Warning: Apex Focus Group does not pay you itself
Apex Focus Group has no earning opportunities of its own. It refers you to other sites. After you sign up, it sends promotional emails with affiliate links that make it look like you can qualify for focus groups or trials by doing tasks, and it is not transparent about this. Readers report that they never got any money, that the emails and calls kept coming, and that one email linked to a known grant scam that asks for bank account info. Think twice before you give it your personal details.
I joined and tested Apex Focus Group to compare it with the hundreds of other earning methods I have tested. It is not what it looks like. Below is how it really works, what readers report, and which sites I recommend instead.
Tested by Mikael (EarnWithMike)Founder and lead testerMikael founded PaidFromSurveys in 2016 and has personally tested hundreds of survey and GPT sites since then. He shows his tests and payment proof to 555K+ subscribers on his YouTube channel, EarnWithMike. He joined Apex Focus Group himself and does not earn a commission from it.Learn more about Mikael
Last retested · First published
Not a site I recommend: it refers you elsewhere and floods you with promo emails
No member dashboard and nothing to earn on the site itself. Mostly emails with affiliate links.
On this page
The short answer
Apex Focus Group says it connects you with focus groups, clinical trials and paid surveys. But you do not earn from Apex itself. It refers you to other sites, and Apex does not pay you.
After you sign up, you get promotional emails with affiliate links that make it look like you can qualify for opportunities if you do tasks. Apex does not mention this anywhere on its website. That lack of transparency is a deal-breaker for me, and I do not recommend it.
- Focus groups through it can pay decent rewards
- Many studies can be done online or in person
- Simple sign-up form and a mobile-friendly site
- Limited earning opportunities
- Not transparent about what it offers
- Sends emails with lots of promotional or affiliate links
- Apex does not pay you itself
- Most opportunities are for people in the US
My experience with Apex Focus Group
I joined Apex Focus Group and tested it. This is what I did, and what I did not test.
- First tested
- February 2022Review first published Feb 16, 2022
- Latest retest
- Checked: sign-up, emails, games
- What I received
- Promotional emailsWith affiliate links, no real invites
- Games
- None shownProbably only in some countries
- Signing up as a panelist
- The emails Apex sent me after I joined
- The games page
- The website on a mobile phone
- A focus group, clinical trial or survey. I only got promotional emails.
- The games. No games were displayed for me.
- A payout. Apex does not pay you itself.
Inside Apex Focus Group: my video
In the video below, I give you an inside look and show exactly how Apex Focus Group works.
Screenshots from my test
Apex Focus Group only refers you elsewhere. The top sites in your country pay you directly and are open about it.
See the best sites in your countryApex Focus Group at a glance
| What it is | A platform that refers you to focus groups, clinical trials and paid surveys run by others |
|---|---|
| Cost to join | Free |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| How it works | No member dashboard. Everything happens by email. |
| Typical pay | Focus groups $35 to $75 per 1-hour session · surveys around $2 to $5 · clinical trials can pay thousands, but are hard to get |
| Who pays you | The company that runs the study, not Apex |
| Payout methods | Depend on the study: usually PayPal for focus groups, PayPal or gift cards for surveys, cash for clinical trials |
| App | No. The website is mobile-friendly. |
| Where you can join | More or less worldwide, as far as I can tell. Offices in Singapore and in Georgia, US. Most opportunities are for the US. |
| Support | Contact form and email: info@apexfocusgroup.com. No FAQ page. |
Is Apex Focus Group legit and safe?
Apex Focus Group exists and can match you with real studies run by other companies. But it is not what it looks like, and it is not a site I can recommend. Here is why.
- Promotional emails disguised as opportunities
All I got were promotional emails with affiliate links that claim you can qualify for focus groups or trials if you do certain tasks. In reality, Apex gets paid when you click them. It does not mention this anywhere on its website.
- Apex does not pay you
You are referred to other sites, so the payout method and conditions depend on the site you end up on. Readers report that they never got any money through Apex.
