Tapporo, AppBounty, and PayoutPass Are All Gone — 5 Working Alternatives in 2026
Three More Reward Apps Have Shut Down
Tapporo (shut down ~2017), AppBounty (shut down ~2018), and PayoutPass (shut down ~2019) were all app-discovery and task-based reward platforms. They paid users for downloading apps, completing offers, and doing simple tasks.
None of them are operational today. Their websites don't resolve, their apps are gone from stores, and any blog or listicle still recommending them is outdated.
If you came looking for these apps, here are 5 working alternatives in 2026.
Why App-Discovery Reward Apps Keep Dying
App-discovery platforms (like Tapporo and AppBounty) had a fundamental flaw: advertisers paid for app installs, but users uninstalled the apps immediately after earning their reward.
This created a cycle:
- Platforms paid users per install → users downloaded and deleted → advertisers saw 90%+ uninstall rates → advertisers lowered their payout → platforms couldn't sustain rewards → platforms shut down
The lesson: Reward models that depend on forcing you to do things you don't want to do (download apps you'll never use) are inherently unsustainable.
5 Working Alternatives
1. Zarfo — Play Games You Actually Enjoy
Zarfo replaces the "forced download" model with something better: earn rewards by playing games you actually want to play.
- No forced downloads — Play in your browser
- No survey disqualifications — Every activity earns credits
- Multiple earning methods — Spins, scratch cards, games, raffles, daily check-ins
- $5 minimum cashout — Gift cards, PayPal, or crypto
- Actively maintained — Growing platform in 2026
2. Freecash — High-Paying Offer Wall
Freecash pays you for completing offers, downloading apps, and taking surveys. It has one of the highest initial earning rates.
- Earning rate: $5–15/hour for first-time offers
- Payout: PayPal, crypto, gift cards at $0.50 minimum
- Pros: Very low minimum payout, high initial earnings
- Cons: Earnings decline after sign-up offers, some offers require purchases
3. Mistplay — Gaming Rewards (Android)
Mistplay pays you for playing mobile games. Unlike Tapporo/AppBounty, you actually play the games rather than just installing them.
- Earning rate: $0.50–2/hour of gameplay
- Payout: Gift cards starting at $5
- Pros: Fun, organic earning from games
- Cons: Android only, some games take hours to credit
Compare Mistplay alternatives →
4. Swagbucks — The All-in-One Platform
Swagbucks offers the widest variety of earning methods: surveys, videos, shopping, games, and web searches.
- Earning rate: $2–4/hour (after survey screen-outs)
- Payout: Gift cards, PayPal starting at $5
- Pros: Most earning methods of any platform
- Cons: Survey screen-outs are frustrating, cluttered interface
5. Microsoft Rewards — Passive Daily Earning
Microsoft Rewards pays you for using Bing and completing daily tasks. It's the most passive option on this list.
- Earning rate: ~$5–10/month from daily searches
- Payout: Gift cards, sweepstakes entries
- Pros: Extremely passive, reliable, no app needed
- Cons: Very low earning ceiling, requires Bing/Edge
Comparison Table
| Feature | Tapporo (Dead) | AppBounty (Dead) | PayoutPass (Dead) | Zarfo | Freecash | Mistplay | |---------|----------------|------------------|--------------------|-------|----------|----------| | Status | ❌ Gone | ❌ Gone | ❌ Gone | ✅ Active | ✅ Active | ✅ Active | | Earning Method | App installs | App installs | Tasks/offers | Games+spins | Offers/surveys | Play games | | Forced App Downloads | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Some | ❌ No | ⚠️ Some | ❌ No | | Min. Payout | $5 | $5 | $10 | $5 | $0.50 | $5 | | Browser-Based | ❌ App only | ❌ App only | ❌ App only | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ App only |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tapporo, AppBounty, and PayoutPass still working?
No. All three have shut down. Tapporo (~2017), AppBounty (~2018), and PayoutPass (~2019). Their websites no longer resolve and their apps are gone from stores.
Why did so many reward apps shut down?
Three main reasons: (1) Advertisers withdrew after high uninstall rates from app-discovery platforms. (2) User fraud (fake accounts, automated installs) made the economics unworkable. (3) Low ad rates couldn't sustain payouts.
What's the best alternative to app-download reward platforms?
Zarfo is the best alternative because it doesn't force you to download apps you don't want. Instead, you earn by playing games, spinning wheels, and scratching cards — activities you'd choose to do anyway. Try it free →
Done with dead apps? Join Zarfo → Free, no forced downloads, no surveys, no shut-down risk.