Quick Overview
- 1#1: GiveSmart - Comprehensive mobile bidding and event management platform designed for charity auctions and nonprofit fundraisers.
- 2#2: OneCause - All-in-one fundraising software with live, silent, and mobile bidding tools tailored for charity events.
- 3#3: Auctria - User-friendly online auction management system for nonprofits handling bidder registration, bidding, and payments.
- 4#4: 32auctions - Affordable online auction platform enabling easy setup of silent and live charity auctions with real-time bidding.
- 5#5: Charity Auctions Pro - Simple online silent auction software focused on quick setup, mobile bidding, and donor management for charities.
- 6#6: Handbid - Mobile-first bidding app that streamlines charity auctions with text bidding, paddles, and fundraising tools.
- 7#7: LiveRebid - Real-time online and mobile bidding platform for hosting engaging live and silent charity auctions.
- 8#8: GalaBid - Event-focused auction software supporting paddle raises, silent auctions, and mobile bidding for galas.
- 9#9: Text2Bid - Text-based mobile bidding system that allows guests to bid on auction items via SMS for charity events.
- 10#10: Silent Auction Pro - Dedicated software for managing silent auctions including item tracking, bidding sheets, and reporting for nonprofits.
We ranked tools based on a blend of features (including real-time and mobile bidding), user-friendliness, performance reliability, and overall value, ensuring the list reflects the best options for nonprofits of all sizes and event types.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right charity auction software is critical for successful events, and this comparison table simplifies the process by highlighting tools like GiveSmart, OneCause, Auctria, 32auctions, Charity Auctions Pro, and more. It breaks down key features, usability, and support to help readers identify the best fit for their organization’s goals and needs. By comparing these options, readers gain clarity on how each tool can streamline planning, engagement, and fundraising efforts.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GiveSmart Comprehensive mobile bidding and event management platform designed for charity auctions and nonprofit fundraisers. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | OneCause All-in-one fundraising software with live, silent, and mobile bidding tools tailored for charity events. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Auctria User-friendly online auction management system for nonprofits handling bidder registration, bidding, and payments. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | 32auctions Affordable online auction platform enabling easy setup of silent and live charity auctions with real-time bidding. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 5 | Charity Auctions Pro Simple online silent auction software focused on quick setup, mobile bidding, and donor management for charities. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Handbid Mobile-first bidding app that streamlines charity auctions with text bidding, paddles, and fundraising tools. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | LiveRebid Real-time online and mobile bidding platform for hosting engaging live and silent charity auctions. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | GalaBid Event-focused auction software supporting paddle raises, silent auctions, and mobile bidding for galas. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Text2Bid Text-based mobile bidding system that allows guests to bid on auction items via SMS for charity events. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Silent Auction Pro Dedicated software for managing silent auctions including item tracking, bidding sheets, and reporting for nonprofits. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
Comprehensive mobile bidding and event management platform designed for charity auctions and nonprofit fundraisers.
All-in-one fundraising software with live, silent, and mobile bidding tools tailored for charity events.
User-friendly online auction management system for nonprofits handling bidder registration, bidding, and payments.
Affordable online auction platform enabling easy setup of silent and live charity auctions with real-time bidding.
Simple online silent auction software focused on quick setup, mobile bidding, and donor management for charities.
Mobile-first bidding app that streamlines charity auctions with text bidding, paddles, and fundraising tools.
Real-time online and mobile bidding platform for hosting engaging live and silent charity auctions.
Event-focused auction software supporting paddle raises, silent auctions, and mobile bidding for galas.
Text-based mobile bidding system that allows guests to bid on auction items via SMS for charity events.
Dedicated software for managing silent auctions including item tracking, bidding sheets, and reporting for nonprofits.
GiveSmart
specializedComprehensive mobile bidding and event management platform designed for charity auctions and nonprofit fundraisers.
Paddle-free mobile bidding platform that enables guests to bid, donate, and buy tickets instantly from their smartphones
GiveSmart is a leading all-in-one fundraising platform tailored for charity auctions, galas, and nonprofit events, offering mobile bidding, live and silent auction management, and donor engagement tools. It streamlines event setup with customizable bid sheets, real-time analytics, and integrated payment processing for seamless transactions. The platform also provides post-event reporting and CRM integration to maximize donor retention and fundraising impact.
Pros
- Seamless mobile bidding app for real-time participation without paddles
- Comprehensive donor tracking and CRM integrations like Salesforce
- Robust analytics and reporting for data-driven fundraising insights
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small nonprofits or infrequent events
- Requires stable internet for live events
- Customization options limited compared to enterprise-level CRMs
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits and event organizers hosting sophisticated charity auctions and galas that need professional-grade mobile bidding and donor management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; event packages start around $2,500-$5,000 per event, with annual subscriptions from $500-$2,000/month based on volume and features.
OneCause
specializedAll-in-one fundraising software with live, silent, and mobile bidding tools tailored for charity events.
Text-to-bid mobile technology allowing instant guest participation via SMS without app downloads
OneCause is a leading charity auction software platform tailored for nonprofits, offering end-to-end tools for live, silent, and online auctions. It features mobile bidding via text or app, donor management, item tracking, and real-time reporting to maximize fundraising efficiency. The platform integrates seamlessly with event management systems, making it ideal for galas and fundraisers seeking a professional, tech-driven auction experience.
Pros
- Seamless mobile bidding without requiring app downloads via text-to-bid
- Comprehensive reporting and donor insights for post-event analysis
- Strong customer support and training resources for smooth implementation
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small or infrequent events
- Setup requires some technical familiarity for custom integrations
- Limited free tier or trial options for testing
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits hosting high-profile galas or multi-event fundraisers that need reliable mobile bidding and robust analytics.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at ~$2,000 per event or annual subscriptions from $5,000+ depending on volume and features.
Auctria
specializedUser-friendly online auction management system for nonprofits handling bidder registration, bidding, and payments.
Built-in mobile bidder app with offline capabilities and seamless text-to-bid for enhanced live auction engagement
Auctria is a comprehensive charity auction software platform designed specifically for nonprofits to manage silent, live, and online auctions seamlessly. It offers tools for bidder registration, mobile bidding via a dedicated app, inventory management, real-time reporting, and integrated payment processing. The solution also includes donor management features to facilitate post-event follow-ups and fundraising CRM integration.
Pros
- Intuitive interface suitable for non-technical volunteers
- Robust mobile bidding app with text-to-bid functionality
- Strong customer support and setup assistance
Cons
- Event-based pricing can be costly for very small organizations
- Limited third-party integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Advanced customization requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits hosting annual galas or fundraisers needing an all-in-one auction solution with minimal setup.
Pricing
Event-based pricing starts at $1,200 per event (up to 200 bidders), scaling to $4,000+ for larger events; annual subscriptions from $495/month available.
32auctions
specializedAffordable online auction platform enabling easy setup of silent and live charity auctions with real-time bidding.
Success-based pricing model that eliminates risk for charities with no setup or monthly fees
32auctions is a web-based platform tailored for charities and non-profits to run silent, live, and online auctions with minimal setup. It offers bidder management, item cataloging, mobile bidding via app, real-time updates, and integrated payments, all hosted securely without software installation. The service emphasizes ease for fundraisers, providing reports and tools to maximize donations efficiently.
Pros
- No upfront or subscription fees—pay only a small commission on successful bids
- Intuitive interface ideal for non-technical users
- Supports multiple auction formats with mobile bidding app
Cons
- Limited customization options for branding and advanced workflows
- Reporting lacks depth compared to enterprise tools
- Customer support can be slow during peak seasons
Best For
Small to mid-sized charities seeking a straightforward, low-risk platform for occasional auctions without ongoing costs.
Pricing
Free to use; 2.9% + payment processing fees on winning bids only.
Charity Auctions Pro
specializedSimple online silent auction software focused on quick setup, mobile bidding, and donor management for charities.
Seamless mobile bidding app that allows guests to bid via text or app with instant outbid alerts
Charity Auctions Pro is a comprehensive online auction platform designed specifically for nonprofits to host silent, live, and mobile auctions. It streamlines item management, real-time bidding with outbid notifications, secure payment processing, and post-event reporting. The software supports both virtual and hybrid events, making it ideal for remote fundraising.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick setup
- Robust mobile bidding app with push notifications
- Strong customer support tailored to nonprofits
Cons
- Pricing can add up for high-volume events
- Limited advanced customization options
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits seeking an easy-to-use platform for online silent and live auctions without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (billed annually) for Starter plan; Pro at $99/month, Enterprise custom; free trial available.
Handbid
specializedMobile-first bidding app that streamlines charity auctions with text bidding, paddles, and fundraising tools.
Text-to-bid capability allowing instant participation without app downloads
Handbid is a mobile-first charity auction software platform that specializes in live, silent, and online auctions for nonprofit events. It offers real-time bidding via a dedicated app, text-to-bid functionality, and comprehensive event management tools including donor tracking and paddle raises. The platform emphasizes bidder engagement to boost fundraising results through seamless mobile experiences.
Pros
- Highly engaging mobile bidding app with text-to-bid for quick access
- Robust tools for live events including paddle raises and real-time leaderboards
- Strong customer support and integrations with payment processors
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller organizations with per-event and bidder fees
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options compared to enterprise tools
- Setup requires some technical know-how for optimal use
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits hosting in-person or hybrid charity galas seeking high bidder engagement via mobile.
Pricing
Custom pricing typically starts at $2,000-$5,000 per event plus $1.95-$3.95 per bidder and 3-5% transaction fees.
LiveRebid
specializedReal-time online and mobile bidding platform for hosting engaging live and silent charity auctions.
Patented one-tap ReBid button for instant outbidding, speeding up live auction pacing
LiveRebid is a mobile bidding platform tailored for charity auctions, offering live bidding, silent auctions, raffles, and paddle raises through an intuitive app and text-to-bid features. It provides real-time updates, leaderboards, and seamless payment processing to help nonprofits maximize fundraising at events. The software emphasizes quick setup and bidder engagement without requiring downloads for all participants.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for real-time bidding and notifications
- Text-to-Bid allows easy participation without app downloads
- Strong focus on live auction dynamics with quick re-bid functionality
Cons
- Transaction fees (around 6-8%) can reduce net proceeds for smaller events
- Limited advanced reporting and CRM integrations compared to top competitors
- Customization options are basic for highly complex multi-event setups
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits and event organizers running live charity auctions who prioritize mobile bidder engagement over full-suite event management.
Pricing
Transaction-based pricing at 6-8% per winning bid plus optional setup fees ($500+ for custom events); free for trials and small fundraisers under $10K.
GalaBid
specializedEvent-focused auction software supporting paddle raises, silent auctions, and mobile bidding for galas.
Text-to-bid via SMS, allowing instant bidding without apps or WiFi for guests
GalaBid is a mobile-first charity auction software platform designed for seamless silent, live, and online auctions at fundraising events. It enables text-to-bid functionality, self-check-in kiosks, paddle bidding, raffles, and real-time leaderboards accessible via SMS or web without requiring app downloads. The tool also handles donations, item management, and post-event reporting to maximize fundraising efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile bidding via text or browser, no app needed
- Supports multiple auction formats including silent, live, and raffles
- Strong post-event reporting and donor tracking
Cons
- Pricing is per-event based, which can add up for frequent users
- Limited advanced customization for branding and workflows
- Fewer integrations with CRM tools compared to top competitors
Best For
Mid-sized non-profits and event planners hosting galas who prioritize simple, guest-friendly mobile bidding.
Pricing
Event-based pricing starts at $299 for up to 200 bidders, scaling to $1,499+ for larger events with unlimited bidders; custom quotes available.
Text2Bid
specializedText-based mobile bidding system that allows guests to bid on auction items via SMS for charity events.
SMS text-to-bid system that allows instant bidding and updates without downloads or internet
Text2Bid is a mobile-first auction platform designed for charity events, enabling bidders to participate via simple SMS text messages without needing an app, WiFi, or account creation. It supports silent, live, and paddle raise auctions with real-time bid notifications and leaderboards delivered directly to participants' phones. Organizers manage auctions through a web-based dashboard, making it ideal for fundraisers seeking hassle-free mobile engagement.
Pros
- Seamless SMS bidding with no app required
- Real-time text alerts and leaderboards for high engagement
- Quick event setup and reliable cellular-based access
Cons
- Limited advanced auction types compared to full platforms
- Per-event pricing may not suit high-volume users
- Relies on bidder phone service quality
Best For
Charity organizers hosting live or silent auctions at events where simple, app-free mobile bidding maximizes participation.
Pricing
Event-based pricing starting at $495 for up to 100 bidders, with higher tiers up to $1,495+ for larger events; pay-per-bidder options available.
Silent Auction Pro
specializedDedicated software for managing silent auctions including item tracking, bidding sheets, and reporting for nonprofits.
Text-to-Bid SMS functionality that lets bidders participate instantly via phone without needing an app or WiFi.
Silent Auction Pro is a specialized cloud-based platform tailored for managing silent auctions at charity events, offering tools for bidder registration, real-time mobile bidding, and payment processing. It streamlines event setup with customizable item displays and provides post-event reporting for fundraising insights. Ideal for nonprofits seeking a straightforward solution without the need for complex integrations.
Pros
- Intuitive setup with drag-and-drop item management
- Real-time bidding via web and SMS without app downloads
- Strong customer support and reliable uptime during events
Cons
- Limited to silent auctions, lacking live or hybrid auction support
- Per-event pricing model can become costly for frequent users
- Customization options are somewhat basic compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits and event planners hosting occasional silent auctions who prioritize simplicity and mobile accessibility.
Pricing
Starts at $99 per event for up to 100 bidders, with tiered plans up to $499 for unlimited bidders; annual subscriptions available for heavy users.
Conclusion
The reviewed charity auction software varies in focus, yet all deliver value in streamlining events—from mobile bidding to donor management. GiveSmart leads as the top choice, boasting a comprehensive platform that sets a high bar. OneCause and Auctria stand as strong alternatives, each offering unique strengths to suit different organizational needs.
Ready to transform your next charity event? GiveSmart’s robust tools can turn bids into tangible impact—start exploring to make your fundraising goals a reality.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison