That’s right, if you are eager for money to come your way you could be making up to $150 per hour (or more). As of now, there are over 20,000 people who have been paid over $150 for online focus groups. While these companies come and go, there are always new companies that pop up, and they always pay you. You can get paid to take part in focus groups, polls, surveys, and focus groups for any type of product or service.

You’ve decided you want to make money, and you want it fast. So, how can you make the most of your time? While the Internet is full of scams, there are plenty of legitimate opportunities available online. However, most of them require you to go through an approval process that can take weeks to complete. If you’re not willing to wait that long, you might want to consider an online focus group.

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Highlighted studies

0.50 to $3.00 average per inquiry

The survey takes 15 minutes on average

LifePoints

Earn up to $20 per month

Search time – 10 min to 20 min

Available in more than 40 countries

InboxDollars

13 more ways to make money

24 Best Discussions on Money

1. RebelPrice

(Up to $5 per inquiry)

PrizeRebel is one of the largest survey sites that rewards you for giving feedback on different companies.

The platform focuses on small surveys, but sometimes offers discussion groups.

If you complete surveys or participate in focus groups conducted by PrizeRebel, you will earn points.

Earned points can be redeemed for cash via PayPal or gift cards from Amazon, eBay, Steam, iTunes and others.

RebelPrice Overview

• Most surveys pay up to $1.
• Earn up to $50 per month
• Rewards are sent within 24 hours
• Up to 30% of the earnings of attracted users.

2. Survey Junkie

(up to $150/hour)

Survey Junkie is one of the most popular online market research companies that rewards you for sharing your opinion.

Although Survey Junkie is primarily a survey site, you can find interesting focus group opportunities once you sign up.

There are 3 ways to make money with Survey Junkie:

1. Product Tests – You will receive a free product to test and be compensated when you share your opinion of the product by completing an online survey. You can earn up to $50 by testing products.
2. Focus Groups – After you complete the online survey, you may be selected to participate in a focus group in your area. Participating in a focus group can earn you up to $150.
3. Telephone interview – You will receive a phone call from time to time and an interviewer will ask you research questions over the phone. Phone surveys can earn you up to $100.

Related: Sign up for phone surveys: Top 10 sites

The only downside to Survey Junkie is that these highly paid options are only available once a month.

Payment options: PayPal, wire transfer or Walmart, Amazon and iTunes gift cards.

Survey Junkie Summary

• $1 to $3 average earnings per inquiry
• Points of disqualification from examination
• Additional ways to earn up to $100.
• Browser extension for notification of new surveys

3. Ipsos i-Say

(up to $100/hour)

Ipsos i-Say is the third largest website in the world offering various paid focus group projects.

The company welcomes members from all over the world.

The company also rewards you for completing small questionnaires and surveys. But each of these small surveys costs only $0.4 to $1.5, while focus groups can cost you up to $100 per hour.

Payment options: Cash, PayPal, gift cards, merchandise, charity.

i-Say Summary

• Earn up to $50 per month
• 1 for each friend you invite
• Minimum payment limit 5
• Same day refunds for electronic gift vouchers

4. U.S. Consumer Advice

(Up to $50 per inquiry)

American Consumer Opinion is the largest market research firm in the United States that studies the American population.

If you join the 7 million members of American Consumer Opinion, you will receive surveys to complete.

The platform rewards you with virtual coins that can be cashed out once you win $10 or more.

While this company does not specialize in conducting focus groups, it does offer the opportunity to do so from time to time.

Profit potential : Up to $50 for a focus group and $0.05 to $0.50 for a small survey.

Payment options: Check or PayPal.

Summary of U.S. Consumer Reports

• You will receive from $0.05 to $50 per inquiry.
• The survey takes 10 minutes on average
• Ability to earn $50 to $200 by evaluating physical products.
• The minimum payment threshold is only $10.

5. Springboard America

(Up to 4 surveys per month)

SpringBoard America is one of the leading market research communities in the US that allows you to participate in paid surveys.

The company offers rewards under the name survey dollars:

• Online discussion groups
• Online surveys
• Mobile Surveys
• Adolescent Surveys

The company works with organizations in a wide range of industries, including well-known brands, non-profits, government agencies and the media.

So when you become a member of the community, you give your opinion on a wide variety of topics.

One of the major drawbacks of SpringBoard is that it generally offers smaller surveys, for which you earn between $0.50 and $5.00 per 30-minute survey. Moreover, they only hold focus groups occasionally.

6. Respondent.io

($140/hour)

Respondent.io allows you to get paid for sharing your work experience.

Whether you’re a marketer, software developer, business owner, or other professional, Respondent.io has themed projects you can participate in.

When you subscribe to this platform, the algorithm selects the available searches for you. You can also search for projects that interest you and apply.

Payment option: PayPal.

