All Side Hustle Ideas

Software and apps side hustle ideas

A web app, SaaS, mobile app, browser extension, bot or API that people pay for or that earns from ads.

Startup cost
Under $100$100 to $1k$1k to $10kOver $10k
Time
Hands-offA few hours a weekPart-timeNear full-time
Where
OnlineIn personOnline and in person
Earns from
AdsAffiliateSubscriptionsOne-time salesService feesRentMarketplace cutSponsors and donations
Coding
No coding neededNeeds coding

11 ideas

  • Software and apps
    GraphQL middleware for Airtable and Sheets
    Sells middleware that lets developers access Airtable and Google Sheets data through GraphQL.
    Online
    Hacker News, 2024
  • Software and apps
    PDF bank statement to CSV converter
    Runs a subscription tool that converts PDF bank statements into CSV, used mostly by individuals, bookkeepers and small business owners.
    Online
    Hacker News, 2024
  • Software and apps
    Data map charts via subscriptions and licenses
    A charting product for data maps, earning from subscriptions and from licensing its chart library.
    Online
    Hacker News, 2019
  • Software and apps
    Small iOS apps sold on the App Store
    Publishes a few small utility apps on the App Store and keeps improving them. Income comes from app sales.
    $100 to $1kOnline
    Hacker News, 2018
  • Software and apps
    Elixir programming screencasts with paid subscription
    Produces long, project-based video lessons on the Elixir language, with free videos on YouTube and premium content for paying subscribers.
    Online
    Hacker News, 2018
  • Software and apps
    Free online tools for converting delimited data
    Built a set of web tools for converting between data formats like CSV. Income comes mostly from Google ads plus an occasional affiliate link.
    A few hours a weekOnline
    Hacker News, 2016
  • Software and apps
    Niche iOS apps for hobby communities
    Builds iPhone apps for groups like skydivers and beer fans, earning from sales and Apple affiliate links.
    Online
    Hacker News, 2014
  • Software and apps
    PHP ad server software
    Built and maintains an ad server script with a hosted SaaS version, sold to site owners.
    Online
    Hacker News, 2014
  • Software and apps
    Trading simulator app for iOS
    Built and sells an iOS app that simulates trading.
    Online
    Hacker News, 2014
  • Software and apps
    WCF testing software products
    Built developer tools for testing WCF services, since expanded to several products and recommended by developers on Q&A sites.
    Online
    Hacker News, 2014
  • Software and apps
    International proxy for viewing foreign ads
    A proxy service for advertisers who want to see international ads and geotargeted landing pages, sold at a flat monthly price after minimal promotion on forums.
    Online
    Hacker News, 2011