27 Best Passive Side Hustles: Make Money With Less Work Time

If you’re tired of trading your time for money and are ready to start building passive income streams that work for you 24/7, you’re in the right place.

From real estate investments to online businesses, there are countless ways to make money while you sleep, travel, or just enjoy time with your loved ones.

The beauty of passive income ideas is that once you’ve set things up for your business, these ventures can earn money with minimal ongoing effort.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the best passive side hustles that can help you start earning passive income.

So, are you ready to dive into the world of passive income? Let’s get started!

Quick Picks

We’ve tried a lot of side hustles, and I can assure you that passive income ideas are the way to go!

But some are better than others, so here’s a quick list of my favorite side hustles for passive income:

Best For Long-Term Wealth – Real Estate Investing
Easiest To Start – Money-Making Blog
Fastest Money Potential – Feet Pics
Free Money – Cash Back Rewards

27 Best Passive Side Hustles

Are you ready to make money while you sleep?

No, this isn’t a dream. It’s the magic of passive side hustles!

These are side hustles that can be set up and bring in income with less work going forth. It’s like having a money-making machine that works for you around the clock.

So, if you’re ready to step off the hamster wheel of active hustling and start building income streams that flow even when you’re off enjoying life, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive in and find out more about these best passive income ideas here!

1. Blogging

Blogging can be more than just a hobby; it can be a fantastic passive side hustle.

We absolutely love blogging, and starting this blog has changed how we make money online.

Not only does it let us share our thoughts, experiences, and ideas with the world, but it also allows us to make a full-time income.

Sure, starting a blog takes some time and effort, but once you’re up and running, the passive income can really flow with affiliate marketing and sponsored posts.

Where To Start – If you’re thinking, “I’d love to start a blog, but I have no idea where to begin,” don’t worry! To kickstart your blogging journey, we recommend our FREE Start Your Blog Boot Camp.

This will guide you through setting up your blog, choosing a niche, creating high-quality content, and monetizing your blog.

2. Real Estate Investment Trusts

Now, you may have dreamed of getting into real estate investing and thought it wasn’t possible. But let’s be honest, buying and managing rental properties is a lot of work.

That’s where Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) come in. A real estate investment trust is a great way to get started with real estate investing without needing a ton of cash upfront.

They do all the hard work for you, and you get to sit back and collect the rental income. Sounds pretty good, right?

It’s a fantastic way to earn money and get a taste of the real estate investment world without dealing with the nitty-gritty details.

Where To Start – If you’re ready to dip your toes into the world of REITs, we recommend checking out Fundrise, where you can start investing for only $10!

It’s the best real estate investment platform that lets you make a money investment in real estate projects and make a regular rental income.

3. Sell Feet Pics

Okay, this one might sound a bit out there. “Sell feet pics? Really?” But hear us out!

Selling feet pictures is exactly what it sounds like – you take high-quality photos of your feet and sell them to interested buyers.

There’s a market for everything these days, and yes, that includes pictures of feet. It could be artists seeking reference images, advertisers, or those with a foot fetish.

If you’re comfortable with the idea, it can be a surprisingly lucrative way to earn some extra cash- some people make $1,000s per month!

Where To Start – If you’re interested in giving this a go, we recommend Feet Finder. Feet Finder is a platform that connects sellers of feet pictures with buyers.

Once you have your pictures, you can upload them to FeetFinder and set your own prices. You share content you’re comfortable with and connect with buyers easily online!

4. Get Cash Back

Who doesn’t love getting cash back on their purchases? It’s like free money!

There are many cash back apps and reward sites that reward you for shopping at stores or buying specific products.

All you need to do is shop as you normally would, scan your receipts, and watch your points accumulate!

Where To Start – We’ve been using Fetch Rewards and already have plenty of cash back points. It’s a super easy way to earn a little extra money on purchases you’re making anyway.

We use it regularly and love that the points you earn can be redeemed for gift cards from different retailers, especially Target and Amazon.

5. Dividend Stocks

If you’re looking for a more traditional way to earn passive income, you might consider investing in dividend stocks that can earn you some capital gains.

These companies share some of their earnings with their shareholders (that’s you!). It’s like getting a little thank-you gift every few months just for investing in the company.

Where To Start – If you’re new to investing, a Robo-advisor platform like Betterment can help. Tell them your financial goals and how much risk you’re comfortable with, and they’ll invest for you. 

