Mistplay and Swagbucks are two of the most popular reward apps, but they work completely differently. One pays you to play games. The other pays for surveys, shopping, and watching videos. Which one earns more?
Short answer: Swagbucks earns more per hour if you're willing to do surveys. Mistplay earns less but requires zero mental effort. The best choice depends on how you want to spend your time.
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Quick Comparison: Mistplay vs Swagbucks
| Feature | Mistplay | Swagbucks |
|---|---|---|
| Main earning method | Playing games | Surveys, shopping, videos |
| Hourly rate | $0.30-$0.60 | $1.00-$3.00 |
| Effort level | Low (passive-ish) | Medium (active) |
| Minimum payout | $5 | $3 |
| Payout speed | 24-48 hours | 24-48 hours |
| Platform | Android only | iOS, Android, Web |
| Best for | Gamers, passive earners | Active earners, survey takers |
The core difference: Mistplay rewards time spent gaming. Swagbucks rewards completing tasks. Different approaches for different people. Both are legitimate ways to get paid for your attention.
What Is Mistplay?
Mistplay is a loyalty program for mobile gamers. You download games through their app, play them, and earn "units" that convert to gift cards.
How it works: Install games from the Mistplay catalog, play them, and earn units based on playtime. Redeem units for Amazon, Visa, Google Play, and other gift cards.
The catch: Earnings decrease over time with each game. The first week pays best, then drops off. Strategic players rotate games frequently to maximize earnings.
Availability: Android only. No iOS version exists due to Apple's App Store policies.
For a complete breakdown, see our Mistplay review with 30-day earnings data. If you're wondering about safety, check is Mistplay legit.
What Is Swagbucks?
Swagbucks is a GPT (Get-Paid-To) platform offering multiple ways to earn: surveys, cashback shopping, watching videos, web searches, and playing games.
How it works: Complete activities to earn "SB" points. 100 SB = $1. Redeem for PayPal cash or gift cards.
Main earning methods: Surveys pay the most ($0.50-$5 each) but take 10-30 minutes and you might not qualify for all of them. Cashback shopping earns 1-10% back at partner stores. Watching videos earns pennies but runs passively. Games exist but pay less than Mistplay for pure gaming.
Availability: iOS, Android, and web browser. Works everywhere.
For details, see our Swagbucks review. If you're interested in surveys specifically, check our guide to best survey apps that pay.
Earnings Compared: Real Numbers
I used both apps for 30 days, tracking time and earnings carefully.
Mistplay Results
Time invested: 47 hours. Total earned: $25 in gift cards. Hourly rate: $0.53/hour. Effort level: Very low. Played while watching TV, commuting, and before bed.
Swagbucks Results
Time invested: 22 hours. Total earned: $38 (mix of PayPal and gift cards). Hourly rate: $1.73/hour. Effort level: Medium. Surveys require attention and honest answers.
The Verdict on Earnings
Swagbucks pays roughly 3x more per hour. But Mistplay requires almost no mental effort. The real question is: what's your time worth, and how do you want to spend it?
If you're going to play mobile games anyway, Mistplay turns that time into something. If you have dedicated "earning time," Swagbucks is more efficient. For more gaming options, see our guide to apps that pay you to play games.
Stack Multiple Earning Methods
Smart earners don't choose one app. They stack several. Add VISU for location-based rewards that work alongside gaming and surveys.
Quick video. Earn your first reward.
Ease of Use
Mistplay: Dead Simple
Download app, pick game, play, earn. No thinking required. The app tracks everything automatically. You literally just play games you might enjoy anyway.
Downsides: Game selection changes. Some high-paying games aren't fun. You need to switch games regularly to maximize earnings.
Swagbucks: More Complex
Multiple earning methods means more choices. Surveys require reading questions carefully and answering honestly (inconsistent answers get you banned). Shopping cashback requires planning purchases. Videos need occasional clicks to keep playing.
Downsides: Survey disqualifications are frustrating. You might spend 5 minutes on a survey only to be told you don't qualify. Learning the system takes time.
Winner for ease: Mistplay. If you want zero friction, Mistplay wins. If you're willing to learn a system, Swagbucks pays better.
Payout Options
Mistplay Payouts
Options: Amazon, Visa, Google Play, iTunes, PlayStation, Xbox, and more gift cards. Minimum: $5 (1,500 units) for most options. Speed: 24-48 hours for gift card codes. No PayPal: Mistplay doesn't offer direct cash payouts.
Swagbucks Payouts
Options: PayPal cash, Visa, Amazon, and dozens of other gift cards. Minimum: $3 for some gift cards, $25 for PayPal. Speed: Gift cards within 24-48 hours, PayPal within 10 business days. PayPal available: Real cash to your bank account.
Winner for payouts: Swagbucks. More options, lower minimums for gift cards, and actual cash via PayPal. Mistplay is gift cards only. If fast PayPal payouts matter, see our guide to games that pay instantly.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Mistplay if:
You already play mobile games and want to earn something for that time. You prefer zero-effort passive earning. You're on Android. You don't mind gift cards instead of cash. You want to earn while watching TV or commuting.
Choose Swagbucks if:
You want higher earnings per hour. You don't mind surveys and active tasks. You want PayPal cash, not just gift cards. You're on iPhone (Mistplay isn't available). You're willing to learn the system to maximize earnings.
Choose Both if:
You want to maximize total earnings. Run Mistplay during gaming/downtime. Use Swagbucks for dedicated earning sessions. They don't conflict because they involve different activities at different times.
Many users in the money-making apps space stack multiple apps. There's no rule saying you can only use one. You can also add passive income apps and store visit rewards to your stack.
Add Another Earning Method to Your Stack
Mistplay for gaming, Swagbucks for surveys. Now add VISU for real-world location rewards. Different methods, combined earnings.
Quick video. Earn your first reward.
Mistplay vs Swagbucks FAQ
Which pays more, Mistplay or Swagbucks?
Swagbucks pays more per hour ($1-3/hour vs $0.30-0.60/hour for Mistplay). However, Mistplay requires less effort. Swagbucks earnings come from active tasks like surveys, while Mistplay is mostly passive gaming.
Can I use both Mistplay and Swagbucks?
Yes, and many people do. They don't conflict. Use Mistplay during gaming/downtime and Swagbucks for dedicated earning sessions. Stacking multiple apps maximizes total earnings.
Is Mistplay or Swagbucks better for beginners?
Mistplay is simpler to start since you just play games. Swagbucks has more earning methods but a steeper learning curve. If you want easy, start with Mistplay. If you want to earn more and don't mind complexity, start with Swagbucks.
Does Swagbucks have games like Mistplay?
Swagbucks offers games but they're not the focus. You'll earn more on Swagbucks from surveys and shopping than from their games. If gaming is your main interest, Mistplay is better designed for that.
Which app has better payout options?
Swagbucks offers PayPal cash plus gift cards. Mistplay is gift cards only. If you want actual money in your bank account, Swagbucks is the only choice between these two.
Is Mistplay available on iPhone?
No. Mistplay is Android-only. If you have an iPhone, Swagbucks is your option between these two. Apple's policies prevent reward-for-play apps like Mistplay.