The Best Side Hustles Reddit Users Actually Recommend

When you’re looking for real, no-fluff side hustle ideas, Reddit is one of the most brutally honest places to start. Whether you're trying to pay off debt, save for a big goal, or just add some breathing room to your budget, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with “top 10” lists that feel like generic fluff. That’s where Reddit stands out.

Reddit users—especially on subs like r/sidehustle, r/beermoney, and r/personalfinance—share firsthand, unfiltered accounts of what actually works. They’ll call out scams, reveal true earning potential, and even post earnings screenshots. We've sifted through dozens of threads to find the best side hustles Reddit users consistently recommend—with pros, cons, and links to deeper insights from the Reddit community itself.

1. Freelance Services (Writing, Design, Coding)

What Reddit says: If you have a marketable skill, like copywriting, graphic design, or web development, you can build a high-paying side hustle through freelancing.

• Many Redditors recommend Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal for getting started.
• The income potential is high—one Redditor reported earning $10K in five months just from freelance copywriting.

Pros:

• High income ceiling
• Set your own rates and hours
• Potential to scale into full-time

Cons:

• Competitive
• Requires upfront skill-building
• Takes time to build client trust

Helpful Reddit thread: “Ask Me Anything: I made $80K last year as a freelance writer”

2. Reselling and Flipping Items

What Reddit says: Reddit users frequently recommend flipping as one of the most profitable side hustles for beginners. It’s simple: buy low, sell high.

• Popular platforms include eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Poshmark.
• Some flip thrift store finds, while others get returns from liquidation pallets or local retailers.

Pros:

• Low startup cost
• Scalable with experience
• Easy to learn by trial and error

Cons:

• Time-consuming to source and ship
• Storage space needed
• Success depends on market knowledge

Helpful Reddit thread: “I made $2K this month flipping from Facebook Marketplace”

3. Print on Demand / Etsy Shops

What Reddit says: Many Redditors turn creative energy into cash by launching print-on-demand (POD) shops through Etsy, Redbubble, or Printful.

• You design shirts, mugs, or stickers, and a third party handles the printing and shipping.
• Several Redditors report earning hundreds to thousands per month once they found their niche.

Pros:

• Passive once set up
• No inventory required
• Great for artists/designers

Cons:

• High competition
• Learning curve for SEO and marketing
• Takes time to see results

Helpful Reddit thread: “My Etsy POD store hit $1K/month—ask me anything”

4. Task-Based Apps and Gig Work

What Reddit says: These are ideal for quick cash with minimal commitment. Think: food delivery, dog walking, or renting your car.

Popular picks from Reddit:

• DoorDash, Instacart, Rover, Turo, and TaskRabbit.
• Many Reddit users recommend stacking apps (e.g., doing Instacart while waiting for DoorDash orders) for efficiency.

Pros:

• Flexible schedule
• Fast access to earnings
• No specialized skills required

Cons:

• Wear and tear on your vehicle
• Inconsistent demand
• Lower hourly pay in some areas

Helpful Reddit thread: “I made $700 in 5 days doing DoorDash full-time”

5. Online Surveys, Cashback, and Passive Apps

What Reddit says: These won’t make you rich, but they can earn small amounts during downtime. Perfect for people just starting out or looking to monetize idle time.

Common Reddit-recommended platforms:

• Prolific, Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten.

Pros:

• Very low effort
• No special skills
• Works well during TV time or commutes

Cons:

• Very low hourly rate
• Some platforms have payout minimums
• Can get repetitive

Helpful Reddit thread: “I made $30/month passively using cashback apps”

6. Tutoring or Teaching Online

What Reddit says: If you’re good at a subject—especially math, science, or English—online tutoring is a legit side hustle.

• Platforms like Wyzant, Preply, or Outschool are commonly recommended.
• Some Redditors earn over $40/hour tutoring students, especially if they specialize in test prep.

Pros:

• High hourly pay
• Great for educators or subject matter experts
• Can be done entirely online

Cons:

• May require background checks or degrees
• Scheduling can be inflexible
• Requires patience and teaching ability

Helpful Reddit thread: “How I earn $1,000/month tutoring on the side”

7. Renting Out Space or Stuff

What Reddit says: Whether it’s a spare room, parking spot, or even tools, Redditors make steady income renting things they’re not using.

• Platforms like Airbnb, Neighbor (storage space), and Fat Llama (gear rentals) are often mentioned.

Pros:

• Passive income once listed
• No ongoing labor required
• Great for people with extra space or equipment

Cons:

• Liability and damage risks
• May require local permits
• Income can be seasonal

Helpful Reddit thread: “I make $200/month renting out my garage”

8. Remote Customer Service or Virtual Assistant Jobs

What Reddit says: For a more “traditional” side hustle with a steady schedule, Redditors recommend part-time remote jobs like customer support or admin tasks.

• Popular job boards include Remote.co, We Work Remotely, and FlexJobs.

Pros:

• Steady, reliable income
• Often benefits included
• Great for introverts

Cons:

• Fixed hours
• Often lower hourly pay
• May require quiet workspace

Helpful Reddit thread: “Remote customer service job that pays $18/hour—my experience”

Final Thoughts: What Side Hustle Is Right for You?

Reddit’s wisdom is clear: there’s no one-size-fits-all side hustle. The best side hustle for you depends on your goals, schedule, and risk tolerance. Freelancing and flipping can scale fast but require hustle. Surveys and apps are chill but slow. The real key? Choose something you’ll stick with.

And don't be afraid to test a few! Many Redditors bounce between side hustles before finding their groove.