Cash Giraffe

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

Looking for the best play and earn apps 2026 has to offer? Mobile gaming isn’t just for fun. It can now put some extra cash or gift cards in your pocket.

Play-and-earn apps (also known as game reward apps) allow you to make money by playing games on your smartphone. We’ve updated our list for 2026 with the top 5 apps that pay you to play, so you can find the ones worth your time.

These are the best play-and-earn apps for 2026, all of which are free to use and have proven track records of paying users. For each app, we’ll give a quick overview, highlight pros and cons, and share any example earnings or unique features. Whether you’re an Android gamer looking to monetize your playtime or just curious which play-to-earn apps are hot right now, we’ve got you covered. But if you’re New to this? Start with our Beginner’s Guide to Earning Money Playing Mobile Games.

Let’s dive into the best play-and-earn apps 2026 offers, including free options for both Android and iOS:

1. Cash Giraffe – Best Overall “Play & Earn” App 🏅

Cash Giraffe takes our top spot for 2026. This app is a user favorite for earning real rewards by playing games, thanks to its easy interface and reliable payouts. Available on both Android and iOS, Cash Giraffe lets you download new mobile games and rewards you with “gems” for every minute you play. You can redeem those gems for PayPal cash or gift cards (such as Amazon, Google Play, Starbucks, etc.) with a low minimum cash-out amount.

• Popularity & Trust: Cash Giraffe has a 4.4★ rating on Google Play (over 500,000 reviews) and a 4.7★ on the App Store, showing a strong reputation among users. In 2025 alone, it paid out over $3.8 million in rewards to players.
• Earning Example: In one review, a user earned enough gems for a $5 Amazon gift card after a few hours of casual gameplay.
• Special Features: Cash Giraffe runs regular promos like Double Rewards Weekend (earn 2x gems on new games Friday–Sunday) and offers a daily 3× booster you can activate for one hour of triple earnings. There’s also a referral program – invite a friend and you both get bonus gems.

Pros:

• Legit, high-rated app with millions paid out.
• Low payout threshold (redeem for as little as ~$0.50–$1).
• Supports PayPal cash (not just gift cards).
• Frequent bonus events (2× weekends, daily boosters) to earn faster.

Cons:

• Earning rate slows down the longer you play the same one game (common with these apps). Tip: Download a new game now and then to keep things fresh.
• Some games may offer diminishing rewards at higher levels, possibly nudging in-app purchases (optional).
• Still a side hustle – expect a few dollars a day at best with active play, not large sums.

2. Mistplay – Largest Community of Gamers 🎮

Mistplay is often the first app people think of for getting paid to play. Launched in 2017, it was one of the pioneers in the mobile gaming loyalty space. Originally Android-only, Mistplay is now also available on iOS, but only in the U.S. and Canada. Users earn “units” for playing games, which can be redeemed for gift cards (like Visa, Amazon, Xbox, and more). It features a large catalog spanning multiple game genres, making it easy to find something you enjoy.

• Popularity & Track Record: Mistplay has been downloaded over 10 million times and has built a massive user base. On Google Play, it holds a 4.5★ rating with nearly 1 million reviews. The company claims it has paid out more than $60 million in rewards to date, which speaks to its legitimacy.
• Earning Experience: It rewards you based on time spent and achievements in-game milestones. New players often earn a few dollars in gift cards within the first week or two. However, Mistplay has certain caps (you can’t just grind one game non-stop for unlimited points; the app encourages trying different games daily). One dedicated user reported earning approximately $20 in three months of regular play on reddit.com – so earnings accumulate slowly but surely.
• Notable Features: Mistplay includes a loyalty leveling system (the more you play, the higher your “player level”, which can boost your earning rate slightly). It also has a social aspect – you can chat with friends or compete on leaderboards for certain games.

Pros:

• A variety of games and a long-standing, trusted reputation in the rewards space.
• Smooth user experience with high app store ratings and proven payouts.
• Offers exclusive units boost for playing consistently (loyalty bonuses).
• Gift card options include popular brands; low minimum ($5) for many rewards.

