Updated April 19, 2025

Survey Junkie vs. Top Surveys 2025:

Top Surveys has higher earning potential

In a comparison between Survey Junkie and Top Surveys, Top Surveys came out on top because it has no screenouts or disqualifications, allowing users to consistently earn more money in the medium and long term — making it a legitimate side hustle.

Authors: 
EllieOnline Work & Lifestyle Editor
Tom, Consumer Insights Consultant

✔ No Disqualifications: Every survey pays, and you’ll never be screened out or disqualified mid-way.

✔ Instant Payouts with No Threshold: Withdraw your earnings immediately—no need to wait to reach $5 or more.

✔ High Earning Potential: Earn $2 to $10 per survey, with no limits on how many surveys you can complete daily.

✔ Simple Sign-Up: The platform allows users to register quickly and begin earning after confirming their email and profile.

✔ Variety of Survey Topics: Surveys can cover a wide range of topics including shopping, entertainment, health, and more.

✔ Passive Earnings Option: With the Surf to Earn feature, users can opt in to share browsing activity and earn points in the background.

Use for

High-paying side hustle from home

Variety of Survey Topics

User Reviews

4.9 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

4.1 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Earnings per Survey

$2 – $10 per survey

$0.50 to $3.00

Average Payouts

$600 per Month

$50-150 per Month

Time per Surveys

5 to 15 Minutes

2 to 30 Minutes

Payout time

Instant Payout

up to 24h hours

Minimum Payout Rate

No Payout Threshold

Payout Threshold at $5

Payout Methods

PayPal, Visa, Gift Cards & More

PayPal, Visa, Bank Transfer & Gift Cards

Example Rewards Partner

Visa, PayPal, Google Play, Apple

Amazon, Target, Walmart, Visa, iTunes

Use for

High-paying side hustle from home

Variety of Survey Topics

User Reviews

4.9 / 5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

4.1 / 5
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Earnings per Survey

$2 – $10 per survey

$0.50 to $3.00

Average Payouts

$600 per Month

$50-150 per Month

Payout time

Instant Payout

up to 24h hours

Time per Surveys

5 to 15 Minutes

2 to 30 Minutes

Minimum Payout Rate

No Payout Threshold

Payout Threshold at $5

Payout Methods

PayPal, Visa, Bank Transfer & Gift Cards

PayPal, Visa, Bank Transfer & Gift Cards

Example Rewards Partner

Visa, PayPal, Google Play, Apple, Walmart, Starbucks

Amazon, Target, Walmart, Visa, iTunes

How we compared both survey sites

We signed up for both Survey Junkie and Top Surveys, two popular paid survey platforms, to find out which one could actually help us make more money in our spare time. After spending some time with both, we have to say Top Surveys clearly comes out ahead.

Don’t get us wrong — Survey Junkie works well if you’re mainly interested in taking surveys. But what really set Top Surveys apart for us was the fact that there are no screenouts or disqualifications. That means we could complete every survey we started, without wasting time answering a bunch of questions only to be told we don’t qualify.

In the long run, that consistency makes a big difference. Not only did it save us time, but it also meant we could reliably earn more money both in the medium and long term. If you’re looking for a legit side hustle where your efforts actually pay off, Top Surveys is the smarter choice.

Here’s a closer look at how the two platforms compare.

🥈 When to choose Survey Junkie

You Don’t Mind Screenouts: Survey Junkie uses a traditional model where users must first qualify for surveys through a series of pre-screening questions. This means that even after spending several minutes answering questions, you might get disqualified without earning anything. For users who don’t mind this and are used to trying multiple surveys before finding one that works, Survey Junkie might still be acceptable.

You’re Comfortable Sharing Data: One of Survey Junkie’s features, Surf to Earn, allows users to earn a small amount of passive income by letting the platform track browsing behavior. This includes websites visited, products viewed, and online shopping activity. While this can help you earn points with minimal effort, it does come with privacy trade-offs. If you’re okay with sharing personal browsing data in exchange for a few extra points, this feature could add some value.

