I Tested the 8 Best Auction Software That Made Bidding Easier

Having worked in various nonprofits for over four years, I’ve seen firsthand the complexities of setting up fundraisers, from managing donations to handling last-minute bidder requests. I understand the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to pull off a successful auction and why having the right tools can make all the difference.

Organizing an auction is challenging enough. What makes it even tougher is managing everything manually or with outdated systems. Without the best auction software, you risk errors, inefficiencies, and frustrated donors who may hesitate to participate again.

The good news? With the right tools, you can streamline everything from item listings to payment processing, making the experience seamless for both organizers and bidders. And these tools aren’t just for nonprofits—businesses, schools, and individuals running charity events or even commercial auctions can benefit.

My top 8 best auction software recommendations for 2025

Auction software helps me manage and streamline the entire auction process, from listing items and tracking bids to processing payments and keeping bidders engaged.

I’ve used these tools to simplify fundraising events, but they’re not just for nonprofits—businesses use them for asset liquidation, schools for charity drives, and individuals for estate sales. No matter the industry, the right auction software makes organizing and running auctions easier and more efficient.

With so many options, I know how overwhelming it can be to find the right one. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the 8 best auction software tools for 2025 to help you choose the perfect fit for your needs.

What I look for in the best auction software

When testing the best auction software, I focus on the following key features to ensure it meets the needs of auctioneers, buyers, and sellers:

• User-friendly interface: I evaluate how intuitive the software is for both auctioneers and bidders. The platform should have a clean, organized layout that allows users to quickly navigate and participate in auctions without feeling overwhelmed. For auctioneers, ease of use in managing lots, bids, and participant information is essential. For bidders, the process of placing bids should be straightforward, with clear instructions on how to participate in auctions, view items, and track bid statuses.
• Real-time bidding functionality: The best auction software should support real-time bidding, allowing participants to place bids instantly and see updates on their current standing in the auction. I test if the system updates bid amounts live, ensuring there's no lag or delay, especially during fast-paced or timed auctions. Additionally, the tool should notify users immediately when they’ve been outbid or when they’ve won an item.
• Customizable auction formats: I check whether the software offers flexibility in configuring various auction types, such as live auctions, silent auctions, reverse auctions, and sealed bids. The ability to set specific parameters for each auction type, such as bid increments, reserve prices, and auction duration, is crucial for adapting to different auction scenarios. The more customizable the software, the better it can cater to diverse auction events and formats.
• Payment integration and security: Seamless payment processing is necessary for auction platforms. I ensure the software integrates with multiple payment gateways, such as credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers while providing secure transactions. Encryption and PCI compliance are critical to protect sensitive financial information. I also assess whether the system can automatically trigger invoice generation, payment reminders, and confirmation after the auction ends.
• Lot management tools: Effective lot management is key to running a successful auction. I look for features that allow auctioneers to easily list items, upload descriptions, set reserve prices, and categorize lots. The system should support batch processing for large auctions, enabling auctioneers to handle multiple items at once. Additionally, tools for adding images, videos, and detailed descriptions help attract more bids and provide better visibility of the lots.
• Mobile accessibility: With increasing demand for mobile-friendly platforms, I evaluate how well the auction software performs on mobile devices. The best auction platforms should offer fully responsive websites or dedicated mobile apps for bidders and sellers to access auction listings, place bids, and track auction progress on the go. Mobile accessibility enhances user engagement and allows auctions to reach a wider audience.
• Bidding history and notifications: I assess whether the software allows bidders to track their bidding history and receive notifications of bid status changes. For auctioneers, it’s crucial to have detailed logs of all bids placed during the auction and notifications of key events, such as when a reserve price is met or a bid surpasses a threshold. Automated notifications via email, SMS, or in-app alerts should be customizable and sent in real time.
• Analytics and reporting tools: A top-tier auction software should provide robust analytics and reporting features to help auctioneers evaluate auction performance. I look for tools that generate reports on bidding activity, revenue generated, top bidders, and item performance. Auctioneers should be able to export data for post-auction analysis, which helps with planning future auctions and refining strategies. Insights into buyer behavior, winning bid trends, and lot demand can offer valuable feedback.
• Compliance and legal features: Auction platforms must adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, especially in regions with strict laws governing auctions and sales. I ensure the software complies with relevant local and international laws, such as consumer protection, tax regulations, and online gambling laws (for certain types of auctions). I also look for features like electronic signatures for legal agreements, auction terms and conditions, and automatic receipt generation for winning bidders.