Cons:

• Mostly Android – Mistplay is currently available on iPhone, but only for users in the U.S. and Canada. If you’re outside those regions, you’ll need alternatives like Cash Giraffe.
• The points system can be a bit complex (units, GXPs, etc.), and some rewards have higher minimums ($10).
• Earning rate diminishes if you play the same game for too long; you need to switch games or take breaks to maximize points.

3. Test’em All – Try Games, Share Feedback, and Get Paid 🎮

Looking for a play-to-earn app that does more than just reward tapping? Test’em All lets you earn money not only by playing mobile games, but also by testing apps, answering short surveys, and even doing mystery shopping tasks — giving it a unique edge among reward platforms. Developed by justDice (makers of Cash Giraffe), Test’em All combines variety, legitimacy, and lightning-fast payouts into one fun package.

Popularity: The app has over 1 million downloads on Google Play with a 4.5★ rating and an even stronger 4.6★ on the App Store. User reviews praise its reliability and payout speed, and it’s already climbed the charts in the Finance category since its launch. Being part of the trusted justDice family only adds to its credibility among side hustlers and casual gamers alike.

How It Works: Once you install Test’em All (free on iOS and Android), you’ll earn a welcome bonus in coins. After that, the app recommends games to play, goals to achieve (such as “Get to Level 5”), and test-based tasks, like providing feedback on store experiences. You complete offers, earn coins, and exchange them for real-world rewards. Everything is tracked and displayed in a clean dashboard. Some tasks even involve real-world testing — but the app covers those costs with vouchers, so you never have to pay out of pocket.

Earnings: You earn coins for every completed game, task, or survey. Once you hit just 2,000 coins, you can cash out — making this one of the lowest payout thresholds in the category. Payouts are fast: PayPal rewards often arrive within minutes, and gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Netflix, etc.) follow quickly, too. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but a legit way to earn pocket money consistently.

Tips: To maximize your earnings, stick to the highest-paying offers (game milestones tend to be most rewarding), check the app daily for new tasks and streaks, and invite friends via the referral program for bonus coins. Also, complete the onboarding questionnaire honestly — this ensures you’re matched with offers relevant to your interests, which increases both fun and payout potential.

Pros:

• Available on both Android and iOS devices
• Variety of earning methods: games, surveys, mystery shopping
• Extremely low cash-out threshold (just $0.20!)
• Fast PayPal and gift card payouts
• Backed by a trusted developer (justDice)

Cons:

• Rewards are modest
• Occasional bugs reported during reward tracking (but in-app support is responsive)
• Game options may be limited depending on your region

4. Cash ’em All – Easy Side Cash for Android 💰

As one of the best play and earn apps 2026 users are turning to, Cash ’em All is a popular Android-only app that pays you for the time you spend playing games.

It’s made by the same company behind Cash Giraffe (justDice GmbH), and it works very similarly: download games from the Cash ’em All offer list, play to earn in-app coins, and redeem those coins for real money or gift cards. It’s essentially a sister app to Cash Giraffe, offering a distinct selection of partner games.

• Popularity: Cash ’em All is a well-established platform with over 10 million downloads and a 4.3★ rating on Google Play. In fact, it’s one of the most widely used apps in this niche, with nearly 1 million reviews on the Play Store and a presence in many countries worldwide.
• User Experience: The app is free and straightforward to use. There are no deposit or purchase requirements – you’re truly getting paid for your playtime. Many users praise Cash ’em All for its easy setup and the variety of games available (puzzle, arcade, strategy, etc.). It’s very beginner-friendly: one could download it and start earning within minutes.
• Payout Speed: Rewards in Cash ’em All are known to be processed quickly. According to the developers, most users receive their PayPal cash or gift card codes within about 48 hours of redeeming, which is relatively fast.
• Example Earnings: Cash ’em All’s payouts are comparable to Cash Giraffe’s since they use a similar system. New users might earn a few dollars in their first few days (there’s often a welcome bonus and a high initial reward rate). Some enthusiastic players reported receiving their first $5 gift card in just a day or two by focusing on a game they enjoyed, though that early pace might not last once the initial bonuses are completed.