- Your details and your inbox
Readers report a stream of promotional emails and calls after they signed up, and an email link to a known grant scam that asks for bank account info. Block the main email address Apex sends from if you want the emails to stop.
- Games that look too good to be true
The games page shows very large amounts. You can only earn that much with in-game purchases, so you have to spend money to earn. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Mostly for the US
Apex does not say which countries it covers. In my experience, the bulk of the opportunities are for people in the US.
My takeIn my opinion, Apex Focus Group is not a good option if you are looking for a site to earn from. I do not have a problem with a site earning by referring people. But I do not like that it makes it look like something else and is not transparent about what it offers. That is the deal-breaker for me.
How Apex Focus Group works
There are 2 options on the site. Neither one pays you through Apex itself. Tap one to read more.
Become a panelistPaid by the study
You fill out a profile, and Apex matches you with focus groups, clinical trials or paid surveys it finds. You get an email invite when you match. There is no member dashboard, so check your inbox regularly.
Most focus groups and surveys can be done online or in person. Clinical trials are in person, and you only get those if you live nearby. Even with an invite, you still have to qualify, and you will not always qualify.
After you sign up, you also get emails with promotional offers and affiliate links. They make it look like you can qualify for opportunities if you do tasks. In my opinion, they are just a way to get you to click their referral links.
Playing gamesNeeds in-game purchases
This option was added after my first test. Each game shows a large total you can potentially earn, but you only get that kind of amount with in-game purchases, so you have to spend money to earn.
When I tried it, no games were displayed for me, probably because they are only available in certain countries. Personally, I would skip this.
Check Out the Top Survey Sites in Your Country
How much can you make?
It depends on how many opportunities you complete, and you have no control over how many invites you get. Focus groups pay a good amount: $35 to $75 for a 1-hour session. Surveys pay much less, realistically around $2 to $5 each. Clinical trials can pay thousands of dollars, but they are really hard to qualify for.
Where you live matters. People in the US or the UK get more opportunities, because most of the companies that run these studies are from there.
But all I have been getting are promotional emails with affiliate links. If you want to avoid a lot of promotional emails, do not join this site.
How you get paid
| Opportunity | Usual payout | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Focus groups | Cash via PayPal | $35 to $75 per 1-hour session |
| Paid surveys | PayPal, sometimes gift cards | Around $2 to $5 |
| Clinical trials | Cash, after each session | Can be thousands, but hard to qualify |
You are not paid by Apex. The company that runs the study pays you, so the exact payout method and conditions depend on the option you sign up for.
Want sites that pay you directly and quickly? See the fastest paying sites. Interested in clinical studies? See paid clinical research studies.
What 76 readers told me
This review has 76 comments since 2022: 39 from readers and 37 replies from me. These are the things readers write about most.
Many readers want to join. Read the review first, so you know what to expect.
Readers who were about to join, or had just joined, thank me for explaining how it really works.
Readers report a flood of promotional emails and calls, a referral to a paid secret shopper membership, and an email link to a known grant scam.
Most opportunities are for people in the US.
Readers who tried it call it a scam or fishy. One never got any money after 3 months.
“I joined up and have gone through the same experience. Absolute waste of time, if only they could be transparent in their emails you would know what you’re going to spend your time on.”
Mikael: Thanks for sharing.
“I tried this for 3 months and filled out approximately 30 applications for surveys. I have not been contacted once or seen any money…”
Mikael: I agree Apex is a waste of time. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
“Are those promotional offers/affiliate links emails coming from one email address? Hopefully, I can unsubscribe/block them.”
Mikael: I cannot say 100% for sure that they will not share the info with others, but a good start is to block the main email they send from.
Apex Focus Group alternatives I have tested
| Site | Best for | Min. cashout | My rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Opinion | Surveys only, high pay per survey and fast payouts | $5 or $10 | 4.6 / 5 |
| User Interviews | Paid research studies, mostly in the US | No threshold | 3.4 / 5 |
| FocusGroup.com | US focus groups and research studies | $10 | 3.3 / 5 |
| Respondent | Research projects paid straight to PayPal | None | 3.0 / 5 |
Looking for primary ways to earn extra cash? See the top survey and GPT sites in your country. All of them are very transparent about what you get when you sign up. See also the highest paying survey sites.
