Make Money Selling Your Data with These 13 Legit Apps

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Our devices collect data on our activities and shopping habits, often whether we like it or not. Here's how to cash in during the era of personalized tracking.

Written by Ben Watson, CPA Last Updated: April 2, 2025

Reviewed by Ben Huber

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Every day, companies quietly profit from data you’re already generating — your browsing habits, purchase history, even your location. And most of the time, you’re not getting a cent.

But that’s starting to change. A growing number of apps now let you sell data and earn money — on your terms, and with minimal effort. Whether it’s unused internet bandwidth, anonymized shopping behavior, or everyday web activity, these platforms make it easy to turn your data into real income.

I’ve tested dozens of these apps myself, looking for the ones that are actually worth your time. Below, you’ll find the top options I trust, along with real earnings insights, safety tips, and advice from firsthand experience.

Top Apps to Sell Your Data for Cash

#	App Name	Type of Data Sold	Avg. Annual Earnings	Redemption Options	Ease of Use
1	Honeygain	Internet Data	$100–$200+	PayPal, Crypto	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2	Pawns.app	Internet Data	$50–$150	PayPal, Gift Cards	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3	PacketStream	Internet Data	$60–$120	PayPal	⭐⭐⭐⭐
4	Nielsen Panel	Browsing Data	$50–$75	Gift Cards	⭐⭐⭐⭐
5	MobileXpression	Browsing Data	$50–$75	Gift Cards	⭐⭐⭐⭐
6	SavvyConnect	Browsing Data	$30-$100	Check (mailed)	⭐⭐⭐⭐
7	Pogo	Shopping Data	$10–$20	PayPal	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8	Fetch	Shopping Data	$30–$60	Gift Cards	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9	NCPMobile	Shopping Data	$40–$80	Gift Cards	⭐⭐⭐⭐
10	Reklaim	Personal Data	$40–$100	PayPal, Gift Cards	⭐⭐⭐⭐
11	Caden	Personal Data	$50–$120	Bank Transfer	⭐⭐⭐⭐
12	Evidation	Health Data	$20–$40	PayPal, Charity	⭐⭐⭐⭐
13	Sweatcoin	Health Data	$10–$30*	Gift Cards, Offers	⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Estimated earnings are based on publicly available data, user-reported results, and our own experience. Individual results may vary depending on your location, usage, and device settings.

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What to Know Before Selling Your Data

Before diving into these apps, it’s helpful to understand exactly what kind of data you’re selling — and what to realistically expect.

You’re not selling your identity or personal secrets. Most apps collect data like:

🧠 Browsing activity (what sites or apps you use)
🛍️ Shopping habits and receipts
📍 Location and purchase behavior
📊 Unused internet bandwidth
🏃‍♂️ Fitness and health activity (like steps or app logs)

Your personal data is rarely sold directly. Most of these apps aggregate or anonymize it before sharing with research firms, advertisers, or analytics platforms — but depending on the app, some may share more detailed or identifiable data.

As for earnings: most users earn somewhere between $10 and $100 per year passively. A few apps can reach $200+ if you run them on multiple devices or take advantage of bonus offers. It’s not life-changing money, but it can easily cover a streaming service or a few coffee runs each month — for doing next to nothing.

And yes — it’s safe, as long as you choose trusted apps. Look for platforms that clearly explain how your data is used, allow you to delete your information at any time, and don’t request excessive permissions.

Get Paid for Your Data with These 13 Apps

Not every app collects the same kind of information. Some focus on your web browsing, others on your shopping habits or fitness data. To make things easier, we’ve grouped the apps by the type of data they collect so you can find what fits your comfort level.

Sell Internet Data for Money

1. Honeygain

Best for: Passive earners with unlimited home internet

Honeygain lets you sell your unused internet bandwidth to companies that use it for web intelligence, SEO monitoring, and market research. Once installed, it runs quietly in the background while you go about your day. I’ve had it running on a secondary laptop and a Fire tablet for years. On a recent check, I earned $1.17 in a single day and shared over 4GB of data — and since downloading the app back in 2019, I’ve earned over $2,000 in passive income.

You’ll earn credits for every KB of bandwidth shared, and once you hit the threshold ($20), you can cash out via PayPal or Bitcoin. Enabling the optional “Content Delivery” feature and running Honeygain on multiple IP addresses (not just devices) can boost your earnings significantly.

