>[Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives)'s Essentials plan keeps 5%, and its higher plans take none.</p><h3>What do you use for your funnels?</h3><p>I build my own pages, funnels and checkouts, and sell through my own checkout, Creator Store.</p> <p>Before that, I sold through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-clickfunnels-alternatives), where I processed millions of dollars.</p>Businesshttps://navid.me/blog/best-streaming-software/https://navid.me/blog/best-streaming-software/Choosing the right live streaming software decides how your streams look, who you can bring on, and where they go. In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 14 best live streaming software, along with my top 5 picks, so you can pick the one that fits how you stream.Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>:::picks Go to site | Full review | Our top 5 picks Best for Mac | Ecamm | #1-ecamm | https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/ecamm-live-icon.jpg | From $20 a month, after a 14-day free trial | A live streaming studio built for Mac, with scenes, overlays, guests and multistreaming to 10 destinations. | 4.7 Best for podcasts | Riverside | #2-riverside | https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/riverside-icon.png | Free plan, live streaming from $39 a month | Studio-quality recording of each guest on their own track, with 1080p streaming to unlimited destinations. | 4.5 Best in your browser | StreamYard | #3-streamyard | https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/streamyard-icon.png | Free plan, or from $44.99 a month | A studio in your browser, with guests from a link, 1080p and multistreaming on Core. | 4.6 Best free | OBS Studio | #4-obs-studio | https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/obs-studio-icon.jpg | Free | Free, open-source streaming and recording on Windows, Mac and Linux, with plugins and scripts. | 4.5 Best for Windows | vMix | #5-vmix | https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/vmix-icon.jpg | From $60 once, after a 60-day free trial | Broadcast-level production for Windows, up to 4K, with up to eight remote guests on Pro. | 4.7 :::</p> <p>If you want to see the best live streaming software in one place, you'll love this guide.</p> <p>I've been live streaming since 2017, first with [vMix](https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) on Windows, and today with [Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) on my Mac.</p> <p>I've streamed to YouTube and Facebook, recorded online courses, and recorded the interviews for my virtual summits with this software.</p> <p>So I went back through the tools in my old guide and rewrote what changed. A lot did: [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) streams in 1080p now, [Wirecast](https://navid.link/wirecast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is a subscription, and Ecamm dropped "Live" from its name.</p> <p>In this guide, I'll show you:</p> <ul><li>All 14 tools I reviewed, each with who it's for, key features, pros, cons and pricing</li><li>The best pick for Mac, for Windows, for free and for multistreaming</li><li>What to look for in live streaming software</li><li>What I use today</li></ul> <p>Every price here is from the tool's own pages, read in October 2026.</p> <p>:::takeaways Key takeaways - I reviewed 14 live streaming tools, each with who it's for, pros, cons and pricing. - [Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is my pick on a Mac, [vMix](https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) on Windows, and [OBS Studio](https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) if you want it free. - [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is the easiest start: it runs in your browser on any computer, and guests join from a link. - [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) fits when the stream is also a podcast, since it records each person on their own track. - Most tools multistream on their own now, and [Restream](https://navid.link/restream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) adds it to software that can't. :::</p> <h3>The best live streaming software</h3> <p>Here's every tool I reviewed, with what each is best for and what it costs to start. Each name opens its site in a new tab:</p> <p>:::table fancy Tool | Best for | Price | Free to try  [Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) | Mac | $20 a month | 14-day free trial  [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) | Podcasts that stream | $39 a month, to stream | Free plan  [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) | Going live from your browser | $44.99 a month | Free plan  [OBS Studio](https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) | Free, on any system | Free | Free and open source  [vMix](https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) | Windows | $60 once | 60-day free trial  [OneStream Live](https://navid.link/onestream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) | Pre-recorded and 24-hour streams | $15 a month | Free plan  [Restream](https://navid.link/restream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) | Multistreaming to 30+ platforms | $19 a month | Free plan  [Vimeo](https://navid.link/vimeo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) | Live events next to your video library | $75 a month, billed yearly | 7-day free trial  [Streamlabs](https://navid.link/streamlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) | Gaming streams | Free / Ultra from $15.75 a month | Free plan  [Wirecast](https://navid.link/wirecast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) | Multi-camera shows on Mac and Windows | $59 a month | Free trial, no time limit  [Be.Live](https://navid.link/belive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) | Live selling in your browser | Shown after sign-up | 14-day free trial  [Crowdcast](https://navid.link/crowdcast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) | Live events with tickets and replays | $49 a month | 2-week free trial  [Wave.video](https://navid.link/wavevideo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) | Streaming, editing and hosting together | $20 a month | Free plan  [XSplit](https://navid.link/xsplit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) | Windows, with a lifetime license | $14.99 a month / or $119.99 for life | Free version :::</p> <h4>1. [Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)</h4> <p>**The best live streaming software for Mac**</p> <p></p> <p>[Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is a live streaming and video production studio for Mac. It used to be called Ecamm Live.</p> <p>It's what I use for my live streams, and I record my summit interviews with speakers in it too, in 4K.</p> <p>You switch between cameras and saved scenes live, share your screen with picture-in-picture, add your logo, titles and countdowns, and put viewers' comments on screen. Every broadcast is also saved to your Mac as a high-quality recording.</p> <p>Up to 10 guests can join from their web browser, for a split screen or a layout of your own.</p> <p>And it multistreams to up to 10 destinations on both plans, so you don't need a separate tool for that.</p> <p>It only runs on a Mac, with macOS 11.2 or newer.</p> <h5>Who is Ecamm for?</h5> <p>Ecamm is for creators, coaches and businesses on a Mac who want professional live streams and recordings that are easy to run on their own.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Live camera switching and saved scenes - Screen sharing with picture-in-picture - Your logo, overlays, titles, countdowns and tickers - Comments from Facebook, YouTube, X, Instagram, Amazon Live and Twitch, on screen - Up to 10 video guests, who join from their web browser - Multistreaming to up to 10 destinations - An automatic high-quality recording of every broadcast - Green screen and camera effects - 4K streaming, Ecamm Interview, a virtual camera and mic, and isolated audio and video tracks, on Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial of every Standard and Pro feature, with no credit card - Scenes you set up ahead of time, so a show runs smoothly - Multistreaming built in, with no separate tool - Every broadcast saved to your Mac - A full refund within 14 days of signing up :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Mac only - The free trial adds an Ecamm watermark to your broadcasts - 4K streaming and Ecamm Interview are on Pro :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Ecamm has two plans, each with a 14-day free trial and no credit card needed, from its pricing page as read on October 1, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Standard** – $20 a month, or $16 a month billed yearly ($192 a year), with multistreaming to 10 destinations, overlays and screen sharing. - **Pro** – $40 a month, or $32 a month billed yearly ($384 a year), adding 4K streaming, Ecamm Interview, a virtual camera and mic, and isolated recording. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for Mac name: Ecamm logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/ecamm-live-icon.jpg rating: 4.7 price: From $20 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: A live streaming studio built for Mac, with scenes, overlays, guests and multistreaming to 10 destinations. button: Try Ecamm free for 14 days | https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>2. [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)</h4> <p>**The best streaming software for podcasts**</p> <p></p> <p>[Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is a recording and editing platform that also live streams.</p> <p>You and your guests record in up to 4K, each on your own audio and video track, and you edit the video by editing the text of its transcript.</p> <p>Live streaming starts on its Grow plan. From there, you stream in 1080p to unlimited destinations at once, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Twitch, Instagram and TikTok, plus any other platform through custom RTMP.</p> <p>So it fits when the stream is also a podcast or an interview you want to edit and publish afterwards.</p> <p>It runs in your web browser, with a Mac app and mobile apps too.</p> <h5>Who is Riverside for?</h5> <p>Riverside is for podcasters and interview shows that stream live and want a studio-quality recording to edit and publish afterwards.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Recording in up to 4K video and 48 kHz audio, from Pro - Separate audio and video tracks for each person - Text-based editing, transcriptions, captions and Magic Clips - 1080p live streaming to unlimited destinations, from Grow - Custom RTMP, multi-aspect ratio streaming and Omnichat, from Grow - Saved scenes, layouts and overlays in the studio, from Grow - Webinars with registration, reminders and lead capture, on Webinar - Podcast hosting, and publishing to YouTube, Spotify and Apple :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan, and a 14-day free trial of the paid plans - A studio-quality recording of each guest, on their own track - Unlimited multistreaming destinations on Grow - Recording, editing, streaming and podcast hosting in one place :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Live streaming starts on Grow, at $39 a month - The free plan records at up to 720p, with a Riverside watermark - Webinars cost $99 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Riverside has a free plan and four paid plans, each paid plan with a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 1, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with up to 720p, a Riverside watermark and two hours of separate-track recordings to try. - **Pro** – $29 a month, or $24 a month billed yearly ($288 a year), with up to 4K, no watermark and unlimited text-based editing. - **Grow** – $39 a month, or $34 a month billed yearly ($408 a year), adding 1080p live streaming to unlimited destinations. - **Webinar** – $99 a month, or $79 a month billed yearly, adding webinars for up to 100 registrants. - **Business** – priced on request, with unlimited studios. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for podcasts name: Riverside logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/riverside-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: Free plan, live streaming from $39 a month text: Studio-quality recording of each guest on their own track, with 1080p streaming to unlimited destinations. button: Try Riverside free | https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>3. [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)</h4> <p>**The best live streaming software in your browser**</p> <p></p> <p>[StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is a live streaming studio in your web browser, so it works on a Mac or a PC with nothing to install.</p> <p>You bring guests in with a link, share your screen, add your logo and overlays, and stream to YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and more.</p> <p>It's the easiest tool here to start with, which is why I've recommended it to beginners for years.</p> <p>It's also come a long way. When I first wrote about it, it streamed in 720p. Today the Core plan streams in Full HD 1080p, and Advanced records locally in 4K.</p> <p>StreamYard says over 12 million creators use it, and it's now owned by Bending Spoons.</p> <h5>Who is StreamYard for?</h5> <p>StreamYard is for beginners, coaches and businesses who want the simplest way to go live with guests, on any computer.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A studio in your browser, with nothing to install - Up to 10 people on screen, on Core - Screen sharing, logos, overlays, video clips and backgrounds - Multistreaming to three destinations on Core, and eight on Advanced - Custom RTMP destinations - Pre-recorded streams - Unlimited streaming and recording, with local recordings - AI clips, on Core - On-Air webinars for 100 viewers, on Advanced :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan, and a 7-day free trial of Core and Advanced - The easiest studio here to learn - Works on any computer, in the browser - Full HD 1080p on Core - A 7-day money-back guarantee on your first charge :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan shows the StreamYard logo, with streaming limits - Core and Advanced are for one person only - Multistreaming stops at three destinations on Core :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>StreamYard has a free plan and two paid plans for individuals, each paid plan with a 7-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 1, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with the StreamYard logo on your streams, streaming limits and six people on screen. - **Core** – $44.99 a month, or $35.99 a month billed yearly, with 1080p, no logo, three destinations and 10 people on screen. - **Advanced** – $88.99 a month, or $68.99 a month billed yearly, with 4K local recordings, eight destinations and webinars for 100 viewers. :::</p> <p>StreamYard Business, for companies and teams, is priced on request.</p> <p>:::product award: Best in your browser name: StreamYard logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/streamyard-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: Free plan, or from $44.99 a month text: A studio in your browser, with guests from a link, 1080p and multistreaming on Core. button: Try StreamYard free | https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>4. [OBS Studio](https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)</h4> <p>**The best free streaming software**</p> <p></p> <p>[OBS Studio](https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is free, open-source software for recording and live streaming, on Windows, Mac and Linux.</p> <p>You build scenes from your cameras, screen, windows, images, text and browser sources, then switch between them live with transitions you choose.</p> <p>It's the most flexible free option here. Plugins, and scripts in Lua or Python, add features it doesn't have out of the box.</p> <p>And many of the paid tools here can take a stream from it, so you can start with OBS Studio and add a service later.</p> <p>My own experience with it is mixed. When I used it, I ran into more issues than with [Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) or [vMix](https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), and I never liked the interface much.</p> <p>Still, it's free, and it runs on all three systems.</p> <h5>Who is OBS Studio for?</h5> <p>OBS Studio is for streamers on a budget, and for anyone happy to spend time on setup in exchange for full control.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Scenes from cameras, screens, windows, images, text, browser sources and capture cards - Unlimited scenes, with custom transitions - An audio mixer with noise suppression, a noise gate and VST plugins - Studio Mode, to preview a scene before it goes live - A Multiview of eight scenes at once - Hotkeys for almost every action - Plugins, and scripts in Lua or Python :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free and open source - Runs on Windows, Mac and Linux - Flexible, with plugins for what's missing - Works with the popular streaming platforms :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Takes longer to learn than Ecamm or [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) - Help comes from its forum and Discord, not a support team - I ran into more issues with it than with Ecamm or vMix :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>OBS Studio is free, with no paid plan. The project runs on sponsors and backers.</p> <p>The latest release when I checked, on October 1, 2026, was 32.2.2, for Windows 10 and 11, macOS 13 or newer, and Linux.</p> <p>:::product award: Best free name: OBS Studio logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/obs-studio-icon.jpg rating: 4.5 price: Free text: Free, open-source streaming and recording on Windows, Mac and Linux, with plugins and scripts. button: Download OBS Studio free | https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software :::</p> <h4>5. [vMix](https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)</h4> <p>**The best live streaming software for Windows**</p> <p></p> <p>[vMix](https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is live production and streaming software for Windows.</p> <p>I've used it since 2017 to live stream to YouTube and Facebook, and to record online courses and virtual summits.</p> <p>You can do almost anything with it: up to 1,000 camera and NDI inputs, animated titles, instant replay, a built-in audio mixer, and up to eight remote guests through vMix Call.</p> <p>It takes time to learn. There are a lot of features and settings, and it took me a while to get comfortable with them.</p> <p>But I'm not the most technical person, so if I could figure it out, you can too.</p> <p>And unlike most tools here, you can buy it once and keep it.</p> <h5>Who is vMix for?</h5> <p>vMix is for creators and production teams on Windows who want broadcast-level control, from multi-camera shows to virtual events.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Up to 1,000 inputs, including cameras and NDI sources, from HD - 1080p on Basic HD and HD, and up to 4K on 4K, Pro and MAX - Streaming, recording and output at the same time - vMix Call guests: one on HD, four on 4K, and eight on Pro and MAX - GT Designer, for animated titles, scoreboards and tickers - Instant replay, from 4K - A built-in audio mixer :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 60-day free trial - Pay once and keep it, with free updates for the first 12 months - Up to 4K, with eight remote guests on Pro - A knowledge base, training videos and forums :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Windows only - A steep learning curve - 4K costs $700, and eight remote guests need Pro, at $1,200 :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>vMix has four editions you buy once, each with free updates for the first 12 months, and one monthly plan, from its purchase page as read on October 1, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic HD** – $60 once, with four inputs at up to 1080p. - **HD** – $350 once, with 1,000 inputs at up to 1080p and one vMix Call guest. - **4K** – $700 once, with up to 4K and four vMix Call guests. - **Pro** – $1,200 once, with eight vMix Call guests and instant replay from eight cameras. - **MAX** – $50 a month, with everything in Pro and free updates while you subscribe. :::</p> <p>I have the 4K edition, and it's the one I'd suggest to most people, since it adds 4K and four vMix Call guests.</p> <p>:::product award: Best for Windows name: vMix logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/vmix-icon.jpg rating: 4.7 price: From $60 once, after a 60-day free trial text: Broadcast-level production for Windows, up to 4K, with up to eight remote guests on Pro. button: Try vMix free for 60 days | https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software :::</p> <h4>6. [OneStream Live](https://navid.link/onestream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)</h4> <p>**The best streaming software for scheduled streams**</p> <p></p> <p>[OneStream Live](https://navid.link/onestream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is a cloud platform for streaming to many places at once: over 45 social platforms and the web.</p> <p>You can go live from its browser studio, send a stream in from [OBS Studio](https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), [Zoom](https://navid.link/zoom?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) or [Streamlabs](https://navid.link/streamlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), or schedule a pre-recorded video to go out as a live stream.</p> <p>For a pre-recorded stream, you upload the video, schedule it, and it goes out on its own, even as a 24-hour stream.</p> <h5>Who is OneStream Live for?</h5> <p>OneStream Live is for creators and businesses who stream the same show to many platforms, or who schedule pre-recorded videos as live streams.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Multistreaming to 45+ social platforms and the web - A studio in your browser - Streams in from OBS Studio, Zoom, Streamlabs and other software - Scheduled pre-recorded streams and playlists - 24-hour streams, on paid plans - A single chat for all your platforms - Stream players and branded live pages for your website - A teleprompter and team seats :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan, with no credit card needed - Up to 50 destinations at once, on Enterprise - Pre-recorded and 24-hour streams - Works with the software you already stream from :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Free and Basic stream at 720p, and 1080p starts on Standard - The free plan streams to two destinations - Extra destinations, storage and bandwidth cost $10 a month each :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>OneStream Live has a free plan and four paid plans, from its pricing page as read on October 1, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with two destinations, 720p and 1 GB of storage. - **Basic** – $15 a month, or $12 a month billed yearly ($144 a year), with five destinations at 720p. - **Standard** – $39 a month, or $32 a month billed yearly ($384 a year), with 10 destinations at 1080p and four team seats. - **Professional** – $49 a month, or $39 a month billed yearly ($468 a year), with 30 destinations and six team seats. - **Enterprise** – $99 a month, or $83 a month billed yearly ($995 a year), with 50 destinations and 10 team seats. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for scheduled streams name: OneStream Live logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/onestream-live-icon.jpg rating: 4.4 price: Free plan, or from $15 a month text: Multistream to 45+ platforms, live or pre-recorded, with 24-hour streams on paid plans. button: Try OneStream Live free | https://navid.link/onestream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software :::</p> <h4>7. [Restream](https://navid.link/restream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)</h4> <p>**The best live streaming platform for multistreaming**</p> <p></p> <p>[Restream](https://navid.link/restream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) sends your live video to over 30 platforms at once, from its browser studio or from the streaming software you already use.</p> <p>I've used it with [Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) to stream to more than one platform at the same time, and it worked well, comments included.</p> <p>These days Ecamm multistreams on its own, so I don't need Restream for that. But if your software can't, Restream is the best-known way to add it.</p> <h5>Who is Restream for?</h5> <p>Restream is for creators who want to stream to several platforms at once and follow their chats in one place.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Multistreaming to 30+ platforms - Restream Studio, in your browser - Streams from your own software, as well as its studio - Analytics for every channel in one place - Cloud recordings of your streams - Custom RTMP and SRT channels - Guest channels, so guests add their own channels to your stream - Full HD 1080p streaming and 4K recording, from Professional :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan with two channels - Works with your own software, or its browser studio - Stats and chat from every channel in one place :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan adds Restream branding - Restream Studio streams in 720p until Professional - Clips and webinars cost extra on every paid plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Restream has a free plan and three paid plans for creators, from its pricing page as read on October 1, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with two channels and Restream branding. - **Standard** – $19 a month, or $190 a year, with three channels and no branding. - **Professional** – $49 a month, or $470 a year, with five channels, 1080p streaming and 4K recording. - **Business** – $239 a month, or $2,390 a year, with eight channels and two team seats. :::</p> <p>Clips cost $19 to $59 a month more, and webinars $99 to $299 a month.