LushDollar.com
Photo by Samuel Zeller on Unsplash

Product Testing Jobs: 39+ Options to Consider!

Some of the links may be from a sponsor. Advertising Disclosure

The internet is filled with so many ways to make money, some good, some bad, of course.

And one option that you may have heard about is what’s known as a product tester — a person who tests out products in exchange for either compensation and/or the product itself.

As a cool way to make a few bucks on the side, you’re not going to get rich doing it, but you can get some great FREE products at a minimum.

So, in today’s guide, I wanted to talk about what a product tester does as well as the many legitimate opportunities that exist out there that you may want to take advantage of.

If you love the idea of a paid product testing from home, then this may be a guide you want to stick around to read.

What is a Product Tester?

By definition, product testers are often hired by third-party marketing firms, and the goal here is to send these targeted consumers, who are usually part of these firms, products to test.

Greatly depending on the company you’re part of, these products can range anywhere from a spice packet to a $500 gadget that needs to be tested for a few weeks.  It truly depends on the company you’re working with and which brands are looking for feedback at the time, but do know that this is a legitimate opportunity.  You just need to know which companies are legitimate.

Now, as a product tester, it does involve some work on your part since these companies are not going to send you a product for free, of course.

In exchange, you will be asked to test the product and often create a review, either in written, audio and/or video form, but the good news is that you will always know about the details before you commit to the gig.

With so many product testing “opportunities” out there, I’m going to do what I usually do best and list all of the companies that often offer product testing opportunities and considered to be 100% legitimate.

All of these companies are 100% free to join and will never ask for a credit card.  All it takes on your part is some personal information, such as your name and email address.

Once the firm works with a brand that likes your demographical profile, you will usually receive an email asking if you’re interested in the project, where you can then start once you commit.

If all of this sounds of interest to you, then you’re in luck because I’m going to list a wide variety of companies you can check out right now, but do keep in mind that you probably won’t be able to start right away.  Rather, you will have to wait for that right opportunity to come.

NOTE:  All of these companies are not intended to replace your full-time income.  Rather, view them as a way to make a few dollars here and there.  Some don’t pay at all, but instead, offer valuable free products in exchange for your time.

Paid Product Testing Jobs at Home



PINCHme

PINCHme is a free research panel that sends you free products from leading brands in exchange for your feedback, and like a lot of the companies I talk about below, PINCHme works in a similar way.  I wrote about them in the past and found it to be a pretty cool way to get freebies at no cost.

First, they ask you to sign up for an account.   It’s 100% free and easy, with no credit card necessary, I promise.

Then, once you sign up, the company wants to know about your household and your shopping habits so that they can learn about what offers they can send you.  It works similar to that of a survey, asking very simple questions in a multiple choice format.  Just make sure you do this so that they can connect you with their partners.

If they feel a sample fits your profile, they send you an invite via email, in which you can then either accept or decline.  It’s up to you.  If you do accept, they will mail out a pretty cool sample box filled with quite a few products.

Once the sample box arrives at your door, follow the directions, offer your feedback via your dashboard and keep participating to receive even more.

To see what products they have worked with in the past as well as the feedback from their users, I encourage you to check out their YouTube page for unboxing videos.  I found the products and feedback to be pretty good, one of the reasons I’m listing this company near the top.

Pinecone Research

Noted as a trusted leader, Pinecone Research works with a variety of companies worldwide and need people like you to help test products before they even hit the shelves by offering your opinion.

Compensated for your time, Pinecone Research panelists will receive points for every completed survey and product tested at home, which can then be redeemed for cash and prizes.  Plus, you get to keep the product as well.

Once you join and fill out your profile in detail, the company will then send you an email notification any time an opportunity arises, whether it’s a survey or product to test, and if it sounds of interest, act fast because some products do go fast.

Registration is 100% free and open to all U.S. residents older than 18.

MindsPay

MindsPay will reward you through PayPal to help review products, read emails and participate in paid offers, offering up to $50 for each paid offer you complete.

And from the looks of it, it does appear they update their product database quite often so make sure you keep your eyes peeled on your emails to act quickly if a product offering does arise.

Working with major brands in the past, such as Disney, Walmart, Gerber and more, it’s 100% free to join and you could start earning with at least the surveys in as little as today.