Pros:

• Proven and legit – millions of users, with over $40 million paid out across justDice apps since 2015 (Cash ’em All being a major contributor).
• No purchase necessary: completely free gaming = free money (truly a “get-paid-to-play” app).
• Wide game selection updated regularly, so you won’t run out of games to try.
• Fast payouts and multiple reward options (PayPal, Amazon, and other popular gift cards).

Cons:

• Available only on Android (not available on iPhone).
• Similar con to others: diminishing rewards the longer you stick to one game (the app incentivizes trying new games for maximum coins).
• Reward currency (coins) conversion can be a bit confusing at first – you need to accumulate a few thousand coins for a few dollars. However, the app clearly shows your progress.
• As with any such app, the income is modest – great for side cash, but don’t expect more than pocket money.

5. Rewarded Play – Great for Gift Card Lovers 🎁

Rewarded Play is an Android app that rewards users with gift cards for playing games. It’s perfect if you love collecting gift cards for retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc. (rather than PayPal cash). Rewarded Play features many casual games (match-3 puzzles, word games, casino-style games, etc.), and it rewards you primarily for hitting milestones in those games (for example, reaching a certain level or completing a number of game rounds).

• Popularity: Rewarded Play is quite popular in North America, especially the U.S. and Canada. It has over 10 million downloads on Google Play, with an average rating of ~4 stars from more than 240,000 reviews. It’s backed by a company called Influence Mobile and has been around since 2019.
• How You Earn: Unlike some apps that pay strictly for time played, Rewarded Play often rewards users with points for specific achievements. For instance, you might get a big chunk of points for completing level 10 of a game, another chunk for logging in 5 days in a row, etc. This system can be motivating, as you have clear goals to aim for in each game.
• Rewards: As the name suggests, rewards are typically gift cards. You’ll need to accumulate about 45,000 points for a $5 gift card (that’s the minimum redemption). Rewarded Play sometimes offers a first-time user bonus – for example, some users receive a small gift card bonus just for downloading and trying the app. Please note that this app does not offer PayPal cash; only gift card options are available.
• Example Earnings: Users say that early on, you can earn a $5 gift card within a week or so of casual play (thanks to easy initial goals and the sign-up bonus). After that, earnings slow down, and you might redeem a $5–$10 gift card every few weeks, depending on playtime. Some games have diminishing returns (you earn lots of points for early levels, fewer for later levels), so switching games periodically helps.

Pros:

• A great selection of relaxing, casual games – ideal for those who enjoy puzzles, word games, bingo, and more.
• No cash required – everything is free and you earn points simply by playing and meeting goals.
• Rewarded Play has a solid reputation (4-star rated and millions of users), so it’s considered legit and safe.
• If you prefer gift cards, this app has you covered, offering a variety of popular retailers. Also, points don’t expire quickly, so you can save up for a larger $25 card if you want.

Cons:

• Not on iOS – Android only.
• No direct cash payouts (PayPal), which some people might prefer.
• Higher redemption minimum compared to others – you need about 45k points (~$5) before you can redeem, whereas some apps let you cash out at $1 or $2.
• The earning rate drops after the initial easy rewards; it can take a considerable amount of gameplay to accumulate points over time, so patience is required (as the app name implies!).

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Those are our top 5 picks for the best play-and-earn apps of 2026. Each of these has a slightly different style and reward system, so you can even use multiple apps to maximize your earnings.

For example, you might use Cash Giraffe or Cash ’em All for quick PayPal cash, Mistplay for a wide variety of game options, and Rewarded Play to snag some retail gift cards – covering all the bases! And if you’re not sure which apps to trust, check out our Are Play-and-Earn Apps Legit or Scams? article for red flags to avoid.

Internal Link: For a complete guide on how these play-to-earn apps work (and more tips to earn efficiently), don’t miss [The Complete Guide to Play-and-Earn Apps], our in-depth pillar post. It dives deeper into strategies and other honorable mention apps beyond these top 5.

Remember: While these apps won’t make you rich, they are a fun way to earn a bit of extra money or rewards during your downtime. That way, you’re being entertained and getting rewarded at the same time — and making the most of the best play and earn apps 2026 has to offer.

Happy gaming and earning! 🎮💰