Big companies need big brains (aka real people) to test and actually attempt to break their software before it goes live. This app testing is facilitated by third party companies like the one we feature in this gig review, uTest. To clarify further, the service is called uTest but the company behind it is called Applause, a major player in quality assurance for enterprise tech firms. uTest is their brand that connects freelance testers with paid testing projects from brands you recognize. The platform is free to join and many users find the work genuinely interesting so we may as well dive into all the good and bad about this gig right now.
Quick Facts
| Platform Name | uTest |
| Earning Potential | $1.25 but up to $100+ per bug |
| Typical Duration | Project-based |
| Payment Frequency | Twice monthly |
| Required Equipment | Smartphone or Desktop |
What’s Inside
- Is uTest real and safe?
- How hard is it to sign up?
- Can I do this whenever I want?
- How much money can you really make?
- When and how do you get paid?
- What stuff do you need to start?
- Is the work easy or hard?
- The Pros and Cons of uTest
- Final Verdict: Is uTest worth your time?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is uTest real and safe?
uTest is owned by Applause, a company that runs enterprise-level quality assurance programs for major brands worldwide. In our research we found Glassdoor reporting that 94% of tester respondents saying they would recommend it to a friend, that’s quite the endorsement. Some users do complain about slow bug approval times and low pay rates on certain projects, but very few gripe about not being paid at all. These are all solid trust signals, but of course they are not perfect (no gig company is). For example, the same report states that some testers have waited weeks for bugs to be reviewed. At the end of the day, the platform does pay and the company behind it has real corporate accountability.
How hard is it to sign up?
It is about as easy as it gets and genuinely beginner-friendly. The process is as simple as you create an account, fill out a profile and then work through what they call the uTest Academy. After you complete these steps you can begin to apply for tests, which essentially are trying software and finding / reporting any bugs or issues you identify.
The uTest Academy is quite involved and does not compensate for participation. It is comprised of around 24 courses overall and while you are not required to complete all, completing them improves your match rate for higher-paying projects.
💡 Insider Tip:
Before you submit your first bug, scan the list of bugs already submitted by other testers. uTest does not pay for duplicate bugs.
Can I do this whenever I want?
Test cycles (where you are finding bugs in software) have hard deadlines and while you work within them on your own schedule, it must be completed in the specific window. When a project you are matched to opens up, you have a window to find and submit bugs before the cycle closes. Opportunities are not always consistent either and some testers go weeks between projects. In that case it is always best to take the time and complete more uTest Academy courses as an investment into future potential earnings by opening up more project opportunities.
How much money can you really make?
This is interesting because their earning model is based upon per-approved-bug. They have a system that rates bugs by severity with low-severity issues paying lower ($1.25). However, if you uncover what they deem a critical bug you can earn $100 or more for the report. It’s also very important to note you do not know exactly what a bug will pay until after it is reviewed.
New testers report making relatively small amounts in their first few months as they build their reputation and gain access to better projects. Realistically, most part-time testers earn $50 to $300 per month. Do not join expecting fast money as this gig takes takes time to build a reputation.
When and how do you get paid?
Payments are issued twice a month from your earned balance. Your balance grows once your submitted bugs have been approved and the test cycle closes. Despite the multiple payouts per month, the approval process can take days or even weeks on larger projects so set your expectations accordingly. Payment is issued via PayPal or check in some instances. Rejections are a real thing too as sometimes you will submit what you believe are valid bugs and then wait to find out how much each one was worth only to learn they are rejected entirely. Factor that unpredictability in.
What stuff do you need to start?
There is some flexibility with uTest tests as they work on smartphone, tablet and desktop computers. Its beneficial to have multiple devices as uTest tests on all of them and the more you register, the more test opportunities you get invited to. You aren’t required to get any special testing software as everything is browser based. Registering multiple devices on your profile from day one is actually the quickest way to get more project invitations.
Is the work easy or hard?
Users report that the actual finding bugs is fairly easy. Where the challenge comes is documenting by writing reports that get approved for payment. uTest wants incredibly detailed and reproducible bug reports with clear steps including screenshots, and evidence. If you quickly provide a brief report, it will almost certainly get rejected or downgraded.
The good news is that the uTest Academy teaches you what good reporting looks like upfront. This is why we recommend to take those courses before your start any project.
The Pros and Cons of uTest
| The Pros | The Cons |
|---|---|
| Applause gives credibility: Real enterprise clients. | Low new-tester pay: Takes time to reach better projects. |
| Fully available: Any device, any part of USA. | Slow approvals: Bugs can sit in review for weeks. |
| Beginner friendly: Academy courses teach you everything. | No duplicate pay: Unique bugs only. |
Final Verdict: Is uTest worth your time?
If you are a person with a real interest in software, are patient and want to build testing skills over time, this is a good gig to try. uTest is a solid platform backed by a real company with real client projects. The work is interesting and the community is active and enjoyable to be apart of.
The Bottom Line: The better projects come with time and a strong track record, so only sign up if you are willing to put in the effort with the understanding that earnings typically scale with experience and platform reputation. We also can’t stress enough to complete the uTest Academy courses, it is a critical knowledge to succeed with this gig!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Academy has around 24 courses and most testers complete them in a few hours spread across a couple of days. None of the courses pay you directly, but finishing them meaningfully improves your match rate for paid test cycles.
uTest covers web apps, mobile apps, desktop software, and connected devices. Clients include major brands across retail, finance, healthcare, and tech.
Missing reproduction steps, no supporting screenshots, duplicate submissions, and issues that fall outside the test scope are the most common rejection reasons.
Yes. Most active uTest testers do exactly that. Test cycles have deadlines but the work within those deadlines is yours to schedule. Evenings and weekends work just as well as business hours.
Yes. uTest pays you as an independent contractor with nothing withheld. Keep a record of every payment received. In the US, if total self-employment income from all platforms goes over $400 in a year, self-employment tax applies.
