DataAnnotation vs Remotasks
Honest head-to-head: pay rates, payout speed, modalities, and what real contributors say. Plus a third option worth knowing about before you commit to either.
What is DataAnnotation?
DataAnnotation is Surge AI's contributor-facing brand. It owns the unbranded category term 'data annotation' on Google and pays well per task — but acceptance windows are long, the waitlist is unpredictable, and bans land with no explanation.
What is Remotasks?
Remotasks is Scale AI's older contributor brand. Onboarding was historically friendly — but in 2024 the company shut down or restricted contributors in Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, and several other emerging markets. Trustpilot rating is now 2.1 and active contributor sentiment is hostile.
| Criterion | DataAnnotation | Remotasks |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $20–$40/hr | $5–$15/hr |
| Payout speed | 7 days | 7 days |
| Payment methods | PayPal | PayPal |
| Modalities | text, code, expertise | text, video, photo |
| Audience | US-leaning | Asia-leaning |
| Trustpilot | 4.2 / 5 | 2.1 / 5 |
Sources: DataAnnotation and Remotasks's public sites, Trustpilot, public Reddit threads.
Before you pick DataAnnotation or Remotasks, read this
Crowtado is a third option for contributors comparing DataAnnotation and Remotasks. You record conversations and everyday video, and each task shows its rate before you start.
Compare Crowtado directly to either platform:
We publish this page, which is why Crowtado appears on it.
DataAnnotation vs Remotasks — what to know first.
DataAnnotation or Remotasks — which pays more?
DataAnnotation's top range ($20–$40/hr) is higher than Remotasks's ($5–$15/hr) for premium tiers. Remotasks can match for specific categories. Check the per-brief rate before starting either platform.
Which is more reliable, DataAnnotation or Remotasks?
Both have public reliability complaints. DataAnnotation: Waitlist forever — applied months ago, no response.. Remotasks: Banned in my country with no warning; account locked and unpaid balance forfeited.. Public Trustpilot ratings: DataAnnotation 4.2, Remotasks 2.1.
Is there a better option than DataAnnotation or Remotasks?
Crowtado is a third option: you record conversations and everyday video, each task shows its rate before you start, and you're paid for accepted work. Which platform fits depends on the work you want and where you live. The links above compare Crowtado with each platform directly.
Can I work on DataAnnotation and Remotasks at the same time?
Both DataAnnotation and Remotasks allow contributors to work on other platforms — that's standard in the data labeling category. Tax reporting becomes the main complication; track payouts from each platform separately and consult a tax pro for thresholds in your country.
See which tasks are open to you
Tasks depend on your language, country and equipment. Create a free account to see the ones you can do.