Quick Overview
- 1#1: OneCause - Comprehensive mobile bidding and event management platform designed for seamless fundraising auctions.
- 2#2: GiveSmart - Mobile-first auction software with live bidding, donations, and event fundraising tools.
- 3#3: Auctria - All-in-one auction management system for silent, live, and online fundraising events.
- 4#4: BetterWorld - Online platform for virtual auctions, peer-to-peer fundraising, and donor engagement.
- 5#5: Handbid - Private mobile bidding app tailored for live and silent auction fundraising.
- 6#6: 32auctions - User-friendly online auction software for effortless nonprofit fundraising.
- 7#7: AuctionMobility - Mobile bidding and full auction management solution for charity events.
- 8#8: BiddingOwl - Free online silent auction platform with easy setup for small fundraisers.
- 9#9: CharityAuctionsPro - Cloud-based silent auction software with payments, inventory, and reporting.
- 10#10: Silent Auction Pro - Complete auction software for bidder check-in, paddle bidding, and payouts.
Ranked based on feature depth, usability, reliability, and value, with a focus on meeting the varied demands of nonprofit fundraising across live, silent, and virtual auctions.
Comparison Table
Fundraising auction software simplifies event planning and donation tracking, with tools like OneCause, GiveSmart, Auctria, and Handbid offering unique capabilities. This comparison table breaks down key features, pricing structures, and user experiences to help readers find the best fit for their organization’s needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OneCause Comprehensive mobile bidding and event management platform designed for seamless fundraising auctions. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | GiveSmart Mobile-first auction software with live bidding, donations, and event fundraising tools. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Auctria All-in-one auction management system for silent, live, and online fundraising events. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | BetterWorld Online platform for virtual auctions, peer-to-peer fundraising, and donor engagement. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Handbid Private mobile bidding app tailored for live and silent auction fundraising. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | 32auctions User-friendly online auction software for effortless nonprofit fundraising. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 7 | AuctionMobility Mobile bidding and full auction management solution for charity events. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | BiddingOwl Free online silent auction platform with easy setup for small fundraisers. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | CharityAuctionsPro Cloud-based silent auction software with payments, inventory, and reporting. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Silent Auction Pro Complete auction software for bidder check-in, paddle bidding, and payouts. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
Comprehensive mobile bidding and event management platform designed for seamless fundraising auctions.
Mobile-first auction software with live bidding, donations, and event fundraising tools.
All-in-one auction management system for silent, live, and online fundraising events.
Online platform for virtual auctions, peer-to-peer fundraising, and donor engagement.
Private mobile bidding app tailored for live and silent auction fundraising.
User-friendly online auction software for effortless nonprofit fundraising.
Mobile bidding and full auction management solution for charity events.
Free online silent auction platform with easy setup for small fundraisers.
Cloud-based silent auction software with payments, inventory, and reporting.
Complete auction software for bidder check-in, paddle bidding, and payouts.
OneCause
specializedComprehensive mobile bidding and event management platform designed for seamless fundraising auctions.
Text-to-bid mobile platform that allows instant, paddle-free bidding from any smartphone, driving higher engagement without hardware needs
OneCause is a premier fundraising auction software platform tailored for nonprofits, enabling seamless mobile bidding for silent, live, and online auctions at events like galas and fundraisers. It provides comprehensive tools for event management, real-time bidder engagement via text-to-bid or app, donor tracking, and post-event reporting to maximize revenue. The platform eliminates traditional paddles, boosting participation and bids through an intuitive mobile interface accessible to all guests.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile bidding app that increases bidder engagement and average revenue per event by 30-50%
- Robust integration with CRM systems like Salesforce and donor databases for streamlined management
- Excellent customer support with dedicated onboarding and 24/7 event-day assistance
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small or infrequent events, often requiring custom quotes
- Advanced customization may involve a learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Relies heavily on reliable internet and mobile connectivity at venues
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits hosting high-profile live auction events like galas where maximizing mobile bidder participation is key.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on event volume; typically $1,200+ per event or annual subscriptions starting at $5,000 for unlimited small events.
GiveSmart
specializedMobile-first auction software with live bidding, donations, and event fundraising tools.
Seamless mobile bidding app that turns any smartphone into a bidding paddle with real-time notifications and leaderboards
GiveSmart is a leading mobile-first fundraising platform tailored for nonprofits, enabling seamless live, silent, and online auctions at events. It provides tools for mobile bidding, text-to-bid, paddle raises, donor check-in, and real-time payment processing through a user-friendly app. The software integrates event management, donor tracking, and analytics to maximize fundraising efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile bidding app for guests with no hardware needed
- Comprehensive event toolkit including check-in, payments, and reporting
- Strong donor engagement features like text-to-donate and personalized appeals
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller or infrequent events
- Customization options limited in lower tiers
- Customer support response times vary during peak seasons
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits hosting high-profile galas and auctions that prioritize mobile accessibility and real-time bidding.
Pricing
Per-event pricing starts at around $4,000 with tiers based on attendee count; annual subscriptions from $10,000+ for frequent users.
Auctria
specializedAll-in-one auction management system for silent, live, and online fundraising events.
Integrated mobile bidding platform that unifies live, silent, and online auctions with paddle raise and buy-now options in one app
Auctria is a comprehensive fundraising auction software designed specifically for non-profits, schools, and event organizers to manage live, silent, and online auctions seamlessly. It offers a robust mobile bidding app, bidder registration, inventory management, ticketing, and integrated donor tracking with real-time reporting. The platform supports end-to-end event workflows, from pre-event setup to post-auction follow-ups, helping maximize fundraising efficiency.
Pros
- Powerful mobile bidding app with real-time updates for live, silent, and online auctions
- All-in-one platform including ticketing, payments, and donor management
- Excellent integrations with CRMs like Bloomerang and QuickBooks, plus strong analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve for first-time users and complex setup
- Pricing can be high for small or infrequent events
- Limited customization options for advanced users
Best For
Mid-to-large non-profits and schools hosting annual gala-style auctions with 200+ bidders needing robust mobile bidding.
Pricing
Per-event plans start at $595 (up to 200 bidders), annual unlimited plans from $2,495; additional fees for premium features like text bidding.
BetterWorld
specializedOnline platform for virtual auctions, peer-to-peer fundraising, and donor engagement.
Zero platform fees on auction bids, allowing nonprofits to keep 100% of proceeds
BetterWorld is a comprehensive fundraising platform tailored for nonprofits, enabling seamless online auctions, silent auctions, raffles, live streams, and donation campaigns. It provides mobile bidding apps, customizable event pages, donor management, and integrated payment processing to streamline virtual and hybrid events. The software emphasizes ease of setup and real-time bidder engagement, helping organizations maximize fundraising without technical hurdles.
Pros
- Completely free core platform with no fees on winning bids
- Intuitive drag-and-drop event builder and mobile bidding app
- Strong donor tracking and CRM integrations
Cons
- Limited advanced customization and reporting on free plan
- Scalability challenges for very large-scale events
- Customer support primarily email and chat-based
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits needing a cost-free, user-friendly solution for online auctions and fundraisers.
Pricing
Free forever plan for unlimited events (no platform fees on bids); Pro plans from $120/month for premium features like advanced reporting and white-labeling.
Handbid
specializedPrivate mobile bidding app tailored for live and silent auction fundraising.
Text-to-Bid, allowing guests to bid instantly via SMS without downloading an app or scanning QR codes
Handbid is a mobile-first fundraising auction software tailored for nonprofits, enabling seamless live, silent, and online auctions through its intuitive app and web platform. It supports features like text-to-bid, paddle raises, and real-time bidding without requiring hardware like bid boards. The platform streamlines event management from item setup to donor tracking and payment processing.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for bidders and staff
- Excellent real-time bidding with text-to-bid capability
- Robust integration with donor management tools
Cons
- Event-based pricing can be expensive for small fundraisers
- Limited advanced customization options
- Reporting features lack depth for complex analytics
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits and event planners hosting live gala auctions with tech-savvy audiences.
Pricing
Event-based pricing starts at $995 base fee plus 2.5-4% of gross proceeds; custom enterprise plans available.
32auctions
specializedUser-friendly online auction software for effortless nonprofit fundraising.
Unlimited free item listings with integrated text-to-bid for easy donor participation
32Auctions is a user-friendly online auction platform tailored for fundraising events, enabling nonprofits, schools, and charities to run silent, live, and online auctions effortlessly. It supports unlimited item listings, real-time mobile bidding via a free app, inventory management, and seamless payment processing. The software provides essential tools like bidder registration, paddle raises, and post-event reporting to maximize fundraising efficiency.
Pros
- Affordable tiered pricing with no per-item fees
- Quick setup and intuitive interface ideal for beginners
- Robust mobile bidding app with text-to-bid support
Cons
- Limited advanced customization and design options
- Basic reporting and analytics compared to premium competitors
- Customer support mainly via email without live chat
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits and schools hosting straightforward online fundraising auctions on a budget.
Pricing
Tiered flat fees per auction based on bidders ($99 for ≤100, $299 for 101-500, $599 for 501-1000, $999 for 1001+), plus standard payment processing fees (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction).
AuctionMobility
specializedMobile bidding and full auction management solution for charity events.
PaddleConnect technology that digitally replicates physical auction paddles for seamless live bidding via mobile devices
AuctionMobility is a robust fundraising auction software platform specializing in live, silent, online, and hybrid auctions for nonprofit events. It provides mobile bidding apps, real-time bidder management, customizable event pages, and integration with CRM systems to streamline fundraising operations. The tool excels in handling high-volume bids at galas and charity events, offering tools for paddle tracking, outbid notifications, and post-event reporting.
Pros
- Highly reliable mobile bidding app with real-time updates and paddle emulation
- Strong support for hybrid live/online events with seamless bidder transitions
- Comprehensive donor and bidder management with CRM integrations
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller events without flexible tiers
- Setup and customization require technical knowledge or support
- Reporting features lack advanced customization compared to top competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits organizing high-end galas or charity auctions needing professional-grade mobile and live bidding tools.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $2,500–$5,000 per event based on attendee size, with subscription options for frequent users and add-ons for premium features.
BiddingOwl
otherFree online silent auction platform with easy setup for small fundraisers.
Free, unlimited-use mobile bidding app with text-to-bid functionality
BiddingOwl is a user-friendly online auction platform tailored for nonprofits and fundraising events, enabling silent, live, paddle raise, and hybrid auctions. It handles bidder registration, mobile bidding, item management, and post-event payouts seamlessly. The software integrates with tools like QuickBooks and offers self-service kiosks for check-in, making it ideal for streamlined event execution.
Pros
- Intuitive setup with no coding required
- Robust mobile bidding app for anytime participation
- Flexible pricing with a free tier for small events
Cons
- Advanced reporting limited to higher plans
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customization options are somewhat basic
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits and schools hosting occasional fundraising auctions that prioritize ease of use and affordability.
Pricing
Revenue-based tiers: Free for up to $5K annual revenue; Starter ($39/mo for $5K-$25K); Professional ($99/mo for $25K-$100K); Enterprise custom.
CharityAuctionsPro
specializedCloud-based silent auction software with payments, inventory, and reporting.
Text-to-bid functionality allowing guests to bid instantly via SMS without downloading an app
CharityAuctionsPro is a specialized online platform for nonprofits to host silent, live, and mobile auctions during fundraising events. It features a bidder-friendly mobile app for real-time bidding via smartphones, eliminating paper paddles and streamlining check-ins, payments, and inventory management. The software includes tools for event pages, paddle raises, and post-event reporting, making it suitable for galas and virtual auctions.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile bidding app that engages bidders seamlessly
- Quick event setup with no software downloads required
- Strong customer support tailored to nonprofits
Cons
- Per-event pricing can accumulate for frequent users
- Limited advanced customization and integrations compared to enterprise tools
- Reporting lacks depth for complex data analysis
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits hosting occasional in-person or hybrid fundraising auctions who prioritize bidder engagement and simplicity.
Pricing
Event-based packages from $299 (Basic) to $999+ (Enterprise) per event, plus 2.9% + $0.30 processing fees per transaction; no monthly subscriptions.
Silent Auction Pro
specializedComplete auction software for bidder check-in, paddle bidding, and payouts.
Tablet kiosk system for interactive, paperless bid sheets
Silent Auction Pro is a specialized cloud-based software tailored for managing silent auctions at fundraising events, offering digital bid sheets, real-time bid tracking, and automated winner determination. It supports tablet kiosks for bidder interaction, check-in/out processes, and basic payment integration to streamline event operations. Primarily aimed at non-profits, it focuses on simplicity for one-off events rather than complex multi-format auctions.
Pros
- Intuitive setup with tablet-based kiosks for quick deployment
- Real-time bid updates and notifications to engage bidders
- Solid reporting tools for post-event analysis
Cons
- Limited to silent auctions; lacks live or online bidding support
- Basic integrations and customization options
- Event-based pricing can add up for frequent users
Best For
Small to mid-sized non-profits hosting occasional silent auctions who prioritize ease over advanced features.
Pricing
Event pricing starts at $99 for up to 50 items/unlimited bidders, with tiers up to $299 and annual subscriptions from $499.
Conclusion
Selecting the best fundraising auction software depends on specific needs, but the top tools deliver exceptional results. OneCause leads as the top choice, boasting a seamless combination of mobile bidding and event management. GiveSmart and Auctria, ranking second and third, excel with their mobile-first and all-in-one features, making them excellent alternatives for different organizational priorities.
Don’t miss out—try the top-ranked OneCause to unlock its comprehensive tools and transform your next auction into a memorable, successful fundraiser.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison