25 Best Apps Like Instawork to Make Fast Cash (2024)

What is Instawork?

But first, for those how may not be too familiar, Instawork (read our Instawork review here) is a platform that connects local businesses with reliable hourly workers. Companies can easily post available shifts, and pre-screened workers can pick up those shifts for flexible job opportunities.

With the Instawork app, you can earn money by working hourly service jobs in a variety of industries.

Here are some of the jobs you can find on Instawork:

• Bartender
• Event Server
• Busser
• Dishwasher
• Runner
• Cook
• Picker/Packer
• General Labor
• Forklift Driver
• Retail Merchandizer
• Warehouse Associate

Instawork is a popular gig app with more than 1 million workers across over 25 metro areas.

Whether you’ve had success using Instawork to make extra money, are waiting for your account approval, or are struggling to find enough gigs in your location, there are plenty of other side hustle apps similar to Instawork that can help you earn extra cash.

Instawork Alternatives for Flexible Work Opportunities

Here are the top gig apps like Instawork to make money doing side hustles and gigs:

1. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit (see our TaskRabbit review) pays you to help people with their errands and daily tasks.

Some of the tasks you can get paid for include:

• Furniture assembly
• Home repairs
• Assisting with moving
• Cleaning
• Mounting (TVs, art, etc.)
• Yard work
• Shopping
• Deliveries
• Heavy lifting
• And more.

Pay can range from $3 to $78 per hour, depending on the task.

2. Thumbtack Pro

Thumbtack Pro is similar to Instawork, offering jobs across a variety of fields.

With Thumbtack Pro, you can choose your area of expertise, such as:

• Electrician
• Handyman
• Home Electronics Specialist
• House Cleaner
• IT Specialist
• Landscaper
• Mover
• Painter
• Photographer
• Wellness Instructor

3. Craigslist

Craigslist is an excellent platform for finding local jobs, including same-day pay jobs. You can find a wide range of opportunities, from bartending to freelance writing.

To get started, visit Craigslist and select your town or city from the list under your state’s name.

Once you’ve navigated to your local Craigslist page, head to the “gigs” section. This section is typically located near the bottom of the page. Scroll down until you find “gigs” listed as a category.

Click on “gigs,” and you’ll see all available gigs, or you can choose from one of the subcategories to find more specific opportunities. In addition to the gigs section, be sure to check out the “jobs” section for even more job listings.

I also have a detailed post on Craigslist gigs, so feel free to give it a read to learn more about how to find local gigs on Craigslist.

4. Handy

Another great Instawork alternative is Handy, where you can get paid for local gigs.

Handy offers payment for a variety of tasks, such as:

• Appliance repair
• Carpentry work
• Cleaning services
• Computer and network services
• Concrete and masonry work
• Doors, locks, and locksmith services
• Electrical work
• Fabric cleaning
• Furniture assembly
• Garage door installation
• General handyman services
• Hanging and mounting
• Holiday light installation
• Home improvement projects
• Home theater setup
• HVAC maintenance
• Lawn care
• Light fixture installation and repair
• Moving and junk removal
• Painting and wallpapering

Payments are sent directly to your bank account via direct deposit.

5. Gigwalk

Gigwalk is an excellent app to try if you’re searching for odd jobs nearby.

Becoming a Gigwalker is simple—just download the app and find gigs in your area.

Once a gig is completed and approved, payment is sent directly to your PayPal account. Gigwalk is currently available in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

The app offers a variety of jobs, ranging from tasks that take just five minutes to those that require a few hours. Pay can range from $3 to $100 depending on the gig.

6. GigSmart

With GigSmart, you can find gigs across various industries, including:

• Construction
• Hospitality
• Retail
• Moving services
• Warehousing
• Administrative roles
• Customer service
• Event staffing
• And more

The app allows you to apply for jobs that fit your schedule. The average pay is around $17 per hour, though this can vary depending on the specific job.

7. Hubstaff Talent

Hubstaff Talent is a fantastic platform for finding freelance work. If you’re looking to make extra money with freelance jobs, this is worth trying.

You can find freelance jobs in categories like:

• Data entry
• Customer service
• Graphic design
• Web development
• Content writing

There are no fees for using the site, and Hubstaff doesn’t take any percentage of the payments you receive.

You can get paid through PayPal, Payoneer, or Bitwage.

8. Steady

Steady is an app that helps you find part-time, gig work, and remote jobs. It also allows you to set financial goals to stay motivated with your side hustles.

Pay rates vary depending on the gig.

The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

9. Amazon Flex

With Amazon Flex (review), you get paid to deliver packages for Amazon. The app lets you search for available delivery blocks in your area.

On the day of your block, head to your designated Amazon location, pick up your packages, and use the Amazon Flex app to navigate to each destination for delivery.

Most drivers earn between $18 and $22 per hour, and Amazon pays out via direct deposit twice a week.

10. Wonolo

Wonolo allows you to pick up shifts and get paid quickly.