</p> <p>:::product award: Best for multistreaming name: Restream logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/restream-icon.jpg rating: 4.4 price: Free plan, or from $19 a month text: One live video to 30+ platforms at once, from its studio or your own software. button: Try Restream free | https://navid.link/restream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software :::</p> <h4>8. [Vimeo](https://navid.link/vimeo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)</h4> <p>**The best live streaming software with video hosting**</p> <p></p> <p>[Vimeo](https://navid.link/vimeo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is a video hosting platform, and its Advanced plan adds live streaming, webinars and virtual events.</p> <p>I've used Vimeo for years to host the videos for my courses, membership sites and virtual events.</p> <p>So if your videos are on Vimeo already, it keeps your streams and your library in one place.</p> <p>You go live from Vimeo's browser studio, or send in a stream from your own encoder over RTMPS or SRT. It streams in 720p, 1080p or 4K, and simulcasts to YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.</p> <p>Afterwards, the recording stays in your library, to share or embed.</p> <h5>Who is Vimeo for?</h5> <p>Vimeo is for businesses and course creators who host their videos on Vimeo already and want live events in the same place.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Live streaming from a browser studio, or from your own encoder over RTMPS or SRT - 4K live streaming, in encoder mode - Simulcasting to YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram or any RTMPS destination - Live chat, polls and Q&amp;A - Webinars and event analytics - A live player to embed anywhere - An AI script helper and a teleprompter - 7 TB of storage and 10 seats, on Advanced :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Video hosting and live streaming under one plan - Up to 4K - A 7-day free trial - No ads on your videos :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Live streaming starts on Advanced, at $75 a month billed yearly - Backup streams are on Enterprise - Its full pricing page asks you to log in first :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Live streaming is on Vimeo's Advanced plan, with a 7-day free trial, from its live streaming page as read on October 1, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Advanced** – $75 a month billed yearly ($900 a year), which Vimeo says saves $600 a year over monthly billing, with 10 seats and 7 TB of storage. - **Enterprise** – priced on request, with backup streams, single sign-on and more seats. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best with video hosting name: Vimeo logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/vimeo-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: $75 a month billed yearly, after a 7-day free trial text: Video hosting with live streaming, webinars and events on its Advanced plan. button: Try Vimeo free for 7 days | https://navid.link/vimeo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software :::</p> <h4>9. [Streamlabs](https://navid.link/streamlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)</h4> <p>**The best streaming software for gaming**</p> <p></p> <p>[Streamlabs](https://navid.link/streamlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is free streaming software for Windows and Mac. Its desktop app, Streamlabs Desktop, used to be called Streamlabs OBS.</p> <p>It's made for gaming and creator streams: hundreds of free overlay themes, alerts, a chat bot, and a tip page with no fees from Streamlabs.</p> <p>The free plan also streams a vertical and a horizontal version at once, with Dual Output.</p> <p>Multistreaming, the full theme library and most apps come with its paid plan, Ultra.</p> <h5>Who is Streamlabs for?</h5> <p>Streamlabs is for gamers and Twitch and YouTube streamers who want overlays, alerts and tips without paying to start.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Streamlabs Desktop, for Windows 10 or newer and macOS 12 or newer - Hundreds of free overlays and widget themes - Alerts, a chat box and dozens of widgets - A tip page with no fees from Streamlabs - Cloudbot, for chat moderation - Dual Output, for a vertical and a horizontal stream at once - Collab Cam, for one guest on free and up to 11 on Ultra - Multistreaming and the full app store, on Ultra :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free to start, on Windows and Mac - Built for gaming streams, with alerts and tips - A vertical and a horizontal stream at once, for free - A mobile app for streaming from your phone :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Multistreaming needs Ultra - Most themes and apps need Ultra - Made more for gaming than for business shows :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Streamlabs Desktop is free, and Ultra starts at $15.75 a month, from its Ultra page as read on October 1, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with Dual Output, free themes, tips and Collab Cam for one guest. - **Ultra** – from $15.75 a month, adding multistreaming, the full theme library and app store, and Collab Cam for up to 11 guests. - **Ultra+** – everything in Ultra, plus a one-on-one success call, dedicated support and 30 GB of cloud storage. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for gaming name: Streamlabs logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/streamlabs-icon.jpg rating: 4.2 price: Free, or Ultra from $15.75 a month text: Free streaming software for Windows and Mac, with overlays, alerts and tips. button: Download Streamlabs free | https://navid.link/streamlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software :::</p> <h4>10. [Wirecast](https://navid.link/wirecast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)</h4> <p>**The best live streaming software for multi-camera shows**</p> <p></p> <p>[Wirecast](https://navid.link/wirecast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is professional live production software for Mac and Windows, from Telestream.</p> <p>It takes unlimited cameras, up to seven remote guests through its Rendezvous feature, and multistreams to 10+ destinations at once.</p> <p>I tried Wirecast before I moved to [vMix](https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) and [Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), and it wasn't for me. It was heavy on my computer, and the fans ran nonstop.</p> <p>Wirecast now encodes on your graphics card, which it says keeps the load off your processor, so a newer computer may fare better than mine did.</p> <p>It's also changed how you pay. You used to buy it once, and now it's a subscription.</p> <h5>Who is Wirecast for?</h5> <p>Wirecast is for churches, schools, sports and production teams on Mac or Windows who run multi-camera shows with remote guests.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Unlimited live camera sources - Rendezvous remote guests: two on Studio, seven on Pro - Screen capture, IP cameras and web stream input - Encoding on your graphics card - A stock media library with 500,000+ assets - Cloud multistreaming, ISO recording and multi-track audio, on Pro - NDI output, PTZ camera control and sports production tools, on Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Runs on Mac and Windows - A free trial with no time limit and no credit card - Guests join from a browser link, with nothing to download - A dedicated technical support team :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - A subscription now, from $34 a month billed yearly - Cloud multistreaming is on Pro - It was heavy on the computer I tried it on :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Wirecast has two plans, after a free trial with no time limit, from its pricing page as read on October 1, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Wirecast Studio** – $59 a month, or $34 a month billed yearly, with two remote guests. - **Wirecast Pro** – $79 a month, or $42 a month billed yearly, with seven remote guests, cloud multistreaming and ISO recording. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for multi-camera shows name: Wirecast logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/wirecast-icon.jpg rating: 4.2 price: From $59 a month, after a free trial text: Live production for Mac and Windows, with up to seven remote guests on Pro. button: Try Wirecast free | https://navid.link/wirecast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software :::</p> <h4>11. [Be.Live](https://navid.link/belive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)</h4> <p>**The best live streaming app for live selling**</p> <p></p> <p>[Be.Live](https://navid.link/belive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is a live streaming studio in your web browser, with branding, an AI comment assistant and tools for live selling.</p> <p>You add your logo, overlays, backgrounds and lower thirds, then stream to several networks at once. Its AI Comment Assistant can put viewers' comments on screen for you.</p> <p>It's a Facebook Live Video Solutions Partner, and it now leans into live selling, with Amazon Live and shoppable video.</p> <p>After a stream, its editor lets you trim it, repurpose it, or export the audio for a podcast.</p> <h5>Who is Be.Live for?</h5> <p>Be.Live is for sellers and creators who want a simple studio in the browser, especially for live selling on Amazon and Facebook.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A studio in your browser, with nothing to install - Multistreaming to several social networks - Logos, overlays, backgrounds, lower thirds and widgets - An AI Comment Assistant that features comments on screen - Widgets like the Snake and the Lottery Jar - An editor to trim, repurpose and export audio - Live selling on Amazon Live, and shoppable video :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial, with no credit card - Simple to run, in the browser - Tools built in for live selling :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Its prices only show once you sign up - Built more for live selling than for multi-camera shows :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Be.Live no longer lists its prices publicly: its pricing page asks you to sign up first, as of October 1, 2026. You can start with a 14-day free trial, with no credit card needed.</p> <p>:::product award: Best for live selling name: Be.Live logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/be-live-icon.jpg rating: 4.1 price: 14-day free trial, prices after sign-up text: A browser studio with branding, an AI comment assistant and tools for live selling. button: Try Be.Live free for 14 days | https://navid.link/belive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software :::</p> <h4>12. [Crowdcast](https://navid.link/crowdcast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)</h4> <p>**The best live streaming platform for paid events**</p> <p></p> <p>[Crowdcast](https://navid.link/crowdcast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is a platform for live events: workshops, webinars and livestreams, with registration, chat, Q&amp;A and replays in one place.</p> <p>Your audience joins in the browser, and you can sell tickets through Stripe.</p> <p>You can also broadcast into it from [OBS Studio](https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), [Wirecast](https://navid.link/wirecast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), [Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) and other software, with its RTMP mode.</p> <h5>Who is Crowdcast for?</h5> <p>Crowdcast is for creators and businesses who run free or paid live events and want registration, engagement and replays without stitching tools together.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - HD live video, with recording - Multi-session events - RTMP mode, to broadcast from OBS Studio, Wirecast, Ecamm and more - Stripe, for paid events - Event and session analytics - Zapier, and exports of emails, chat and data - Live captions and custom registration fields, from Pro - Multistreaming to one destination on Pro, and three on Business :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 2-week free trial - Registration, chat, Q&amp;A and replays in one place - Works with the streaming software you already use :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Keeps 5% of ticket sales on Lite and Pro, and 2% on Business - Hours are capped each month: 10 on Lite, 20 on Pro and 40 on Business - Sessions last up to two hours on Lite :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Crowdcast has three plans, after a 2-week free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 1, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Lite** – $49 a month, or $34 a month billed yearly, with 100+ live attendees, 10 hours a month and a 5% fee on sales. - **Pro** – $89 a month, or $62 a month billed yearly, with 250+ attendees, 20 hours, four-hour sessions and one multistream. - **Business** – $195 a month, or $136 a month billed yearly, with 1,000+ attendees, 40 hours, a 2% fee and three multistreams. :::</p> <p>The free trial lets up to 10 people register for each event, with 60-minute sessions.</p> <p>:::product award: Best for paid events name: Crowdcast logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/crowdcast-icon.jpg rating: 4.4 price: From $49 a month, after a 2-week free trial text: Live events with registration, chat, Q&amp;A, replays and paid tickets. button: Try Crowdcast free for 2 weeks | https://navid.link/crowdcast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software :::</p> <h4>13. [Wave.video](https://navid.link/wavevideo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)</h4> <p>**The best streaming software for streaming and editing**</p> <p></p> <p>[Wave.video](https://navid.link/wavevideo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) puts a live streaming studio, a video editor, a thumbnail maker, video hosting and a stock library in one platform.</p> <p>Its studio streams to up to 10 channels at once, with up to 12 guests, depending on the plan.</p> <p>So it fits if you want to stream, then edit and host the video in the same place.</p> <h5>Who is Wave.video for?</h5> <p>Wave.video is for marketers and creators who want streaming, editing and hosting under one subscription.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A live streaming studio in your browser - Up to 10 channels and 12 guests, on Business - Live streaming scenes, presentations and webinars, from Streamer - Pre-recorded video streaming - A video editor and a thumbnail maker - Video hosting and embeds - A stock library of 2 million assets and templates :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan - Streaming, editing and hosting in one place - 1080p streams on paid plans :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan streams with a watermark, at 720p, for up to an hour - Streams last up to four hours on Streamer and Creator :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Wave.video has a free plan and three paid plans, from its pricing page as read on October 1, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with streams of up to an hour at 720p, with a watermark, to two channels. - **Streamer** – $20 a month, or $16 a month billed yearly, with five channels, 10 guests and four-hour streams at 1080p. - **Creator** – $30 a month, or $24 a month billed yearly, adding the full video editor for videos up to 30 minutes. - **Business** – $60 a month, or $48 a month billed yearly, with 10 channels, 12 guests, 12-hour streams and 500 GB of hosting. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for streaming and editing name: Wave.video logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/wave-video-icon.jpg rating: 4.2 price: Free plan, or from $20 a month text: Live streaming, a video editor and video hosting in one place. button: Try Wave.video free | https://navid.link/wavevideo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software :::</p> <h4>14. [XSplit](https://navid.link/xsplit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)</h4> <p>**The best streaming software with a lifetime license**</p> <p></p> <p>[XSplit](https://navid.link/xsplit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) Broadcaster is live streaming and recording software for Windows.</p> <p>Its free version streams at up to 720p with no watermark. Premium lifts the limits and adds streaming to several services at once.</p> <p>And you can buy Premium once, for life, instead of paying every year.</p> <h5>Who is XSplit for?</h5> <p>XSplit is for gamers and Windows streamers who want a simple studio, and a lifetime license instead of a subscription.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Scenes with games, text, media, web pages and IP cameras - AI background removal, voice clarity and live captions - Chroma key and a virtual camera - Scene and source transitions - Plugins and extensions - Multistreaming, a projector and a preview editor, on Premium :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free version with no watermark at 720p - A lifetime license for $119.99 - AI voice clarity and live captions, even on free :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Windows only - The free version shows a watermark above 720p or 30 fps - The free version allows four scenes, for personal use only :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>XSplit Broadcaster has a free version and one Premium plan, from its pricing page as read on October 1, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with four scenes and up to 720p without a watermark, for personal use. - **Premium** – $14.99 a month, $59.99 a year, or $119.99 once for a lifetime license. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best lifetime license name: XSplit logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/xsplit-icon.jpg rating: 4.1 price: Free version, or $14.99 a month or $119.99 once text: Streaming and recording for Windows, with a lifetime license. button: Download XSplit free | https://navid.link/xsplit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software :::</p> <h3>What is live streaming software?</h3> <p>Live streaming software takes your cameras, microphone, screen and graphics, mixes them into one video, and sends it live to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitch.</p> <p>You can go live on YouTube or Facebook directly. But live streaming software is what lets you add guests, overlays, your logo and pre-recorded videos, and stream to several platforms at once.</p> <p>It comes in four kinds:</p> <p>:::cards tinted Monitor | Desktop software | Installed on your computer, with the most control, like [Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), [vMix](https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), [OBS Studio](https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), [Wirecast](https://navid.link/wirecast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), [Streamlabs](https://navid.link/streamlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) and [XSplit](https://navid.link/xsplit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software). Globe | Browser studios | Nothing to install, and guests join from a link, like [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), [Be.Live](https://navid.link/belive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) and [Wave.video](https://navid.link/wavevideo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software). Radio | Multistreaming services | They take one stream and send it to many platforms, like [Restream](https://navid.link/restream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) and [OneStream Live](https://navid.link/onestream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software). Ticket | Event platforms | Live events with registration, chat and replays, like [Crowdcast](https://navid.link/crowdcast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) and [Vimeo](https://navid.link/vimeo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software). :::</p> <h3>What to look for in live streaming software</h3> <p>Five things decide most of it:</p> <p>1. **Your computer** – [Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) runs only on a Mac, and [vMix](https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) and [XSplit](https://navid.link/xsplit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) only on Windows. [OBS Studio](https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) runs on all three, and browser studios run on anything. 2. **Guests** – how many people you can bring on, and whether they join from a link. [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) puts up to 10 people on screen on Core, and vMix takes up to eight remote guests on Pro. 3. **Quality** – 1080p is the norm on paid plans now. Ecamm Pro and vMix stream in up to 4K, and [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) and StreamYard Advanced record in 4K. 4. **Multistreaming** – Ecamm, Riverside, StreamYard and [OneStream Live](https://navid.link/onestream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) send one stream to several platforms. The free plans of [Restream](https://navid.link/restream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), OneStream Live and [Wave.video](https://navid.link/wavevideo?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) stop at two. 5. **The price over time** – a license you buy once can cost less than a subscription after a year or two. XSplit's lifetime license costs about the same as two years of its yearly plan.</p> <h3>The best live streaming software for Mac</h3> <p>[Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is the best live streaming software for Mac. It's built only for Mac, and it's what I use for my own live streams.</p> <p>If you'd rather not install anything, [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) and [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) run in your web browser, and [OBS Studio](https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is the free option.</p> <h3>The best live streaming software for Windows</h3> <p>[vMix](https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is the best live streaming software for Windows, and the one I used for years.</p> <p>For less, [XSplit](https://navid.link/xsplit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) has a free version and a $119.99 lifetime license, and [OBS Studio](https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is free.</p> <h3>The best free live streaming software</h3> <p>Here's the best free live streaming software, if you're on a budget:</p> <ul><li>**[OBS Studio](https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)** – free and open source, on Windows, Mac and Linux.</li><li>**[Streamlabs](https://navid.link/streamlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)** – free, with overlays, alerts and tips, on Windows and Mac.</li><li>**[StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)** – a free plan in your browser, with the StreamYard logo and streaming limits.</li><li>**[XSplit](https://navid.link/xsplit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software)** – a free version for Windows, at up to 720p with no watermark.</li></ul> <p>Free software like OBS Studio has no support team, so help comes from its forum and community.</p> <h3>The best live streaming software for beginners</h3> <p>The easiest to start with are [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), which runs in your browser, [Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) on a Mac, and [Be.Live](https://navid.link/belive?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), another browser studio.</p> <p>All three let you try them free before you pay.</p> <h3>The best live streaming software for YouTube, Facebook and Twitch</h3> <p>For YouTube and Facebook, I'd pick [Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) on a Mac, [vMix](https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) on Windows, or [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) for something simpler in your browser.</p> <p>For Twitch, Ecamm and vMix both stream in high quality, and [Streamlabs](https://navid.link/streamlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) adds the alerts and overlays that gamers use.</p> <h3>The best live streaming software for multistreaming</h3> <p>[Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) and [Wirecast](https://navid.link/wirecast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) Pro multistream on their own now, so you may not need a separate service.</p> <p>If your software can't, [Restream](https://navid.link/restream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) sends one stream to 30+ platforms, and [OneStream Live](https://navid.link/onestream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) to 45+, with scheduled pre-recorded streams too.</p> <h3>What I use</h3> <p>I use [Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) on my Mac for my live streams, and to record the interviews with speakers for my virtual summits.</p> <p>Before that, I streamed with [vMix](https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) on Windows for years. It's still the most powerful tool here if you're on a PC.