The list below contains genuine user reviews from our best auction software category page. To qualify for inclusion in the category, a product must:

• Create auction listings, bid sheets, online auctions, or auction catalogs
• Provide features to manage inventory and pricing
• Produce reports on purchases, donations, profits, and remaining inventory
• Manage payments natively or via integrated software

This data has been pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews have been edited for clarity.

1. OneCause

Despite having no prior experience with OneCause, I navigated the system effortlessly. The interface was well-designed and allowed me to set up an event page with ease. Customizing it with specific branding and tracking registrations was a seamless process. Whether I accessed the platform from a desktop or mobile device, the process of purchasing tickets and making donations was incredibly simple.

One of the standout features of OneCause is its versatility in fundraising options. I appreciated the ability to sell tickets and incorporate sponsorships, auctions, and other donation opportunities into the event. This flexibility ensures that campaigners can maximize fundraising efforts in ways that best suit their audience.

Another feature that I found particularly valuable was OneCause’s built-in communication tools. The ability to send reminders, updates, and thank-you messages via both email and text can keep supporters engaged before, during, and after an event. This streamlined approach to communication helps maintain a strong connection with donors and attendees.

Additionally, the reporting and analytics tools within OneCause provided valuable insights. While testing, I observed that generating detailed reports and tracking key metrics was super easy. This makes it easy for auction teams to assess performance and pinpoint areas for improvement. Having access to this level of data is crucial for refining strategies and optimizing fundraising efforts.

Batching options were somewhat limited in certain areas, which meant that I had to make some tedious changes manually, one at a time. This could slow down certain aspects of event management.

I also wished for more design customization options for the event website. While the available templates were functional, having more creative control over the layout and aesthetics would have made the experience even better.

Another issue I encountered involved bugs with the Save and Next feature. When reviewing packages, I noticed that the system would frequently unpackage associated items, requiring me to manually reconfigure them. 

I observed that the platform had some restrictions regarding text and email communications. There were limitations on what could be sent, as well as character constraints that made it difficult to craft messages exactly as intended. It would be great to have more flexibility in this area, especially with the ability to create custom mailing lists for more targeted communication.

What I dislike about OneCause:

• The limited batching options led to some tedious manual adjustments. This slow process could hinder efficiency, especially during larger events with many updates.
• I found the design customization options for the event website to be too restrictive. Having more creative control over layouts and aesthetics would have enhanced the overall experience.

What G2 users dislike about OneCause:

"It would be great to have more batching options in certain areas, as some changes had to be made one at a time, which felt a bit tedious. Additionally, more design options for the event website would be a welcome improvement."

- OneCause Review, Wendy R.

2. Givebutter

When I was testing Givebutter, I was immediately impressed by the fact that I could create dummy events to test all available features. It turned out to be an excellent way to explore Givebutter’s full potential.

Another feature I admired was the quick volunteer training. Givebutter organized all the resources in a central place, which makes it incredibly easy for volunteers to get up to speed and start contributing within hours. 

I also appreciated the silent auction setup, which allowed me to effortlessly adjust components like start/end times, pricing, and incremental bid increases. The platform's flexibility ensures that teams can tailor the auction to their needs and optimize fundraising efforts.

I observed that while Givebutter fits well with the use case of smaller organizations, it may not be ideal for larger organizations that require a more extensive API connection or a richer set of integrations. If you’re looking for a highly customizable and scalable system, this may not be the best option.

Building segments and lists felt somewhat clunky to me, and figuring out the right filters and logic wasn’t always intuitive. Excluding certain criteria proved to be more challenging than expected. A more user-friendly segmentation tool would greatly enhance this feature.

Currently, exporting reports feels cumbersome, and customization options for the homepage and event order are quite limited. Because of this, some teams prefer to avoid directing users to the Givebutter homepage.

What I dislike about Givebutter:

• While Givebutter works well for smaller organizations, it may not meet the needs of larger ones. The platform lacks a more extensive API connection and richer integrations, limiting scalability for bigger operations.
• I found the process of building segments and lists to be clunky and unintuitive. The challenges with filtering and excluding criteria make this feature less efficient than it could be.

What G2 users dislike about Givebutter:

"It would be ideal to register bidders on their behalf so they are in the system before the event. Some of our guests are not tech-savvy, so doing more for them would make the process smoother. Since they’re used to paper-based bidding, there was a bit of a learning curve, and we're not sure if we got more bids compared to the paper system. Additionally, being able to add items in bulk instead of one at a time would be a helpful feature."