Summary of the respondent

• Earn up to $500 per search ($20/hour average).
• Receive up to $50 for each referral
• Ideal for developers, marketers, executives and software users.
• Paying with PayPal

7. User interviews

(Up to $250 for 30 minutes)

In the User Interviews section, you’ll find opportunities for focus groups from world-class companies like Adobe, Spotify, and Pinterest.

This site offers different types of interviews that can be conducted online, by phone or in person:

• Discussion groups
• Interview 1 of 1
• Search on multiple days
• Unmoderated tasks

To start making money by participating in newsgroups, simply create an account and find projects that match your interests.

The cost of these surveys ranges from $25 for a 30-minute interview to $250 for a very specific 30-minute survey.

Payment options: Direct deposit or gift cards.

8. FocusGroup.com

(up to $250/hour)

FocusGroup.com (also known as Inspired Opinions), a market research company of the Schlesinger Group, offers focus group opportunities for a variety of companies.

There are three ways to participate in paid discussion groups:

• Online – from anywhere in the world
• On the phone.
• In person at one of the informal focus group locations in the United States.

Payment option: Cash withdrawal with Visa debit card.

9. Table tennis

(up to $118/hour)

PingPong is a relatively new online market research company that specializes in user experience testing for websites and applications.

Although they are new to the market, they promise you projects from world-renowned companies like Wise, Dropbox and others.

When you register as a tester, you will receive an e-mail invitation for an interview, which you can accept or decline depending on your availability.

The best thing about PingPong is that it accepts users from all over the world.

Profit potential : 20 to 100 euros per hour ($23 to $118 per hour).

Payment options: Direct deposit (via Wise) or PayPal.

10. Inspiration flashes

(Up to $50 per inquiry)

Mindswarms is a unique platform for market research because you have to answer questionnaires in video format.

Registering as a respondent will give you access to available surveys about specific products or services. You can view open studies in the Mindswarms app on your iPhone or Android phone.

In general, surveys with 7 questions will earn you $50, while surveys with 1 question can earn you $10.

Mindswarms surveys usually take about ten minutes and you can record your answers with your smartphone or webcam.

Payment option: PayPal.

Mindswarms Summary

• Video Surveys
• Payment within 24 hours
• Up to $50 per inquiry
• Android and iOS applications available

11. SIS International

(Up to $250/1 hour)

SIS International helps brands and companies determine the direction of their products worldwide.

You will find a wide range of paid research on the newsgroups you can join. Just scroll down to find a project that interests you and apply.

The advantage of this company is that it recruits people from all over the world and conducts focus groups remotely – via Zoom or by phone.

12. Fieldwork

(from $75 per study)

Fieldwork allows you to participate in paid discussion groups in over 10 states.

Although focus groups are the main type of research Fieldwork offers, there are also a number of interesting options. For example:

• Trial test
• Product testing
• Home interviews
• Maintenance in the agency
• Telephone interviews
• Online surveys

The following is a list of states that offer field training:

• Atlanta
• Boston
• Chicago
• Dallas
• Denver
• Los Angeles (Orange County)
• Minneapolis
• New York (Fort Lee)
• Phoenix
• San Francisco
• Seattle

Payment option: Visa gift cards.

13. Dynamics of experience

($50-$150 per study)

Experience Dynamics specializes in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) testing.

Therefore, they need your help to test websites and software and provide your feedback on their design and usability.

You can join Experience Dynamics from anywhere in the world and earn money in a variety of ways:

• Online surveys
• Online discussion groups
• Telephone interviews
• Field research – 1 to 2 hour interviews at your home or place of work
• Journal studies – you write down your opinions for 1 to 2 weeks.

14. Investigation team

(Up to $250 per inquiry)

Survey Squad offers a wide range of paid online and on-site focus groups and surveys.

You can take a look at the available design discussion groups published on Twitter.

Once you become a member of the group, you will also receive individual projects by email.

Payment option: Look at this.

15. SurveyFeeds

($75 to $300 per investigation)

SurveyFeeds is not a market research company like the other companies on this list, but they do provide information on paid online and on-site focus group opportunities.

It’s also not unreasonable to look at their Facebook posts, as they update Facebook more often than the website.

16. FindFocusGroups.com

($50 to $325 per investigation)

FindFocusGroups.com is a service aggregator that helps you find focus group opportunities near you in the US or online.

Since the platform brings together a large number of newsgroups run by different companies, payments also vary. Some companies pay you in cash, while others send you their products as compensation for giving your feedback.

17. Search Square

($50-$200 per inquiry)

Plaza Research is an on-site focus group research company with offices in 14 cities across the United States.

In some cases, the Company may ask you to try and test a new product, watch a TV commercial, or provide feedback on future products.

In addition to the focus groups, Plaza Research also offers you money to participate:

• Personal Interview
• Telephone and online surveys
• Usability testing
• Class groups or juries

If you are participating in a focus group conducted by Plaza Research, you will be paid on the spot immediately following the session.

