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How to Make Passive Income by Selling Your Internet Data (2025 Guide)
- Karynn Snow
- May 8
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Did you know your extra internet could be making you money? Yep, while you're watching Netflix or scrolling Instagram, your Wi-Fi could be earning passive income in the background. Sounds wild, but it's real. Well, welcome to the world of passive income through selling your internet data.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how it works, share 8 legit apps that pay you to share your bandwidth, and give you the lowdown on what to watch out for before diving in. Let’s get into it!
💡 How Selling Your Bandwidth Works
Your internet service provider gives you a certain amount of bandwidth, but you’re not using all of it 24/7. That’s where these apps come in. They rent out your unused bandwidth to companies that need it for research, content delivery, or anonymous browsing across different regions.
You simply install an app, let it run in the background, and boom—your spare bandwidth gets turned into cash or rewards. It’s one of the simplest ways to earn passive income without lifting a finger.
📱 8 Legit Apps That Pay You for Internet Bandwidth
1. Honeygain
Honeygain is one of the most well-known apps in this space—and for good reason. Once installed on your device (phone, desktop, or tablet), it starts collecting unused internet data and pays you $1 per 5GB shared.
You can cash out once you hit $20, either through PayPal or in crypto via JumpToken (JMPT). Honeygain also gives new users a $2 bonus just for signing up!
💡 Pro tip: Enable the Content Delivery mode on a desktop device to earn even more. It allows Honeygain to transfer higher-bandwidth traffic like video or content caching through your connection—earning you more passive income while you sleep or work.
Honeygain is also one of the few apps with a well-designed dashboard and helpful support, making it ideal for beginners testing the waters.
💸 Earn: $1 per 5GB shared
💰 Cash out: $20 minimum via PayPal or crypto
🎁 Bonus: $2 signup bonus
🔥 Extra: Content Delivery mode boosts earnings with video and social traffic
2. Pawns.app
Pawns.app offers another legit way to earn from unused bandwidth. It pays around $0.20 per GB and supports both desktop and mobile devices. On average, users can expect $5–$140 per month depending on their internet speed and country.
But Pawns doesn’t stop there—it also lets you earn by taking surveys, completing small tasks, and playing games. This makes it a well-rounded side hustle app.
Even better, it’s backed by cybersecurity experts like McAfee and Kaspersky, which gives it an extra layer of trust. You can cash out with as little as $5 via PayPal, Bitcoin, or gift cards.
📌 Note: You can only run it on one device per network. So no stacking it across your phone, tablet, and laptop all at once.
💸 Earn: $0.20 per GB
🧠 Also do: Surveys, games, and offers
💻 Limit: One device per network
💰 Cash out: $5 minimum via PayPal, crypto, or gift cards
✅ Trusted by: Kaspersky, McAfee, Microsoft Defender, Avast
3. PacketStream
PacketStream is a simpler, more minimal option that works only on desktops (Mac, Windows, Linux—with Docker). Once you install it, it quietly shares your internet bandwidth in the background.
It pays $0.10 per GB, and while that’s on the lower side, it adds up over time. You can earn around $15/month with consistent use, and cash out via PayPal.
What’s nice about PacketStream is its no-frills, straightforward design. There’s not much to configure, and once it’s running, it just… does its thing.
It’s a great “set-it-and-forget-it” option for those who don’t want to mess with surveys or crypto wallets.
💸 Earn: $0.10 per GB
🧍 Devices: Works only on Mac, Windows, Linux
💰 Cash out: PayPal only
📉 Earnings: Up to $15/month
4. MobileXpression
MobileXpression is slightly different—it doesn’t sell your bandwidth directly but pays you for allowing them to analyze how you use the internet.
Once installed on your phone, it runs in the background and collects anonymous data on browsing habits. In exchange, you earn weekly points that you can redeem for Amazon gift cards or other rewards.
Most users report earning around $5/week in gift cards, which makes it a solid $20/month in passive earnings with zero effort. It’s not huge money, but it’s great for folks who love collecting gift cards or stacking savings for holiday shopping.
And the best part? It’s mobile-only, so it won’t impact your home internet setup.
🛍️ Earn: Amazon gift cards
📱 How: Share mobile browsing habits
🎯 Payout: $5 Amazon gift card weekly with consistent usage
5. Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel
If the name sounds familiar—it should. Nielsen has been a trusted name in data and media research for decades.
Their Computer & Mobile Panel works by installing tracking software on your devices. You earn points for simply letting it run and anonymously collect data on your browsing habits.
