Get paid to test websites UK: UserTesting, Prolific and more (2026)
How paid user testing works in the UK, what sites like UserTesting, Userbrain, UserCrowd and Prolific pay, how to get more tests, and whether you pay tax on it.
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How user testing works
Companies want to see how real people use their websites and apps before they launch changes. You sign up, answer a few questions about yourself and wait for tests that match your profile.
In a typical test you:
- Open the website or app you are given
- Follow a few tasks, such as "find a pair of black trainers in your size"
- Talk through what you are thinking as you go, while your screen and voice are recorded
- Answer a few questions at the end
There are no right or wrong answers. Companies want honest reactions, especially where things are confusing.
Sites that pay and what they pay
| Site | Typical pay | Test length | Paid in |
|---|---|---|---|
| UserTesting | About $10 a test, more for live interviews | 15 to 20 minutes | US dollars, by PayPal |
| UserCrowd | About $0.20 a minute | 1 to 10 minutes | US dollars |
| Userbrain | $5 a test | 6 to 20 minutes | US dollars, by PayPal |
| Userlytics | From about €3, more for longer studies | 5 to 20 minutes | Euros |
| Prolific | Set per study, with a minimum hourly rate | Varies | Pounds |
Source: Household Money Saving: user testing websites, May 2026. Rates change, so check each site.
Prolific is slightly different: it pays for taking part in academic and market research studies, often surveys, rather than recording website tests.
What you need
- A computer with a microphone, or a smartphone for app tests
- A quiet place to talk
- A PayPal account for most sites
- To be able to talk naturally about what you see
How to get more tests
- Sign up to several sites. Tests come in waves, and you will not qualify for all of them.
- Fill in your profile fully. Tests are targeted by age, job, interests and what you own.
- Turn on notifications. Good tests go quickly.
- Be honest in screener questions. Getting caught out can get you removed.
- Keep talking. Testers who explain their thinking get higher ratings and more invitations.
How much can you really make?
Realistically, a few pounds to around £50 a month, depending on how many tests you are offered. Live interviews pay much more but are rarer. Treat it as pocket money you can earn while the kettle boils, not a main income.
Do you pay tax on user testing?
Money from user testing counts as income. It falls under the same £1,000 allowance as trading and other casual income in 2026/27, rising to £3,000 from April 2027. Most people doing a bit of testing stay under it and have nothing to report. If you go over, together with any other side hustle income, register for Self Assessment.
Free toolSide hustle tax calculatorSee how much tax and National Insurance you owe on side income, and what to set aside each month.Common questions
Is UserTesting legit?
Yes. It is a long-established company that big brands use. You do not pay to join. Be wary of any testing site that asks you for money.
Can I do user testing on my phone?
Yes, many tests are for mobile apps. Some sites need a separate app to record your screen.
Why do I keep failing the screener questions?
Each test wants a particular type of person. It is normal to qualify for only a small share. Keep your profile up to date and sign up to several sites.
This is general information, not personal tax or financial advice. Tax rules change and depend on your circumstances, so check GOV.UK or speak to an accountant before acting.