As you probably know by now, there are thousands upon thousands of jobs out there, most of which are boring, am I right?

Most may be boring, sure, but did you know that there are companies out there that are willing to pay you to test their products?

Yes, ranging from software to video games to apps to products that haven’t hit the shelves yet, these companies want to pay you to test their products.

Why do they do this, you may be wondering?

Known as a beta tester, companies often reach out to the average Joe, like you and I, to help provide feedback.  Oftentimes, they will send out these products or software to hundreds of people, collecting the feedback and then making the necessary adjustments before the product goes public.

Now, most of the information I provide below may not provide you a cushy living or pay you thousands of dollars; however, you could earn a few extra dollars throughout the month to go out and do the things you enjoy.

If you are lucky enough to land a full-time job (yes, it’s possible), PayScale notes the average hourly rate is $13.48 an hour — a pinch more than minimum wage.  Again, don’t expect to be the next millionaire in your neighborhood.

In this blog post, I wanted to share multiple resources and companies you may want to check out if you’re interested in a gig like this.  Most of the resources I post, however, will only pay a few dollars per month, so again, do not expect to make a career out of it.

So, with that out of the way, let’s answer a popular question : How do I become a beta tester?

How to Become a Beta Tester

PINCHme

PINCHme will send you free samples in exchange for your feedback.  No credit cards are ever required and everything is sent to your home at NO COST.

To get started, PINCHme will first want to know about your demographics, just like a research company.  Then, based on this information, they can send you sample invites, all of which you can accept.  I wrote about them in the past if you want to see how the company operates.

You get to pick out the samples you want to try and can do so at any time.

PINCHme is one of the largest and most reputable companies on the list, so I recommend you start with this option first.

• Website:  PINCHme

Bananatic

Bananatic lets you play and test video games, all while collecting “bananas” when completing the in-game quests.  The more quests you complete, the more bananas you can get.

Now, before you get annoyed, these bananas are simply the website’s currency and can then be turned into great rewards such as games Amazon gift cards, prizes and more.

• Website:  Bananatic

Betabound

According to the official website, Betabound works with some of the biggest names in the tech industry, and if you’re interested in joining, anyone can become a Betabound tester with the company as they are always on the lookout for individuals from all sorts of backgrounds.  You do not need to know anything about technology to join.

To get started with the company, simply create an account, and once that’s done, you will be able to view the current tests available as of today.

Once your e-mail is active, you will start to receive emails about upcoming tests so that you do not miss any as well.

Now, from what I read, Betabound does not pay cash for tests; rather, you can potentially earn free products and/or gift cards for your work.

• Website: Betabound

Beta Family

Beta Family is a very easy-to-use website, and in fact, you can browse the beta tests before you even consider becoming a member.  A good feature which allows you to see how many gigs are currently active and if it’s worth joining.

With Beta Family, you will be paid per test and the directions, from what I saw, were pretty straightforward.   Most requesters just wanted you to download an app and test it out for a few hours or keep it active on your phone for a few days.

For example, one requester asked me to download an app and test it out for five days, while another requested wanted me to test a new cat-based game.

While it seemed as if anyone could sign up for a tester account, you would have to apply for each job you’re interested in before you can start the gig.

As for the pay, it would greatly depend on the job you sign up for, but I did see some offerings in the $10 range, with some even offering bonus money if you completed the job on time.

• Website: Beta Family

Erli Bird

Erli Bird works with some of the biggest brands in the United States today.  I’m talking the New York Times and Xerox as well as 1,500+ companies who are looking for people like you to test out the products.

The company is always interested in beta testers, and if you think it’s something you’re interested in, head to the official website and click on the “join as a beta tester” in the upper right corner to start your application.

Once your application is approved, then you will be able to log in, test out apps, websites and hardware, all while giving your honest feedback to earn cold hard cash.

According to the company, you can earn $10 per test or even more in some cases, but this will greatly depend on the job you complete.

• Website: Erli Bird

Global Beta Test Network

The Global Beta Test Network offers you the chance to test out AAA multiplayer games before they are released to the public, giving qualified players the rare opportunity to play a soon-to-be video game before anyone else does.

While the company does not accept everyone, they ask that you’re at least 18 years old, are able to focus well, be professional and can sign a NDA to be considered.

If you are selected, you will then be contacted by an @vmc.com email address with more information as to how the community and entire process works.

From my research when looking at the company’s FAQ, it seemed the company paid an hourly rate, but this rate would greatly depend on your geographical region and local cost of living.

To learn more about the company, I highly recommend checking out the FAQ page as they answer just about any question you may have in regards to the projects you may be offered.

• Website: Global Beta Test Network

iGameLab

If you’re someone who likes to play games, the iGameLab by PanelPolls wants you to join as a beta tester.

The company states you can make up to $15 every month and you can try out new online games, mobile apps, virtual worlds and websites before the rest of the world does.

At the moment, while writing this, the company was specifically looking for kids and teens, ages six to 17, to join the panel, but you did need parental consent before joining if interested.

• Website: iGameLab

Indeed

At first glance, Indeed had a few beta testing jobs available, but as I was writing this, there were only 90 jobs available nationwide, mainly from video games companies based in California.  Sadly, while I want to be optimistic, your chances of finding a beta testing job on Indeed will be quite slim, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t continue to check it out as an opportunity may arise.

Unless you lived in California and had extensive experience and a four-year degree, you may hit the jackpot, but again, your chances will be slim.

If you have an Indeed account (it’s free to join), then I would just recommend you set up a notification to alert you anytime a job matches this description in your local area but only do so if you’re looking for full-time work.

• Website: Indeed

PlaytestCloud

With PlaytestCloud, they will send you a game to your email address once your account is approved and will ask you think out loud when you’re playing the game.  They really want to know what’s working well and what isn’t so they can share this information with the game developers.

During these beta tests, the company will record your screen as well as record everything you say while you play the game, automatically uploading to the company’s server as you play the game.

To be eligible, the company asks that you either have a smartphone/tablet or a PC, a pair of headphones and a PayPal account.

The payment will vary per test, but the company will provide you with all of the details you need to know before you accept it, including the time required and the final payment.

• Website: PlaytestCloud

Reddit

The r/betatests subreddit seems to be updated almost daily with Reddit users adding at least one beta testing opportunity every day, but a lot of these offerings do not pay.  Another one I found that you may like as well was r/playtesters and focused more on video games.

With most of these job offerings coming from the community, some may be a great opportunity, while others may be some sort of scam, so be sure to research the company before proceeding.

It doesn’t hurt to browse the opportunities here and there, but do not expect a ton that will pay you for your troubles.

• Website:  r/betatests subreddit

Upwork

Upwork, one of the Internet’s top freelancing websites, has job postings for just about any type of job, including beta testers.

Like Indeed, though, you won’t find much work here, but when I glanced at the offerings, I saw about 10-15 jobs, all of which paid anywhere from $100 to $500.

If you have an account on Upwork, it may be worth a shot, but I wouldn’t count on it 100%.

• Website:  Upwork

UserTesting

To date, UserTesting has performed more than 700,000 tests, which were created by big-name companies we all know, such as Apple, Microsoft, Twitter, eBay and so many more.

With UserTesting, you will need a PC and/or smartphone, a microphone, the ability to download the software, be able to speak your thoughts in fluent English and be at least 18 years old.

If you qualify, then the company will pay you via PayPal to complete a set of tasks, such as visit a website or app, all while speaking your thoughts out loud while performing the said task.

For every 20 minute video you complete, the company will pay $10.  Learn more about this opportunity in my UserTesting review.

• Website:  UserTesting

Become a Beta Tester With These Companies

Aside from these websites, these companies may not pay you for your review, but they will send you some pretty cool stuff in exchange for your feedback:

• Brooks
• Contract Testing, Inc.
• Food Perspectives
• Friends and Neighbors by Johnson and Johnson
• Google
• Homeschool.com
• InStyle
• L’OREAL (see our review)
• McCormick
• Microsoft
• MomSelect
• New Balance
• Nike
• Pinecone Research
• thePinkPanel
• Reebok
• Roku
• VocalPoint
• Vogue Insiders

Other Ways to Find Beta Testing Jobs

Simply Search

I can’t list every opportunity.  That would be too hard.

To find fresh beta testing jobs, use Google to your advantage, searching for terms such as “beta testing jobs” or “freelance software testing.”  These two searches alone can yield hundreds of results.

If searching Google, just make sure that you look at the most recent results so that you know your results are fresh.  This can be done by clicking on the tools tab, followed selecting the “any time” drop down.

In doing this, you can be certain every opportunity you see if fresh.

Focus on Testing Websites and Apps

There are a variety of companies out there that will pay you to beta test websites and apps.  In short, you will follow a job detail and then speak your thoughts out loud as you use the website/app.  It’s not that hard, as long as you can follow directions.

If it sounds like something of interest, most jobs pay about $10 each and last up to 20 minutes.  It’s a first, come first serve type deal, so you will have to log into your dashboard on occasions to find these jobs.

I did write about this very topic, so be sure to check it out to see if any of the companies I talked about are of interest.

Join a Facebook Group

There’s a Facebook Group for everything. Yes, even beta testing.

Search for “beta testing,” etc to see what kind of groups are available to join.  In joining, just make sure you’re actually joining one that benefits you as some target specific industries.  A good group will always have a detailed description, letting you know what the group is about.

If you don’t know how to join a Facebook Group, I explain how you do it in my Facebook free stuff guide.

Contact the Developers

If you want to beta test a product/service in particular, consider searching for a beta testing page or try to reach out to the developer.  You may be surprised as to how many opportunities are out there.

Depending on the company, they may an opportunity for you.

If this were the case, they will often send you an application as well as ask you about your experience in beta testing.

Final Thoughts

Even if you were to find a beta testing job full-time, specifically in the video game industry testing PS4 or Xbox One games, for example, research the job description online and you will find that most people hated it.

You may picture lounging in a recliner all day, but in reality, you’re playing the same game, and sometimes, the same level for 12 hours straight, writing a multi-page report when it’s said and done.  Plus, due to the product/game being in its development stages, you will not be able to work at home, meaning you will have to commute to the studio, adding even more time to your day.

Trust me, from the reviews I saw, I do not think you will want to be a beta tester full time unless it paid quite a bit.  Even so, the money may not be worth it!

In the end, I would just recommend you have fun with it and work at your own pace.

By joining the companies above, you should be able to find at least three to five jobs a month that will pay you anywhere from $50 to $100 in total — maybe enough to go out to eat or even buy the next video game you have been waiting for.

Again, beta testing should be treated as a hobby and shouldn’t be looked at as a full-time job because I do not think you will like it as a full-time job anyways.  People often think “video games” or “tester” and instantly get excited.  Again, this isn’t the case.

In the meantime, if you used any of these apps, I would love to hear about them!  If I missed any, I would love to hear about those as well.