With the turn of the year to 2024, passive income continues to be a hot topic for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. The dream of earning money with minimal ongoing effort can be particularly appealing. As we look towards self-sustaining businesses that promise steady returns, here are the 15 best businesses that run themselves for passive income in 2024:

1. Automated Dropshipping Stores: Online stores using dropshipping can largely automate order processing and inventory management.

2. High-Dividend Stock Portfolios: Building a portfolio of high-dividend-yielding stocks continues to be a preferred method for passive earnings.

3. eBook Sales: Writing and selling eBooks on platforms like Amazon can provide continual income with no additional effort post-publication.

4. App Development: Creating a popular app can generate revenue through in-app purchases or ad space.

5. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Investing in REITs allows individuals to earn dividends from real estate investments without managing properties.

6. Blogging with Affiliate Marketing: Maintaining a blog with evergreen content and affiliate links can yield commissions over time.

7. Online Courses: Designing and filming online courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable can earn passive income each time a student enrolls.

8. Vending Machine Routes: Well-placed vending machines can provide cash flow with minimal maintenance required.

9. Peer-to-Peer Lending Platforms: By lending money to individuals or small businesses online, investors can collect interest akin to that of a traditional bank.

10. Subscription Box Services: Curating subscription boxes around a niche theme can create steady recurring income from subscribers.

11. Royalty-Income from Creative Work: Artists, musicians, photographers, and writers can all earn royalties from their intellectual property being used or licensed.

12. ATM Ownership: Private ATM operators earn fees from transactions conducted through their machines.

13. Solar Energy Farms: Leasing land for solar energy farms allows landowners to earn passive income from energy companies.

14. Self-Storage Units: Renting out self-storage units requires low oversight but typically promises high demand and steady cash flow.

15. Fully Automated Laundromats: Modern laundromats with automated systems require little day-to-day involvement but consistently serve customers’ needs.

Each of these business models offers an attractive avenue for generating passive income, but it’s important to do due diligence before investing as they also come with varying degrees of risk and required upfront investment.