I looked into the Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel to see what it collects, how you earn and whether it is safe. It is legit and almost fully passive, but you will not earn a lot. Below is what I found before you install it.
Legit and passive, but you will not earn a lot
Install the Nielsen app or software, and you earn rewards and prize draw entries just by using the internet. Rewards differ a lot per country.
On this page
The short answer
The Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel is legit. It is run by Nielsen, one of the biggest companies in media and consumer research. You answer a short survey, install the Nielsen app or software, and after that you earn passively while you use the internet as you always do.
But you will usually not earn a lot, and what you earn depends on your country: in most countries you get points for gift cards or products, and only in some countries PayPal or other cash. The panel collects which websites you visit and for how long, but not their content or your passwords, and your name is kept separate from the data.
- You participate in important research to shape the future of the internet
- You get rewards or big winning chances for doing nothing
- It is very easy to join
- The panel is safe and run by a very reputable company
- You can register more than one device
- There are not many earning opportunities
- In some countries, you cannot earn cash
- Nielsen only recruits in some countries, and that changes regularly
- You must be comfortable with an app that records the websites you visit
My experience with the Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel
I explored the panel, checked what data it collects, and made a video that explains how it works. This is what I looked at, and what I did not test.
- First checked
- July 2018Review first published Jul 11, 2018
- Latest retest
- Checked: rewards, countries, data collected, support
- Devices
- Computer, phone or tabletWhich devices you can use depends on your country
- How you register and what the panel asks you to install
- What data the panel collects, and what it does not collect
- The rewards and prize draws in different countries
- How you leave the panel
- Redeeming a reward. My review does not show a reward I received.
- The support. I have not needed to contact it yet.
Watch how the Nielsen panel works
I have created a video where I explain everything about the Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel. You can also read all the details below.
Screenshots from the Nielsen panel
Nielsen only recruits in some countries, and that changes regularly. Choose your country to see if you can join.
Check if Nielsen recruits in your countryNielsen Computer and Mobile Panel at a glance
| What it is | Research panel. You install an app or software that records how you use the internet. In some countries it is called the Nielsen Digital Voice panel. |
|---|---|
| Company | Nielsen, one of the biggest companies in media and consumer research |
| Cost to join | Free |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Ways to earn | Passive rewards for having the app or software installed, and monthly prize draws |
| Rewards | In most countries, points for gift cards or products. In some countries, PayPal cash or other cash payments. |
| Examples per country | Around $60 a year in some countries · New Zealand: at least $130 for 6 months · Germany: around €150 a year |
| Prize draws | US: $10,000 in monthly prizes · UK: £30,000 a year, split over 150 winners |
| Data collected | The websites you visit, how long you stay and your general online behavior. Not the content of the pages, user IDs or passwords. |
| Devices | Computer, phone or tablet. You can register more than one device. |
| Where it recruits | Regularly the US, the UK, Australia, Italy, New Zealand and Germany. This changes regularly. |
| Support | Contact form on the Nielsen panel website |
Is the Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel legit and safe?
Yes, the Nielsen panel is legit, and it is run by a very reputable company. But it records your internet use, so know what you agree to before you install it.
- It records which websites you visit
The panel collects the website addresses you visit, how long you stay on them and your general online behavior. It never collects the content of the pages, user IDs, passwords or other private information. Your name is kept separate from the data, and the data is combined with data from thousands of other members.
- You will not earn a lot
There are no surveys or tasks to do after you sign up, so there are not many earning opportunities. In most countries, you get points for gift cards or products, not cash.
- Rewards and devices differ per country
Which rewards you get and which devices you can use depend on your country. In some countries, Nielsen only looks for computer users at times. Check what your country offers after you join.
- Some readers did not get their rewards
Between 2020 and 2023, a few readers wrote that rewards they applied for never arrived, or that support did not reply. A reader in January 2026 got a clear answer from Nielsen about withdrawing to PayPal. Contact support through the contact form if a reward does not arrive.
