Macadam vs PenguPace (2026):
Which Walking App Pays More?
⚡ Key Takeaways
- ✓ Both apps are legit and pay real money — results depend on how you use them
- ✓ Walking alone earns ~$1.20/month on both apps ($0.04 per 10,000 steps) — offers are where the money is
- ✓ PenguPace pays more — larger offer system, $1.50–$100+ rewards, $1 min. cashout
- ⚠ PenguPace now requires completing offers to keep step rewards active (2026 update)
Our Verdict
PenguPace wins on earnings
Macadam wins on simplicity
Free to join · No credit card required
What Are Macadam and PenguPace?
PenguPace pays more — but only if you engage with its offers. Macadam is simpler and more passive, but earnings come slowly. Both apps are legitimate, and both combine the same two earning models:
- → Move-to-Earn — small rewards for daily steps
- → Get-Paid-To (GPT) — higher rewards for offers, games, and tasks
Macadam is available on Android and iOS and focuses more on passive step tracking. PenguPace is Android-only and part of the Scrambly ecosystem, with a stronger focus on offers.
The key idea: walking is just the entry point. Most earnings come from engagement.
PenguPace
Android · $1 min. cashout · Same-day payout
Macadam
iOS + Android · Simple step tracker
How These Apps Work
Macadam: passive-first approach
Macadam syncs with Apple Health or Google Fit and tracks your steps automatically. However, you must manually convert your steps into rewards each day. If you forget, those steps don't count.
There is also a Crown Status program (Bronze, Silver, Gold) that unlocks better rewards and lower cashout thresholds over time. It's simple and mostly passive, but still requires daily consistency.
PenguPace: engagement-based rewards
PenguPace uses a built-in step tracker and rewards users at milestones: 2,500, 5,000, and 7,500+ steps. At the same time, it integrates offers directly into the earning system. This makes it more dynamic — but also less passive.
2026 Update: PenguPace Changed Step Rewards
PenguPace introduced an important update in 2026: to keep step rewards active, you now need to complete at least one milestone in an offer every few days.
| Before 2026 | Now (2026) |
|---|---|
| Walking alone → rewards | Walking + offer activity → rewards |
| Fully passive | Hybrid system |
What this means for passive users
If you only walk and never touch the offers, step rewards will pause. Active users who complete offers every few days earn normally. PenguPace is now a hybrid system — not a purely passive walking app.
How Much Can You Really Earn?
This is the most important question — and the answer depends heavily on how you use the app.
Walking income
Both apps pay about the same for steps: roughly $0.04 per 10,000 steps (1 cent per 2,500 steps on PenguPace). At 10,000 steps/day that adds up to about ~$1.20/month from walking alone. Treat this as a bonus, not an income stream.
Offer income
This is where the real difference shows up. Macadam has smaller offers and slower earnings. PenguPace has a larger offer system with rewards ranging from $1.50 to $100+ depending on the task.
per month
per week
(PenguPace)
(PenguPace)
Real scenarios by usage type
| User Type | Typical Earnings | Effort Required |
|---|---|---|
| Passive (walks only) | ~$1–$2/month | Minimal |
| Casual (light offers) | ~$5–$10/week | Light activity |
| Active (regular offers) | Higher, depends on offers | Regular engagement |
Why results vary so much
Passive users earn ~$1.20/month and think the apps don't pay. Active users completing offers earn $5–$10/week and tell others it's worth it. Both are correct — they're just using the apps differently.
How These Apps Actually Make Money
Both apps earn revenue from ads, affiliate installs, and offer completions — not from your steps. Steps are the hook that keeps you opening the app daily. The actual revenue comes when you complete an offer or install a game. That's why the offer system always pays 10–100× more than walking.
Once you understand this, the strategy is obvious: treat step rewards as a small daily bonus, and focus your time on the highest-paying offers. Skip anything that pays under $1 for more than 10 minutes of effort.
Macadam vs PenguPace: Full Comparison
| Feature | Macadam | PenguPace ★ |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | iOS + Android | Android only |
| Step earnings | ~€0.03–€0.05 / 10k steps | Similar |
| Offer size | Smaller | $1.50–$100+ |
| Min. cashout | €15–$20 (by tier) | $1 |
| Payout methods | PayPal (US) / SEPA (EU) | PayPal + gift cards |
| Passive use | Better | Requires offers (2026) |
| Earning potential | Lower | Higher |
| Ease of use | Simpler | More features |
Pros and Cons
Macadam
Pros
- + Available on iOS and Android
- + Simple, passive-friendly setup
- + Syncs with Apple Health and Google Fit
- + Crown Status program — better rewards at higher tiers
- + PayPal (US) and SEPA bank transfer (EU) cashout
Cons
- − Steps must be manually converted daily
- − Smaller offer system — slower earnings
- − High minimum cashout: €15–$20 depending on tier and method
PenguPace
Pros
- + Large offer system — $1.50 to $100+ per task
- + $1 minimum cashout — fast first reward
- + Same-day payouts after reaching $1
- + Higher earning potential than Macadam
Cons
- − Android only — no iOS
- − Now requires offer activity to keep step rewards active
- − More complex than Macadam for beginners
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your goal — not on which app is objectively "better."
Passive users
Choose Macadam if:
- → You want a passive step tracker with minimal effort
- → You're on iOS and PenguPace isn't available to you
- → You don't care about fast earnings
Better earnings
Choose PenguPace if:
- → You're on Android and want to actually earn
- → You want to reach your first cashout fast ($1 minimum)
- → You're okay completing an offer every few days
Ready to start earning?
PenguPace · Android · $1 min. cashout
Walking App Alternatives
If neither app fits, here's how they compare to other apps we've reviewed:
| App | Best For | Avg. Monthly | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| PenguPace ★ | Walking + offers | $5–$40 | Android |
| Macadam | Passive walkers | €1–€3 | iOS + Android |
| Scrambly | Walking + surveys | €3–€15 | iOS + Android |
| Best Walk-to-Earn Apps 2026 | Full roundup | Varies | Various |
| Benjamin | Surveys + tasks | €3–€12 | iOS + Android |
Final Verdict
Macadam is best for passive use and simplicity. If you want to set-and-forget a step tracker across iOS or Android without worrying about offers, Macadam is the easier choice — though payout will be slow.
PenguPace is the better earner. With a $1 minimum cashout, fast PayPal payouts, and a large offer system, active users can realistically earn $5–$10/week — not waiting months for a first payout like on Macadam (which requires €15 / 30,000 coins to cash out). The 2026 update added an offer requirement for step rewards, but for anyone willing to engage every few days, the higher earning potential makes it clearly worth it.
If you're on Android and want real rewards for the walking you already do — PenguPace is where to start.
Try PenguPace for Free
Android Only · No credit card
