| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Renting Your Garage | Allows more control Low maintenance Turns your empty space into profit | Potential damage or misuse of your property Privacy concerns |
| Flip Domains | High profit potential Low initial investment | Need to spend time researching domains No guaranteed financial return Income can be inconsistent |
| Passive Income Apps | Almost no effort Making money easily using your smartphone | Low earning potential |
| Flip Products | High earning potential Immediate financial returns Easy to sell items through your smartphone | Requires time to find and list products Inconsistent income Research required on popularity of products |
| Rent Your Space | Can rent your space on your terms Low maintenance Turns your empty space into a profit | Potential damage / misuse Privacy concerns |
| Affiliate Marketing | Low initial investment Works around your schedule High earning potential | High market competition Inconsistent income You're responsible for promoting your links or codes |
| Rent Out Useful Household Items | No investment needed Easy to rent items through your smartphone Gives your disused items a new lease of life | Inconsistent income Risk of damage or loss of items |
| Create and Sell Online Printables | High passive income potential Fits around your schedule | Requires time to create online printables Subject to market trends |
| Rent Your Car | Can rent your car on your terms Allows you to earn profit on a potentially disused item | Risk of damage to your property Management can be time consuming |
| Rent Your Bike | Easy to rent using your smartphone High demand for bikes | Risk of damage or loss of your property Management requires a lot of time and effort |
| Sell Stock Images | Allows you to showcase your photography and earn a profit Flexible working hours | Low initial financial return If you don’t already own photography equipment, the initial investment can be high High competition in the market, particularly with professional photographers |
| Sell Your Bandwidth | Easy to set up with relevant platforms Allows you to use multiple devices to increase earning potential | Low earning potential Security risk through others using your IP address |
| Create an Online Course | High passive income potential if successful Opportunity to build a business | Requires a lot of time spent building the course Potential high competition in your field of expertise Necessity for your topic to stand out |
| Self-Publish Books on Amazon | Easily accessible online Higher royalties per book sold compared to traditional publishing | Lots of time and effort needed to write a credible book You are responsible for all promotion High competition |
| Blogging | Potential to promote other side hustles Work on your own schedule No initial investment as many blogging platforms are free | Requires consistent work and updates to keep the blog fresh High competition with other blogs Slow initial earning potential |
| Dropshipping | Low startup costs Opportunity to scale up into a business | Subject to market trends Very popular side hustle so competition is high Dependent on suppliers shipping on time and having stock available |
| Wrap Your Car | Minimal effort and time spent as the platforms will set this up for you Earn income by simply driving around | Your car might not be eligible Aesthetic concerns |
| Create a Podcast | Potential to promote other side hustles through the podcast Can set up from home Choose when you work | Time required to research niche and create content Saturated market Large initial cost required for audio equipment and sound engineering |
| Get Paid to Sleep | You choose which opportunities you want to take part in The most ‘passive’ form of income | Limited research and reviewing opportunities available Low earning potential |
| Start a YouTube Channel | High earning potential Easily to create an account Can earn money while enjoying a creative outlet | Lots of time required to create engaging content Very saturated market making it hard to stand out Algorithm dependent |
| High-Yield Savings Accounts | Low financial risk Low or no fees attached to the account | Variable interest rates Initial financial investment to open the account |
| House-Sitting | Opportunity to travel Reduced living costs Allows working online while house-sitting | Inconsistent opportunities Potentially isolating |
| Get Paid to Read Books | Flexible Opportunity to monetize your passion | Inconsistent income due to limited roles Highly competitive field |
| Get Paid to Watch Videos | Easily accessible from anywhere with your smartphone Simple to set up an account on the platforms | Low earning potential This field can include a lot of scam platforms to be wary of |
| Get Paid to Shop | You can choose opportunities to fit your schedule Opportunity to monetize an enjoyable hobby | Inconsistent income due to limited opportunities Potential for lots of travel which can be time consuming |
Renting your garage
Did you know that your garage can be turned into a passive side hustle? Believe it or not, your garage can be used for many more things than simply parking your vehicle inside of it. From storage space to a content studio, or even a workshop, many possibilities can bring you additional income - by simply renting it. Nowadays, there are specific online platforms where you can list your garage space, set a particular price, and rent it out for various purposes. However, these platforms will take the cut from your rental income, so as an alternative, you can simply list your garage space on social media or other platforms, and rent it directly - without a third party.