</p> <p>For cameras, microphones and lights, see my [video gear guide](/video-gear).</p> <p>Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you sign up through one, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.</p> <p>:::faq :::</p> <h3>Final thoughts on live streaming software</h3> <p>There are a lot of live streaming tools out there, so it comes down to your computer, your budget and the features that matter most to you.</p> <p>Here are my final recommendations:</p> <p>:::cards list https://cdn.navid.me/tools/ecamm-live-icon.jpg | Ecamm | The best live streaming software for Mac, and the one I use. It's easy to start with, and streams in up to 4K on Pro. | https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software | Best for Mac | Try Ecamm free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/riverside-icon.png | Riverside | The best when your stream is also a podcast, with each guest recorded on their own track. | https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software | Best for podcasts | Try Riverside free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/streamyard-icon.png | StreamYard | The easiest way to go live, right from your browser, and now in 1080p on Core. | https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software | Best in your browser | Try StreamYard free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/obs-studio-icon.jpg | OBS Studio | The best free live streaming software, on Windows, Mac and Linux, if you don't mind some setup. | https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software | Best free | Download OBS Studio https://cdn.navid.me/tools/vmix-icon.jpg | vMix | The best and most advanced live streaming software for Windows, and a license you buy once. | https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software | Best for Windows | Try vMix free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/restream-icon.jpg | Restream | The best way to multistream when your software can't, to 30+ platforms at once. | https://navid.link/restream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software | Best for multistreaming | Try Restream free :::</p> <p>Now I'd like to turn it over to you. Which live streaming software will you use? Or do you use a great one I didn't cover? [Send me a message](/contact) and tell me.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[How to host a virtual summit](/articles/how-to-host-a-virtual-summit) – plan, run and grow your own online summit</li><li>[Types of virtual events](/articles/types-of-virtual-events) – the kinds of events you can stream</li><li>[Video gear guide](/video-gear) – cameras, microphones and lights for your streams</li></ul> <p>Start the free trial of the one that fits your computer, and run a test stream before you go live for real.</p><h2>FAQs about live streaming software</h2><h3>What is the best live streaming software?</h3><p>[Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is my pick on a Mac, and [vMix](https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) on Windows.</p> <p>For the easiest start in your browser, I'd pick [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), and [OBS Studio](https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) if you want it free.</p><h3>What is the best free live streaming software?</h3><p>[OBS Studio](https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is free and open source, on Windows, Mac and Linux.</p> <p>[Streamlabs](https://navid.link/streamlabs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) and [XSplit](https://navid.link/xsplit?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) have free versions, and [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) has a free plan in your browser.</p><h3>What is the best live streaming software for Mac?</h3><p>[Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is the best for Mac, since it's built only for Mac.</p> <p>It has a 14-day free trial, then costs $20 a month, or $16 a month billed yearly.</p><h3>What is the best live streaming software for PC?</h3><p>[vMix](https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is the best for a Windows PC.</p> <p>You can buy it once, from $60, after a 60-day free trial.</p><h3>What is the easiest live streaming software for beginners?</h3><p>[StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is the easiest, since it runs in your browser and guests join from a link.</p> <p>It has a free plan, and a 7-day free trial of its paid plans.</p><h3>Can I live stream to several platforms at once?</h3><p>You can, with multistreaming.</p> <p>[Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) and [OneStream Live](https://navid.link/onestream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) do it on their own, and [Restream](https://navid.link/restream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) sends one stream from your software to 30+ platforms.</p><h3>Is OBS Studio really free?</h3><p>[OBS Studio](https://navid.link/obs?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) is free and open source, with no paid plan.</p> <p>The project runs on sponsors and backers.</p><h3>What do I need to start live streaming?</h3><p>You need live streaming software, a camera, a microphone and a steady internet connection.</p> <p>My [video gear guide](/video-gear) covers the cameras, microphones and lights.</p><h3>Which live streaming software can stream to several platforms at once?</h3><p>[Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), [Riverside](https://navid.link/riverside?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software), [StreamYard](https://navid.link/streamyard?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) and [Wirecast](https://navid.link/wirecast?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) Pro multistream on their own.</p> <p>[Restream](https://navid.link/restream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) sends one stream to 30+ platforms, and [OneStream Live](https://navid.link/onestream?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) to 45+.</p><h3>What live streaming software do you use?</h3><p>I use [Ecamm](https://navid.link/ecamm?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) on my Mac, for live streams and for recording the interviews for my virtual summits.</p> <p>Before that, I used [vMix](https://navid.link/vmix?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-streaming-software) on Windows for years.</p>Virtual eventshttps://navid.me/blog/best-online-course-platforms/https://navid.me/blog/best-online-course-platforms/Choosing the right online course platform decides what you pay each month, how much of each sale you keep, and how your students learn. In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 40 best online course platforms, along with my top 5 picks, so you can pick the one that fits what you sell.Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>:::picks Go to site | Full review | Our top 5 picks Best for courses | Thinkific | #1-thinkific | https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/thinkific-icon.png | From $54 a month, after a 30-day free trial | Lessons, quizzes, a community and a checkout, with up to 10,000 students on every plan. | 4.5 Best for a community | Skool | #2-skool | https://navid.link/skool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/skool-icon.jpg | From $9 a month | A community with courses and events inside, with unlimited members on both plans. | 4.6 Best with no monthly fee | Whop | #3-whop | https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/whop-icon.png | No monthly fee | A community, courses and payments in one place, for 2.7% + $0.30 a sale. | 4.6 Best with a checkout | ThriveCart Academy | #4-thrivecart-academy | https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrivecart-icon.png | From $47 a month | Courses inside a community, with ThriveCart's checkout and upsells, and 0% fees on sales. | 4.5 Best all-in-one | HighLevel | #5-highlevel | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms | https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png | From $97 a month | A CRM, funnels, email, SMS, calendars and courses, with unlimited contacts on every plan. | 4.7 :::</p> <p>The best online course platforms are an essential tool if you're serious about growing an audience online, sharing your knowledge and profiting from your business.</p> <p>I've used most of these platforms over the years. I processed millions of dollars through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and a few others, and the last one I used on WordPress was [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms).</p> <p>Today I sell through my own checkout, Creator Store, because every platform I used lacked something. So I went through the pricing and help pages of each platform here, and wrote up what it does well, where it falls short, and what it really costs.</p> <p>:::takeaways - I reviewed 40 online course platforms, each with who it's for, pros, cons and every plan. - Look past the plan price. [Skool](https://navid.link/skool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)'s Hobby plan keeps 10% of each sale, and [Thinkific](https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) adds up to 5% if you sell through Stripe instead of Thinkific Payments. - Card fees come on top on almost every platform, usually 2.9% + $0.30 a sale in the US. - Marketplaces like [Udemy](https://navid.link/udemy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) bring buyers, but pay you 37% of a sale they find. - Today I sell through my own checkout, Creator Store. Before that, I used [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) on WordPress, and processed millions of dollars through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms). :::</p> <p>In this guide, I'll show you:</p> <ul><li>All 40 platforms I reviewed, each with who it's for, key features, pros, cons and pricing</li><li>What each platform costs at your own price and sales</li><li>The kinds of platforms, and what to look for</li><li>What I use today, and why I built my own</li></ul> <p>Every price and fee here is from the platform's own pages, read in September 2026. Put in your price and sales below to see what each one costs you:</p> <p>:::tool online-course-platform-comparison :::</p> <h3>The best online course platforms</h3> <p>Here's every platform I reviewed, each with its full review below:</p> <p>1. [Thinkific](#1-thinkific) – best for courses 2. [Skool](#2-skool) – best for a community 3. [Whop](#3-whop) – best with no monthly fee 4. [ThriveCart Academy](#4-thrivecart-academy) – best with a checkout 5. [HighLevel](#5-highlevel) – best all-in-one 6. [Circle](#6-circle) – a community under your own brand 7. [Kajabi](#7-kajabi) – courses, email and funnels under one plan 8. [Systeme.io](#8-systeme-io) – a free plan with funnels and email 9. [LearnWorlds](#9-learnworlds) – the most teaching tools 10. [Teachable](#10-teachable) – courses with student apps 11. [Podia](#11-podia) – courses, a community and email for starters 12. [Kartra](#12-kartra) – funnels, email and courses 13. [ClickFunnels](#13-clickfunnels) – courses behind a funnel 14. [Mighty Networks](#14-mighty-networks) – a community with native apps 15. [SamCart](#15-samcart) – a checkout built to convert 16. [Stan](#16-stan) – a store behind your link in bio 17. [Uscreen](#17-uscreen) – video memberships and apps 18. [Kourses](#18-kourses) – a light course and community platform 19. [New Zenler](#19-new-zenler) – courses, email and funnels for less 20. [Payhip](#20-payhip) – a free plan for downloads and courses 21. [Gumroad](#21-gumroad) – no monthly fee, a cut of each sale 22. [Lemon Squeezy](#22-lemon-squeezy) – a checkout with sales tax handled 23. [SendOwl](#23-sendowl) – a checkout priced by your sales 24. [Beacons](#24-beacons) – a link in bio with brand deals 25. [Eden](#25-eden) – Your ideas, content and courses in one place 26. [Maven](#26-maven) – live cohort courses 27. [Disco](#27-disco) – a branded learning academy 28. [LearnDash](#28-learndash) – courses on your own WordPress site 29. [MemberPress](#29-memberpress) – memberships on WordPress 30. [Tutor LMS](#30-tutor-lms) – a free course plugin for WordPress 31. [FluentCommunity](#31-fluentcommunity) – a community and courses on WordPress 32. [SureDash](#32-suredash) – a free community plugin for WordPress 33. [SureCart](#33-surecart) – a WordPress checkout for courses 34. [FluentCart](#34-fluentcart) – a WordPress checkout with no fees 35. [CartFlows](#35-cartflows) – funnels and upsells for [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) 36. [Teachery](#36-teachery) – a course platform you pay once for 37. [Xperiencify](#37-xperiencify) – courses students finish 38. [Shopify](#38-shopify) – a store that sells a course through an app 39. [WooCommerce](#39-woocommerce) – a free WordPress store with a course plugin 40. [Fourthwall](#40-fourthwall) – merch, digital products and memberships</p> <h4>1. [Thinkific](https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best online course platform overall**</p> <p></p> <p>[Thinkific](https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a course platform: video lessons, quizzes and discussions, a community with a private feed and DMs, and a checkout with order bumps and coupon codes, all on your own domain.</p> <p>It's rated 4.5 out of 5 from over 405 reviews on G2.</p> <p>There's no free plan: every account starts with a 30-day free trial. The plans run from $54 to $219 a month, or $40 to $164 a month billed yearly, and every plan comes with up to 10,000 current students and unlimited courses.</p> <p>Thinkific takes no cut when you sell through Thinkific Payments, which charges 2.9% + $0.30 a card payment in the US.</p> <p>But if you sell through Stripe instead, Thinkific adds a gateway fee: 5% on Basic, 2% on Start and 1% on Grow.</p> <h5>Who is Thinkific for?</h5> <p>Thinkific is for experts and course businesses that want the course itself done well: lessons, quizzes, certificates, a community and a checkout, without stitching separate tools together.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Video lessons, quizzes and student discussions - A community with a private feed, DMs and weekly digests - Checkout, order bumps, gifting and coupon codes - Abandoned checkout recovery - Your school on your own domain - Certificates, graded work, bundles, upsells and payment plans, from Start - Memberships and subscriptions, from Start - Your own iOS and Android app, on select Plus plans :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 30-day free trial to build your first course - Up to 10,000 current students and unlimited courses on every plan - No cut of your sales through Thinkific Payments - Lessons, quizzes, a community and a checkout in one place - Rated 4.5 out of 5 from over 405 reviews on G2 :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Selling through Stripe adds 5% on Basic, 2% on Start and 1% on Grow - Certificates, payment plans and memberships start on Start - Basic allows five digital downloads and five coaching sessions :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Thinkific has three plans, each with a 30-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $54 a month, or $40 a month billed yearly, with 100 GB of video bandwidth a month and five digital downloads. - **Start** – $109 a month, or $82 billed yearly, with certificates, payment plans, memberships and 200 GB a month. - **Grow** – $219 a month, or $164 billed yearly, with bulk seats for companies, B2B invoicing and phone support. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for courses name: Thinkific logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/thinkific-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $54 a month, after a 30-day free trial text: Lessons, quizzes, a community and a checkout, with up to 10,000 students on every plan. button: Try Thinkific free for 30 days | https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>2. [Skool](https://navid.link/skool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best course platform for a community**</p> <p></p> <p>[Skool](https://navid.link/skool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) puts your community, courses and events in one place, and lets you charge for it with a monthly membership or a one-time course price.</p> <p>It's simple on purpose. Skool says you can set it up in less than 30 minutes.</p> <p>Both plans come with unlimited members, courses, videos and live calls. The difference is what Skool keeps from each sale.</p> <p>On Hobby, at $9 a month, Skool keeps 10% of each sale. On Pro, at $99 a month, it keeps 2.9%, and you get your own URL and an affiliate program.</p> <p>So Hobby is cheap to start, and Pro pays for itself once you sell more than about $1,300 a month.</p> <h5>Who is Skool for?</h5> <p>Skool is for creators and coaches whose course lives inside a community, where members talk, learn and show up for live calls.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A community, courses and events in one place - Unlimited members, courses, videos and live calls on both plans - Subscription memberships or one-time course purchases - Run your community from your phone, too - Your own URL and an affiliate program, on Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Unlimited members, courses, videos and live calls on both plans - Set up in less than 30 minutes, by Skool's own count - Only $9 a month to start - Two months free with yearly billing :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Hobby keeps 10% of each sale - Your own URL and affiliates start on Pro, at $99 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Skool has two plans, and yearly billing gives you two months free:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Hobby** – $9 a month, with a 10% transaction fee. - **Pro** – $99 a month, with a 2.9% transaction fee, your own URL and affiliates. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for a community name: Skool logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/skool-icon.jpg rating: 4.6 price: From $9 a month text: A community with courses and events inside, with unlimited members on both plans. button: Try Skool for free | https://navid.link/skool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>3. [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best online course platform with no monthly fee**</p> <p></p> <p>[Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is where you sell and run a community, courses, memberships, downloads, coaching and services, with the checkout and payouts built in.</p> <p>It says sellers earned over $300 million on Whop last month.</p> <p>There's no setup fee and no monthly cost. Whop charges 2.7% + $0.30 for every successful card payment, and nothing more until you turn on extras.</p> <p>The extras are 0.8% for payment orchestration, which sends each payment to the provider most likely to approve it, 0.5% for billing and 2% for tax handling. With all of them on and tax collected, a sale costs 6% + $0.30.</p> <p>Buyers can pay from 195 countries, and Whop pays you out by bank transfer, crypto, Venmo or wire.</p> <h5>Who is Whop for?</h5> <p>Whop is for creators who want to start selling a community or a course without a monthly plan, and pay only when they make a sale.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - No monthly fee, only a fee on each sale - A community and courses in one place - Memberships and subscriptions - A marketplace on whop.com where buyers can find you - An affiliate program and coupon codes - A mobile app for your members - Payments from 195 countries, with 100+ payment methods :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No setup fee and no monthly cost - 2.7% + $0.30 a sale, card processing included - Klarna and Afterpay, so buyers can pay over time - A community, courses and payments in one account :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Orchestration, billing and tax handling add up to 3.3% more when you turn them on - Payouts cost from $2.50 - A fee on every sale grows with your sales, where a flat plan stays the same :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Whop has no plan to pay for. These are its fees, from its fee docs as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Card processing** – 2.7% + $0.30 for every successful card payment. - **Orchestration** – 0.8%, when you turn it on. - **Billing** – 0.5%, when you turn it on. - **Tax and remittance** – 2%, when you turn it on and tax is collected. - **Payouts** – from $2.50 each, by next-day ACH. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best with no monthly fee name: Whop logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/whop-icon.png rating: 4.6 price: No monthly fee text: A community, courses and payments in one place, for 2.7% + $0.30 a sale. button: Start selling on Whop | https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>4. [ThriveCart Academy](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best course platform with a checkout**</p> <p></p> <p>[ThriveCart Academy](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)'s course and community platform, launched in May 2026. It replaced ThriveCart Learn: every Learn and Learn+ creator was moved over, with their courses, student progress, drip schedules, certificates and billing kept.</p> <p>Your courses sit inside a branded community, with quizzes, certificates, points, badges and leaderboards. And every plan includes [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)'s checkout: order bumps, one-click upsells, subscriptions and an affiliate center, with sales going through your own Stripe, PayPal or Authorize.Net.</p> <p>ThriveCart takes 0% of your sales on every plan. It says sellers have processed over $8 billion through it.</p> <p>I'm one of them. I processed millions of dollars through ThriveCart, and [Virtual Summit Mastery](/virtual-summit-mastery) alone brought in $882,739 from 1,483 customers there:</p> <p></p> <h5>Who is ThriveCart Academy for?</h5> <p>ThriveCart Academy is for creators who want their courses and community in the same account as a strong checkout: upsells, order bumps, payment plans and affiliates.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Custom checkout and cart pages, in 100+ countries - One-click upsells and downsells, order bumps and A/B split testing - Abandoned cart recovery and sales tax automation - Buy now pay later, split pay, pay-what-you-like and subscription billing - ThriveCart Academy: unlimited courses and students, communities, quizzes, certificates and gamification - An affiliate center with automated payouts, on Pro+ :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - 0% fees on your sales, on every plan - The checkout, upsells and your courses in one account - A 30-day free trial - A lifetime option, instead of paying every month - Unlimited courses and students on every plan :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Standard gives you one order bump and up to 2,000 community members - The affiliate center, coupons and your own domain start on Pro+, at $87 a month - The lifetime price isn't on its pricing page :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>ThriveCart Academy comes with every ThriveCart plan, with a 30-day free trial, and Enterprise on request:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Standard** – $47 a month, with ThriveCart Academy Starter: unlimited courses and students, up to 2,000 community members and 10 communities, and 100 GB of video. - **Pro+** – $87 a month, with multiple order bumps, the affiliate center, coupons, custom domains and ThriveCart Academy Growth: up to 10,000 members and unlimited communities. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best with a checkout name: ThriveCart Academy logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrivecart-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $47 a month text: Courses inside a community, with ThriveCart's checkout and upsells, and 0% fees on sales. button: Try ThriveCart Academy free for 30 days | https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>5. [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best all-in-one online course platform**</p> <p></p> <p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is an all-in-one platform for marketing and selling: a CRM, funnels and websites, email and SMS, calendars, payments, and courses and communities for your members.</p> <p>It says most users replace their CRM, funnel builder, email tool, scheduler and SMS tools with it.</p> <p>Every plan has unlimited contacts and unlimited users, and HighLevel takes no cut of your sales. Payments go through Stripe, PayPal, NMI and others.</p> <p>What you do pay on top is usage: phone numbers, SMS, emails, calls and AI are charged as you use them.</p> <p>Its plans go by sub-accounts, one per business or client, the way an agency runs it. Starter includes three, and Unlimited as many as you need.</p> <h5>Who is HighLevel for?</h5> <p>HighLevel is for creators and agencies who want their marketing and their courses in one place: capture leads, follow up by email and SMS, book calls and sell, instead of paying for five tools.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A CRM with unlimited contacts and users - Funnels and websites on your own domains - Email and SMS marketing - Calendars and bookings - Courses and communities for your members - Payments through Stripe, PayPal, NMI and others - An affiliate program and a mobile app - White label, and SaaS mode on Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Unlimited contacts and users on every plan - Replaces your CRM, funnels, email, scheduler and SMS tools - No cut of your sales - A 14-day free trial, and month to month with no long-term contract :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $97 a month - Phone, SMS, email and AI are charged by use, on top of the plan - Its plans are built around sub-accounts, for agencies more than a single course :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>HighLevel has three plans, each with a 14-day free trial, month to month, and Enterprise on request:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $97 a month, with three sub-accounts. - **Unlimited** – $297 a month, with unlimited sub-accounts. - **Pro** – $497 a month, with SaaS mode, to sell HighLevel as your own software. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best all-in-one name: HighLevel logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png rating: 4.7 price: From $97 a month text: A CRM, funnels, email, SMS, calendars and courses, with unlimited contacts on every plan. button: Try HighLevel free for 14 days | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>6. [Circle](https://navid.link/circle?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best course platform for a branded community**</p> <p></p> <p>[Circle](https://navid.link/circle?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a platform for your community, events and courses, all under your own brand.</p> <p>Its plans start at $89 a month, billed yearly, with a 14-day free trial and no credit card needed.</p> <p>Circle keeps a small share of each sale, on top of Stripe's fee: 2% on Professional, 1% on Business and Scale, and 0.5% on Circle Plus.</p> <h5>Who is Circle for?</h5> <p>Circle is for creators and brands that want a polished community with courses and events on their own brand, and are ready to pay a plan for it.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Community spaces, courses and live events - Payments and paywalls - Workflows, APIs and an MCP - Circle AI credits on every plan - Email Hub, as an add-on - Your own branded app, on Circle Plus :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial, with no credit card needed - Your community, events and courses under your own brand - Workflows, an API and an MCP for automation - A money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Keeps 2% of each sale on Professional, on top of Stripe's fee - Email is an add-on: $99 a month for 10,000 contacts - The prices on its page are billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Circle has four plans, with prices billed yearly and a 14-day free trial:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Professional** – $89 a month, keeping 2% of each sale. - **Business** – $199 a month, keeping 1%. - **Scale** – $419 a month, keeping 1%. - **Circle Plus** – on request, keeping 0.5%, with your own branded app. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for a branded community name: Circle logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/circle-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: From $89 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Your community, events and courses, all under your own brand. button: Try Circle free for 14 days | https://navid.link/circle?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>7. [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best online course platform for courses, email and funnels**</p> <p></p> <p>[Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is an all-in-one platform for courses, coaching, memberships and a community, with your website, email, funnels and checkout built in.</p> <p>By Kajabi's own count, experts on it have earned over $12 billion since 2010.</p> <p>What sets it apart is that it takes no cut of your sales on any plan. You pay the plan, and Kajabi Payments charges card fees, which differ by country.</p> <p>The catch is the price. Basic starts at $179 a month, or $143 billed yearly, and it caps you at 2,500 contacts.</p> <p>So if you only need somewhere to host a course, that's a lot to pay. It makes more sense when it also replaces your email tool, your website and your checkout.</p> <h5>Who is Kajabi for?</h5> <p>Kajabi is for experts who want their course, coaching, community, email and website in one place, and would rather pay one plan than connect five tools.</p> <p>Kajabi itself suggests Basic until you're making sales, and Growth once revenue comes in and your list passes a few thousand people.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Courses, coaching and memberships - A private community with multiple groups - Your own website and custom domain - Unlimited emails, landing pages and funnels - Checkout and payments built in - Your courses and community in a mobile app on iPhone and Android - Your own affiliate program and live cohort courses, from Growth - Your own branded app in the App Store, on Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No cut of your sales on any plan - Email, funnels, website, community and checkout under one plan - 14 days free and a 30-day money-back guarantee - Unlimited email sends on every plan - A mobile app for your students from day one :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $179 a month, a lot if you only need to host a course - Basic caps you at 2,500 contacts, and more cost $125 a month for each 25,000 - Your own affiliate program and live cohort courses start on Growth, at $249 a month - Card fees on Kajabi Payments differ by country :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Kajabi has three plans, each with 14 days free:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $179 a month, or $143 a month billed yearly ($1,716 a year), with 2,500 contacts. - **Growth** – $249 a month, or $199 billed yearly ($2,388), with 25,000 contacts, your own affiliate program and no Kajabi branding. - **Pro** – $499 a month, or $399 billed yearly ($4,788), with 100,000 contacts and your own branded app. :::</p> <p></p> <p>:::product award: Best for courses, email and funnels name: Kajabi logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/kajabi-icon.png rating: 4.5 price: From $179 a month, after 14 days free text: Courses, coaching, memberships, email and funnels under one plan. button: Try Kajabi free for 14 days | https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>8. [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best free online course platform**</p> <p></p> <p>[Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is an all-in-one platform with a free plan that never expires: funnels, email, a blog, courses, a community and your own affiliate program, with payments through Stripe or PayPal.</p> <p>It says over 500,000 entrepreneurs use it.</p> <p>The free plan needs no credit card. It gives you three funnels, one course, one blog, one custom domain and up to 2,000 contacts, with unlimited emails.</p> <p>And it takes no transaction fees on any plan, free or paid. Stripe or PayPal charge their usual card fees.</p> <p>Where it pinches is the count of contacts. Your plan goes by the size of your list, so a growing audience moves you up a plan, even if you sell nothing more.</p> <h5>Who is Systeme.io for?</h5> <p>Systeme.io is for anyone selling a first course who doesn't want a monthly bill yet, and for anyone who wants funnels, email and courses in one place for less than one of those tools costs elsewhere.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales funnels and a website builder - Unlimited email sends on every plan - Courses and a community - A blog - Your own affiliate program - Evergreen webinars, from the Webinar plan - Payments through Stripe or PayPal :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan that never expires, with no credit card needed - No transaction fees on any plan - Funnels, email, courses, a community and an affiliate program in one place - Unlimited emails, even on the free plan - Paid plans from $17 a month :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan has one course, three funnels and one automation rule - Your plan goes by your contacts: 2,000 free, 5,000 on Startup, 10,000 on Webinar - Evergreen webinars start on the $47 plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Systeme.io has a free plan and three paid ones, billed monthly:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with three funnels, one course, 500 students, one custom domain and 2,000 contacts. - **Startup** – $17 a month, with 10 funnels, five courses, three custom domains and 5,000 contacts. - **Webinar** – $47 a month, with 50 funnels, evergreen webinars, 10 custom domains and 10,000 contacts. - **Unlimited** – $97 a month, with unlimited funnels, contacts and custom domains. :::</p> <p></p> <p>:::product award: Best free plan name: Systeme.io logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/systemeio-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: Free plan, or from $17 a month text: Funnels, email and courses, with a free plan that never expires. button: Start on Systeme.io's free plan | https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>9. [LearnWorlds](https://navid.link/learnworlds?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best online course platform for teaching tools**</p> <p></p> <p>[LearnWorlds](https://navid.link/learnworlds?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a course platform built around the course itself: an AI course builder, quizzes, certificates, learning paths, live sessions and a website on your own domain.</p> <p>Over 13,000 learning businesses use it, it says, and it's rated 4.7 out of 5 from over 388 reviews on G2.</p> <p>The Starter plan is $29 a month, but it charges $5 for every paid enrollment. From Pro Trainer, at $99 a month, there are no enrollment fees.</p> <p>You sell with your own Stripe or PayPal, so card fees come from them.</p> <h5>Who is LearnWorlds for?</h5> <p>LearnWorlds is for trainers and course businesses that want the most tools for teaching: assessments, certificates, learning paths and reports on how students are doing.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - An AI course builder and quizzes - Courses and a website on your own domain - Live 1:1 and group sessions - Certificates and SCORM uploads, from Pro Trainer - Subscriptions, memberships and payment plans, from Pro Trainer - Full white label and training for client groups, on Learning Center :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - More teaching tools than most: quizzes, certificates, learning paths and SCORM - No enrollment fees from Pro Trainer - A free trial - Sell with your own Stripe or PayPal :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starter charges $5 for every paid enrollment - Starter caps you at 1,000 active learners a month and one admin - Subscriptions, payment plans and certificates start on Pro Trainer, at $99 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>LearnWorlds has three plans, with a free trial, and Corporate on request:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $29 a month, or $24 billed yearly, plus $5 per paid enrollment, for 1,000 active learners a month. - **Pro Trainer** – $99 a month, or $79 billed yearly, with no enrollment fees, 2,000 active learners and five admins. - **Learning Center** – $299 a month, or $249 billed yearly, with full white label and 25 admins. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for teaching tools name: LearnWorlds logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/learnworlds-icon.png rating: 4.4 price: From $29 a month, after a free trial text: A course platform built around the course itself, with the most teaching tools. button: Start a LearnWorlds free trial | https://navid.link/learnworlds?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>10. [Teachable](https://navid.link/teachable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best online course platform with student apps**</p> <p></p> <p>[Teachable](https://navid.link/teachable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a course platform for courses, coaching and digital downloads, used by creators in 180 countries.</p> <p>It hosts your lessons, takes the payment, and gives your students apps on iOS and Android.</p> <p>The Starter plan is $39 a month, but it keeps 7.5% of each sale. From Builder, at $89 a month, there are no transaction fees when you sell through teachable:pay.</p> <p>Every plan also caps how many products you can publish: five on Starter, 10 on Builder and 50 on Growth.</p> <h5>Who is Teachable for?</h5> <p>Teachable is for course creators who want a proven course platform with student apps, and who sell a handful of products rather than a large catalog.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Courses, coaching and digital downloads - Quizzes, certificates and drip lessons - Student apps on iOS and Android - Checkout with upsells - Sales tax handling - An affiliate program, from Builder - Free subtitles and translations, on Growth :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee - No transaction fees from Builder, through teachable:pay - Student apps on iOS and Android - 22% off with yearly billing :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starter keeps 7.5% of each sale - A cap on products: five on Starter, 10 on Builder, 50 on Growth - The affiliate program starts on Builder, at $89 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Teachable has three plans, with a 7-day free trial, and Custom on request, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $39 a month, or $29 billed yearly, with a 7.5% transaction fee and five products. - **Builder** – $89 a month, or $69 billed yearly, with no transaction fee and 10 products. - **Growth** – $189 a month, or $139 billed yearly, with 50 products and free subtitles and translations. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for student apps name: Teachable logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/teachable-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: From $39 a month, after a 7-day free trial text: Courses, coaching and digital downloads, with apps for your students. button: Try Teachable free for 7 days | https://navid.link/teachable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>11. [Podia](https://navid.link/podia?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best online course platform for starters**</p> <p></p> <p>Podia puts your courses, community, coaching, digital downloads and email in one place.</p> <p>Over 15,000 creators have earned more than $900 million on it, Podia says.</p> <p>Every plan includes Podia Email, so you can send newsletters and sequences without a separate email tool. But each plan caps your subscribers: 100 on Mover, 500 on Shaker and 1,000 on Earthquaker.</p> <p>Mover keeps 5% of each sale. From Shaker, Podia keeps nothing, and Stripe or PayPal charge their usual 2.9% + $0.30.</p> <h5>Who is Podia for?</h5> <p>Podia is for creators starting out who want courses, a community and email in one simple account, with a small list to begin with.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Courses, digital downloads, coaching and webinars - A community - Email marketing, built in - A website and landing pages - Sales tax handling - An affiliate program and upsells, from Shaker :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A 14-day free trial, with no credit card needed - Courses, a community and email in one account - No Podia fees on sales from Shaker - Free migration of up to 50 products, or 150 from Shaker :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Mover keeps 5% of each sale - Email caps you at 100 subscribers on Mover and 1,000 on Earthquaker - Affiliates, upsells and PayPal start on Shaker, at $99 a month :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Podia has three plans, after a 14-day free trial, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Mover** – $49 a month, or $42 billed yearly, with a 5% transaction fee, 50 products and 100 email subscribers. - **Shaker** – $99 a month, or $84 billed yearly, with no transaction fee, 150 products, affiliates and 500 subscribers. - **Earthquaker** – $179 a month, or $150 billed yearly, with unlimited products and 1,000 subscribers. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for starters name: Podia logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/podia-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: From $49 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Courses, a community, coaching, downloads and email in one place. button: Try Podia free for 14 days | https://navid.link/podia?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>12. [Kartra](https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best course platform for funnels and courses**</p> <p></p> <p>Kartra is an all-in-one platform: pages, funnels, email and SMS, a CRM, a membership portal for your courses, and a checkout that takes cards and PayPal.</p> <p>Over 60,000 coaches and business owners have earned more than $1.5 billion with it, Kartra says.</p> <p>The Essentials plan is $59 a month, but it keeps 5% of each sale and caps you at 500 contacts. From Starter, at $119 a month, there are no transaction fees and your courses and memberships are unlimited.</p> <h5>Who is Kartra for?</h5> <p>Kartra is for coaches and experts who want funnels, email and courses in one place, and are ready to pay for a bigger plan as their list grows.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A drag-and-drop page builder with ready templates - Multi-page funnels - Email and SMS campaigns - A CRM with lists and tags - A membership portal for your courses - Checkout for cards and PayPal - Surveys, quizzes and affiliate management, on the higher plans :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Pages, funnels, email, a CRM and courses in one place - No transaction fees from Starter - Unlimited courses and memberships from Starter - A 30-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Essentials keeps 5% of each sale and caps you at 500 contacts - Surveys, quizzes and affiliate management only on the higher plans - No free trial, only the money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Kartra has four plans:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Essentials** – $59 a month, or $52 billed yearly, with a 5% transaction fee, one course and 500 contacts. - **Starter** – $119 a month, or $99 billed yearly, with no transaction fee and 2,500 contacts. - **Growth** – $229 a month, or $189 billed yearly, with 12,500 contacts and 10 team members. - **Professional** – $549 a month, or $429 billed yearly, with 25,000 contacts. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for funnels and courses name: Kartra logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/kartra-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: From $59 a month text: Pages, funnels, email, a CRM and a membership portal for your courses. button: See Kartra's plans | https://navid.link/kartra?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>13. [ClickFunnels](https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best platform to sell courses behind a funnel**</p> <p></p> <p>ClickFunnels is a funnel builder first: sales pages, checkouts with upsells and order bumps, email, a CRM and courses, from the company Russell Brunson co-founded.</p> <p>It takes no fee on your sales. You pay Stripe's usual fees, and nothing more, says its help center.</p> <p>Every plan comes with unlimited funnels for now. What grows with the plan is everything else: courses, contacts, team members and emails.</p> <p>For example, Launch includes three courses and 10,000 contacts, and Scale six courses and 75,000 contacts.</p> <h5>Who is ClickFunnels for?</h5> <p>ClickFunnels is for creators who sell with funnels: a lead magnet, a sales page, an order bump and an upsell, with the course behind them.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Unlimited funnels and pages - Checkout with one-click upsells and order bumps - Email marketing and a CRM - Courses and memberships - An affiliate program - A blog and a website - An API, from Optimize :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Built around funnels, upsells and order bumps - No fee on your sales beyond Stripe's - Email, a CRM and courses in the same account - A free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $97 a month - Courses are capped: three on Launch, six on Scale, 10 on Optimize - Unlimited funnels are marked as a limited-time offer :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>ClickFunnels has four plans, with a free trial:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – $97 a month, or $81 billed yearly, with three courses and 10,000 contacts. - **Scale** – $197 a month, or $164 billed yearly, with six courses and 75,000 contacts. - **Optimize** – $297 a month, or $248 billed yearly, with 10 courses and an API. - **Dominate** – $499.75 a month, billed yearly, with 20 courses and 20 workspaces. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for courses behind a funnel name: ClickFunnels logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/clickfunnels-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $97 a month, after a free trial text: Sales pages and checkouts with upsells, plus email, a CRM and courses. button: Start a ClickFunnels free trial | https://navid.link/clickfunnels?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>14. [Mighty Networks](https://navid.link/mightynetworks?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best course platform with native apps**</p> <p></p> <p>[Mighty Networks](https://navid.link/mightynetworks?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a community platform with courses, events and livestreams inside, on iOS, Android and the web.</p> <p>Hosts earned $500 million on it in 2025, it says.</p> <p>Its courses can be sequential, timed or dripped, award badges and certificates automatically, and take SCORM content.</p> <p>It keeps a share of each sale on top of Stripe's fee: 2% on Launch, 1% on Scale and 0.5% on Growth.</p> <h5>Who is Mighty Networks for?</h5> <p>Mighty Networks is for creators whose business is the community itself, with courses and live events as part of the membership.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A community with chat, threads and polls - Courses: sequential, timed or dripped - Badges and certificates, awarded automatically - Livestreams and events - Apps on iOS and Android - SCORM content - Your own branded apps, on Mighty Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A community, courses and events in one app - Apps on iOS and Android on every plan - A 14-day free trial, with no credit card needed - Two months free with yearly billing :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Keeps 2% of each sale on Launch, on top of Stripe's fee - Starts at $95 a month - Your own branded apps only on Mighty Pro :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Mighty Networks has three plans with a 14-day free trial, and Mighty Pro on request:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – $95 a month, or $79 billed yearly, keeping 2% of each sale. - **Scale** – $215 a month, or $179 billed yearly, keeping 1%. - **Growth** – $425 a month, or $354 billed yearly, keeping 0.5%. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for native apps name: Mighty Networks logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/mighty-networks-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: From $95 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: A community with courses, events and livestreams, on iOS, Android and the web. button: Try Mighty Networks free for 14 days | https://navid.link/mightynetworks?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>15. [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best checkout to sell online courses**</p> <p></p> <p>[SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a checkout platform for digital products, courses, subscriptions and coaching, used by over 75,000 businesses, it says.</p> <p>It builds your sales pages and checkouts, hosts your course in a members area, and takes Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, cards and buy now pay later.</p> <p>SamCart takes no cut of your sales. Its own payments, SamPay, charge Stripe's card prices.</p> <p>One-click upsells and order bumps, which SamCart says raise order value by 68% and 31%, start on its second plan.</p> <h5>Who is SamCart for?</h5> <p>SamCart is for creators who sell digital products and courses and want the checkout to do the heavy lifting: more payment methods, upsells and order bumps.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales pages, checkouts and link-in-bio pages - A members area for your courses - Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, cards and buy now pay later - Coupons and cart abandonment emails - Subscriptions, with a customer portal - One-click upsells, order bumps and A/B tests, on the higher plan - An affiliate program, on Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No cut of your sales - Many ways to pay at checkout - Courses hosted in its own members area - A 7-day free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $79 a month - Upsells, order bumps and affiliates start on Pro, at $199 a month - The yearly price isn't shown as a number on its pricing page :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>SamCart has two plans, with a 7-day free trial and 25% off billed yearly:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Core** – $79 a month, with unlimited pages, products and checkouts. - **Pro** – $199 a month, with one-click upsells, order bumps and an affiliate program. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best checkout for courses name: SamCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/samcart-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $79 a month, after a 7-day free trial text: A checkout for courses, digital products, subscriptions and coaching. button: Try SamCart free for 7 days | https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>16. [Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best platform to sell courses from your link in bio**</p> <p></p> <p>[Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a link-in-bio store: your courses, digital products, bookings and memberships behind the one link in your social profiles.</p> <p>It takes zero transaction fees on both plans, so you keep 100% of each sale, apart from your payment processor's fee.</p> <p>Creator, at $29 a month, includes an unlimited course builder, a calendar for bookings, subscriptions, lead magnets, a community and AutoDM, which answers Instagram comments and DMs for you.</p> <p>Creator Pro, at $99 a month, adds email marketing, funnels, upsells, payment plans, Afterpay and Klarna, and pixel tracking for Meta, Google, Pinterest and TikTok.</p> <h5>Who is Stan for?</h5> <p>Stan is for creators who sell from Instagram and TikTok, and want their course, bookings and downloads one tap from their bio.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A store behind your link in bio - An unlimited course builder - Calendar and bookings for coaching calls - Recurring subscriptions and a community - AutoDM for Instagram - Email marketing, funnels and upsells, on Creator Pro - Afterpay, Klarna and payment plans, on Creator Pro :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Zero transaction fees on both plans - Built for selling from social media - An unlimited course builder on both plans - A 14-day free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - No free plan - Email, funnels and upsells start on Creator Pro, at $99 a month - Afterpay, Klarna and payment plans also start on Creator Pro :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Stan has two plans, with a 14-day free trial:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Creator** – $29 a month, or $300 a year. - **Creator Pro** – $99 a month, or $948 a year, with email, funnels, upsells and payment plans. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for link in bio name: Stan logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/stan-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: From $29 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Your courses, products, bookings and memberships behind the link in your profiles. button: Try Stan free for 14 days | https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>17. [Uscreen](https://navid.link/uscreen?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best online course platform for video memberships**</p> <p></p> <p>Uscreen turns your videos into a subscription business: a streaming platform, a membership, a community and your own mobile apps.</p> <p>It's built around video memberships, which is why its pricing works differently from a course platform's.</p> <p>Each plan keeps a share of one-time sales, 10% on Starter and 5% from Growth up. Subscriptions cost a fee per subscriber instead: nothing on Starter, $1.99 a subscriber a month on Growth and $0.99 on App Essentials.</p> <p>Starter also caps you at 100 subscribers.</p> <h5>Who is Uscreen for?</h5> <p>Uscreen is for creators who sell video, like fitness classes, yoga or courses, as a monthly membership with apps their members watch on.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A video streaming platform on your own brand - Subscriptions, memberships and one-time sales - Native livestreaming and gated Zoom links - A community - Your own mobile apps, from App Essentials - Group subscriptions for companies, on Custom :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Built for video memberships, not only courses - Livestreaming built in - Your own apps, from App Essentials - A 14-day free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - A fee per subscriber on Growth and App Essentials - Keeps 10% of one-time sales on Starter, and 5% from Growth - Starter caps you at 100 subscribers :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Uscreen has three plans, billed monthly, with a 14-day free trial, and Custom on request:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $49 a month, with 10% of one-time sales and up to 100 subscribers. - **Growth** – $149 a month, plus $1.99 a subscriber, with 5% of one-time sales. - **App Essentials** – $449 a month, plus $0.99 a subscriber, with your own apps. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for video memberships name: Uscreen logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/uscreen-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: From $49 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: A streaming platform, a membership, a community and your own apps for your videos. button: Try Uscreen free for 14 days | https://navid.link/uscreen?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>18. [Kourses](https://navid.link/kourses?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best light online course platform**</p> <p></p> <p>[Kourses](https://navid.link/kourses?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a lightweight course and community platform, with courses, private community spaces, digital products and checkout pages in one place.</p> <p>It takes 0% of your sales on every plan, and includes order bumps and upsells from day one.</p> <p>Kourses says 99% of its features are on every plan. What changes is how many members and products you can have: 100 members and one product on Starter, and 1,000 members and 10 products on Pro.</p> <h5>Who is Kourses for?</h5> <p>Kourses is for creators starting with one course or community, who want a clean platform for less than most.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Branded course portals with fast video hosting - Private community spaces - Digital products: ebooks, templates, workbooks - Checkout pages with order bumps and upsells - Your own domain :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - 0% transaction fees on every plan - From $15 a month, or $9 billed yearly - Order bumps and upsells on every plan - A 14-day free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starter caps you at 100 members and one product - Pro caps you at 1,000 members and 10 products :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Kourses has three plans, with a 14-day free trial:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $15 a month, or $9 billed yearly, with 100 members and one product. - **Pro** – $59 a month, or $49 billed yearly, with 1,000 members and 10 products. - **Unlimited** – $99 a month, or $79 billed yearly. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best light platform name: Kourses logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/kourses-icon.png rating: 4.1 price: From $15 a month, after a 14-day free trial text: Courses, community spaces, digital products and checkout pages in one place. button: Try Kourses free for 14 days | https://navid.link/kourses?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>19. [New Zenler](https://navid.link/newzenler?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best all-in-one course platform for less**</p> <p></p> <p>[New Zenler](https://navid.link/newzenler?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is an all-in-one course platform: courses, coaching, a community, email and funnels, all built in.</p> <p>Every plan includes courses, a community, email, funnels, automations, quizzes and live sessions, and none of them charges a transaction fee.</p> <p>The plans differ in how much email and how many funnels you get. For example, Starter sends 5,000 emails a month with two funnels, and Pro 100,000 emails with 100 funnels.</p> <h5>Who is New Zenler for?</h5> <p>New Zenler is for course creators who want courses, email and funnels in one place for less than the bigger all-in-one platforms.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Courses, coaching and live sessions - A community with a leaderboard - Email marketing and automations - Marketing funnels - Quizzes and certificates - A fully branded mobile app :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No transaction fees on any plan - Courses, email and funnels on every plan - A 30-day free trial - From $47 a month, billed yearly :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starter sends 5,000 emails a month with two funnels - Starter caps you at 500 students :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>New Zenler has three plans, with a 30-day free trial:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $57 a month, or $47 billed yearly, with 5,000 emails a month and two funnels. - **Pro** – $117 a month, or $97 billed yearly, with 100,000 emails and 100 funnels. - **Premium** – $347 a month, or $277 billed yearly, with 500,000 emails and unlimited funnels. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best all-in-one for less name: New Zenler logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/new-zenler-icon.png rating: 4.1 price: From $57 a month, after a 30-day free trial text: Courses, coaching, a community, email and funnels, all built in. button: Try New Zenler free for 30 days | https://navid.link/newzenler?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>20. [Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best free store to sell online courses**</p> <p></p> <p>[Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) sells digital downloads, courses, coaching, memberships and physical products, from a store it builds for you.</p> <p>Every plan has the same features. What you choose is how you pay: a share of each sale, or a monthly plan.</p> <p>The free plan keeps 5% of each sale, Plus at $29 a month keeps 2%, and Pro at $99 a month keeps nothing. PayPal and Stripe charge their own fees on every plan.</p> <p>Payhip also collects and pays EU and UK VAT for you, and pays your sales out as soon as each one completes.</p> <h5>Who is Payhip for?</h5> <p>Payhip is for creators who want to start selling a course or a download today, without a monthly bill, and switch to a flat plan once sales grow.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Digital downloads, courses, coaching and memberships - A store and website - Coupons, upsells and an affiliate program - Email marketing - EU and UK VAT collected and paid for you - Payouts as soon as each sale completes :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan, with no credit card needed - Every feature on every plan - EU and UK VAT handled for you - No cut of your sales on Pro :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - The free plan keeps 5% of each sale, and Plus 2% - PayPal and Stripe fees on top, on every plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Payhip has three plans, all with the same features:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free Forever** – $0, keeping 5% of each sale. - **Plus** – $29 a month, keeping 2%. - **Pro** – $99 a month, keeping nothing. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best free store name: Payhip logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/payhip-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free plan, keeping 5% of each sale text: Downloads, courses, coaching and memberships, from a store it builds for you. button: Start on Payhip for free | https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>21. [Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best place to start selling online courses today**</p> <p></p> <p>[Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) sells digital products, ebooks, courses and memberships, with no monthly fee.</p> <p>Instead, it keeps 10% + $0.50 of each sale through your profile or your own links, with card processing on top. On a sale it finds for you through Discover, its marketplace, it keeps 30%.</p> <p>Since January 1, 2025, Gumroad is the merchant of record for your sales. So it collects and pays sales tax, VAT and GST worldwide, and you don't have to.</p> <h5>Who is Gumroad for?</h5> <p>Gumroad is for creators selling their first digital product or course, who want to pay nothing until they make a sale.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Digital products, courses and memberships - A profile store and product pages - Its Discover marketplace - Email to your customers - Coupons, upsells and an affiliate program - Sales tax, VAT and GST handled worldwide :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No monthly fee - The merchant of record, so tax is handled for you - A marketplace that can bring you buyers - Its cut drops to 5% + $0.50 once paid sales pass $20,000 in a month :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Keeps 10% + $0.50 of each sale, with card fees on top - Keeps 30% of sales through Discover - Costs more than a flat plan once you sell a lot :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Gumroad has no plans. Its fees, from its pricing page:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Your own sales** – 10% + $0.50 per sale, plus card processing. - **Discover sales** – 30% per sale. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best to start selling today name: Gumroad logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/gumroad-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: No monthly fee, 10% + $0.50 a sale text: Digital products, ebooks, courses and memberships, with no monthly fee. button: Start selling on Gumroad | https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>22. [Lemon Squeezy](https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best way to sell online courses with sales tax handled**</p> <p></p> <p>Lemon Squeezy is a checkout for digital products, subscriptions and software licenses, and part of Stripe.</p> <p>It's built for software companies first. A course sells there as a digital download or a subscription.</p> <p>There's no monthly fee. Lemon Squeezy keeps 5% + $0.50 of each sale, card processing included, and some payments carry small extra fees.</p> <p>It's also the merchant of record, so it handles sales tax and VAT for you.</p> <h5>Who is Lemon Squeezy for?</h5> <p>Lemon Squeezy is for creators and software makers who sell downloads and subscriptions worldwide and never want to deal with sales tax.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Checkout for digital products and subscriptions - Sales tax and VAT handled as the merchant of record - Secure download links - License keys for software - Email marketing, free up to 500 subscribers - An affiliate program :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No monthly fee, and free to start - Sales tax and VAT handled for you - Card processing included in its cut - Part of Stripe :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Keeps 5% + $0.50 of each sale - Built for software first, not for courses - Some payments carry extra fees :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Lemon Squeezy has one price, from its pricing page:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Every sale** – 5% + $0.50, with volume pricing on request. - **Email marketing** – free up to 500 subscribers. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best with sales tax handled name: Lemon Squeezy logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/lemon-squeezy-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: No monthly fee, 5% + $0.50 a sale text: A checkout for digital products, subscriptions and licenses, now part of Stripe. button: Start on Lemon Squeezy for free | https://navid.link/lemonsqueezy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>23. [SendOwl](https://navid.link/sendowl?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best course checkout priced by your sales**</p> <p></p> <p>SendOwl sells anything digital straight to your customers, with no marketplace in between: downloads, courses, subscriptions and physical goods.</p> <p>Every plan has every feature. What you pay for is sales volume.</p> <p>Launch covers up to $10,000 in sales a year, Grow up to $36,000, and Business starts at $299 a month for up to $200,000. Go past your plan's limit, and SendOwl moves you up.</p> <p>SendOwl takes no cut of your sales.</p> <h5>Who is SendOwl for?</h5> <p>SendOwl is for creators who already have a site and want a checkout that delivers digital products securely, without a transaction fee.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Three checkout flows, overlay checkout and shareable links - Instant delivery of PDFs, videos, images and music - Subscriptions and recurring billing - Bundles and pre-orders - Upsells, coupons and an affiliate program - License keys and video streaming :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No cut of your sales - Every feature on every plan - A free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Launch stops at $10,000 in sales a year, and Grow at $36,000 - Business starts at $299 a month - A checkout, not a course platform with lessons and a community :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>SendOwl's plans go by your sales in a year, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – $39 a month, or $32.50 billed yearly, for up to $10,000 in sales a year. - **Grow** – $87 a month, or $72.50 billed yearly, for up to $36,000. - **Scale** – $159 a month, or $132.50 billed yearly, for up to $100,000. - **Business** – from $299 a month, for up to $200,000. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best priced by your sales name: SendOwl logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/sendowl-icon.png rating: 4.0 price: From $39 a month, after a free trial text: A checkout for downloads, courses and subscriptions, with no marketplace in between. button: Try SendOwl for free | https://navid.link/sendowl?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>24. [Beacons](https://navid.link/beacons?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best link in bio to sell courses next to brand deals**</p> <p></p> <p>[Beacons](https://navid.link/beacons?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a link-in-bio platform used by over 10 million creators: a page, a store for merch, digital products and courses, a media kit and newsletters.</p> <p>It also has an AI teammate, Beam, that helps with brand deals: finding them, negotiating rates and drafting replies.</p> <p>Its free plan keeps 9% of each sale, and so does Creator, at $10 a month. Creator Plus, at $30 a month, keeps nothing.</p> <h5>Who is Beacons for?</h5> <p>Beacons is for creators who earn from brand deals and want to sell a course or a download from the same link in bio.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A link-in-bio page - A store for merch, digital products and courses - A media kit that updates itself - Newsletters and DM automation - Beam, an AI teammate for brand deals - A free custom domain, from Creator :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan - Brand deals and selling in one place - 0% seller fees on Creator Plus :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Free and Creator keep 9% of each sale - 0% seller fees start on Creator Plus, at $30 a month - Built for creators' brand deals more than for courses :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Beacons has a free plan and three paid ones, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, with a 9% seller fee. - **Creator** – $10 a month, or $8.33 billed yearly, with a free custom domain and a 9% seller fee. - **Creator Plus** – $30 a month, or $25 billed yearly, with 0% seller fees. - **Creator Max** – $100 a month, or $83.33 billed yearly. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best link in bio for brand deals name: Beacons logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/beacons-icon.jpg rating: 4.1 price: Free plan, with a 9% seller fee text: A link-in-bio page with a store, a media kit and newsletters. button: Start on Beacons for free | https://navid.link/beacons?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>25. [Eden](https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best creator workspace to sell online courses**</p> <p></p> <p>Eden is one place to save ideas, study viral posts, write and schedule your content, and sell what you know. Its store sells courses, cohorts, coaching, digital downloads, memberships and bundles, from one page at your handle.</p> <p>Custom AI is one of its workspace features: an AI built around your notes, sources and voice. A course can come with one, built from its lessons, so buyers get answers as they learn.</p> <p>Its connectors bring in the apps you already use: Notion, Kit, beehiiv, Klaviyo, Webflow, Stripe, [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [Circle](https://navid.link/circle?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and Zapier, plus any app with a hosted MCP server. You can ask about your business in one chat, and put the routine checks on a schedule.</p> <p>Your buyers can learn inside Eden, or in Claude.</p> <p>Eden takes a flat 5% of each sale, and Stripe's fee comes out of your share. Selling starts on Starter, at $29 a month, or $299 a year ($200 for the first year with its welcome offer).</p> <h5>Who is Eden for?</h5> <p>Eden is for creators who want their ideas, their content and their store in one place, selling courses, coaching and downloads from the link in their bio.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A workspace to save ideas, study viral posts, and write and schedule posts - A store for courses, cohorts, coaching, downloads, memberships and bundles - A Custom AI built from a course's lessons, to answer buyers as they learn - Your own page at your handle - Charge once or monthly - Import your customers from other platforms - Sales through your own Stripe account - Up to three one-click upsells and your own affiliate program, on Pro - Connectors for Notion, Kit, beehiiv, Klaviyo, Webflow, Stripe, Kajabi, Whop, Circle and Zapier, plus any hosted MCP server :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Your ideas, your content and your store in one place - Connects to the tools you already use, and thousands more through Zapier - Sales go through your own Stripe account - One plan covers the store, with no second subscription :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Keeps 5% of each sale, with Stripe's fee on top - Its Free, Personal and Personal Plus plans can't sell :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Eden's selling plans are billed monthly or yearly, plus its flat 5% of each sale, from its pricing and store pages as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $29 a month, or $299 a year ($200 for the first year), with your store and 200 AI credits a month. - **Pro** – $79 a month, or $790 a year ($529 for the first year), adding one-click upsells and your own affiliate program. - **Studio** – $199 a month, or $1,999 a year, for teams and agencies, with five workspaces. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best creator workspace name: Eden logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/eden-icon.png rating: 4.1 price: From $29 a month, plus 5% a sale text: Save ideas, write your content and sell courses, cohorts, coaching and downloads. button: See Eden's store | https://navid.link/eden?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>26. [Maven](https://navid.link/maven?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best online course platform for live cohorts**</p> <p></p> <p>[Maven](https://navid.link/maven?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a platform for live cohort courses, where experts teach a group on set dates, plus free lightning lessons and one-day workshops.</p> <p>It's free until a student pays. Then Maven keeps 10% of your course earnings, and Stripe's fees come out of your 90%.</p> <p>For example, on a $1,000 enrollment, Maven takes $100, and Stripe charges its usual fee on the payment.</p> <h5>Who is Maven for?</h5> <p>Maven is for experts who teach live, in cohorts, and want a platform that also helps students find their course.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Live cohort courses - Free lightning lessons and one-day workshops - A community for each cohort - Payments and payouts through Stripe - Discount codes - A marketplace where students find courses :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free until a student pays - Built for live cohorts - A marketplace that can bring you students :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Keeps 10% of your course earnings - Stripe's fees come out of your share - Built for live teaching, not self-paced courses :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Maven has no plans. Its fee, from its help center:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Every enrollment** – Maven keeps 10%, and Stripe's fees come out of your 90%. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for live cohorts name: Maven logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/maven-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: No monthly fee, 10% of each enrollment text: Live cohort courses on set dates, plus free lessons and workshops. button: Teach on Maven | https://navid.link/maven?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>27. [Disco](https://navid.link/disco?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best course platform for a branded academy**</p> <p></p> <p>[Disco](https://navid.link/disco?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) builds a branded learning academy on your own domain: cohorts, courses, a community, events and AI agents for your admins and members.</p> <p>It's made for training businesses and companies as much as creators, with one plan, Organization, and Enterprise above it.</p> <p>Organization is $399 a month billed yearly, or $499 billed monthly, and includes up to 500 members.</p> <h5>Who is Disco for?