They’ll create a diversified portfolio for you in a brokerage account, which can include some great dividend-paying stocks.

6. Sell Your Bandwith

Here’s an idea you might not have thought of selling your unused internet bandwidth. Yep, it’s a thing!

It’s a pretty easy way to make your internet connection work for you.

If you have a solid internet connection and some unused bandwidth, you can sell it to others and earn some extra cash.

Where To Start – If you want to sell your bandwidth, check out Pawns.App. It’s a platform that allows you to sell your unused bandwidth to others.

It’s easy to use with little effort, and you can start making passive income with minimal setup.

7. Start A YouTube Channel

If you love being in front of the camera and have something interesting to share, starting a YouTube channel can be a fun and profitable passive side hustle.

You can make videos about anything you’re passionate about, and if your channel takes off, you can earn money through ad revenue, sponsorships, and more.

Where To Start – If you’re ready to dive into the world of YouTube, we recommend the Mastering YouTube course like we did!

It’s packed with tips and strategies to help you create engaging videos, grow your channel, and start making thousands in passive income.

8. Sell Online Courses

Are you an expert in a particular field? You can share your knowledge and earn money at the same time by creating and selling online courses.

Online courses are a great way to generate passive income, as once your course is created, you can sell it over and over again.

You can think of it like tutoring, but without having to meet with students for hours and hours every week- you make some videos, lessons, and worksheets and market it to the right users.

Where To Start – If you’re interested in creating and selling online courses, the 6-Figure Blogger course is a great place to start.

It’ll teach you everything you need to know about creating a successful online course and marketing it to the right audience.

9. Start Dropshipping

Ever thought about running your online store but don’t want to deal with the hassle of inventory? Well, dropshipping might just be your ticket to earn passive income!

With a dropshipping business, you sell products online, but here’s the kicker – you don’t actually hold any inventory.

Instead, when one of your customers makes a purchase, you order the product from a third-party supplier, who then ships it directly to the customer.

Pretty neat, right? It’s a great way to get started in the e-commerce world with minimal upfront investment.

Where To Start – If dropshipping sounds like your kind of gig, you might want to check out Dropship Lifestyle.

It’s a comprehensive course packed with all the know-how you’ll need to find profitable products, set up your online store, and market your products like a pro.

10. Open A Shopify Store

Got some cool products to sell and want to reach a wider audience? Opening a Shopify store could be your golden ticket to earning passive income.

Shopify is this nifty e-commerce platform that makes setting up an online store a breeze. It takes care of all the techy stuff, so you can focus on selling your awesome products.

You can sell handmade products, dropship products, sell an online course, or whatever else you feel like you can make money from!

Where To Start – Ready to start your own online store? Head over to Shopify and sign up for their free trial.

They’ll guide you through the process of setting up your store, adding your products, and making your first sale.

11. Rent Your House

Got an extra room gathering dust or a second property that’s sitting empty? Why not put them to work and generate some passive income?

You can rent out your space to travelers looking for a cozy place to stay or to long-term tenants needing a home away from home.

You can pick when guests are welcome to stay and how much you earn per night!

Where To Start – If you’re ready to turn your spare space into a cash cow, Airbnb is your go-to platform.

It’s like a matchmaking service for hosts and travelers. You list your space, set your own prices, and voila, you’re on your way to earning passive income.

12. Rent Your Garage

Is your garage just sitting there, gathering dust? Or maybe you have some extra storage space that’s not being used?

Well, it’s time to put that space to work and turn it into a money-making machine!

You’d be surprised how many people search for affordable storage solutions, and your unused space could be just what they’re looking for.

Where To Start – If you’re ready to start making dough from your empty garage or storage space, Neighbor Storage is the way to go. It’s like the Airbnb for storage spaces – pretty cool, right?

You list your space, set your own prices, and voila, you’re on your way to earning passive income. It’s a win-win situation!

13. Rent Your Car

If your car spends more time parked than on the road, why not rent it out and make some extra cash?

It’s a great way to turn a depreciating asset into a passive income source. Plus, it’s a great way to put your car to work when you’re not using it.

Where To Start – There are several platforms out there, like Turo, that make it easy to rent out your car.

They handle all the details like insurance and roadside assistance, so you can just sit back and collect the rental income. It’s like having your car pay for its own upkeep!