- Prize draws are luck
The monthly prize draws pay big prizes, but you are not guaranteed to win anything.
My takePersonally, I am very skeptical about allowing companies to get access to my data unless I am sure it is a legit company. When it comes to Nielsen, it is definitely a legit and trusted company. I usually do not like panels that only offer entries into sweepstakes, but with Nielsen you do not have to do anything. As an extra chance to get some rewards and high prizes without any effort, it can be a great option.
How you earn on the Nielsen panel
There are 3 ways to earn, and none of them takes extra time once you are set up. Tap one to read more.
Passive rewards for your internet useMain earner
You answer a short survey to register, install the app or software on your device, and it then gathers data anonymously and sends it to Nielsen. There it is combined with data from other panel members to build a picture of how the internet, products and services are used.
In most countries, you earn points when you have the app installed on your phone. In some countries, you also earn when you use your computer.
More devicesMore rewards
You can register and install the app or software on several devices, such as your computer, phone and tablet. That increases your rewards and your chances of winning big prizes. Nielsen guarantees that it will not affect the performance of your devices. Which devices you can use depends on your country.
Monthly prize drawsLuck only
On both computer and mobile devices, you are automatically entered into prize draws, depending on your country. In the US, Nielsen has $10,000 in prizes every month. In the UK, there are monthly, quarterly and yearly draws with £30,000 in prizes a year, split over 150 winners. The prizes are some of the highest I have seen for a research panel, but you are not guaranteed to win.
Click to Check Out Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel for Yourself
How much can you make?
The exact rewards depend on the country you live in and the devices you use. In some countries, it is said that you earn around $60 if you have the app installed for a year.
Some of the highest earnings I have heard of are from New Zealand, where Nielsen guarantees at least $130 for being a member for 6 months. In Germany, Nielsen says you earn around €150 a year.
It will not give you a lot of earning chances. If you want to earn more, also join the high-paying survey sites in your country, where you can find daily earning opportunities.
Rewards and how you get them
| Reward | Where |
|---|---|
| Points for gift cards or products | Most countries |
| PayPal cash or other cash payments | Some countries |
| Monthly prize draws | Depends on your country. For example, the US and the UK. |
The payout options depend on the country you live in. Check which rewards your country offers after you join, and whether they fit you.
Is the Nielsen panel worth it in your country?
Nielsen runs a separate panel per country, and rewards differ a lot. Pick your country to see where the Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel stands on my list of the best sites there.
What 58 readers told me
This review has 58 comments since 2018: 30 from readers and 28 replies from me. These are the four things readers ask about most.
Readers asked about Canada, India, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea and other countries. Nielsen only recruits in some countries. Click the join button to see the countries it recruits in right now.
The rewards and when you can withdraw depend on your country. Long-time members say Nielsen also sends some surveys and has scratch card games, and one reports fewer points per month than before.
Between 2020 and 2023, a few readers wrote that rewards did not arrive, their account showed as not active, or support did not reply. Contact Nielsen through the contact form for your country.
Nielsen cannot see your credit card or bank details. A reader asked Nielsen whether the extension stops you from qualifying for surveys on other sites; Nielsen said it should not.
“Mostly for other Americans: 893 pts to Withdraw Money in Paypal, 150 pts for $1.00 in Paypal, I am being told by Nielsen in a reply email.”
Mikael: Thanks for sharing the update and reply from them.
“when you said you don’t get any more surveys after you register that’s not true because you do. Nielsen will send you some during your entire time with them.”
Mikael: There can be some differences depending on the country so great to know about this.
“On the last 2 occasions I applied for rewards they were never received. I have phoned and e-mailed them many times but they will not respond.”
Mikael: How good their support is can vary a lot from country to country … Really hope they will get back to you very soon so you can get your earnings.
Nielsen panel alternatives I have tested
| Site | Best for | Min. cashout | My rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawns | Passive earning from your internet, plus surveys | $5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Honeygain | Completely passive: share your unused internet | $20 PayPal; $0.50 through JumpTask | 3.7 / 5 |
| Sweatcoin | Getting rewarded for walking, without doing anything special | No fixed threshold | 3.5 / 5 |
| PacketStream | Passive earning from your bandwidth, paid through PayPal | $5 | 3.3 / 5 |
| EarnApp | Passive earning from your unused internet, PayPal and Wise | $2.50 PayPal and Wise | 3.1 / 5 |
Want to earn more than a passive extra? See the best survey sites in your country, where you can find daily earning opportunities.
How I scored the Nielsen panel
I use the same 100-point system for every platform. Platform Information.
The Nielsen panel scores 66 out of 100. It is a legit, passive extra if it recruits in your country.
Check if Nielsen recruits in your countryNielsen Computer and Mobile Panel FAQ
Is the Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel a scam?
No. It is run by Nielsen, one of the biggest companies in media and consumer research. But you will usually not earn a lot.
What data does Nielsen collect?
The website addresses you visit, how long you stay on them and your general online behavior. It never collects the content of the pages, user IDs, passwords or other private information.
Can Nielsen see my credit card or bank details?
No. You stay anonymous. Your name is kept separate from the data collected.
How do you get paid?
In most countries, you earn points for gift cards or products. In some countries, you earn PayPal cash or other cash payments. You are also entered into prize draws.
How old do you have to be?
You must be at least 18 years old, and you need a computer, phone or tablet.
Which countries can join?
Nielsen regularly recruits in the US, the UK, Australia, Italy, New Zealand and Germany. This changes regularly. Click the join button to see the countries it recruits in right now.
Can I use more than one device?
Yes. You can register several devices, and that increases your rewards and your chances in the prize draws.
How do I leave the panel?
Cancel your panel membership and uninstall the app or software. It is easy to do.
How do I contact Nielsen?
Use the contact form on the Nielsen panel website. How fast it replies varies from country to country.
How to join the Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel
- Click the button below and choose your country. You are then taken to the registration form for your country.
- Answer the short registration survey.
- Register the devices you want to use and download the app or software.
- After this, you do not have to do anything else.
If you have any comments, questions, or experiences with Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel, I would love to hear from you in a comment below.
What do the points mean? What do the tokens mean? When can you convert to a Paypal reward or to a Gift Card or is all Sweep states/Lucky Draw Kind of thing? Do the points mean that you have a better chance of getting a survey in which you can get paid for if filled out completely?
The exact available rewards and when you can withdraw depends on the country you live in. I give some examples in the review above, but you need to check in your specific country after joining to see exactly what it offers for you.
Mostly for other Americans: 893 pts to Withdraw Money in Paypal, 150 pts for $1.00 in Paypal, I am being told by Nielsen in a reply email.
Thanks for sharing the update and reply from them.
Nielsen app on my android phone totally bogged down my internet access. Finally had to uninstall it. No issues on my laptop, so at least there’s that. I’ve been with Nielsen for decades.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Mikael, do you know if the app (on a PC) behaves like a VPN, and if so, could it stop you from qualifying for surveys on survey sites?
It should not as a VPN. But not sure if it can interfere with surveys. Best if you contact their support to check. Let me know how it goes.
Thanks, I will!
I had a reply from Nielsen about whether the extension behaves like a VPN and interfere with survey qualification.
They said “We have many Computer Panelists globally that have the extension enabled. This panelist is not unique in that they complete surveys for other companies and also participate in PC Measurement. We have never received this question before so I assume that the extension would not impact a 3rd party survey company. Most surveys have a quota and rules that exclude people from participating in the survey. This couple be age, gender, participation in other market research, financial requirements, etc. I would assume they are limited by one or more of the exclusion rules.”