</h5> <p>Disco is for training businesses and companies that run cohorts and self-paced courses for members, customers or employees.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A branded academy on your own domain - Cohorts, self-paced courses and a community - Quizzes, assignments and surveys - AskAI, instant answers from your own content - AI video transcription, summaries and subtitles - Branded iOS and Android apps, on Enterprise :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Cohorts, courses and a community in one academy - AI tools for your learners and admins - A free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - $399 a month billed yearly, or $499 monthly - Branded apps only on Enterprise - Built for training businesses more than solo creators :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Disco has one plan with a free trial, and Enterprise on request:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Organization** – $499 a month, or $399 billed yearly, for up to 500 members. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best branded academy name: Disco logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/disco-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: From $499 a month, after a free trial text: A learning academy on your own domain, with cohorts, courses, a community and AI agents. button: Try Disco free | https://navid.link/disco?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>28. [LearnDash](https://navid.link/learndash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best online course plugin for WordPress**</p> <p></p> <p>[LearnDash](https://navid.link/learndash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a course plugin for your own WordPress site, and it calls itself the number one LMS on WordPress.</p> <p>You buy a yearly license: $259, $399 or $599. Each one includes unlimited courses and unlimited learners, with no fee per student.</p> <p>Hosting, a theme and email are yours to add, since it runs on your own site.</p> <h5>Who is LearnDash for?</h5> <p>LearnDash is for creators and training businesses that already run WordPress and want the course inside their own site, with full control over it.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Lessons, topics and assessments with drag and drop - Quizzes with 8 question types - A certificate builder and achievements - Memberships, subscriptions and bundles - Payments through Stripe and PayPal - An AI course outline and quiz builder - Team selling, cohorts and advanced reporting, on the higher plans :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Unlimited courses and learners - No fee per student and no cut of your sales - Your course on your own WordPress site - Detailed quizzes and certificates :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Hosting, a theme and email are yours to add - A yearly license, renewed each year - More setup than a hosted platform :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>LearnDash has three yearly licenses:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Essentials** – $259 a year. - **Pro** – $399 a year, with team selling, cohorts and advanced reporting. - **Elite** – $599 a year. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best course plugin for WordPress name: LearnDash logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/learndash-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: From $259 a year text: Courses on your own WordPress site, from what it calls the number one LMS on WordPress. button: See LearnDash's plans | https://navid.link/learndash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>29. [MemberPress](https://navid.link/memberpress?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best WordPress plugin for course memberships**</p> <p></p> <p>MemberPress is a membership plugin for WordPress: paywalls, courses, coaching, communities and subscription billing on your own site.</p> <p>Creators using it have earned over $2.5 billion, it says.</p> <p>Its Launch plan charges a 4.9% transaction fee on every payment. Growth and Scale charge none.</p> <p>The prices on its page are introductory, half the normal price, and renewals are at full price.</p> <h5>Who is MemberPress for?</h5> <p>MemberPress is for WordPress site owners who want to sell memberships and courses from their own site, with the content locked behind a paywall.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Paywalls and dripped content - Unlimited courses and lessons, with an AI course generator - Subscription billing and a customizable checkout - Digital downloads - Community forums, a member directory and coaching, from Growth - A full affiliate program and direct messages, on Scale :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Memberships and courses on your own site - No transaction fees from Growth - A 14-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Launch charges 4.9% on every payment, and takes Stripe only - Renewals are at full price, twice the first year's - Hosting and a theme are yours to add :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>MemberPress has three yearly plans, at half price for the first year:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – $199.50 a year (normally $399), with a 4.9% transaction fee. - **Growth** – $349.50 a year (normally $699), with no transaction fee and community forums. - **Scale** – $499.50 a year (normally $999), with the affiliate program and direct messages. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for memberships on WordPress name: MemberPress logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/memberpress-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $199.50 a year text: Paywalls, courses, coaching and subscription billing on your own WordPress site. button: See MemberPress's plans | https://navid.link/memberpress?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>30. [Tutor LMS](https://navid.link/tutorlms?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best free online course plugin**</p> <p></p> <p>[Tutor LMS](https://navid.link/tutorlms?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a course plugin for WordPress, and its core is free forever.</p> <p>With the free plugin, you can build and launch your first course without paying anything, on your own site.</p> <p>The paid plans are yearly licenses, from $199 for one site, and add a larger quiz builder, instructor dashboards and earnings split between instructors.</p> <p>Hosting, a theme and payments are yours to add.</p> <h5>Who is Tutor LMS for?</h5> <p>Tutor LMS is for creators and schools on WordPress who want to start free, and for sites with several instructors sharing the earnings.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A free core plugin - Native video, YouTube and Vimeo lessons - An advanced quiz builder with interactive quiz types - Certificates and dripped lessons - Instructor dashboards and earnings split by instructor :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free version, for good - Built for several instructors - A 30-day money-back guarantee - Lifetime licenses too :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Hosting, a theme and payments are yours to add - The advanced quizzes and instructor tools are paid :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Tutor LMS is free to start, with three yearly licenses and lifetime ones:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, the core plugin. - **Individual** – $199 a year, for one site. - **Business** – $399 a year. - **Agency** – $799 a year. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best free course plugin name: Tutor LMS logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/tutor-lms-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free version, or from $199 a year text: A course plugin for WordPress whose core is free for good. button: Start on Tutor LMS for free | https://navid.link/tutorlms?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>31. [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best community plugin for course creators**</p> <p></p> <p>[FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a community and course plugin for WordPress: spaces, feeds, profiles, chat and a course builder, all on your own site.</p> <p>It's also the last platform I used on WordPress, before I built my own checkout.</p> <p>There's a free version, and Pro is $199 a year for one site, or $399 once for a lifetime license.</p> <p>You sell courses and paid spaces through FluentCart, from the same team, with Stripe or PayPal.</p> <h5>Who is FluentCommunity for?</h5> <p>FluentCommunity is for coaches and creators on WordPress who want a community with courses inside, on their own site and without a monthly platform fee.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Community spaces, activity feeds and profiles - Chat, comments, reactions and polls - Leaderboards and badges - A course builder with lessons and lesson discussions - Progress tracking - Paid courses and spaces through FluentCart :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free version - A community and courses on your own site - A lifetime license option - No fee on your sales - A 14-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Hosting is yours, and it runs best on a VPS or cloud server - Selling needs FluentCart too :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>FluentCommunity is free to start. Pro, by the number of sites:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Single site** – $199 a year, or $399 once for life. - **5 sites** – $399 a year, or $799 once. - **15 sites** – $699 a year, or $1,599 once. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best community plugin name: FluentCommunity logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/fluentcommunity-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: Free version, or from $199 a year text: Spaces, feeds, chat and a course builder on your own WordPress site. button: See FluentCommunity's plans | https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>32. [SureDash](https://navid.link/suredash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best free community plugin for course creators**</p> <p></p> <p>[SureDash](https://navid.link/suredash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) builds a community, courses, events and a resource library right inside WordPress, from the team behind products used on over 4 million sites.</p> <p>It has no per-member fees, and it says you can set it up in under 10 minutes.</p> <p>There's a free version. The paid plans are yearly, from $69, at introductory prices that renew at full price.</p> <p>To sell access, you use an ecommerce plugin of your choice, like SureCart.</p> <h5>Who is SureDash for?</h5> <p>SureDash is for WordPress site owners who want a community and courses on their own site, starting free.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Community spaces and discussions - Courses with quizzes - Events and a resource library, on Business - Member dashboards - Import from [LearnDash](https://navid.link/learndash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free version - No per-member fees - A lifetime option, $499 once for Business - A 14-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Selling needs a separate ecommerce plugin - Renewals are at full price: $99, $199 and $299 a year - Hosting is yours to add :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>SureDash is free to start, with three yearly plans at introductory prices:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $69 a year (renews at $99), for one site. - **Pro** – $149 a year (renews at $199), with discussions, on 10 sites. - **Business** – $199 a year (renews at $299), with events and a resource library, or $499 once for life. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best free community plugin name: SureDash logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/suredash-icon.png rating: 4.1 price: Free version, or from $69 a year text: A community, courses, events and a resource library inside WordPress. button: Start on SureDash for free | https://navid.link/suredash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>33. [SureCart](https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best WordPress checkout to sell online courses**</p> <p></p> <p>SureCart is an ecommerce plugin for WordPress, used by over 80,000 merchants: a checkout, subscriptions, installment plans and sales tax for your own site.</p> <p>It sells courses together with a course plugin like [LearnDash](https://navid.link/learndash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), LifterLMS or [Tutor LMS](https://navid.link/tutorlms?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), or with [SureDash](https://navid.link/suredash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) for a community.</p> <p>The Launch plan is free, with a 2.9% transaction fee on its pricing page. Its WordPress.org page says 1.9%. Pro, at $199 a year for one store, has no transaction fee.</p> <p>Card processing is on top on every plan.</p> <h5>Who is SureCart for?</h5> <p>SureCart is for WordPress site owners who sell courses through a course plugin and want a modern checkout for them.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A checkout native to WordPress - Subscriptions, installment plans and free or paid trials - Sales tax for 40+ countries and every US state, and EU VAT - Coupons and an affiliate program - A customer portal for orders and subscriptions - Works with LearnDash, LifterLMS and Tutor LMS :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free to start - No transaction fee on Pro - Sales tax and VAT worked out for you - A lifetime option, $699 once for Pro - A 14-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Launch charges a transaction fee: 2.9% on its pricing page, 1.9% on WordPress.org - Courses need a separate course plugin - Card fees on top on every plan :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>SureCart's prices for one store:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Launch** – free, with a transaction fee. - **Pro** – $199 a year, with no transaction fee. - **Pro Lifetime** – $699 once. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best WordPress checkout name: SureCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/surecart-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: Free plan, or from $199 a year text: A WordPress checkout with subscriptions, installment plans and sales tax. button: Start on SureCart for free | https://navid.link/surecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>34. [FluentCart](https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best way to sell courses on WordPress with no fees**</p> <p></p> <p>FluentCart is an ecommerce plugin for WordPress from the team behind [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms): physical and digital products, subscriptions, licenses, courses and memberships.</p> <p>It charges no transaction fees, on the free version or Pro, and Stripe and PayPal are built in.</p> <p>It's new, with over 9,000 active installs. Pro is $199 a year for one site, and for now there's an early-bird lifetime deal from $249.</p> <h5>Who is FluentCart for?</h5> <p>FluentCart is for WordPress creators who sell courses and memberships with FluentCommunity or [LearnDash](https://navid.link/learndash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), and want a fast checkout with no fee on sales.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Physical and digital products, subscriptions and licenses - Courses and memberships, with FluentCommunity and LearnDash - Stripe and PayPal built in - Installments, bundles and invoicing - Shipping and taxes :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - No transaction fees on the free version or Pro - Stripe and PayPal with no extra plugins - A free version - A 60-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - New, with over 9,000 active installs so far - Courses need FluentCommunity or LearnDash - Hosting is yours to add :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>FluentCart is free to start, with yearly plans by the number of sites:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **1 site** – $199 a year, or $249 once in the early-bird lifetime deal. - **5 sites** – $499 a year. - **15 sites** – $699 a year. - **50 sites** – $899 a year. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best with no fees on WordPress name: FluentCart logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/fluentcart-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free version, or from $199 a year text: Products, subscriptions and licenses with no transaction fees. button: Start on FluentCart for free | https://navid.link/fluentcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>35. [CartFlows](https://navid.link/cartflows?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best WooCommerce funnels to sell online courses**</p> <p></p> <p>CartFlows is a funnel builder and checkout for [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), trusted by over 800,000 stores, it says.</p> <p>It sells courses through course plugins like [LearnDash](https://navid.link/learndash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [Tutor LMS](https://navid.link/tutorlms?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), LifterLMS and MemberPress, with funnels, order bumps and one-click upsells around them.</p> <p>There's a free version on WordPress.org. The paid plans are yearly, at introductory prices that renew at full price.</p> <h5>Who is CartFlows for?</h5> <p>CartFlows is for WooCommerce sites that sell courses and want funnels, order bumps and upsells around the checkout.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Sales funnels for WooCommerce - A modern checkout and cart - Cart abandonment recovery and coupons - Order bumps and one-click upsells, from Pro - A/B split testing and funnel analytics - Works with LearnDash, Tutor LMS, LifterLMS and MemberPress :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free version - Order bumps, upsells and A/B tests on a WooCommerce store - A lifetime option - A 14-day money-back guarantee :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Needs WooCommerce, and a course plugin for courses - Order bumps and upsells start on Pro - Renewals at full price: $149, $299 and $449 a year :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>CartFlows has a free version and three yearly plans at introductory prices:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Starter** – $99 a year (renews at $149), for one site. - **Pro** – $199 a year (renews at $299), or $699 once, with order bumps and upsells on three sites. - **Suite** – $299 a year (renews at $449), or $999 once. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for WooCommerce funnels name: CartFlows logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/cartflows-icon.jpg rating: 4.1 price: Free version, or from $99 a year text: Funnels, order bumps and upsells for WooCommerce. button: See CartFlows' plans | https://navid.link/cartflows?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms note: I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. :::</p> <h4>36. [Teachery](https://navid.link/teachery?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best online course platform you pay for once**</p> <p></p> <p>Teachery is a course platform for courses and branded digital products, with zero transaction fees.</p> <p>Every plan includes every feature, with unlimited courses, customers, course hubs and custom domains.</p> <p>It costs $49 a month, or $950 once for a lifetime plan. Stripe charges 2.9% + $0.29 a sale, and 3.4% + $0.29 on payment plans.</p> <h5>Who is Teachery for?</h5> <p>Teachery is for creators who want a simple, well-designed course platform and would rather pay once than every month.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Courses and branded digital products - Unlimited courses, customers and custom domains - Checkout, coupons and payment plans - Upsells and welcome emails :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Zero transaction fees - Every feature on every plan - A lifetime plan: $950 once - A 14-day free trial :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Stripe only, with no PayPal yet - Payment plans cost 3.4% + $0.29 a charge through Stripe :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Teachery has two plans, with a 14-day free trial:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Monthly** – $49 a month, or $39.17 a month billed yearly. - **Lifetime** – $950 once. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best to pay once name: Teachery logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/teachery-icon.png rating: 4.0 price: From $49 a month, or $950 once text: Courses and branded digital products with zero transaction fees. button: Try Teachery free for 14 days | https://navid.link/teachery?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>37. [Xperiencify](https://navid.link/xperiencify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best online course platform for course completion**</p> <p></p> <p>Xperiencify is a course platform built around gamification, to get more students to finish your course.</p> <p>It adds points, variable rewards, badges, leaderboards, celebrations, sound effects and a binge mode to your lessons, with quizzes, a community and forums.</p> <p>Your account is free until you're ready to publish a course. Then Growth is $99 a month, for 10 courses and 1,000 active students a month.</p> <p>Its pricing page lists no transaction fee, and its help articles on payments are gone, so its payment fees aren't published.</p> <h5>Who is Xperiencify for?</h5> <p>Xperiencify is for course creators whose students start but don't finish, and who want the course itself to pull them through.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - Points, rewards, badges and leaderboards - Celebrations, sound effects and a binge mode - Quizzes and assessments, with logic paths - A community and forums - Email, funnels and pages - A certified expert to build your course, as a service :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Gamification built into every lesson - Free until you publish - A community and quizzes included - A lifetime option: $1,499 once :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Starts at $99 a month - Caps courses and active students on every plan - Its payment fees aren't published :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Xperiencify is free until you publish, then:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Growth** – $99 a month, for 10 courses and 1,000 active students a month. - **Pro** – $199 a month, for 20 courses and 5,000 active students. - **Lifetime** – $1,499 once, for 10 courses and 1,000 active students. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for course completion name: Xperiencify logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/xperiencify-icon.png rating: 4.0 price: Free until you publish, then from $99 a month text: Gamified courses that get more of your students to finish. button: Start on Xperiencify for free | https://navid.link/xperiencify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>38. [Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best online store with a course platform built in**</p> <p></p> <p>[Shopify](https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is an online store platform, and a course is one more product in the store once you add a course app.</p> <p>On its own, Shopify sells physical products and digital downloads, with its free Digital Products app delivering the files. For lessons, you add a course app from the Shopify App Store, like Courses Plus or Tevello.</p> <p>Courses Plus, for example, has a free plan, then costs $19.99, $79.99 or $199.99 a month, on top of your Shopify plan.</p> <p>Shopify takes no cut when you use Shopify Payments. With another payment provider, it adds a transaction fee: 2% on Basic.</p> <h5>Who is Shopify for?</h5> <p>Shopify is for creators who already sell physical products or merch and want a course in the same store and the same checkout.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - An online store with its own checkout - Digital downloads with the free Digital Products app - Courses through an app, like Courses Plus or Tevello - Coupons, sales tax and email marketing - Shopify Payments :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Your course, downloads and physical products in one store - No transaction fee with Shopify Payments - Several course apps to choose from, in the Shopify App Store :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Courses need an app, with its own monthly price - A 2% transaction fee on Basic with another payment provider :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Shopify's plans, before any course app. It starts with three days free, then $1 a month for your first three months:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Basic** – $39 a month, or $29 billed yearly. - **Grow** – $105 a month, or $79 billed yearly. - **Advanced** – $399 a month, or $299 billed yearly. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for a store with a course name: Shopify logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/shopify-icon.jpg rating: 4.3 price: From $39 a month, after three days free text: An online store where a course is one more product, through a course app. button: Start on Shopify | https://navid.link/shopify?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>39. [WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best free WordPress store to sell online courses**</p> <p></p> <p>[WooCommerce](https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a free, open-source store for your own WordPress site, with full control of your checkout, your data and your costs.