Both UserTesting and Respondent let you earn money by sharing feedback on apps, websites, and products. They look similar on the surface, but they work very differently — and the pay gap is significant.
Here’s a direct comparison so you know which to prioritize.
→ Is Askable Legit? — Another high-paying research platform
→ How to Stop Getting Screened Out of Surveys — Qualify more often
→ 19 High-Paying Survey Sites That Actually Pay in 2026
Quick Overview
| UserTesting | Respondent | |
|---|---|---|
| Pay per study | $4–$120 | $50–$250+ |
| Study types | Screen recordings, short tests | Video interviews, in-depth research |
| Study frequency | High (multiple per week possible) | Lower (fewer, higher-value) |
| Payment | PayPal (within 7 days) | PayPal (after study) |
| Best for | Quick, consistent side income | Maximum hourly rate |
UserTesting: High Volume, Lower Pay Per Study
UserTesting is the largest platform in this space. You record yourself navigating a website or app while thinking aloud. Most tests take 10–20 minutes and pay $4–$10. Live conversations with researchers pay up to $60–$120.
The upside: Tests are frequent. Active testers can complete several per week, building up consistent monthly income.
The downside: The per-hour rate on standard tests is modest — roughly $15–25/hour for screen recordings. To earn well, you need volume.
Respondent: Less Frequent, Much Higher Pay
Respondent focuses on B2B research and professional demographics. Studies are typically 30–90-minute video interviews, paying $50–$250+ each. The advertised average is around $140/hour.
The upside: The hourly rate is exceptional. One 60-minute Respondent study pays what 10–15 UserTesting screen recordings would.
The downside: Respondent attracts studies aimed at professionals — software developers, marketers, finance workers, founders. If your background doesn’t match what researchers need, you’ll get screened out more often and see fewer invites.
Which One Pays More?
Respondent wins on hourly rate. It’s not close — $100–150/hour vs $15–25/hour for standard UserTesting tests.
UserTesting wins on volume and accessibility. Anyone can qualify for many of its tests, and the consistent flow of work adds up.
The Real Answer: Use Both
These platforms aren’t mutually exclusive. The smartest approach is running both simultaneously:
- Sign up for Respondent and complete your profile thoroughly — treat it as your high-value earner
- Use UserTesting to fill the gaps and keep income consistent
- Add Askable as a third option for research studies, especially if you’re in the Asia-Pacific region
💡 Pro tip
Respondent requires a professional email and a complete LinkedIn-style profile to get matched. Invest 15 minutes setting that up properly — it directly affects how many studies you’re invited to.
Verdict
If you only have time for one: sign up for Respondent first if you have a professional background. Sign up for UserTesting first if you want immediate access to studies and consistent volume.
Realistically, both take 10 minutes to join and cost nothing. Sign up for both today.
Also read: 19 High-Paying Survey Sites That Actually Pay in 2026 | Is Askable Legit?
