Swagbucks vs InboxDollars: We Tested Both to Find the Winner

Swagbucks and InboxDollars are two of the biggest names in reward apps. Both pay you for surveys, videos, and simple tasks. Both are owned by the same company. So which one actually pays more?

We tested both platforms side by side to give you a definitive answer. Here's exactly how they compare on earnings, cashout options, and overall value in 2026.

Quick Comparison

Here's the head-to-head breakdown:

Quick verdict: Swagbucks wins in most categories. But InboxDollars has one advantage: it shows earnings in real dollars instead of points, which some users prefer.

Want the full breakdown on each app? See our detailed Swagbucks review and InboxDollars review.

Company Background

Here's something most people don't know: Swagbucks and InboxDollars are owned by the same company.

Prodege LLC acquired both platforms and operates them as separate brands. Swagbucks launched in 2008 and has become the bigger player with over $650 million paid out. InboxDollars started earlier in 2000 but has paid out around $80 million.

Both are legitimate, BBB-accredited companies. The shared ownership explains why their earning methods are similar. They're essentially sister platforms targeting slightly different user preferences.

Earning Methods Compared

Both apps offer similar ways to earn. Here's how they stack up in each category:

Surveys

Surveys are the primary earner on both platforms.

Winner: Swagbucks. Slightly more consistent earnings and better survey availability.

Watching Videos

Both pay you to watch video playlists. Neither pays well, but the effort is minimal.

Winner: Swagbucks. Slightly higher video earnings, though both are minimal. For more options, see our guide to apps that pay you to watch videos.

Playing Games

Game offers can be lucrative on both platforms if you're patient.

Winner: Swagbucks. More game offers and higher payouts on premium offers.

Other Methods

Both platforms offer additional ways to earn:

• Shopping cashback: Similar rates on both (1-10% back)
• Search rewards: Both pay for using their search engine
• Paid emails: InboxDollars pays $0.02-$0.05 per email; Swagbucks doesn't have this
• Referrals: Both offer referral bonuses ($3-$10 per friend)
• Special offers: Both have trial signups and similar promotional offers

Winner: Tie. InboxDollars has paid emails, Swagbucks has more variety overall.

How Much Can You Earn?

Here's what realistic monthly earnings look like on each platform:

Winner: Swagbucks. Slightly higher earning potential across all user types.

The difference isn't huge. We're talking $10-$20 more per month on Swagbucks. But over a year, that adds up to $120-$240 extra.

Payout Options & Minimums

This is where the platforms differ most:

Winner: Swagbucks. The $3 minimum for gift cards is a big advantage. You see rewards faster, which helps motivation. InboxDollars makes you wait until $15, which can take weeks for casual users.

Ease of Use

Both platforms have mobile apps and websites. Here's how they compare:

Swagbucks:

• Clean interface with clear earning options
• SwagButton browser extension makes cashback shopping easy
• Mobile app works well
• Points system requires mental conversion (100 SB = $1)

InboxDollars:

• Shows earnings in real dollars (no conversion needed)
• Simpler interface with fewer options
• Mobile app is functional but basic
• Easier to understand for beginners

Winner: Tie. Swagbucks has better features, but InboxDollars is simpler with its cash display.

Availability

This matters if you're outside the US:

Swagbucks: Available in US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, and India.

InboxDollars: US only. Sister sites include InboxPounds (UK) and DailyRewards (Canada).

Winner: Swagbucks. Much wider availability for international users.

Which Should You Choose?

Based on our testing, here's who should use which platform:

Choose Swagbucks if you:

• Want lower cashout minimums ($3 vs $15)
• Live outside the US
• Want more earning variety
• Prefer faster payouts
• Like browser extensions for cashback

Choose InboxDollars if you:

• Prefer seeing earnings in real dollars
• Live in the US
• Want a simpler, less cluttered interface
• Like getting paid for reading emails

The Best Strategy: Use Both

Here's the truth: you don't have to choose.

Since both platforms offer similar activities, you can run them simultaneously. Complete surveys on Swagbucks, then do more on InboxDollars. Run video playlists on both in background tabs. Double your earning potential with the same amount of time.

Many power users do exactly this. Combined, you could earn $40-$180+ monthly instead of $20-$100 on just one platform.

Want to maximize even further? Stack both with other passive income apps like walking rewards and location-based platforms. The more apps working for you, the higher your total earnings.

The Verdict

Overall winner: Swagbucks.

Swagbucks wins in most categories: lower minimums, higher earnings, more variety, wider availability, and faster payouts. The $3 gift card minimum alone makes it better for beginners who want quick wins.

That said, InboxDollars is still legitimate and worth using. The real answer? Use both. They complement each other perfectly, and running both maximizes your earning potential from the attention economy.

Looking for more ways to earn? Check out our guide to apps that pay real money.

FAQ

Which pays more, Swagbucks or InboxDollars?

Swagbucks pays slightly more on average ($20-$100/month vs $20-$80/month). The difference is about $10-$20 monthly. Many users run both to maximize earnings.

Can I use Swagbucks and InboxDollars at the same time?

Yes. There's no conflict between them. Many users run both apps simultaneously. You can complete surveys, watch videos, and do offers on both platforms.

Which has a lower minimum cashout?

Swagbucks wins here. You can cash out gift cards at just $3 (300 SB). InboxDollars requires $15 for your first cashout, then $10 for subsequent ones.

Which is available in more countries?

Swagbucks is available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and several other countries. InboxDollars is US-only, though they have sister sites like InboxPounds (UK).

Which has better surveys?

Both use similar survey providers, so the experience is comparable. Swagbucks may have slightly more survey options, but disqualification rates are similar on both platforms.

Are Swagbucks and InboxDollars owned by the same company?

Yes. Both are owned by Prodege LLC. This explains their similar features and earning structures. They operate as separate platforms targeting slightly different user preferences.

Which is better for beginners?

Swagbucks is better for beginners due to lower cashout minimums ($3 vs $15), more earning variety, and a larger sign-up bonus ($10 vs $5). You see rewards faster, which helps with motivation.

References

• Swagbucks Official Site
• InboxDollars Official Site
• Prodege LLC (Parent Company)
• r/SwagBucks Community
• r/InboxDollars Community