- Givebutter Review, Brent H.

3. Handbid

A feature that stood out to me almost immediately was Handbid's excellent online training and support documentation. These provided clear instructions and made onboarding simple for me as a beginner. 

I had access to the website and the mobile app. This added convenience allowed me to test the tool on the go. I was easily able to set up and engage with auctions. This ensures a seamless experience for auction teams, attendees, and remote supporters alike.

I also noticed that Handbid allows participants to start bidding early, which means that even those who can’t physically attend an event can still contribute and feel engaged in the fundraising process.

The system is very user-friendly, and whenever I needed assistance, customer support was readily available.

That said, there are a couple of areas where improvements could enhance the user experience.

One limitation is that Handbid does not sync with accounting systems. From my personal experience, I know that organizations often deploy separate platforms for CRM and accounting. Not being able to connect systems creates a lot of work like manually transferring data, which can make it really tough for small teams that manage big events. 

Another challenge I encountered was with uploading horizontal pictures. The process was cumbersome—we had to first export images to PowerPoint, crop them, take a screenshot, and then upload them into Handbid. This extra step was time-consuming, and an improved image upload function would make the experience much smoother.

What I dislike about Handbid:

• One major drawback is Handbid's lack of integration with accounting systems. Without syncing capabilities, it becomes challenging to transfer data manually, which can be especially burdensome for small teams handling large events.
• I found uploading horizontal images to be a cumbersome process. The need to export, crop, and screenshot images before uploading added unnecessary time to the event setup.

What G2 users dislike about Handbid:

"I wish the platform didn't have such strict dimensions for uploading graphics for the items. It would be much easier if there was more flexibility."

- Handbid Review, Verified User in Primary/Secondary Education

4. GiveSmart

I found GiveSmart to be a highly versatile platform for managing various aspects of fundraising events. With it, I could seamlessly set up auctions, raffles, contests, sign-ups, payment processing, and day-of-event coordination—all within a single platform. This all-in-one solution is a boon for event managers. 

One of the standout features was the ability to share our GiveSmart link with attendees rather than manually handling payments and tickets. This particular feature can significantly reduce logistical challenges and improve the overall attendee experience, allowing for a smoother and more engaging event.

I also appreciated the dashboard features, which made tracking event progress more intuitive. From monitoring ticket sales to overseeing donation totals, the dashboard provided real-time insights into every aspect of the event.

Another aspect that stood out to me was the volunteer management. The platform makes it easy to recruit, track, and communicate with volunteers. They could also sign up for specific tasks and log their hours directly within the platform. 

That said, setting up GiveSmart initially took some time. The extensive range of features felt a bit intimidating the first few times I created campaigns. While the platform offers many tools, figuring out the best way to use them took some trial and error.

Another area where I saw room for improvement was event webpage customization. While GiveSmart allows users to create a dedicated webpage for their event, I found the customization options to be quite limited. The feature serves its purpose, but I wish it offered more flexibility to tailor the design and layout to better match branding and event themes

What I dislike about GiveSmart:

• Setting up GiveSmart initially took more time than expected. The extensive feature set can be overwhelming, requiring some trial and error to figure out the best approach for campaign creation.
• The customization options for event web pages were somewhat limited. Although the feature is functional, I felt that more flexibility in design and layout would better reflect event branding and themes.

What G2 users dislike about GiveSmart:

"Forms can only be embedded, and there isn’t enough integration with platforms like WordPress, which limits its flexibility."

- GiveSmart Review, Rose G.

5. Event.Gives

I recently tested Event.Gives, and I was impressed with its clean design and ease of use. The platform makes it incredibly simple for people to engage, offering several robust features while maintaining zero latency in virtual settings. 

One of te biggest highlights was the exceptional support from the Event.Gives team. From the moment I began inputting items into the event site their team was always available to assist. This level of responsiveness ensured smooth testing and, in a real-world scenario, would aid event setup and execution.

Setting up tickets was quick and intuitive. Guests, too, find it extremely user-friendly when making ticket purchases. The check-in and checkout process is seamless. Since guest's information is already stored in their accounts, they can easily complete their payments with a single click. This efficiency eliminates the usual end-of-event chaos often associated with collecting payments.

That said, I found the reporting capabilities lacking compared to other software. While there are workarounds, such as exporting data, the platform could benefit from enhanced built-in reporting tools to provide deeper insights and analytics.

