I installed Datacy, a Google Chrome extension that pays you for sharing your browsing data. It is legit, but you let it collect your data and you will not earn a lot. Below is what I found, and which apps 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 set up Datacy himself and does not earn a commission from it.Learn more about Mikael
Last retested · First published
Legit and passive, but you share your data for little money
A Chrome extension that earns in the background. PayPal or Stripe from $30. US and UK only.
On this page
The short answer
Datacy is legit. It is a Google Chrome extension that pays you for sharing your browsing data with brands, and you can really earn money from it. You do not have to do anything special: it works in the background while you browse.
But you have to let it collect your data, and you will not earn a lot. It does not explain how much your data is worth, the payout threshold is $30, it only works in Chrome on a laptop or desktop, and it is only for people in the US and the UK.
- A passive way to earn: it works in the background
- Convenient payouts through PayPal or Stripe
- You can set up automatic withdrawals
- You control when and how your data is collected
- High payout threshold of $30
- You do not know how much your data is worth
- Only works in Google Chrome on a laptop or desktop
- Only for people in the US and the UK
My experience with Datacy
I installed the Datacy extension, signed up and set it up to collect data. I also made a video that explains exactly how you earn from it. This is what I looked at, and what I did not test.
- First checked
- September 2024Review first published Sep 18, 2024
- Latest retest
- Checked: the extension, payouts, who can join
- How you earn
- Sharing your browsing dataThe extension works in the background
- Minimum cashout
- $30PayPal or Stripe
- Installing the Chrome extension and signing up
- Setting up when and how the extension collects data
- Checking my earnings in the extension
- The payout options and the FAQ
- A payout. My review does not show a payment from Datacy.
- Linking a YouTube or Reddit account to earn from mobile use.
Inside Datacy: my video
I made a video that explains exactly how you can earn from Datacy. It does not show a payout.
Screenshots from my test
Datacy at a glance
| What it is | A Google Chrome extension that pays you for sharing your browsing data with brands |
|---|---|
| Ways to earn | Letting the extension collect data while you browse. That is the only way. |
| Your data | Shared anonymously. Sensitive information such as banking details and passwords is not shared. You control when and how data is collected. |
| Minimum cashout | $30 |
| Payout methods | PayPal or Stripe. You can set it to withdraw automatically when you reach the threshold. |
| Devices | Google Chrome on a laptop or desktop only. No mobile app. A linked YouTube or Reddit account still gathers some data from mobile use. |
| Where you can join | The US and the UK only |
| Sign-up | Install the extension, then sign up with Google, LinkedIn or your own login details |
| Support | FAQ on the website and a contact form |
Is Datacy legit and safe?
Yes, Datacy is legit, because you can really earn money from it. But that does not mean you should go for it. Here is what you should know.
- You share your browsing data
Datacy earns when brands use the data its extension collects while you browse. Your data is shared anonymously, and you control when and how it is collected. But you still have to be comfortable with letting it collect your data.
- You do not know what your data is worth
Datacy does not really explain how much your data is worth. You only see what you have earned when you open the extension.
- A high payout threshold
You need $30 before you can withdraw. If you do not browse much, do not expect to reach it anytime soon.
- Chrome on a computer only
The extension only works in Google Chrome, and you cannot install it on a phone. If you use another browser, you have to switch to Chrome to earn.
My takeIn my opinion, Datacy is a decent extension if you want to earn passively. You do not have to do anything special, and the payout methods are convenient. But you need to let it collect your data, it has a high payout threshold, and you will not earn a significant amount quickly.
Want to earn in the background without a $30 threshold? These passive income apps are a better fit.
See the best passive income appsHow you earn on Datacy
There is only one way to earn: letting the extension collect data. Tap it to read more.
Sharing your browsing dataNot explained
Install the Datacy extension in Google Chrome, finish the sign-up and set up when and how it collects data. Then you use your browser like you normally would, and the extension works in the background.
Datacy matches you with brands that want to understand consumer behavior. When a brand needs the data the extension collected, you get paid. You see how much you have earned when you click the extension’s icon.
You can also link your YouTube or Reddit account, so the extension still gathers some data when you use those platforms on your phone, at a limited capacity.
How much can you make?
It mostly depends on how often you browse the internet in Google Chrome. If you do it regularly, you can earn a decent amount over time. If you only browse now and then, do not expect to reach the threshold anytime soon.
Based on feedback from users, they typically reach the $30 threshold in about a month when they browse in Chrome consistently for more than a couple of hours per day. Overall, the earning potential is low, but it is passive.
Payout methods and minimum
| Method | Minimum | Note |
|---|---|---|
| PayPal | $30 | You can set automatic withdrawals |
| Stripe | $30 | You can set automatic withdrawals |
You get paid when brands use the data you share. Datacy does not tell you how much your data is worth, but you see your earnings every time you open the extension.
If you prefer sites with a low payout threshold, see the fastest paying sites with a low minimum payout.
Datacy alternatives I have tested
| Site | Best for | Min. cashout | My rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawns | Earn from your unused internet, plus surveys | $5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Honeygain | Passive earning on more or less all devices | $20 PayPal; $0.50 through JumpTask | 3.7 / 5 |
| Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel | Passive rewards for having the app or software installed | Depends on your country | 3.3 / 5 |
| EarnApp | Earns in the background from your unused internet | $2.50 for PayPal and Wise | 3.1 / 5 |
See also the best passive income apps and the top survey and GPT sites in your country. You will find a site or app you can join wherever you live.
How I scored Datacy
I use the same 100-point system for every platform. See how I test and rate.
Datacy scores 46 out of 100. If you want passive income without sharing your browsing data, these apps are a better start.
See the best alternativesDatacy FAQ
Is Datacy a scam?
No. Datacy is a legit Chrome extension, and you can really earn money from it by sharing your browsing data. But you will not earn a lot, and the payout threshold is $30.
How does Datacy make money for you?
It matches you with brands that want to understand consumer behavior. When a brand needs the data the extension collected, you get paid.
Is my data safe with Datacy?
Your data is shared anonymously, and sensitive information such as banking details and passwords is not shared. You control when and how your data is collected.
What is the minimum payout?
$30, through PayPal or Stripe. You can set it to withdraw automatically every time you reach the threshold.
Can I use Datacy on my phone?
No. You cannot install browser extensions in the mobile version of Google Chrome. If you link your YouTube or Reddit account, the extension still gathers some data when you use those platforms on your phone.
Does Datacy work in other browsers?
No, only in Google Chrome. Datacy says it will consider other browsers in the future.
Who can join Datacy?
Only people who live in the US and the UK.
How do I contact Datacy?
Check the FAQ on its website, or fill out the contact form.
Who tested Datacy 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 Datacy, I would love to hear from you in a comment below.