Allure Beauty Enthusiasts

As a “VIP” member of the Allure Beauty Enthusiasts panel, you get the chance to test out beauty products from Allure Magazine before anyone else does.

Members also get the opportunity to receive exclusive offers, sound off about trends and even invites to a VIP product launch, all for free.

When you join, the company will send out surveys to your inbox, asking for your feedback, sometimes even sending products to your front door to test.  Again, all of their products will be beauty-like products, so if you’re not a fan of beauty, I wouldn’t recommend joining to be honest.

While it doesn’t appear the company pays you for your time, you could snag some free items once in a while and even win cash prizes for every survey you complete.

American Consumer Opinion

To date, the American Consumer Opinion has more than six million members, offering more than just product testing opportunities.

Aside from the $1 to $50+ survey opportunities, the American Consumer Opinion panel occasionally has the opportunity to evaluate new products as well as new product ideas, essentially helping companies determine which products are worth going to the shelves.

This panel could be a great option if you’re looking for more than just product testing options, specifically surveys.

Membership is 100% free and only takes a few minutes to join.

BetaTesting.com

BetaTesting.com has more than 200,000 participants and is always looking for more.  As a member, you can get paid to test new apps, websites and even products.

Most of what you would test, according to the site, would be in the app/website niche, where you will be asked to complete tasks, give feedback and attempt to find bugs/glitches.

Most tests pay $10 to $20 each.  It’s 100% free to join.



Brooks Product Testing Program

I list a few shoe product testing companies on this list, but the problem with most is that they ask you to return the shoes after you test them and offer your feedback.  Kind of a bummer, but hey, it’s a way to have some new shoes for a few weeks if you’re a fan of trying out new shoes.

The Brooks Product Testing Program works in this regard, asking you to extensively test out their shoes, all while offering your feedback to help them improve their products.  After six to eight weeks, you will be asked to send them back and wait for another job in the future.

While the company does not compensate you, I feel it’s only a decent opportunity if you want to test out shoes from big-name companies and don’t mind providing your feedback.

BzzAgent

I’ve promoted BzzAgent quite a bit on this website, and it’s for a good reason as it’s an awesome way to get invited to test out products from so many big-name brands you have heard of, such as L’Oreal, Gillette, Hershey’s, P&G and so many more.

To join, it’s extremely easy.

First, the company asks that you first fill out a demographical profile, telling them a pinch about yourself.  This will include basic information such as your gender, age, habits, etc.  Think of a demographic profile that most survey companies ask you to fill out.

Once done, the company will then attempt to match your profile with upcoming campaigns, inviting you to tests they feel you’re a fit for.

Depending on your profile, it could take minutes to match, but in some cases, it could take much longer.  Regardless, they will send you an email application once they find a match.

BzzAgent does not pay you for your time, however, the products they do send out are often worth your time, trust me on this one.

At this moment, it’s free to join and is only open to USA, Canada and UK residents.

Crowdtap

I have written about Crowdtap before, and in short, it’s a fun way to earn money doing a lot of things, from taking surveys to even testing products.  In my research, I was able to earn $10 relatively quick just by answering super quick surveys.

While the sampling portion of the website can be hit or miss, the company does have a tab on your dashboard that displays the current sampling opportunities.  It’s not updated often, but options have been there in the past.

And if you’re able to snag a sampling opportunity, you will not only receive a product, but the company will reward you with points as well, which you can eventually turn into gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

Daily Goodie Box

In signing up as a Daily Goodie Box member, the company will send you a box of free goodies.  In exchange for this box, you just need to let them know what they think.

To see if you qualify for the box, all you need to do is add your name and email address and then fill out a short questionnaire whenever an opportunity arises.

If approved, the company will ship you over a box of goods, all coming from very reputable brands.

Elle Inner Circle

The Elle Inner Circle, as part of the Elle Magazine, is an exclusive reader panel where you can share your opinion on a variety of beauty products that the company sends out.  If it’s beauty product testing jobs you’re looking for, this is one to add to your list!

Even though the panel doesn’t pay you for your time like a lot of these companies do, there have been reports that they send out some pretty good products worth $5 to $20+.

Free to join, it doesn’t hurt to at least at your name to the list if you want to potentially receive free beauty products at your doorstep.