The real-time display feature was highly effective for showcasing event updates, but I wished for more customization options to better align it with an event's branding—such as the ability to change the background color or make images more prominent. 

What I dislike about Event.Gives:

• I found the reporting capabilities lacking compared to other platforms. While workarounds like data exports exist, the lack of built-in, detailed reporting tools makes it harder to gain deeper insights.
• The real-time display feature was effective but lacked customization options. I wished for more flexibility to tailor the feature to better fit the event's branding, such as background color changes or image prominence.

What G2 users dislike about Event.Gives:

"The platform is not very user-friendly for more complex Gala-type events. We had to come up with workarounds to add menu options and other details. The reports are also not user-friendly; when exporting, additional ticket options are hard to find, and you can't run them by date. Additionally, there’s no option to "package" auction items together, making it more time-consuming when organizing auction items later."

- Event.Gives Review, Dawn D.

6. Givergy

During my testing, Givergy has proven to be a solid tool for event management. From the get-go, the onboarding experience was smooth and detailed. The setup was intuitive, ensuring I could quickly familiarize myself with the platform and test it.

The community forums were particularly helpful. They offered answers to most of my questions and guidance on how to set up various event features. These forums were a great resource for troubleshooting and discovering tips to make the most of the tool.

One of the standout features for me was how easy Givergy made the registration process. Most volunteers find it simple to navigate, which makes managing the event for auction teams that much more efficient. 

However, there were a few aspects where Givergy didn’t quite meet expectations. One limitation I encountered was the integration with other platforms, which at times felt somewhat restrictive. While it worked well in many areas, the ability to seamlessly connect with other tools wasn’t as robust as I had hoped, which could cause some frustrations if you're looking to sync data across multiple systems.

Another downside I noticed was the lack of a running tally for live auction bids. This is a crucial feature for any event that includes a live auction, as it helps keep participants engaged and informed. Without this capability, it became a bit difficult to track bids in real-time, which could be a significant drawback for larger fundraising events or auctions.

Lastly, the ticketing system can be a bit tricky, especially for larger events like galas. It works well for smaller, more intimate gatherings, but for big events with many guests, it may require some extra effort to ensure smooth ticket management. 

What I dislike about Givergy:

• I found Givergy's integration with other platforms to be somewhat restrictive. While it worked well in many cases, the lack of seamless connectivity with other tools made syncing data across systems a bit frustrating.
• The absence of a running tally for live auction bids was a significant drawback. This feature is essential for keeping participants engaged, and its absence made tracking bids in real time-challenging for me.

What G2 users dislike about Givergy:

"Givergy ticketing can be challenging for large gala-style events, but their team is excellent at providing resources and instructions on how to use the system effectively."

- Givergy Review, Sarah E.

7. RallyUp

I tested RallyUp, and I must say that my experience was largely positive. One of the standout features for me was the seamless process of gathering all the necessary information to create an online event. The platform made it easy to compile everything into a clear and concise setup, eliminating many of the typical friction I’ve encountered with similar tools.

I also really appreciated the flexibility of using my own title for the event, which can help to instill trust and clarity with donors. It's an excellent way to validate the cause and what auction teams are raising funds for.

I noticed that RallyUp truly excels at providing multiple payment options, allowing teams to accept a variety of payment types. The personalized ID for each transaction and the easy payment integration are also standout features that make the whole payment process smooth and efficient.

Another major advantage of RallyUp is its customizability. The platform offers a range of options to tailor the event to specific needs, but it doesn't overwhelm with unnecessary complexity. I was able to select from various fundraiser types without feeling bogged down by too many choices or complicated settings. 

However, not everything was perfect. I did notice that some bidders were initially confused about the checkout process. They didn’t always realize that they had to check out for their bids to take effect, which caused a bit of confusion. 

Another minor issue I ran into was the template limitations of the site. Although the design was straightforward, it took me a little while to get comfortable with the layout. The customization options for the template could have been more flexible, but once I got the hang of it, the process became smoother

What I dislike about RallyUp:

• Some bidders were confused about the checkout process, not realizing they had to check out for their bids to take effect. This created unnecessary confusion, which I believe could be avoided with clearer instructions.
• The platform’s template limitations were a minor issue. While the design was simple, the lack of flexibility in customization options made it challenging to fully tailor the layout to my preferences initially.

What G2 users dislike about RallyUp:

"It’s difficult to find information about payout dates and when they will occur. Since we’re using the free version, this might be better in a paid version, but a tracker showing when the check is distributed, or clear dates available through the agency profile would be really helpful."

