Update: Prolific currently has a waiting list, so sign up for that. In the meantime the article still applies to other survey websites
If you’ve ever typed “easy ways to make money online” into Google, chances are you’ve stumbled on online surveys. They’re everywhere, “Get paid for your opinion!” sounds great, but most survey sites are underpaying or a complete waste of time. Or don’t even pay out at all.
So, are any survey platforms actually worth it in Europe?
Turns out, yes. Two names that keep popping up in legit money-making circles are Prolific and CloudResearch Connect. We put them to the test, dug through the Reddit trenches, and broke it all down for us Europeans.
The Rise of High-Quality Online Surveys Platforms
Unlike spammy sites that offer 3 cents for a 15-minute survey, Prolific and CloudResearch are academic and scientific platforms. They’re built for researchers who need high-quality data and that means paying participants fairly.
Let’s break them down one by one.
What is Prolific?
Prolific (prolific.com) is a UK-based research platform that connects academic studies with participants. Instead of weird product questionnaires, you’ll find real studies from universities and PhD students.
- Payouts: Minimum payment is around €5 per hour, but most online surveys pay closer to €6–€9/hour.
- Payment method: PayPal (within 2-3 days, sometimes sooner)
- Requirements: Fluent English and decent attention to detail.
What sets Prolific apart is the transparency. Each study shows exactly how long it should take, how much it pays and the hourly rate.
The pay outs can actually get quite big, as seen here and here.
What is CloudResearch Connect?
CloudResearch Connect is a newer online surveys platform but quickly growing in popularity. It’s tied to the CloudResearch platform used by behavioral science researchers (think psychology, decision-making, etc.).
- Payouts: Around €10/hour on average, depending on the study.
- Payment method: PayPal
- Requirements: Typically requires Chrome extension and verification.
So, Can You Actually Make Money?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: It depends on how consistent and available you are.
Let’s break it down with a rough estimate based on active users:
| Platform | Avg. Hourly Rate | Avg. Monthly Earning | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prolific | €6–€9/hour | €60–€200 | 3–5 hrs/week |
| CloudResearch | €6–€10/hour | €70–€200 | 3–6 hrs/week |
These numbers assume you’re checking in a few times a day and not missing high-paying studies. Some users report earning over £100/month from each platform with less than 1 hour a day.
Important: These platforms won’t make you rich. But they can be a solid side hustle for passive time, like during lunch breaks, commutes or while watching Netflix.
There are two main disadvantages though. First of all, the available surveys can be very limited. At the moment there even is a wait list for Prolific due to the high demand for surveys. The second disadvantage is that you have to be in the US or UK to be able to start the surveys. We have tried connecting from other locations with a VPN, but that doesn’t work.
How to Get Started (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a quick-start checklist if you want to give these platforms a try:
Step 1: Sign Up
- Prolific – Create an account, complete your profile (this is crucial to get matched with more studies).
- CloudResearch Connect – Sign up, verify your identity, and install the Chrome extension.
Step 2: Set Alerts
- Keep tabs open or use browser notifications.
- For Prolific, try the Prolific Assistant, a Chrome extension to auto-refresh studies.
Step 3: Be Honest
- Don’t fake answers. Both platforms use attention checks and will ban you if you fail.
- Keep your profile info updated to get relevant studies.
Step 4: Be Consistent
- Check in 2–3 times a day.
- Grab high-paying studies early in the week (Tues–Thurs are often the busiest).
Real Talk: Are Online Surveys Worth Your Time?
If your goal is financial freedom, survey sites won’t get you there. But they’re not a waste of time either—especially if:
- You’re just starting and want to dip your toes in online income.
- You’ve got spare time and a decent internet connection.
- You enjoy giving opinions and helping real research.
Are they the most efficient side hustles? Nope. But they’re real, accessible, and beginner-friendly. So for us, they are definitely worth it as you can make money without being bound to time and location.
Summary
- Prolific and CloudResearch are two of the most legit survey platforms right now.
- Average earnings range between €60–€250/month with just a few hours per week.
- Best for beginners looking to make side income with zero risk.
- Unfortunately we couldn’t test the online surveys due to our geolocation.
Looking for higher-income hustles? Check out our full breakdown of tested ideas on our Insights page.
Conclusion
If you’re outside the United States or United Kingdom, online surveys can still earn you some extra money, but manage your expectations. The volume of surveys is lower, payouts are smaller, and some platforms may not even accept your location. For us it isn’t worth it as we’re not in the United States or United Kingdom unfortunately. This method won’t make it to the insights page.
While users in the US and UK can realistically aim for €50–€200 per month with consistency, those in other regions may see limited opportunities and slower progress, especially if relying on a single platform.
That said, if you’re stacking multiple sites, responding quickly, and treating it as a low-effort filler task (not a main hustle), surveys can still offer a few hundred extra per year with no real barrier to entry.
In short: they’re not a scam, but they’re not scalable income either, unless you’re in a high-demand region. It’s worth it if you are in the United States of the United Kingdom, or if you’re really in need of €50.
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