31 Best Side Gig Apps to Earn Extra Cash in 2023

The gig economy has opened up a world of opportunities to earn extra income on flexible schedules. With smartphones and internet connectivity at our fingertips, dozens of ingenious apps have emerged to help regular folks monetize their skills, time, resources, and even opinions.

Whether you‘re a college student paying your way through school, a stay-at-home parent trying to contribute to the family, or simply someone eager to boost savings, side gig apps provide easy access to all kinds of money-making side hustles. From ridesharing services like Uber to micro-investing platforms like Acorns, there’s likely an app tailored perfectly to your interests, availability, and expertise.

This comprehensive guide covers 31 of the best side gig apps to earn extra cash in 2023, along with tips to maximize your earnings.

1. Uber

As one of the pioneers of the share economy, Uber needs no introduction. Its driver app continues to provide a flexible opportunity for people to earn money by picking up passengers in their spare time. You simply sign up, give your vehicle details, upload the required docs, and you’re good to go.

Uber allows drivers to work according to their own schedules. The driver app shows hotspots to find riders quickly and even offers hourly wage guarantees during busy times.

2. Lyft

Lyft is Uber’s biggest competitor in the ridesharing space. It works similarly by connecting local passengers with drivers willing to provide rides. As a driver, you can start working whenever you want by turning on driver mode in the app.

Lyft also shows areas of high demand to maximize your trip requests. And much like Uber, it provides various incentives and earnings guarantees at certain hours of the day to entice more drivers to log in.

3. DoorDash

DoorDash has become a household name in food delivery. Its courier app lets anyone deliver food from restaurants to hungry customers in their neighborhood. Once you get an order request, you simply drive to the restaurant, pick up the food package, and deliver it to the provided address.

You can schedule work shifts based on your availability. DoorDash also offers increased payouts during peak mealtimes to incentivize drivers to work more. And you get to keep 100% of your tips!

4. Instacart

Grocery delivery apps are hugely popular as well. Instacart connects personal shoppers with customers who want to order groceries and household essentials online.

As a shopper, your job is to visit the store, shop for all the listed items, pack them neatly, and deliver to the customer’s home at the scheduled time. Instacart lets you choose which store locations to shop at and set open shift hours based on your routine.

5. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit opens up short-term work opportunities perfect for anyone with practical everyday skills. You can earn money by helping clients assemble furniture, mount TVs, repair household gadgets, tidy up homes, or even deliver groceries.

After creating your Tasker profile, you can browse open tasks in your area and place bids based on your experience. TaskRabbit also lets you promote your services so clients can book you directly for jobs.

6. Rover

For the animal lovers out there, Rover helps pet owners connect with qualified sitters, walkers and boarding hosts. You can easily create your pet service profile highlighting your skills, rates, and availability from home.

Once registered, pet parents can search for providers in their area and directly book services. You also have the freedom to set your own prices, accept/decline requests, and earn tips for providing exceptional care.

7. Upwork

Upwork is one of the largest online freelancing platforms with countless remote jobs across thousands of skillsets. It’s a great side gig app whether you’re a writer, designer, developer, customer service rep, accountant or other skilled professional.

Simply create a compelling freelancer profile that highlights your expertise. Then start bidding on client projects that match your abilities. Upwork also helps streamline communication and provides an escrow system to ensure you get paid for all hours worked.

8. Fiverr

Much like Upwork, Fiverr also connects businesses with freelancers globally. However, rather than bidding for projects, providers on Fiverr create service listings or “gigs” showcasing what they offer.

For instance, you can offer to write 100-word blog posts for $5 each or record a personalized birthday video message for $10. Fiver allows you to be creative in what you can provide, letting you instantly monetize your skills at affordable price points.

9. Etsy

For the artsy and crafty side hustlers out there, Etsy serves as the perfect platform to sell homemade products online. If you have a knack for crafting jewelry, candles, cards, stuffed toys, artwork, or other unique items, you can easily list them in your very own Etsy shop.

Etsy makes selling supplies and tools, vintage pieces, crafting materials an extremely lucrative endeavor. You have complete control in showcasing and pricing your products however you choose.

10. Poshmark

Poshmark allows you to earn cash by decluttering your closet and selling used fashion goods. Simply download the app, upload photos of items you no longer need like clothes, shoes, or accessories and add a description.

Once your listing is approved, it goes live for buyers to view and purchase just like an online thrift shop. Poshmark provides pre-paid shipping labels and takes a small commission, letting you pocket the rest. It’s a quick and convenient way to make money off your pre-loved stuff.

11. Decluttr

For the gadget hoarders with old smartphones, tablets, game consoles and other devices gathering dust at home, Decluttr makes it simple to trade them in for cash. Just enter your device info, get a valuation, ship them off for free and get paid the very next day once inspected.

Decluttr buys CDs, DVDs, books, and games too! It’s one of the fastest and most environmentally friendly ways to declutter media and electronics for money.