18. WatchLab

($50 to $200 per investigation)

WatchLab values the opinions of real consumers and focuses on interviewing people who use certain products and services.

This research firm offers focus group projects in three different ways:

Therefore, if you are attending a classroom training or a home-based training, you will receive a cash payment immediately upon completion of the training. However, if you participate in an online survey, you will receive a check at your home address.

To receive email opportunities for discussion groups tailored to your interests, simply fill out the registration form.

19. Studies include

($50-$250 per inquiry)

Engage Studies specializes in consumer and healthcare market research, allowing you to participate in studies from anywhere in the world.

When you first register as a member, you must choose whether you are a regular consumer or a member of the medical/health community.

The company needs this information to determine what searches it can give you.

20. Recruitment and area

($100 – $275 per study)

Recruit & Field provides online surveys in the United States and focus groups in various regions.

The company accepts to train participants of all ages and genders, including professionals such as doctors, nurses, technicians, etc.

After you complete the survey, you’ll have the option to withdraw your winnings via PayPal or order digital gift cards from Amazon or other major retailers.

21. Usability of Google

(up to $75/hour)

Google Usability is a search program that rewards you for providing feedback on Google products and features.

This is how it works:

1. First, sign up and fill out an application form so Google can match you with the right projects.
2. Google will then invite you to participate in searches that will take place at a Google office, in our search vehicle, at your home or even online.
3. Finally, you will receive a reward at the end of your participation.

The only downside to Google usability studies is that you don’t get paid for them. But you do get a thank you, for example. For example, a gift certificate or a donation to your favorite charity.

22. Trademark institute

The Brand Institute welcomes participants from around the world to participate in its research, which focuses on pharmaceutical and health-related topics.

To express your interest in the Brand Institute, simply register and create your profile by answering a few simple questions. Your profile allows the company to connect you with relevant surveys and invite you to participate.

If you qualify, you will receive an email invitation that you should not miss.

The benefit of participating in these studies is that you will receive payment by check or PayPal at the end of your participation.

Income potential: no information on this subject.

23. Angelfish – Opinions

(£15 – £75 per examination (20-60 minutes))

Angelfish Opinions offers a range of paid marketing research, such as user experience testing and focus groups.

The company only accepts participants from the UK, as all of its research is aimed at a UK audience.

To participate in Angelfish Opinions’ research, simply take a look at their current projects and submit an application.

Some studies are conducted online, while others may be conducted in person.

24. 2020 Study

($50 – $350 per inquiry)

2020 Research is a Schlesinger Group company and offers paid focus groups.

As a participant in the 2020 survey, you will be asked to give your opinion on the following issues

Simply join the group to receive an invitation to participate in relevant 2020 Research discussion groups.

Surveys are conducted both online and on-site. If you live in Charlotte, Nashville or Miami, you will likely participate in an in-person survey. And if you live somewhere else, join the online study.

What is a focus group?

A focus group is a form of market research where a group of people are asked to sit down and answer specific questions and give their honest opinions on products, services and various topics.

A focus group can be thought of as a survey, but in a much more thorough way.

Focus groups are led by moderators who ask the participants questions related to the research topic. The questions usually ask participants to share their experiences or opinions on specific topics.

While traditional focus groups require participants to sit together, usually around a round table, focus groups in the digital world are conducted via video calls.

Focus groups typically last 60 to 90 minutes and include 8 to 12 participants.

How much can you expect to earn from paid discussion groups?

The amount you can earn from paid focus groups depends on the research. However, focus group participants typically earn about $100 per hour for sharing their opinions.

Let’s take a look at the list of the 26 best paid online newsgroups and find out how much each of them promises.

How do I check if a newsgroup is fraudulent?

Although there are many reputable market research websites, you can still come across a fraudulent focus group.

But how do you know if the newsgroup you want to join is fraudulent or legitimate? In fact, there are a number of things you can check to see if you should do business with the company or avoid it.

1. Check the BBB – it’s easy to find a reputable survey company on the Better Business Bureau website. BBB is a website that helps to identify reputable companies. If a company is accredited by the BBB, it means it meets the accreditation standards and is safe to do business with.  If a company is not on the BBB’s list, that’s a big red flag and you should stay away. Also keep in mind that companies do not have to be accredited by the BBB.
2. Find out if the company is affiliated with CASRO (Council of American Survey Research Organizations), a leading market research organization. Only reputable companies can join CASRO.
3. Do a quick Google search – if the market research company hosting the focus group has a good reputation, it will almost certainly have an online presence. There may be articles written about the company, or you may even find reviews from real people.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do focus groups pay?

Many focus groups are not compensated for their time.

Are paid focus groups legitimate?

When a company pays a focus group to test a product, the company is paying the focus group to provide feedback about the product. The company is not paying for the focus group to provide feedback about the company.

How do I participate in focus groups for money?

You can participate in focus groups for money by going to a focus group site.