Online surveys have become a popular way to earn a little extra cash or rewards in your spare time. With flexibility, ease of use, and no special skills required, it’s easy to see the appeal. However, like anything, online surveys come with their own set of advantages and drawbacks.

In this blog, we’ll take a balanced look at the pros and cons of online surveys, focusing on UK-based platforms. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to decide if surveys are the right side hustle for you.

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The Pros of Online Surveys

Let’s start with why so many people love online surveys.

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1. Easy and Flexible to Fit Around Your Schedule

One of the biggest advantages of online surveys is their flexibility. Whether you’re a full-time worker, student, or stay-at-home parent, surveys can easily fit into your daily routine.

For example, sites like Prolific and Qmee offer surveys that take as little as 5–10 minutes, making it easy to complete them during a tea break or while watching TV. You don’t need to commit large chunks of time, which makes it ideal for people with busy lifestyles.

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2. No Special Skills Required

Online surveys are accessible to everyone. Unlike other side hustles that may require specific skills or certifications, surveys simply require your honest opinions.

For example, on YouGov, you’ll answer questions about current events, products, or trends. There’s no need to prepare or study—it’s all about sharing your perspective.

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3. Earn Real Money or Rewards

Many survey platforms allow you to earn cash, gift cards, or other rewards. While the payouts won’t replace a full-time income, they’re a great way to earn a little extra.

• Prolific: Known for its higher pay rates, averaging £7.50 per hour or more.
• Swagbucks: Offers a mix of gift cards and PayPal cash with frequent sales on vouchers, letting you stretch your earnings further.

With consistent effort, you can save up for treats, cover small expenses, or build up a stash of gift cards.

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4. Work From Anywhere

As long as you have an internet connection, you can complete surveys from anywhere—at home, on the train, or even while waiting in line. Many UK survey platforms, like Toluna Influencers, have mobile apps, making it even easier to earn on the go.

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5. Contribute to Research and Development

Completing surveys isn’t just about earning rewards; it’s also about influencing decisions. Platforms like Prolific connect users with academic studies, meaning your opinions could contribute to scientific research or social insights.

Similarly, YouGov focuses on public opinion, and your input could shape the conversation around major issues.

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The Cons of Online Surveys

While online surveys have their perks, they also have some downsides to consider.

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1. Low Earning Potential

Let’s be honest: online surveys won’t make you rich. Most platforms pay between £0.50 and £5 per survey, depending on the length and complexity. Even high-paying sites like Prolific won’t replace a full-time job.

For example, if you spend an hour on lower-paying surveys, you might only earn £3–£4—not ideal if you’re looking for substantial income.

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2. Disqualifications Can Be Frustrating

One of the most common complaints about online surveys is disqualification. Before starting a survey, many sites ask pre-qualifying questions to ensure you’re part of the target audience. If you don’t match their criteria, you’ll be screened out and won’t earn anything for your time.

Platforms like Qmee try to minimize this by tailoring surveys to your profile, but disqualifications can still happen.

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3. Time-Consuming for Minimal Returns

While surveys are easy to complete, they can be time-consuming if you’re chasing rewards. Spending 15–30 minutes on a single survey that pays £1 or less may not feel worth it for everyone.

For those who value their time highly, online surveys might not be the most efficient way to earn.

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4. Limited Opportunities

No matter how many survey sites you join, there will be times when surveys are unavailable. High-paying platforms like Prolific often have limited opportunities, especially if you don’t check regularly.

To maximize your chances, you’ll need to sign up for multiple platforms and actively monitor them for new surveys. This can feel like a hassle if you’re looking for a more consistent side hustle.

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5. Data Privacy Concerns

While legitimate UK survey sites like YouGov and Swagbucks have robust privacy policies, some less reputable platforms might misuse your data. Always check a site’s privacy policy before signing up, and avoid platforms that don’t clearly state how your information will be used.

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Examples of UK Survey Sites: The Pros and Cons in Action

Here’s a closer look at a few popular UK survey platforms and how they balance the pros and cons:

Prolific

• Pros: High pay rates, academic research focus, and engaging surveys.
• Cons: Limited availability of surveys, so you need to act quickly.

Qmee

• Pros: Instant PayPal payouts and no minimum cash-out threshold.
• Cons: Some surveys pay very little, and disqualifications can happen.

Swagbucks

• Pros: Variety of earning opportunities (surveys, shopping, games) and frequent voucher sales.
• Cons: Low survey pay rates compared to platforms like Prolific.

YouGov

• Pros: Interesting surveys on current events and guaranteed payout when you reach the threshold.
• Cons: Surveys can take a while to accumulate enough points for a cash-out.

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Is It Worth It?

The decision to try online surveys comes down to your goals and expectations. If you’re looking for a simple way to earn a little extra money or rewards in your spare time, survey sites can be a fun and low-effort option.

However, if you’re seeking a significant income or don’t have the patience for occasional disqualifications, surveys might not be the best fit.

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Final Thoughts

Online surveys have their fair share of pros and cons, but they can be a great way to earn a little extra on the side. By sticking to trusted UK platforms like Prolific, Qmee, Swagbucks, and YouGov, you can enjoy the benefits while minimizing frustrations.

Remember, the key is to approach surveys as a casual side hustle—not a primary income source. With realistic expectations and a bit of strategy, you can make surveys work for you. Why not give it a try and see where it takes you?