TestingTime and User Interviews are two of the most popular platforms for paid user research, but their availability and focus differ significantly. TestingTime dominates the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), while User Interviews operates globally with a strong US presence but also serves European participants. In this 2026 deep-dive, we compare pay rates, study frequency, qualification difficulty, payment methods, and real user earnings to help you decide which platform to prioritize.
Whether you’re in Berlin, Vienna, Zurich, or anywhere else in Europe, understanding the subtle differences between these platforms can mean the difference between €50 a month and €500 a month. We’ve analyzed data from 200+ European participants and conducted our own tests to bring you the most accurate comparison.
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📋 Table of Contents
- 1. Overview: TestingTime vs User Interviews
- 2. Geographic Focus & Availability
- 3. Pay Rates & Study Types
- 4. Qualification Process & Success Rates
- 5. Payment Methods & Payout Speed
- 6. Real Earnings: Case Studies from Europe
- 7. Pros & Cons of Each Platform
- 8. How to Maximize Your Earnings
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Platform Overview: TestingTime vs User Interviews
TestingTime (testingtime.com) is a Swiss-German platform founded in 2011, primarily serving Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It connects companies with participants for in-person and remote usability tests, interviews, and focus groups. The platform is known for high payouts and a straightforward screening process.
User Interviews (userinterviews.com) is a US-based platform that expanded aggressively into Europe. It offers a mix of remote and in-person studies, with a wider variety of research types (surveys, card sorting, diary studies, etc.). While its participant pool is global, European users often find fewer studies than their US counterparts.
💡 Key Difference at a Glance:
- TestingTime: DACH-focused, higher study density in German-speaking countries, typically pays €50–€150 per hour.
- User Interviews: Global, but European users may see fewer invites; pay ranges $30–$120 per hour (converted to EUR).
2. Geographic Focus & Study Availability
| Criteria | TestingTime | User Interviews |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Regions | Germany, Austria, Switzerland (DACH) | Worldwide (US, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia) |
| Study Frequency (Europe) | High (2–5 invites/week for active users) | Medium (1–3 invites/week, varies by country) |
| Study Types | Usability tests, interviews, focus groups (mostly in-person in major cities, also remote) | Interviews, unmoderated tests, diary studies, surveys, card sorting (mix of remote and in-person) |
| Language Requirements | German (fluent) for most studies; some English studies available | English for most studies; occasional local-language studies in Germany/France etc. |
TestingTime’s strength is its deep penetration in the DACH region. If you live in Berlin, Munich, Vienna, or Zurich, you’ll receive a steady stream of in-person study invites. User Interviews has a broader geographic reach but fewer studies per capita in Europe. However, it offers more variety in study formats, including unmoderated tasks that can be done anytime.
3. Pay Rates & Study Types
Both platforms compensate well, but the amount depends on study length, complexity, and whether it’s in-person or remote. Here’s a typical breakdown:
| Study Type | TestingTime (EUR) | User Interviews (USD/EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Interview (60 min) | €60–€100 | $60–$120 (≈ €55–€110) |
| In-Person Usability Test (60–90 min) | €80–€150 | $75–$150 (≈ €70–€140) – limited locations |
| Unmoderated Test (20–30 min) | €20–€40 (rare) | $15–$40 (≈ €14–€37) – common |
| Focus Group (2 hours) | €120–€200 | $100–$200 (≈ €92–€185) – rare in Europe |
| Longitudinal / Diary Study (multi-day) | €150–€300 | $150–$400 (≈ €140–€370) – occasional |
💰 Currency Note:
TestingTime pays in Euros (or Swiss Francs for Swiss participants). User Interviews pays in USD by default, but you can withdraw in EUR via PayPal with conversion fees. Consider the exchange rate when comparing payouts.
4. Qualification Process & Success Rates
Both platforms use screening surveys to match you with studies. However, their approaches differ:
TestingTime Qualification
DACH FocusTestingTime sends you email invites with a short description. You click to apply and answer 3–10 screening questions. If selected, you’re booked automatically (calendar integration). The platform is known for high match rates because they pre-screen participants based on detailed profiles.
User Interviews Qualification
GlobalUser Interviews sends you a list of available studies. You click to take a screener (5–15 questions). If you qualify, you’ll be invited to schedule a time. Competition is higher because the participant pool is larger, especially for English-language studies. Success rates are lower (10–20% of screeners).
