Toluna versus Swagbucks
Feb 18 2026
Online survey platforms are a popular way to earn extra rewards or cash in your spare time. Two of the most recognised names in the space are Toluna and Swagbucks. Both allow users to earn by sharing opinions, but they do it in vastly different ways, and the question many new users ask in 2026 is: Which one pays more?
In this comparison, we’ll look at how each platform works, its earning potential, the variety of reward options, and which is better depending on your goals.
How Toluna and Swagbucks Work
Toluna
Toluna is primarily a survey-centric platform. You earn points by:
Completing surveys
Participating in polls and community discussions
Taking part in contests and other activities
These points are then redeemed for rewards such as gift cards or sometimes PayPal cash. Surveys focus heavily on consumer preferences and product opinions.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks also offers surveys, but that’s just one part of its ecosystem. On Swagbucks, you can earn “SB” points by:
Taking surveys
Watching videos
Shopping online
Searching the web
Using cashback offers
This diversity means you have more ways to earn even when surveys are scarce.
Earning Potential: Toluna vs Swagbucks
Swagbucks: More Ways to Earn
Swagbucks tends to give users more earning opportunities because of its variety of tasks. Users often report:
Making anywhere from $1 to $5 per day, depending on activity and tasks completed
More consistent survey offerings
Lower minimum cashout thresholds
In a comparison, typical daily earnings on Swagbucks can range from around $30 to $150 per month if you’re active and leverage non-survey tasks like shopping and watching videos.
Also, Swagbucks has historically offered welcome bonuses (usually $5–$10) to new members, adding an early earning boost.
Toluna: Survey Focused but Less Lucrative
Toluna is more survey-focused and doesn’t offer as many alternative earning activities. Survey payouts vary widely, and points can take longer to accumulate. Many users find that Toluna’s points-to-dollar conversion isn’t as favourable compared to Swagbucks’ system.
For example, Toluna surveys might pay between $0.25–$2.50 per survey, depending on length and your profile, and often require more surveys to reach a meaningful cashout.
Because Toluna focuses heavily on surveys and community activities, your earnings tend to be more modest unless you’re completing many surveys consistently.
Reward Systems Compared
Feature | Toluna | Swagbucks |
Survey Focus | Yes | Yes |
Other Earning Methods | Limited | Multiple (videos, shopping, search) |
Minimum Cashout | Usually higher (e.g., ~$10-$30) | Often lower ($1 or more) |
Reward Options | Gift cards & PayPal | Gift cards, PayPal, cashback offers |
Bonus Opportunities | Community polls & contests | Welcome bonus & various tasks |
Swagbucks wins here due to its multiple entry points for earning, especially if surveys aren’t immediately available. Toluna’s rewards are primarily survey-based, which can feel slower comparatively.
Which Platform Pays More?
Overall Earning Potential
If your goal is to earn the highest possible reward for your time, Swagbucks typically pays more in 2026 simply because it gives you multiple ways to earn beyond just surveys. You’re not reliant on qualifying for every survey to make decent rewards; you can watch videos or shop and earn points simultaneously.
Survey Earnings Only
When you only compare surveys, the difference becomes slimmer. Both platforms pay per survey, but Swagbucks generally has a more transparent points system with clearer dollar equivalence, making it easier to track your progress toward cashout. Toluna’s points system can be harder to translate into earnings unless you’re experienced with its conversion rates.
Pros & Cons in 2026
Swagbucks Pros
Multiple ways to earn besides surveys
Low minimum cashout threshold
Frequent offers and bonuses
Rewards via PayPal or popular gift cards
Swagbucks Cons
More tasks can feel distracting if you prefer a survey-only focus
Not every task pays high points
Toluna Pros
Lots of survey opportunities in many countries
Community-driven platform
Rewards beyond surveys (e.g., polls, discussions)
Toluna Cons
Less diverse earning methods
Points can be slow to accumulate
Higher cash-out threshold than some competitors
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Swagbucks if you want:
Multiple earning methods beyond surveys
Faster payouts and lower cashout requirements
A platform that can keep you earning even on low-survey days
Choose Toluna if you want:
A survey-centric experience
More community interaction
A consistent flow of surveys tailored to your profile
Final Verdict
In 2026, Swagbucks generally pays more than Toluna, especially for users who take advantage of its wide array of earning activities. Toluna remains a solid survey platform with steady opportunities for users who enjoy survey-based earning, but it usually won’t match Swagbucks in terms of total rewards unless you dedicate a lot of time to taking surveys.
Most experienced users sign up for both to maximise their earnings, using Swagbucks for diversified rewards and Toluna to squeeze additional point-earning opportunities from surveys alone.