Avg. Earnings: $100–$200+/year
Redemption Options: PayPal, Bitcoin
Data Sold: Internet bandwidth
Review: See our full Honeygain breakdown

2. Pawns.app

Best for: Users who want to maximize bandwidth earnings on a single device

Pawns.app pays you to share your unused internet bandwidth — and it offers some of the highest per-GB rates we’ve tested (about $0.20/GB, compared to $0.10 on Honeygain). In one session, I earned $2.31 with minimal usage and no noticeable slowdown while the desktop app ran in the background.

You can also boost earnings by taking short surveys or completing offerwall tasks inside the app. In some months, that added an extra $5 to $10 on top of bandwidth earnings, all without much effort.

Avg. Earnings: $50–$150/year (more with surveys or higher bandwidth)
Redemption Options: PayPal, Bitcoin, Gift Cards
Data Sold: Internet bandwidth (optional survey and offerwall data)
Review: See our full Pawns.app breakdown

3. PacketStream

Best for: Simple, low-maintenance bandwidth sharing

PacketStream is one of the more straightforward platforms for selling your excess internet bandwidth. Once you install the app, it similarly runs in the background and shares your unused internet with businesses that use it for things like market research and SEO monitoring.

You’ll earn $0.10 per GB shared, which is a flat rate — unlike some competitors that offer variable earnings based on demand or country. That means it’s not the highest-paying option, but it’s very set-and-forget. There’s no need to complete surveys or optimize settings to keep earning.

Payouts are available via free PayPal cash once you hit the $5 threshold. Just note that earnings are usually slow unless you have high-speed internet and leave your device on consistently.

Avg. Earnings: $60–$120/year
Redemption Options: PayPal
Data Sold: Internet bandwidth

Sell Browsing Data for Money

4. Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel

Best for: Hands-off rewards for browsing and app usage

Nielsen Panel is run by the same company famous for tracking TV ratings — and now they want to learn how people use the internet, too. When you install the app, it quietly monitors your device activity in the background, including the websites you visit and the apps you use. The data is anonymized and aggregated for research purposes.

In my experience, it’s one of the most reliable passive earners out there. I’ve kept it running on both desktop and mobile, and I haven’t noticed any notable slowdown or lagginess. You can earn up to $60 per year in rewards, plus extra perks like monthly scratch-off games and occasional paid surveys.

Avg. Earnings: Up to $60/year
Redemption Options: PayPal, Gift Cards
Data Sold: Browsing and app usage behavior

5. MobileXpression

Best for: Passive rewards for mobile web browsing

MobileXpression is a long-running Android-based app by the analytics firm Comscore that pays you for letting it monitor your mobile browsing habits. Once installed, the app runs quietly in the background and tracks how you use your phone — which apps you open, how long you use them, and your general internet activity. The data is anonymized and used to understand mobile behavior trends.

I’ve earned more than $100 in free Amazon gift cards since I started using it. The app occasionally needs to be restarted to stay active, but otherwise requires no effort. Just make sure to wait until you can cash out for the $10 rewards — they offer better value than the smaller ones.

Avg. Earnings: $50–$75/year
Redemption Options: Gift Cards
Data Sold: Mobile browsing and app usage

6. SavvyConnect

Best for: Passive earners with both a computer and a phone

SavvyConnect, by SurveySavvy, pays users to share browsing and device usage data from their desktop and mobile devices. You’ll earn $3 per month per device, capped at one computer and one mobile device — that’s $72 per year in passive earnings if you meet the activity requirements.

To qualify, you’ll need to keep the app installed, up to date, and generate at least seven days of data per device per month. There’s also a chance to win $1,000 in their monthly sweepstakes just for having the app installed.

Avg. Earnings: $30–$100/year
Redemption Options: Check (mailed)
Data Sold: Web browsing & device usage

Sell Shopping Data for Money

7. Pogo

Best for: Effortless, passive earnings from location and purchase data

Pogo is a hybrid between a cashback app and a passive income app. After installing it and enabling location tracking, the app runs quietly in the background, collecting anonymized data about where you go and what you buy. This info is then shared with research partners — not location data brokers — and you earn a share of the value.

It’s one of the easiest ways to sell location data on autopilot, and you can boost your earnings further by linking a debit or credit card for cashback offers. Occasional one-tap surveys and bonus opportunities also pop up in the app.

