We’ve gathered the info on the best ways to make money online so you can compare rates – and how fast you’ll get your money – in this one handy table.

Read on below for more about what each kind of job entails.

For those unlucky enough to lose their job, or casual workers who have lost their shifts during the COVID-19 lockdown, earning a bit of extra money or taking on an online side hustle can make a big difference.

There are some legitimate online jobs that can help you earn a little extra money; perhaps just enough to tide you over while the novel coronavirus outbreak runs its course. And yes, you can work at home whilst practising social distancing or self-isolation.

Online jobs range in quality from sites where you complete random online tasks, to focus groups where you can earn upwards of $150 for a single one-hour session. Some of the better-earning options, like freelancing or being a virtual assistant, could even evolve into a quality side-hustle.

User testing is a service that tech and product companies use to collect data on how people use their websites, apps, or products. Once you sign up, you’ll receive alerts for new testing jobs that you’re eligible for.

All you need to have is an internet connection and a microphone (most laptops will have one built in). In a typical job, you will be asked to complete a task on someone’s website or app while speaking your thoughts aloud, explaining why you are making certain decisions and what catches your attention.

Doing a test can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the site, and you can earn anywhere from $10 to $60 (or more if you get lucky).

If you’re going to take this approach, I’d recommend signing up with multiple sites, as availability of testing jobs is the main bottleneck to earning here.

Jump to the comparison table to see your options.

Market research and focus groups can be more lucrative than user testing, but they’re also harder gigs to get, as you must match a certain set of criteria. They can also go for longer, anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours – and are paid accordingly.

You’ll answer questions and give your opinion on various matters, usually related to your behaviour or buying patterns. Companies will then use this data to develop products and services.

The same deal applies here. Sign up for multiple websites and you’ll get emails alerting you when a job comes up.

Jump to the comparison table to see your options.

If you have a marketable skill like design, digital marketing, or coding, or you’ve got a background in business administration, this could be your best bet.

If you’re able to work fast and effectively you can earn a pretty decent rate with online platforms such as Upwork and Freelancer, and sometimes Airtasker.

If you’re a creative, it will probably be less than you can make if you are an established freelancer. Competition is fierce on international online platforms, and there can be a race to the bottom.

The outlook is somewhat better for virtual assistants, and you can expect to make around $27/hr. Prices are often fixed for a certain amount of work, so it’s up to you to figure out how much you can get done and whether it will be worth it. Being a virtual assistant can be a great side hustle at any time, if you want to work from home or make some extra cash.

Jump to the comparison table to see your options.

Bit of a music buff? Got a flair for writing? Slice the pie could be a fun, fast way to make some extra cash, which you can withdraw to your PayPal immediately.

You get paid to review anonymous songs, mostly, but also products and merch. The better your reviews, the better you get paid, and as you build up a good rating your prices will improve.

This is an easy option where you can do repetitive tasks, like filling out forms, proofreading documents or entering numbers into spreadsheets, and get paid. No skills or experience needed.

Clickworker is your best best for this. Sign up and choose an open job, and you’re off!

Filling out surveys may not make you lots of money at once, but if you stick with it, you can make a bit extra that could help you cover the cost of a big bag of rice and some lentils – the food of choice for coronavirus lockdown!

Again, hedging your bets is a good tactic here. Sign up to lots of websites and apps.

All you need to do is fill out quick surveys, many of which can be done on your phone.

Jump to the comparison table to see your options.

These random assortments of tasks can be quite fun, but tend to pay less than the other options. That being said, the small amounts do add up over time, so persistence can pay off.

Tasks can range from anything like playing games, watching videos, reading emails, and get money back when you online shop. This last one’s a bit more dubious – shopping to get paid seems somewhat counterproductive if you’re already struggling, but hey, it’s an option if you’re into that.

Jump to the comparison table to see your options.

Having your life disrupted through workplace shutdowns, travel bans and school closures can be a shock – especially if you’re one of the many workers who does not get sick leave. But there are better ways to cope than news-bingeing or the infinite scroll of social media.

While we do our bit to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through self isolation and social distancing, we can look after ourselves by taking on positive, constructive projects. This is a great time for trying new things like learning a language, an instrument, or even taking on some online training and upskilling.

Not sure where to begin? Explore new learning opportunities at Ulleo – an e-learning platform with curated course content designed to unravel a new hobby or passion.