Flipping domains
This method may involve some upfront costs, but it can be highly profitable if you choose the right domains. The basic concept is to buy a domain name at a low price and then sell it to someone else for a higher price. The beauty of this method lies in its passivity, as you are not required to actively manage the domain - you simply need to find a buyer and capitalize on your investment. Some of the best sites to look for the domains are domain.com, Ionos, Hostinger, and Bluehost.
Download a passive income app
Believe it or not, there are even apps that you can use to passively earn money - even when you are taking a nap. In other cases, some apps reward you for your physical activities, such as running, jogging, or doing yoga, or even apps that reward you for shopping online. Each app has its pros and cons, as well as earning potential, so make sure to do some research before downloading one of these apps. You can also combine multiple apps for multiple activities, and increase your earning potential while doing so. While some of these apps will require a small monetary investment, others will only require your time.
Flipping products
The idea of flipping involves purchasing an item and then selling it at a higher price to make a profit. Flipping is often recognized as one of the most accessible and low-effort side jobs, as it primarily requires just enough money to buy your initial product(s) and a platform for resale, such as eBay, Facebook, or Vinted, among others. There are numerous approaches to flipping, including buying directly from Amazon, scouring garage sales, frequenting vintage stores, or browsing through reselling websites for attractive deals. Even that birthday gift collecting dust in your bedroom could be a potential flip item, allowing you to earn without any initial investment!
Rent your space
If you have a spare room, unused shed, or even garage, you can make money from it by renting it! Renting your space is a great way to earn some passive income and utilize your assets. Your spare room or shed could be let as a storage room, or rented on platforms like Airbnb for some holidaying tourists, while your sunny garden could serve as a rental space for events. The options are endless! You don’t need any startup funds, and you have the flexibility to set your own rates and availability, making it an easy and affordable side hustle.
Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing programs offer a great opportunity to generate additional income, without consuming much of your time. These programs function by brands providing special 'affiliate links' that you can share via social media, your blog, or simply by passing them along to friends and family. Every time someone purchases something using your affiliate link (or in some cases, code), you’ll receive a commission in return. Amazon stands out as a popular platform for affiliate marketing, but there are also numerous other brands online that present diverse opportunities for you to start earning.
Rent out useful household items
Another low-cost side hustle to up your passive income is renting out your household items, which is a market that has blown up in recent years. From electrical equipment, including laptops, cameras, and VR headsets to power tools, clothes, and musical instruments, you can rent almost anything you own these days. With websites like Fat Llama, Yoodlize, and Style Lend (to name a few), it’s never been easier to list your goods and earn some extra money.
Create and sell online printables
For those with creative flair and a knack for graphic design, creating and selling online printables can be a lucrative route to some additional income. Online printables are digital files that customers can download and print to decorate their space, either at home or professionally, including calendars, wall art, planners, grocery lists, and event invitations. You can then sell these on sites like Etsy, Amazon, and Shopify, and build your customer base.
Rent out your car
Owning a car can be expensive, but by renting it out, it can turn into a profitable side hustle. Turo is one of the most popular sites where you can rent your car, or even multiple cars, with minimal effort: simply leave your car parked, and the driver will be responsible for pick-up and drop-off. Other sites like Getaround and Hyrecar also allow you to rent your car, though be sure to check their specific requirements - they all ask for a vehicle less than 12 to 15 years old, valid registration, and insurance.
Rent your bike
For those who don’t own a car, but have a bike, it’s also possible to rent it out and make money from it. There are various platforms out there, such as Spinlister, where you have the freedom to set your custom rental price and availability. However, there are certain requirements you need to meet before renting your bike, for example ensuring it’s in fine working condition.
Sell stock images
Whether you’re a budding photographer or an established pro, selling stock images online can get your passive income flowing. There are a variety of websites like Printful and CafePress where you can upload your photos and sell them for use on products such as t-shirts, calendars, mugs, photo prints, etc. Alternatively, you can upload your photos to Shutterstock and Adobe Stock Contributor to earn royalties on their public use.
Sell your bandwidth
With superfast internet speeds nowadays, there is a high chance that you’re not using all your internet bandwidth. So why not sell this extra bandwidth, and use it as a passive income source? Bandwidth is the maximum rate of data transfer across your internet connection within a specific timeframe. Companies buy this data, which allows other groups or individuals to use the internet via your IP address, paying out per Gigabyte of data used. There are several platforms out there like Honeygain, Pawns, and Cash Raven, where you can simply sell your internet bandwidth from various devices, including smartphones, and earn passive income. However, it’s worth noting that the earning potential of this method is very low.
Create an online course
There has been a significant surge in the need for trustworthy and authentic online courses in recent years, presenting an excellent opportunity to share your skills online and simultaneously earn some passive income. With this method, it’s important to note that you should be very skilled and knowledgeable on a particular subject to share this knowledge with others. If you’re also able to identify your niche, it will make you stand out from the crowd. You can sign up to one of the most reputable platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Thinkific, and publish your courses there. While creating an online course requires a lot of work initially, if successful, it can provide you with a consistent source of income over time.
Self publish books on Amazon
If writing is your strength, you could try writing an eBook and self-publishing for free through Amazon’s KDP Select platform. Once published, your eBook will be available on the Kindle Store and you can start earning royalties at 70% of your listing price for each purchase. To maximize your book’s reach, make sure to actively promote your book through various social media and other platforms. Although writing an eBook is a significant undertaking, it can offer a steady income stream over time. Plus, it allows you to share your work globally without the complexities of traditional publishing deals.
Blogging
If you have an existing blog or are considering starting one, turning it into a money-making side hustle can be highly profitable with the right approach. The key to any online content is to identify a niche that draws in visitors. Once you've boosted your visitor count, you can begin to monetize. You can do this by setting up email subscriptions and providing exclusive content for your subscribers, placing ads on your site using platforms like Google AdSense, writing sponsored product reviews, and promoting other content you've created, such as eBooks, YouTube videos, or online printables. However, it is important to note that this method takes a lot of time and effort, and there is no guarantee that you will profit from it.
Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a very popular side hustle, which many have turned into a fully-fledged business due to its earning potential. Essentially, dropshipping means that your customers will buy products directly from a third party, instead of you, which means that you won’t have to deal with storage and shipping. This is a great option as it means you aren’t responsible for manufacturing or shipping, minimizing overhead costs. Do ensure you choose your supplier wisely and make sure you do proper research before choosing your products - you don’t want to have high competition. When starting out, consider exploring platforms like Shopify, Magento, and AliExpress.
Wrap your car
Your car has the potential to make you money passively, without having to resort to driving others or delivering products. Instead, you can wrap your car with stickers and get paid for it. This includes options like wrap advertising, which utilizes the entire exterior of your car for brand promotion, or smaller alternatives such as rear window stickers or magnetic signs that can be easily taken off. Companies like Carvertise and Wrapify offer monthly payments for advertising while you get paid to drive as usual! Win-win.
Create a podcast
Over the last couple of years, the popularity of podcasts has skyrocketed, and so has the money-earning potential of it. With that in mind, if you have some money to invest in proper audio gear, you can make money podcasting yourself. However, this is not as easy as it sounds, as you will either have to learn at least the basics of audio engineering or have a dedicated engineer so you can produce top-notch sound and have everything set up properly. You will also need to have specific topics to discuss, interesting guest speakers, and other methods to gain listeners. If you manage to do so, you can gain sponsorships and even feature ads in your podcasts, allowing you to make money from it. You could also earn money from your podcast by asking for donations on Patreon, promoting affiliate links, and creating paid subscription options for exclusive content.
Get paid to sleep
Did you know you can get paid to sleep? There are many ways to turn naptime into a profitable side hustle for some truly passive income. You can get involved in sleep research studies or mattress reviews in your area through platforms like Sleep Junkie, become a hotel reviewer, or offer your services for overnight pet or house-sitting. Some additional income is just a snooze away.
Start a YouTube channel
YouTube is one of the most difficult ways to make money passively, especially if you are starting from scratch. Nowadays, there are so many YouTube channels out there that almost every topic is already covered, so that means that you really need to stand out from others if you want to make money from this. If you manage to find your niche, you can apply to join the YouTube Partner Program, which allows creators to access a wealth of benefits to build their businesses, though you must meet specific requirements. Once all the requirements are met, potential ways to earn money from YouTube include:
- In-video ad revenue
- Financial support from fans through donations
- Ability to create channel memberships in exchange for exclusive content
- Promotion of your merchandise or products through your channel with YouTube Shopping
High-yield savings accounts
Although this method will require you to invest some money initially, it can be a low-risk, steady passive income-earning option. Essentially, this method involves depositing money into an account so you can earn interest over a certain period. Before you begin, make sure to do some research and find out which savings account is right for you, so you can get the best deal and highest interest rate.
House-sitting
Paid house-sitting jobs aren’t just a fantastic method for increasing your income; it's also an incredible opportunity to travel the globe! House-sitters are in demand when homeowners are away on vacation or business trips, for example. They are tasked with looking after the house, and often pets and vehicles too, in return for payment. While finding these roles through platforms like Workaway or Trusted House Sitters may require some effort, they can be a great source of passive income. And, given the increased flexibility of remote work, house-sitting has become an even more accessible option for many.
Get paid to read books
Getting paid to read books would be a great option for a passive income side hustle for any bookworms out there. Through platforms like Spoken Realms and Audiobook Creative Exchange, you can earn money by reading and recording audiobooks. These platforms, among others, offer opportunities to earn money while doing something you love. Companies like Audible also offer volunteer opportunities that can help you expand your portfolio and make your voice heard in the industry.
Get paid to watch videos
It is all too easy to spend endless time scrolling through videos on your phone, which makes watching videos a great side hustle for passive income. Our platform, Freecash, offers a range of rewards for doing small tasks like watching videos, and with our mobile app, you can easily do this anywhere, anytime. Websites like PrizeRebel and InboxDollars also offer opportunities to watch videos and earn cash, providing another avenue to boost your passive income.
Get paid to shop
Getting paid to shop is another popular way to turn a routine activity into a profitable side hustle. There are many routes you can explore, including becoming a personal shopper who purchases clothes or groceries for clients, a mystery shopper who reviews products or customer experiences, or shopping online for cashback rewards with platforms like DollarSprout Rewards, Rakuten, and Capital One.
FAQ
How can I choose the best side hustle for me?
When choosing a side hustle, make sure it works with your skills and interests so it doesn’t feel like a chore alongside your regular job. It’s also important to work out your financial goals and the amount of time you have available, then you can choose a side hustle that aligns with this.
Can you start a side hustle with no money?
Some side hustles, like getting paid to watch videos and shop, house-sitting, creating an online course, and self-publishing books require very little or no initial money. Just remember, it’s likely you’ll need to spend more time and effort on these side hustles to see financial results.
What is the easiest passive income side hustle?
One of the easiest passive income side hustles is renting out your space. There are no initial costs, you are making use of previously disused space, and it requires very little time or effort from your side.
