I looked at Probe Market Research, a US recruiter for paid focus groups and research studies. It is legit and a study pays $50 to $400 by check, but there are not many studies. Below is what I found, and which sites I recommend instead.
Legit and well paid, but few studies
Focus groups that pay $50 to $400 by check, no payout threshold. US only.
On this page
The short answer
Probe Market Research is legit. You really earn when you take part in its research studies, and they pay well: usually $50 to $400 per study, with no payout threshold.
But there are not many studies, so you cannot earn regularly from it. Most studies are focus groups at a set location that take two to three hours, and you are paid by check. It works best as a secondary site.
- Offers high rewards: usually $50 to $400 per study
- No payout threshold
- Some focus groups are online, and some studies are by phone
- A good time-to-money ratio
- Limited earning opportunities
- Requires a certain level of commitment: studies take two to three hours
- Most studies are at a set location
- Paid by check
- No FAQ or Help page, and US only
My experience with Probe Market Research
I looked at Probe Market Research’s studies, its sign-up form and how it pays. This is what I did myself, and what I did not test.
- First tested
- August 2024Review first published Aug 12, 2024
- Latest retest
- Checked: studies, payment
- Pay per study
- $50 to $400By duration and complexity
- Studies available
- Not a lotInvites depend on your location
- The studies posted on the website
- The registration form
- How Probe Market Research contacts you and pays
- A payout. My review does not show a check from Probe Market Research.
- Contacting support
Inside Probe Market Research: my screenshots
Screenshots from my test
Probe Market Research at a glance
| What it is | Market research recruiting firm for focus groups and other research studies |
|---|---|
| Ways to earn | Focus groups (mostly at a set location, sometimes online), phone interviews and, rarely, product tests |
| Pay per study | Usually $50 to $400, by duration and complexity |
| Time per study | Usually two to three hours |
| Minimum cashout | None. You are paid after each study. |
| Payout method | Check: at the office after an in-person study, or by mail within one to two weeks |
| Apps | No app and no member dashboard. Invites come by email or phone. |
| Where you can join | US only |
| Support | Email: info@probemarket.com. No FAQ or Help page. |
Is Probe Market Research legit and safe?
Yes, Probe Market Research is legit, because you really earn when you take part in its studies. But that does not mean it is right for you. Here is what you should know.
- Not many studies
There are not a lot of studies, and how often you get invited depends on your location. Do not expect to earn regularly.
- Studies take commitment
Most studies are focus groups at a set location and take around two to three hours. Online focus groups need a quiet room and video conference software like Zoom.
- Paid by check
You get a check at the office, or by mail within one to two weeks for studies from home. Cashing a check means standing in line at a bank.
- Little information up front
There is no FAQ or Help page, so if you are new to focus groups, you will have to email support with your questions.
My takeProbe Market Research is not a bad site to earn extra cash, in my opinion, provided you set your expectations properly. It’s not a site where you can earn regularly because of the limited earning opportunities. But if you ever get invited to participate in a study, you’ll earn a good amount.
Probe Market Research has few studies. These sites in your country let you earn from home more often.
See the best sites in your countryHow you earn on Probe Market Research
There is 1 way to earn: research studies. They come in a few forms. Tap one to read more.
Focus groups$50 to $400
Once you are on the panel, you are invited to studies from time to time. You can also apply for a slot in the studies posted on the website.
Most studies are focus groups, usually at a set location. Sometimes they are online, and you join from home through video conference software like Zoom, in a quiet room.
Phone interviewsPaid per study
Some studies are one-on-one interviews by phone about certain products. The usual topics are TV commercials and beauty products.
Product testsRare
Sometimes there are product testing opportunities, but they are quite rare. Expect to take part in a focus group to earn.
How much can you make?
A study usually pays $50 to $400, depending on its duration and complexity, and most take around two to three hours. So the time-to-money ratio is quite good, in my opinion.
But there are not many studies, so the overall earning potential is not that high. Treat it as a secondary site.
Payout method and speed
| Method | Minimum | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Check after an in-person study | None | Handed out after the study |
| Check by mail after a study from home | None | Usually one to two weeks |
You receive the amount specified in the offer after every study. If you prefer more convenient payment options, see the top sites that pay via direct bank transfer.
Probe Market Research alternatives I have tested
| Site | Best for | Min. cashout | My rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| User Interviews | Paid research studies, mostly for US residents | No threshold; paid per study | 3.4 / 5 |
| FocusGroup.com | US focus groups and research studies | $10 | 3.3 / 5 |
| Respondent | Research projects that pay well, straight to PayPal | None | 3.0 / 5 |
| Prime Opinion | Surveys only, fast payouts | $5 or $10, by country | 4.6 / 5 |
See also the best online focus groups for money. For simpler ways to earn from home, see the top survey and GPT sites in your country.
How I scored Probe Market Research
I use the same 100-point system for every platform. See how I test and rate.
Probe Market Research scores 58 out of 100. If you want to earn more regularly, I recommend these sites instead.
See the best sites in your countryProbe Market Research FAQ
Is Probe Market Research legit?
Yes. You really earn when you take part in its research studies. But there are not many studies.
How much does Probe Market Research pay?
Usually $50 to $400 per study, depending on its duration and complexity. Most studies take around two to three hours.
How does Probe Market Research pay?
By check. You get it after an in-person study, or by mail within one to two weeks for a study from home. There is no payout threshold.
Can I take part from home?
Sometimes. Most focus groups are at a set location, but some are online through video conference software like Zoom, and some studies are by phone.
Who can join Probe Market Research?
Only people who live in the US.
How do I contact Probe Market Research?
Email info@probemarket.com. The site has no FAQ or Help page.
Who tested Probe Market Research for this review
If you have any comments, questions, or experiences with Probe Market Research, I would love to hear from you in a comment below.