What is Nielsen PC And Mobile:
The Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel is a research program operated by NielsenIQ where members install an app or software on their computer and/or phone. Once installed, the panel tracks anonymous usage data—like how long you use certain apps, which websites you visit, and how you interact with your devices.
You do not need to actively complete many surveys: your participation primarily comes from having the software run. Nielsen rewards you with points for maintaining active status on your registered devices and sometimes for scanning shopping receipts.
Because the data is collected passively, this panel appeals to people who want to earn rewards without the constant grind of task-based platforms.
Nielsen’s Computer & Mobile Panel lets you earn rewards just by keeping their software installed on your devices. Instead of filling out surveys all day, you simply browse and use your devices as usual. For a low-effort, passive panel, it’s one of the most trusted out there. If you want a more active survey-based option, check out our Swagbucks Quick Review too.
How Nielsen Panel Works
- Sign Up: Create an account on Nielsen’s panel website and complete your demographic profile.
- Install the Software: Download and install Nielsen’s tracking app on your computer or mobile device (or both).
- Set Your Participation Mode: Choose whether to just track device usage or to also scan receipts for additional earnings.
- Use Your Devices Normally: As long as the app or software is active, Nielsen records usage metrics.
- Redeem Rewards: Accumulate points over time, then redeem for gift cards or other items from Nielsen’s rewards catalog.
- Pro Tip: Use both your mobile and computer for bigger earnings – more active devices means more points.
Nielsen Highlights
- Minimal effort: once you set it up, little action is needed except scanning shopping or letting the app run.
- Dual tracking: you can use it on PC and mobile for overlapping earnings paths.
- Established brand: Nielsen IQ has decades of experience in market research and trust markers.
- Weekly earning potential: some active users comment on seeing points each week, not just monthly.
- Flexible rewards catalog: gift cards, merchandise, and sometimes sweepstakes.
- Multiple redeem options: choose what works for you.
Pro Tip: Make sure your devices stay linked and active. If you uninstall early or disconnect frequently, your earning rate may drop sharply.
Comparison: Nielsen vs Other Rewards & Survey Platforms
| Platform | Method | Reward Type | Best For | Earning Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nielsen Panel | Device tracking + receipt scanning | Gift Cards / Merchandise | Passive earners | Consistent, set-it-and-forget-it |
| Swagbucks | Surveys, Offers, Videos | PayPal / Gift Cards | Task diversifiers | Flexible and multi-path |
| Product Report Card | Research Surveys | Cash / Gift Cards | Serious survey takers | Higher payout per survey |
| NCP (National Consumer Panel) | Shopping behavior + Surveys | Gift Cards | Consumers who shop frequently | Active reporting + bonus |
If your goal is effortless earning, Nielsen stands out. But if you want more active tasks or surveys, you might prefer pairing it with a site like Swagbucks or Product Report Card.
Pro Tip: If you spend significant time on your computer and phone daily anyway, this panel can deliver value with minimal extra effort. Conversely, if you’re looking for high-volume survey income, supplement this with a dedicated survey site for balance.
| Feature | Nielsen IQ PC & Mobile Panel | Traditional Survey Site | Receipt Scanner App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Method | Device tracking + scans | Surveys only | Receipt uploads |
| Time Commitment | Low (once set up) | Medium-high (daily surveys) | Medium |
| Payout Type | Gift cards, merchandise | PayPal, gift cards | PayPal, gift cards |
| Best For | Device users + regular shoppers | Survey enthusiasts | Frequent shoppers |
| Speed of Earnings | Moderate | Variable (some fast) | Moderate-fast |
How Much Can You Make?
- According to Nielsen’s own panel info, you can earn up to $60 per year in rewards just by keeping devices active.
- Points are awarded monthly or weekly depending on your participation and the number of devices.
- The panel also includes a $10,000 monthly sweepstakes for PC users with a chance to win up to $500.
- If you scan receipts, your point earnings go up depending on your shopping volume.
This isn’t a “get rich” gig, but for passive earners who don’t mind sharing device usage data, it provides a very low-effort reward system.
Here’s a deeper look at how you earn and what you can expect.
| Component | Typical Points Earned | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly device participation | ~200-300 points (varies) | More if you leave the app running and add more devices |
| Shopping scans or receipts | ~150-250 points per scan set | Depends on the number of items and categories |
| Bonus surveys | Variable small points | Often emailed occasionally |
| Milestone bonuses | +50-100 points (or more) | Upon anniversaries, birthdays, or specific achievements |
Redemption Options
• Digital gift cards (Amazon, Target, etc.)
• Prepaid reload cards
• Merchandise such as electronics, small appliances
• Sweepstakes entries
Minimum redemption points may change, but many users cite around 8,000 to 10,000 points for a standard reward tier. Processing time after redemption might take 1-3 weeks depending on reward type.
Pro Tip: Track your point total each week. Set a “mini-goal” such as earning 500 points per week to stay motivated and close in on rewards faster.
Sign-Up Bonus
Nielsen doesn’t always promise a sign-up bonus, but when they do, it typically comes in the form of a points bump or scratch-off game once you’ve installed the software and have been active for a short time. Be sure to check their current promos when you join.
Legit or a Scam?
The Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel is very legit. Nielsen is a global market research leader, and the panel helps collect real data from actual users. According to their FAQ, the data captured does not include personal information like passwords, and usage is anonymized.
Trustpilot reviews for Nielsen are also generally positive, though some users do express concerns about data tracking — which is fair, given the nature of the panel.
Overall Rating [4.7/5]
Ease of Use: ★★★★⯨ (4.5/5)
Earning Potential: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Payment Reliability: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Survey Quality: ★★★★⯨ (4.5/5)
Overall: ★★★★★ (4.7/5)
Nielsen Panel gets strong marks for credibility, ease of use, and very low effort required. Its main downside is slow point accumulation, but for the right user, the passive model is incredibly valuable.
If you’re looking for more active models. Try Swagbucks Quick Review.
What We Like
- Trusted, long-running program with major research credibility
- Runs mostly passively once initial setup is complete
- Helpful for households already shopping regularly or using multiple devices
- Bonus and milestone features add extra reward layers over time
- Flexible redemption catalog for gift cards or choice items
What Could Be Better
- Point accumulation is slower compared to frequent-survey sites
- Survey availability and bonus opportunities vary by region
- Redemption thresholds and wait times reduce instant gratification
- App permissions and device tracking may feel intrusive to some users
- Shopping scan process may require extra attention for unpackaged items or receipts
Final Verdict
The Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel is perfect if you want to earn rewards passively. Once you install the app or software and connect your devices, there’s really no heavy lifting — just normal usage. You won’t become financially independent from it, but you could reliably rack up gift card rewards or small prizes throughout the year.
Because Nielsen is a well-established company, this panel is much more trustworthy than many sketchy rewards apps. If you’re okay sharing anonymous internet usage data and want a “set it and forget it” side income, this panel is a smart choice.
For faster or higher payouts, you might still want to use it alongside other survey or task platforms. Combining Nielsen with sites like Swagbucks or Product Report Card can give you both passive and active income streams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What data does Nielsen actually collect?
They collect anonymized usage data: app usage, website visits, and time spent. They do not record personal details like passwords.
Q2: Do I have to run the app 24/7?
No. As long as the app is active for a good portion of the week, you’ll earn. Full-time usage increases rewards, but complete “always-on” isn’t strictly required.
Q3: Can I track multiple devices?
Yes — installing the app on your phone and your computer can boost your earnings and sweepstakes entries.
For other Passive Apps, try MobileXpressions Quick Review.
Q4: How do point redemptions work?
Points are converted into rewards through Nielsen’s catalog, which includes e-gift cards and physical merchandise.
Q5: Do my points expire?
Yes. If awarded points go unused for one year, or if you are inactive for six consecutive months, your points may expire.
Q6: Is there a cash option?
In some regions, Nielsen offers PayPal cash. In others, the only options are gift cards or sweepstakes. Check the rewards catalog in your account.
Q7: How likely am I to win sweepstakes?
Chances vary — sweepstakes entries are based on your device participation, and the number of winners changes monthly.
Q8: Does the app hurt battery life?
Some users report minimal impact, but it largely depends on how active your device is and how often it syncs data.
Q9: Can I leave the panel?
Yes, you can opt out at any time through your account settings. Once you do, uninstall the software to stop data collection.
Q10: Is my data safe?
Nielsen states that all collected data is encrypted and anonymized. Your personal identity is not shared with third parties.
Recommended Next Steps:
- Install the app and link devices as soon as your account is approved
- Scan shopping every week, even minor trips count
- Complete bonus surveys when available to boost weekly totals
- Pair this panel with a dedicated survey site to optimize total earnings
- Review the redemption catalog each month and aim for the highest value gift cards relevant to you
Nielsen User Reviews
love this panel, easy install and just runs in background. already cashed out for 2 gift cards. probably one of the best passive earners ive tried so far.
it works ok but dont expect much money. i got one small amazon card after a few months. its passive but kinda slow earning
Super easy to set up. I just installed it on my phone and laptop and forgot about it. After a couple months I got a $10 gift card. You literally don’t have to do anything except keep it running. great for lazy people like me lol
The rewards are real but kinda tiny. I like the idea though. I’m fine letting them track stuff if I get some cash back once in a while
the app slowed down my old phone a bit and used more battery. rewards came but super slow. it’s not fake but not really worth it unless you dont care about your data
been running it on my laptop 4 months now. didnt notice any slowdown and i got a $5 card in my email. easy side earner if you dont mind it tracking stuff.
Been using Nielsen for about a year. It’s the definition of passive income. Barely notice it’s there. You won’t get rich but the gift cards add up. no complaints at all.
Legit company but you gotta be patient. I think I’ve made like 15 bucks in 4 months. Still better than nothing since I didn’t do anything extra.
honestly love it. takes 2 mins to set up and you never have to mess with it again. got 2 payouts so far and no issues at all with payments.
it messed with my wifi connection sometimes. maybe my pc too old idk. took it off after a few days
Nielsen’s real and pays but dont expect fast results. I’ve had it running for months on my phone and computer and finally hit the first payout. easy money just slow.
This app literally does everything itself. I just left it alone and points built up. Got a Target card last week. legit and super easy.
great app honestly. set it up on my phone and laptop, didn’t touch it for weeks, and then got a gift card email out of nowhere. feels nice to earn something for basically nothing
it’s fine i guess. not fast money but i just let it sit on my phone. the privacy thing bothers me a bit but it does pay
my husband and i both installed it. it runs in background and every few months we get an amazon gift card. it’s not much but it’s something
didn’t love it. felt like my phone battery drained faster and the extension lagged a bit. got one small reward then uninstalled.
Easy setup and zero effort. Got my first reward after 8 weeks and now I barely think about it. No bugs, no spam, just passive rewards. very impressed
I like it cause I dont have to fill surveys. I just use my phone like normal and points show up. it’s slow though but def real.