15 Best Silent Auction Software Options to Drive Bidding

Hosting silent auctions may be a traditional fundraising method, but that doesn’t mean it’s outdated. With the help of the latest specialized software, your nonprofit can run engaging, accessible events that supporters will enjoy year after year.

Nonprofit auction software can transform any in-person or online auction by streamlining item catalogs, spurring fun bidding wars, and much more.

But with so many options available, you might feel overwhelmed trying to compare providers. To jumpstart your research, our team at Handbid has meticulously reviewed the best silent auction software providers around, and we’re giving you all the details in this guide. Let’s jump right in!

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The Top Silent Auction Platforms At a Glance

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We created Handbid because we believe every fundraising event should be successful. As event experts, we know that comes from smooth, streamlined processes for your guests and easy-to-use software. Enter Handbid!

Handbid's silent auction software includes robust event management tools like ticketing, registration, automated guest check-in, livestreaming, text-to-give, and more. Additionally, we offer completely custom auction software for large nonprofits or any enterprise organization needing a scalable solution. Best of all, Handbid remains true to its user-friendly roots by providing all these tools in one intuitive system.

The Handbid platform has supported over 40,000 auctions, helping nonprofits raise over a billion dollars in total. Watch the video below to learn how.

Our Favorite Features

Handbid's ease of use and extensive suite of tools make it the preferred online auction software of thousands of organizations. Our powerful, mobile-based auction and fundraising tools help you raise revenue and lower stress with these core features:

• Native mobile apps: Enjoy mobile apps for both iPhone and Android that have been in use for over ten years, earning a near five-star rating from 22,000 users.
• Intuitive mobile bidding: Your less tech-savvy supporters don’t have to download an app—they can participate easily using a web interface on their phone, tablet, or computer.
• Real-time updates: During your auction, participants receive real-time push notifications for all bidding activity, including outbid alerts and messages from auction managers.
• Account creation: Allow repeat guests to create universal accounts, letting them participate in multiple events without re-registering or re-entering payment information.
• Livestream tools: Stay in touch with your guests with Handbid’s integrated livestream tools for in-person, hybrid, and virtual events, including optional “zero-latency” streams.
• Multiple payment options: Guests can pay for their items, donate, buy tickets, and make other payments using stored credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
• Strong security measures: Handbid is PCI-compliant and has received high security scores from third-party security risk assessors.
• Intuitive manager dashboard: From one platform, you can set up and manage auctions, peer-to-peer fundraisers, events, and donation campaigns. Manage your guest list, create tickets, process invoices, generate reports, and more, all in real time.

Pricing

Our fixed, transparent pricing plans give organizations the flexibility to customize their silent auction software based on their needs.

You won’t miss out on anything, no matter which plan you choose—all the features listed above are included in every plan. Our nonprofit plan starts at $1,396 per event, with single and multi-event packages available. To learn more about your options, book a demo with our team.

Historically, Qgiv by Bloomerang has primarily offered peer-to-peer and online donation services. However, they have since expanded their offerings to include basic silent auction software features. Their online auction software has both a web-based interface and native apps for iPhone and Android.

Top Features

• Mobile bidding: Qgiv’s mobile bidding app lets guests swipe to bid on items, scan QR codes to bid, and opt in to receive outbid notifications.
• Guest “watch lists”: Using the Qgiv app or website, guests can create watch lists of their favorite items and receive notifications about their bidding activity.
• Full suite of fundraising tools: In addition to auction software, Qgiv's fundraising toolkit includes support for recurring donations, peer-to-peer, text-to-give, and crowdfunding.

Pricing

To access Qgiv’s auction functionality, subscriptions start at $259 per month. Qgiv also charges more to process credit cards than most of its competitors, with transaction fees of 3.95%. Keep in mind that these costs will add up with each transaction and impact your auction's potential revenue.

As the name suggests, SchoolAuction.net is a silent auction software designed primarily for schools. SchoolAuction.net has been going strong in the auction space for many years, powering thousands of auctions for schools and other organizations. This software offers both web and mobile solutions, allowing your auction's guests to bid from home or on the go.

Top Features

• Livestreaming and chat: If you choose the Professional plan, guests can access your event’s livestream, live chat, auction catalog, and fundraising progress bar from a single screen.
• Sponsorship packages: Build custom packages for sponsors that include auction tickets and marketing opportunities.
• Additional resources: SchoolAuction.net provides several helpful resources, such as silent auction best practices and tutorials on using the platform.

Pricing

Schools and nonprofits can access basic features for either $79 per event or $1000 per year. To get the full functionality of this auction software, Professional pricing starts at $2000 annually.

BiddingOwl's silent auction software helps small nonprofits run in-person auctions for free. For nonprofits looking to host virtual and hybrid events, they offer add-ons features that allow organizations to take their auctions online for an additional cost.

Top Features

• Free in-person auction tools: Organizations looking to host small, in-person auctions with paper bid sheets can use BiddingOwl for free.
• PayPal support: While it doesn't easily integrate into more modern applications, many users still prefer to have the option to pay securely through PayPal rather than use a credit card or other payment method.
• Mobile-optimized website: If you choose the online auctions plan, you’ll get a personalized, mobile-friendly website with a custom URL.

