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Looking to earn money while gaming on your smartphone?
With countless apps promising huge payouts for playing games, it’s hard to separate truth from hype.
That’s why we’ve dedicated 18 hours to thoroughly testing 18 legitimate gaming apps, each with over 4-star ratings on Google Play Store, to bring you the real, unexaggerated truth about making money through mobile gaming.
Top-Performing Gaming Apps
Swagbucks
Leading our list is Swagbucks, which offers a compelling $5 signup bonus.
During our one-hour test, we earned an additional $1, bringing total earnings to $6.
While the game library isn’t extensive, the platform consistently pays out and offers additional earning opportunities beyond gaming.
Mistplay
This platform starts you with a 200-unit signup bonus.
Our testing yielded 557 units (approximately 83 cents) in one hour, including the bonus.
Mistplay stands out for its diverse game selection, though you’ll need to stick with games long enough to reach specific achievement levels for rewards.
Scrambly
Our testing revealed earnings of 53 cents in one hour.
What makes Scrambly noteworthy is its frequent reward distribution, even if individual amounts are small.
The main drawback is larger game file sizes compared to competitors.
Survey and Game Combination Apps
InboxDollars
InboxDollars is offering a $5 signup bonus, plus we earned an additional 2 cents in our test hour.
It takes time to accumulate enough funds to meet the $15 minimum withdrawal threshold.
KashKick
In our one-hour test, we earned approximately 35 cents with KashKick through completing initial levels.
The app offers larger payouts of up to $5-$10 once you reach higher levels, though these require significant time investment and skill to achieve.
Pawns App
Though primarily survey-focused, we earned $1.32 in an hour with Pawns app.
While not strictly a gaming app, it offers higher rewards for time invested.
MyFreeApp
Begins with a $5 referral bonus, and we earned an additional 10 cents during our hour of gameplay.
While the initial bonus is attractive, subsequent earnings proved minimal.
Additional Gaming Platforms
Mode Earn App
Our testing yielded 939 points (approximately 48 cents).
The app offers a good game selection but frequently redirects to other applications.
Live Play Bingo
We accumulated 13,900 coins in an hour, equivalent to approximately 25 cents based on their conversion rates.
Live Play Bingo offers an engaging live host experience, though reaching payout thresholds takes time.
Just Play
Starting with 5,000 bonus coins, we earned an additional 437,000 coins (approximately 45 cents) in our hour of testing.
JustPlay requires a $1 minimum balance for withdrawals.
Game Collection
Our one-hour test yielded approximately 15 cents worth of points, though the balance and reward system lack transparency.
The massive game library is streamed rather than downloaded, which helps save device storage.
Puzzle and Skill-Based Apps
Solitaire
This classic card game app converted our 237 points into 32,359 Iota, worth approximately $0.49.
Solitaire automatically converts points every two hours into your chosen currency, including cryptocurrency options.
Bitcoin Blast
Reaching level 32 earned us 2,124 coins (about 17 cents) with BitcoinBlast.
While earnings are modest, the app offers direct PayPal withdrawals with no minimum threshold.
Treasure Tiles
Treasure Tiles was one of the better performers, earning 95 cents an hour.
The app offers legitimate USD payouts for completed cash levels and frequent bonus opportunities.
Casino-Style Gaming Apps
Grand Cash Casino
While we accumulated 28,258 coins in an hour, it’s crucial to understand that these coins cannot be converted to real money.
Grand Cash Casino offers entertaining slot games but functions more as a traditional casino game than a money-making opportunity.
Cash Frenzy
Our testing yielded 4,225,480 coins and 250 jewels.
Despite generous in-game currency rewards, Cash Frenzy doesn’t offer real money conversion options.
Jackpot Master
We earned over 1.2 billion coins with Jackpot Master, but similar to other casino-style apps, these coins remain within the game ecosystem without real-money withdrawal options.
Play Games for Money Realistic Earnings
It’s important to understand that while these platforms do pay real money, earnings are typically modest.
Our testing involved spending one hour with each app, tracking actual payouts and user experience to give you realistic expectations.
Based on our comprehensive testing, you can realistically expect to earn up to $1 per hour playing games through these apps. The most successful approach combines:
- Taking advantage of signup bonuses
- Focusing on apps with lower payout thresholds
- Utilizing platforms that offer multiple earning methods
- Maintaining consistent engagement with specific games
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I realistically earn from gaming apps?
Most users can expect to earn between $0.50 to $1 per hour of active gameplay, with potential bonuses from signup offers and achievements.
Which apps offer the fastest payouts?
Bitcoin Blast and Treasure Tiles provide the quickest access to earnings, with Bitcoin Blast offering no minimum withdrawal threshold.
Are gaming apps safe to use?
Yes, especially those available on official app stores with high ratings. However, always read privacy policies and terms of service carefully.
Can I make significant money from these apps?
While possible to earn extra pocket money, these apps shouldn’t be considered a replacement for regular income. Most users earn $20-$30 monthly with consistent use.
How do I maximize earnings from gaming apps?
Focus on apps with signup bonuses, combine multiple platforms, and target achievement-based rewards rather than purely time-based earnings.
Remember, while these apps won’t make you wealthy, they can provide a fun way to earn extra money while enjoying your gaming time. Focus on apps that align with your gaming preferences and offer reliable payout methods.