Microsoft Rewards vs Google Opinion Rewards: Which Is Better?

When it comes to earning free rewards online, two big names often come up—Microsoft Rewards and Google Opinion Rewards.

Both programs let you earn points or credits for simple tasks like searching the web, answering questions, or completing short activities. But if you’re like me, you probably want to know: which one actually gives you more value for your time?

I’ve used both for a while now, and while they share the same idea—rewarding you for engagement—the way they operate and what you can get out of them are pretty different.

In this post, I’ll break down how each program works, what rewards they offer, and which one might be a better fit depending on your goals and habits.

What Is Microsoft Rewards?

Microsoft Rewards is a free program that gives you points for using Microsoft’s services. You can earn by:

• Searching with Bing (Microsoft’s search engine)

• Completing daily quizzes and polls

• Shopping in the Microsoft Store (online or on Xbox)

• Completing bonus tasks, such as using Microsoft Edge or trying new features

You don’t have to install anything special—it’s tied to your Microsoft account. Every time you search, play, or make a purchase, you rack up points.

What you can redeem points for:
You can trade points for things like gift cards (Amazon, Starbucks, Xbox, etc.), Microsoft Store credit, sweepstakes entries, or even donate to charities.

What Is Google Opinion Rewards?

Google Opinion Rewards, on the other hand, works a bit differently. Instead of points, you earn small amounts of money (usually a few cents to a dollar) for answering quick surveys.

It’s run by Google, so you’ll need the Google Opinion Rewards app (available for Android and iOS). After signing up, you’ll get notified when a new survey is available. Most surveys take less than a minute to complete.

What you can redeem your earnings for:

• On Android: credits go directly to your Google Play balance, which you can use to buy apps, movies, books, or games.

• On iOS: you get PayPal payouts, so the money can go straight into your account.

How They Compare: Earning Potential

Here’s where things start to diverge.

• Microsoft Rewards gives you steady, daily earning opportunities. Even if you don’t spend money, you can collect points just by using Bing or taking quizzes. On average, you can earn anywhere from 300 to 500 points a day if you complete the daily set and bonus activities.

  • Roughly 5,000–6,000 points = $5 gift card, so it takes about 10–14 days of consistent use to earn a small reward.

• Google Opinion Rewards, however, depends on survey availability. Some weeks, you might get three surveys. Other times, you might not get any for days. Each survey usually pays between $0.10 to $1.00, depending on the length and your demographic.

If you’re in a country or region with lots of surveys, it can add up—but if not, your balance might grow slowly.

So, Microsoft Rewards offers consistent earning, while Google Opinion Rewards can be hit or miss.

Ease of Use

Both are incredibly easy to use, but in different ways:

• Microsoft Rewards works quietly in the background. You earn points just by searching or browsing, and daily activities take less than two minutes.

• Google Opinion Rewards sends short, random notifications. You answer a few questions and earn instantly—no ongoing effort required.

If you like structure and routine, Microsoft Rewards might feel more satisfying. If you prefer something effortless and spontaneous, Google Opinion Rewards wins in convenience.

Reward Options: Which One Gives Better Value?

When it comes to how you can spend your rewards, both have their strengths:

• Microsoft Rewards gives you more flexibility—you can choose from a long list of gift cards, donate to causes, or spend your points on Xbox credits. It feels like a mini loyalty system that actually gives back.

• Google Opinion Rewards is more limited, especially if you’re on Android. You can only spend your credits on the Play Store. That’s great if you often buy apps or games, but not so useful if you want cash or gift cards.

For iPhone users, though, the PayPal payout option gives Google Opinion Rewards the upper hand—actual money is always a plus.

Privacy and Data Use

This is something worth mentioning, especially since both companies rely on user data.

• Google Opinion Rewards directly collects your opinions and sometimes location data to help companies conduct market research. It’s transparent about this, and you can always skip questions or opt out of location-based surveys.

• Microsoft Rewards mainly tracks your searches and interactions across Microsoft services, which is no different from what it does if you’re just using Bing normally.

In short: both use your data, but Google’s is more focused on survey insights, while Microsoft’s is tied to service engagement.

Which Is More Fun to Use?

Honestly, Microsoft Rewards feels more like a game. You get streaks, badges, and daily sets that make earning feel like a small daily challenge. There’s a bit of dopamine when you complete the “daily set” and see your points go up.

Google Opinion Rewards, meanwhile, is simple and to the point. You open it, answer questions, and close it. There’s no gamification or leaderboard—just straightforward earning.

So, if you enjoy progress tracking and small challenges, Microsoft Rewards might feel more rewarding (pun intended).

Availability and Accessibility

• Microsoft Rewards is available in many countries, though the reward options differ by region. You’ll get the most benefit if you’re in the U.S., U.K., Canada, or a few parts of Europe.

• Google Opinion Rewards is available in over 30 countries, but survey frequency can vary widely depending on where you live.

If you’re outside major regions, you might notice slower progress on both platforms.

The Verdict: Which Is Better Overall?

If I had to choose just one, I’d say Microsoft Rewards wins for consistency and versatility.

It’s reliable—you can earn every day without waiting for surveys. Plus, the variety of redemption options makes it more practical.

That said, Google Opinion Rewards is great for occasional, passive earning. If you just want to answer quick questions and get small payouts with no commitment, it’s perfect.

Here’s a quick summary:

My Recommendation

If you’re already using Microsoft Edge or Bing—or if you have an Xbox—it just makes sense to stick with Microsoft Rewards. It integrates smoothly into your daily browsing without much effort.

But if you’re mostly on mobile and don’t mind waiting for surveys, Google Opinion Rewards can be a nice way to pick up a few bucks here and there.

Personally, I use both. Microsoft Rewards gives me consistent progress, while Google Opinion Rewards feels like an occasional bonus that surprises me when I least expect it.

FAQs

Can I use both programs at the same time?

Absolutely. There’s no rule against it, and using both just means more ways to earn.

Do these programs cost anything to join?

No, both are completely free. You just need a Microsoft or Google account.

How long does it take to earn enough for a reward?

For Microsoft Rewards, around two weeks of regular use can get you a $5 gift card. For Google Opinion Rewards, it depends on how many surveys you get—sometimes a month or two for a few dollars.

Are they available worldwide?

Both have limited regional availability, but Microsoft Rewards tends to be accessible in more countries.

Is my data safe with them?

Both companies are transparent about how they use your data. Still, it’s a good idea to review their privacy settings and permissions.

Final Thoughts

Both Microsoft Rewards and Google Opinion Rewards offer easy, no-risk ways to earn small rewards for everyday actions. The key difference lies in how consistent and flexible those rewards are.

If you value steady progress and multiple reward choices, go with Microsoft Rewards. If you prefer quick, occasional payouts with no routine required, Google Opinion Rewards might be your pick.

But here’s the real question: Would you rather earn points a little every day, or get small surprise payouts once in a while?