uTest is the freelance testing community run by Applause. Testers use their own devices to test apps, websites and digital products for brands, and earn money for approved bugs, test cases, surveys and other tasks. Founded in 2007, it says it has more than 1.5 million members in over 200 countries and territories. Joining is free, and uTest offers free training through its Academy.
At a glance
| What it is | Freelance software testing community |
| Run by | Applause |
| Members | 1.5 million+ in 200+ countries |
| Paid for | Bugs, test cases, surveys, bonuses, referrals |
| Typical bug pay | About $5 to $50 per approved bug |
| Training | Free uTest Academy |
How it works
You join uTest, complete your profile and devices, and take the training courses. You’re then invited to test cycles that match your profile. Each cycle shows its scope, instructions and payout before you accept, so you can decline ones that don’t suit you.
What you earn
uTest says testers can be paid for approved bugs and test cases, bonuses, usability surveys, reviews, referrals and bug-fix verification. Independent guides put typical bug payouts at about $5 to $50, depending on severity. Higher-rated testers are invited to better-paid cycles.
Ratings and progress
Your rating grows with the quality of your bug reports and test work. Better ratings unlock more and higher-paying invitations, so careful, well-documented reports pay off over time.
Getting started
Join, complete the free Academy courses and fill in every device you own. Start with cycles you can handle and focus on clear, reproducible bug reports.
Common mistakes
Some testers submit duplicate or poorly documented bugs that get rejected. Others accept cycles outside their skills. A third mistake is expecting steady income from the start; invitations take time to build.
Writing good bug reports
A strong bug report has a clear title, exact steps to reproduce, the expected and actual results, and evidence such as screenshots, videos or logs. Reports that are easy for the client to confirm are approved more often and build your rating faster.
Training
The uTest Academy offers free courses on testing basics, bug reporting and specialized areas. Completing them helps you understand what clients expect and can lead to more invitations.
Keeping track
Your profile shows your ratings and completed cycles. Watch which kinds of cycles you do well in, and accept more of them.
Is it worth it?
For people who want to learn software testing while earning, yes. Earnings start small and grow with ratings and experience.
Before you start
Fill in your profile with every device and operating system you have, since many cycles target specific setups.
Payment timing
Payment depends on bugs and test cases being approved, and reviews can take time, especially when clients are slow to respond. Testers report that some approvals take weeks, so treat uTest as income you collect over time rather than right away.
Combining platforms
Most crowdtesters use uTest alongside Test IO and Testbirds to keep a steadier flow of work.
Owen’s take
uTest is the best place to start crowdtesting. Pay depends on approved work, so it rewards patience and careful reporting more than speed.
Who it suits
It suits detail-oriented people who want to learn software testing and earn while doing it. It suits less well anyone who needs predictable income.
Similar options
- Test IO pays per approved bug.
- Testbirds offers usability and bug tests.
- UserTesting pays for recorded website tests.
- Trymata pays for usability tests.
More options are in User Testing & Research.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Huge community and client base
- Free training
- Several ways to earn
Cons
- Pay depends on approval
- Competition for cycles
- Bug reviews can be slow
FAQ
How much does uTest pay?
Typically about $5 to $50 per approved bug, plus pay for test cases and surveys.
Who runs uTest?
Applause.
Is uTest free to join?
Yes.
Can I see the pay before accepting a cycle?
Yes, each cycle shows its scope and payout first.
Do I need testing experience?
No, uTest offers free training.
