5 laziest way to make money online in 2025

Want to make money with minimal effort? Whether you're looking for a side hustle or a full-time passive income stream, there are plenty of ways to earn without working a traditional 9-to-5 job. From freelancing to AI-powered Shopify stores, you can leverage technology and smart strategies to generate income while putting in the least amount of work.

In this article, we’ll explore five of the laziest yet most effective ways to make money, ranked by ease, scalability, and risk level.

1. Freelancing

Freelancing means using your skills (like video editing, graphic design, or copywriting) to work with clients on projects. You can do this from home or anywhere with a computer and internet.

• Learn Curve: Takes about 6 months to become good at freelancing and start getting regular work.
• Fulfillment: It can be tough because you’ll need to manage clients, communicate with them, and deliver work on time.
• Scalability: It's limited. The more work you take, the more hours you have to work, so your income is tied to your time.
• Startup Capital: You don’t need much. Just a computer, an internet connection, and your skills.
• Risk Level: Low. You get paid per project, so the risk is less, and you don’t need to invest much.

2. Airbnb Arbitrage

This involves renting properties on a long-term lease and then renting them out short-term on Airbnb for a profit. You don't own the property, but make money from the difference in rent.

• Learn Curve: It takes about 1-3 months to understand how Airbnb works and how to run the business smoothly.
• Fulfillment: It’s a medium effort job. You'll need to interact with guests, manage bookings, and ensure the property is well-kept.
• Scalability: Very high. You can add more properties and make a lot of money as your portfolio grows.
• Startup Capital: You’ll need around $5,000 to $15,000 to start, for security deposits, furniture,
• Risk Level: High. It requires a large upfront investment, and if the property doesn’t rent out, you could lose money.

3. eBay Shop

This method involves selling products on eBay. You can either sell things you no longer need or buy products in bulk and sell them for a profit.

• Learn Curve: It’s super easy to get started. It will take you about 2 weeks to learn the basics and start selling.
• Fulfillment: It’s medium effort. You'll need to ship products, manage orders, and handle customer service.
• Scalability: Very high. You can add lots of products and grow your sales quickly.
• Startup Capital: You’ll need around $500 to start buying stock and shipping supplies.

• Risk Level: Medium. Sometimes products may not sell immediately, and you might have to wait for buyers.

4. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is where you promote other people’s products and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral link. It’s like recommending products and getting paid when people buy them.

• Learn Curve: You can start within 1-2 days by learning how affiliate marketing works.
• Fulfillment: It’s very easy. You don’t handle products, and there’s no customer service. You just promote links.
• Scalability: Very high. You can promote unlimited products, so you have endless opportunities to make money.
• Startup Capital: At least $250 to invest in marketing (like running ads or creating a website).
• Risk Level: Very low. The upfront costs are minimal, and you get paid only for sales made.

5. AI Shopify Store

An AI Shopify Store uses artificial intelligence to set up and manage an online store with minimal effort. AI automates everything, from product listings to managing orders, using tools like AutoDS.

• Learn Curve: Practically zero. Setting up and running a Shopify store is easy, and the AI does most of the work.
• Fulfillment: It’s very easy. Everything is automated, so you don’t need to do much.
• Scalability: Unlimited. You can keep adding new products and grow your store as much as you want.
• Startup Capital: Just $1.99 to start (for a basic Shopify plan).
• Risk Level: Almost none. The initial investment is minimal, and the AI handles most of the tasks.

Conclusion:

These 5 methods offer low-risk and minimal effort ways to earn money, perfect for those who want passive income. Freelancing requires more time and effort, while options like affiliate marketing, AI Shopify stores, and eBay shops are relatively easy to scale with little initial investment. Airbnb arbitrage is the riskiest but offers high returns if done correctly.