</p> <p>A course sells through it with a course plugin, like Sensei LMS, [LearnDash](https://navid.link/learndash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) or [Tutor LMS](https://navid.link/tutorlms?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms). Sensei Pro, for example, is $149 a year.</p> <p>WooCommerce takes no cut of your sales. WooPayments, its own payments, charges 2.9% + $0.30 on US cards, with no monthly fee, and 1.5% more on international cards.</p> <h5>Who is WooCommerce for?</h5> <p>WooCommerce is for creators who run WordPress and want a store and a course on their own site, choosing every piece themselves.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A free store plugin for WordPress - Any payment provider, including WooPayments, Stripe and PayPal - Physical products, downloads, subscriptions and memberships - Courses with Sensei LMS, LearnDash or Tutor LMS - Extensions, like CartFlows for funnels :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free, and open source - No cut of your sales - Your store, data and checkout on your own site :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Courses need a course plugin - Hosting, updates and security are yours :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>WooCommerce is free. What you pay for is the rest:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **WooCommerce** – free. - **WooPayments** – 2.9% + $0.30 a sale on US cards, with no monthly fee. - **A course plugin** – like Sensei Pro, at $149 a year. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best free WordPress store name: WooCommerce logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/woocommerce-icon.png rating: 4.2 price: Free text: A free, open-source store for your own WordPress site. button: Get WooCommerce | https://navid.link/woocommerce?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h4>40. [Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p>**The best platform to sell courses next to merch and memberships**</p> <p></p> <p>[Fourthwall](https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a creator store for merch, digital products and memberships, with no upfront costs and no credit card to start.</p> <p>It isn't a course platform. But you can sell a course on it, as a digital product or as a video membership, with your videos organized into series in its video catalog.</p> <p>Its free plan keeps 5% of digital product sales, and Pro, at $15 a month, keeps nothing on them. Memberships keep 5% on both plans, and card processing is 2.9% + $0.30 on US cards.</p> <h5>Who is Fourthwall for?</h5> <p>Fourthwall is for creators who sell merch and memberships to their audience, and want to add a course or a digital product to the same shop.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A branded shop for merch, digital products and memberships - A video catalog, with videos organized into series - Private livestreams, polls, badges and Discord roles for members - Branded mobile apps for your members - Your own domain :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - A free plan, with no upfront costs - Merch, downloads and memberships in one shop - No fee on digital products on Pro - Branded mobile apps for members :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Not a course platform: no quizzes or certificates on its pages - Keeps 5% of digital product sales on the free plan - Memberships keep 5% on both plans :::</p> <h5>Pricing</h5> <p>Fourthwall has a free plan and Pro, from its pricing page as read on October 3, 2026:</p> <p>:::chevrons - **Free** – $0, keeping 5% of digital product sales, with 5 GB of storage. - **Pro** – $15 a month, or $48 less a year billed yearly, with no fee on digital products, 100 GB, a free .store domain and $120 of shop credit a year. :::</p> <p>:::product award: Best for merch and memberships name: Fourthwall logo: https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/fourthwall-icon.png rating: 4.3 price: Free plan, keeping 5% of digital sales text: Merch, digital products and memberships, with no upfront costs. button: Start on Fourthwall for free | https://navid.link/fourthwall?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms :::</p> <h3>What is an online course platform?</h3> <p>An online course platform is software you sell and deliver a course on. It hosts your lessons, takes the payment, and lets your students in.</p> <p>They come in eight kinds:</p> <ul><li>**All-in-one platforms** – your course, website, email and checkout under one plan, like [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms).</li><li>**Course platforms** – built around the course itself, like [Thinkific](https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [LearnWorlds](https://navid.link/learnworlds?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and [Teachable](https://navid.link/teachable?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms).</li><li>**Community platforms** – a community first, with courses inside, like [Skool](https://navid.link/skool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [Circle](https://navid.link/circle?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and [Mighty Networks](https://navid.link/mightynetworks?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms).</li><li>**Live cohort platforms** – courses taught live to a group, like [Maven](https://navid.link/maven?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and [Disco](https://navid.link/disco?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms).</li><li>**Checkout platforms** – a checkout first, that can sell a course too, like [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms).</li><li>**Link-in-bio stores** – a store behind the link in your social profiles, like [Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and [Beacons](https://navid.link/beacons?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms).</li><li>**WordPress plugins** – a course platform on your own WordPress site, like [LearnDash](https://navid.link/learndash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [Tutor LMS](https://navid.link/tutorlms?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms).</li><li>**Course marketplaces** – they bring the buyers and keep a bigger share, like [Udemy](https://navid.link/udemy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and [Skillshare](https://navid.link/skillshare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms).</li></ul> <h3>What to look for in an online course platform</h3> <p>Five things decide most of it:</p> <p>1. **What it costs at your sales** – the plan, plus its cut of each sale. A free plan with a cut can cost more than a paid plan once you sell. 2. **Its cut of each sale** – [HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) take none, [Skool](https://navid.link/skool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)'s Hobby plan keeps 10%, [Circle](https://navid.link/circle?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) 2% on Professional, and [Thinkific](https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) adds up to 5% if you sell through Stripe instead of Thinkific Payments. 3. **Its limits** – contacts on Kajabi and [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), members on [ThriveCart Academy](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), students on Thinkific. The cheapest plan is often the one with the tightest cap. 4. **The features you need** – a community, email, upsells, certificates or an affiliate program. Many of them start on the second plan. 5. **Who hosts it** – a hosted platform runs everything for you, and a WordPress plugin runs on your own site, where hosting and updates are yours.</p> <h3>The best free online course platforms</h3> <p>A free online course platform lets you publish and sell a course before you pay for a plan.</p> <p>But "free" works in four different ways, and each one costs you somewhere else.</p> <h4>Free plans</h4> <p>[Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is free for up to 2,000 contacts, with one course, 500 students and no transaction fees.</p> <p>And [Payhip](https://navid.link/payhip?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)'s free plan has every feature, but keeps 5% of each sale.</p> <h4>Free trials</h4> <p>Many paid platforms let you try them first, then charge the plan's price.</p> <p>[Thinkific](https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [New Zenler](https://navid.link/newzenler?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) give you 30 days free. [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [Podia](https://navid.link/podia?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [Circle](https://navid.link/circle?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and [Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) give you 14.</p> <h4>Free WordPress plugins</h4> <p>[Tutor LMS](https://navid.link/tutorlms?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and [SureDash](https://navid.link/suredash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) have free versions you install on your own WordPress site.</p> <p>The plugin is free. The hosting isn't, since the course runs on your own server.</p> <h4>No monthly fee, but a fee on each sale</h4> <p>[Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) charges 2.7% + $0.30 a sale, card processing included.</p> <p>[Gumroad](https://navid.link/gumroad?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) keeps 10% + $0.50 a sale, plus card fees.</p> <p>And [Maven](https://navid.link/maven?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is free until a student pays, then keeps 10%.</p> <p>So a free platform costs the least while you sell little. Once you sell every month, a plan with no cut often costs less, and the comparison at the top shows you where that line is for your price and sales.</p> <h3>Online course marketplaces</h3> <p>A marketplace brings its own buyers, and keeps a much bigger share of each sale for it.</p> <p>So many creators do both: a marketplace to be found, and their own platform for the people who already follow them.</p> <h4>[Udemy](https://navid.link/udemy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p></p> <p>[Udemy](https://navid.link/udemy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a course marketplace: you publish a course, and Udemy sells it to its own students.</p> <p>It's free to teach on. What you earn depends on who brought the student.</p> <p>A sale through your own coupon or referral link pays you 97%. A sale Udemy finds for you, through its ads or its marketplace, pays you 37%.</p> <h5>Who is Udemy for?</h5> <p>Udemy is for teachers who want buyers without building an audience first, and who are fine earning less on each sale for it.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A marketplace of students looking for courses - Free to publish - Quizzes and certificates - A mobile app for students - A Teaching Center with guides for planning, recording and marketing :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Brings its own students - Free to teach on - 97% of sales through your own coupon or referral link :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Pays you 37% of a sale it finds - To earn 97%, the sale has to come through your own coupon or link :::</p> <h4>[Skillshare](https://navid.link/skillshare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms)</h4> <p></p> <p>[Skillshare](https://navid.link/skillshare?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is a marketplace for creative classes, where members pay Skillshare and watch any class.</p> <p>Teachers don't earn per sale. They earn royalties from the Skillshare Teacher Fund, by how much members watch and engage with their classes, plus engagement rewards and referral earnings.</p> <h5>Who is Skillshare for?</h5> <p>Skillshare is for teachers of creative skills who want members already watching, and don't need to set a price.</p> <h5>Key features</h5> <p>:::checks - A marketplace of members who watch any class - Royalties from the Teacher Fund, by minutes watched - Engagement rewards and referral earnings - A mobile app for students :::</p> <h5>Pros</h5> <p>:::pros - Free to teach on - Members already watching - Earnings from every class members watch :::</p> <h5>Cons</h5> <p>:::cons - Paid by watch time, not per sale - What you earn changes month to month :::</p> <h3>What I use</h3> <p>I sell through my own checkout, Creator Store, now.</p> <p>Before that, the last platform I used on WordPress was [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), and I processed millions of dollars through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and a few others.</p> <p>Every platform I used lacked something, which is why I built my own.</p> <p>Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you sign up through one, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.</p> <p>If you're getting ready to sell a course, these books cover the launch and the selling:</p> <p>:::books launch expert-secrets dotcom-secrets traffic-secrets :::</p> <p>:::faq :::</p> <h3>Final thoughts on online course platforms</h3> <p>There's no single best platform. It depends on what you sell, how you want to sell it, and how much, since a cut of each sale costs little at first and more as you grow.</p> <p>Here are my final recommendations:</p> <p>:::cards list https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/thinkific-icon.png | Thinkific | The best for courses, with lessons, quizzes, a community and a checkout, and a 30-day free trial. | https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms | Best for courses | Try Thinkific free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/skool-icon.jpg | Skool | The best for a community, with courses and events inside and unlimited members. | https://navid.link/skool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms | Best for a community | Try Skool free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/whop-icon.png | Whop | The best with no monthly fee: a community, courses and payments for 2.7% + $0.30 a sale. | https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms | Best with no monthly fee | Start on Whop https://cdn.navid.me/tools/thrivecart-icon.png | ThriveCart Academy | The best with a checkout, with upsells and 0% fees on sales. I processed millions of dollars through ThriveCart. | https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms | Best with a checkout | Try ThriveCart free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/highlevel-icon.png | HighLevel | The best all-in-one: a CRM, funnels, email, SMS and courses, with unlimited contacts. | https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms | Best all-in-one | Try HighLevel free https://cdn.navid.me/tools/icons/systemeio-icon.png | Systeme.io | The best free plan, with funnels, email and courses and no transaction fees. | https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms | Best free plan | Start Systeme.io free :::</p> <p>Now I'd like to turn it over to you. Which one will you use? Or do you use a great one I didn't cover? [Send me a message](/contact) and tell me.</p> <p>Keep reading:</p> <ul><li>[How to create an online course](/articles/how-to-create-an-online-course) – from the idea to the launch</li><li>[Online course platform comparison](/free-tools/online-course-platform-comparison) – every platform ranked by what it costs you, or filtered by the features you need</li><li>[Online course revenue calculator](/free-tools/online-course-revenue-calculator) – what a course could earn</li></ul> <p>Put your price and sales into the comparison at the top, then try the two that fit you best.</p><h2>FAQs about online course platforms</h2><h3>What is the best online course platform?</h3><p>[Thinkific](https://navid.link/thinkific?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) is my pick for courses: lessons, quizzes, a community and a checkout, with a 30-day free trial to start on.</p> <p>For a community, [Skool](https://navid.link/skool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), and to pay nothing until you sell, [Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms).</p><h3>What is the cheapest online course platform?</h3><p>[Whop](https://navid.link/whop?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) has no monthly fee, and charges 2.7% + $0.30 a sale.</p> <p>[Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) has a free plan, and WordPress plugins like [Tutor LMS](https://navid.link/tutorlms?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and [SureDash](https://navid.link/suredash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) have free versions, though you pay for your own hosting.</p><h3>Which course platforms take no cut of your sales?</h3><p>[HighLevel](https://navid.link/highlevel?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [Kajabi](https://navid.link/kajabi?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [Systeme.io](https://navid.link/systemeio?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [SamCart](https://navid.link/samcart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [Kourses](https://navid.link/kourses?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [New Zenler](https://navid.link/newzenler?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [Stan](https://navid.link/stanstore?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) and Teachery take no cut on any plan.</p> <p>Your payment processor still charges card fees, usually 2.9% + $0.30 a sale in the US.</p><h3>Is Skool good for online courses?</h3><p>Yes, if your course lives inside a community, since both [Skool](https://navid.link/skool?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) plans come with unlimited members, courses, videos and live calls.</p> <p>The Hobby plan keeps 10% of each sale, and Pro keeps 2.9%.</p><h3>Should I sell my course on Udemy or my own platform?</h3><p>[Udemy](https://navid.link/udemy?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) brings buyers, and pays you 37% of a sale it finds and 97% of a sale through your own coupon or referral link.</p> <p>Your own platform keeps almost all of each sale, but you bring every buyer.</p><h3>Can I sell a course on WordPress?</h3><p>Yes, with a plugin like [LearnDash](https://navid.link/learndash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [Tutor LMS](https://navid.link/tutorlms?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms) or [SureDash](https://navid.link/suredash?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms).</p> <p>Hosting, a theme and updates are yours to take care of.</p><h3>What do you use to sell your courses?</h3><p>My own checkout, Creator Store.</p> <p>Before that, the last platform I used on WordPress was [FluentCommunity](https://navid.link/fluentcommunity?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms), and I processed millions of dollars through [ThriveCart](https://navid.link/thrivecart?utm_source=navid.me&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=articles&amp;utm_content=best-online-course-platforms).</p>Digital productshttps://navid.me/blog/influencer-marketing-mistakes/https://navid.me/blog/influencer-marketing-mistakes/The 21 influencer marketing mistakes I see most, with real examples of bad outreach and exactly what to do instead.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>Influencer marketing mistakes land in my inbox every week.</p> <p>People I've never met ask me to promote their launch. They make the message about what they need, not what they can offer. They treat me like an ad slot instead of a person.</p> <p>Then they wonder why influencers ignore them.</p> <p>I've been [building relationships with influencers](/articles/build-relationships-with-influencers) since 2013, when I had zero connections. Those relationships became the speakers and partners behind [every summit I've hosted](/ai-virtual-events), from [The Branding Summit](/the-branding-summit) to the [AI Creator Summit](/ai-creator-summit). What made them work was always the same: add value first, ask later.</p> <p>Here are the 21 influencer marketing mistakes I see most, with real examples and exactly what to do instead.</p> <h3>What influencer marketing really is</h3> <p>[Influencer marketing](/articles/influencer-marketing) is partnering with creators whose audience already trusts them, so they introduce you to people you couldn't reach alone.</p> <p>Most people think it's about finding someone with a million followers. It isn't. The best partnerships happen with creators whose audience actually cares about what you offer, whatever the size.</p> <p>Ads interrupt people. A recommendation from someone they trust doesn't. That's why it works, and why every mistake below is really a trust mistake.</p> <h3>21 influencer marketing mistakes to avoid</h3> <h4>1. Reaching out without clarity 🤔</h4> <p>"Hey, love your content! Wanna collab?"</p> <p>That's not an invitation. It's homework for the other person. If you don't know why you're reaching out, what the opportunity is and what success looks like, you're wasting both your time and theirs.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** before you write anything, get clear on your goal. Are you growing your email list, booking interviews, or selling a course through affiliates? If you can't explain what's in it for them, and for you, in 2 clear sentences, you're not ready to reach out.</p> <h4>2. Making it all about you 🤳</h4> <p>The fastest way to get ignored is a list of demands from someone who clearly doesn't know who they're writing to.</p> <p>"We're launching a summit that's featured some BIG names. You'd be perfect. All we need is 2 solo emails, 2 social posts and a list of 10k+..."</p> <p>Jon Schumacher, a summit host, shared one of these invites with his network, and it didn't go well for the sender. Derek Halpern got a similar invite with a 5,000 subscriber minimum, and jokingly replied that his list was "only 1k":</p> <p>:::gallery  1350x1318  802x783 :::</p> <p>And in the comments, other creators said what everyone thinks when they get one:</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>**Do this instead:** flip the message. Why would their audience love this? How does it help their goals? Why is it worth their time? If every sentence is about you, start over.</p> <h4>3. Leading with the ask, not value 🙏</h4> <p>You wouldn't walk up to a stranger at a party and say "promote my course". But that's what most first DMs do.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** warm up first, like a normal person. Leave a thoughtful comment on their posts, not "🔥🔥🔥". Share their work with a note on why it helped you. Send a testimonial or a thank-you with no pitch. Let them see your name next to value before they ever see an ask.</p> <h4>4. Sounding like a robot (or like ChatGPT) 🤖</h4> <p>"Dear Sir or Madam, we would be honored to feature you in our esteemed program..."</p> <p>Nobody talks like that. And a message that was obviously pasted from ChatGPT with no edits gets deleted just as fast.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** write like a smart, friendly person. Use their first name, get to the point, speak to them as a peer. Read it out loud before you send it. If you wouldn't say it, rewrite it. Use AI to research and draft, then make every line sound like you.</p> <h4>5. Letting an assistant make first contact 📧</h4> <p>"Hello there, I'm [assistant's name], reaching out on behalf of [a guru] who's launching a massive summit. Here are the requirements..."</p> <p>A stranger, writing for someone else you don't know, with a list of demands. Mitch Asser, one of my students, shared an invite like this in my students' group, and the replies said it all:</p> <p>:::gallery  1216x1240 :::</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>**Do this instead:** if it's the first time you're reaching out to someone, do it yourself. Your assistant can build the list, research each person and prepare notes. You hit send.</p> <h4>6. Chasing status over substance ⭐</h4> <p>100k followers or a big conference on their bio doesn't make someone the right partner. Some of my best collaborators have been creators nobody else was paying attention to yet. They showed up, delivered and cared.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** look for alignment and shared values first. Judge the quality of their audience, not just its size.</p> <h4>7. Overhyping big names 💎</h4> <p>"Past speakers include BIG names... and others."</p> <p>Translation: if you're not famous, you're filler. Rising creators feel like second-class guests, and they're often the ones who would promote hardest.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** mention names only where they help, and make every creator feel like a valued part of the event. Invest in people early. Those relationships compound.</p> <h4>8. Reaching out cold 🥶</h4> <p>You have your offer, your launch date and your list of influencers, so you start messaging. But none of them has heard of you.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** show up in their comments and replies, share their work and send a message with no ask, a week or two before you pitch anything. You don't need months. You need to not be a stranger.</p> <h4>9. No clear reason to say yes ❓</h4> <p>"You'd be a great fit. Want in?" Why? Influencers get dozens of vague asks every week.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** lead with a specific, concrete benefit. "Your session goes to 5,000 new creators in your niche." "Our top affiliates earned $3,000+ last time." "You'll be alongside [2 people they know and respect]."