12. Neighbor

Neighbor facilitates a unique storage rental service allowing people to earn by renting out their spare space. Got extra room in your basement, attic, garage or storage building? List it for rent on Neighbor!

You get to determine availability, set competitive rates and conduct transactions securely through the app. It’s a convenient way to offset housing costs by monetizing unused square footage.

13. Turo

Often described as the Airbnb for cars, Turo lets you rent out your underutilized vehicle to responsible travelers. Simply list your car when you’re not using it and approved renters can book it via the app. You earn a hefty percentage from every booking.

Turo provides up to $1 million insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and handles vetting renters thoroughly. You also get to choose trip prices and customize delivery options based on your comfort.

14. Outschool

If you’re a certified teacher or have in-depth knowledge of creative arts, math, science, languages, music, baking, coding or almost any academic/recreational skill, Outschool lets you teach small-group classes online.

You have total flexibility in setting class dates/times, materials, prices plus the platform handles all the backend and marketing. It’s a rewarding way to share your expertise with motivated students through engaging virtual lessons.

15. VIPKid

VIPKid connects English teachers with children in China for 25-minute virtual classes. The platform is designed to provide a rewarding remote work solution for educators with flexible schedules.

As long as you have a bachelor’s degree and TEFL/TESOL certification, you can start teaching English lessons based on the proprietary VIPKid curriculum. Scheduling classes and getting paid are also straightforward through the app.

16. Rover

For pet lovers who’d enjoy caring for furry friends, Rover helps connect sitters and dog walkers with pet owners. Create your service profile stating rates and availability then start getting booked for walks, overnight pet-sitting, daycare or boarding.

You have complete control over which bookings to accept so you can work at your own pace alongside your routine. Rover also provides insurance for additional protection.

17. Care.com

Care.com is one of the largest marketplaces enabling families to discover quality caregivers. You can easily register as a babysitter, nanny, pet sitter, tutor, senior caregiver and more.

Highlights like certifications and work experience allow you to stand out so you have a higher chance of getting hired by parents and families seeking assistance. Care.com also offers background checks and assistance with contracts.

18. Fiverr

Fiverr has become massively popular as an online platform connecting businesses with freelance service providers, called "sellers." No matter your skill – writing, graphic design, programming, singing, playing an instrument – you can create gigs showcasing your offerings.

For example, offer to write 100-word blog posts for $5 each or record a one-minute personalized birthday song video for $10. Fiverr empowers you to get creative in monetizing your skills and talents.

19. Uber Eats

Already driving for Uber? Easily sign-up for Uber Eats as well using the same account! Instead of passengers, you pick up and deliver food orders to hungry locals around mealtimes. Uber Eats shows estimated payouts upfront so you can strategically choose profitable orders.

And you still maintain complete flexibility to only log in whenever suitable for you. It’s essentially getting paid to drive around listening to music or podcasts in between food pickups!

20. Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex allows regular people to earn great money delivering packages locally in their own time. You simply install the app, receive available shift notifications and select whatever fits your schedule best.

Shifts typically last 2-4 hours where you pick up pre-packed orders from the nearest Amazon location and deliver to area customers. It’s an excellent way to explore neighborhoods in your city while making $18-25+ an hour!

21. Field Agent

Companies frequently need boots-on-the-ground to carry out quick in-person tasks like checking product inventory levels, confirming local services are open/closed, verifying prices and more.

That‘s exactly what Field Agent specializes in. Browse assignments in your area through the app, complete the activities described and earn cash for each successfully finished job. Most jobs take less than 30 minutes for a few extra bucks.

22. UserTesting

UserTesting is a unique platform that pays regular people to test out websites and apps then provide video feedback sharing their experience. Companies highly value this perspective as it helps them identify issues and improve their digital products.

Each test session lasts about 10-20 minutes. You simply share your thoughts aloud as you try using the website or app then upload the video. Tests suit all levels of tech familiarity and can pay upwards of $10 each.

23. Dada ABC

Dada ABC connects skilled individuals with families needing consultations on infant feeding, postpartum healing, and parenting for newborns to five year olds. As a consultant, you guide clients 1-on-1 through video chats offering helpful advice tailored to each child‘s health, nursing patterns and more.

You get to define your specialty, set pricing, create your schedule and work from anywhere. Parents depend on Dada consultants to help ensure happy, healthy kids which makes this a highly meaningful side gig app.

24. Upwork

Upwork serves over 7 million businesses by connecting them to freelancers with nearly any skill across over 75 categories. Whether you excel at data entry, graphic design, copywriting, web development, consulting, customer service or dozens of other fields, freelancing may suit you.

Upwork allows building an impressive online portfolio highlighting your expertise so clients can book your services seamlessly through the work chat app. Bill by the hour or project while working 100% remotely.

25. Swagbucks

In your spare time, Swagbucks allows you to earn cashback and rewards points (called "SB") towards gift cards simply for activities you enjoy. Rack up SB by watching videos, playing games, completing surveys, discovering deals, searching the web, and more.

