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A new study has revealed the top ten most popular side hustles, as the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows some 1.32 million UK workers currently have a second job or income earner. This comes as Brits grapple with rising winter energy bills and rumoured tax hikes at the upcoming Autumn Budget - potentially prompting more people to consider exploring ways to boost their household income. In fact, thousands of Brits are actively searching for new ways to earn, with the most popular ideas seeing tens of thousands of monthly Google searches, according to new analysis by the team at money.co.uk business savings accounts. Selling on Vinted is the side hustle generating the most interest, with 84,800 Google searches recorded over the last year. Vinted is an online marketplace where users can buy and sell secondhand items for a small fee on each transaction. The platform allows users to list and sell unwanted clothes, shoes, and accessories directly to other consumers, offering an accessible way to generate extra income. This interest aligns with the broader popularity of the secondhand retail market in the UK, which is worth more than £7 billion as of 2025.2 In the same period, ‘mystery shopping jobs’ attracted 73,700 UK Google searches, making it the second-most popular side hustle. Mystery shopping allows people to earn extra income by reviewing everyday services, from retail stores and restaurants to banks and travel providers. These are the top ten side hustles for Bris between October 2024 - September 2025. For businesses, it provides valuable insights into customer experiences, helping to pinpoint training needs or operational improvements. As a side hustle, it’s particularly appealing for those seeking flexible, task-based work that fits around other commitments. Assignments are often short, require no specialist equipment, and are accessible to a wide range of people. Selling on Etsy has the third-highest number of searches, at 72,500 – 12,300 lower than Vinted. While Vinted caters mainly to secondhand sellers, Etsy attracts those creating their own products, like handmade jewellery, digital prints, and stationery. Etsy is another extremely popular platform, reporting around 8 million active sellers and 95 million active buyers worldwide.3 This reach gives small business owners and sole traders access to a global customer base without needing to manage their own e-commerce site. Joe Phelan, money.co.uk business savings accounts expert, explained how to manage earnings from your side hustle responsibly: “Many people start a side hustle to supplement their income, whether it’s selling online, offering a service, or turning a hobby into extra earnings. However, as your income grows, it’s worth keeping a few simple steps front of mind to stay on top of your finances and meet legal tax requirements. “In the UK, you can earn up to £1,000 a year from self-employment before you need to register as a sole trader or pay tax.4 If your income goes beyond that, you’ll need to declare it to HMRC, so keeping clear records from the outset can save time later. “Setting aside a portion of your earnings throughout the year is often the simplest way to stay on top of any future tax payments. A business savings account can help by keeping the money you’ll need separate from day-to-day spending. It’s also a useful way to build good financial habits early, giving you a clear view of what’s available to reinvest and what should be kept aside for tax or business costs. “Whether your side hustle remains a small project or grows into something bigger, treating it like a business from day one helps make sure you’re prepared for the responsibilities that come with your success.”
