Paid research studies in the United Kingdom
From the UK you can join Prolific, User Interviews, Askable, TestingTime, UserTesting, PlaytestCloud and uTest. Rates in pounds, payouts and the £1,000 tax allowance.
What is available
The UK is one of the easiest markets for participants. It is on the official country lists of Prolific, User Interviews and Askable (checked on 15 September 2026) and among TestingTime’s core countries, where the platform says most invitations go. PlaytestCloud says most of its playtests are for players in the US, the UK and Canada.
Prolific sets UK rates in pounds: researchers must pay at least £6 an hour, and £9 is recommended. The platform checks the rate against the actual median completion time, and you see what each study pays before you start.
TestingTime says it pays £50 per study on average, and a typical study takes 30 to 90 minutes. It pays most for in-person sessions, less for video interviews and least for online surveys.
In our catalogue on 15 September 2026, UK residents could join 28 of the 142 live uTest projects, second only to the US. For comparison, Germany had 18 and France 16.
Where to start as a beginner. Prolific is the only platform with a published minimum rate, and you see what each study pays before you start. User Interviews says more than 5,000 studies launch on the platform every month: interviews, focus groups, diaries and surveys, including in-person sessions. Askable lets you create an account from age 13, but paid studies require an identity check that confirms you are 18 or over. Sign up on two or three platforms with different formats and fill in your profile completely: invitations arrive irregularly, and several platforms give a steadier flow.
| Platform | Availability | Pay | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prolific | on the country list | at least £6 an hour, £9 recommended | PayPal, from £6 |
| User Interviews | on the country list | average over $45 | gift cards or as the researcher decides |
| Askable | on the country list | amount shown when you apply | PayPal or gift card |
| TestingTime | core market | average £50 per study | PayPal or bank, about 10 business days |
| UserTesting | worldwide, fluent English | amount shown before the test | PayPal, about 14 days later |
| PlaytestCloud | one of its main markets | $5–9 per 15 minutes | Tremendous, within 3 days |
| uTest | 28 projects in our catalogue | depends on project and rating | PayPal, Payoneer, Wise |
How the money arrives
Most platforms pay through PayPal: Prolific once your approved balance reaches £6, UserTesting about 14 days after the test. TestingTime pays to PayPal or a bank account about 10 business days after you request it and covers the PayPal fee; your bank may charge for an international transfer. uTest can also pay UK testers by direct bank transfer through Wise.
Tax. HMRC lets individuals earn up to £1,000 a year of trading income tax-free, including from casual services. If your gross income of that kind is above £1,000, you must register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the tax year ends. Whether study payments count as that kind of income depends on your circumstances; platforms do not withhold tax.
Which language
For a UK participant there is no language barrier: almost all studies are in English. Askable works in English only, PlaytestCloud requires commentary in English, and UserTesting supports English, French and German.
A second language is an advantage. Prolific lets you take a language check and receive studies that need that language, and UserTesting offers French and German tests to people who speak them fluently.
What to watch out for
Your PayPal and profile country must match where you live, and Prolific checks your location: do not use a VPN.
TestingTime’s in-person studies take place at the client’s premises, mostly in large cities. The platform may stop inviting people who do not show up, so cancel as early as possible and only for a good reason.
Questions and answers
Which paid research sites work in the UK?
Prolific, User Interviews and Askable, which list the UK officially, TestingTime and PlaytestCloud, for which it is a core market, plus UserTesting, Respondent and uTest.
How much do research studies pay in the UK?
Prolific guarantees at least £6 an hour and recommends £9. TestingTime says it pays £50 per study on average, for studies that take 30–90 minutes.
Do I pay tax on research study income in the UK?
HMRC lets you earn up to £1,000 a year of trading income tax-free, including from casual services. Above that you must register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the tax year ends.
How fast do payouts arrive?
PlaytestCloud within 3 days, UserTesting about 14 days after the test, TestingTime about 10 business days after you request it. Prolific lets you cash out from a £6 approved balance.
Sources
- Prolific: Who can participate in studies on Prolific?
- Prolific: Underpaying studies (minimum pay rate)
- Prolific: How do I verify my account?
- Prolific: When can I cash out?
- User Interviews: Countries where you can participate in studies
- Askable: Countries Askable recruit from
- TestingTime: FAQ Test users
- TestingTime: Get paid helping others
- UserTesting: Applicant FAQ
- PlaytestCloud: Rewards summary
- Respondent: The verified participant panel
- GOV.UK: Tax-free allowances on property and trading income
- User Interviews: Get paid for surveys, focus groups, and studies
- Askable: Identity verification
- LazyBounty catalogue: live studies on 15 September 2026 (our own data)