In the digital age, making money online has evolved beyond traditional freelancing or e-commerce. One of the most reliable and overlooked opportunities lies in user testing: evaluating websites, apps, and digital products for money. Companies crave real user feedback more than ever, and they’re willing to pay for it. While platforms like UserTesting.com are well known, there are several lesser-known websites where you can earn a respectable income testing digital experiences.
This article goes beyond the basics and reveals some of the best secret websites for user testing that you likely haven’t heard of, but are serious about both user experience and providing fair compensation.
Why User Testing Is Worth Your Time
User testing isn’t just a hobby — it’s a professional field contributing to the development of digital products worldwide. And while you don’t need a degree in UX design, you do need strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions.
Depending on the platform, testers can earn between $5 to $60 per test, with each test typically lasting 10–30 minutes. Some larger studies can pay even more, especially those involving video interviews or product trials.
Secret Websites That Pay You for User Testing
Let’s look at some relatively unknown but dependable platforms you can explore today.
1. Validately
Validately is a user research platform geared toward testing product concepts and prototypes. While not as widely advertised as its logical competitors, Validately offers superior compensation for fewer, but more in-depth, tasks.
- Test types: Website and mobile app usability tests, live interviews
- Requirements: Microphone, webcam for live tests
- Payment: Via PayPal – $10 to $100+ depending on test complexity
Once accepted into the tester pool, you may be invited to participate in high-paying live video sessions, often based on your profile or device preferences.
2. Ferpection
Ferpection is a French-based user testing platform that focuses on “asynchronous” feedback—meaning you won’t be on live calls. Instead, you review websites or apps and provide written insights and screenshots.
- Test types: Usability tasks, content reviews
- Requirements: Smartphone or computer with basic browsing tools
- Payment: Approximately €10 per 20-minute test, paid via PayPal
Ferpection doesn’t require verbal interaction, making it a great fit for shy testers who prefer to write feedback at their own pace.
3. UserZoom Go (Formerly Validately Pro)
UserZoom Go partners with enterprise clients to conduct real-time studies and recorded tasks. Though part of a more widely known brand, this sub-platform operates semi-discreetly and regularly invites ordinary users to participate.
- Test types: Surveys, interviews, prototype testing
- Requirements: Chrome browser, webcam and mic for live tests
- Payment: Between $20 and $120 per session
Sign up notes: After signing up, it’s crucial to keep your profile updated to be found for targeted studies. These tests are often niche but highly rewarding.
4. PlaybookUX
Designed with user-centered feedback in mind, PlaybookUX pays testers for remote usability testing and structured feedback sessions. It’s not listed alongside typical big-name platforms, but it has garnered a steady base of quality testers due to its transparent payouts and responsive support team.
- Test types: Moderated and unmoderated UX research
- Requirements: Desktop or mobile device, possible camera usage
- Payment: $10 to $100 per test
Pro tip: Look out for international studies, which often pay more due to smaller testing pools in non-English speaking countries.
5. IntelliZoom Panel
IntelliZoom Panel is operated by UserZoom but maintained as a separate interface for participant testers. It includes both video-recorded and unmoderated tests.
- Test types: Think-aloud usability tasks, surveys
- Requirements: Digital device, willingness to speak during tasks
- Payment: $10–$60 per test, paid within 21 days
Though less frequent than UserTesting.com, the tests here can be longer and more comprehensive, giving you better compensation for your time.
How to Maximize Your Earning Potential
Succeeding at user testing is about more than just signing up. Here are a few tried-and-tested strategies to maximize your income:
- Register for multiple platforms: Since most platforms work on an “invitation” model, signing up for several increases your odds of landing tests regularly.
- Keep your profile detailed and updated: Indicate demographics, job roles, and tech-savviness accurately. Clients often target specific segments.
- Use alerts and notifications: Many platforms book tests on a first-come, first-served basis. Keep alerts enabled to act quickly.
- Improve your environment: Test quality and clarity of your recordings result in more approvals and future invites.
Being punctual, respectful, and articulate during live interviews also greatly increases your chances of selection for premium studies.
Privacy and Trust Considerations
It’s important to address the elephant in the room — how do you know these platforms are trustworthy?
All listed platforms are reviewed in online communities like Reddit’s r/beermoney and Forums like MTurkCrowd, and are listed on trustworthy software platforms like G2 and TrustPilot. They also have clear privacy policies and payment records.
However, it’s still wise to exercise caution:
- Never share sensitive personal information unless you’re certain of the platform’s legitimacy.
- Watch out for scams that charge “registration fees.” All authentic platforms listed here are 100% free to join.
- Use secure PayPal or direct deposit for receiving payments.
Realistic Income Expectations
User testing is not a full-time job, but rather a legitimate way to make $50 to $500 per month, depending on your availability, testing eligibility, and test acceptances. Some high-performing testers even report earnings of up to $1000 monthly by being active across 5–6 platforms and remaining responsive.
You won’t get rich overnight, but you will earn consistent side income while contributing meaningfully to product development.
Final Thoughts
If you’re detail-oriented, reliable, and enjoy being the first to try new digital experiences, user testing is a highly accessible path to earning online. While the well-known platforms can be competitive, these lesser-known opportunities often have fewer testers and higher rewards. Many quietly operate top-tier corporate usability research projects and offer a unique space for testers to participate in shaping digital innovation.
To summarize, here are the key recommended “secret” user testing platforms to sign up for today:
- Validately
- Ferpection
- UserZoom Go
- PlaybookUX
- IntelliZoom Panel
As with any opportunity, consistency and reliability are the real keys. Combined with curiosity and a bit of patience, user testing can become a surprisingly rewarding endeavor.
