Side Hustles

Best Side Hustles in the UK to Boost Your Income

In today’s economy, having a side hustle is a great way to boost your income, pay off debt, or save for future goals. Whether you’re looking for flexible remote work or something you can do in your spare time, there are plenty of opportunities available in the UK. Here are some of the best side hustles to consider:

1. Online Surveys and Market Research

Companies are always looking for consumer opinions, and you can get paid for sharing yours. Some of the best survey sites in the UK include:

  • YouGov – Earn cash by completing surveys on politics, brands, and current events.
  • Prolific – High-paying academic research studies.
  • Swagbucks – Earn points (Swagbucks) that can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.

While this won’t make you rich, it’s a simple way to earn some extra money in your spare time.

2. Selling on Platforms like eBay, Vinted, and Depop

If you have unwanted clothes, gadgets, or collectibles, selling online can be a great way to make extra cash. Popular platforms include:

  • eBay – Ideal for selling a variety of items.
  • Vinted – Best for selling second-hand clothes with no selling fees.
  • Depop – Popular for trendy fashion and vintage clothing.

3. Freelancing

If you have skills in writing, graphic design, social media management, or programming, you can find freelance gigs online. Some of the best platforms to start include:

  • Fiverr – Great for beginners offering small gigs.
  • Upwork – Ideal for long-term projects with clients.
  • PeoplePerHour – A UK-based freelance marketplace.

4. Delivery Driver or Rider

With the rise of food delivery apps, becoming a courier is a flexible way to earn money. Popular options include:

  • Deliveroo – Earn per delivery with flexible hours.
  • Uber Eats – Ideal for cyclists, scooter riders, or drivers.
  • Amazon Flex – Deliver parcels on your own schedule.

5. Renting Out a Spare Room

If you have an extra room, you can rent it out through Airbnb or SpareRoom. With high demand in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, this can be a lucrative way to generate passive income.

6. Online Tutoring

If you excel in a subject, you can tutor students online. Some great platforms to consider are:

  • Tutorful – Connects tutors with UK students.
  • Superprof – Allows you to set your own rates.
  • Preply – Perfect for teaching English or other languages.

7. Mystery Shopping

Get paid to visit shops, restaurants, and online stores while providing feedback. Some popular mystery shopping companies in the UK include:

  • Market Force
  • Ipsos Mori Mystery Shopping
  • RedWigWam

8. Virtual Assistant Work

If you are highly organised and good at multitasking, becoming a virtual assistant can be a great way to earn money remotely. Tasks can include scheduling appointments, managing emails, handling social media, and more. Some platforms to find work include:

  • Belay
  • Time Etc
  • PeoplePerHour

9. Blogging or YouTube

Creating content can be a long-term side hustle that turns into a full-time income. Whether you blog about travel, personal finance, or tech reviews, monetisation options include:

  • Google AdSense
  • Affiliate marketing
  • Sponsored posts

10. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

If you love animals, you can get paid to walk dogs or pet sit through:

  • Rover
  • Tailster
  • Pawshake

Final Thoughts

Side hustles are a great way to improve your financial situation while maintaining flexibility. Whether you’re looking for something passive or more hands-on, there’s an opportunity to suit everyone in the UK. Which side hustle are you considering?