Paid Market Research in the UK: Is It Worth It? (Respondent, User Interviews & TestingTime Reviewed)
Getting paid to share your opinion or test a product sounds almost too good, right? And when companies like Respondent, User Interviews, and TestingTime claim you can earn £20–£100+ an hour doing just that, it’s easy to get intrigued.
But are these platforms legit? Can you earn decent money doing market research from home in the UK? Here’s the full breakdown—no fluff, no sugarcoating.
💡 What Are These Market Research Platforms?
These platforms connect real people (aka you) with businesses, researchers, and product teams who want honest feedback. You might:
- Test a prototype website or app
- Talk about your shopping habits
- Share thoughts on a new service or idea
- Review products or even physical devices
You’re usually paid via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards, and it’s often way more than survey sites offer.
| Platform | Type of Research | Average Pay | Time Commitment | Payment Method | UK Friendly? | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Respondent | Interviews, focus groups, usability tests | £20–£120+ | 30–60 mins | PayPal (5% fee) | ✅ Yes | High pay, professional studies | Hard to qualify, competitive |
| User Interviews | Surveys, 1:1 calls, product feedback | £20–£80 | 20–60 mins | PayPal/Gift cards | ✅ Growing | Clean dashboard, fast payouts | US-focused, not always UK studies |
| TestingTime | Usability tests, moderated interviews | £30–£60 | 30–90 mins | Bank transfer | ✅ Very | UK/EU focused, low friction to join | Slower payout, occasional availability issues |
🎯 How Each Platform Works
🔹 Respondent
- Type: One-on-one interviews, focus groups, usability tests
- Location: Global, including the UK
- Payout: £20–£100+ per study
- Requirements: Detailed profile (job, income, education, etc.)
You apply to studies that match your profile. If selected, you’ll usually do a 30–60 minute Zoom call. You get paid via PayPal, minus a small fee (~5%).
Standout Perk: Professional studies can pay serious money—£100+ for 60 mins if you’re in the right industry.
🔹 User Interviews
- Type: Surveys, 1:1 calls, group studies
- Location: Mostly US-based but growing in UK availability
- Payout: £20–£80 per session
- Requirements: Must complete the screeners to qualify
Similar to Respondent, but sometimes includes written surveys or unmoderated tasks. You get paid through PayPal or gift cards, depending on the study.
Standout Perk: Super user-friendly dashboard and quick payouts (usually within a few days).
🔹 TestingTime
- Type: Usability tests, video interviews
- Location: UK and EU-based
- Payout: £30–£60 on average
- Requirements: Must be available for scheduled interview slots
You apply, book your slot, and show up on time. Tasks are usually moderated tests with a real person on Zoom. Payment is by bank transfer, usually within 10 days.
Standout Perk: More EU/UK-focused than most other platforms—easier to get picked if you’re not in the US.
✅ The Good Stuff
1. High Earning Potential
These platforms pay well. One 60-minute call can earn you what survey sites pay in a week. No exaggeration.
2. Low Time Commitment
Most studies are 30–60 mins. You can earn £30–£100 in the time it takes to watch one episode of Netflix.
3. No Special Skills Needed
You don’t need to be a tech expert or full-time creator. Every day, opinions are valuable too.
4. Remote & Flexible
Almost everything is done online, and you choose your own schedule. Ideal for students, parents, freelancers, and side-hustlers.
❌ The Downsides
1. You Won’t Qualify for Everything
Most studies have screeners, and competition is fierce. You might apply for 10 and get picked for 1. It’s a numbers game.
2. Inconsistent Work
It’s not a reliable income stream. Some months you’ll get multiple gigs, others… nothing. Think of it as bonus money, not a paycheck.
3. Profile Setup Takes Time
You need to fill out detailed profiles to be eligible for the best studies. It’s boring but necessary.
4. Payout Delays Can Happen
Most platforms pay quickly, but not always. Some take up to 10 business days, and TestingTime has had occasional payment delays in the past.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Are Market Research Sites Like Respondent Worth It?
YES—if you treat them like a side hustle, not a job.
Market research platforms are one of the most legit and best-paying ways to earn extra cash from home. You won’t get rich, and you won’t qualify for everything, but for low-effort, high-reward money? They’re a hell of a lot better than clicking 2p surveys for 4 hours.
TL;DR:
✅ High hourly pay
✅ Remote, flexible, easy to start
❌ Competitive
❌ Inconsistent availability
❌ No guarantee of selection
💬 Have You Tried It?
Have you done a study on Respondent or scored an interview on User Interviews? I want to hear how it went—drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram @helpsavemoney!
What side hustle ideas are you most excited to explore? Let me know in the comments below.
If you’re eager to dive deeper into the world of side hustles and learn proven techniques to maximise your earnings, don’t miss out on my exclusive collection of side hustle ebooks available in the shop on my website to get you started.
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Before you go, check out these related blog posts that offer valuable insights on additional sites you can explore.
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