Is Prolific Worth It?
In today’s hustle hungry world, almost everyone is looking for smart ways to earn extra money, especially online. Whether it’s to pay off debt, save for a vacation, or just add some cushion to the monthly budget, side hustles are more popular than ever but not all side gigs are for everyone. Driving for uber or selling crafts takes time and talent, and freelancing can a bit of hit or miss at times.
That’s where a site like Prolific can be great. If you haven’t heard of it yet, Prolific is an online research platform that pays users to take part in academic and scientific studies but the legit kind. It’s an easy, flexible, and surprisingly enjoyable way to make money on the side. Here’s why it might just be the perfect side hustle for you.
Oh and to caveat this, I have been personally using Prolific for a while now. It won’t make you rich but can definitely help you pay some of your bills every month if you are consistent.
1. It Pays Fairly.
Most online survey sites don’t pay that well. You can spend 20 minutes answering questions only to earn the equivalent of 20p/50 cents if you’re lucky.
Prolific is different. It was designed with ethics in mind, especially when it comes to how participants are compensated. Researchers are required to pay at least £6 (or about $8 USD) per hour, and many studies go well above that. The average pay rate is closer to £9-£12 ($11-$15 USD) per hour, and some participants report even higher earnings when stacking quick surveys.
For a few minutes of your time here and there, the money can add up surprisingly fast.
2. No Gimmicks, No Points & No Nonsense
Prolific doesn’t make you jump through hoops or chase cryptic point systems. You see a study, you complete it, and you get paid. It’s that simple.
Payouts go directly to your PayPal account, usually within a few days. This is the only thing I find a little annoying, I would have preferred it to link straight to my bank account but it is what it is. There’s no need to redeem rewards or hit a high minimum balance to cash out. Once you hit £5 or about $6.50), you can withdraw your earnings.
This transparency and simplicity make Prolific feel refreshingly straightforward and trustworthy.
3. It’s Actually Pretty Interesting
Most surveys are mind numbingly boring. Answering repetitive product questions can feel like a slog but Prolific partners with real researchers from universities and institutions around the world, which means the studies are often fascinating. I have done various studies for many universities around the world such at Rotterdam to Oxford and Harvard university.
You might be asked to weigh in on moral dilemmas, complete memory tasks, solve puzzles, or even play games that are part of psychology experiments. Some users say it feels more like a brain workout than work, and honestly each one is so different keeping it fun.
It’s not just about making money, it’s about contributing to real world research.
4. You’re Helping Science
Every time you take part in a study on Prolific, you're contributing to academic and scientific research. Whether it’s a cognitive psychology experiment, a behavioral economics study, or a public health questionnaire, your participation helps researchers gather the data they need to make discoveries and drive change.
That’s a big deal. You're not just filling out forms for a faceless corporation you’re making a real impact in the academic world. And getting paid for it. Some studies are easy whilst others are much more serious such as face to face and recorded interviews.
5. You Control Your Time
One of the biggest perks of Prolific is the total flexibility. There are no quotas, no schedules, and no commitments. Studies are available throughout the day, and you can jump in whenever you have a spare moment between meetings, during lunch breaks, while waiting in line, or winding down in the evening. Many people do this on the side at work (probably not recommended!) and love to know that at least one or two of their bills are covered each month.
There’s no minimum requirement and no pressure. You do what you want, when you want, and you get paid for the time you spend. It’s one of the few side hustles that truly fits around your life instead of the other way around.
6. You Don’t Need Any Special Skills or Equipment
To get started on Prolific, all you need is a device with internet access so your phone, tablet, or computer and a few minutes to create an account and fill out your profile. I recommend using a laptop however, some studies do ask for mobile phones but they are rarer.
That’s it. No resume, no interview, no sales skills, no car, no camera. Unlike freelancing or gig work, there’s zero barrier to entry. Once you’re registered, studies will start appearing based on your profile and demographic information.
It’s one of the easiest and most accessible ways to earn money online.
7. It’s Passive
Okay, it’s not set it and forget it passive income but once your profile is complete and you get into the habit of checking for new studies, you can earn money just by responding to notifications or checking your dashboard throughout the day.
If you install browser extensions or mobile notifications, you can be alerted the moment a new study goes live which I highly recommend meaning less time waiting and more time earning. Just make sure to turn the volume down as the alert sound is quite loud!
Many studies are short, some just a few minutes so can knock them out during downtime and stack up some surprisingly quick earnings.
8. It’s Global and Inclusive
Prolific is available in dozens of countries, and it’s open to anyone over the age of 18. It doesn’t matter if you’re a student, a stay at home parent, a full-time worker, or retired. If you can answer questions and follow instructions, you’re good to go, there is an about section which you will need to complete and the more you complete the more trustoworhty you are I have found, which means more studies.
The platform matches studies to your demographic profile, you’re more likely to see surveys you actually qualify for, cutting down on rejections or frustrating screen outs that plague other platforms.
So is Prolific really worth it, and how much did I make?
I’d say yes, especially compared to most other similiar sites. If you're looking for a side hustle that’s low-effort, flexible, fairly paid, and even a little fun, Prolific checks all the boxes. It won’t replace your full-time job, but it can definitely pad your wallet while giving you the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful research.
I can typically make anywhere from £50 - £200 per month but some less. Prolific’s decision making on who gets to do the surveys are still a bit of a mystery unfortunately and is hard to pinpoint why you sometimes get them and sometimes not. Location is certainly a deciding factor but the others are vague and can be a bit frustrating especially when you don’t get any for weeks on end with no clear reason.
If you're curious, give it a try. Sign up, fill out your profile, and start taking studies when they pop up. Your brain and your bank account might just thank you.