Field Agent

The Field Agent app does require that you leave the home since it’s based on your GPS location and you have to visit a store in most cases, but in short, let me explain how it works.  This is a mobile app, too, so you won’t be able to access it from your desktop, sorry!

When you open up the Field Agent app, it will show you a variety of jobs that are available in your area, no more than 15-25 miles usually.  It could be your local Walmart, a Best Buy or any retailer usually.

And in some cases, the app, as one of the many jobs, may ask you to frequent a store nearby and purchase an item on the app to offer feedback after your purchase.

For example, when I was in Walmart one time, I was asked to try a new egg product, and in exchange for my feedback, they reimbursed me for the purchase AND paid me a few dollars for my time.

More than just product testing, you can also make money by taking pictures, answering questions and even simply taking surveys.  There’s quite the variety.

It’s 100% free to join and chances are there’s a good amount of jobs you could start doing right now.

FocusGroup.com

I talked about FocusGroup.com in my $100+ per survey guide, but I’m going to include them here as well.

In short, FocusGroup.com, as the name implies, finds focus groups in your area that you can apply for.  Like surveys, you do need to qualify, but if you do, a lot of these studies pay more than $10+ in some cases.

For instance, take a look at this product test opportunity that was available in my area:

That’s $125 for about 90 minutes of my time, according to the description.

While most of these jobs will happen outside of the home, it’s probably one of the best options for your time, seeing a lot of these jobs pay you $100+ for a few hours of your time.  Plus, in most cases, you get the keep the product, too.

Registering is 100% free, but these opportunities are only available in a select number of cities, all of which you can view on the company’s main website.

Good Housekeeping Reader Panel

Good Housekeeping Reader Panel members, at least according to the magazine, get to test beauty products, books and even paid services.

And right now, they are looking for both Good Housekeeping magazine readers and website viewers who want to join their free research panel where you can share your opinions on a range of products, from books to food.

Year round, members are sent products to their home and are then asked to supply their feedback via a questionnaire, again, much like a lot of these websites I list.

Influenster.com

Influenster.com is a community of trendsetters, in which you can be part of.  The company has more than 6.5 million reviewers and that number continues to grow daily.

As a member, you can qualify for what’s known as a “VoxBox,” which is a box of free goodies, which can come from just about company, from beauty to food.  Since these companies rely on influencers like you, they are willing to ship you a box in exchange for your feedback.

To qualify for a VoxBox, you can do so via the website, which is linked below.  Just fill out your profile as well as answer your “snaps” and connect your social media accounts.  If your profile fits what the brand wants, a box may end up landing in your mailbox.

In-Home Product Testing

In-Home Product Testing invites you to become a panel member, where you are given the opportunity to test new products and offer your opinion, letting the company know what you think of it.

In comparison to other websites, the offerings seem to be low, but some do pop up from time to time.  Again, if you’re looking to maximize your opportunities, I do recommend you at least add your name to the database.

Registration is free and is open to all U.S. residents older than 18.



InStyle Trendsetter

The exclusive InStyle Trendsetter community is opened to the public, specifically for those who are into everything style.

And as an InStyle Trendsetter member, you will be able to share your thoughts, opinions and even have the opportunities to test out new beauty products sent to your door.

Even if you disqualify for the surveys for an upcoming product, the company will automatically enter you into a quarterly raffle offering fantastic prizes so that your time isn’t wasted.

Yes, it’s another panel that does not pay you, but joining could increase your chances at landing free products worth a few bucks.

Johnson & Johnson Friends and Neighbors

Johnson & Johnson, yes, the company of many prominent brands you probably heard of, has the Friends and Neighbors program, which is a consumer perception program that rewards you for your time.

From product tests inside your home to focus groups in a nearby town, your opinions will help the company create better products to eventually make life better, at least that’s what they say on their website.

To become a member, follow the link below, register and be sure to fill out your profile in detail so that you qualify for any upcoming studies.

Then, just like all of these websites, if your profile matches an upcoming study, they will contact you with more information in regards to the product offer and compensation, if any is offered.

L’Oreal USA Consumer Participation Program

The L’Oreal USA Consumer Participation Program, as part of the L’Oreal Group, offers a free program that you can sign up for, where you can offer your feedback on upcoming products and even receive free products mailed to your home.

