Budget Phone Gear That Makes Survey Apps and Side Hustles Easier

First rule: don't buy anything to start

Every survey site and app we cover is free and works on the phone you already have. Buy nothing until you've tried surveys for a couple of weeks and know you'll keep going. If you do, the items below are small quality-of-life upgrades. None of them will increase what you earn by themselves. Prices change constantly, so we link to Amazon search results rather than quoting prices. Compare a few options and read recent reviews.

1. An adjustable phone stand

Holding your phone for a 15-minute survey gets tiring, and propping it up lets you use two thumbs or a stylus for grid questions. A simple folding stand is usually enough. Skip if: you mostly do surveys in short bursts on the go. Browse: adjustable phone stands on Amazon.

2. A slim power bank

Surveys, videos and app tasks drain your battery, especially on public transport where signal is weak. A slim 5,000–10,000 mAh power bank fits a pocket. Skip if: you mostly use your phone at home near a charger. Browse: slim power banks on Amazon.

3. Basic wired or wireless earbuds

Some studies and many task sites include audio or video. Earbuds let you do them on a bus without disturbing anyone. Budget models are fine. Skip if: you already own a pair. Browse: budget earbuds on Amazon.

4. A capacitive stylus

Small radio buttons in survey grids are easy to mis-tap, and a wrong tap can trip an attention check. A cheap stylus improves accuracy. Skip if: you rotate to landscape and find that's enough. Browse: phone styluses on Amazon.

5. A screen protector and a grippy case

If your phone is your main earning tool, protecting it is sensible. A cracked screen makes tapping unreliable. Skip if: you already have both. Browse: screen protectors on Amazon.

6. A long charging cable

A 2-metre (6-foot) cable lets you do surveys on the sofa or in bed while charging. It's one of the cheapest upgrades. Browse: long charging cables on Amazon.

Pros and cons of buying gear

What we don't recommend

• A new phone "for surveys". It'll never pay for itself through surveys.
• Paid "survey software" or bots. They break site rules and get accounts closed.
• Multiple devices to run multiple accounts. Against every platform's terms.

Want more detailed buying guides?

Our sister site Oliver's Finds publishes independent, practical buying guides for everyday gear, including office, audio and travel accessories, if you want deeper comparisons before buying.

Where to earn with that phone

If you haven't started yet, begin with free sites that work well on mobile: Surveoo, King Opinion, TimeBucks and, on iPhone in the US or Canada, Survey Club. See our iPhone survey apps guide for setup tips.

How to shop smart on a small budget

• Set a cap. Decide in advance that accessories must cost less than what you've already earned from surveys.
• Read recent reviews, especially 3-star ones, which tend to be the most balanced.
• Check compatibility (connector type, case fit, phone size) before you buy.
• Look at the return policy so a poor fit doesn't cost you.
• Buy one item at a time and see whether it really makes a difference before buying the next.

Most people who stick with surveys end up needing only one or two of these items. That's the point: keep costs close to zero so every reward you earn is actual extra money.

Bottom line

Start with zero spending. If you stick with surveys and tasks, a stand, a power bank and maybe a stylus are the only upgrades most people need. Buy the cheapest version that does the job, and keep your focus on earning a few dollars, not spending them.

Frequently asked questions