</p> <h4>10. Forcing one way to collaborate 🚫</h4> <p>Some creators love email promotions. Others prefer a podcast swap, a live session or a social post. Push everyone into your one format and you lose the people who would have said yes to something else.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** offer 2 or 3 ways to work together, from low effort to high, and ask what they prefer. I've had partners say yes to big collaborations only because they had options.</p> <h4>11. Not following up 📬</h4> <p>One email and done means you're invisible. Their inbox is full, and your message got buried.</p> <p>In 2014, I spent months trying to schedule an interview with Neil Patel. I kept following up, and he finally said yes to an hour-long interview for The Branding Summit:</p> <p></p> <p>In 2016, the same thing happened with Mariah Coz for my next summit. I'd been following up for months:</p> <p></p> <p>My students see the same thing:</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>**Do this instead:** follow up with value, not "just checking in". Share an update, add something helpful, give them a reason to reply. Wait about a week between follow-ups, and track every conversation in a simple CRM or spreadsheet.</p> <h4>12. Not doing your research 🔍</h4> <p>Pitching a vegan creator on your steak course, or asking someone to speak on a topic they stopped talking about 2 years ago, tells them you never looked.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** read or watch their last 10 pieces of content. Know what they care about now, what they already promote and who their audience is. Use AI to summarize their recent work, then look at it yourself. I explain how in [how to identify influencers](/articles/how-to-identify-influencers).</p> <h4>13. Judging by follower count 📊</h4> <p>Followers can be bought. Engagement can't be faked for long.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** look at comments, replies and how people talk to them. A creator with 8,000 followers and real conversations under every post can do more for you than one with 800,000 and silence.</p> <h4>14. Not tracking results 📈</h4> <p>If you don't know which partner brought in which subscribers and sales, you can't thank the right people, pay them fairly or know who to work with again.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** give every partner their own [tracking link](/free-tools/utm-builder), and look at registrations and sales by partner after every campaign.</p> <h4>15. Skipping disclosure ⚖️</h4> <p>In the US, the FTC requires influencers to clearly disclose paid or sponsored promotions. It's your job as the brand to make sure your partners do it.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** tell every partner upfront that paid or affiliate promotions need a clear disclosure, like "ad", "sponsored" or "affiliate link". It protects them, you and the trust of their audience.</p> <h4>16. Micromanaging their content 🎬</h4> <p>A script written by your marketing team, read word for word, sounds like an ad. Because it is one.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** give them the key points, the facts and the link, then let them say it their way. Their audience follows them for their voice, not yours.</p> <h4>17. Treating it as a one-off 🔗</h4> <p>One post, one payment, never speak again. You've bought an ad, not built a relationship.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** stay in touch between campaigns. Promote their launches, send them results, invite them to your next event. Some of my summit speakers came back for the next one, and some became partners on later launches too.</p> <h4>18. Picking the wrong platform 📱</h4> <p>A great partner on the wrong platform is the wrong partner. If your buyers are on email and LinkedIn, a big TikTok creator might bring you views but no customers.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** start where your audience already buys from you, and pick partners who are strongest there. For summits and courses, email partners still beat almost everything.</p> <h4>19. Expecting overnight results ⏳</h4> <p>The first partnership rarely changes everything. The tenth, built on the first 9, often does.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** think in years. My relationships from 2013 and 2014 led to summit speakers, affiliate partnerships and friendships I still have today.</p> <h4>20. Not making it easy to promote 🧰</h4> <p>A partner who has to write their own email, find your link and make their own graphics probably won't.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** send a promo kit: 2 or 3 ready emails, social posts, graphics and their tracking link. Chandler Bolt credits exactly this for his summit's results:</p> <p>:::testimonials cfbbdd86-c9b7-44dc-89dc-f11f75b1bfa4 :::</p> <h4>21. Forgetting to say thank you 🙌</h4> <p>A partner promotes you, and never hears back. Next time, they'll say no.</p> <p>**Do this instead:** thank every partner personally, share their results with them, and thank the best ones publicly. It costs you nothing, and it's the reason people want to work with you again.</p> <h3>Final thoughts on influencer marketing mistakes</h3> <p>Almost every influencer marketing mistake comes from the same place: treating people like an advertising channel instead of people.</p> <p>Flip that, and most of these mistakes disappear. Get clear on what you want, lead with value, make it easy to say yes and easy to promote, follow up, and keep the relationship going after the campaign ends.</p> <p>Start with the next person on your list. Then read [how to reach out to influencers](/articles/how-to-reach-out-to-influencers) for the exact emails I use, and [what are influencer partnerships](/articles/what-are-influencer-partnerships) for turning one collaboration into many.</p><h2>FAQs about influencer marketing mistakes</h2><h3>What is the biggest influencer marketing mistake?</h3><p>Making it all about you.</p> <p>A message full of your needs and demands, from someone the influencer doesn't know, gets ignored.</p><h3>How do I reach out to an influencer without sounding salesy?</h3><p>Build a relationship first, then lead with what's in it for their audience.</p> <p>Keep it short, use their name and write the way you'd talk.</p><h3>How many times should I follow up with an influencer?</h3><p>Follow up with value, about a week apart, until you get an answer.</p> <p>Some of my best speakers said yes after months of follow-ups.</p><h3>Does follower count matter in influencer marketing?</h3><p>Less than engagement and fit.</p> <p>A creator with a smaller, engaged audience that matches yours often brings better results than a bigger account.</p><h3>Do influencers have to disclose paid promotions?</h3><p>Yes.</p> <p>In the US, the FTC requires influencers to clearly disclose paid, sponsored and affiliate promotions, and it's the brand's job to make sure partners do it.</p><h3>Should my assistant contact influencers for me?</h3><p>Not the first time.</p> <p>Your assistant can research and prepare, but the first message should come from you.</p>Influencer marketinghttps://navid.me/blog/what-is-a-virtual-event/https://navid.me/blog/what-is-a-virtual-event/What a virtual event is, how it works, what it costs and why it's one of the best ways to grow an online business, with real results.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>In November 2014, I hosted my first virtual event, [The Branding Summit](/the-branding-summit).</p> <p>I had almost no audience. It still brought in over $20,000 in sales and close to 3,000 attendees. On 28 November, I quit my part-time job, and the same day I made over $5,000 from the summit's [all-access pass](/articles/how-to-monetize-virtual-events).</p> <p>That one online event changed my business and my life. Since then I've hosted many more, up to the [AI Creator Summit](/ai-creator-summit), which 100,000+ creators from 110+ countries have tuned in to.</p> <p>Here's what a virtual event is, how it works, what it costs, and why it's still one of the best ways to grow an online business.</p> <h3>What is a virtual event?</h3> <p>A virtual event is an organized event that happens online instead of in a physical place. People register, then watch, learn and interact from wherever they are.</p> <p>It can be a single 60-minute webinar or a 5-day summit with 30 experts. What makes it an event, and not just a video, is that it happens at a set time, people sign up for it, and they experience it together.</p> <p>:::quote Virtual events are the fastest way to build your email list while growing your influence, revenue and impact at the same time. :::</p> <h3>How do virtual events work?</h3> <p>Most virtual events follow the same flow:</p> <p>:::steps How a virtual event works - **Registration:** people sign up on a [registration page](/free-tools/landing-page-grader) with their email. - **Access:** they get emails with the schedule and links. - **The event:** they watch live or pre-recorded sessions during a set window. - **Interaction:** chat, Q&amp;A, polls, a community or live calls. - **The offer:** an all-access pass, a product or a program for people who want more. - **Follow-up:** replays, a next offer and ongoing emails. :::</p> <p>Most creator events mix both: pre-recorded expert interviews for the content, and live sessions for energy and connection.</p> <h3>Types of virtual events</h3> <p>The most common formats are:</p> <ul><li>**Virtual summits:** many experts, one topic, several days. My favorite.</li><li>**Webinars:** one session that teaches one thing, often with an offer at the end.</li><li>**Virtual workshops:** hands-on and interactive, usually smaller.</li><li>**Online conferences:** bigger events with several tracks.</li><li>**Challenges:** a series of daily lessons with homework over 5 to 30 days.</li><li>**Live cohorts:** a group going through a program together over several weeks.</li><li>**Virtual product launches:** an event built around opening a new offer.</li></ul> <p>I break down all of them, with examples, in [19 types of virtual events](/articles/types-of-virtual-events).</p> <h3>Virtual vs in-person vs hybrid events</h3> <p>:::table Area | Virtual | In-person | Hybrid Cost to host | Low | High | Highest Reach | Anyone with internet | People who can travel | Both Setup | A few tools | Venue, travel, catering | Both, at the same time Content afterward | Recorded and reusable | Often lost | Recorded Networking | Chat and community | Strongest | Uneven between groups Best for | Growing a list and selling | Deep relationships | Established events :::</p> <p>For most creators, virtual is the place to start. You can reach people in 110+ countries from your laptop.</p> <h3>How much does it cost to host a virtual event?</h3> <p>Much less than most people think. Many creators host their first summit with a few hundred dollars, or even less.</p> <p>You need a microphone, a camera (a phone works), a way to record interviews, a registration page, an email platform and a checkout.</p> <p>The expensive part isn't the tools. It's your time, and AI now does a big part of that work.</p> <h3>Why host a virtual event?</h3> <ul><li>**Build your email list fast.** My [List Building School](/list-building-school) summit added over 26,000 subscribers in 2 weeks.</li><li>**Get paid to grow.** An all-access pass can make an event profitable before it starts.</li><li>**Borrow authority.** Standing next to respected experts makes people see you as one.</li><li>**Build relationships.** Every speaker is a new connection in your industry.</li><li>**Create a product.** The recordings become something you can sell again.</li><li>**Get months of content.** Every interview turns into clips, posts and emails.</li></ul> <p>More in [21 benefits of virtual events](/articles/benefits-of-virtual-events).</p> <h3>Who hosts virtual events?</h3> <p>Coaches, consultants, course creators, authors, podcasters, membership owners and SaaS companies all use them. If there's an audience for your topic online, there's room for an event around it.</p> <p>The niche can be surprisingly specific. Diana Rowan, one of the world's top harpists, hosted the Virtual Harp Summit. Her first summit brought in 2,100 email subscribers and 460 all-access pass sales, and she built a membership on top of it.</p> <p>Looking for a topic? Start with these [50 virtual event ideas](/articles/virtual-event-ideas).</p> <h3>Real virtual event examples and results</h3> <p>:::table Event | Host | Result The Branding Summit | Me, 2014 | $20,000+ in sales, close to 3,000 attendees List Building School | Me, 2016 | 26,000+ subscribers in 2 weeks Self-Publishing Success Summit | Chandler Bolt | $370k+ and 30,000 subscribers in under 2 months Work-At-Home Summit | Caitlin Pyle | 60,000+ subscribers and $502,000 in revenue Women's Strength Summit | Steph Gaudreau | From 62 subscribers to 19,560 new ones Play Therapy Summit | Jen Taylor | $100,027 from all-access passes Insurance Agent Summit | Brian Appleton | 3,500 sign-ups, 465 sales, $20K in sponsorships AI Creator Summit | Me, since 2024 | 100,000+ creators from 110+ countries :::</p> <p>Here's how some of them describe it in their own words:</p> <p>:::testimonials ef68fab3-9dd1-4578-b574-e2b0a5afe2e3 3d195d99-85a6-46ea-af55-db4323a6f425 39183a0d-d62d-414e-9a7b-2581ff10abae :::</p> <p>For 100 more, see my list of [virtual event examples](/articles/virtual-event-examples).</p> <h3>How I host virtual events today</h3> <p>When I hosted my first summit, I built every page by hand and edited every interview myself.</p> <p>Today I host my summits on AI Summit OS, my set of summit templates from registration to replay vault. Claude builds from them, so a summit site comes together fast. AI edits the recordings, writes the transcripts, cuts the clips and drafts the emails.</p> <p>What hasn't changed: the right topic, [the right speakers](/articles/how-to-identify-influencers) and a real offer still decide whether an event works.</p> <h3>The future of virtual events</h3> <ul><li>**AI-produced events.** One person can now run an event that used to need a team.</li><li>**Smaller, more focused events.** A 3-day event on one outcome often beats a 10-day event on everything.</li><li>**Live and interactive.** More live sessions, Q&amp;As and cohorts, less passive watching.</li><li>**Evergreen.** Events that keep running and selling after the live dates.</li></ul> <h3>Final thoughts on virtual events</h3> <p>A virtual event is an online gathering people sign up for, experience together and remember. For a creator, it's also the fastest way I know to grow a list, [build relationships](/articles/build-relationships-with-influencers) and make money at the same time.</p> <p>You don't need a big audience or a big budget to start. My first event proved that to me.</p> <p>If you're ready to host one, start with [how to host a virtual summit](/articles/how-to-host-a-virtual-summit), then plan your promotion with [21 online event marketing strategies](/articles/online-event-marketing-strategies). My upcoming book [Virtual Summit OS](/books/virtual-summit-os) teaches the full method, rebuilt so AI does most of the work.</p><h2>FAQs about virtual events</h2><h3>What is a virtual event?</h3><p>A virtual event is an organized event that happens online instead of in a physical place.</p> <p>People register, then watch, learn and interact from wherever they are.</p><h3>What are examples of virtual events?</h3><p>Virtual summits, webinars, virtual workshops, online conferences, challenges, live cohorts and virtual product launches.</p> <p>My favorite is the virtual summit, because it grows your list, your network and your revenue at the same time.</p><h3>How much does it cost to host a virtual event?</h3><p>Much less than most people think.</p> <p>Many creators host their first summit with a few hundred dollars, or even less.</p><h3>What is the difference between a virtual event and a webinar?</h3><p>A webinar is one type of virtual event: usually one presenter and one session.</p> <p>A virtual event can also be a multi-day summit with many experts, a workshop or a conference.</p><h3>Are virtual events better than in-person events?</h3><p>For growing a list and selling online, usually yes, because they cost less and reach anyone with internet.</p> <p>In-person events are still better for deep relationships.</p><h3>Can I make money with a virtual event?</h3><p>Yes.</p> <p>Most creator events make money from an all-access pass, sponsorships, affiliate offers and a backend product like a course or a membership.</p>Virtual eventshttps://navid.me/blog/promoting-virtual-events/https://navid.me/blog/promoting-virtual-events/17 practical tips for promoting a virtual event, and a simple 6-week plan to put them in order.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>You can have the best speakers and the best content in your niche, and still get 50 registrations.</p> <p>It happens all the time. Not because the event is bad, but because nobody knew about it in time.</p> <p>I've been promoting [virtual summits](/articles/what-is-a-virtual-summit) since 2014. My first one, [The Branding Summit](/the-branding-summit), had 88 speakers and I had almost no audience of my own. Promotion is what made it work, and it's what has made every summit since then work, up to the [AI Creator Summit](/ai-creator-summit), which 100,000+ creators have tuned in to.</p> <p>Here are 17 tips for promoting a [virtual event](/articles/what-is-a-virtual-event), and a simple 6-week plan to put them in order.</p> <h3>Before you promote: get the offer right</h3> <p>The best promotion can't fix an event nobody wants.</p> <p>Before you send a single email, you should be able to finish this sentence: "This event helps [specific person] get [specific result]."</p> <p>If you can't, the next tips won't help much. If you can, everything else gets easier.</p> <h3>17 tips for promoting a virtual event</h3> <h4>1. Make the promise impossible to misread 🎯</h4> <p>Your event isn't "a summit about marketing". It's how to build your email list from scratch, or how to use AI in your creator business.</p> <p>A clear promise does half the promotion for you, because people instantly know whether it's for them.</p> <p>Steph Gaudreau felt the health niche was already full of summits. So she narrowed it down to exactly who she wanted to attract, and her Women's Strength Summit took her from 62 email subscribers to 19,560 new ones.</p> <h4>2. Give it a name that sells itself 🏷️</h4> <p>[List Building School](/list-building-school). The Women's Strength Summit. The AI Creator Summit.</p> <p>A good name tells people the topic and the audience in 3 or 4 words. Skip clever names that need explaining.</p> <h4>3. Put up a waitlist page early ⏳</h4> <p>You don't need the full [registration page](/free-tools/landing-page-grader) to start. A simple page with the promise and an email box lets you collect interest while you're still booking speakers.</p> <p>Everyone on that list gets the announcement first.</p> <h4>4. Choose speakers who will actually share it 🎤</h4> <p>A big name who never mentions your event does less for you than a mid-sized creator who emails their list twice.</p> <p>Pick speakers whose audience matches yours, and who are excited to be part of it. Ask how they like to promote before they say yes, so you both know what to expect.</p> <h4>5. Make it a win for your speakers too 🤝</h4> <p>Speakers promote harder when they get something back: new subscribers, a share of pass sales, exposure to your audience.</p> <p>Caitlin Pyle made sure her Work-At-Home Summit grew her speakers' lists, not just her own:</p> <p></p> <p>She got 60,000 new subscribers in about a week.</p> <h4>6. Hand partners a done-for-you promo kit 📦</h4> <p>Every speaker and affiliate gets the same kit: 2 or 3 ready emails, social posts, graphics and their own [tracking link](/free-tools/utm-builder). The less they have to write, the more they share.</p> <p>Here's what partner emails looked like for 2 summits, John Lee Dumas for the Self-Publishing Success Summit and Molly Mahoney for my AI Creator Summit:</p> <p>:::gallery  1168x1445  698x1402 :::</p> <h4>7. Record a short promo video 🎬</h4> <p>60 to 90 seconds, you on camera: who the event is for, what they'll get, who's speaking, and when it starts.</p> <p>Put it on the registration page and in the announcement email. People trust a face more than a graphic.</p> <h4>8. Drip speaker clips and quotes 🎞️</h4> <p>In the 2 weeks before the event, post a short clip or a quote from a different speaker every day.</p> <p>Each one is a free sample. AI tools pull the best 30 seconds from an interview in minutes.</p> <h4>9. Build an affiliate army 🏆</h4> <p>Pay a commission on every [all-access pass](/articles/how-to-monetize-virtual-events), and add a leaderboard with prizes for the top partners. I explain how I set it up in [21 online event marketing strategies](/articles/online-event-marketing-strategies).</p> <h4>10. Promote in phases, not all at once 📅</h4> <p>Split your promotion into windows, each with its own message:</p> <ul><li>**Pre-launch:** the waitlist and teasers.</li><li>**Early bird:** the pass at its lowest price.</li><li>**Main launch:** speakers, partners and affiliates all share.</li><li>**Last chance:** the final days before it starts.</li></ul> <p>Each phase gives you a new reason to email, and your audience a new reason to act.</p> <h4>11. Offer free access plus a VIP pass 🎟️</h4> <p>Keep the live sessions free, so anyone can join. Sell a pass for the recordings, bonuses and extras.</p> <p>Free grows your list. The pass pays for the event. List Building School had $104,811 in pass sales before it started.</p> <h4>12. Use scarcity the honest way ⏰</h4> <p>Early bird prices that really end. Bonuses that really expire. A replay window that really closes.</p> <p>Fake urgency works once. Real urgency works every time you host.</p> <h4>13. Partner with micro-influencers and newsletters 📰</h4> <p>You don't need the biggest names. A niche newsletter or a YouTuber with 10,000 loyal followers can outperform an account with a million.</p> <p>Look for the people your audience already reads, and ask them to share the event or speak at it.</p> <h4>14. Retarget warm audiences with ads 🎯</h4> <p>Skip cold ads for a free event. Retarget people who visited your page, watched your videos or opened your emails. It's cheap, and it catches people who meant to register and forgot.</p> <h4>15. Reward referrals 🎁</h4> <p>Give attendees a reason to invite a friend: a bonus session, a template pack or a free upgrade when someone they invite registers.</p> <p>Your attendees know exactly who else would love the event.</p> <h4>16. Use AI to create promo assets fast ⚡</h4> <p>AI can draft your emails, social posts, speaker bios, graphics and clip captions in an afternoon.</p> <p>Then rewrite them in your own voice. People can tell when a promo was written by a machine and nobody read it.</p> <h4>17. Get on podcasts and in the press 🎙️</h4> <p>A podcast tour in the month before your event puts you in front of new audiences, with the host's trust behind you.</p> <p>Pitch your story, not your event. When Business Insider featured my story in 2015, it brought in almost 2,000 subscribers overnight.</p> <h3>A 6-week plan for promoting your virtual event</h3> <p>:::table When | What to do 6 weeks out | Speakers confirmed, waitlist page live, promo kit ready 4 weeks out | Announce to your list, open the early bird pass 3 weeks out | Speakers and affiliates start sharing, the affiliate contest opens 2 weeks out | Speaker clips every day, a partner webinar, spotlight emails 1 week out | Countdown emails and retargeting ads Event week | A daily email, speakers share their day, live sessions After the event | Replay weekend, last call for the pass, evergreen version :::</p> <h3>Final thoughts on promoting virtual events</h3> <p>Promoting a virtual event comes down to 3 things: a promise people instantly understand, partners who want to share it, and a plan that starts weeks before the doors open.</p> <p>You don't need a big audience to start. I didn't. You need the right people to share your event with theirs.</p> <p>Pick 5 of these tips for your next event, put them on the 6-week plan, and track which ones bring in the most registrations. Then do more of what works.</p> <p>For the full plan before, during and after, read [21 online event marketing strategies](/articles/online-event-marketing-strategies). And if you haven't planned your event yet, start with [how to host a virtual summit](/articles/how-to-host-a-virtual-summit).</p><h2>FAQs about promoting virtual events</h2><h3>How do I promote a virtual event with no audience?</h3><p>Partner with people who already have one.</p> <p>Invite speakers whose audience matches yours, make it a win for them, and give them everything they need to share it.</p><h3>When should I start promoting a virtual event?</h3><p>Put up a waitlist page about 6 weeks before the event.</p> <p>Announce it to your list about 4 weeks out, and have your partners start sharing about 3 weeks out.</p><h3>What is the best free way to promote a virtual event?</h3><p>Your speakers.</p> <p>A speaker emailing their list or sharing their own session day is free, and their audience already trusts them.</p><h3>Should I use paid ads to promote a virtual event?</h3><p>Only on warm audiences.</p> <p>Retarget people who visited your registration page, watched your videos or opened your emails, and skip cold ads for a free event.</p><h3>How do I get speakers to promote my virtual event?</h3><p>Make it easy and make it worth it.</p> <p>Send a promo kit with ready emails, posts, graphics and a tracking link, and offer a commission on pass sales.</p><h3>How many emails should I send to promote a virtual event?</h3><p>Plan an announcement, a few speaker spotlight emails, an early bird deadline, a countdown and one email every morning of the event.</p> <p>Each phase gives you a new reason to write.</p>Virtual events