Quick Overview
- 1#1: HiBid - Comprehensive online auction platform offering live webcast bidding, timed auctions, and real-time bidder engagement for virtual events.
- 2#2: Proxibid - Global marketplace for live and online auctions with secure bidding, inventory management, and virtual auction streaming capabilities.
- 3#3: OneCause - Fundraising platform with virtual auction tools including mobile bidding, live events, and seamless payment processing.
- 4#4: GiveSmart - Mobile-first auction software for virtual and hybrid events featuring real-time bidding, donor management, and live streaming integration.
- 5#5: Handbid - Engaging mobile bidding platform for silent and live virtual auctions with paddle raise and text-to-bid features.
- 6#6: Auctria - All-in-one auction management software supporting online bidding, virtual events, ticketing, and CRM integration.
- 7#7: BetterWorld - User-friendly online auction platform for nonprofits with virtual bidding, customizable pages, and donation matching.
- 8#8: BidJS - Cloud-based virtual auction software providing live bidding, video integration, and multi-channel promotion tools.
- 9#9: 32auctions - Simple online auction platform for virtual silent auctions with easy item listing and real-time bidding updates.
- 10#10: BiddingOwl - Free auction management tool for virtual events offering bidder registration, online payments, and basic bidding features.
These tools were chosen and ranked by evaluating features, quality, ease of use, and value to ensure they deliver robust performance across key metrics like live streaming, bidding mechanics, and integration capabilities.
Comparison Table
Explore the world of virtual auction software with a comprehensive comparison table showcasing tools like HiBid, Proxibid, OneCause, GiveSmart, Handbid, and additional platforms. Readers will discover key features, pricing models, integration options, and optimal use cases to identify the best fit for their event objectives, whether for charity, corporate, or community gatherings.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HiBid Comprehensive online auction platform offering live webcast bidding, timed auctions, and real-time bidder engagement for virtual events. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Proxibid Global marketplace for live and online auctions with secure bidding, inventory management, and virtual auction streaming capabilities. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | OneCause Fundraising platform with virtual auction tools including mobile bidding, live events, and seamless payment processing. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | GiveSmart Mobile-first auction software for virtual and hybrid events featuring real-time bidding, donor management, and live streaming integration. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Handbid Engaging mobile bidding platform for silent and live virtual auctions with paddle raise and text-to-bid features. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Auctria All-in-one auction management software supporting online bidding, virtual events, ticketing, and CRM integration. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | BetterWorld User-friendly online auction platform for nonprofits with virtual bidding, customizable pages, and donation matching. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | BidJS Cloud-based virtual auction software providing live bidding, video integration, and multi-channel promotion tools. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | 32auctions Simple online auction platform for virtual silent auctions with easy item listing and real-time bidding updates. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 10 | BiddingOwl Free auction management tool for virtual events offering bidder registration, online payments, and basic bidding features. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
Comprehensive online auction platform offering live webcast bidding, timed auctions, and real-time bidder engagement for virtual events.
Global marketplace for live and online auctions with secure bidding, inventory management, and virtual auction streaming capabilities.
Fundraising platform with virtual auction tools including mobile bidding, live events, and seamless payment processing.
Mobile-first auction software for virtual and hybrid events featuring real-time bidding, donor management, and live streaming integration.
Engaging mobile bidding platform for silent and live virtual auctions with paddle raise and text-to-bid features.
All-in-one auction management software supporting online bidding, virtual events, ticketing, and CRM integration.
User-friendly online auction platform for nonprofits with virtual bidding, customizable pages, and donation matching.
Cloud-based virtual auction software providing live bidding, video integration, and multi-channel promotion tools.
Simple online auction platform for virtual silent auctions with easy item listing and real-time bidding updates.
Free auction management tool for virtual events offering bidder registration, online payments, and basic bidding features.
HiBid
enterpriseComprehensive online auction platform offering live webcast bidding, timed auctions, and real-time bidder engagement for virtual events.
Exclusive access to a proprietary network of over 5 million verified bidders, driving unprecedented attendance and bidding competition.
HiBid is a comprehensive virtual auction platform designed for auctioneers to host live webcast, timed online, and buy-now auctions with real-time bidding capabilities. It offers robust tools for inventory cataloging, bidder registration and management, mobile bidding apps, and integrated payment processing. The software connects auctioneers to a vast network of over 5 million registered bidders, enabling seamless hybrid and fully virtual auction experiences.
Pros
- Access to millions of pre-registered bidders across a global network
- Powerful simulcast features for hybrid live/online auctions
- Advanced analytics, reporting, and mobile apps for bidders and clerks
Cons
- Higher costs for small-scale or infrequent auctioneers
- Steeper learning curve for customizing advanced auction setups
- Occasional performance hiccups during peak high-volume bidding
Best For
Established auction houses and professional auctioneers seeking maximum bidder reach and hybrid auction capabilities.
