44 Best Gig Economy Apps to Earn Money in 2024

Looking for gig economy examples or ways to make money with gig economy apps? Our article will give you the 101 on the best gig apps.

You might have heard the phrase “gig economy” get thrown around in recent times — but what exactly is it?

Even though there isn’t a fixed definition, the gig economy can be briefly summarized as  “an economy in which temporary, flexible jobs are commonplace, and companies tend toward hiring independent contractors and freelancers instead of full-time employees.”

Even if you aren't directly familiar with the term, you might have come across the gig economy in other ways — think freelancers, independent contractors, or that one friend of yours who is traveling the world and sustaining themselves by juggling various side gigs.

Best Gig Economy Apps and Jobs

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If you wanted more ways to search for gig economy opportunities, here are some highly-rated gig economy examples:

1. Amazon Flex

Once you’ve downloaded the app and set up your account, you can look for delivery opportunities that are convenient for you. Open the Amazon Flex app to search for available delivery blocks in your area. With every offer, you’ll see your expected earnings and how long your block is likely to take you to complete. You can also mark yourself as available in the app to qualify for instant offers. Jobs like Amazon Flex are some of the best ways to start driving and earning today.

Download: Please note, the app is available for download from the Get Started page after you enter information about your delivery location

2. Bellhop

One gig economy job for those who don't mind helping people move is becoming a mover with Bellhop. Here you can enjoy a job where you can set your own hours and feel proud about what you did with them. Make up to $21 an hour, including tips and bonuses. Get paid weekly, and earn even more for referrals.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

3. Care.com

Care.com is the world's largest online destination for care. This gig economy job connects families with caregivers that want to earn extra income during COVID-19 and beyond. The average Care.com pricing for Caregiver hourly pay in the United States is approximately $13.58, which is 10% above the national average. While it isn't the highest paying gig economy job, if you are keen on babysitting it's an easy gig.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

4. Caviar

Caviar is a part of DoorDash. When you sign up, you’ll join the fleet of independent couriers, called Dashers. Through DoorDash, you can receive either Caviar or DoorDash delivery opportunities. DoorDash offers businesses and Dashers opportunities to earn, work, and live. As a Dasher, you’re your own boss. You choose when, where, and how much you earn.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

5. Dolly

Join Dolly and use your truck, trailer, van or just your hands to get paid working whenever you choose. You can make $30/hr or more if you have a pickup truck, cargo van, or box truck and can lift over 75 lbs. Or you simply make $15/hr or more if you own a car and can lift over 75 lbs to assist helpers.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

6. DoorDash

Available in over 4,000 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, DoorDash is about connecting people with possibilities: bigger savings accounts, wider nets, stronger communities, and happier days. This gig economy app empowers local businesses and local drivers (called Dashers) with opportunities to earn, work, and live. As a Dasher, you can be your own boss and enjoy the flexibility of choosing when, where, and how much you earn. All you need is a mode of transportation and a smartphone to start making money. It’s that simple with apps like DoorDash.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

Related: DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: Which One is Best For Drivers?

7. Etsy

Join the creative marketplace where millions of shoppers spend billions each year purchasing directly from creative entrepreneurs like you.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

8. Fancy Hands

Fancy Hands is currently hiring people to work as assistants for thousands of very discerning users of its site. If you have a fast internet connection and the ability to use common websites and software, this could be a lot of fun. They are looking for smart people who want to help others, and help build a great company. Are you good on the phone and great at internet research? This could be the perfect position for you.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

9. Favor

At Favor, you can deliver anything. Favor runners deliver anything to customers in need: tacos, groceries, dry cleaning, you name it! They are considered personal assistants, not delivery drivers. You can receive 100% of your tip and all scheduled hours have minimum guaranteed earnings, though most runners average between $10 to $18 per hour.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

10. Tastemade

Love to cook? Feastly is looking for you! Feastly is a platform and marketplace where seasoned restaurant cooks, food truck owners, and private chefs can engage their followers, develop and strengthen their brand, and supplement their income through pop-ups and private dinners. They are looking for talented chefs to join the chef community and earn money during COVID-19.

11. Fiverr

You can freelance your way in the gig economy to land your next paycheck. Be creative! You can offer any service you wish as long as it's legal and complies with Fiverr's terms. There are over 200 categories you can browse to get ideas. It's totally up to you as to how much money you stand to make. You can work as much as you want. Many sellers work on Fiverr full time and some keep their 9-5 job while using Fiverr to make extra money.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

12. Freelancer

Freelancer is a marketplace of ideas, skills, and talents where anyone can work on what they love. The website has been up and running for about six years now and it has since launched many products and features to help both employers and freelancers get work done.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

13. Gigwalk

Whether you’re looking for a little spending money or want to earn an entire extra paycheck, Gigwalk can help. Work when and where you want to – you can even start making money today.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

14. Grubhub

With Grubhub, it’s easy to earn competitive pay, keep 100% of your tips and create your own flexible schedule delivering food. You can earn $12 per hour on average by selecting bocks to indicate when you want to work. It's easy to get started and you just have to be over 19 years old, pass a background check, and have a state ID. This food delivery app is worth checking out to earn money in the gig economy.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

15. Handy

You can start earning money this week with Handy. You can gain access to hundreds of jobs in your city and build your own schedule. This gig economy apps pays well too. Make up to $22/hour/job as a cleaner or $45/hour/job as a handyman or $62/hour/job as a lawn care pro. Handy's top professionals make more than $1,000 a week.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

16. Getaround

Turn your car into a second paycheck with no driving necessary. You're paid monthly. Earn $1,000s per year actively sharing your parked car.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

17. HopSkipDrive

Becoming a CareDriver is a great way set your own hours, support our future generations, and get paid. CareDrivers earn up to $32 per hour, plus bonuses.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

18. Instacart

Jobs like Instacart let you get paid to shop! As a shopper for Instacart, you go to the grocery store like normal, except you’re getting paid to shop for others. You'll likely need a vehicle to make deliveries since groceries are heavy and can work up to 29 hours per week. You can earn on average $15 per hour and must be over 18 years old or over to start shopping with its grocery delivery services.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

19. Lyft

Lyft is a platform that connects drivers with individuals and organizations that need rides. They know this is a challenging time, and as the COVID-19 crisis continues the well-being of Lyft drivers is the company's priority. You can visit Lyft's site to learn what steps they are taking to support drivers, and how they are finding new opportunities for them to earn while helping their communities.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

20. Moonlighting

At Moonlighting you can search thousands of part-time, work-from-home, contract, seasonal and service-related jobs, gigs and side-hustle opportunities.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

21. Postmates

Postmates is one of the most popular on-demand delivery apps in the US. Here, you can deliver anything from a cup of coffee from Starbucks to a new PS5. Postmates partners with stores all over the country to make deliveries to people's homes. Download the free Postmates Fleet app for iOS or Android and come online whenever you want to make money.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

22. Shipt

Shipt is a membership-based grocery marketplace, enables the delivery of fresh foods and household essentials. Experienced shoppers make an average of $22/hr, including Shipt tipping, and paychecks are delivered every week. You can also check out other jobs like Shipt to get paid to shop.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

23. Rentah

Rentah is a peer to peer marketplace where anyone can rent out their goods and services. List items for rent to people nearby you to score some extra cash.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

24. Rover

Get paid to play with dogs with this gig economy app. Become a sitter with Rover and gain access to the nation’s largest network of pet parents. Dog walking can really make you money with this gig economy app.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

25. Snagajob

Employers have essential jobs open and need to fill them fast. These gig jobs are in high-demand and hiring now and you can find them by using Snagajob.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

26. SpotHero

Your extra spot could mean extra cash. Rent it on SpotHero and earn added income, easily. Fill out the form on its website to begin the process of selling your parking space to drivers looking for parking near you. They will reach out within 1-2 weeks to confirm if your location is a good fit. SpotHero is currently only considering spots available for Monthly Parking located in the following markets – Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Toronto, Seattle, Miami or Atlanta.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

27. TaskEasy

If you have a landscaping business you should look into adding profitable accounts to your route with TaskEasy. TaskEasy manages hundreds of thousands of properties across the U.S, and they have been able to provide its network of contractors with millions of profitable lawn care accounts in over 12,000 cities. With TaskEasy, you get immediate access to commercial & residential landscaping accounts in your are at no cost to you.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

28. TaskRabbit

Find local jobs that fit your skills and schedule with this gig economy app. With TaskRabbit, you have the freedom and support to be your own boss. You keep 100% of what you charge, plus tips! Taskers can invoice and get paid directly through TaskRabbit's secure payment system.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

29. Turo

List your car for free on Turo to make money in the gig economy. Share your truck, sports car, or anything in between. Listing takes about 10 minutes and is free — no sign-up charges, no monthly fees. Lay your own ground rules and customize when your car is available. Set your own daily price, or let Turo automatically adjust your price to maximize your earnings. When a guest books your car, you’ll confirm where and how to hand over the keys before the trip. Check your guest in with the Turo app, then sit back and relax until the trip is over.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

30. Uber

You probably already know about this popular rideshare app. Uber is available in hundreds of cities worldwide. You must meet the minimum age to drive in your city, have an eligible mode of transportation, and submit required documents, including a valid driver’s license. Drivers in the US must also pass a background screening and have at least one year of licensed driving experience. If you want to drive with Uber but need a car, you can get a car from one of Uber's vehicle partners or from a fleet partner in select markets. Please note that vehicle options may vary by city.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

31. Upwork

Upwork is a great place to find more clients, and to run and grow your own business. On Upwork, you run your own business and choose your own clients and projects. Just complete your profile and the site will highlight ideal jobs. Also search projects, and respond to client invitations. Clients are now posting jobs in hundreds of skill categories, paying top price for great work. The greater the success you have on projects, the more likely you are to get hired by clients that use Upwork.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

32. VRBO

You could list your property on VRBO and earn money by renting it out. Set up your property and explain what's unique, show off with photos, and set the right price to start earning. VRBO will help you collect payment, deduct a commission, and send you the balance. Get the perfect match easily and the site will connect you with travelers from home and abroad.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

33. Wingz

Wingz is a peer-to-peer marketplace that connects passengers with their personal driver. Rides are pre-scheduled, door-to-door and flat-rate. Passengers can rebook their favorite driver using the Wingz mobile app, website or toll-free number. Payments and tips are processed by credit card. Whether you want to drive full time or part time, Wingz lets you manage your schedule and accept the rides you want to provide.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

34. Airbnb

Becoming an Airbnb host is easy and you can earn money for listing your space for rent on this platform. Decide how many people can stay and for how long. Set house rules that guests must follow when staying at your place. What you charge is up to you. Airbnb's tools and insights can help you set nightly prices that are competitive for your area.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

35. Zeel

You can become a wellness professional on Zeel. Whether it’s an in-home table massage, or a chair massage in a spa or office, you can choose where and when you give treatments. Zeel's system matches you with customers who are seeking out your specialties.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

36. Hyrecar

Rent cars to drive with Uber, Lyft, and food/package delivery that best fit your needs. Available for daily, weekly or monthly rentals. Hyrecar provides you with the protection you need to get on the road with any rideshare service/ Meet with the car owner to get the keys and you’ll be on your way to financial freedom.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

37. Uber Eats

Now you can make money by delivering food orders that people crave using the Uber Eats app—all while exploring your city. The benefits are similar to other food delivery jobs, no boss, flexible schedule and quick pay. You can learn more about delivering with Uber Eats in our full guide.

Download:

• iTunes – FREE
• Google Play – FREE

Other Side Gigs to Earn Fast Cash

Sometimes you need to make fast cash to pay for a bill or make rent money. If this sounds like you, here are some legitimate ways to increase your monthly income:

38. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a favorite gig economy app for many people and has over 3 million users. Sign-up for free, it takes a few minutes, then begin earning money. The survey options to choose from is extensive, with short or long surveys. You can review just about every retail product, and even music.

Longer surveys pay more. Each survey is worth a number of points. You get paid $10.00 for every 1,000 points awarded in cash via PayPal. When you qualify for a survey, it tells you how long the survey will take (approx.) and the number of points awarded. Then you can calculate what each survey is worth and maximize your time.

Sounds like fun? Sign-up for Survey Junkie, take the surveys and earn money with this gig economy app.

39. Swagbucks

Swagbucks probably the best-known gig economy app and is actually offering a $10.00 sign up bonus right now. Swagbucks rewards for more than just surveys, you can also get paid to download apps, play games, do web searches, watch videos and a lot more. The site has awarded over $195 million to its users. Once you have signed-up, there will be a list of surveys you qualify for. Finding a survey worth taking is easy. But you should look for surveys that have a point-to-minute ratio of 20.

The number of SBs (Swagbucks’ version of points) divided by the time for the survey equals the ratio. Once $1 is earned you can redeem it for a gift card of your favorite retailer. When $20.00 of SBs are earned, you can take it as cash through PayPal.

You can easily sign up with Swagbucks and take paid surveys and more.

40. Fundrise

Want quick money? Fundrise gives you a $10 bonus upon account approval. Testing this offer, I received $10 worth of shares instantly through this link after opening account and investing as little as $10.

With Fundrise, it is the first real estate investing app to create a simple, low-cost way for anyone to invest in real estate for solid returns.

There is a reason why they currently have 5/5 stars on TrustPilot, you can really make money with Fundrise.

If you’re interested, I recommend you sign up for more information from Fundrise by clicking here.

41. InboxDollars

InboxDollars is a convenient, easy way to make money on the internet. Like the other gig economy apps on this list, you take surveys, watch videos, play games, and much more. This online rewards club has over 1 million Facebook fans and has paid out $50 million in 2019.

If you sign up before the end of the month they will give you a $5.00 instant bonus. Inbox Dollars is highly respected is accredited with the Better Business Bureau. For some spending cash and having fun earning it sign up for InboxDollars.

42. Nielsen Mobile

Nielsen has been around 90 years and is trusted as a research leader and great gig economy app. Register your devices and earn rewards with the Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel. By participating in Nielsen research, you can improve the products and services you use online today. Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel combines your unique internet usage with people like you to build a picture of internet behavior. By using the internet as you do every day, Nielsen invites you to make a difference – and you can win prizes. Nielsen gives away $10,000 each month.

By installing the app, you receive up to $50.00 a year. There are dozens of rewards that can choose from their website.

Information Nielsen app collects:

• Names and types of apps or games.
• Addresses of websites you visit with content.
• The date and how long you were on the site.
• Date, time, and how long you were on phone calls.
• Date, time, or numbers/codes for texts.
• Much more information can be obtained from a cell phone.

To qualify you must live in the U. S. be between 18 and 45 years of age. It's a really passive gig economy app. Click here to sign up for Nielsen.

43. Fetch Rewards

Get paid for shopping by scanning the receipt and uploading it to Fetch. Fetch does not pay cash; instead, you get rewarded with gift cards. You earn $.10 for every dollar spent and can redeem 3,000 points for a $3.00 gift card.

The great thing about Fetch is it pays for everyday activities like shopping. Fetch is new it will take time to determine if it is a good payer or a scam. This is one app that you should at least try out and decide for yourself.

44. Branded Surveys

What's your opinion? Surfers who sign up to take surveys at Branded Surveys can earn rewards.  It has been on the web since 2012 and is one of the most trusted survey sites.

For taking surveys, you can be compensated with cash, Amazon gift cards, and PayPal payouts.

Branded Surveys is ranked high among its users and is in the top 5 paid survey sites on the web. For extra cash, Branded Surveys is still a good go.

The Gig Economy's Impact

Based on the idea of temporary jobs, as opposed to long-term positions, the gig economy has gained much traction over the years. In fact, more than one in ten employees have already joined it, according to a new survey by ReportLinker. Think about it: would you prefer working at your own time, from a location of your choice, or working for a corporation from a tiny office cubicle? Not surprisingly, most people find the first option more appealing.

There's no denying that the gig economy has heavily influenced the way traditional workplaces function. For one, due to the growing number of people appreciating the idea of “gigs”, traditional businesses seem to be losing consumers to these efficient and relatively cheaper service providers. Take Airbnb or Uber (well-known models within the gig economy) for example. Airbnb is a success story that completely defies traditional notions of the workplace.

Even individuals can learn valuable lessons from Airbnb’s business model, and incorporate the values of personalized service and intimate focus into their own freelancing models to be more successful.

Furthermore, businesses that distance themselves from technology such as the internet tend to be left behind by the benefits of the gig economy. Experts at Rutgers University advise businesses to accept and embrace the trend and its benefits, as the freelance market is predicted to rise to 40 million workers by 2019.

For these and other reasons, an increasing number of businesses have started to adapt their business models to better suit the needs of employees, allowing for remote working, flex time and more — reminiscent of the gig economy, but still centrally controlled. In fact, allowing for flexibility was named one of the top three workplace trends in 2020.

Is The Gig Economy For You?

But is the gig economy for everyone? More often than not, freelancers themselves are their own worst enemy. When working independently, it's easy to forget to take breaks, work irregular hours, and leave tasks until the last minute.

Freelancers are often guilty of saying yes to every gig that comes their way, resulting in an overwhelming amount of work that doesn't get completed efficiently and thoroughly. It's important for freelancers to make sure they are not susceptible to these issues,  so that they can maintain a relatively stable inflow of gigs (and, therefore, income). Freelancing comes with its own share of problems, such as overscheduling, not getting bills out on time, and filing freelancer taxes.

Some critics believe that only people with certain types of personalities are poised to succeed within this sort of working environment. In an article on Forbes, Mark Murphy claims that the three traits that are integral to success within the gig economy are enjoying risk and adventure over security, being goal driven and outcome-oriented, and being motivated by achievement — rather than power or affiliation. It's important to know oneself well enough and think about whether you would succeed as a freelancer before quitting your day job to take up various gigs.

While some people are forced into the gig economy due to loss of job or unfortunate circumstances, a large number of people choose to freelance out of their own volition.

A study by Freelancers Union and Upwork found that 60 percent of freelancers said they started freelancing by choice. And half of all freelancers say they wouldn’t stop freelancing for any amount of money. So if you think you might be cut out for it, consider taking a chance with the new and uniquely growing gig economy — you might be pleased with what you find!

Gig Economy Statistics 2021

The gig economy offers a new era in employment. Here are some gig economy statistics and trends that any gig worker should be aware of:

• 57.3 million people freelance in the U.S. It’s estimated that by 2027 there will be 86.5 million freelancers. (Upwork)

• 36% of U.S. workers participate in the gig economy through either their primary or secondary jobs. (Gallup)

• For 44% of gig workers, their work in the gig economy is their primary source of income. (Edison Research)

• For 53% of gig workers aged 18-34, their work in the gig economy is their primary source of income. (Edison Research)

• Gig employees are more likely to be young, with 38% of 18-34-year-olds being part of the gig economy. (Edison Research)

• 1 in 6 workers in traditional jobs would like to become a primary independent earner. (McKinsey)

• Overall, it’s estimated that the independent workforce is larger than previously recognized: some 20 to 30 percent of the working-age population in the United States and the EU-15 countries are engaged in some form of independent earning today. (McKinsey)

• Gig economy workers are projected to account for more than $1.4 trillion of the total US income in 2018. (PYMNTS)

• 55% of gig workers also maintain full-time or regular jobs. (PYMNTS)

• 19% say the main reason they have a gig job is to make extra money or cover day-to-day expenses. (PYMNTS)

• In 2017, the total share of the labor force working in nonstandard arrangements was 10.1%, down from 10.9% in 2005. (Economic Policy Institute)

• The largest number of gig workers (14%) find gigs in arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media followed by sales and related (10%.) (PYMNTS)

• An additional 3% to 10% of workers in mature economies and more than 30% in some developing countries reported using gig platforms as a secondary source of income. (BCG Henderson)

• Deloitte’s latest millennial study found that 64% of full-time workers want to do “side hustles” to make extra money. (Deloitte)

• In 2018, the number of occasional independents jumped 16.4% to 14.9 million from 12.9 million in 2017; their ranks have risen 42% from 10.5 million in 2016. (MBO Partners)

• 1 out of 5 full-time independents has customers outside the U.S. (MBO Partners)

• The number of contingent employees will increase worldwide. In the US alone, contingent workers will exceed 40% of the workforce by 2020. (INTUIT)

• About 40% of the American workforce now makes at least 40% of their income via gig work. (PYMNTS)

• Between 2013 and 2017, earnings fell by 53% in the transportation sector and grew by 69% in the leasing sector. (JPMorgan Chase)

• Compared with workers overall, electronically mediated workers were more likely to be in the prime-working-age category (25 to 54) and less likely to be in the oldest age category (55 and over.) (BLS)

FAQs

Beware of Scams

There are many online gig economy apps and other passive income opportunities to make money online. However, it is important to do your due diligence and research thoroughly before you put yourself out there as a vulnerable target. The internet is full of stories from digital nomads who have been conned or ripped off by online gig economy apps and other passive income opportunities. So be sure to make the proper preparations before diving into any of them!

Here are 3 of the most common online gig economy scams:

1. Asking for money up front to promote your program on social media and other websites, then not delivering the promised service or paying you once you have made sales yourself.

2. Paying you from their own bank accounts using foreign credit cards without them actually having the money. This is because they have set up an elaborate pyramid scheme where members of their own team ( or unwitting participants) will also invest and use other people's money to pay out payments to those below them in the chain.

3. Not delivering what they promise you, but instead asking you for more and more money on top of what you have already paid, or asking you to make new purchases for them.

But rest assured, all of the gig economy apps and gig economy jobs we've listed here are safe, pay on time, every time, and are fully vetted by me and my team.