Get Paid Up to $300 an Hour: The Best Paid Focus Groups & Research Communities
If you like the idea of getting paid well just for sharing your opinion, paid focus groups and online research communities might be one of the best side hustles out there.
Let’s be honest—most online surveys pay peanuts. You’ll usually earn $1–$5 per survey, which isn’t great for your time. But paid focus groups and research communities are a different story. These can pay anywhere from $20 to $300 per hour, and sometimes even more.
The best part? Many of these studies are online, so you can join from home.
What Are Paid Focus Groups and Research Communities?
Paid focus groups and research communities are small, invite-only studies run by brands and research companies. You’ll typically be part of a group of 6 to 30 people, sharing feedback on things like:
- Apps and websites
- New products
- Advertising campaigns
- Technology, finance, healthcare, or gaming
Because companies want fresh opinions, you can usually only join a focus group once every 6 months. That means you won’t qualify often—but when you do, the payout makes it worth it.
Most people get 1–2 high-paying studies per year per platform.
Why These Are Perfect for Affiliate Earnings 💰
If you’re promoting side hustles or online income opportunities, paid research platforms convert well because:
- They’re free to join
- They offer high payouts
- There’s no experience required
👉 Pro tip: “Sign up for at least 5 platforms to maximize your chances of landing $100–$300 studies.”
Best Paid Focus Group & Research Communities in the USA (Top 10)
1. User Interviews ⭐
🔗 https://www.userinterviews.com
One of the best-known platforms for online focus groups and usability testing. Great for beginners.
- Pay range: $10 – $300+
- Payment method: PayPal or gift cards
- Best for: Online studies
2. Respondent
Respondent focuses on professional and B2B research, meaning higher payouts if you work in tech, marketing, finance, or healthcare.
- Pay range: $25 – $500
- Payment method: PayPal
- Best for: Professionals
3. FocusGroup.com
A long-running platform offering both online and in-person focus groups across the US.
- Pay range: $50 – $250
- Payment method: Check or PayPal
- Best for: Nationwide opportunities
4. L&E Research
L&E Research runs high-quality market research projects in major US cities and online.
- Pay range: $75 – $300
- Payment method: Digital gift cards or PayPal
- Best for: In-person & online studies
5. Fieldwork
Fieldwork partners with major brands and offers premium focus group opportunities.
- Pay range: $75 – $250
- Payment method: Check or PayPal
- Best for: In-person focus groups
6. Sago (formerly Schlesinger Group)
A global research company offering high-paying studies in tech, healthcare, and consumer products.
- Pay range: $50 – $300
- Payment method: PayPal or gift cards
- Best for: Professional studies
7. Probe Market Research
🔗 https://www.probemarketresearch.com
Offers both online and on-site research studies across the US.
- Pay range: $50 – $200
- Payment method: Check or gift cards
- Best for: Local focus groups
8. Opinions App (Cint Network)
While known for surveys, they occasionally invite users to higher-paying research communities.
- Pay range: $10 – $150
- Payment method: PayPal
- Best for: Beginners
9. Rare Patient Voice (Healthcare Focus)
🔗 https://rarepatientvoice.com
Ideal for patients and caregivers. Pays exceptionally well for medical research participation.
- Pay range: $50 – $120 per hour
- Payment method: PayPal or check
- Best for: Healthcare-related studies
10. Think Group
🔗 https://thinkgroupaustin.com
A respected research firm offering well-paid online and in-person studies.
- Pay range: $75 – $250
- Payment method: Digital incentives
- Best for: Quality focus groups
| Platform | Type of Research | Min Pay | Max Pay | Location | Best For | Sign-Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| User Interviews | Online focus groups, usability tests | $10 | $300+ | USA (Online) | Beginners & remote studies | 👉 Join User Interviews |
| Respondent | B2B & professional research | $25 | $500 | USA & Global | Tech, marketing, finance pros | 👉 Join Respondent |
| FocusGroup.com | Online & in-person focus groups | $50 | $250 | USA | Nationwide opportunities | 👉 Join FocusGroup.com |
| L&E Research | Market research & product testing | $75 | $300 | USA | High-pay in major cities | 👉 Join L&E Research |
| Fieldwork | In-person & online focus groups | $75 | $250 | USA | Traditional focus groups | 👉 Join Fieldwork |
| Sago (Schlesinger) | Consumer & professional studies | $50 | $300 | USA & Global | Tech & healthcare research | 👉 Join Sago |
| Probe Market Research | Online & on-site studies | $50 | $200 | USA | Local research panels | 👉 Join Probe |
| Opinions App (Cint) | Surveys & research communities | $10 | $150 | USA | Easy entry for beginners | 👉 Join Opinions App |
| Rare Patient Voice | Medical & patient research | $50 | $120/hr | USA | Patients & caregivers | 👉 Join Rare Patient Voice |
| Think Group | Online & in-person focus groups | $75 | $250 | USA | Quality-screened studies | 👉 Join Think Group |
UK Paid Focus Groups Worth Joining
If you also have UK readers, these convert extremely well:
- Angelfish Opinions – https://www.angelfishopinions.co.uk (£40–£120)
- Take Part in Research – https://takepartinresearch.co.uk (£30–£150)
- People for Research – https://peopleforresearch.co.uk (£50–£200)
- Research-i (Gaming) – https://www.research-i.co.uk (£50–£400)
| Platform | Type of Research | Min Pay | Max Pay | Location | Best For | Sign-Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelfish Opinions | Focus groups & online research | £40 | £120 | UK | Consumer research | 👉 Join Angelfish |
| Take Part in Research | Online communities & focus groups | £30 | £150 | UK | Consistent studies | 👉 Join Take Part |
| Saros Research | Market research panels | £40 | £100 | UK | Reliable payouts | 👉 Join Saros |
| People for Research | Product testing & research | £50 | £200 | UK | High-pay studies | 👉 Join People for Research |
| Research-i | Video game testing | £50 | £400 | UK | Gamers | 👉 Join Research-i |
How to Get Selected More Often
To maximize acceptance rates:
- Sign up for at least 5–10 platforms
- Complete your profile fully
- Answer screeners honestly
- Respond quickly to emails
Best Platforms by Category
- Best Overall (USA): User Interviews
- Best High-Pay (Professionals): Respondent
- Best Medical Research: Rare Patient Voice
- Best for Beginners: User Interviews & Opinions App
- Best UK Platform: People for Research
- Best for Gamers: Research-i
Paid focus groups and research communities won’t replace a full-time income—but as a high-paying side hustle, they’re hard to beat.
If you sign up for several platforms, you could earn $100–$500+ for just a couple of hours of your time.
Photo by Andrew Neel/ Pexels