14. Invest in Bonds & CDs

Looking for a low-risk way to earn passive income? Consider investing in bonds and CDs.

They might not offer the high returns of the stock market, but they’re a lot less volatile, have low risk, and provide a solid income stream.

Plus, it’s a great way to diversify your investment portfolio and have a variety of investments with different risks. 

Where To Start – Most banks and brokerage accounts offer a variety of bonds and CDs with interest rates.

Just remember, the longer the term, the higher the interest rate. It’s a great way to put your money to work while you sleep!

15. Invest In Small Businesses

If you’ve got some extra money and want to support small businesses, consider investing in them.

Not only can you help local entrepreneurs succeed, but you can also earn a decent return on your investment.

It’s a great way to make your money work for you and support your local economy at the same time.

Where To Start – Mainvest is a platform connecting investors with small businesses seeking funding.

It’s a great way to invest money and support the local economy. Plus, you get to be a part of a business’s success story!

16. Write A Book

Got a story to tell or some valuable knowledge to share? Why not write a book?

With self-publishing platforms, it’s easier than ever to publish your own book and earn passive income from the sales. Plus, it’s a great way to share your expertise with the world.

Where To Start – Several self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing can help you publish your book and get it in front of potential readers.

Just remember, writing a book is a big project, but the potential rewards can be worth it.

17. Grow Your Savings

One of the simplest ways to earn passive income is by growing your savings. By choosing a high-yield savings account, your money can work for you by earning interest. It’s like getting paid for saving money! 

Think of it as a reward for being financially savvy. Plus, you’re not just saving money with a high-yield savings account.

You’re also creating a safety net for future needs or emergencies. It’s a win-win situation!

Where To Start – Chime is an online bank that offers a high-yield savings account. It’s a great way to grow your savings and earn passive income with interest rates and minimal effort.

They’re offering 2% on your savings now, which is perfect for earning more money just by growing your savings.

18. Sell Printables

Are you a creative person with a knack for design? Then selling printables could be your ticket to earning passive income.

The beauty of this passive income idea is that you create the design once, and it can be sold again and again. The possibilities are endless, from planners and calendars to wall art and party decorations.

Every time someone downloads one of your designs, you make money! It’s a creative and fun way to generate a passive income stream.

Where To Start –  ePrintables is a great place to start. They offer a FREE workshop that shares the best printable products to capitalize on.

19. Create Custom Prints On Demand

If you’ve got a knack for design, creating custom prints on demand can be a fun and profitable passive side hustle.

You create the designs, and a third-party company prints them on products like t-shirts and hats when a customer purchases from you.

It’s a great way to express your creativity and make money online at the same time.

Where To Start – There are several print-on-demand platforms out there, like Printify, that can help you start your own custom print business.

They handle everything from printing to shipping, so you can focus on creating awesome designs.

20. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a great way to make passive income. You promote other people’s products and earn a commission for any sales through your referral link.

It’s a win-win: the company gets more sales, and you get a piece of the profit. Plus, you can do it from the comfort of your own home!

Where To Start – If you’re interested in starting with affiliate marketing, the Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing Course is a great place to start.

It’ll teach you everything you need to know about finding profitable products, promoting them effectively, and earning passive income.

21. Invest In Farmland

Here’s a passive income idea that’s a little out of the box: investing in farmland.

It’s a tangible real estate asset that produces essential goods (like food and crops), making it a potentially stable and profitable investment.

Plus, it’s a great way to diversify your investment portfolio with real estate investments and contribute to sustainable farming practices.

Where To Start – There are platforms out there like FarmTogether that allow you to invest in farmland real estate without having to do the hard work of farming.

They manage the land and farming operations, and you get a share of the profits. It’s like being a farmer without getting your hands dirty!

22. Sell Stock Photos

If you’re a photographer (or even a photography enthusiast), selling stock photos can be a great way to make passive income.

Businesses, bloggers, and designers always need high-quality photos and often turn to stock photo websites to find them.

So, why not turn your passion for photography into a passive income stream?

Where To Start – There are several stock photo websites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock where you can upload and sell your photos.

Just make sure your photos are high-quality and unique to stand out from the competition. And remember, every time someone downloads your photo, you make money!

23. Create & Sell Apps

Got a great idea for an app? Why not create it and sell it? It could be a game, a productivity tool, or anything else you think people would find useful.

