Focus groups have become a go-to tool for brands, researchers, and entrepreneurs who want honest feedback, deep insights, or fresh ideas on products and services. I know how valuable it can be to connect directly with real consumers, or to share my opinions and get rewarded for it. That’s why choosing the best focus group website is really important, not just for researchers, but for participants as well.
If you’re curious about earning extra income sharing your thoughts, or if you want to run better research for your project, focus group platforms open up new opportunities. The problem is, with dozens of websites out there, it’s not always clear which ones deliver legit results, have fair payouts, or offer a userfriendly experience.
In this guide, I’m sharing the top focus group websites that stand out for high-quality studies, easy signups, fast payments, and strong reputations. I’ll cover what makes each site work well, tips for getting accepted, and some insider advice from my own experience participating in and running remote focus groups online.
1. Respondent: Best for Professional and Expert Studies
Respondent connects businesses with hard to find professionals, average consumers, and niche experts through online and in person focus groups. I like Respondent because they have studies covering everything from IT, healthcare, finance, and design to general shopping habits. The pay is usually generous; sometimes $50 to $300 per hour depending on the study.
- Who it’s for: Professionals with specialized backgrounds, but also everyday consumers, students, and parents.
- What to expect: After signing up with LinkedIn or Facebook, you’ll need to verify who you are and provide background info. Applying to studies involves answering short screener questions. If you’re a match, you’ll get an email invite.
- Payment process: Respondent pays out via PayPal after you complete a session, usually within five to seven days. They also take a small fee from your earnings.
Staying honest on screeners and keeping your profile updated helps you land more studies. I always answer quickly and keep my notifications on to avoid missing smart, high-paying projects.
2. User Interviews: Flexible Options for Everyone
User Interviews is great for finding a wide mix of virtual and in person focus groups, product tests, and one on one research interviews. The signup takes just a few minutes and I’m always surprised by how many new studies pop up every week.
- Who it’s for: Anyone over 18 with an interest in research. Some studies look for professionals, while many ask for typical shoppers or app users.
- What to expect: After creating an account, you get access to dozens of open projects sorted by compensation, format, and topic. Each listing details compensation (often $30 to over $100 per hour), length, and requirements.
- Payment process: Payments arrive via direct deposit, PayPal, or gift cards. Cash incentives usually arrive within two weeks of participation.
Responding fast, filling out screeners honestly, and polishing up your profile photo go a long way toward being selected. I find that if I consistently check the site and apply regularly, I get a few paid studies every month.
3. FocusGroup.com (Schlesinger Group): Trusted for Big Brand Research
FocusGroup.com has been around for years and is part of the Schlesinger Group, a big name in market research. They specialize in highquality focus groups that are often for major companies, so the studies can be quite interesting and sometimes secretive until you’re accepted.
- Who it’s for: All backgrounds. Some studies need parents, small business owners, or health professionals, while others just want everyday shoppers.
- What to expect: After registering, I usually get emails a couple times a week with new opportunities. Screeners are a bit more detailed, and you may need to schedule a phone call for verification.
- Payment process: Payments range from $75 to $200 or more, usually in digital gift cards, and they’re processed pretty quickly (often the same week as the session).
Staying active and checking your email is key if you want to get invited to in person groups or higher-paying remote studies.
4. 20|20 Panel: Variety of Online and In Person Panels
2020 Panel offers a flexible mix of online and in person focus groups, diary studies, product trials, and longer term research communities. I like this platform for its regular email invites and fair policies on session length and participation requirements.
- Who it’s for: U.S. residents interested in consumer discussions, product reviews, or health related studies.
- What to expect: Simple signup with basic demographic info. The site sends study invitations by email, and you can check your dashboard for upcoming panels. Longer diary studies can pay $150 and up, while shorter discussions range from $50 to $100+.
- Payment process: Most payments are made via prepaid Visa card, with rewards sent within two to four weeks after you participate.
To get selected, I fill out screeners thoughtfully and let them know why my perspective is unique. Sharing creative, honest answers helps my odds.
5. Prolific: Academic Research with Fast Payouts
Prolific is a goto site for academic studies rather than big brand market research, but it’s included because the signup process is simple and it offers a steady stream of short, welldesigned research tasks and online interviews.
- Who it’s for: Anyone 18+ worldwide. No superspecialized experience needed for most tasks.
- What to expect: You fill out a detailed profile, then Prolific matches you with studies based on your demographics and background. Each invite shows pay, time, and requirements.
- Payment process: All payments are handled via PayPal, sometimes as fast as 24 hours after you finish a study. Pay rates per hour are listed clearly, so you know what to expect.
The more details you give about yourself, the more invites you’ll see on your dashboard. I like that Prolific has a clear approval process and doesn’t block you if you occasionally miss a study invite.
6. American Consumer Opinion: Large Community, Frequent Surveys
American Consumer Opinion (ACOP) is one of the larger, longstanding survey panels in the U.S., with over seven million members. While you’ll find a lot of quick surveys here, they also run online and phone focus groups several times a year.
- Who it’s for: Residents of many countries, but especially the U.S., who are interested in sharing consumer insights.
- What to expect: Short prequalifying surveys unlock invitations to focus group discussions, which run from 30 minutes to a few hours. Payouts range from $20 up to $200 depending on the session.
- Payment process: You’ll be paid by check, PayPal, or prepaid Visa when you reach a low minimum threshold.
