App Testing For Money In The UK: A Realistic Side Hustle?

In terms of attractive side hustles, testing apps in exchange for money has to be right up there with the best. You get to play around with new apps, answer some questions, provide feedback and the money is yours. Surely it can’t be that simple?

App testing is actually a legitimate side hustle in the UK and offers a flexible option to earn some extra income. This article will tell you everything you need to know about getting app testing jobs, how much money you can earn from app testing, and whether it’s worth your time.

What Is App Testing?

App testing is exactly what it sounds like: testing apps that are used on mobiles and computers. You won’t be responsible for altering code or fixing bugs.

Your job is to use the app like any normal user would do and then report back to the developers on your experience and any issues you’ve found. You are basically a new pair of eyes for the production teams before they release new software to the public.

Each job or project you take on might have different tasks and requirements, but you can typically expect the following from app testing:

• Provide feedback on usability and design

• Report any bugs or problems

• Take screenshots of your tests

• Record your voice as you test (sometimes)

• Test purchasing flows

• Complete feedback forms and surveys when you finish

Why Do They Pay You To Test Apps?

Before apps are released to the public, companies need to make sure they work properly. This means they must be free of bugs and the users can enjoy them.

App developers rely on the feedback from app testers to refine their products. It’s vital they release a flawless product, as just one bad review can ruin a company's reputation in an instant.

App testing is a vital part of the UX (User Experience), UI (User Interface) and quality. Instead of being tied to paying full time app testers, some companies prefer to outsource the testing of their apps to platforms that can connect them to everyday people like you.

Do You Need Qualifications To Test Apps?

No, there are no specific qualifications required to be an app tester. However, you do need to be fluent in English, be able to pay attention to detail and be a good communicator.

Companies are after normal people that can follow instructions and report back clearly.

Some companies will have specific requirements, such as users with an Android or Apple mobile device. They may also be after testers from certain countries, and the UK is a big market, so this could work to your advantage.

Whilst qualifications aren’t needed, you will need access to some or all of the following:

• Laptop or PC (with a microphone and camera)

• Smartphone

How Much Can An App Tester Earn?

Realistically, app testing is best done as a side hustle rather than a full-time role, so it’s unlikely you’ll be able to live off your app testing income alone.

Depending on how many apps you test, there’s scope to earn between £50 and £300 per month. The pay is very varied depending on the type of tests you have to perform.

Here are some example pay figures for app testers:

• Shorter tasks such as surveys: £2 to £5

• Video user testing (up to 20 minutes): £5 to £15

• Larger projects: £20 to £60+

• Some platforms offer monthly bonuses

How To Start App Testing

• Get signed up - don’t limit yourself to one platform, sign up to at least three as it’ll increase the chances of getting app testing invites.

• Complete a full profile - this is important as a lot of platforms will take the information from your profile to match you to the appropriate tests. This will include your habits, demographics, profession and devices.

• Set up a work space - find somewhere quiet to carry out your tests and have everything ready (internet, PC, charged mobile, microphone, camera etc).

• Provide thorough feedback - explain what you’ve tested and why and your thoughts on the various aspects of the apps tested.

• Payments - you will get most payments as bank transfers or via PayPal. Be sure to check for any minimum payment amounts that platforms have.

Best Platforms For App Testers

We have identified five of the better platforms used by app testers in the UK. Each of these is legitimate and trustworthy:

Testbirds

• Tasks: record your tests on apps and websites and then follow up by answering some questions.

• Earnings potential: approximately £2 to £40 per test.

• Advantages: good support, active in Europe and swift payments.

• Disadvantages: extra effort required to provide reports on bugs.

UserTesting

• Tasks: can involve tests on websites, apps and hardware. You may be required to write bug reports and the usual feedback.

• Earnings potential: approximately £8 for 20 minute tests and up to £100 for live interviews.

• Advantages: good platform and plenty of testing opportunities.

• Disadvantages: your profile determines if you qualify for tests.

Userlytics

• Tasks: video tasks, along with live interviews and written feedback.

• Earnings potential: approximately £5 to £80, test dependent.

• Advantages: international tests which UK testers can do.

• Disadvantages: slow with payments.

Web Usability

• Tasks: mainly testing websites and answering questions.

• Earnings potential: £40 for a 1 hour test.

• Advantages: big payments paid within 3 days.

• Disadvantages: you can only do 1 test every 6 months.

Trymata

• Tasks: video and sound record as you test and submit a follow up survey.

• Earnings potential: £5 to £30 per test.

• Advantages: regular tests and no limit on how many you can do.

• Disadvantages: your profile determines if you qualify for tests.

Is It Worth Testing Apps?

Testing apps is a good side hustle to get some extra income on the side. However, the income isn’t sufficient to be a main source of income.

Whether it’s worth your while is down to individual expectations. Here are some things to consider before starting:

Advantages

• No qualifications needed

• Has the flexibility to be done where and when you like

• Early access to the latest apps and websites

• Reasonable pay for minimum input

• Great for anybody with a bit of spare time

Disadvantages

• Test opportunities can fill up quickly

• Needs consistently good feedback or your testing invites will dry up

• No guaranteed workload

How To Maximise Your App Testing Income

• Have multiple devices: you will get more testing opportunities if you have different devices to use (Android phone, Apple iPhone, laptop etc).

• Get top ratings: some testing platforms will allocate ratings to your profile based on your feedback. The better your rating, the more invites to test you will get.

• Track input: make sure the tests take only as long as the platforms say, otherwise you could be spending too much of your time for minimal rewards.

• Provide good quality feedback: developers appreciate clear responses. Give detailed feedback without rambling. This can also help increase your platform rating.

• Refer mates: keep an eye out for referral schemes. You could make some extra money by referring friends.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Whilst the majority of app testing platforms are good, there will always be some unscrupulous people around to take advantage. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Bad reviews: utilise Google to check for reviews on platforms before joining them.

• Fees: never pay any fees to sign up to app testing platforms.

• Too good to be true: if a website offers to pay high amounts with very little detail, be very wary.

• Lack of contact information: have a look around a platform's website, and trust your instincts if something doesn’t look right.

Summary

App testing in the UK can be a straight-forward side hustle with few hassles. Having access to the latest apps, websites and technologies can be very exciting whilst still putting a few quid in your back pocket.

App testing isn’t something that will make you loaded but you can easily build some savings or treat yourself from the income. It also combines well with market research and online surveys, which may be featured on the platforms that also offer app testing, meaning there’s little more you need to do to sign up.

Just remember to pay attention to details, provide consistent and professional feedback and treat it as a real job to stay focused.