3 Simple Ways to Earn Money with Your Raspberry Pi

Got a Raspberry Pi sitting idle at home? Maybe you're running it 24/7 for a home server or just keeping it powered on without a clear purpose. Here's the thing: that tiny computer can actually generate passive income while you sleep. I'm not talking about getting rich overnight, but earning enough to cover the device's initial cost and maybe throw in a few extra dollars each month.

A Raspberry Pi can make money in three main ways: sharing its processing power for cryptocurrency mining, renting out unused storage space, or selling idle internet bandwidth. The last option typically delivers the best returns with minimal effort.

Let me walk you through each method, starting from the least profitable to the one that actually delivers consistent results. I've tested all three approaches myself, so you'll get real numbers and honest feedback.

Method 3: Cryptocurrency Mining – Using Your Pi's CPU Power

Mining crypto on a Raspberry Pi sounds exciting, but let's be realistic here. The competition in crypto mining has evolved into an arms race of specialized hardware and massive GPU farms. Your little Pi is basically bringing a knife to a gunfight.

Here's how it works: cryptocurrency networks need computing power to validate transactions. Anyone can contribute their device's processing power to help maintain these networks, and in return, you get paid in crypto. The catch? More powerful nodes get bigger rewards, and you're competing against industrial-scale operations.

Setting up crypto mining on a Raspberry Pi isn't terribly complicated anymore. You'll need a 64-bit operating system, preferably running on a Pi 4 or newer model for better performance. I tested mining Dogecoin using a free miner called XMRig connected to a mining pool through UnMineable.

The reality check: it takes months to earn anything meaningful. My Pi was humming along for weeks before accumulating enough to withdraw. If you're curious about how blockchain technology works and want hands-on experience, go for it. Just don't expect to quit your day job. Some people also try mining Monero, which is supposedly better optimized for less powerful devices, but the earnings remain modest at best.

If you're still interested in exploring passive income opportunities with minimal hardware requirements, 👉 platforms like Honeygain let you monetize your internet connection with virtually any device, including your Raspberry Pi.

Method 2: Rent Your Unused Storage Space

This approach makes more sense than crypto mining for Pi owners. Think about it: 1TB of storage is 1TB whether it's on a high-end PC or your humble Raspberry Pi. Companies like STORJ have built decentralized cloud storage networks that pay regular people to host encrypted file fragments.

The concept is clever. Instead of storing everyone's data in one massive data center (which creates a single point of failure), decentralized cloud storage distributes encrypted pieces across thousands of random computers worldwide. Your Pi becomes part of this network, storing encrypted file chunks for users while earning you money.

Setting up a STORJ node involves four main steps: creating an authentication token, generating a node identifier, configuring port forwarding on your router, and installing the node software. The software runs on Docker, making it relatively straightforward once you get past the initial setup.

Here's my recommendation: attach external storage to your Pi before diving in. The built-in microSD card won't cut it for serious earnings. Grab a USB hard drive or, better yet, a SATA expansion board if you're feeling ambitious. More storage space equals more potential income.

Earnings vary based on your internet connection speed, available storage, and network demand. You can realistically expect a few dollars monthly, which beats crypto mining hands down. The passive nature makes it worthwhile, especially if you're already running your Pi constantly.

Method 1: Sell Your Unused Internet Bandwidth (Best Option)

This is where things get interesting. Selling unused bandwidth has been my most profitable method by far, and it requires almost zero technical expertise. I'm talking about real money hitting your PayPal account, not crypto dust accumulating at a snail's pace.

Companies need to access websites from different geographic locations for market research, price comparison, ad verification, and SEO analysis. Rather than maintaining servers in every city, they tap into networks of regular users worldwide. Your Raspberry Pi becomes one node in this global network, routing web requests through your connection.

I tested EarnApp on a Raspberry Pi Zero—literally the cheapest Pi you can buy. The installation process took maybe five minutes. You create an account, run two simple command lines on your Pi, click a verification link, and you're done. The service starts automatically at boot and runs quietly in the background.

After a few weeks, my Pi Zero was generating between $5 and $15 monthly. That might not sound like much, but consider this: the device costs $15, uses minimal electricity, and requires zero maintenance. You're looking at ROI within the first month, with everything afterward being pure profit.

Earnings depend on your country and network usage patterns. The payment threshold is just $2.50, meaning you can cash out quickly through PayPal. No waiting months to reach minimum withdrawal amounts like with crypto mining.

For those looking to maximize passive income, 👉 combining bandwidth-sharing services like Honeygain with EarnApp can boost your monthly earnings since both can run simultaneously on the same device without conflicts.

The beauty of this method is its scalability. If you have multiple Pis on different networks (like one at home and another at your office), you'll multiply your earnings. Even old phones, tablets, and laptops can join the party. The key is using different networks—running five devices on your home internet won't magically quintuple your income.

One thing to note: these services use your bandwidth for legitimate web scraping. Companies check competitor pricing, verify their ads display correctly across regions, and gather market data. Nothing shady, just businesses trying to understand the internet from different perspectives.

Picking Your Moneymaking Method

Let's be honest: crypto mining on a Pi is more educational than profitable. You'll learn about blockchain technology and mining pools, but don't expect meaningful returns. Storage sharing through platforms like STORJ offers better returns and scales with your available disk space. However, selling bandwidth through services like EarnApp delivers the best combination of easy setup, quick payouts, and consistent income.

My recommendation? Start with bandwidth sharing on any Pi you're already running 24/7. The installation literally takes minutes, and you'll see results within days. If you've got external storage lying around, add a STORJ node to the mix for additional income. Save crypto mining for those moments when you want to experiment and learn, not when you're chasing actual profits.

The real advantage of these passive income methods is their set-it-and-forget-it nature. Your Pi keeps earning while you focus on other things, slowly but surely offsetting its purchase cost and adding a little extra to your pocket each month.