I’ve personally earned between $8 and $12 a year with Pogo, depending on how often I use my linked card. It’s not much, but I treat it like found money — usually enough every few months to cover a coffee or a streaming subscription.

Avg. Earnings: $10–$20/year
Redemption Options: PayPal
Data Sold: Location, purchase behavior, survey data

8. Fetch

Best for: Maximizing gift card rewards from everyday receipts

Fetch makes it easy to turn your shopping receipts into free gift cards. Just snap a photo of any receipt — from grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, or big-box retailers — and the app automatically awards points based on your purchases. You can also connect your Amazon or email account to auto-scan digital receipts.

In my experience, the best payouts come from bonus offers tied to specific brands. I frequently buy Huggies diapers and have earned up to 12,000 points ($12) on a single purchase. That’s far above the typical base rate and shows how lucrative stacking offers can be.

Use code MY2000 at sign-up to get an instant 2,000-point ($2) bonus — it’s one of the easiest ways to get started with a head start.

Avg. Earnings: $30–$60/year (more for frequent shoppers)
Redemption Options: Gift Cards
Data Sold: Shopping and receipt data
Review: See our full Fetch Rewards breakdown

9. NCPMobile

Best for: Earning rewards by logging your grocery purchases

NCPMobile is the app-based arm of the National Consumer Panel, a research initiative by Nielsen and IRI. It lets you earn points by scanning barcodes from your shopping trips, answering short surveys, and providing product feedback.

While the earnings aren’t instant, consistent participation can lead to steady gift card rewards over time. If you’re already focused on ways to save money on groceries, NCPMobile gives you a small but reliable bonus for habits you’re likely doing anyway.

Avg. Earnings: $40–$80/year
Redemption Options: Gift Cards
Data Sold: Shopping behavior and purchase history

Sell Consumer Behavior Data for Money

10. Reklaim

Best for: Privacy-conscious users who want more control over their data

Unlike traditional shopping apps that track purchases or receipts, Reklaim focuses on broader consumer behavior — things like online activity, interest categories, demographics, and device usage. The app gathers this data (with your consent), then allows you to review, manage, and sell it directly through their dashboard.

It’s one of the few platforms that gives you transparency and control over what’s being shared — and who can access it. You can toggle which data types to include, delete records at any time, and view estimated earnings based on your profile.

Reklaim rewards users weekly in points that can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards. While the payouts aren’t huge, it’s a solid option if you want to be in the loop about how your data is used.

Avg. Earnings: $40–$100/year
Redemption Options: PayPal, Gift Cards
Data Sold: Demographic info, browsing behavior, ad preferences

11. Caden

Best for: Getting paid to share app and web activity with full transparency

Caden is one of the more transparent platforms for monetizing your digital footprint. The app pays you for sharing anonymized data like your browsing habits, app usage, and purchase behavior, with a strong emphasis on user control and consent.

You can link data sources such as Google, Amazon, YouTube, or Spotify, and choose exactly which categories of information to share. Payouts are currently available via direct deposit, and active users often report earnings between $4 and $10 per month, depending on the number of connections and engagement level.

Avg. Earnings: $50–$120/year
Redemption Options: Bank Transfer
Data Sold: Web browsing, app usage, purchase behavior

Sell Health & Fitness Data for Money

12. Evidation

Best for: Earning rewards from health and step data

Evidation is a health-focused app that pays you to share wellness and fitness data collected through popular apps like Apple Health, Fitbit, or Samsung Health. It tracks everything from daily step counts and sleep to surveys about your lifestyle, then rewards you with points that can be redeemed for cash or donated to charity.

It’s one of the few apps that lets you monetize your step data passively just by staying active and syncing your wearable. You’ll also receive optional surveys and research opportunities that pay extra for your participation.

Avg. Earnings: $20–$40/year
Redemption Options: PayPal, Charity Donations
Data Sold: Health metrics, fitness activity, survey responses

13. Sweatcoin

Best for: Fitness-focused users who want to earn from step data

Sweatcoin rewards you for walking by converting your daily steps into a digital currency (SWC) that you can use for product discounts, crypto, and charitable donations. The free plan gives you up to 10 SWC per day (about 10,000 steps), and you can earn even more by referring friends or upgrading to a paid tier.

