25 Ways to Make Money Online, Offline and at Home in 2025

There are lots of ways to make money on your own from home, online and offline in 2025. Here are 25 ways, complete with need-to-know details, to get you inspired. While most people want to make money fast, don’t discount the “slow” gigs, as they may pay more in the long run.

• How to make money online

• How to make money from home

• How to make money offline

How to make money online

1. Pick up freelance work online

Make money online through websites such as Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.com. These sites offer opportunities to do a variety of freelance jobs, such as writing, programming, design, marketing, data entry and being a virtual assistant.

Fluent in a second language? Check translation sites such as Gengo or Blend Express, or drum up business through a site of your own. No matter what freelancing you do, keep track of the going rate for the kind of work you provide so you know what to charge.

» Learn more: What is Upwork?

A recent report from Freelancer.com found that computer security jobs had the fastest growth in listings on its site in the second quarter of 2024, up 27.1%.

Jobs involving writing skills are also in high demand. Although generative artificial intelligence (AI) is being used more for content creation, it can’t fully do the work of human writers. Companies are looking for writers who know how to edit AI content and who have at least a basic understanding of search engine optimization — learning or beefing up SEO skills could be a lucrative side hustle. Some freelancers are charging $100 an hour or more for their freelance writing services.

Total time: It can take a while to get your first gig. Setup: 24-48 hours. How easy to start: Easy, if you have the expertise. Age threshold: Typically 16 to 18+. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by site.

Need to know

• It takes Upwork up to 48 hours to approve your profile. Keep in mind it can also take time to land your first freelance gig.

• Payment varies by site. On Upwork the timeline for receiving earnings depends on the type of payment. Hourly contracts have a weekly billing cycle and you can withdraw funds 10 days later. Fixed-price contracts have a five-day waiting period after reaching a milestone. Project catalog contracts allow payment withdrawal after five days. Bonus payments also become available after five days. In each case, a client has to review your work. On Fiverr, you're paid when the work order is complete, but you can't withdraw funds for 14 days. (The waiting time is shorter for Top Rated Sellers.)

Requirements

• Upwork and Fiverr require users to be at least 18 to sell work. Fiverr allows users age 13 and older to use a parent or guardian’s account, with permission. And Freelancer.com requires users to be at least 16.

2. Test websites and apps

Another way to make money from home is on sites like UserTesting.com. You get paid for your thoughts on how well — or not so well — certain websites and apps work. You’ll have to complete a short test to be accepted by UserTesting, then you’ll be paid depending on the test type.

Total time: Approval can take a few days. Setup: Less than an hour. How easy to start: Easy, if you have the tech gear and complete a sample test. Age threshold: 18+. How fast you'll get paid: Usually after 14 days.

Need to know

• You need to complete a sample test as part of the UserTesting application process.

• You will start receiving testing opportunities after your application is approved.

• The timeline for approval can vary.

• Payment amounts vary based on the length of the tests. You get paid 14 days after completing a website or app test via PayPal.

Requirements

• You need to be at least 18.

• You need a device that meets UserTesting’s requirements, internet connection and microphone.

• The practice test and most user testing requires English, German or French; some test opportunities may be in additional languages.

3. Learn to use AI tools

The use of generative artificial intelligence is on the rise. Research from PwC estimates that the North American economy will see a $3.7 trillion impact by 2030, thanks to the AI market.

So there’s no better time to learn how to make money by using AI tools. Some AI-related side hustles include:

• Integrating AI tools as a freelancer, to help you create digital products or to edit AI content for a client.

• Improving your advertising, marketing efforts and management of your existing small business.

• Teaching others to use AI tools.

Total time: Depends on demand. Setup: Around 24-48 hours if using a site like Upwork or Freelancer.com. How easy to start: If you’re already familiar with AI tools, it will be easier to get started. Age threshold: 16+ for Freelancer.com and 18 for Upwork. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by client or the number of products you sell and your chosen platform.

Need to know

• Give yourself time to get familiar with using AI tools.

• You’ll need to meet the requirements of the freelance gig site you choose.

• Payment will depend on your client and the site’s terms and conditions.

Requirements

• You’ll need a computer, internet connection and microphone.