How I scored Apex Focus Group
I use the same 100-point system for every platform. See how I test and rate.
Apex Focus Group scores 30 out of 100. I recommend these sites instead.
See the best sites in your countryApex Focus Group FAQ
Is Apex Focus Group a scam?
It is not what it looks like. Apex can match you with real studies run by other companies, but it does not pay you itself, and it sends promotional emails with affiliate links without being transparent about it. I do not recommend it.
Does Apex Focus Group pay you?
No. The company that runs the focus group, trial or survey pays you. Readers report that they never got any money through Apex.
How much do the focus groups pay?
$35 to $75 for a 1-hour session. Surveys pay around $2 to $5. Clinical trials can pay thousands, but they are really hard to qualify for.
Who can join Apex Focus Group?
You must be at least 18. As far as I can tell, it is available more or less worldwide, but most opportunities are for people in the US.
How do I stop the emails?
Block the main email address Apex sends from. I cannot say for sure that it will not share your details with others.
Does Apex Focus Group have an app?
No. There is no member dashboard either. Everything happens by email, and the website is mobile-friendly.
How do I contact Apex Focus Group?
Through the contact form on its Contact Us page, or by email at info@apexfocusgroup.com. There is no FAQ page.
Who tested Apex Focus Group for this review
Founder of PaidFromSurveys.com since 2016. Mikael has tested hundreds of survey and GPT sites and shares his tests with 555K+ subscribers on YouTube (October 2026).
If you have any comments, questions, or experiences with Apex Focus Group, I would love to hear from you in a comment below.
Very well written. I joined up and have gone through the same experience. Absolute waste of time, if only they could be transparent in their emails you would know what you’re going to spend your time on.
Thanks for sharing.
Really appreciate your honest advice, because am in one of the Caribbean Islands, and desperately searching for online hustling…..And it has been a headache up to this minute that am typing this comment.
Glad my review helped you.
I’m a 76 yr young woman who was in sales and am looking for part-time gig. So it sounded too good to be true. If it’s sounds too good to be true , it probably is. Thanks for the good news
Glad my content helped you. I have a list of the best side gigs for retirees here.
Very enlightening, my wife told me it was a scam! Thanks for the great info.
Sudsy
Glad it helped you.
Great ?
Thanks.
I REALLY APPRECIATE THE INFO YOU HAVE GIVEN US HERE❗️WE SURELY CAN’T ASK FOR MORE❗️AND, WITH SOMUCH SCAM, I APPRRCIAYE YOU LAYING ALL THE CARDS ON THE TABLE, SO WE CSN MOVR FORWARD SLOWLY & CAUIOUSLY❗️
I AM 83 YRS & HAVE BEEN LOOKING FIR VIRTUAL WORK FOR ALMOST A YEAR…U HAVE SERVICED US WELL❗️??The YOU
Glad it helped you.
I have a question regarding Apex referring other biz that hires secret shoppers for surveys of restaurants. They require membership and a small monthly fee. Is this legit?
I have not heard of this before but sounds like something you need to be careful of.
I just got a chance to know them today, but I will give it a try plus I will sign up for the link in the top review. Let’s see
Let me know how it goes.
Hello, can anyone please help me to know more,like how to join
I explain that in the review above.
Is it available world wide?
I explain this in the review above.
Can someone send me a few different companies that would be better to work with. Tks
Deb
There are links for better options in the review above.
It really important to work at home and at the same time taking care for the children
That definitely gives a lot of freedom.
I would like to join
I explain how it works in the review above.
Shoot – they placed an ad on a job site and I thought they were an Australian company / 100% professional. So I didn’t screen them using your site (which has been very helpful thus far!!!)
I’ve used my personal address rather than one I have for subscriptions and promotions ?