With the right idea and some coding skills (or the budget to hire a developer), you could create an app that generates passive income for years to come.

You can potentially sell app ideas rather than create an app, but if things are already developed, your idea would be worth more money!

Where To Start – Several platforms and resources can help you create and sell your app.

Platforms like Google’s Android Developer Studio or Apple’s Xcode provide the tools you need to develop your app. Once it’s ready, you can sell it on the App Store or Google Play Store.

24. Wrap Your Car

If you don’t mind turning your car into a mobile billboard, car wrapping can be an easy way to earn extra money.

Companies pay to have their ads wrapped on your car; all you have to do is drive around like you normally would. It’s a great way to make money from your daily commute!

Where To Start – There are companies out there like Wrapify that will pay you to wrap your car in advertisements.

They’ll handle the wrapping and unwrapping; you just have to drive around. It’s like getting paid for doing nothing!

25. Rent Your RV

If you have an RV that spends most of its time sitting in your driveway, why not rent it out?

It’s a fun way for people to travel and explore the great outdoors, and if you aren’t using yours, you may as well earn cash from it!

Where To Start – RV Share is a platform that connects RV owners with people who want to rent them.

You can list your RV, set prices, and earn passive income. It’s like Airbnb but for RVs!

26. Sell Snacks

Vending machines can be a surprisingly profitable passive income source. Who doesn’t love a quick snack or a refreshing drink on the go?

You stock them with snacks or drinks, and they generate income every time someone makes a purchase.

You need to have good spots picked out for bending machines and possibly licenses/permits for selling, but your profits could be $1,000+ per month!

Where To Start – Some companies sell vending machines and the products to stock them with. You can also get advice on starting a vending machine business!

27. Peer-To-Peer Lending

If you like the idea of helping others out and making money from investments, peer-to-peer lending could be the option for you.

In this scenario, you’re like a bank, lending people money to get work done on their house or something else and giving them instant cash flow.

People tend to get loans that last 6 months to 1 year, so you get your money back faster than some other investment options.

However, people can still default on loans, so you need to weigh the risks just like any investment!

Where To Start – Sites like Peerstreet allow you to connect with people who need money while earning 6 – 9% on your cash.

Meaning lending someone $1,000 gets you your grand back plus $60 – $90 on top.

FAQs

What is a passive side hustle?

A passive side hustle is a way to create passive income that requires minimal daily effort to maintain.

Unlike an active income side hustle, where you have to trade your time (hours) for money, a passive side hustle earns cash even when you’re not actively working.

Yes, you need to put in some effort at the start, but once it’s all set up, these passive income sources can bring in income while you’re off doing… well, whatever you want!

These passive income opportunities could be anything from renting out a property, investing in dividend-paying stocks, or selling a digital product online.

Do passive side hustles still mean I pay taxes?

Yes- if you’re working and earning money, taxes typically still apply- even if it isn’t your main job with a W-2!

The Internal Revenue Service says if you make over $600 in profit in a year, you’ll be paying taxes on your income.

To learn more about this, check out TurboTax and consider talking to a tax professional.

What are some of the best active side hustles?

Active side hustles are all about trading your time and skills for money. They’re a fantastic way to boost your income, and the best part is there’s something for everyone:

Are you a wordsmith? Freelance writing could be right up your alley. There’s a high demand for quality content in today’s digital world, and businesses always seek talented writers.

If you love helping others learn, tutoring could be a rewarding side hustle. Whether it’s math, English, or even a musical instrument, there are people out there eager to learn from your expertise.

For animal lovers, pet sitting is a fantastic active side hustle. You get to spend time with furry friends and get paid for it. It’s a win-win!

Maybe you’re a whiz at creating eye-catching graphics. If so, freelance graphic design is a booming field. From logos to social media graphics, there’s a wide range of opportunities to flex your creative muscles.

And let’s not forget about rideshare services like Uber. This could be a great fit if you enjoy driving and meeting new people. Plus, you can choose your own hours, which offers fantastic flexibility.

Can I make passive income with no money?

Absolutely! While some passive income ideas require an upfront investment, others don’t need money to start.

The key is finding passive income ideas that fit your budget and lifestyle.

For example, starting a blog or a YouTube channel can be done with minimal to no upfront costs if you already have a phone for recording.