You Want Occasional Extra Opportunities: Survey Junkie sometimes offers additional options like product testing or participation in focus groups. These can pay significantly more than standard surveys but are typically reserved for highly active members who fit very specific demographic profiles. If you’re lucky enough to qualify, these experiences can be interesting and rewarding—but they shouldn’t be counted on for regular income.

Get Paid to Take Surveys & Make Money Online

We’ve welcomed more than 25 million members to date

🥇 When to choose Top Surveys

You Want Reliable Earnings: Many users get frustrated when they spend time on surveys only to be screened out halfway through. Top Surveys completely eliminates this problem by removing the qualification process entirely. Every survey you start is one you finish—and one that pays. This provides a dependable and frustration-free way to make money online, especially for users who have tried other platforms and felt their time was wasted.

You Want to Cash Out Instantly: One of the most praised features of Top Surveys is the ability to get paid immediately. There’s no minimum threshold, and no waiting days or even weeks for your payout. Whether you’ve completed one survey or ten, you’re free to withdraw your money right away. This makes the platform ideal for users who want fast results or need immediate cash.

You Want to Maximize Your Time: Every minute you spend on Top Surveys directly results in payment, which is a rarity in the survey industry. There are no unpaid qualification questions, no redirections to partner sites, and no wasted efforts. Instead, you focus only on what matters: earning money. This efficiency is why so many users prefer Top Surveys over traditional platforms

Your go-to App to earn Instant Cash through Paid Surveys

Get your share of over $2 Million paid out to Top Survey users.

Site Details in Comparison

  • No Disqualifications: Complete surveys without the frustration of screenouts, ensuring every survey contributes to your earnings.
  • Fast Payments: Get paid quickly with no waiting periods via PayPal, bank transfers, or gift cards from top brands.
  • Simple Sign-Up Process: Register for free in minutes and start earning right away without hidden fees.
  • Accessible Anywhere: Take surveys on mobile, tablet, or desktop, providing flexibility and convenience.
  • Competitive Rewards:  TopSurveys offers high payouts for completed surveys, making it a popular choice among users.
  • Unlimited Earning Potential:  Earn as much as you want with no limits on the number of surveys you can complete.
  • Secure Platform: Your personal data is protected and used solely for market research purposes.
  • User Support: Reliable customer service ensures your questions and issues are resolved quickly.
  • Variety of Surveys: Choose from a wide selection of simple surveys, catering to various interests and demographics.
  • Multiple Payout Options: Redeem your earnings through PayPal, bank transfers, or hundreds of gift card choices, ensuring flexible and convenient rewards.
  • Survey Topics: Offers a variety of surveys on topics like shopping and entertainment. Surveys may not always be available and often depend on your demographic profile.

  • Payout Options: Users can redeem points for PayPal cash, direct bank transfers, or popular gift cards. However, payouts require a $5 minimum and may take time to process.

  • Passive Earning: The Surf to Earn feature allows you to earn small rewards by sharing browsing behavior. It’s optional but comes with privacy considerations.

  • Recognizable Brand: With millions of members and a long-standing presence, Survey Junkie is widely known in the survey space.

  • Cross-Device Access: Available on both mobile and desktop, letting users take surveys on the go or from home with moderate reliability.

CASH / E-WALLET

✅ Yes

Virtual Visa

❌ No

✅ Yes

Cash App

❌ No

✅ Yes

Cash via Check

❌ No

❌ No

Apple Pay

❌ No

✅ Yes

PayPal

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Bank Transfer

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Venmo

❌ No

GIFT CARDS

✅ Yes

Amazon

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

iTunes/ Apple

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Google Play

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Walmart

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Spotify

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Uber / Uber Eats

✅ Yes

Reward Comparison

Top Surveys

Survey Junkie

CASH / E-WALLET

Virtual Visa

✅ Yes

❌ No

Cash App

✅ Yes

❌ No

Cash via Check

✅ Yes

❌ No

Apple Pay

❌ No

❌ No

PayPal

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Bank Transfer

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Venmo

✅ Yes

❌ No

GIFT CARDS

Amazon

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

iTunes/ Apple

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Google Play

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Walmart

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Spotify

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Uber / Uber Eats

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Sign-up

Registering is quick and easy, requiring only basic details. No lengthy questionnaires or verification steps are needed to begin earn

Registration requires email confirmation and completing a profile questionnaire before surveys become available. It can take several steps before users begin earning.