You can accept jobs and receive payment upon completion.

Wonolo offers jobs in various fields, including:

• Warehouse operations
• General labor
• Delivery driving
• Food production
• Event staffing
• Cleaning services
• Merchandising

11. Qwick

Qwick is an excellent option if you’re seeking hospitality jobs. It connects freelancers with shifts that match their skills.

Qwick offers a variety of front-of-house, back-of-house, and event/catering jobs, including:

• Busser
• Bartender
• Mixologist
• Barista
• Restaurant Server
• Dishwasher
• Line Cook
• Prep Cook
• Food Assembler
• Barback
• Event Chef
• Banquet Cook
• Banquet Server
• Banquet Captain
• Concession Worker

The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

12. JobGet

JobGet is another app that helps you find local work. You can discover various job types within the app, such as:

• Flex jobs
• Online jobs
• Odd jobs
• Remote/work-from-home jobs
• Side hustle jobs
• Gig jobs
• Steady work

The app offers a wide range of jobs, including:

• Restaurant jobs
• Hospitality jobs
• Warehouse jobs
• Retail jobs
• General labor jobs
• Host and server jobs
• Personal care jobs
• Cleaning and maintenance jobs
• Delivery and transportation jobs
• Sales and marketing jobs
• Bartender and barista jobs
• Customer service jobs
• Chef and cook jobs

13. Bluecrew

With Bluecrew, you can search for jobs and select the shifts that fit your schedule.

Bluecrew offers a variety of jobs, such as:

• Warehouse associate
• Warehouse pick and pack
• Forklift operator
• Retail associate
• Dishwasher
• Cook
• Delivery driver
• Stadium concession stand worker
• Event server

You can receive payment either by paper check or through direct deposit into your checking account.

Bluecrew pays weekly, but it also offers a benefit called On-Demand Pay, which allows you to access a portion of your earnings before payday. With this feature, you can withdraw part of your paycheck daily, typically within 30 minutes of your employer approving your timesheet.

14. UpShift

UpShift lets you pick up shifts, work when it suits you, and get paid either weekly or daily. As an Upshifter, you can browse 100s of available shifts in your area.

Upshifters are paid weekly, but you may qualify for same-day pay through its partnership with Earnin. Once you’ve received two direct deposits via UpShift, you can apply for same-day pay through Earnin.

The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Read my UpShift review for more details.

15. Shipt

Shipt (review) pays you to shop for and deliver groceries. You can work full-time or part-time and set your own hours. Shipt sends payments by direct deposit every Friday, or you can access your payment once a day with the company’s Instant Pay feature.

Shipt pays between $16 to $22 an hour.

Even More Apps Similar to Instawork

Looking for even more ways to make money as a gig worker beyond popular apps like Instawork, TaskRabbit, and Wonolo?

Here are additional platforms that offer flexible opportunities in a variety of industries, from moving and delivery to event staffing, allowing you to pick up gigs that fit your skills and schedule.

16. Jobble – An app for gig work in industries like delivery, event staffing, and healthcare.
17. Bellhops – Offers gig work in moving and delivery services with flexible scheduling.
18. Shiftgig – Provides work opportunities in industries like retail, logistics, and hospitality.
19. PeopleReady – A staffing app for gigs in construction, hospitality, and manufacturing.
20. FlexJobs – Curates flexible, remote, and part-time job listings across a wide range of industries.
21. Hyre – Provides event-based gigs such as bartending, catering, and event setup.
22. Favor – A delivery app that lets you run errands and deliver food and essentials to local customers.
23. Grabr – Earn money by delivering international items during your travels.
24. ShiftSmart – Lets you work flexible shifts in customer service, hospitality, and retail.
25. Rover – A platform for pet care services, where you can earn money by dog walking, pet sitting, and boarding.

Tips for Making Money With Apps Like Instawork

If you want to boost your income through gig platforms, it’s essential to approach these opportunities strategically. Here are some practical tips to help you maximize your earnings with apps like Instawork:

• Create a strong profile: Highlight your skills and experience to stand out to employers.
• Apply early: New gigs can fill quickly, so regularly check for openings and apply as soon as possible.
• Build a good reputation: Positive reviews can lead to better-paying opportunities and more frequent work.
• Use multiple apps: Sign up for several gig apps like Instawork to increase your chances of finding consistent work.

Final Thoughts on Apps Like Instawork

If you’re looking to earn extra money on your own schedule, these apps like Instawork offer a variety of opportunities across different industries. Whether you want flexible gig work, part-time jobs, or even remote opportunities, there’s something for everyone. From delivering groceries with Shipt to picking up shifts through UpShift, these apps can help you find work that fits your lifestyle.

Don’t limit yourself to just one platform—exploring multiple apps can increase your chances of finding steady gigs and side hustles. Try out a few and see which ones work best for you.

Have you tried any of these Instawork alternatives? Let us know in the comments below which gig apps have worked best for you!