Top 5 Online Survey Sites

I have been participating in online surveys and product tests for about 9 months now (started in April 2010) and have definitely sorted out the good from the bad. At this point, I can narrow them down to a list of my five favorites and most profitable or rewarding. I can also give a quick run down of the pros and cons and some helpful advice if you chose to join.

1. Synovate

• Member Since: April 2010
• Survey Frequency: Moderate to High (most are relatively short)
• Payment: Check (Must have at least $5 to cash out)
  
• Reward: Cash and Sweepstakes (I have actually won the sweepstakes once and was mailed a check)
• Pros: Inbox isn't flooded with surveys, if you don't qualify you know quickly and they give you 100 points for trying, many product tests, surveys usually aren't long and are easy to complete
• Cons: Since you have to wait for survey invites you will not make a ton of money, 2-3 weeks for checks to be delivered
• Cash/Reward earned: $79.20 (as of January 2011) and at least 25 product tests since April 2010

2. Opinion Outpost

• Member Since: April 2010
  
• Survey Frequency: Moderate to High
  
• Payment: Check (Must have at least $5 to cash out), Amazon gift card, Citi gift card
  
• Reward: Cash or gift cards/instant win (checks arrived within 5 days!)
  
• Pros: Inbox isn't flooded with surveys, some product tests, surveys usually aren't long and are easy to complete, some pay more than $5 each
  
• Cons: Some surveys, OTX in particular, will ask you many questions before they determine you are not qualified, I recommend declining these surveys, sometimes you will get several invites but not qualify for any surveys
  
• Cash/Reward earned: $116.90 (as of January 2011) and at least 4 product tests since April

3. Toluna

• Member Since: April 2010
  
• Survey Frequency: High (Email invites and instant surveys on site)
  
• Payment: Check (Must have at least $20 to cash out), Numerous gift cards
  
• Reward: Cash or gift cards/ sweepstakes (gift cards arrived within 2 weeks)
  
• Pros: Many survey opportunities, many product tests, surveys very in length and point amount, interactive community that allows you to express yourself and earn extra points, can sometimes be invited to join forums, test area that offers free stuff!
  
• Cons: Will not qualify for all surveys, some surveys are very long and don't offer very good rewards (3000 = 1 dollar, be wise with your time)
  
• Cash/Reward earned: $153.00 (as of January 2011) and at least 20 product tests since April

4. MyPoints

• Member Since: May 2010
  
• Survey Frequency: Moderate (Ads are daily)
  
• Payment: Gift Cards (Must have at least $10 worth of points to cash out)
  
• Reward: Gift cards (gift cards arrived within 2-4 weeks)
  
• Pros: My favorite part about this site isn't the surveys but the ads you click on to earn points, you get special online deals and points for trying them, you get points for shopping at everyday places online (simply search for the vendor and click on it before you start shopping so you are credited)
  
• Cons: Will not qualify for all surveys but will receive some points for trying, may take awhile to accumulate points, be cautious what you sign up for to avoid spam
  
• Cash/Reward earned: $98.00 (as of January 2011)
  

5. Surveyhead

• Member Since: May 2010
  
• Survey Frequency: Moderate (Some come through email, but you are better off checking the site daily)
  
• Payment: Pay Pal, Numerous gift cards, magazines ($20 to cash out)
  
• Reward: Gift cards/Pay Pal/Donations?Magazines (gift cards arrived within 4-5 weeks)
  
• Pros: Surveys are easy and cash adds up fast, you know right away if you don't qualify, decent gift cards including Amazon
  
• Cons: Will not qualify for all surveys, it usually takes over a month to receive your payment once requested, have to check site for all opportunities they only email some
  
• Cash/Reward earned: $91.20 (as of January 2011)

As you can see from my earnings from each of these companies to date, I am by no means a millionaire. However, I have enjoyed the gift cards, checks, and additions to my PayPal and Amazon accounts. I belong to MANY survey sites, but these have stood out as my favorites. When you add them all up, you will make a nice little chunk of spending money and get a lot a free product tests. I have always received my payment from the above mentioned 5 companies.

If you have any questions or need any advice, post a comment. If you would like a personal referral to any of the above mentioned sites, let me know :-)