Survey Availablility

Surveys are available daily and are accessible to everyone, without requiring qualification. This ensures you’re never wasting time.

Survey access depends heavily on demographic profiling. Many users report receiving few survey matches or being disqualified frequently after starting.

Qualification process

There are no qualification requirements. Every survey you start is one you can finish and get paid for.

Most surveys require pre-screening, which can lead to disqualifications. This often results in wasted time and effort for users.

Account Verification

The platform prioritizes user convenience and only performs light verification to prevent fraud, keeping the process secure and fast.

Before you can withdraw your earnings, Survey Junkie requires photo ID and a selfie to verify your identity. This can be a barrier for some users.

Age / Platform Requirements

Users must be 18 or older. The platform works on any modern browser or device—whether you’re on desktop, mobile, or tablet.

Survey Junkie is available only to users aged 18+ in select countries. It works on mobile and desktop, with the best experience reported on Firefox.

Geographic Availability

Top Surveys accepts users worldwide, making it accessible to a global audience.

Access is limited to users in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Customer Service

The support team is responsive and easy to reach, with a strong focus on resolving user concerns quickly and efficiently.

Support is available but has mixed reviews. Some users report long response times or difficulty resolving issues with disqualifications or withdrawals.

MORE DETAILS

Sign-up

Registering is quick and easy, requiring only basic details. No lengthy questionnaires or verification steps are needed to begin earn

Registration requires email confirmation and completing a profile questionnaire before surveys become available. It can take several steps before users begin earning.

Survey Availablility

Surveys are available daily and are accessible to everyone, without requiring qualification. This ensures you’re never wasting time.

Survey access depends heavily on demographic profiling. Many users report receiving few survey matches or being disqualified frequently after starting.

Qualification process

There are no qualification requirements. Every survey you start is one you can finish and get paid for.

Most surveys require pre-screening, which can lead to disqualifications. This often results in wasted time and effort for users.

Account Verification

The platform prioritizes user convenience and only performs light verification to prevent fraud, keeping the process secure and fast.

Before you can withdraw your earnings, Survey Junkie requires photo ID and a selfie to verify your identity. This can be a barrier for some users.

Age / Platform Requirements

Users must be 18 or older. The platform works on any modern browser or device—whether you’re on desktop, mobile, or tablet.

Survey Junkie is available only to users aged 18+ in select countries. It works on mobile and desktop, with the best experience reported on Firefox.

Geographic Availability

Top Surveys accepts users worldwide, making it accessible to a global audience.

Access is limited to users in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Customer Service

The support team is responsive and easy to reach, with a strong focus on resolving user concerns quickly and efficiently.

Support is available but has mixed reviews. Some users report long response times or difficulty resolving issues with disqualifications or withdrawals.

How Paid Survey Apps Work

1. Sign Up:

Download a survey app, create a profile, and provide details about your demographics and interests. This helps the app match you with surveys that are relevant to your lifestyle and opinions.

2. Get Survey Invitations:

The app notifies you when new surveys are available, often based on your profile. You’ll receive alerts or emails to ensure you don’t miss earning opportunities.

3. Complete Surveys:

Answer questions about products, services, or your experiences. The
more detailed and honest your responses, the better the surveys you’ll receive in the future.

4. Earn Rewards:

Receive points, cash, gift cards, or other rewards upon completing surveys. These rewards can be redeemed through the app’s payment methods, making it easy to cash out your earnings.

Choosing Reliable Survey Apps

Research and Reviews​

Choose survey apps backed by well-known and trusted companies. Read reviews and ratings in app stores to make sure the platform is legitimate. Pay attention to feedback about payouts, ease of use, and customer support.

Payout and Earning Potential

Check the available payment methods, such as PayPal or gift cards, and ensure the payout conditions are clearly stated. Avoid apps that promise unrealistically high earnings, and instead go for those offering fair and transparent opportunities to earn.