💰 On mobile, you can make about $60/year in gift cards. On desktop, you’ll receive entries into monthly sweepstakes with big cash prizes.
It’s not the fastest earner, but it’s from a well-established company with a long history in audience tracking, which adds a level of safety and legitimacy.
🕵️ Earn: $60/year in points (mobile) + sweepstakes entries (desktop)
🧠 How: Share browsing data anonymously
🛍️ Redeem: Gift cards and merchandise
6. Repocket
Repocket is a newer player, but it’s gaining popularity fast. Like the others, it pays you to share your bandwidth—but with a twist. You can run it on two devices at once, effectively doubling your earnings.
You earn about $0.20 per GB, with most users hitting $20/month by letting the app run daily. You’ll also get a $3 sign-up bonus.
But where Repocket really shines is in its referral program. Invite friends, and you’ll earn a $5 bonus when they cash out for the first time—plus a 10% lifetime commission on everything they make.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to build a small stream of passive income and then scale it through referrals.
You can cash out via PayPal, crypto, gift cards, and more.
💸 Earn: $0.20 per GB (location-based)
💻 Devices: 2 devices allowed per user
🎁 Bonus: $3 for signing up
💰 Withdraw: PayPal, crypto, gift cards
🔁 Referral Bonus: $5 per referral + 10% lifelong commission
7. EarnApp
EarnApp is another solid option with mobile, desktop, and even Roku support. You can earn up to $0.36 per GB in high-demand areas like the U.S., with average users making $10–$20 per month.
Besides sharing your bandwidth, the app also offers surveys, games, and offer walls for extra earnings. It’s very beginner-friendly and features a clean, modern dashboard that’s easy to navigate.
What’s especially nice is the low $2.50 payout threshold, meaning you won’t be waiting weeks just to get your first cash-out.
It also has a pretty generous referral system—if you’ve got a few friends or family members who want to join you on the passive income train, this one’s a great pick.
💸 Earn: Up to $0.36/GB in the U.S.
📺 Bonus: Works on Roku too!
💰 Cash out: $2.50 minimum
🧠 Extras: Games, surveys, and offers
8. Mysterium Network
For those who are a bit more tech-savvy, Mysterium Network is a decentralized VPN network that pays you in cryptocurrency (MYST). Instead of fiat payouts, you become part of a network that helps people browse anonymously by routing their data through your IP.
The average user earns around $25 to $30 per month, but this varies depending on your setup, location, and how much bandwidth you share.
You’ll need to install the node software and set up a crypto wallet to receive payments. It’s not as “plug-and-play” as some of the others, but if you’re into crypto or tech, it’s definitely worth exploring.
Bonus: You’re helping support internet privacy and decentralization by participating.
🧪 Type: Crypto-powered decentralized VPN
💸 Earn: ~$25–$30/month in MYST tokens
💼 Wallet Needed: Must set up a crypto wallet to get paid
✅ Tips for Success
Use unlimited, high-speed internet
Live in a high-demand region (U.S., Canada, Europe)
Run the apps on multiple devices (if allowed)
Read the privacy policies—make sure your data is anonymized
⚠️ Risks and Warnings
Security: You’re sharing your IP address with strangers. Weak settings could open the door to malware or illegal activity.
Legal Liability: If someone does something shady using your IP, you could be blamed.
Slower Internet: Bandwidth-sharing may reduce your connection speed during peak times.
ISP Violations: Your internet provider may not allow this—check the fine print.
IP Blacklisting: Your IP could be flagged for suspicious activity, blocking you from certain sites.
🛡️ Pro Tip: Only use apps that verify user identity and encrypt traffic. Use a monitoring app to track usage and flag unusual activity.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Is Selling Bandwidth Worth It?
If you're looking for a no-skills-needed, ultra-passive side hustle that can bring in an extra $5 to $30 a month, this is a solid option. Just remember—it’s not "get rich quick." But it is one of the most set-it-and-forget-it side hustles out there.
Want to try it out? Start with:
They’re beginner-friendly and trusted by users worldwide.
✨ Ready to Start Earning?
If you’ve got unlimited Wi-Fi and a laptop, tablet or smartphone, you’re already halfway there. Selling your internet data might not make you a millionaire—but it can fund your coffee habit or boost your side hustle savings.
Let me know in the comments: Have you tried any of these apps? What was your experience?
#PassiveIncome #SideHustle2025 #SellBandwidth #MakeMoneyOnline #Honeygain #PawnsApp #EarnApp #SideHustlesWithKarynn
Disclaimer:
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. All opinions shared are my own, and I only recommend products or services I truly believe in. The information provided here is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or financial advice.
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