Similarly, if you have a spare room or a car, you can rent them out to earn passive income.

You can use things you have and talents you have to make money actively or passively; you just need to research what you like the most.

Can I make passive income without working?

Yes, you can! That’s the beauty of passive income. Once you’ve set up your passive income stream, it can generate income for you without you having to work on it every day.

However, it’s important to note that setting up a passive income stream often requires an upfront investment of time, money, or both.

Like our blog, where you create content and take time to monetize your articles so that they can bring in money every month after you’re done writing.

But once it’s up and running, it can earn cash for you with minimal effort.

How can I make $1000 per month passively?

If you’re looking to make $1000 per month, and let’s say the average month has about 30 days, you’d need to make roughly $33.33 a day.

That’s the beauty of passive income – once you’ve set up your income stream, it could be making money for you every single day, even when you’re not actively working on it.

You don’t have to stick to one method to start generating income, and in fact, it’s often more effective to mix and match different strategies.

Here are five simple passive income streams that almost anyone can start:

Cashback Apps: As I mentioned, cashback apps like Fetch give you money back on your everyday purchases. It’s a simple way to earn passive income from the shopping you’re already doing.

Rent Out Your Space: If you have a spare room, garage, or even a used parking space or spot, you can rent it out for extra cash on Airbnb and Neighbor.

Start A High-Yield Savings Account: You can get low-interest payments over time using Chime and earn a few cents to dollars daily on your nest egg.

Affiliate Marketing: If you have a blog, social media following, or even just a lot of friends, you can earn money by promoting products you love and earning commissions.

Sell Digital Products: If you’re creative, consider selling digital products like ebooks, printables, or online courses. You create the product once, and then it can be sold repeatedly for passive income.

Could I make $300 a day with a passive side hustle?

Absolutely, it’s possible to make $300 a day with a passive side hustle, but remember, it’s not usually an overnight success.

It takes time to build up a passive income stream to the point where it’s bringing in that kind of cash. But with the right strategy and a bit of patience, you can definitely get there. 

For example, printables and stickers are low-cost businesses where you can create and sell designs easily every day.

If you have 5 printables and 5 stickers for sale, each worth $5, selling one of each every day is $10- so bulking up with more options to sell could cost $300.

So think of how much each side can earn you per item or per hour, and build up from there. The planning really helps put the money into perspective and see what profitable idea is best for you.

Can I make money while I sleep?

Absolutely! Making money while catching some Z’s is the dream, right? And with passive income, it’s totally doable.

Whether it’s through rental income, dividend stocks, an online course, or any other passive income idea, you can earn money around the clock.

It’s all about finding the right passive income stream for you and putting in the work to get it off the ground.

Once you’ve done that, you can literally make money in your sleep!

What are the types of passive side hustles?

The beauty of passive income is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. You can mix and match, try different things, and see what works best for you.

And who knows? You might even stumble upon something you absolutely love doing.

There are typically 4 types of passive income you can work with. Here they are, plus our suggested side hustles that fit into each:

Buy cash-flowing assets: These passive income streams are all about buying things that’ll regularly put money in your pocket. Think of investing in real estate, ETFs, mutual funds, or dividend stocks.

Build assets: You can create and sell things on repeat for passive income. Maybe selling feet pics, writing a book, or selling stickers.  

Share/sell assets: This one’s all about making the most of what you’ve already got and using it to make money. Got a spare room? Rent it out. Got some cute feet? Sell feet pics online.

Reverse passive income: This one’s a bit different but super smart. It’s about finding ways to save or cut back on expenses. Using Fetch to get cash back and extra savings is an easy way to do this!

Our Thoughts

Well, folks, we’ve reached the end of our deep dive into the world of passive income side hustles.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, save for a big purchase, pay off a student loan debt, or even replace your 9-5 job, passive income side hustles can help you achieve financial freedom.

We’ve explored a treasure trove of passive income ideas, each with the potential to create steady passive income streams that work for you around the clock.

You can use your money to grow more money with Fundrise real estate investing, or you can write articles and generate passive income for years with affiliate marketing.

Yes, there’s usually some upfront work or a minimum investment involved. But once you’ve set things up, these passive income side hustles can keep bringing in more money while you’re off living your life.

So, are you ready to take the plunge and start your passive income journey? We hope this guide has inspired you and given you some great ideas to get started!