Is PatientsLikeMe Legit? 2026 Review, Safety Score & Payouts
By GrindBoss Team • Last updated: January 8, 2026
PatientsLikeMe Review Quick Verdict
The Bottom Line: PatientsLikeMe is a health community where you can share your health journey and connect with others. While its main goal is support, you can earn compensation for specific research studies.
Why We Love It
- Supportive health community
- Connect with others like you
- Track your health insights
The Catch
- ✕Earning opportunities are not the main focus
- ✕Compensation details vary and are not always clear
We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What is PatientsLikeMe & How Does It Work?
PatientsLikeMe is an online health community for people living with various medical conditions. You can share your health story and connect with others who understand your experiences.
Unlike typical survey sites, PatientsLikeMe focuses on peer support and health insights, with earning compensation for specific research studies as a secondary benefit.
At A Glance
- TypeSurvey
- PlatformDesktop & Mobile Web
- CostFree
- Est. Year2005 (21 Years)
How It Works
Share Your Story
You create a profile and share details about your health journey. You decide how much information you want to give.
Find Your Community
You can join communities for over 2,800 conditions. This helps you connect with people facing similar health challenges.
Take Part in Studies
You might be invited to participate in specific research studies. These studies offer compensation for your time and data.
Is PatientsLikeMe Legit or a Scam? (Safety Check)
It is important to check if an online platform is safe and trustworthy. We looked into PatientsLikeMe's background and security.
- Real Company, Long History: PatientsLikeMe was started in 2005 by brothers Jamie and Ben Heywood. They created the platform to help people with health conditions connect and share experiences.
- Strong Data Security: The platform holds SOC 2, Type II accreditation. This means they follow strict rules to keep your health information secure and private.
- Trusted by Many: Over 850,000 members use PatientsLikeMe to connect. The platform's insights have been used in more than 100 studies published in medical journals.
- Transparent Mission: Their mission is to empower patients through community and shared experiences. They are clear about using member data to help others and advance health understanding.
Verdict: Legit
PatientsLikeMe is a legitimate and established platform. It focuses on patient community and data security. It is not a scam and has a long history of operation.
How Much Money Can You Make? (Earning Potential)
PatientsLikeMe is not designed as a primary way to earn money. However, there are opportunities to receive compensation.
- Compensation for Studies: You can earn compensation by taking part in specific research studies. These opportunities are not available all the time.
- No Guaranteed Hourly Rate: The platform does not advertise a set hourly pay rate. How much you earn depends on the specific research study you participate in.
- Earnings Are a Bonus: Think of any earnings as a bonus for contributing your health data to research. It is not a consistent income source like a typical gig.
- Varies by Project: The amount you can earn will vary greatly. It depends on the length and type of study, and if you qualify for it.
Bottom Line: Earning money is possible through specific research studies. However, it is not the main purpose of PatientsLikeMe and should not be seen as a steady income.
PatientsLikeMe Payment Methods & Cashout Speed
Understanding how you get paid is important for any platform where you can earn money. PatientsLikeMe offers specific payment options.
- Payment Method: Compensation is typically sent via check or Amazon gift cards. Be aware of these options before you begin.
- Minimum Cashout: The minimum amount you need to earn before getting paid varies by each project or study. There is no standard minimum across the platform.
- Cashout Speed: Payment processing time is dependent on the specific medical research project. It is not an instant payout system.
- Approval Process: Your compensation will be processed after you successfully complete a research study and it is approved by the researchers.
- Tax Considerations: Any earnings you receive might be taxable income. You are responsible for reporting this income if required in your location.
Bottom Line: Payment methods are limited to checks and Amazon gift cards. Payout speed and minimums depend on the individual research project you join.
Pros and Cons of Using PatientsLikeMe
The Good
- Supportive Community. You can connect with many others who share similar health conditions.
- Health Insights. The platform helps you track your health and learn from shared experiences.
- Free to Join. It costs nothing to sign up and become a member of the community.
- Contribute to Research. Your shared data helps advance medical understanding and research.
- Secure Platform. PatientsLikeMe is SOC 2, Type II accredited for data security.
The Bad
- Limited Earning Focus. The primary goal is community support, not earning money, so opportunities are not frequent.
- Unclear Compensation. Details about how much you earn for studies are often not advertised upfront.
- Variable Payouts. Payment amounts and speed depend entirely on the specific research study.
- Specific Payment Methods. You can only get paid through checks or Amazon gift cards, which might not suit everyone.
PatientsLikeMe Frequently Asked Questions
Is PatientsLikeMe legit or a scam?
PatientsLikeMe is a legitimate platform. It has been around since 2005 and is SOC 2, Type II accredited for strong data security. It is a real health community.
How much money can I earn on PatientsLikeMe?
Earnings vary widely. You can earn compensation for specific research studies, but there is no set hourly rate. It is not a platform for consistent income.
How fast do payments arrive from PatientsLikeMe?
Payment speed depends on the specific research project you participate in. It is not an instant payment system, and payouts are project-dependent.
What payment methods does PatientsLikeMe offer?
PatientsLikeMe typically sends compensation via check or Amazon gift cards. Other payment options like PayPal are not available.
Who can join PatientsLikeMe to earn money?
Anyone living with a health condition can join the community. To earn money, you must qualify for and participate in specific research studies that offer compensation.
How can I get more research study opportunities?
Make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date. This helps the platform match you with relevant research studies you might qualify for.
What is the main purpose of PatientsLikeMe?
The main purpose is to provide a supportive community for people with health conditions. It helps members connect, share experiences, and track their health journey.