“Lastly, Nielsen extension shouldn’t impact the other extensions. It adds event listeners to observe or analyse data, it doesn’t modify anything for the browser prompt it does insert an iframe into DOM, even this shouldn’t impact other extensions. The issue mentioned could be a logic or functionality in the third party extension than in Nielsen”.
So it looks like Nielsen is NOT an issue for people who participate in surveys, which is good to know!
Thanks for sharing this.
Hello Mikaeel, I am not sure if this current. I am from NZ and have been a member of the Nielsen Digital Panel for a few years. On the last 2 occasions I applied for rewards they were never received. I have phoned and e-mailed them many times but they will not respond.
Ironically they are still putting points into my account (over 5000 points now!) but if they won’t give rewards or acknowledge my communications then it all seems a bit pointless. I feel very frustrated and disappointed with Nielsen.
Sorry to hear that but thanks for sharing your experiences. That sounds very frustrating. How good their support is can vary a lot from country to country, but unfortunately I do not have a contact there I can ask, so there is nothing I can do to help. Really hope they will get back to you very soon so you can get your earnings. Let me know how it goes.
Your article doesn’t tell how you get paid. Is it through Paypal?
There is a section in the reveiw above that explains how you get paid.
Hi sir, i like the way you teach, sir i am from pakistan , i am searching online jobs data entry, survey form etc. Can u recommend me best site where i can make money for my family, i waiting your kind reply. Thx and best of luck sir.
You can check out this list of the best international sites which are the ones you should go for.
I just tried to sign up and my information wasn’t accepted because it said I already have an account with them.
A couple years ago I received and returned an application in the mail from this company but never heard back. Would this be why they say I already have an account?
You need to contact their support about this.
I‘ve had a lot of issues with Nielsen. After 10 months of membership, my password was not recognised suddenly. Multiple attempts to reset the password was unsuccessful – I uninstalled the app but even with that, they can still track your internet habits which they state on their T&Cs. The only way to cancel your account is to logon and do it manually but if you can’t access the app if the password isn’t recognised, they can still track you. It’s very clever of them. I’ve tried many, many times to contact them but they simply won’t respond to me and their sister companies just keep sending an email address which is obsolete. Now I am stuck with having my data taken against my consent until I buy new devices. I’m at a loss what to do, it’s horrible.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
hey,
I follow your blog religiously and this one is not completely true. when you said you don’t get any more surveys after you register that’s not true because you do. Nielsen will send you some during your entire time with them. I have been a member for years.
Another thing that they also offer is games you can play to earn that you can earn points for during your time with them. You can play them in the Nielsen rewards area. they’re scratch cards match three of a kind and win.
KEEP UP THE AWESOME WORK MY FRIEND
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
There can be some differences depending on the country so great to know about this.
Yes there must be. In my country, it’s simply internet monitoring.
Can you be on Ipsos Iris and Nielsen mobile at the same time?Is it best to join as many legit passive sites as possible? To get the maximum benefit from all these devices I now own?? ? ? smile ?
Yes, you can use several options at the same time and that can be a way to earn more.
Does it mean people from other countries cannot participate in this ?
Yes
Hi ther,can u check if this site is qualified in my region please..I live on saipan is.the comon wealth of northern Marianas .zip code 96950.thank you
It is not available in your country.
The games you speak of are scratch off, you are allowed 5 tokens d each token represents 1 play. However, it seems the most you can earn each play is 5 points. . .never the ‘big’ prize. As to regularly earning points, the amount I earn seems to be decreasing each month, no mater how much internet activity I produce. I used to get 330 points per month and it is now down to 25 points per month. I’ve been a panel member for years. This pretty much blows.
Does this app work in Nigeria
I explain everything in the review above.
Hi Mikael,
I have successfully registered on the site, but when I open the rewards page it says: Your Current Computer Member
Status is:
NOT ACTIVE
Do you have any idea what the problem might be or just take the time to get active?
Thanks for your help.
Betty
Not sure why that is. I would suggest you contact their support.
Let me know how it goes.
I called Nielsen panel services and was told that the Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel Panel no longer exists. I was wondering why I wasn’t getting a response to my help questions. I never received any rewards and I guess I never will.
This sounds very strange. Because their website is still live and they are still actively recruiting new members from what I have been told by my contacts. Are you sure you talked to the right company?
Is it working in india
No, it is not. I just replied to you about this yesterday. You can check out the available sites in India here.
CAN YOU CONFIRM ONCE IF THIS IS Available in India?
if it opens up for India, I will definitely update the article with that info.
Can I use it through a VPN to encrypt my request and response ?
I am just trying to check up on this to make sure – I will get back to you as soon as I hopefully get an exact answer.
Sorry for the late reply but it took some time to get an answer. But the answer I got when checking up on this is that Nielsen should work even if you use VPN.
Are there any other legit sites like Nielsen which just tells us to download an app/software & then rewards us?
You can check out MobileXpression and SurveySavvy. But they do not always allow members from all countries.
You can also check out Sweatcoin – here you earn simply by having it installed every time you walk a step so that might also be interesting for you.
Hope this helps
Sir, its right to say everything, I have got points 600+ now after the registration, few days earlier. But one thing, I want to know, my survey is done through Nielsen platform… but points giving by a name CONFLUENCE PANNEL.. whether they are same or not?…. Is it a device oriented earn for a same mail id? I mean to say, if i have 2 mobiles with a same mail id, the income will come separately for a man? Next qns. is that, make me confirm.. If a man using two service provider networking simm in a same device or a man has different mail id.. in a same device.. then registration can possible for differently for different simm no or different mail id in a same mobile???
Hi Sarbajit,
Not sure about Confluence Panel. But often when getting rewards from companies like this a different name will be there, in my experience. Think it is because of the structure of the company but I cannot say for sure. However, if you got the right amount of points, I think it is safe to assume it is the same company. Nielsen, in general, has many names and companies.
The panel is device oriented. But there can be some differences from country to country, so it might be a good idea for you to contact Nielsen directly and ask them. Especially about the sim card as I can, unfortunately, not answer this. My guess would be that you cannot register twice with the same device even if you have a different sim card. It registers the device – but if you want to be sure you can try and ask Nielsen.
Hope this helps.
Mikael
Can they see your credit card numbers and bank information?
No they cannot. You will be completely anonymous.
Mikael
heloo sir please give me zip code and fill the registraion
I do not understand what you are asking?
Hi Mikael,
This looks awesome, unfortunately it is not available here in Canada , am I right?
I will share this information though with family and friends in the countries where it’s available.
You have really convinced me that it’s legit and the company is top-notch.
Passive income, though small, is something.
Thanks for the post.
Marita
Hi Marita,
Nielsen is not actively recruiting in Canada for this particular panel at the moment. But they for example have Nielsen Homescan Canada, where you can get rewards for scanning the products you buy. So if that sounds interesting to you, you can check out Nielsen Homescan Canada here.
Mikael
Is this app works in Papua New Guinea
No, unfortunately not Samuel. But you can check out this list of best survey apps to find alternatives.
Hey Mikael,
This actually seems like it might be worth it. I am a little on the fence about sharing data, but it is good to know that it will be anonymous (and they seem pretty transparent). I have actually heard about Nielsen before. At any rate, getting $50 for doing 5 minutes of work seems like a pretty good deal to me.
Yes it is definitely a good pay for not really doing anything. And at the same time it helps to improve the services we all use online. Also, remember that if you install on more devices, you will be able to make $50 for each device.
I understand your concerns in general about sharing data, but the good thing about Nielsen is that it is a reputable company that has been around for many years. And as you mention, you will remain anonymous, as the point is not to see your specific internet use, but to get statistics about the overall use, so all the data are used together and mixed.
Mikael