Honeygain is an app that pays you for sharing the internet connection you aren’t using. You install it on a computer or phone, leave it running, and Honeygain routes some of its business customers’ traffic through your connection. In return you earn credits that you can cash out. Founded in 2019 and based in Vilnius, Lithuania, it’s one of the best-known bandwidth-sharing apps. It’s about as passive as income gets, but the amounts are small.
At a glance
| What you do | Leave the app running and share bandwidth |
| Devices | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Credit value | 1,000 credits = $1 |
| Payout minimum | $20 via PayPal |
| Crypto option | JumpTask mode, with a much lower minimum |
| Limit | One active device per IP address |
How it works
After you sign up and install the app, it runs in the background. Honeygain sells access to its network to businesses for things like market research, price comparison and ad checks. How much of your bandwidth gets used, and so how much you earn, depends on demand where you live. You can see your running total in the dashboard at any time.
Getting paid
Once you reach $20 (20,000 credits), you can request a PayPal payout, which Honeygain says is processed in two to three business days. Alternatively, JumpTask mode pays in the JumpToken cryptocurrency, with a far lower minimum and faster payouts, if you’re comfortable with a crypto wallet.
What to expect
Earnings vary widely by country and connection. Honeygain itself tells users that in regions with low demand, reaching the $20 minimum can take several months. Only one device per IP address shares at a time, so running it on several devices at home won’t multiply your earnings. VPNs aren’t allowed.
Things to check first
Your IP address is used for other people’s traffic, so read Honeygain’s terms and privacy information before you start. Check your internet provider’s terms too, since some don’t allow reselling your connection. If you have a data cap, monitor how much Honeygain uses, and on phones, keep the device plugged in.
Referrals
Honeygain has a referral program that pays you a share of what the people you invite earn. It’s the main way regular users push their totals up faster. Share your link only where it fits naturally, such as with friends who already leave a computer running, rather than spamming forums.
Owen’s take
Honeygain is genuinely hands-off, but think of it as pocket change, not income. Set it up on an always-on computer with an unlimited plan and forget about it.
Who it suits
It suits people with an always-on computer and unlimited home internet who want a little extra without effort. It suits less well anyone on a data cap or with privacy concerns about sharing their IP address.
Similar options
- Pawns.app combines bandwidth sharing with surveys and games.
- Freecash pays for offers, games and surveys.
- Swagbucks rewards surveys, shopping and more.
- Cointiply pays small crypto rewards for tasks.
More options are in Passive Income.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Truly passive once set up
- Works on most devices
- Crypto option with a low minimum
Cons
- Small earnings
- $20 PayPal minimum can take months
- Your IP address carries others’ traffic
FAQ
How does Honeygain make money?
It sells access to its bandwidth network to businesses.
What is Honeygain’s minimum payout?
$20 via PayPal, or a much lower amount in JumpTask mode.
Can I run Honeygain on several devices?
Yes, but only one device per IP address shares at a time.
Can I use a VPN with Honeygain?
No, VPNs aren’t allowed.
How long does a PayPal payout take?
Honeygain says two to three business days.