Transparency and Security

Make sure the app has clear and honest policies on data usage and privacy. Read the terms of service to understand how your data is used and whether your privacy is protected. Reputable apps are open and transparent about how they handle your information.

Detailed Overview

Top Surveys - Tired of Screenouts and Disqualifications?

Top Surveys - Tired of Screenouts and Disqualifications?

Best for

Long-term side-hustle with high earning potential

4.9

user reviews

Earnings per survey

$2 – $10 per survey

Average Payouts

$600 per Month

Time per Survey

5 to 15 min

Payout Time

Instant Payout

Minimum Payout Rate

No Payout Threshold

Payout methods

Withdraw cash via PayPal, Visa or choose from Amazon

Example Reward Partners

Visa, PayPal, Google Play, Apple

Top Surveys offers a seamless and rewarding experience with no disqualifications, meaning every survey counts toward your earnings. The platform boasts fast payments, high payouts, and unlimited earning potential, making it a favorite for serious survey takers. With multiple payout options and a wide variety of surveys, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to maximize their income while enjoying a smooth and secure experience.

Detailed Site Overview:

  • No Disqualifications: Complete surveys without the frustration of screenouts, ensuring every survey contributes to your earnings.
  • Fast Payments: Get paid quickly with no waiting periods via PayPal, bank transfers, or gift cards from top brands.
  • Simple Sign-Up Process: Register for free in minutes and start earning right away without hidden fees.
  • Accessible Anywhere: Take surveys on mobile, tablet, or desktop, providing flexibility and convenience.
  • Competitive Rewards: TopSurveys offers high payouts for completed surveys, making it a popular choice among users.
  • Unlimited Earning Potential: Earn as much as you want with no limits on the number of surveys you can complete.
  • Secure Platform: Your personal data is protected and used solely for market research purposes.
  • User Support: Reliable customer service ensures your questions and issues are resolved quickly.
  • Variety of Surveys: Choose from a wide selection of simple surveys, catering to various interests and demographics.
  • Multiple Payout Options: Redeem your earnings through PayPal, bank transfers, or hundreds of gift card choices, ensuring flexible and convenient rewards.

Pros and Cons: 

✅ Every Survey Pays – No disqualifications & no screenouts
✅ Highest payouts
✅ Get paid fast, no waiting periods.
✅ Access from any device: Mobile, Desktop or Tablet
✅ Short Surveys

🛑 Survey availability may vary slightly depending on time of day or user location.

Survey Junkies - Earn cash from everywhere

Survey Junkies - Earn cash from everywhere

Best for

Variety of Survey Topics

4.1

user reviews

Earnings per survey

$0.50 to $3.00

Average Payouts

$50-150 per Month

Time per Survey

2 to 30 Minutes​

Payout Time

up to 24h hours

Minimum Payout Rate

Payout Threshold at $5

Payout methods

PayPal, Visa, Bank Transfer & Gift Cards

Example Reward Partners

Amazon, Target, Walmart, Visa, iTunes

Survey Junkie is a rewarding, trusted, and fun way to influence brands by sharing what you think through paid surveys. With our app, the power to earn cash is always at your fingertips. Cash-out at $5 via PayPal, bank, or gift cards for Amazon, Visa, Walmart, Apple, Target, Starbucks, and more. Make extra cash to cover more bills, save more, or enjoy more of what you love.

Detailed Site Overview:

  • Survey Topics: Offers a variety of surveys on topics like shopping and entertainment. Surveys may not always be available and often depend on your demographic profile.

  • Payout Options: Users can redeem points for PayPal cash, direct bank transfers, or popular gift cards. However, payouts require a $5 minimum and may take time to process.

  • Passive Earning: The Surf to Earn feature allows you to earn small rewards by sharing browsing behavior. It’s optional but comes with privacy considerations.

  • Recognizable Brand: With millions of members and a long-standing presence, Survey Junkie is widely known in the survey space.

  • Cross-Device Access: Available on both mobile and desktop, letting users take surveys on the go or from home with moderate reliability.