Completing lots of smaller surveys over time increases your odds of being picked for big focus groups, so regular participation is key here.
7. dscout: Mobile Diary Studies with Real World Input
dscout stands out for mobilefriendly diary studies and videobased focus groups, where you capture thoughts about new products, ads, or routines right from your phone. I’ve found dscout pays fairly and lets you show your point of view with videos, photos, and written feedback.
- Who it’s for: Anyone interested in sharing honest real life input on products or habits. Must be comfortable using a mobile app and recording short video clips.
- What to expect: Register for the app, create a short intro video, and apply for “missions.” Some missions are oneoff tasks, others ask you to contribute over a week or more. Payouts depend on length and effort, often $30 to $150+.
- Payment process: Rewards are paid via PayPal within about 10 days of finishing a mission.
Coming up with creative, specific responses and trying new missions often gets me picked for more projects in the future.
8. Google Usability: Quick Feedback for Tech Products
Google Usability offers paid user experience studies for people who want to test Google products and features before they go public. I’ve done a few sessions and was impressed with the clear instructions and quick payment.
- Who it’s for: Anyone over 18 in the U.S. and many other countries who uses technology and wants to give feedback.
- What to expect: Sign up and fill out some qualifying info. If you’re selected, Google contacts you about a phone, remote video, or in person session. Topics range from Gmail to Android and Chrome. The sessions pay $75 to $150+ for 30 to 90 minutes.
- Payment process: Digital gift cards are sent soon after you finish your session. There’s no confusing points system, just direct rewards.
Be yourself during the feedback call, as Google is really after honest, everyday user experiences.
9. RarePatientVoice: Healthcare Opinions with a Personal Impact
If you or a family member face chronic illness, special health conditions, or rare diseases, RarePatientVoice connects you to medical and pharmaceutical focus groups that want real patient stories. I love this platform for making research easier to find and for valuing the experiences of people who rarely get heard in clinical settings.
- Who it’s for: Patients, caregivers, and family members living with a wide list of medical conditions.
- What to expect: Complete a confidential signup, then fill out quick screeners as studies pop up. Sessions are usually remote, can last 45 minutes to a few hours, and pay $100 to $400 depending on the topic.
- Payment process: Payment arrives quickly, often a prepaid card or digital transfer, just for sharing your real views and stories.
Opportunities here aren’t as frequent, but when they come up, they’re impactful and well paid. I recommend signing up even if you just want to stand behind your community.
10. Mindswarms: Video Surveys for Fast Cash
Mindswarms makes the process super simple: record short video responses to about 7 questions, speak freely, and get paid. Most studies pay $50 for 10 to 15 minutes of video feedback. This is one I return to when I want something quick but with decent rewards.
- Who it’s for: Anyone 18+ from a wide range of locations (often global), with decent English and a smartphone or webcam.
- What to expect: Fill out your profile and answer screeners. If you’re accepted, you’ll get recording instructions and a secure upload link for your video responses.
- Payment process: PayPal is the default, and you typically get paid the day after uploading your videos.
Clear audio and good lighting really help your chances, and sharing honest, conversational feedback is what gets me invited back for more studies.
Tips to Succeed with Focus Group Websites
Making the most out of focus group sites takes more than just signing up. Here’s what helps me get selected, paid, and keep coming back for more gigs:
- I keep my profiles updated with new skills, job changes, and lifestyle details to match more studies.
- Responding to screener invites quickly puts me at the top of the shortlist for many sites.
- Honest, thoughtful answers and even creative responses help me stand out from other applicants.
- Following directions carefully shows that I’m involved and reliable, so companies are more likely to remember me for next time.
How to Spot and Avoid Focus Group Scams
Most of the major websites in this guide are safe, but I’ve come across scammy emails and fake groups before, and they’re best avoided. Watch out for groups that:
- Ask for money up front or want bank account information before you start.
- Make promises that sound too good to be true, like guarantees to earn hundreds for a five minute call.
- Communicate only by sketchy email addresses and ask you to click unknown links.
- Don’t list a real company address or references.
When in doubt, search group names on Trustpilot or Reddit, or stick to the reputable options I’ve shared above. Trusting your gut is important. If it feels off, it almost always is. This approach has kept me safe online.
Getting Started with Focus Groups: FAQ
If you’re still unsure about joining your first focus group, here’s what I wish I’d known before I got started:
- Do you have to pay anything? No, legit focus group websites never charge you.
- How long do sessions last? Focus groups usually last from 30 minutes to two hours, though short video tasks can take just 10 minutes.
- Can you join multiple sites? Definitely. I recommend signing up for three to five to increase your chances of landing frequent gigs.
- Is your personal info safe? Stick with reputable companies. Read privacy policies, and use unique passwords for extra security.
- How much can you earn? Payments range from $25 to $400 per group, based on how indepth your feedback is and who the client is.
Choosing the Right Focus Group Site for Your Goals
Your best choice depends on whether you want quick surveys, highpaying professional panels, creative video responses, or longer term communities. My honest suggestion is to mix a few platforms and track which ones consistently deliver studies that fit your lifestyle and experience.
I’ve learned that treating each session with respect, being yourself, and following up on feedback gets the best results, plus more invites over time. Whether you want to influence big brand decisions or just make extra money from home, the focus group websites above are a strong starting point for both beginners and experienced research participants.