We tested both platforms with the same demographic profile (US, 28-35, college-educated, employed full-time) to make the comparison fair.
The Hourly Rate Gap is Huge
Prolific averaged $7.20/hr across our test period. Survey Junkie averaged $1.35/hr. That is not a typo — Prolific pays over 5x more per hour.
The reason is structural. Prolific requires researchers to pay at least minimum wage and has a strict no-unfair-rejection policy. Survey Junkie has no such protections.
Disqualification Rates
Survey Junkie screened us out of 67% of surveys we attempted before earning anything. Prolific's pre-screening system means you only see studies you qualify for — our disqualification rate on Prolific was 12%.
When Survey Junkie Makes Sense
If you are in the US and Prolific has nothing available (it happens, especially on weekends), Survey Junkie provides a consistent backup. It is better than nothing. But it should never be your primary platform.