Prolific vs Branded Surveys: Which Pays Better in 2026?

Every figure below comes from our reviews of Prolific and Branded Surveys, where each one links to its source.

 
Prolific
Branded Surveys
Our rating
3.8 / 5
3.6 / 5
Earning potential
4 / 5
3 / 5
Payment reliability
5 / 5
4 / 5
Hourly pay
At least $8 / £6 an hour on every study (Prolific minimum)
$1.47 and $2.20 an hour in two published tests
Survey length
Set per study; each shows the researcher's time estimate
Most take 5 to 20 minutes
Minimum cash-out
$6 / £6 by PayPal
$5 (500 points)
Payout time
Within 24 hours
Approved in 1 to 2 business days; instantly for Silver and Gold members
Before your first cash-out
72 hours between each of your first four cash outs
Points can be reversed for up to two weeks; photo ID and a selfie may be required at cash-out
Cash-out methods
PayPal
PayPal, Bank Transfer, Gift Cards, Charity
When screened out
Paid for the screening questions; a screen-out does not affect your account
Compensated on request if a survey closes after 5+ minutes
Ways to earn
Studies
Surveys, Offers, Games
Apps
No app; website and browser extension
App Store 4.6, Google Play 4.4
Minimum age
18 or over, in a supported country
16 or over (US terms)
Trustpilot
4.5 from 15,402 Trustpilot reviews
4.2 from 123,977 reviews (Branded invites reviews)
Running since
Co-founded at Oxford University in 2014
Paying members since 2012; owned by Dynata since 2022
Joining
Waitlist
Open sign-up

Prolific

Pros

  • ✓ At least $8/£6 an hour on every study
  • ✓ Paid in-study screen-outs
  • ✓ PayPal within 24 hours

Cons

  • × Waitlist with no timeline
  • × Photo ID and selfie check
  • × Opaque account holds

Branded Surveys

Pros

  • ✓ $5 cash out, instant approval for Silver and Gold
  • ✓ Weekly Elite bonuses up to 19%
  • ✓ Rejections limited to two weeks

Cons

  • × US, Canada and UK only
  • × Points can be rejected after completion
  • × Text code and ID checks at payout

The Verdict

Prolific and Branded Surveys differ most on whether you are paid when you get screened out. When a survey screens you out on Prolific: Paid for the screening questions; a screen-out does not affect your account. On Branded Surveys: Compensated on request if a survey closes after 5+ minutes. Branded Surveys is open to sign-ups, while Prolific has a waitlist. If both accept members in your country, joining both gives you more surveys to choose from on any given day.

Join Prolific →Join Branded Surveys →

Prolific vs Branded Surveys FAQ

Which pays better, Prolific or Branded Surveys?

Prolific scores higher for earning potential in our reviews, 4 out of 5 against 3 for Branded Surveys. Prolific: At least $8 / £6 an hour on every study (Prolific minimum). Branded Surveys: $1.47 and $2.20 an hour in two published tests.

Which has the lower minimum cash-out, Prolific or Branded Surveys?

Branded Surveys: $5 (500 points). Prolific: $6 / £6 by PayPal.

Which pays out faster, Prolific or Branded Surveys?

Prolific is faster by the figures in our reviews. Prolific: Within 24 hours. Branded Surveys: Approved in 1 to 2 business days; instantly for Silver and Gold members.

What happens when Prolific or Branded Surveys screens you out of a survey?

Prolific: Paid for the screening questions; a screen-out does not affect your account. Branded Surveys: Compensated on request if a survey closes after 5+ minutes.

Can I use both Prolific and Branded Surveys?

Yes. Joining one does not stop you joining the other, as long as both accept members in your country and you keep to each platform's own account rules.

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