Pros and Cons: 

✅ Well-known and trusted platform with millions of users
✅ Offers a range of surveys on everyday topics
✅ Optional passive income via Surf to Earn
✅ Accessible on both desktop and mobile
✅ Supports PayPal and popular gift cards as payout options

🛑 Frequent disqualifications can waste time
🛑 Requires $5 minimum to cash out
🛑 Identity verification (photo & selfie) needed before payout
🛑 Limited to four countries (US, UK, CA, AU)
🛑 Lower average earnings compared to top competitors

Our Final Verdict

See our closing thoughts to help you decide if Prime Opinion or Survey Junkie is better for you.

Top Surveys sets a new standard for what survey platforms should be. With no disqualifications, every survey is a guaranteed opportunity to earn, making it one of the most reliable and time-efficient platforms available. The instant payout feature means users never wait to enjoy the rewards of their effort.

This, combined with high per-survey payments and global availability, makes Top Surveys a top recommendation for anyone serious about earning online. The platform is also refreshingly straightforward—no clutter, no gimmicks, and no frustration.

Top Surveys puts the user first, eliminating the common pain points of traditional survey apps. Whether you’re looking to make quick cash on a break or build a consistent stream of side income, Top Surveys delivers on its promise.

👉 Start earning with Top Surveys today and experience survey rewards done right.

Survey Junkie is a decent option for those who are patient, comfortable with sharing browsing data, and don’t mind the risk of disqualification. While the platform has millions of members and is widely recognized, the earning potential is limited and inconsistent. Surveys frequently screen users out, which wastes time, and the focus group or product testing opportunities—while occasionally lucrative—are rare and not guaranteed.

The Surf to Earn feature adds a passive income element, but the returns are minimal and involve sharing personal browsing data. Additionally, having to wait until you reach 500 points ($5) and then verify your identity before withdrawal adds friction that can deter casual users.

If you’re just dipping your toes into survey platforms and are okay with some trial and error, Survey Junkie might be worth exploring. But for those seeking efficiency, consistent payouts, and maximum value for their time, it falls short when compared to better alternatives like Top Surveys.

Looking for something else?

🟨
Mix of Games & Surveys
Hey Cash


🟨
Easy Sign-ups & Fast Earnings
Five Surveys 


🟨
Longer Surveys with Higher Payouts
Prime Opinion


🟨
Our Top10 Comparison of Paid Survey Sites

Looking for something else?

🟨 Mix of Games & Surveys – Hey Cash
🟨 Easy Sign-ups & Fast Earnings – Five Surveys 
🟨 Longer Surveys with Higher Payouts – Prime Opinion
🟨 Our Top10 Comparison of Paid Survey Sites

Frequently Asked Questions About Paid Survey Apps

No, reputable paid survey apps are completely free to join and use. You should never have to pay
to sign up or participate in surveys, and trustworthy platforms ensure users can start earning without any initial investment.

Earnings vary based on the app and the number of surveys you complete, but most users make extra pocket money rather than a full income. Some dedicated users, however, manage to earn a steady side income by consistently completing surveys.

Payments are usually made through PayPal, gift cards, or direct bank transfers, depending on the app. Most apps also have a minimum payout threshold, so be sure to check the terms before you start. 

Yes, many survey apps are legitimate, but it’s important to choose well-known and highly rated ones. Always read reviews and avoid apps that ask for upfront payments or personal financial information.

Most surveys take between 5 and 20 minutes, though some may be longer. Higher-paying surveys often require more time or detailed responses.

No special skills are needed – just honest opinions and a willingness to answer questions. The more accurately you fill out your profile, the better surveys you’ll receive.

Yes, using multiple apps can increase your earning potential by giving you access to more surveys. It also helps you avoid downtime when one app has fewer surveys available.

Not always – some surveys have specific demographic requirements, and you may not qualify for all. Keeping your profile updated can improve your chances of qualifying for more surveys.

Reliable survey apps have privacy policies to protect your data, but always review their terms before signing up. It’s wise to avoid sharing highly sensitive information.

Frequency varies based on the app and your profile, but enabling notifications helps you catch new surveys quickly. Regular participation can also lead to more frequent invitations over time.