Then redeem your hard-earned points whenever you want PayPal cash or trade them in for gift cards to places like Amazon, Starbucks Target and several other popular brands.

26. InboxDollars

InboxDollars functions very similarly to Swagbucks above allowing members to collects cash for everyday online activities like reading emails, taking surveys, playing games, referring friends and more through their web portal.

Earned cash never expires and you can request payouts conveniently through check or PayPal whenever you hit the minimum threshold. It‘s an effortless way to casually earn a little extra in your downtime online.

27. Daily Harvest

Have an eye for photography? As a Daily Harvest affiliate, you can earn up to $100 per photo! Simply capture relatable moments conveying the essence of their premade smoothies, bowls or bites using Daily Harvest products sent to you in their signature reusable, recyclable cups and flatlay props.

Once you upload images through the Harvest affiliate dashboard, they can get featured on Daily Harvest‘s social channels with your affiliate handle and cash out via PayPal.

28. iBotta

iBotta makes earning cash back on everyday shopping a breeze. Simply check the app for available rebates before buying select grocery, home improvement, dining and retail items locally or online. Then scan or upload your receipt to unlock cash rewards instantly.

There‘s plenty of offers across popular brands you likely already shop at. You can even team up on rebates with friends! Redeem your earnings effortlessly via PayPal or gift cards.

29. Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards works very similar to iBotta above rewarding you cash back on any grocery, home improvement, pharmacy, pet store or dining receipt scanned through the app. Except here you rack up points instead of cash which can be redeemed for gift cards.

You also get rewarded for snapping photos of ANY retail receipt. So even without rebates, Fetch’s scan feature nets you points automatically tallied towards lucrative rewards.

30. Mercari

Much like a virtual thrift store, phone app Mercari provides an easy way for anyone to make extra money selling secondhand stuff from around their home. Simply snap photos of pre-owned goods like clothes, toys, books, gadgets – anything that’s still in good shape and legal to resell.

Mercari makes listing, pricing and shipping extremely simple including prepaid labels. And you earn fast payments once buyers receive your goods through the app. It‘s perfect for quick decluttering.

31. Robinhood

Robinhood transformed investing allowing anyone to buy and sell U.S. traded stocks commission-free using their simple yet powerful mobile app. You can start investing with any amount since there are no account minimums or fees that eat into earnings.

Carefully invest side hustle proceeds into promising or already admired brands you believe in. Then withdraw returns whenever you please to your connected bank account. Take the guesswork out and watch your money grow more meaningfully!

With so many innovative apps available offering unique money-making opportunities for regular folks the side hustling possibilities look endless.

However, to truly maximize your profitability requires smart strategy. Here are 6 crucial tips:

Diversify Platforms

Rather than staking all your time and effort into just one app, diversify across several compatible platforms. This allows you to tap into multiple income streams while leveraging different assets/skillsets optimally.

For instance, alternate driving shifts with Uber, Lyft and Uber Eats week to week alongside grocery deliveries for Instacart and shopping through TaskRabbit fitting your schedule best.

Embrace Flexibility

One of the biggest perks to earning through apps is setting your own availability. Avoid rigid routines and remain open to work peaks surges where economic incentive runs highest.

Occasionally working a breakfast food run or staying out later when rates increase makes good financial sense and keeps motivation up. Stay agile responding to demand.

Provide Exceptional Service

Building up your profile reputation across the apps you engage with keeps business booming sustainably. Consistently deliver prompt, personable and high-quality service.

Reply to messages promptly, send delivery updates, play upbeat driving music, confirm accurate orders, and offer genuine smiles. Going the extra mile improves ratings, boosts tips and leads to repeat bookings with loyal customers.

Cashout Strategically

Many apps offer redemption thresholds and various payout timelines. Develop a structured approach to cashouts that works optimally for your liquidity needs and money management style.

Automating transfers to a separate high yield savings account keeps funds allocated straight from earnings helps ensure excess cash gets invested incrementally as it comes rather than sitting idle unutilized.

Invest Side Earnings

Speaking of investing, make it a habit to invest a portion of app income steadily into stocks, ETFs, alternatives like real estate crowdfunding platforms or even automated micro-investing apps.

This puts your money to work in promising assets that historically earn higher average returns than typical savings accounts. Investing apps make diversifying global markets extremely accessible today.

Track Taxes Diligently

With multiple income sources flowing through various apps, it‘s vital to keep detailed records tracking earnings, mileage, deductions, business expenses, app fees and more.

Digitally archive all tax documents as they come in through a folder or app like Evernote. Accurately recording everything now makes tax prep seamless so you keep more hard-earned income every year.

The majority of side gig apps today provide easy access to flexible money-making opportunities for anyone with a skillset, passion or resource worth sharing. Combined with smart strategy maximizing time and earnings, both full-time hustlers and casual side giggers unlock an empowering path to financial freedom.