uTest (Applause) is the largest community of digital freelance software testers in the world. It’s free to join and is 100% legitimate. They boast an impressive list of global clients and their mantra of “learn, earn and connect” is exactly what they’re about.
At the time of writing this review, uTest’s Trustpilot score is great – their score is 4.6 out of 5 from 861 reviews. It’s unquestionably a trustworthy site.
To be successful on uTest, two things are required: commitment and a willingness to learn. You will need to pass all of their courses in order to be invited to participate in more skilled and better-paying projects. Their free online Academy courses provide any willing learner with the resources required to become a tester.
TYPES OF TESTING
Some of the types of testing offered to their clients include:
- Manual functional testing
- Usability testing
- Localisation testing
- Security testing
- Load testing
- Voice testing
- Payment testing
If these types are testing are not for you, other projects that require fewer skills include projects where testers physically visit restaurants or stores, test GPS signals, test loyalty programmes or banking systems. Some projects simply require your opinion on a given product.
UTEST COMMUNITY
One of the many outstanding features of this platform is its community-centric philosophy and facilities which make provides easy communication between members globally. Their community facility includes forums, articles and feeds which will answer many of the questions that new testers will have.
uTest provides detailed community guidelines and it’s in your interest to learn and understand these fully before engaging with the community or embarking on any testing.
UTEST ACADEMY
To reach the point where you will be eligible for uTest’s high-paying projects, you will need to complete and pass at least some of their Academy courses. The courses are short and easy to assimilate. They contain videos to guide you through the various testing processes and/or qualifications. We’ve personally worked through the Academy courses and passed the related test cycles.
While qualifying, you will participate in real live cycle tests, but you will not be paid for them. During this time, you will receive indispensable guidance from your Test Team Lea (TTL) and fellow testers via a dedicated chat room for that cycle.
Prior to passing all the Academy modules, you may already receive offers to participate in projects like payment and streaming-device testing, depending on the devices and payment systems that you declare in your profile. Some of these projects do not require qualifications. You will however need to cover the basics in the Academy in terms of the uTest basics, guidelines, and the basics on how to submit reports.
PAYMENT
uTest pays via Payoneer and PayPal. They pay on twice monthly, on the 15th of the month (or first business day thereafter if the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday), and at the end of the month.
HOW MUCH CAN YOU EARN?
uTest pays between $5 and $25 per bug. Prices can vary from project to project. Other factors that affect the rate at which you earn are calculated on your tester rating, your uTest qualifications, and whether or not customers have marked you as a favourite tester or not.
Test cycle payments are not guaranteed – it’s up to the client to determine whether your reported bug/s are of value or not. If the client rejects your bug report, you will not be paid for it.
SUMMARY
uTest is a solid platform for earning and learning. Their Academy provides excellent opportunities for you to become qualified as a tester and to practice your skills in real test environments.
If you’re willing to learn, stick to the guidelines and put your new skills to the test on a regular basis, this is an excellent platform for you to earn a decent amount of extra cash.
Pros
- It’s a trusted, legitimate source of income.
- It’s free to join and the Academy courses are free.
- The Academy will qualify you for work on other platforms too
Cons
- The commitment required may not be for everyone.
- It takes time to complete test cycles.
- Test cycle payments are not guaranteed – if the client rejects your bug report/s, you will not be paid for it.
Our Rating:
uTest Payment Methods:
PayPal or Payoneer
Payment Threshold:
There is no threshold. You will be paid what is owed to you on a bi-monthly basis.
uTest Conversion Rate:
They do not have a platform “currency. Your balance is stated in US dollars.