5 Best Apps to Earn Money by Listening to Music

Listening to music is something you already do daily, but what if you could get paid for it? If you’re a side hustler, student, or freelancer looking for zero-investment ways to earn money online, these music apps are perfect. They let you stream, review, and discover songs while earning real cash or gift cards.

In this post, I’ve rounded up 5 legit apps I personally tested so you can start making extra income in your downtime.

Why Music Money Apps Are Perfect for Beginners

Side hustles often feel overwhelming, with complex tools, a long setup, and upfront costs. But music-earning apps are different:

• No special skills required – anyone can start today.

• Passive or semi-passive income – play music while studying, working, or commuting.

• Low payout thresholds – cash out via PayPal or gift cards quickly.

If you’re looking for easy side hustles or micro-income apps, this is one of the most beginner-friendly categories out there.

1. SmashHaus: Earn by Collaborating with Musicians

What it is:

SmashHaus connects you with emerging artists and music projects. You can review, share, and collaborate while getting rewarded for your contributions.

Why I recommend it:

Perfect for music lovers who also want to support new talent and be part of creative communities, not just passive listening.

Key Features:

• Collaborate with artists, producers, and brands.

• Earn rewards for reviews and shares.

• Access exclusive pre-release tracks.

• Build a portfolio if you’re into music creation too.

Pricing: Free to sign up.

👉 Join SmashHaus here

2. RadioEarn: Passive Earnings While You Stream

What it is:

RadioEarn pays you to listen to radio stations online or via mobile. You earn points every few minutes and redeem them for cash or gift cards.

Why I recommend it:

Completely hands-off income, just hit play, let it run in the background, and rack up rewards.

Key Features:

• Earn points per 15 minutes of listening.

• Access via web or mobile.

• Redeem via PayPal or Amazon gift cards.

• Multiple stations to avoid boredom.

Pricing: Free to use.

👉 Sign up for RadioEarn here

3. Earnably: Get Paid for Music + Other Micro Tasks

What it is:

Earnably offers multiple earning options: music streaming, surveys, watching videos, and more.

Why I recommend it:

Great for people who want variety, earn from multiple tasks in one dashboard.

Key Features:

• Music rewards + surveys, and videos.

• Instant PayPal payouts (as low as $1).

• Regular promo codes for bonus points.

• Mobile-friendly platform.

Pricing: Free to join.

👉 Try Earnably here

4. SliceThePie: Review Songs and Get Paid

What it is:

SliceThePie pays you to review new tracks, fashion, and even commercials. The better your reviews, the more you earn.

Why I recommend it:

If you enjoy giving feedback and discovering new music, this is one of the highest-paying options in the music-earning space.

Key Features:

• Review unreleased music and get paid per review.

• Earnings scale with review quality.

• Cash out via PayPal.

• Also, review fashion and ads.

Pricing: Free to sign up.

👉 Start reviewing on SliceThePie

5. Current Mode Mobile: Stream Music on Your Phone

What it is:

Current Mode (a.k.a. Mode Mobile) pays you to listen to music via their mobile app.

Why I recommend it:

A true listen-and-earn model, play music while commuting or working out, and collect points passively.

Key Features:

• Over 100,000 radio stations and curated playlists.

• Earn while charging your phone, playing games, or unlocking your screen.

• Cash out via PayPal or gift cards.

• Android-first app.

Pricing: Free app download.

👉 Download Current Mode Mobile here

Pros & Cons of Music Earning Apps

Pros:

• Zero investment required.

• Great for multitasking (study, commute, workout).

• Quick PayPal payouts or gift card options.

Cons:

• Low earnings (supplemental income, not full-time).

• Some require consistent listening to maximize rewards.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been delaying starting a side hustle because you think it’s too complicated, these music apps are your easiest entry point. Turn your everyday playlists into pocket money; literally, while you work, study, or chill.

Pick one app and start listening today.

Discover top tools for boosting your income, enhancing your marketing, and scaling your business. Check out our recommended apps and resources to help you succeed.

Affiliate Disclaimer: I use and recommend these platforms because I’ve tested them myself. If you sign up via my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the blog!