Members have been said to test hair care, skin care and cosmetic-like products, with New York/New Jersey area residents able to take part in studies at the company’s testing facility.  Basically, if it’s part of the L’Oreal product line, there could be a good chance you could test it.

From what I researched, the company does reward you for your time and even sends out bonuses if you complete a certain number of surveys, but the exact reward greatly depends on the study you partake in.  I have heard about some people receiving products valued at $100+, but again, it will depend on so many factors.

Like many of the survey companies online, L’Oreal will send you an email when they feel an upcoming study matches your particular demographical profile.  Just make sure you act fast because these spots fill up fast.

To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old and reside in the United States.

Marie Claire Velvet Rope Club

The Velvet Rope Club, as apart of the Hearst Women’s Network, offers exclusive insiders’ access to women who want to share their valuable opinion on everything beauty related.

From beauty products that are about to hit the market to an already existing lipstick brand, members can test and voice their opinion via online surveys, all while receiving some pretty cool products at home.

Marie Claire’s Velvet Rope Club won’t compensate you for your time, unfortunately, but you can receive some great valuable freebies.

It’s free to join, and interested applicants can follow the website below.

McCormick Consumer Testing

The McCormick brand, popularly known for its spices, seasoning mixes and condiments, count on its customers to help develop new flavor products and created a testing program to test new products.

If you’re interested in taste testing new items offered by the company, then the company encourages you to apply to be considered as a panelist that gets paid for their time.

While some studies are conducted at their Hunt Valley, Maryland location, you can test products at home as well.

To be considered, much like the other panels listed here, it will greatly depend on the demographic requirement as each study will be looking for different requirements.  Regardless, as long as you’re 18 years or older and reside in the United States, you can add your name to the program for free.

If considered, you can taste test up to four times per year, once every three months.

Microsoft User Research

Yes, the company you have probably heard of, Microsoft, offers a user research panel, wherein you can sign up and get paid in some cases depending on the study.

To be part of the panel, Microsoft encourages you to sign up (it’s free) and create a profile.  Remember, as with all of these panels, it’s so important that you fill it out 100% so that you maximize your chances of being matched with an upcoming project.

When I signed up, it took me about 15 minutes to complete my initial screening profile, and I was immediately able to view my dashboard.

Once you’re in the system, Microsoft will attempt to match you to an upcoming study based on your interests and activities, but you’re also able to view upcoming studies on your dashboard as well if you want to apply directly.

If you feel as if you’re a match and/or Microsoft invites you, then you will be asked to come to either a designated location or in some cases, they may even come to your home or ask you to complete your testing online.  It all varies, but you will know exactly what the project entails before you commit to it.

Glancing at the official website, it appears researchers will let you test new technology and just ask for your honest feedback, and because your time is valuable, they may offer gratuity as a way of thanking you.

Minute Rice

As a member of the Riceipe Club®, members can receive coupons, special offers, special sweepstakes entries and the opportunity to test new products.

Much like many of these companies, Minute Rice will not compensate you for your time, but it’s yet another company to add to your pile if you don’t receive small freebies, particularly Minute Rice branded goods.

Moms Meet

Moms Meet members earn points and rewards, plus access to their exclusive community of health-minded moms.

Focused on healthy and organic-based items, Moms Meet sends out free products and samples to its members for free, just asking for your honest feedback in return.

If you’re a mom and love the idea of testing natural products from home, then this is a panel to definitely add to your list.

  • Website:  Moms Meet

MomSelect

Bringing moms and companies together, the MomSelect group wants you to connect you with new products, host in-home parties and even want you to share free samples with your friends.

To participate, you just need to register as a member, tell them a little bit about yourself and wait for an offer that matches your demographic profile.

Then, if selected, the company will send you more information as to what’s needed from you and it’s up to you to decide if the job is worth it or not.

It doesn’t appear you will get rewarded, but rather, receive free samples/products for your time.

MyOpinionNow

MyOpinionNow offers great cash rewards for simply answering survey questions and even testing new products if selected.

More of a research company that will provide more surveys than product testing opportunities, it’s one to consider if you want to have a variety of options to choose from.

To date, the company has more than one million members and even offers up to 1,000 bonus points just for joining.



New Balance Wear Test Program

The New Balance Wear Test Program does not pay its panel members, but they do send out the latest shoes and apparel to its members to help receive feedback, much like the other shoe research companies I mentioned.

And while you won’t get paid nor do you get to keep the product, it could be a panel worth joining if you wanted a new pair of shoes for eight weeks.

To join, New Balance asks that you create a product test profile, and once completed, they will enter you into the community, contacting you if an upcoming test matches your profile.

If selected and you do receive the product, the company simply asks that you submit your feedback online in an honest way so that they can make the necessary improvements.

New Balance is one of the many shoe companies that offer a product testing platform.  I try to list them all here, but you can check out my free shoes guide as well that lists a majority them, too.

Nike Product Testing

Like New Balance, Nike encourages you to apply as a product tester, but do keep a few things in mind.

For one, you won’t be able to keep the shoes you try out as you will need to send them back, usually after about eight weeks, in order for the lab to analyze them.  This can be said with all shoe companies.

And secondly, you won’t be compensated for your time, making it one of the poorer options on this list.

I just list it here because I wanted to list all of the places where you can essentially “test” a product.  Even though you can’t keep the shoes, you could have a new pair for eight weeks, which could be valuable to some.

Nike product testing is open to all, including children younger than 12.

For more information as to the requirements and how the program works in detail, follow the application below.  You can also read my in-depth review if you’re curious about the program.

Team Red!

As part of Red Magazine, the Team Red! panel is currently looking for “smart” ladies who want to help their readers look, feel, eat and live better by sharing your insights and ideas, all while testing a wide variety of products.

Unlike a lot of these panels where you just submit your application and hope for a survey to arrive, it appears Team Red! works in a different way since they want you to share why they should hire you in less than 500 words.

Looking at the website, it appears that they are looking for particular demographics who could benefit from the products they send out for testing.  They want to know what products you buy, who you look up to, how often you work out, etc.

Not only this, but they also ask that you share your social media profiles and even a photo/video of yourself.

To find out more information in detail, the link below lists the email you can send in your application as well as step-by-step directions on what they need from you.  Just keep in mind that they could have a strict approval rate.

PTPA

PTPA, which stands for Parent Tested, Parent Approved, is a popular community for parents who want to review and test free products in a wide range of products, from books to electronics.

To explore the full list, the website has a product tab near the top of the screen that you can browse for fun.  I must warn you that it’s quite a few products!

Like a lot of these websites, the PTPA will work in the same way, first asking you to fill out a profile, complete with your demographic information, and then once submitted, your name will be thrown into the company’s database.

Then, depending on the project, the company may select you based on your profile, offering you the chance to test a product, all while receiving rewards that can be redeemed for a ton of products.  You do get to choose which products you want to work with.

Aside from testing products, the company also offers contests, giveaways and the opportunity to earn rewards while inviting friends.

The Pink Panel

As yet another beauty product panel, the Pink Panel, a research-based branding firm that works with a lot of big-name retailers, is currently looking for men and women who want to test a variety of beauty products, such as makeup and skincare products.

If selected, again, based on your demographical profile, the company will send you samples, sometimes even the actual product, asking for you to complete a survey sharing your thoughts on the product you received.

Depending on the test you’re part of, members have claimed being rewarded with Amazon gift cards, varying from as little as $25 to more than $100+, plus being able to keep the product as well.

Seen as a legitimate option, follow the link below to start your application and enter your name into the company’s database.  Then, keep your eyes peeled as the company will send you an invite via email if chosen.

Reebok Product Tester

Reebok, yet another highly popular shoe company that offers a research group, invites you to join their testing panel.   Unfortunately, as you probably already guessed it, you cannot keep the shoes or get paid.

If you want to help Reebok test out new shoes for the next few weeks and offer your feedback to help them improve their products, then you can read the full list of requirements via the company’s official website before applying.

As long as you’re physically fit, meet product sizes and can provide accurate feedback, then there’s a good chance they will accept you to the program.

Again, it’s technically a product testing job, but it doesn’t really come with a lot of benefits.

  • Website:  producttesting.reebok.com

Ripple Street

Formerly known as Chatterbox, Ripple Street is a free, fun and easy way to join brand communities and receive free products, coupons, exclusive offers and so much more.

The website stated they worked with major brands such as Dove, Dr. Pepper, Oreo, Panasonic, to name a few, and from the looks of it, members will try products sent to their home and will then be asked to share with family and friends.

Then, after a number of days, you will be asked to post reviews and share your opinion, letting the brands know what you think.

Joining is 100% free and only takes a matter of minutes.

SheSpeaks

Launched in 2007, SheSpeaks was created to help members voice their opinions, from the products you use to how you live your lives.

SheSpeaks panel members get to test products, weigh-in via surveys and even get to star in some SheSpeaks videos.

Like a lot of these companies, they do not reward you for your time, but there will be instances when they invite you to a product testing opportunity that includes a high-value item.

Smiley360

As the motto goes on the official Smiley360 website, they want you to “be heard and be happy.”

With more than one million members, Smiley360 members can test products for free, helping influence the market and even connecting with some brands for future work.

Sending you free stuff in exchange for your views, the company won’t pay you, but again, like many of these companies, you may be surprised at what you get in exchange for your time.

From $30 toothbrushes to $100+ blenders, there are items you can turn around and sell after you’re done with your job.  I’m not saying Smiley360 will send these items for sure, it’s just something to keep in mind.

Joining is 100% free, and once in, start taking the surveys to see if you qualify for what’s known as a “Smiley360 Mission.”

SurveySpot.com

It is said SurveySpot.com, aside from offering a variety of surveys they offer, will also send out product testing requests on occasion.

Said to be mainly food samples, it could be a decent program to join if you want to sample products and get compensated for your time.

Registration is 100% free and is open to U.S. residents older than 18+.



UserTesting.com

UserTesting.com is one I have mentioned many times before and is a great option as long as you don’t mind speaking your thoughts out loud.

While you won’t be necessarily testing a product, you will be asked to test new websites and apps instead.  As you mosy around the sites, it will be your duty to just speak your thoughts as you move about, both good and bad.

Every test takes about 20 minutes to complete and pays $10 each.  Read my UserTesting.com review to learn more about how the entire process works.

VocalPoint

Vocalpoint is a community designed for anybody who wants to share their thoughts through surveys, test products and even complete offers.  And from what I looked at it, the members seemed to like the platform quite a bit.

Around for more than 10 years now, Vocalpoint has worked with some prominent brands, including Fisher-Price and Mirassou Wines, with new brands added to the platform all the time.

More than just receiving free products, members can also host parties and win prizes.

Joining is 100% free and is open to all United States residents older than 18 years.

Vogue Insiders

Through the Vogue Magazine, the Vogue Insiders, a lot like the other beauty magazine panels I already recommended, works in a similar manner.

It’s free to join and members get to test new products and share opinions, mostly makeup and skincare, again, a great opportunity for the beauty lovers out there.

Final Thoughts

Most of these opportunities, as you can see, are not going to pay much, if anything at all.  I just see it as a fun way to test new products on the market and get something in return, usually just a product.

Definitely not the greatest way to make money online, I only recommend this route if you like the idea of having samples sent to your door and helping corporations improve their product.  And, yes, these are all very legitimate product testing jobs.

While money can be made, I only feel as if FocusGroup.com is the only option worth the hassle, seeing they pay more than $100+ for a study and you often get to keep some great products.  The other websites that pay will, of course, compensate you, but in the end, it’s maybe a few bucks.

In the meantime, if you like the idea of free items, I do encourage you to check out my 40+ websites to snag free things, or if you want to make money online, then it’s best to start with my 550+ ways to make money online guide, one of the largest online.  There are also a TON of other money making guides as well.

If you have any tips you want to share or even comment on the companies mentioned above, as always, you’re more than welcome to share your thoughts below.

Want $5 free?



Try out Swagbucks, the most popular reward program I make the most money with. Simply answer survey questions and get paid!

Join Now to Get $5!

Tom Nathaniel

Hi! My name is Tom Nathaniel, and I created LushDollar to help share my honest thoughts on everything money. You won't find gimmicks here. It's the Internet's most honest money site after all. I graduated from Arizona State University, and I have worked in the finance industry since 2006, consulting with multiple Fortune 5000 companies.

Add comment