Updated January 2026

Side Hustle Comparisons

Head-to-head comparisons to help you choose the best side hustle. Real data, honest reviews, no fluff.

Why Compare Side Hustles?

With hundreds of gig economy apps and side hustle opportunities available in 2026, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Each platform has different pay structures, requirements, flexibility levels, and earning potential. Making the wrong choice could cost you hundreds of dollars in lost earnings every month.

Our comparison guides break down the key differences between competing platforms so you can make an informed decision. We analyze:

Every comparison is based on real driver/worker data, official platform policies, and our hands-on testing of each platform.

🚗 Delivery App Comparisons

Amazon Flex vs DoorDash vs Instacart

Compare the big 3 delivery platforms. Which pays more?

$15-30/hr →

DoorDash vs Uber Eats 2026

Head-to-head food delivery comparison.

$15-25/hr →

Best Delivery Apps Ranked

Top 10 delivery apps ranked by pay.

Full ranking →

Instacart vs Shipt 2026

Grocery delivery showdown.

$16-30/hr →

DoorDash vs Uber Eats vs Instacart

All three apps compared side-by-side.

Compare now →

Food Delivery Pay Comparison

Every food delivery app's pay breakdown.

See all →

💻 Freelance Platform Comparisons

Fiverr vs Upwork vs Toptal

Which freelance platform is best for you?

$25-200/hr →

Upwork vs Fiverr

Detailed comparison for freelancers.

Compare now →

📊 Other Comparisons

Best Survey Sites 2026

Swagbucks vs Survey Junkie vs Prolific.

$3-15/hr →

Airbnb vs VRBO Hosting

Which vacation rental platform is better?

Compare now →

Rover vs Wag

Pet sitting and dog walking comparison.

$15-30/hr →

TaskRabbit vs Handy

Handyman and task platform comparison.

$20-50/hr →

Etsy vs Amazon FBA

Selling platforms compared.

Compare now →

Plasma Centers Compared

BioLife vs CSL vs Octapharma vs Grifols.

$30-70/visit →

Quick Pay Comparison

Side Hustle Hourly Pay Flexibility Difficulty
Instacart$18-30HighMedium
Amazon Flex$18-25MediumMedium
DoorDash$15-25HighEasy
Uber Eats$15-25HighEasy
Freelancing$25-200HighHard
Survey Sites$3-15HighEasy

Can't decide? Start with our top picks

See Best Side Hustles 2026 →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which delivery app pays the most in 2026?

Based on our analysis, Instacart and Amazon Flex typically pay the highest at $18-30/hour, followed by DoorDash and Uber Eats at $15-25/hour. However, earnings vary significantly by market, time of day, and individual strategy. Multi-apping (using 2-3 apps simultaneously) often yields the best results.

Should I use multiple gig apps at once?

Yes, most experienced gig workers recommend multi-apping. Running DoorDash and Uber Eats together lets you cherry-pick the best orders and minimize downtime. Just be careful not to accept orders from multiple apps simultaneously that you can't deliver on time.

Which freelance platform is best for beginners?

Fiverr is generally easier for beginners because buyers come to you - you don't need to bid on projects. Upwork requires more active proposal writing but offers higher-paying long-term clients. Start with Fiverr to build your portfolio, then expand to Upwork once you have reviews.

How do I choose between similar side hustles?

Consider these factors: 1) Which pays more in YOUR specific market, 2) Your vehicle type and condition, 3) Your schedule flexibility needs, 4) Sign-up requirements you can meet, and 5) Which platform has the best demand in your area. Our comparison guides help you evaluate each factor.

Related Guides You May Like

Food Delivery Apps Comparison Read guide → Upwork vs Fiverr Comparison Read guide → Etsy vs Amazon FBA Read guide →
GM

Written by

Glen Meade

Side hustle expert who has personally tested 50+ platforms since 2019. Sharing real earnings data and honest assessments to help you find legitimate income opportunities.

Last updated: January 2026