Ben Huber, DollarSprout’s Co-Founder, has used Sweatcoin since June 2019 and has tracked over 6 million steps. In that time, he’s redeemed around $320 in rewards and currently holds $48 worth of $SWEAT — its companion cryptocurrency launched in 2022. While the earnings aren’t life-changing, it’s one of the few apps that lets you monetize step data without much effort.

Avg. Earnings: $10–$30/year
Redemption Options: Gift Cards, Crypto, Product Discounts
Data Sold: Step and fitness data
Review: See our full Sweatcoin breakdown

Be Wary of Untrustworthy Data-Selling Apps

Legitimate data collection apps can offer easy, passive earnings — but not every platform that promises money for your data is safe or transparent. Some may misuse your information, drain your battery, or even expose you to privacy risks like identity theft.

Even for the trusted apps listed in this guide, it’s smart to do your own due diligence. Policies and practices can change over time, and what’s safe today may not be tomorrow.

Before installing any app (including those here), take a few simple precautions:

Read the privacy policy to see what data is collected and how it’s used.
Check user reviews across app stores, Reddit, and tech forums.
Limit permissions — if an app asks for unrelated access (like contacts or messages), that’s a red flag.

When in doubt, skip it. The best data-selling apps are upfront about how they operate and let you stay in control of your information.

FAQs

Which data-selling apps are actually legit?

Yes, some data-selling apps are legitimate. Trusted platforms like Honeygain, Nielsen, and Fetch are backed by established companies and have clear privacy policies. Be cautious of apps that ask for excessive permissions or make unrealistic income promises.

How do data-selling apps affect my privacy?

Most legit apps anonymize or aggregate your data before sharing it with research partners. However, you should always read the app’s privacy policy and be aware of what you’re agreeing to. If you’re uncomfortable sharing browsing, location, or purchase history, these apps might not be a good fit.

What types of data can I sell for money?

You can sell several types of data, including your unused internet bandwidth, browsing activity, shopping behavior, app usage, location data, and even step counts or health metrics. Different apps collect and reward different data types.

Do these apps slow down your phone, battery, or Wi-Fi?

Some apps may slightly affect performance or battery life, especially if they run continuously in the background. Bandwidth-sharing apps like Honeygain or Pawns.app may use more data, while apps like Fetch or MobileXpression have minimal impact when configured properly.

How do these apps pay -- cash, gift cards, or crypto?

Most apps offer payments via PayPal, gift cards, or in some cases, cryptocurrency. For example, Honeygain lets you cash out with PayPal or Bitcoin, while Fetch and NCPMobile offer digital gift cards.

Do I have to pay taxes on money earned through these apps?

Yes, in most cases, money earned from data-selling apps is considered taxable income. Even small amounts can add up over the year, so it’s best to track your earnings and consult a tax professional if you’re unsure.

Can I use more than one data-selling app at a time?

Yes, using multiple apps can increase your earnings as long as they don’t conflict. For example, you might run a bandwidth-sharing app alongside a receipt-scanning app and a health data tracker without issues. Just monitor your device’s performance.

Is it safe to sell unused internet bandwidth?

Generally, yes — if you use reputable apps like Honeygain or PacketStream. These platforms route encrypted traffic through your device but don’t access your personal files. Avoid unknown apps or ones with vague privacy policies.

Final Thoughts: Is Selling Your Data Worth It?

For some people, yes — but it depends on your comfort level.

These apps offer a low-effort way to earn a bit of extra money passively, but they come with trade-offs. Some can slow down your devices, others might ask for access to data that feels more personal than you’d expect. And while most apps anonymize your data, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re sharing — and with whom.

The truth is, many of the apps on your phone are already collecting this type of information. For me, the convenience of using modern apps outweighs the privacy trade-offs. Since that data is already being collected, I don’t mind sharing it in exchange for a small kickback — especially when the apps run in the background and don’t disrupt my day.

The key is to be selective. Find a mix of apps that actually benefit you without being intrusive or draining your phone’s performance. Skip the ones that don’t feel worth the access they’re asking for — and if something feels off, trust your gut.

Related:

Methodology: Our recommendations are based on firsthand testing by DollarSprout staff, user-submitted earnings data, and verified reviews from platforms like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We also evaluated privacy policies, payout systems, and overall app usability across multiple devices to ensure accuracy and transparency.