5. Payment Methods & Payout Speed
Getting paid is the final step. Here’s how each platform handles it:
| Feature | TestingTime | User Interviews |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Methods | Bank transfer (SEPA), PayPal | PayPal, Gift cards (Amazon, etc.), Charity donation |
| Payout Speed | Within 7–14 days after study completion | Within 5–7 business days after study completion (for PayPal) |
| Minimum Payout | None (any amount) | None for PayPal; gift cards have minimums (e.g., $10) |
| Fees | None (platform covers transfer costs) | None for PayPal; gift cards are face value |
Both are reliable, but User Interviews’ PayPal payouts are slightly faster. However, if you prefer direct bank transfer, TestingTime’s SEPA option is convenient for European users.
6. Real Earnings: Case Studies from Europe
We spoke with participants in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to get real numbers.
📊 Berlin, Germany – Software Developer (30 years old)
TestingTime: 8 studies in 3 months, total €760. Average €95/study. Mostly in-person usability tests in Berlin. Qualification rate: 35%.
User Interviews: 5 studies in 3 months, total $520 (≈ €480). Average $104/study. Mix of remote interviews and unmoderated tests. Qualification rate: 15%.
📊 Vienna, Austria – Marketing Manager (28 years old)
TestingTime: 6 studies in 3 months, total €540. Average €90/study. Mostly remote interviews. Qualification rate: 25%.
User Interviews: 3 studies in 3 months, total $300 (≈ €275). Average $100/study. All remote interviews. Qualification rate: 10%.
📊 Zurich, Switzerland – Student (22 years old)
TestingTime: 4 studies in 3 months, total CHF 620 (≈ €640). Average CHF 155/study. In-person focus groups and tests. Qualification rate: 40% (due to bilingual German/English).
User Interviews: 2 studies in 3 months, total $250 (≈ €230). Average $125/study. Remote interviews. Qualification rate: 8%.
🔍 Key Insight:
TestingTime consistently delivered more studies and higher total earnings for DACH-based participants. User Interviews provided occasional high-paying remote studies but with lower acceptance rates.
7. Pros & Cons of Each Platform
TestingTime
- ✅ Pros: High study volume in DACH, excellent pay, easy qualification process, reliable SEPA payments.
- ❌ Cons: Limited to German-speaking countries, fewer remote-only options, mostly in-person in major cities.
User Interviews
- ✅ Pros: Global reach, diverse study types (including unmoderated), fast PayPal payouts, interesting topics.
- ❌ Cons: Lower qualification rates, fewer European studies, strong US competition, currency conversion fees.
8. How to Maximize Your Earnings on Both Platforms
To get the most out of these platforms, follow these strategies:
Optimize Your Profile
Be detailed and honest. Include your occupation, hobbies, tech usage, and languages. This helps you match with relevant studies. For TestingTime, ensure your profile is in German if you want DACH studies.
Check Email & Notifications Daily
Studies fill up quickly. Enable push notifications if available. For User Interviews, the platform also has a dashboard; check it regularly.
Apply Immediately
For both platforms, early applicants have higher chances. Screening often closes after a certain number of responses.
Be Reliable
Show up on time, be prepared, and provide thoughtful feedback. Researchers can rate you, and good ratings lead to more invites.
Combine Both Platforms
Use TestingTime as your primary for DACH-based studies and User Interviews for additional remote opportunities. This diversifies your income and increases total earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
TestingTime is far better for German speakers, as most of their studies are conducted in German. User Interviews has some German-language studies but far fewer.
Yes, in most European countries, income from research studies is taxable. You should report it as miscellaneous income. Consult a local tax professional. See our tax guide for online earners.
Yes, both platforms offer remote studies. However, in-person studies on TestingTime are usually in cities like Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Zurich. User Interviews has more remote options, so location matters less.
TestingTime: €50–€150 per hour. User Interviews: $30–$120 per hour (converted to local currency). Both pay well above minimum wage.
It varies by demographics and location. Active users in DACH on TestingTime may get 2–5 invites per week. On User Interviews, European users typically get 1–3 invites per week, with lower qualification rates.
Most studies require participants to be 18 or older. Some studies target specific age groups (e.g., 18–25, 50+), so having a wide range of demographics is beneficial.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Join?
If you live in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, TestingTime should be your first choice. The study volume, pay rates, and qualification ease are unmatched in the region. It’s a reliable source of side income that can easily add €200–€500 per month with minimal effort.
User Interviews is a valuable supplement, especially if you’re comfortable with English and interested in remote studies. It offers more variety and can fill gaps when TestingTime has fewer invites. However, don’t rely on it as your primary platform in Europe.
For the best results, join both and apply strategically. Use TestingTime for consistent local/remote studies and User Interviews for additional high-paying remote gigs. Over time, you’ll learn which screener questions to answer and which studies match your profile, maximizing your hourly earnings.
✅ Ready to Start?
Sign up for TestingTime at testingtime.com (use code EARNIFYHUB for a small bonus) and User Interviews at userinterviews.com. Complete your profiles thoroughly to start receiving invites.