Are those promotional offers/affiliate links emails coming from one email address?
Hopefully, I can unsubscribe/block them. Thanks Mikael!
I cannot say 100% for sure that they will not share the info with others, but a good start is to block the main email they send from.
Hi Mikael. Does this work from out side US?
I explain who can join in the review above.
Africa Tanzania we need this
?? Cecilia from Tanzania
You can check out this list of the best international sites which are the ones you should go for.
I like to be part of this group please help me to get in and be among
I explain everything in the review above.
Good job thank you
You are welcome.
links that guarantee you a job and later redirects you to another job site? whaaat . for me its a no no. sites like this and many other once especially the so called job sites that redirects you to other job sites.That doesn’t make sense to me. Moreover fancy click buttons and watering juicy salary structures are spontaneously very fishy. Ever since i registered to this sites have been having uncontrollable calls which have been blocked but keep coming up with different promo , sales or just numbers calling to hear your voice. Ridiculous. My advice sites that do things that way are not authentic.
I agree sites like that are definitely not worth it. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
This is a full out scam, these people are selling your information and you’ll never see a dime. I tried this for 3 months and filled out approximately 30 applications for surveys.
I have not been contacted once or seen any money, yet all my personal info is out there floating around with god knows whom. I believed this to be legitimate, but after months I’m just annoyed and saddened that this is allowed. Regulation of the internet and people like this needs to be more stringent, this company should NOT be allowed to even operate. I have absolutely NOTHING good to say about this company. Don’t waste your time or hope.
I agree Apex is a waste of time. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Thank you very much brother, you have enlightened me about something that I did not expect!
This company is at least connected to scam sights. They have a link in their email to the “College Career Advancement Grant” this is a known national scam where they will say you have been approved and then ask for bank account info, I would he very weary of this company
Thanks for sharing.
Hi,
I’ve started the registration and was asked to add credit card details. Is that legit or have I got a scam site?
I explain everything in the review above.
I don’t recall the article mentioning anything about needing to enter credit card details. Does the site require this or not? Please don’t keep saying you covered topics in the article when you didn’t. That, in itself, is not legit.
As I clearly explain in the article, the platform does not offer anything in itself but is just referring you to other offers, and it is not transparent about this. That is why I clearly say it is a waste of time, in my opinion, and not one I recommend. That is as straightforward as it can be and all you need to know.
I want to join
I explain everything in the review above.
I am really grateful for this opportunity ,I have just joined or sighed in and I was really wondering if it’s real and also when I start too.
I explain everything in the review above.
thanks for your article – very insightful. I have a question for you please…What is the most you ever got paid, and for how much of your time?
Thanks
As mentioned in the review above, I do not recommend Apex. As for how much I in general earn online, I make a good full-time income.
I really appreciate this review. I just signed on to the site and was wondering if they’re legitimate. Are these type of opportunities worldwide or just US or UK based? I don’t reside in either countries and would like to know.
I explain everything in the review above.
Im very interested.but I am poor Please help me
I explain everything in the review above.
How can i join
I explain everything in the review above.
I need to be part of this
I explain everything in the review above.
I saw this online and I want to give it a try
Please read all the details in the review above first, so you know what to expect.
I need some part time job
What kind of job are you looking for?
I need a side hustle too.
I can’t believe that you reviewed this stupid site. You don’t even understand what it really is. Have you checked out some of the offers that they promote? Totally scam in scummy. But whatever.
I can’t believe you are commenting without actually reading the review. I give it 1.5 stars and explain exactly what it is. That this is just a promotional site, and that they are not transparent about this.
I always appreciate when people share their experiences but have the respect to at least read the article first and do not make unjust accusations.
Thank you so much for your review. It really helped me make my decision. Which I have taken a few weeks to decide, then saw this. Thank you again.
Glad it helped you.
Thank you for the detailed review. This company sound fishy .
You are welcome.
thanks for the review, it can be related and helpful to me
Gald it helped you.
I’m interested
I explain everything about you then need to do in the review above.