TestingTime is a participant recruitment service for user research. Companies use it to find people for interviews, product tests and other studies, and they pay participants an incentive for each one. It was founded in Zurich in 2015 and has been part of the Norstat Group since 2021. Studies take place online or in person, and earnings go to a TestingTime wallet that you can pay out by PayPal or bank transfer.
At a glance
| What it is | A recruitment service for user research participants |
| How you earn | An incentive per completed study |
| Pay | Set per study and shown before you apply |
| Payment | TestingTime wallet, then PayPal or bank account (IBAN) |
| Cost to join | Free |
| Study types | Interviews, usability tests, product tests, some in person |
| Where it works | Mainly European markets; check your country at sign-up |
How it works
You register as a test user and fill in a profile with your demographics, job, interests and devices. TestingTime then invites you to studies that match. Each study lists the topic, format, length, date and incentive. You apply by answering screening questions, and the client picks the participants who best fit their target group. Not every application leads to a place, which is normal for this kind of research.
If you’re selected, you receive the details and join the session at the agreed time. Remote sessions usually run over video call; in-person sessions take place at the client’s office or a research venue.
Pay
Incentives are set per study and shown before you apply. Longer interviews and studies for specific professional groups usually pay more than short consumer tests. Because each study has its own amount, judge each one by time required, including travel for in-person sessions.
Getting paid
After you take part, TestingTime verifies your participation and adds the incentive to your wallet, which can take a few days. Your wallet shows your balance, past studies and payout requests. You add PayPal or bank account details and request a payout once you reach any minimum balance shown on your wallet screen. Reviewers on Trustpilot mention PayPal payouts without fees.
Show up or cancel early
Clients plan studies around each participant, so reliability matters. If you can’t attend, withdraw as early as possible through the link in your email. TestingTime says it may stop inviting people who don’t withdraw on time.
What reviews say
TestingTime shows a rating around 4.1 out of 5 on Trustpilot. Positive reviews mention easy applications, fair incentives and payouts as promised. Negative reviews mention not being selected, slow communication and some payment problems. Treat it as occasional, well-paid sessions rather than regular work.
Your profile matters most
Fill in your profile completely and update it when your job or devices change. Many studies look for specific groups, such as users of a certain bank, app or profession, and a complete profile puts you in front of more of them.
In-person studies
Some TestingTime studies take place in person, at a client’s office or a research venue. These are often longer and pay more, but factor in travel time and cost before applying. The study details tell you the location, date and length, so check whether the time works and how far you’d need to travel. Arrive a little early and bring any ID or documents the invitation asks for.
Taxes and records
Incentives are income in many countries. Keep a simple record of studies, dates and amounts so you can report them if needed, and check the rules where you live.
Owen’s take
TestingTime is worth joining if you live in a market it covers. Selection is competitive and studies are occasional, but incentives for interviews are usually good for the time involved. Apply often, answer screeners honestly and always turn up.
Who it suits
It suits people in European markets who are comfortable with video or in-person interviews and want occasional, better-paid sessions. It suits less well anyone who wants daily tasks or lives outside the markets it serves.
Similar options
- PlaybookUX pays fixed rates for interviews.
- Respondent pays professionals for research.
- UserTesting offers recorded tests and live conversations.
- Userlytics runs studies worldwide.
More options are in User Testing & Research.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Incentive shown before you apply
- Interviews usually pay well
- PayPal or bank payouts
Cons
- Selection is competitive
- Mainly European markets
- Studies are occasional
FAQ
How much does TestingTime pay?
Each study sets its own incentive, shown before you apply.
How does TestingTime pay participants?
Earnings go to your TestingTime wallet, then to PayPal or a bank account.
Are TestingTime studies online?
Many are remote video sessions; some take place in person.
Who owns TestingTime?
It has been part of the Norstat Group since 2021.
Is TestingTime legit?
Yes, it’s an established research recruitment company founded in 2015.
