Earn Money by Playing Mobile Games: 16 Apps That Compensate You for Gaming

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      Did you know that you can actually earn money by playing mobile games? There are now over 700,000 mobile games available for both iPhone and Android users to explore! These games provide a fun way to unwind and often give us something to occupy ourselves with while waiting for appointments or during flights. However, if you're not getting paid to play, you're missing out.

      It’s true! This list features the most popular and highly-rated game apps that allow you to earn money simply by playing on your phone. For each game, I’ve included:

      - The relevant app store rating

      - Comments from real users

      - A brief overview of how the app functions

      Ready? Let’s dive in!

      **Most Ways to Earn**

      - **Swagbucks**

      - **KashKick**

      - **Cash Giraffe**

      **Ratings:**

      - Swagbucks: 4.4

      - KashKick: 4.1

      - Cash Giraffe: 4.3

      Swagbucks has distributed over $550 million to users in the past decade. You can earn money by testing new games, completing offers, and answering short surveys. Discover games, collect "gems," and redeem them for gift cards.

      **Can You Really Make Money Playing Games On Your Phone?**

      Yes, you can—this compilation of legitimate game apps with excellent reviews proves it. But how does it work? There are two primary types of play-to-earn mobile games:

      1. Get compensated for downloading and exploring new games.

      2. “Real money” gaming.

      **Getting Paid to Try New Games**

      For apps that reward you for downloading and testing new games, you usually need to play the new game long enough to meet specific milestones within a designated timeframe. The funds come from game developers seeking new users, who then share a portion of the earnings with you.

      **“Real Money” Gaming**

      In real money gaming, you compete against other players for actual cash prizes. While permitted in most states, some games are not allowed because they could be deemed gambling. Developers argue these games are skill-based rather than based on chance. A notable difference is that you’ll likely need to risk your own money to win.

      This article will guide you through various apps in each category to help you find the best fit for your side hustle.

      **Apps That Pay You To Try Out New Games**

      | App Name | App Rating | Estimated Annual Earnings* |

      |---------------|------------|-----------------------------|

      | Swagbucks | 4.4 ⭐ | $730 to $1,825 |

      | KashKick | 4.4 ⭐ | $200 to $600 |

      | Cash Giraffe | 4.4 ⭐ | $300 to $500 |

      | Mistplay | 4.5 ⭐ | $200 to $500 |

      | Freecash | 4.3 ⭐ | $150 to $600 |

      | Scrambly | 4.5 ⭐ | $150 to $600 |

      *Note: A few of these apps do not publish the actual average earnings of users. These estimates are derived from research on Reddit, review sites, and claims made by the apps. Your actual earnings will vary based on several factors, such as the time you dedicate to playing and the available offers.

      1. **Swagbucks**

      Swagbucks is an online survey app that lets you complete surveys and play new games for cash rewards.

       **Pros:** Easy to use, various earning methods, $10 sign-up bonus

       **Cons:** Surveys yield low payouts

       Currently, it has a 4.4-star rating with over 130,000 reviews on the Apple App Store. Users appreciate the diverse ways to earn money with Swagbucks, which includes surveys, mobile games, cashback for online shopping, receipt scanning, and more. However, some tasks may be perceived as difficult or time-consuming compared to the expected rewards.

       Swagbucks gives you “SB” points for completing tasks, which can be converted into gift cards (300 points equate to a $3 gift card). Some tasks are straightforward, while others require reaching levels within a certain timeframe. More challenging tasks can yield better rewards; for instance, reaching level 18 in Rise of Kingdoms within 21 days could earn you $100! Jackie Mitchell even reported making as much as $218 playing games through Swagbucks as part of her $100/day challenge.

      2. **Freecash**

      With a 4.3-star rating on the Google Play Store and over 110,000 users, Freecash pays