UserTesting vs TryMyUI: An Honest Comparison of Two UX Testing Giants
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When I first started exploring UX testing as a way to earn money online, two platform names kept appearing in every article, every forum post, and every video I found: UserTesting and TryMyUI. These are the two giants of the usability testing world, the platforms that most people start with and many people stick with. But despite their shared focus on connecting testers with companies that need feedback, these platforms are quite different in how they operate, how much they pay, and what kind of experience they offer. I have spent several months using both platforms side by side, completing tests, tracking my earnings, and documenting my experience. This comparison is the result of that testing.
My goal with this article is simple: give you an honest, detailed comparison of UserTesting and TryMyUI so you can decide which platform is right for you, or whether you should use both. I have read plenty of comparisons online, and most of them are superficial, focusing on pay rates without exploring the nuances that actually matter in day-to-day use. Things like test availability, qualification rates, payment processing speed, and the quality of the testing interface. These are the factors that determine whether a platform is worth your time, and they are exactly what I will cover in this comparison.
This article is based entirely on my personal experience using both platforms over a three-month period. I did not receive any payment or incentive from either platform, and I have no affiliation with either company. My approach on fortgreba has always been to test things myself and report the details, even when those details challenge popular assumptions. I have written extensively about usability testing, including articles about usability testing sites for beginners and 30 websites for microtasks, and this comparison builds on that foundation with a detailed head-to-head analysis.
My Honest Take: Both UserTesting and TryMyUI are reliable platforms that pay real money for usability testing. UserTesting offers higher volume and more diverse test types, but the competition is strong and the qualification process can be frustrating. TryMyUI offers a simpler, more consistent experience with standard ten-dollar tests, but the volume is lower. The best approach is to use both platforms together, leveraging UserTesting for volume and TryMyUI for consistency.
Quick Overview: What Each Platform Offers
UserTesting is the largest and most well-known usability testing platform in the world. Founded in 2007, the platform has built a large network of testers and clients, including major brands like Google, Apple, and Amazon. The platform offers a variety of test types, including website tests, app tests, prototype evaluations, and live interviews. The pay rates vary depending on the test type, ranging from around four dollars for short tests to around one hundred twenty dollars or more for live interviews.
TryMyUI is a smaller, more focused platform that has been operating since 2010. The platform specializes in website and app usability testing, with a simpler test format and a consistent payment structure. Most tests pay around ten dollars each, regardless of length, though longer tests sometimes pay more. The platform has a loyal user base and a reputation for reliability, though the volume of available tests is lower than UserTesting.
The key difference between the two platforms is their approach to the testing process. UserTesting offers a more diverse range of test types and higher potential earnings, but the qualification process is more rigorous and the competition for tests is more intense. TryMyUI offers a simpler, more streamlined experience with consistent pay, but the volume of available tests is lower and the earning potential is more limited. Understanding these differences is essential for choosing the right platform for your needs.
My Signup and Approval Experience
The signup process for both platforms requires completing a sample test that demonstrates your ability to provide clear, articulate feedback. This sample test is unpaid but serves as an important introduction to how each platform works and what they expect from testers. My experience with the two sample tests was quite different, which set the tone for my overall impression of each platform.
The UserTesting sample test was more involved. I had to complete a test on a mock website, speaking my thoughts aloud while navigating through specific tasks. The platform evaluated my ability to provide detailed, actionable feedback, not just my ability to complete the tasks. The sample test took about twenty minutes, and I received approval within a few days. The feedback was constructive but clear: they wanted testers who could articulate their thought process in detail. This emphasis on quality feedback is consistent throughout the UserTesting experience.
The TryMyUI sample test was simpler and faster. I completed a short test on a website, recording my screen and voice while completing basic tasks. The requirements were less stringent than UserTesting, focusing more on basic competence than detailed feedback quality. I received approval within a day. The faster approval process was encouraging, and it reflected the platform's overall approach: simpler, more accessible, and less demanding than UserTesting. My experience with usability testing sites for beginners taught me that approval requirements vary notably between platforms.
The sample test is your first impression of a platform, and it reveals a lot about what the platform values. UserTesting's rigorous sample test signaled that they prioritize detailed, high-quality feedback. TryMyUI's simpler test signaled that they prioritize accessibility and ease of use. Both approaches are valid, but they attract different types of testers.
Test Availability and Qualification Rates
Test availability is the single most important factor in determining how much you can earn from a usability testing platform. A platform could pay fifty dollars per test, but if you only get one test per month, the earnings are meaningless. Over my three-month testing period, I tracked the number of tests available on each platform and my qualification rate for each.
UserTesting had notably higher test volume. On any given day, there were multiple screeners available, sometimes ten or more. However, the qualification rate was lower. Many of the screeners required specific demographics or experiences that I did not match, leading to frequent disqualifications. I estimate that I qualified for about around fifteen percent of the screeners I attempted on UserTesting. The high volume of tests compensated for the lower qualification rate, and I was able to complete a steady stream of tests throughout the testing period.
TryMyUI had lower test volume but a higher qualification rate. On most days, there were one to three screeners available, occasionally more. The screeners were simpler and less specific than UserTesting's, which meant I qualified for a higher percentage of them. I estimate that I qualified for about around forty percent of the screeners I attempted on TryMyUI. The higher qualification rate partially compensated for the lower volume, but the total number of tests I completed on TryMyUI was still lower than on UserTesting.
My Earnings Comparison: Honest Numbers
Three-Month Earnings Comparison:
UserTesting:
- Screeners attempted: around 85
- Tests completed: around 13
- Total earnings: around $145
- Average per test: approximately $11.15
- Tests per week: approximately 1.1
TryMyUI:
- Screeners attempted: around 38
- Tests completed: around 15
- Total earnings: around $150
- Average per test: around $10.00
- Tests per week: approximately 1.3
These numbers reveal a surprising truth: despite UserTesting's higher volume and diverse pay rates, my total earnings on the two platforms were nearly identical. UserTesting produced around one hundred forty-five dollars from around thirteen tests, while TryMyUI produced around one hundred fifty dollars from around fifteen tests. The difference is that UserTesting required more screeners to achieve those results, while TryMyUI was more efficient with a higher qualification rate.
What the numbers do not show is the time investment on each platform. UserTesting's screeners were longer and more detailed, taking around five to ten minutes each. TryMyUI's screeners were shorter, usually around two to three minutes. When I factor in the screening time, TryMyUI was actually more efficient in terms of earnings per hour of total time invested. This is an important insight that many platform comparisons miss: the qualification process matters as much as the pay rate.
The average per test is also worth noting. UserTesting's average of around eleven dollars and fifteen cents is higher than TryMyUI's flat around ten dollars, but the difference is small. The higher average on UserTesting comes from occasional higher-paying tests, including one live interview that paid around thirty dollars. If I had qualified for more live interviews, UserTesting's earnings would have been notably higher. My article about 30 websites for microtasks discusses how different test types affect earning potential.
Side-by-Side Platform Comparison
This side-by-side comparison makes the differences between the two platforms clear. UserTesting offers more test types, higher pay potential, and a more polished interface, but the qualification rate is lower and the screeners are longer. TryMyUI offers a simpler experience with consistent pay and higher qualification rates, but the test volume is lower and the interface is less polished. The right choice depends on your priorities: if you want variety and higher earning potential, UserTesting is better. If you want consistency and efficiency, TryMyUI is stronger.
Pros and Cons Summary
UserTesting Pros
- Higher test volume with more daily opportunities
- Diverse test types including live interviews
- Higher earning potential for qualified testers
- Polished, professional interface
- Faster payment processing
- Access to major brand clients
- Mobile app testing available
UserTesting Cons
- Lower qualification rate
- Longer, more detailed screeners
- Higher competition for available tests
- More demanding feedback requirements
- Inconsistent earnings from week to week
TryMyUI Pros
- Higher qualification rate
- Shorter, simpler screeners
- Consistent around ten-dollar payments
- Simpler testing process
- Less competition for tests
- Efficient earnings per time invested
TryMyUI Cons
- Lower test volume
- Limited test types (no live interviews)
- Lower earning potential
- Dated interface
- Slower payment processing
- Fewer opportunities for higher-paying tests
Who Should Choose Which Platform?
Choose UserTesting if you are comfortable with longer screeners, can handle rejection without getting discouraged, and want access to diverse test types including live interviews. The higher test volume means more opportunities, even if the qualification rate is lower. If you are patient and willing to apply to many screeners, UserTesting offers the potential for higher earnings through its varied test types and occasional high-paying opportunities. The platform is also better for testers who want to test mobile apps, as TryMyUI primarily focuses on website testing. My article about usability testing sites for beginners provides additional context for choosing between platforms.
Choose TryMyUI if you want a simpler, more consistent experience with less time spent on screeners. The higher qualification rate means you spend less time on applications and more time on actual testing. The consistent around ten-dollar payments make it easier to predict your earnings. If you are new to usability testing and want to ease into the process without the pressure of detailed feedback requirements, TryMyUI is a gentler introduction. The platform is also better for testers who value efficiency and want to maximize their earnings per hour of total time invested.
Final Verdict: Which Platform Is Better?
Final Verdict
This comparison reveals that neither platform is objectively better than the other. UserTesting offers higher volume and more diverse opportunities, but the qualification process is more demanding. TryMyUI offers consistency and efficiency, but the earning potential is more limited. My recommendation is to use both platforms together, leveraging UserTesting for its higher volume and occasional high-paying tests, while using TryMyUI for its consistent earnings and efficient screening process. Together, the two platforms complement each other and provide a more stable overall income. For a broader perspective on combining multiple platforms, check out my guide to 30 websites for microtasks.
Individual Results Note: Every usability tester's experience is different. The numbers, timelines, and outcomes mentioned in this article reflect my own personal experience and should not be taken as a promise of similar results. Your experience will depend on your demographic profile, the tests available, your feedback quality, and how consistently you apply. Treat the figures here as one data point, not a guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform pays more: UserTesting or TryMyUI?
The average per-test pay is similar on both platforms. UserTesting has a higher ceiling, with live interviews paying up to around one hundred twenty dollars or more, but most standard tests pay between around four and around ten dollars. TryMyUI pays a consistent around ten dollars per test. In my testing, the total earnings were nearly identical, with UserTesting producing around one hundred forty-five dollars and TryMyUI producing around one hundred fifty dollars over three months.
Which platform has more available tests?
UserTesting has notably higher test volume. On any given day, there are typically multiple screeners available, sometimes ten or more. TryMyUI has lower volume, typically one to three screeners per day. However, TryMyUI's higher qualification rate means you may complete a similar number of tests despite the lower volume.
Is it easier to qualify for tests on UserTesting or TryMyUI?
It is easier to qualify for tests on TryMyUI. My qualification rate was approximately around forty percent on TryMyUI compared to around fifteen percent on UserTesting. TryMyUI's screeners are shorter and less specific, while UserTesting's screeners are longer and often target very specific demographics or experiences.
Can I use both UserTesting and TryMyUI at the same time?
Yes, and I strongly recommend it. The two platforms complement each other well. UserTesting offers higher volume and diverse test types, while TryMyUI offers consistency and efficiency. Using both platforms together increases your total test volume and smooths out the natural fluctuations in availability on each platform.
How do UserTesting and TryMyUI pay testers?
Both platforms pay through PayPal. UserTesting processes payments around seven days after test approval. TryMyUI processes payments within around one to two weeks. Neither platform charges fees for payment processing, though PayPal may apply currency conversion charges for non-USD accounts.
Which platform is better for beginners?
TryMyUI is generally better for beginners because the testing process is simpler, the qualification rate is higher, and the feedback requirements are less demanding. UserTesting has a steeper learning curve but offers more growth potential. Many testers start with TryMyUI and add UserTesting once they have built confidence and skills.
What types of tests does each platform offer?
UserTesting offers website tests, mobile app tests, prototype evaluations, and live interviews. TryMyUI focuses primarily on website and app usability testing with a consistent format. UserTesting's diverse test types provide more variety and higher earning potential, while TryMyUI's focused approach provides consistency and simplicity.
How much time do I need to invest to earn from these platforms?
The time investment varies based on your qualification rate and how actively you check for tests. In my testing, I spent approximately around two to three hours per week across both platforms, including screening time. The earnings were modest, around fifty dollars per month from each platform. Checking for tests frequently and completing screeners promptly is essential for maximizing your earnings on either platform.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only. All content, including text, graphics, images, and other material, is not intended as professional financial, tax, or career advice. Individual results may vary based on demographic profile, test availability, qualification rates, and personal performance. Usability testing income is independent contracting income subject to taxation. Pay rates and platform policies may change over time. Always conduct your own research and verify current platform terms and conditions before investing significant time or resources. We do not promise the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. To learn more about who we are, please visit our About Us page. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to Contact Us. We encourage you to review our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy for more details. For answers to common questions, check out our FAQ page.
