Top 10 Highest-Paying Online Research Studies (US-Based)

Below is a curated list of ten well-compensated online research opportunities currently recruiting participants in the United States. These include a mix of academic studies, clinical/health research, and market research (focus groups, interviews, etc.). For each, we list the title, a brief description, the compensation, and a direct link to learn more or apply.

1. Sports Viewing Focus Group (Nationwide)

Description: An online focus group studying how people watch competitive sports. Participants share opinions over multiple sessions in an online community setting. The study runs from May through June 2025.
Compensation: $500–$840 total for roughly 6 hours of online participation spread over a few weeks. (Payments are typically via electronic payment or gift card as specified by the research organizer.)
Link: Online Sports Focus Group Application

2. Electronics Usage Diary Study (Nationwide)

Description: A 45-day online diary study on consumer electronics usage. Selected participants log in every few days and complete short tasks or surveys (10–30 minutes each) about their electronics habits over the study period. All participation is done through an online platform from home.
Compensation: $500 for completing the full diary study (45-day period). Typically paid via electronic gift card or payment upon completion.
Link: Electronics Diary Study Sign-Up

3. Home Improvement Research Interviews (Nationwide)

Description: A research study about home products and services. Participants may either join a 60-minute webcam interview or (in some cases) a longer 75-minute in-home interview (for those in certain locations) about their home improvement experiences. Most participants can complete the study entirely online via video chat.
Compensation: Up to $500 for completing the study. (The exact amount may depend on the interview format — online interviews and any additional tasks are compensated accordingly.)
Link: Home Research Study Details

4. Credit Card User Experience Study (Nationwide)

Description: A one-hour online user experience interview focusing on how people use their credit card websites/portals. Participants will share their screen and experiences (with full control over what is shown) to help researchers understand user behavior with online credit card management. Sessions are conducted via a secure video conference.
Compensation: $250 for a 60-minute session, provided as an emailed Visa e-gift card.
Link: Credit Card UX Study Application

5. Rare Patient Voice – Health Surveys for Patients/Caregivers

Description: Rare Patient Voice is a platform connecting patients (with any medical condition, common or rare) and family caregivers to numerous online research studies in health and medicine. After signing up, members receive invites to confidential surveys, interviews, or online panels about healthcare products and services. Participation is always from home (online or by phone).
Compensation: Approximately $100–$120 per hour for studies you qualify for and complete (paid by check, typically within a couple of weeks). For example, a one-hour survey or phone interview usually pays around $100. Referral bonuses (e.g. a $10 gift card for referring another patient) are also available.
Link: Rare Patient Voice Sign-Up Page

6. Respondent.io – High-Paying Professional Interviews

Description: Respondent is a research recruiting platform that hosts many online interviews and focus groups. It’s known for studies targeting professionals or specific demographics. Participants create a profile and can apply to studies ranging from consumer product feedback to expert industry interviews. Many sessions are one-on-one via Zoom or phone.
Compensation: Typically $100–$300 per hour, with some specialized interviews paying up to $500–$700 for an hour of your time. (Payments are issued via PayPal.) For example, a 60-minute interview with a tech executive or healthcare professional can offer a $300+ incentive.
Link: Browse Studies on Respondent.io

7. Emotion Tracking Psychology Study (University of Arkansas)

Description: A two-week online psychology study on emotions in daily life, conducted by the University of Arkansas. Participants download a research app on their smartphone and respond to brief prompts about their mood and activities several times a day for 14 days. All study activities (initial questionnaires, app training, and daily entries) are completed online or through the app.
Compensation: Up to $100 in Amazon e-gift cards for full participation over the two weeks. This includes $10 for completing the initial online survey and app setup, plus up to $90 for using the app to answer questions over the 14 days.
Link: UArk Emotions Study Info & Prescreen

8. dscout Mobile Research “Missions”

Description: dscout is a mobile research app through which you can join paid “missions” – essentially diary studies or quick tasks captured via your smartphone. Companies use dscout to get feedback on product experiences, often asking participants to record short videos, answer survey questions, or complete tasks using an app or product in their real life. Missions can range from one-day quick tasks to multi-week journaling exercises.
Compensation: Typically $50–$150 per mission, depending on scope, with some multi-part extensive studies paying over $300 upon completion. Payment is usually delivered via PayPal. (For example, a week-long “diary” mission requiring daily entries might pay $100+, and longer projects can pay $300 or more.)
Link: Explore dscout Research Missions

9. Online Pharmaceutical Research Surveys (Medications)

Description: Pharmaceutical companies and research firms (e.g., GlaxoSmithKline’s research unit) conduct online surveys and virtual focus groups about medications and health conditions. These studies seek patient opinions on treatment experiences, medication usage, or health products. Participation is typically via online survey forms or video discussion from home.
Compensation: $50–$400 depending on the study’s length and complexity. Short surveys might pay around $50, while longer online discussion panels or multi-session studies related to new medications can offer a few hundred dollars. (For instance, GSK has reported online study honoraria in this range for certain drug research surveys.)
Link: All Clinical Trials – see “Take Part in Research” for current opportunities.

10. WatchLab Insurance Focus Groups (Nationwide)

Description: WatchLab (a market research firm) is recruiting for insurance-related studies. These are typically one-hour online focus groups or interviews about various insurance products (auto, health, home, etc.) or financial planning services. Participants join a webcam session or online bulletin board to discuss their opinions on insurance offerings.
Compensation: Approximately $150–$300 per study. Many WatchLab sessions pay in the $200 range for an hour or two of your time (often delivered as a digital Visa or Amazon gift card). Specific incentive details are provided in each study’s invitation.
Link: WatchLab Participant Sign-Up

Each of these opportunities is legitimate and currently open to U.S. participants. Be sure to check the eligibility requirements and study details on the provided links, as some studies target certain demographics or have limited slots. Good luck with your applications – with these high-paying studies, your time spent can be very rewarding!