- RallyUp Review, Sarah K.

8. BiddingOwl.com

BiddingOwl.com is a solid platform for managing and promoting auctions. Its key features made the experience both efficient and enjoyable.

The auction promotion tools are incredibly simple to use, making it easy to share events and increase visibility. I particularly appreciated the import and export functionality for items. It saved me a lot of time when adding auction items or making changes, as I could quickly upload or adjust a bulk list of items.

One feature I absolutely loved was the ability to crop, edit, and add text to images directly within the platform. This allowed me to easily enhance the pictures of auction items without needing any third-party software. It’s a great time-saver and really helped me improve the presentation of the items.

Another highlight for me was the auction management tools, which provided an impressive array of options to streamline the auction process. From item and donor management to auction catalog creation, everything was designed to simplify the process. The automated bidding and payment processing features were incredibly helpful, making it easy for both bidders and organizers to manage their bids and payments.

BiddingOwl.com is also highly mobile-compatible, which meant I could manage the auction from my smartphone or tablet without any issues. This flexibility allowed me to stay connected and on top of everything, even when I was away from my computer. 

However, I did encounter a few drawbacks during my experience. Navigating the platform can be a bit of a learning curve, especially for those like me who are new to auction management. It took me a little time to get comfortable with all the features and figure out the best ways to optimize them.

Additionally, there were integration limitations. While BiddingOwl.com supports some integrations, I found that it could benefit from expanding compatibility with more external tools, such as CRM systems or email marketing platforms.

Lastly, I noticed that the platform primarily supports English, which could be an issue for users who want to target international audiences or prefer to work in other languages. The lack of multilingual support could limit its accessibility for some users.

What I dislike about BiddingOwl.com:

• There was a bit of a learning curve for me, especially since I was new to auction management. It took some time to get comfortable with the platform’s features and figure out the best ways to use them.
• I also noticed some integration limitations. While BiddingOwl.com supports a few integrations, I think it could benefit from expanding compatibility with more external tools, like CRM systems or email marketing platforms.

What G2 users dislike about BiddingOwl.com:

"I wish there was a way to filter out bidders who didn’t win any items during the end-of-auction processing. It would be much easier if I didn’t have to manually select their invoices to exclude from printing."

- BiddingOwl.com Review, Susan M.

Best auction software: frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q. How do I run an online auction?

To run an online auction, choose a reliable auction platform and set up your auction items with detailed descriptions and images. Use auction tools to establish bidding rules and timeframes. Promote your auction to attract participants and ensure secure payment processing. Monitor the auction closely, communicate with bidders, and close the auction once the bidding period ends.

Q.  How to choose the best auction software?

To choose the best auction software, start by evaluating features like ease of use, customization options, secure payment processing, and customer support. Ensure the platform offers robust bidding functionalities, mobile compatibility, and reliable hosting. Look for software that supports various auction types (live, silent, online) and integrates with other tools. Additionally, read user reviews and use free trials to test the software's suitability for your specific needs.

Some of the best free silent auction software options include SchoolAuction.net, Givebutter, and Auctria. These are perfect for small—to mid-sized fundraisers and nonprofits. Explore other free auction software.

Q. Are auction sites safe?

Most reputable auction sites use secure payment methods and data encryption to protect users' personal information and transactions. However, safety can vary depending on the platform. Always check reviews, ensure secure payment gateways are in place, and be cautious of scams by verifying sellers and items before bidding.

Q. Which is the best live auction software?

The best live auction software includes platforms like OneCause, which offer real-time bidding capabilities, video streaming, secure payment processing, and a smooth bidding experience.

Q. Which is the best silent auction software?

Let’s raise the stakes!

In my work with non-profits, I’ve always strived to deliver the best outcomes, ensuring everything is executed precisely and carefully. From organizing events to managing donations, I’m committed to perfection in every aspect.

After testing several auction software tools, it became clear to me that these platforms are indispensable for running an efficient and successful auction. I realized that without them, achieving the high standards I set for myself and the organizations I work with would be a challenge.

But no matter what industry you’re in, whether it’s non-profit, corporate, or any other sector, work needs to be perfect to achieve optimal results. This is where the right auction software comes in. It makes all the difference in optimizing workflows, increasing bidder engagement, and ultimately ensuring smooth execution.

I hope this list of auction software options has helped you narrow down the choices and find the perfect fit for your needs.

Use the best project management tools to ensure that every aspect of your auction runs smoothly.