The apps and games you frequently use likely went through beta testing before they were launched or released – this is how beta tester jobs were created.
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A beta tester’s job is to test these apps before their release to make sure there weren’t any bugs or glitches that developers missed.
Beta testing sounds like a job that’s only for techy, geeky types. On the contrary, beta testers use the apps and games in real life or close to real-life conditions so that developers know how actual users will use their apps.
If you love trying out new apps and games and find yourself spotting errors and weird behaviors in these apps, being a beta tester might appeal to you.
In this article, learn what a beta tester does, how much they normally earn, and where you can find beta tester jobs.
What Does a Beta Tester Do?
When an app or game is being developed, it usually goes through several rounds of testing from the time it’s initially coded.
However, since this testing is done in a controlled environment, some glitches or issues may not show up during the initial rounds of testing.
Beta testing is the final round of testing before that app or game is released to the general audience.
It’s done in real-life conditions: various units of actual smartphones, laptops, and computers (not simulators), with different internet providers that are used by actual end-users.
Beta testers use the app or game in these conditions to find out how it performs in real life and not under a controlled environment. They then note their observations about usability, UI, gameplay (for games) bugs, and any unexpected behavior.
They then submit this to the developer with general feedback and notes, as well as steps to replicate a bug, if they observe one.
Do you need experience to become a beta tester?
Yes and no.
Minor beta testing jobs will usually not require any specific qualifications or certifications.
However, as you slowly build your résumé and your skillset, you will be able to apply for higher-paying jobs (Google has a beta-testing program!) and build competence.
A couple of things you will definitely need no matter what, though:
Excellent observation skills and attention to detail.
These are essential to becoming a successful beta tester.
How much do beta testers get paid?
Beta tester jobs can pay anything from $10 to $100 per hour. High-paying beta tester jobs can pay up to $45,000 per year.
The fees you get depend on a lot of different factors:
- The type of website you’ve signed up for.
- The developer’s budget.
- What sorts of tests you’re going to participate in.
- How simple or difficult the job is.
There is no doubt that companies benefit a lot from hiring beta testers. But what is in it for you as a paid beta tester?
Rewards! Money! Gift cards!
When it comes to rewards, every company and website has its own rules. Generally, rewards come in three different types:
- Cash (PayPal, bank transfer, etc.)
- Gift cards
- Free products
20 Places to Find Legit Beta Tester Jobs
Here are the 20 best places to find a beta testing job.
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There are hundreds of opportunities currently available as beta testing is always in high demand.
1. Beta Family
You will find dozens of developers for iOS and Android apps all posting their beta testing opportunities along with their instructions and what they’re looking for.
How it works for developers: They set up a test and then search through the beta testers who have signed up to choose a good fit for this test.
How it works for beta testers: It’s simple! You follow their instructions carefully, test their apps, answer their questions, and give them feedback. Most questions have to do with the design and the UI and the user experience.
That doesn’t mean that you have to sit and wait for developers to contact you.
You can actively search through the list of open opportunities.
How to utilize Beta Family: For every test you finish, you will get a rating depending on how accurately you gave feedback and how in-depth your answers are.
There are no fixed rates and the developer is the one that decides how much to pay you.
2. UserTesting
UserTesting is another top player when it comes to the world of beta testing.
So how does it work?
- You will first need to finish a 5-minute test to show your qualifications.
- Once you get approved, you can start looking for beta testing opportunities.
- Answer screening questions to match with opportunities.
- Share your honest perspectives through the tests you’ve matched with.
Your tests will mainly revolve around how you view and interact with certain websites as an average Internet user.
Your feedback will help site owners fix problems that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.
You can earn $4 for every 5-minute test, $10 for every 20-minute test, and $30 to $120 for live interviews.
With a steady stream of testing jobs, this is probably the highest-paying and most consistent beta testing job on this list.
3. Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research provides you with a unique opportunity for a beta testing job.
It’s unique in the sense that you will be trying out physical products, instead of performing online evaluations of websites or apps.
Pinecone will mail you upcoming products from major manufacturers and pay you a flat rate to test the product out and provide feedback.
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More often than not, you get to keep whatever they send you, increasing the value of each job you complete.
It’s a pretty cool way to try out some new things before they ever hit the shelves.
4. Betabound
Betabound (formerly known as OnlineBeta) gives you the chance to work with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Expect to find names like Amazon, Yahoo, Netflix, and Dell.
The best part?
Betabound doesn’t require you to have extensive experience at all. In fact, you don’t even need to go through qualification tests.
You will get paid in gift cards and prizes.
They also have an ambassador program that members of their community can opt in to get rewarded (in Amazon credits) for recruiting new testers for specific beta testing opportunities.
5. BetaTesting
BetaTesting.com (formerly Erli Bird) is like the Uber of paid beta testing jobs. What it does is it partners big-name companies with beta testers and has all types of opportunities out there.
You will need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be fluent in English.
- Have certain devices for certain tests.
You can get paid anywhere from $10 to $20 per test via PayPal.
6. AppCoiner
AppCoiner pays you cash to test various apps.
When you sign up on their website, you can choose an app from their app review database, test it on your smartphone or tablet, and write about the experience on your AppCoiner website.
AppCoiner then monetizes your website views and pays you according to how much traffic your articles attract.
The more applications you review, the greater your chances of making more through this app.
7. Bananatic
If you prefer online games to apps, this beta tester job opportunity may be right for you!
Register on the Bananatic website and download free-to-play online games. Play them, test them, and complete in-game quests assigned by Bananatic. When you complete in-game quests and write high-quality game reviews, you earn Bananas. Not literal ones, though; Bananas are the website’s virtual currency.
You can exchange these Bananas for real prizes, such as free games, game credits, skins, Steam wallets, Amazon gift cards, and many more.
8. Tester Work
Tester Work specializes in beta testing websites and apps for developers. They boast a community of 50,000+ testers all over the world, working on apps from such companies as Facebook, Google, General Electric, Microsoft, and other big names.
Register, take an assessment, receive invites to the latest test cycles, participate, and get paid!
9. Trymata
At Trymata, beta testers perform usability tests on websites and apps so developers know which elements work and which ones don’t.
As a tester, all you have to do is use their websites and apps as you would in a real-life situation, with your own computer and smartphone.
You’ll be recording your screen and what you’re doing, while you do a voiceover with your honest thoughts and feedback.
Be sure to follow instructions exactly and complete the list of tasks given to you. Also make sure you respond to notifications for new tests as soon as you can so you can get more jobs.
A typical usability test takes 20 minutes to complete, for which you’ll be paid $10, paid out via Paypal.
10. Keywords Studios’ Global Beta Test Network (GBTN)
If you like multiplayer consoles and PC games, this one is for you.
Keywords Studios works with some of the world’s best video game developers and help them run beta tests by selecting active, professional gamers from more than 40 countries to form a community called the Global Beta Test Network (GBTN).
If you sign on, you have to sign a non-disclosure agreement, as you’ll get to play brand new games that haven’t even been released yet.
11. uTest
uTest prides itself on hosting the biggest community of testers in the world.
UTest pays $10 to $50 per test, and you can earn more based on whether you are a Gold, Silver, Bronze, Proven, or Rated tester.
You can get paid for testing the usability of a website, app, or game, as well as finding defects or bugs. You’re then asked to write a review giving your feedback.
When your review is approved, you’ll get paid via PayPal or Payoneer.
12. Test IO
Test IO enables you to beta test new apps anywhere there’s an internet connection, even from home.
They have an excellent resource called the Tester Academy, where you can learn all you need to know about beta testing.
The amount you earn varies depending on the tests you’re qualified to do, the types of bugs you find, and whether your findings are accepted as valid. The highest paying jobs pay out at $50 per test. Test IO pays out via PayPal, IBAN bank account, or Skrill.
They often have beta tester jobs available, and you can pretty much be sure there’s a project for you when you log in.
13. Userfeel
Userfeel prides itself on its high-quality tester panel that is screened and continually rated.
And you can be a part of that!
To start getting beta tester jobs, register on the site, take their qualification test, wait for the results, and test away.
You’re normally given a list of tasks to do to test the usability of websites, and you need to do them while screen capturing the whole process and speaking your thoughts aloud while recording them.
Each test lasts from 10 to 20 minutes, and every test pays $10. You get paid a week after a valid test via PayPal or Amazon gift cards.
However, there aren’t any guarantees about the number of tests you get approved for. You may get 5 tests in a day or not get any for a year.
14. Ferpection
France-based Ferpection is a website for beta testing various digital products including the usual websites and mobile apps, as well as computer software.
When you sign up and qualify as a tester, you are given missions, which are tests that follow a certain test plan. You are to provide your feedback using screenshots on your smartphone or tablet.
Most Ferpection testers earn $10 to $20 for every successful mission. Payments are made monthly via PayPal or Amazon gift cards.
15. Testbirds
Testbirds is another crowdtesting platform allowing testers from all over the world to beta test mobile apps, websites, games, and sometimes even wearables or smart appliances.
A regular usability test pays €20 per test, and you can earn more if you find serious technical bugs.
16. TestingTime
TestingTime allows you to beta test apps, websites, and software.
Most beta tests on this site take around 30 to 90 minutes to complete. Pay depends on the length and type of the testing.
To participate remotely through phone and video calls, you need to have video calling software such as Skype, Whereby, Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams installed on the device you’re using.
17. Totem Arts
Unlike other beta tester jobs on this list, Totem Arts is just one company. They are the team behind the popular video game Renegade X.
If you have prior game testing experience and have a passion for finding and reporting bugs, you can be a valuable member of the Totem Arts beta testing team.
The company is currently looking for beta testers for the game “Firestorm.” As a beta tester, you have to provide input and feedback towards the development of this new game.
18. Play Test Cloud
PlaytestCloud was created to help game developers learn more about what players think about their games and if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
This beta tester job focuses on all types of games (mobile games, PC games, console games). It is open to several countries, and as long as you can pass an unpaid qualification test.
Sign up here. You’ll then get a short, unpaid qualification test which show you how to be tester and then you’ll be able to playtest!
This qualification test is to determine your eligibility in joining the PlaytestCloud tester panel. When you become a part of the tester panel you’ll start receiving the real playtests that you get paid for.
19. Uber Testers
Become a Primetester for Uber Testers and earn money.
Once you’re in, you’ll need to test pre-released mobile apps, websites, and exciting games from the leading digital companies around the world, and all in your spare time.
All you need is a smartphone, desktop, or tablet, and some free time to do the testing.
20. Apple Beta Software Program
If you’re a lover of all things Apple, you can help make the next releases of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS and HomePod software.
As a member of the Apple Beta Software Program, you can take part in shaping Apple software by test-driving pre-release versions and letting them know what you think.
Beta Tester Jobs from Reddit & Other Online Forums
There is no shortage when it comes to online forums, specifically if you’re interested in beta testing for games.
- Reddit is a great place to find beta tester jobs, be the first to know about paid beta testing opportunities, and learn about how to become a successful beta tester.
- Android has a forum filled with beta testing opportunities for Android users.
- Steam Client Beta Participation. You have to open the Steam to find beta tester jobs. Go to Steam > Settings in the Steam client. The Beta Participation section will tell you if there are any beta programs available.
How to Get Beta Tester Jobs Directly from Gaming or App Companies
I am not saying that this is guaranteed to work. However, it’s always worth a try.
Try and contact companies and see if they have any available paid beta testing opportunities.
Keep your email short, simple, and to the point, and highlight why you are a perfect fit for their job.
The worst-case scenario is they don’t have a current opportunity but will have your application in their file for any further opportunities.
Apply For a Beta Tester Job Today!
Beta testing is a sometimes tedious but absolutely necessary part of developing apps and video games.
If you love using new apps and playing new video games, notice the smallest details, and can communicate your observations clearly and objectively, you’d make a good beta tester.
Hopefully, this article helped you decide whether a beta tester job is a right fit for you. But if you’re interested in other testing jobs, check out the following articles on this site:
