Having a side hustle has become more of a necessity than a luxury. Looking to pay off debt, save for a major purchase, or simply want to diversify your income streams? The right side hustle can make all the difference. Fortunately, there are many good side hustles to make money both from home and online.
In this post, we'll talk about how to make extra income while working full-time and dive into the best side hustles you can start today, with special attention to online side business ideas that you can easily set up with minimal upfront investment. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, these top side hustles might be just what you need to kickstart your journey toward financial freedom!
1. Dropshipping
Dropshipping continues to be one of the best side hustles from home, especially for those who want to enter the e-commerce space without handling inventory. With dropshipping, you act as the middleman between customers and suppliers. Once a customer places an order, you simply pass it along to a supplier who ships the product directly to them.
Platforms like Shopify make setting up a dropshipping business incredibly easy. You can explore our guide on how to dropship on Shopify to get started.
Key Pros:
- Low initial investment
- No need to stock inventory
- Scalable
Costs: $30–$60/month for Shopify, $0–$100/month for advertising.
Platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce.
2. Online Courses and Consultations
If you have expertise in a particular subject or skill, selling online courses or consultations can be one of the best online side hustles. Platforms like Teachable, Udemy, and Thinkific make it simple to create and sell courses. Additionally, offering one-on-one consultations via Zoom or Skype is a lucrative way to monetize your knowledge.
Key Pros:
- High earning potential
- Low overhead costs
- Work from home
Costs: $0–$100 for course platform fees, plus $10–$100 for marketing.
Platforms: Teachable, Udemy, Thinkific.
3. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is a good side hustle if you enjoy writing and want to earn from home. You can create content for websites, blogs, marketing materials, or social media. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer make it easy to connect with clients looking for skilled writers.
Key Pros:
- Flexible schedule
- No formal education required
- High demand for content creators
Costs: $0–$50 for writing tools or subscriptions like Grammarly or Hemingway.
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is an excellent way to earn passive income. As an affiliate marketer, you promote products or services and earn a commission on each sale made through your referral link. Starting a blog, YouTube channel, or social media page to review or recommend products is a popular method for affiliate marketing success.
Key Pros:
- Passive income potential
- Low startup costs
- Can be combined with blogging or social media
Costs: $0–$50 for website hosting and marketing tools.
Platforms: Amazon Associates, ShareASale, ClickBank.
5. Print on Demand
Another good side hustle from home is creating and selling custom-designed merchandise through print-on-demand services like Printful or Redbubble. These platforms allow you to sell custom t-shirts, mugs, and other products without having to manage inventory.
Key Pros:
- No inventory management
- Easy to start with minimal costs
- Creative outlet
Costs: $0–$50 for design tools, no upfront inventory costs.
Platforms: Printful, Redbubble, Teespring.
6. Blogging
Blogging is one of the most popular online side business ideas. Starting a blog allows you to monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts. It's a long-term investment that requires patience and consistency, but successful bloggers can earn significant passive income.
Key Pros:
- Creative freedom
- High earning potential over time
- Flexible schedule
Costs: $30–$100/year for hosting and domain, plus $0–$100 for marketing.
Platforms: WordPress, Blogger, Medium.
7. Social Media Management
If you're social media savvy, offering your services as a social media manager is a side hustle that pays well. Many small businesses and entrepreneurs are looking for help managing their social media profiles, creating content, and growing their online presence.
Key Pros:
- High demand
- Can be done remotely
- Creative and dynamic work
Costs: $0–$50 for social media management tools (optional).
Platforms: Hootsuite, Upwork, Fiverr.
8. Virtual Assistant
Becoming a virtual assistant (VA) is another good side hustle that you can start from home. VAs help businesses and entrepreneurs with administrative tasks like scheduling, email management, and customer service.
Key Pros:
- Flexible hours
- Wide range of tasks
- Growing demand in the digital economy
Costs: $0–$50 for project management or communication tools like Asana or Slack.
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Time Etc.
9. Graphic Design
If you have a knack for design, freelance graphic design is one of the best side hustles. From creating logos to designing marketing materials, the opportunities are endless. Websites like Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud make it easy for beginners to get started.
Key Pros:
- High earning potential
- Creative freedom
- Can be done entirely online
Costs: $0–$50/month for design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva).
Platforms: Fiverr, 99designs, Upwork.
10. Selling Digital Products
Selling digital products, such as ebooks, templates, or printables, is a good side hustle from home. Once you create a digital product, you can sell it multiple times without having to worry about inventory or shipping.
Key Pros:
- Passive income potential
- No inventory or shipping needed
- Scalable
Costs: $0–$50 for design tools, plus a fee for any selling platform.
Platforms: Etsy, Gumroad, Shopify.
Read more: Etsy or Shopify?
11. YouTube Content Creation
Starting a YouTube channel is one of the best online side business ideas if you enjoy creating video content. You can monetize your channel through ads, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing.
Key Pros:
- Creative outlet
- Passive income potential
- Can be scaled
Costs: $0–$500 for equipment (camera, microphone, lighting).
Platforms: YouTube, Patreon (for fan donations).
12. Podcasting
Podcasting has become a popular side hustle for those who enjoy talking about specific topics or interviewing guests. You can monetize a podcast through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and listener donations.
Key Pros:
- Growing industry
- Low upfront costs
- Flexible format
Costs: $50–$500 for recording equipment, plus hosting fees.
Platforms: Anchor, Buzzsprout, Podbean.
13. E-commerce Store
Starting an e-commerce store is a side hustle that pays well if you're willing to put in the effort. Whether you're selling physical products, digital goods, or offering services, platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce make it easy to set up your store.
To get started, check out our most profitable e-commerce business ideas for inspiration.
14. SEO Consulting
If you have a background in SEO (search engine optimization), offering SEO consulting services can be a good side hustle to make money. Many businesses need help improving their search engine rankings and are willing to pay for expert advice.
Key Pros:
- High demand
- Lucrative industry
- Can be done from home
Costs: $0–$100 for SEO tools (optional, e.g., SEMrush, Ahrefs).
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.
15. Website Development
Website development is a side hustle that pays well if you have coding skills. Businesses are always in need of functional, well-designed websites. If you're proficient in platforms like WordPress or Shopify, you can offer website design and development services.
Key Pros:
- High earning potential
- Can be done from home
- Consistent demand
Costs: $0–$100 for website-building tools or coding software.
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.
16. Photography
Photography is a good side hustle for those with a passion for capturing moments. You can offer portrait sessions, event photography, or sell stock photos online. Platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock allow photographers to earn passive income by licensing their images.
Key Pros:
- Creative outlet
- Flexible hours
- Multiple income streams
Costs: $500–$2,000 for equipment (camera, lenses, lighting).
Platforms: Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Etsy (for prints).
17. Voiceover Work
If you have a good voice, voiceover work can be a lucrative online side business idea. You can find voiceover gigs for commercials, audiobooks, and video games on platforms like Voices.com or Fiverr.
Key Pros:
- High demand in media and entertainment
- Flexible hours
- Can be done from home
Costs: $50–$500 for equipment (microphone, recording software).
Platforms: Voices.com, Fiverr, Upwork.
18. Translation Services
If you're fluent in multiple languages, offering translation services can be a good side hustle to make money. Many businesses need documents, websites, and marketing materials translated into different languages.
Key Pros:
- High demand
- Can be done remotely
- Growing global market
Costs: $0, unless translation software is needed.
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, ProZ.
19. Dropshipping on eBay
Aside from Shopify, eBay is another platform that supports dropshipping. This top side hustle allows you to tap into eBay's existing customer base while avoiding inventory headaches.
To learn more about the mechanics of dropshipping, check out our Shopify dropshipping guide.
Key Pros:
- No need to hold inventory
- Access to a large customer base
- Flexible work hours
Costs: $0–$60 for eBay listing fees, plus supplier costs.
Platforms: eBay, Alibaba.
20. Etsy Shop for Handmade Goods
Etsy is the go-to platform for selling handmade or vintage goods. If you're crafty, setting up an Etsy shop can be a good side hustle from home. Popular items include jewelry, artwork, and home décor.
Key Pros:
- Low startup costs
- Creative outlet
- Established marketplace
Costs: $0–$50 for materials, plus Etsy listing fees.
Platforms: Etsy, Amazon Handmade.
21. Tutoring
Online tutoring is a good side hustle to make money if you're knowledgeable in subjects like math, science, or languages. Platforms like VIPKid and Chegg Tutors make it easy to connect with students around the world.
Key Pros:
- Flexible hours
- High demand for tutors
- Can be done remotely
Costs: $0–$50 for tutoring materials (optional).
Platforms: VIPKid, Chegg Tutors, Wyzant.
22. App Development
If you know how to code, developing mobile apps can be a side hustle that pays well. Whether you create your own app or work with clients, the demand for app developers continues to rise.
Key Pros:
- High earning potential
- Growing demand for apps
- Scalable
Costs: $0–$100 for app development software or app store fees.
Platforms: Apple App Store, Google Play, Upwork.
23. Stock Trading
Stock trading or investing in cryptocurrency can be a lucrative side hustle if you have an interest in finance. While it's riskier than some of the other options on this list, it can also be highly rewarding if done right.
Key Pros:
- High earning potential
- Passive income if done properly
- Can be done from home
Costs: $0–$500 to start, depending on your investment.
Platforms: Robinhood, E*TRADE, Coinbase.
24. Online Reselling
Reselling items online is a good side hustle for those who enjoy thrift shopping or flipping goods for profit. You can find items at garage sales, thrift stores, or clearance racks and resell them on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari.
Key Pros:
- Low startup costs
- Flexible hours
- Scalable
Costs: $0–$500 for inventory.
Platforms: eBay, Poshmark, Mercari.
25. Real Estate Wholesaling
Real estate wholesaling involves finding discounted properties and assigning the purchase contract to a buyer for a fee. This top side hustle can be highly profitable, especially in hot real estate markets.
Key Pros:
- High earning potential
- No need to own property
- Can be done part-time
Costs: $0–$500 for marketing and real estate listing fees.
Platforms: Craigslist, Zillow, Facebook Marketplace.
26. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Pet sitting and dog walking are great side hustles from home if you love animals. You can offer pet care services to busy pet owners in your community. Platforms like Rover make it easy to connect with clients.
Key Pros:
- Flexible hours
- Fun and fulfilling work
- Low startup costs
Costs: $0–$50 for pet care supplies.
Platforms: Rover, Care.com.
27. Proofreading and Editing
If you have a keen eye for detail, proofreading and editing can be a good side hustle to make money. Many businesses, authors, and students need their content proofread or edited, offering consistent work.
Key Pros:
- Can be done remotely
- Low startup costs
- Growing demand
Costs: $0–$50 for editing tools (optional).
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Scribendi.
28. Renting Out Your Car
If you have a car that you don't use all the time, consider renting it out on platforms like Turo. This is a side hustle that pays well with minimal effort, especially in busy cities or tourist areas.
Key Pros:
- Passive income
- No need for extra work
- Flexible availability
Costs: $0–$50 for car maintenance (optional).
Platforms: Turo, Getaround.
29. Subscription Box Service
Subscription boxes have become a popular trend, and starting your own subscription box service can be a profitable side hustle. Whether you curate beauty products, snacks, or niche hobby items, this business model has room for growth.
Key Pros:
- High earning potential
- Growing market
- Scalable
Costs: $100+ for inventory and packaging, plus shipping costs.
Platforms: Cratejoy, Shopify.
30. Create and Sell NFTs
With the rise of blockchain technology, creating and selling NFTs (non-fungible tokens) has become a top side hustle for digital artists, musicians, and creators. Platforms like OpenSea and Rarible allow you to list your NFTs and sell them to collectors worldwide.
Key Pros:
- High earning potential
- Creative outlet
- Growing market
Costs: $0–$100 for minting fees on NFT platforms.
Platforms: OpenSea, Rarible, Mintable.
Side Hustles to Avoid
Not all side hustles are created equal. While some offer great earning potential, others can end up wasting your time and money. Here are a few side hustles to avoid:
- Survey Sites – While they seem easy, survey sites typically pay very little for the time invested, often under $1 per hour.
- Multi-level marketing (MLM) – MLM schemes promise big earnings, but many participants end up losing money due to expensive buy-ins and the difficulty of building a large network.
- Low-Paying Gigs on Freelance Platforms – Be cautious when accepting gigs that pay extremely low rates. Your time is valuable, and accepting low-paying work may not be worth the effort.
How to Choose a Side Hustle
Choosing the right side hustle depends on your skills, interests, and lifestyle. Here are some factors to consider:
- Your Skills. Look for a side hustle that leverages your strengths. Are you good at writing, designing, or teaching? Choose something that plays to your strengths.
- Time Commitment. Some side hustles require more time than others. If you have limited free time, consider something flexible like freelance writing or affiliate marketing.
- Start-up Costs. Some side hustles require more initial investment than others. If you're starting with a small budget, online side hustles like dropshipping or selling digital products may be better suited.
- Income Potential. Consider how much you want or need to earn. Some side hustles offer the potential for high profits but may take time to build up (e.g., blogging), while others can offer more immediate income (e.g., freelance work).
How to Start a Side Hustle
Starting a side hustle can be broken down into a few simple steps:
- Choose Your Niche. Decide on a side hustle that fits your skills, interests, and time availability. Make sure there’s a demand for your product or service.
- Research Platforms. Depending on your side hustle, choose the best platform for selling or offering your services (e.g., Shopify for e-commerce, Upwork for freelancing).
- Create a Business Plan. Even for a small side hustle, it’s a good idea to create a basic plan. Outline your goals, your target audience, and how you'll market your business.
- Market Yourself. Whether you’re offering services, selling products, or creating content, it’s essential to market yourself. Use social media, build a website, or leverage platforms with built-in audiences.
- Start Small and Scale. Start small to minimize risk. As you gain experience and customers, you can scale your side hustle to generate more income.
Frequently asked questions
The most profitable side hustles often include dropshipping, affiliate marketing, and online courses. These side hustles can scale over time, allowing you to earn passive income once your systems are in place.
Side hustles like freelance writing, SEO consulting, and app development tend to pay well, especially as you build expertise and a portfolio. High-demand services such as virtual assistance and social media management can also offer competitive pay.
Affiliate marketing and freelance writing are among the easiest side hustles to start. Both require minimal investment and can be done from home with flexible hours. Other options include selling digital products or tutoring.
This depends on the side hustle. Some, like blogging or YouTube content creation, can be done part-time for a few hours a week. Others, like freelancing or e-commerce, may require more of a time commitment, especially if you’re just getting started.
Yes! Many successful entrepreneurs started with a side hustle and eventually scaled it into a full-time business. If your side hustle is profitable and you’re passionate about it, you can reinvest your earnings to grow your business over time.
