
Nowadays, passive income has become a hot topic in personal finance discussions. With the accelerating pace of life, many professionals strive to avoid burnout, so it’s no surprise that passive income has gained significant attention. We’ve compiled all the information about the best passive income apps to help you start your money-making journey! By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to dive into the side-hustle world and earn extra income to boost your savings account.
What Are Passive Income Apps?
Passive income apps are tools that allow you to earn passive income with minimal effort. These apps can serve as full-time side hustles or simply provide automated income. Earnings vary by app—typically, they generate just enough to cover monthly extras like Hulu subscriptions or video game add-ons. While app-based income may not be massive, you can download multiple apps to increase your earnings. Take some time to find the passive income apps you enjoy and start earning "free" money effortlessly!
Benefits of Using Passive Income Apps
- Low Investment: You can choose from various apps to help you earn money daily. For example, find apps that pay you for walking, online shopping, or even sharing your internet bandwidth.
- Flexibility: No need to stick to specific earning hours—earn on your own schedule! Many low-effort apps generate passive income while you work, sleep, commute, or exercise. This lets you flexibly grow your bank account without constant work!
- Automatic Earnings: These apps help you earn money subtly while you do daily tasks like grocery shopping, online clothes shopping, or playing video games in your free time.
- Diverse Rewards: Choose apps based on the rewards you want. You can deposit cash into PayPal, redeem gift cards/vouchers, earn cashback, or wait for stock dividends. Pick an app that matches your payment preferences and earn your way!
Top Passive Income Apps of 2025
Money-Making Apps
These apps help you earn by completing simple tasks. Anyone can download them and start earning immediately—no initial investment required; just download and create an account!
Compatible Devices: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
Average Earnings: $10–$30/month
Earn passive income by sharing your internet bandwidth with Packetshare! Earn while cooking, cleaning, or even sleeping. Enable traffic sharing and let the app run quietly in the background. Plus, earn more by joining daily lucky draws and social media contests! Invite friends to Packetshare and permanently earn 10% of their income as a reward. Download now to start earning passive income easily!
- Sweatcoin
Compatible Devices: iOS, Android, Apple Watch
Average Earnings: $0.05 per 1,000 steps
Sweatcoin lets you earn by walking! Make money while walking to buy coffee in the morning, jogging with your dog, or commuting to work. Register for free to earn $0.05 per 1,000 steps, or subscribe to double your earnings. This app motivates you to exercise more while rewarding you!
Rental Income Apps
Rental income is one of the most popular passive money-making methods. You don’t need to be a landlord or own real estate to enjoy its benefits! Beyond property, rent out items like power tools, cars, or evening gowns to earn extra cash with minimal effort!
- Turo
Compatible Devices: iOS, Android
Average Earnings: $12,928/year
Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental app! List any number of cars to earn passive income easily. It’s perfect for city dwellers who use public transport daily but want to keep their cars. Create a profile on Turo, list your car, and get matched with city visitors or locals needing a rental! Turo operates in the U.S., UK, France, Canada, and Australia.
- Neighbor
Compatible Devices: iOS, Android
Average Earnings: $100–$400/month
Neighbor is ideal for earning rental income! The app lets you rent out unused space for storage. People can store items like Christmas decorations, luggage, or motorcycles in your space, and you get paid. Rent out any idle space—garages, closets, or attics. Neighbor is a great choice for those wanting rental income without real estate!
Investment Apps
Investment apps help you manage finances and invest in stocks! Many are beginner-friendly, offering advice, tips, and educational content to help you learn about the stock market. Check out our top picks to build legitimate passive income streams!
- Acorns
Compatible Devices: iOS, Android
Average Earnings: 3%–5% annual return
Acorns helps you make your first investments. The app rounds up your shopping expenses and automatically invests the spare change in stocks. It’s friendly to both beginners and experienced investors, using AI to simplify passive income. Start with just a few dollars to grow your dividend earnings. Invest in stocks with every purchase and earn passive income through Acorns.
- Fundrise
Compatible Devices: iOS, Android
Average Earnings: 2.3% annual return
Fundrise is an investment platform for small investors to put money into real estate and venture capital (funds for emerging or expanding businesses, which can be risky). Fundrise typically has low investment fees. Start with $10 and increase your investment as needed, allowing you to manage or anticipate risks on your own.
Cashback Apps
As the name suggests, cashback apps give you money back for purchases! Use them when buying groceries or online gifts for loved ones. Choose the best app based on your favorite stores and earn cash rewards with every purchase!
- Rakuten
Compatible Devices: iOS, Android
Average Earnings: Up to 20% cashback
Rakuten is a cashback app that lets you earn while shopping! Use it for daily purchases and watch extra cash add up effortlessly. Cashback rates vary by brand, with some offering up to 20% back.
- Dosh
Compatible Devices: iOS, Android
Average Earnings: Up to 40% cashback at select merchants
Earn cashback on hotel stays and dining with Dosh! Choose your favorite restaurants and hotels from Dosh’s list and start earning! The minimum withdrawal is $15, so you’ll need to spend at a few places before cashing out.
How to Choose the Right Passive Income App
Select an app based on your needs, lifestyle, and financial goals. Research its reward system to see if it aligns with your earning plan.
- If you want Starbucks gift cards to give as presents, look for apps that offer gift cards as payment options.
- If you prefer earning subtly, download Packetshare or Sweatcoin! These apps help you generate passive income in daily life.
- List your car on Turo for rental income or rent out idle space on Neighbor to earn by storing others’ items.
- Use Acorns or Fundrise to invest, letting stocks generate passive income and build long-term wealth.