Pricing
Custom subscription tiers starting at ~$500/month for basic plans, scaling to enterprise levels with per-auction fees (1-5% commissions) and setup costs.
Proxibid
enterpriseGlobal marketplace for live and online auctions with secure bidding, inventory management, and virtual auction streaming capabilities.
Vast proprietary bidder database of over 3 million pre-registered users for instant audience reach
Proxibid is a comprehensive online auction platform designed for live webcast, timed, and hybrid auctions, primarily serving industries like industrial equipment, vehicles, real estate, and collectibles. It offers robust tools for auctioneers including catalog management, bidder registration, real-time bidding with simulcast support, and detailed post-auction analytics. The platform connects auctioneers to a massive pre-registered bidder network, facilitating high-volume virtual auctions with mobile accessibility for bidders.
Pros
- Access to over 3 million pre-qualified bidders boosting participation
- Advanced live bidding and simulcast capabilities for seamless virtual auctions
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for informed decision-making
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Custom pricing lacks transparency and can be costly for small-scale auctions
- Limited customization options compared to some competitors
Best For
Professional auction houses and enterprises running large-scale live virtual auctions in industrial, commercial, or high-value asset sectors.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via sales quote, typically involving monthly subscriptions or per-auction fees based on volume and features.
OneCause
specializedFundraising platform with virtual auction tools including mobile bidding, live events, and seamless payment processing.
Patented Outbid notifications that send instant text alerts to bidders when they've been outbid, driving higher engagement and bids.
OneCause is a robust fundraising platform designed primarily for nonprofits, offering virtual auction software that supports mobile bidding, live and silent auctions, and hybrid events. It enables seamless donor engagement through text-to-bid functionality, real-time bidding updates, and integration with live streaming services. The tool also provides comprehensive event management, donor tracking, and analytics to maximize fundraising revenue.
Pros
- Highly engaging mobile bidding with real-time Outbid notifications
- Strong integrations for live streaming and CRM systems
- Detailed analytics and donor management tailored for nonprofits
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small organizations or one-off events
- Moderate learning curve for setup and customization
- Limited flexibility for non-fundraising auction use cases
Best For
Nonprofits and fundraising event organizers looking for a comprehensive virtual auction solution to enhance donor participation and revenue.
Pricing
Custom pricing; typically $500-$5,000+ per event based on scale, with annual subscriptions starting around $5,000 for unlimited events.
GiveSmart
specializedMobile-first auction software for virtual and hybrid events featuring real-time bidding, donor management, and live streaming integration.
GiveSmart Mobile App, enabling bidders to participate remotely with live updates, outbid notifications, and one-tap payments
GiveSmart is a robust fundraising platform tailored for nonprofits, specializing in virtual, hybrid, and in-person auctions with mobile bidding capabilities. It streamlines event management by offering real-time bidding, donor engagement tools, payment processing, and post-event reporting. The software supports live auctions, paddle raises, raffles, and text-to-donate features to maximize fundraising potential.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for seamless virtual bidding and real-time updates
- Comprehensive tools for donor management and event analytics
- Strong integration with payment processors and CRM systems
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller organizations
- Setup requires some training for advanced features
- Limited free trial or self-service options
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits hosting frequent galas, auctions, or virtual fundraising events seeking an all-in-one mobile-first solution.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $2,500+ per event or subscription starting at $5,000/year depending on volume and features.
Handbid
specializedEngaging mobile bidding platform for silent and live virtual auctions with paddle raise and text-to-bid features.
Text-to-bid functionality allowing bidders to participate via SMS without an app
Handbid is a mobile-first virtual auction software platform tailored for nonprofits and event organizers, enabling seamless online, silent, and live auctions through a dedicated bidder app. It streamlines event management with tools for item setup, bidder registration, real-time bidding, and integrated payments. The software emphasizes user engagement with features like text-to-bid and paddle raises, making it ideal for fundraising events.
Pros
- Award-winning mobile bidding app for high bidder engagement
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for post-event insights
- Strong integrations with payment processors like Stripe and PayPal
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small or infrequent events
- Customization options limited in lower tiers
- Steeper learning curve for advanced auction configurations
Best For
Nonprofits and mid-sized event organizers hosting mobile-enhanced virtual auctions.
Pricing
Subscription tiers start at $1,200/year for basic plans, with per-event options from $500+ and transaction fees around 2-3%.
Auctria
specializedAll-in-one auction management software supporting online bidding, virtual events, ticketing, and CRM integration.
No-download mobile bidding app that works on any smartphone browser for instant virtual participation
Auctria is a comprehensive auction management software tailored for non-profits, supporting silent, live, and virtual auctions through its mobile bidding platform. It handles everything from bidder registration and item management to real-time bidding, check-out, and detailed reporting. The platform integrates with event management tools, making it ideal for hybrid or fully virtual fundraising events.
Pros
- Robust mobile bidding app for seamless virtual auctions
- Affordable pricing structure for non-profits
- Strong integration with accounting software like QuickBooks
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Limited advanced customization options
- Customer support can be slower during peak seasons
Best For
Non-profit organizations running virtual or hybrid auctions who need an all-in-one fundraising tool.
Pricing
Per-event pricing starts at $350 for small auctions (up to 200 bidders), scaling to $1,500+ for larger events; annual unlimited plans from $2,400.
BetterWorld
specializedUser-friendly online auction platform for nonprofits with virtual bidding, customizable pages, and donation matching.
Integrated donor CRM that automatically tracks bidder history and engagement across multiple events
BetterWorld is a nonprofit-focused fundraising platform that excels in virtual auctions, enabling organizations to host online silent, live, and mobile bidding auctions seamlessly. It integrates auction tools with ticketing, donations, and donor management for comprehensive event fundraising. The platform emphasizes ease of setup and real-time bidder engagement through a dedicated mobile app.
Pros
- All-in-one platform combining auctions with CRM and donor tracking
- User-friendly interface with quick event setup and mobile bidding app
- Low barrier to entry with scalable pricing tied to funds raised
Cons
- Fees can add up for low-volume events
- Limited advanced customization for complex auction rules
- Primarily optimized for nonprofits, less ideal for commercial use
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits seeking an integrated solution for virtual auctions and overall event fundraising.
Pricing
Free software with 3.5% platform fee on processed donations (volume discounts available) plus standard payment processing fees.
BidJS
specializedCloud-based virtual auction software providing live bidding, video integration, and multi-channel promotion tools.
Integrated simulcast bidding with synchronized live video streaming and multi-channel support (in-room, phone, online)
BidJS is a robust virtual auction platform tailored for auction houses, enabling live, online, and hybrid auctions with real-time bidding. It provides comprehensive tools for item cataloging, inventory management, mobile bidding apps, and integrated video streaming for simulcast events. The software also handles proxy bidding, payments, and detailed post-auction reporting to streamline operations.
Pros
- Seamless simulcast capabilities for live and online bidding
- Customizable white-label branding and mobile apps
- Strong inventory and reporting tools
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for setup and advanced features
- Custom pricing lacks transparency
- Limited third-party integrations
Best For
Mid-sized auction houses hosting frequent live and hybrid events needing professional simulcast functionality.
Pricing
Custom quotes; typically starts at $150 per auction or subscription plans from $299/month for unlimited events.
32auctions
otherSimple online auction platform for virtual silent auctions with easy item listing and real-time bidding updates.
Pay-only-if-you-win pricing model that eliminates risk for organizers
32Auctions is a cloud-based virtual auction platform tailored for nonprofit fundraising, enabling organizers to host silent, live, and buy-it-now auctions online. It supports bidder registration, real-time mobile bidding, outbid notifications, and integrated payments with detailed reporting. Ideal for virtual events, it streamlines inventory management and multi-auction formats without requiring technical expertise.
Pros
- No upfront costs with pay-only-on-success model
- Intuitive setup for silent, live, and mobile bidding
- Robust mobile app and real-time notifications for bidders
Cons
- 5% transaction fee on winning bids reduces net proceeds
- Limited customization for advanced branding or integrations
- Customer support mainly via email with slower response times
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits, schools, and charities running virtual fundraising auctions on a budget.
Pricing
Free platform with no setup fees; 5% fee on winning bids plus standard payment processing (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction).
BiddingOwl
otherFree auction management tool for virtual events offering bidder registration, online payments, and basic bidding features.
Dedicated mobile bidding app enabling real-time participation from smartphones without needing a desktop
BiddingOwl is an affordable online auction platform designed primarily for nonprofits and fundraisers, supporting silent, live, and mobile auctions. It streamlines event management with tools for item setup, bidder registration, real-time bidding via a mobile app, and integrated payments. The software also includes raffles, paddle raises, and post-event reporting, making it suitable for virtual fundraising events.
Pros
- Free plan for small events with no upfront costs
- Intuitive mobile bidding app for easy participant access
- Strong focus on nonprofits with tailored fundraising tools
Cons
- Limited advanced customization options compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer third-party integrations
- Transaction fees can add up for high-volume events
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits and fundraisers hosting occasional virtual auctions on a tight budget.
Pricing
Free for basic use (with 3.5% + $0.30 transaction fees); premium plans start at $39/month or per-event pricing for advanced features.
Conclusion
Among the top virtual auction tools reviewed, HiBid leads with its comprehensive platform, excelling in live webcast bidding, timed auctions, and real-time engagement. Proxibid follows as a strong global option with secure bidding and streaming capabilities, while OneCause stands out for its fundraising integration and mobile-friendly features. Together, these three offer exceptional solutions, though HiBid’s versatility makes it the top choice overall.
Don’t miss out—explore HiBid to unlock seamless virtual auction management, real-time interaction, and impactful event execution that sets your auction apart.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison