InboxDollars vs. Swagbucks: Which Pays Better in 2025? A Comprehensive Comparison
If you’re searching for legit ways to earn extra income online through surveys, rewards apps, or microtasks, chances are you’ve heard of InboxDollars and Swagbucks. These two platforms are among the most popular get-paid-to (GPT) sites, and both promise cash rewards for completing simple online activities like surveys, games, shopping, or watching videos.
But in 2025, which one really pays better—and which should you invest your time in? In this detailed guide, we’ll compare InboxDollars and Swagbucks based on earnings, payout methods, bonuses, user experience, and availability. By the end, you’ll know exactly which is worth your effort.
What Are InboxDollars and Swagbucks?
InboxDollars: Founded in 2000 (and acquired by Prodege in 2019), InboxDollars pays in real cash instead of points. Tasks include surveys, watching short clips, reading promotional emails, shopping, and even trying games. The platform has already paid out more than $80 million to its users in the U.S.
Swagbucks: Launched in 2008 and also owned by Prodege, Swagbucks rewards users with “SB” points. Every 100 SB = $1, and these can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards. Swagbucks has grown internationally and is best known for its wide earning options, including shopping and a unique web search feature.
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Key Comparison: InboxDollars vs. Swagbucks
1. Earning Potential
- InboxDollars: Average hourly rate of about $4.28. Surveys pay between $0.50–$5, and games or shopping tasks can boost earnings. Straight cash payouts mean no conversion confusion.
- Swagbucks: Average hourly rate of $2.04. Some tasks, like watching videos, may pay just 2 SB ($0.02). Bigger surveys and referral bonuses are better, but overall it’s slower.
Winner: InboxDollars. Higher hourly rates and faster returns.
2. Signup Bonuses
- InboxDollars: Guaranteed $5 welcome bonus for new users.
- Swagbucks: Between $0–$10, but only during certain promotions and sometimes requires completing a task first.
Winner: InboxDollars. More consistent and guaranteed.
3. Task Variety
- InboxDollars offers 10 task types, including surveys, videos, shopping, games, email reading, and receipt scanning.
- Swagbucks has 9 main task types, but adds a unique search engine reward system.
Winner: Swagbucks (for variety), though InboxDollars usually pays more per task.
4. Payouts and Withdrawals
- InboxDollars: Minimum withdrawal is $15 (first cash-out) and then $10. Payout via PayPal, gift cards, or prepaid cards. Usually takes 1–10 business days.
- Swagbucks: Minimum withdrawal is $15 for the first, but just $1 after. This flexibility is a big plus.
Winner: Swagbucks (for flexibility), though InboxDollars is quicker to hit the threshold.
5. Time to Cash Out
- InboxDollars: ~3.25 hours to reach $15 minimum.
- Swagbucks: ~8.5 hours to hit $15, based on average rates.
Winner: InboxDollars. You’ll see your first payout much faster.
Easy terms inboxdollars pay more than Swagbucks
6. User Experience
- InboxDollars: Simple, cash-based, and beginner-friendly. However, it has a concerning BBB “F” rating due to customer complaints.
- Swagbucks: Sleek design, better app, and a shopping browser extension. Rated higher in customer satisfaction.
Winner: Swagbucks for design and reliability.
7. Availability
- InboxDollars: Mostly U.S.-based.
- Swagbucks: Available in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and other regions.
Winner: Swagbucks for international accessibility.
Referral Programs and Bonuses
- InboxDollars: $3 per referral once they complete activities.
- Swagbucks: Ongoing 10% of your referral’s lifetime earnings, which can add up if your friends are active.
Winner: Swagbucks, for long-term passive income.
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Pros and Cons Overview
| Feature | InboxDollars | Swagbucks |
|---|---|---|
| Average Pay | $4.28/hour | $2.04/hour |
| Signup Bonus | $5 guaranteed | $0–$10 (not always) |
| Tasks | 10 types | 9 types + web search |
| Withdrawal Min. | $15 → $10 | $15 → $1 |
| Cash-Out Speed | ~3.25 hrs to $15 | ~8.5 hrs to $15 |
| Ease of Use | Cash-based, simple | Sleek interface, browser extension |
| Availability | U.S. only | Global reach |
Final Verdict: Which Pays Better in 2025?
- InboxDollars wins for higher hourly pay and quicker first payout. Best for U.S. users who want straightforward cash.
- Swagbucks wins for flexibility, global reach, and referrals. Best for international users or anyone who prefers task variety.
Recommendation: If you’re U.S.-based and want faster cash, go with InboxDollars. If you’re international or enjoy referrals and variety, pick Swagbucks. For maximum income, sign up for both—you’ll get more surveys and double your opportunities.
Tips to Earn More on Both Platforms
- Prioritize surveys and shopping offers (they pay best).
- Avoid low-paying tasks like video ads unless you’re multitasking.
- Claim daily bonuses to maximize consistency.
- Use desktop surveys on InboxDollars for higher rates.
- Leverage referrals—Swagbucks especially rewards active networks.
Explore more: How Does TikTok Pay in African Countries?
Conclusion
In 2025, InboxDollars is the better choice if you want faster, higher-paying cash-outs, while Swagbucks is ideal for global users and those who value flexibility and variety. Neither platform will make you rich, but they’re both legitimate side hustles to earn some extra cash in your free time.
If you want the best of both worlds, use InboxDollars for quick wins and Swagbucks for long-term, variety-driven earnings.
