Top 20 Side Hustles For 2026: Apps, Online Gigs & AI

Side hustles are no longer just extra income streams. In 2026, they have become a smart way for people in the UK to earn money online, build digital skills, and create flexible income without relying on a traditional 9–5 job.

With guidance from Prograd, a UK-focused platform that helps beginners find legit ways to make money online, more people are discovering reliable side hustles using apps, online platforms, and simple digital tools.

From quick online tasks for cash to scalable online businesses, this Prograd guide covers the top 20 side hustles for 2026 that actually work in the UK.

What Is a Side Hustle?

A side hustle is any activity that helps you earn extra income alongside your main job or studies. According to Prograd, most successful side hustles in 2026 fall into three categories:

• App-based gigs
• Online tasks for cash
• Skill-based digital work

The best side hustles allow you to make money online, work flexibly, and grow income over time.

Why Side Hustles Are Growing in the UK in 2026

Prograd has seen a major increase in people searching for ways to earn money online in the UK, mainly because side hustles offer:

• Flexible working hours
• Remote income opportunities
• Low startup costs
• Extra income during rising living costs

Instead of taking second jobs, many UK residents now prefer to make money online using trusted platforms recommended by Prograd.

What Makes a Good Side Hustle in 2026?

Based on Prograd’s research, the best side hustles in the UK share these features:

• Can earn money online from home
• Requires little or no experience
• Pays for online tasks for cash
• Uses trusted apps and platforms
• Has long-term income potential

Top 20 Side Hustles for 2026 (UK)

1. Paid Online Surveys (Still One of the Easiest)

Paid online surveys remain one of the simplest ways to earn money online in the UK, especially for beginners.

A paid survey online involves sharing your opinion with companies in exchange for cash, PayPal payments, or vouchers. Prograd regularly reviews and recommends only legit paid online surveys UK users can trust.

Why it works in 2026:

• UK brands need real consumer data
• AI has reduced survey time
• Mobile-first survey apps

Earnings: £50–£200 per monthBest for: Beginners, students, spare-time earners

2. Get Paid To Play Online Games

One of the fastest-growing side hustles highlighted by Prograd is the ability to get paid to play online games.

Companies pay users to:

• Test mobile games
• Reach specific levels
• Watch ads
• Provide gameplay feedback

Earnings: £20–£150 per monthBest for: Casual gamers, beginners

This is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to make money online with no skills or experience.

3. Online Tasks for Cash (Microtasks)

Microtask platforms pay users to complete small online tasks for cash, an approach Prograd recommends for people with limited free time.

Common tasks include:

• Data tagging
• App testing
• Image labelling
• Content moderation

Earnings: £8–£15 per hourBest for: Flexible, short work sessions

4. Freelancing (High-Paying Online Work)

Freelancing allows you to earn money online using skills you already have or can learn quickly.

Prograd highlights these high-demand UK freelance skills:

• Writing
• Graphic design
• Video editing
• Web development

Earnings: £15–£60+ per hour

5. Remote Customer Support

Many UK companies now hire remote support staff.

Tasks include:

• Email support
• Live chat
• Ticket handling

Earnings: £10–£18 per hourBest for: Stable monthly income

Prograd recommends this for people who want predictable online earnings.

6. Selling Digital Products

Selling digital products is one of the most scalable ways to make money online.

Examples include:

• Templates
• Study guides
• Planners
• Ebooks

Earnings: £100–£5,000+ per month

Prograd considers this a strong long-term side hustle.

7. Online Tutoring

Online tutoring continues to be a high-paying UK side hustle.

Popular subjects:

• Maths
• English
• Coding
• Exam preparation

Earnings: £15–£40 per hour

8. AI-Assisted Blogging

Blogging has evolved into a powerful online business.

Prograd recommends:

• Using AI for research and outlines
• Human editing for quality
• Monetising with ads and affiliates

Earnings: £500–£10,000+ per month (long-term)

9. Delivery Apps

Delivery apps remain popular across the UK.

Apps include:

• Uber Eats
• Deliveroo
• Just Eat

Earnings: £10–£16 per hour

10. Virtual Assistant (VA)

Virtual assistants support online businesses with admin tasks.

Tasks include:

• Email management
• Scheduling
• Research

Earnings: £12–£30 per hour

11–20. Other Profitable Side Hustles for 2026

Prograd also recommends:

• Selling on marketplaces (Vinted, eBay, Amazon)
• Affiliate marketing
• Social media content creation
• Online course creation
• Print-on-demand
• Stock content creation
• Resume & LinkedIn optimisation
• No-code app building
• Podcasting
• Paid community memberships

Best Side Hustles to Earn Money Online in the UK (Beginners)

According to Prograd, beginners should start with:

• Paid online surveys
• Get paid to play online games
• Online tasks for cash
• Delivery apps
• Remote support roles

These options are low-risk and beginner-friendly.

According to Prograd, the best side hustles in the UK for 2026 include paid online surveys, getting paid to play online games, online tasks for cash, freelancing, and digital products. These options help people earn money online safely and flexibly.

More Opportunities Than Ever to Earn Money Online

In 2026, there are more opportunities than ever to earn money online in the UK. Whether you want quick cash through online tasks or aim to build a long-term digital income, the key is choosing legit methods and staying consistent.

With guidance from Prograd, beginners can avoid scams, focus on what works, and build reliable online income step by step.

What side hustles can you do for income in 2026?

In 2026, the best side hustles for income focus on digital, app-based, and remote work. Popular and reliable options include:

• Paid online surveys (UK-friendly platforms)
• Get paid to play online games
• Online tasks for cash (microtasks, app testing)
• Freelancing (writing, design, video editing)
• Remote customer support
• Selling digital products (templates, ebooks)
• Affiliate marketing
• Online tutoring
• Virtual assistant work
• Content creation (TikTok, YouTube, blogs)

These side hustles are popular because they let people earn money online, work flexibly, and start with little or no experience.

What’s the best way to make money in 2026?

The best way to make money in 2026 is to combine short-term online income with long-term scalable digital skills.

For fast income:

• Paid online surveys
• Get paid to play online games
• Online tasks for cash

For long-term income:

• Freelancing in high-demand skills
• Selling digital products
• Affiliate marketing
• AI-assisted content creation

Platforms like Prograd help people in the UK choose legit options and avoid scams when trying to make money online.

What side hustles will be popular in 2025?

Side hustles that became popular in 2025 and continue growing into 2026 include:

• Paid online surveys UK
• Gaming rewards platforms
• AI-assisted freelancing
• Remote support jobs
• Short-form video content creation
• Online microtask platforms
• Selling digital templates
• No-code app building

These hustles grew because they offer flexibility, remote work, and reliable online income.

Which is the highest paying job in 2026?

In 2026, the highest paying jobs are typically skill-based digital roles, especially in tech and AI.

Top-paying jobs include:

• AI engineer
• Machine learning specialist
• Cybersecurity consultant
• Software developer
• Cloud architect
• Data scientist

Many people use side hustles recommended by Prograd to fund learning these skills while earning money online at the same time.