Pricing

BiddingOwl is free for in-person auctions and ticketing. For online auctions, BiddingOwl takes 5% of the winning bids.

Charity Auctions Today prides itself on being one of the fastest, easiest-to-use silent auction software solutions available. They primarily highlight users' ability to build an entire auction website in five minutes, which can save time and administrative work. However, auctions with many items will likely need more than five minutes to complete their website setup.

Top Features

• Easy website building: Charity Auctions Today has a fast three-step process for building websites. Users answer questions about their event, add items in bulk, and share their URL to begin marketing.
• Support for both silent and live auctions: Run both types of auctions from the same platform for additional flexibility.
• Option to pre-register credit cards: Guests can add their payment information before the event to save time at checkout.

Pricing  

Similar to BiddingOwl, Charity Auctions Today is “free” but charges a 5% fee on winning bids. For larger auctions, these costs can quickly add up and far exceed the price of software solutions with a flat fee.

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Accelevents focuses on virtual and hybrid events in general, but also offers silent auction functionality. Specifically, this event software is designed for large-scale corporate events with presenters, breakout rooms, livestreaming, and more, with unlimited guests.

Top Features

• Interactive main stage program: Guests attending an event hosted with Accelevents can ask speakers questions and engage in smaller group chats in breakout rooms.
• Auction and raffle management: Create auction catalogs, set bidding rules, and enable guests to bid and buy raffle tickets from their phones.
• Integrated ticketing solution and payment processor: Accelevents provides comprehensive event management tools, including ticketing and payment processing, making check-in and check-out easy.

Pricing

Accelevents’ pricing model starts at $7,000 for a single event. For unlimited auctions, you’ll need to purchase the Business plan, which starts at $12,000.

32auctions' online silent auction software aims to help nonprofits host fun, easy, and stress-free auctions. The company has historically focused on investment in children's causes but works with organizations of all kinds. This solution’s standout feature is its low price. However, the price tag warrants a closer look to check for hidden fees and limited features.

Top Features

• Mobile-friendly: 32auctions lacks a native mobile app, but it still supports mobile auctions with websites automatically optimized for mobile use.
• Custom website links: Create custom links to your auction website to direct guests to your page and create a fully branded experience.
• Support for additional currencies: Along with USD, 32auctions can accept payments from Canada, Europe, Great Britain, New Zealand, and Australia.

Pricing

All of 32auctions' basic features are free, but there is a hidden transaction fee and ads. A few necessary features, such as the ability to remove ads, cost extra. But even then, the total package price for all add-ons is only $310.

Greater Giving, previously known as AuctionPay, is a silent auction platform with event registration, auction management, mobile bidding, and a payment processor. Notably, Greater Giving is owned by Global Payments, which created the platform’s payment processor. This connection, along with Greater Giving's origins as a Windows application, presents Greater Giving's biggest strengths and weaknesses.

Top Features

• Connection to a payment processor: Global Payments is well established in the payment processing industry, having powered a wide range of charity events over the years. This makes them both knowledgeable about their field and reputable as a company.
• Custom catalogs and bid sheets: Create everything from your online auction website to bid sheets and item procurement forms.
• Sponsor displays: Automatically display your corporate sponsors’ logos at the top of bidders’ screens, with frequencies based on their sponsorship level.

Pricing

Greater Giving does not publish its pricing online, so you must request a demo to get a quote for your organization.

Snowball Fundraising offers a full fundraising suite for small nonprofits, including silent auction management. Their overall suite includes campaign pages, text-to-give, event ticketing, and supporter management tools.

Top Features

• Unlimited auction items: It’s a real bummer when you’re limited to a certain number of auction items your guests can bid on, limiting the amount of money you can raise at your event. Snowball offers unlimited auction items, which can increase your return on investment (ROI).
• Easy customization options: With Snowball, you can customize your auction page with unique colors, background images, and informational banners to match your nonprofit’s branding.
• Text-to-bid: Bidders can text a specific word to receive a link to bid on their item of choice.

Pricing

To access this auction software, your nonprofit must purchase the full, professional version of Snowball Fundraising for $849 annually. Using Snowball for auctions requires a full overhaul of your nonprofit’s fundraising solution rather than an add-on to your existing suite of tools.

Auctria offers silent auction software for small organizations with tight budgets. Its features are a great starting point for organizations that have never hosted a silent auction before, but they may be limiting for larger nonprofits.

Top Features

• Online and mobile bidding: Like other solutions, Auctria offers three ways to bid: via the mobile app, through a browser, or by sending a text message.
• Item solicitation tracking: Auctria prides itself on tracking your procurement process from start to finish. Donors can fill out a form describing the item they want to donate, and event managers can see in-process item donations.
• Printed materials like your auction catalog: Auctria can help you generate bid sheets, display sheets, gift certificates, and even your auction catalog, streamlining the auction collateral process.

Pricing

Auctria offers a free version with only credit card processing, but this option doesn’t include texting, website analytics, or email features. To access more features and host auctions with more bidders, you can choose the Emerald plan for $375 annually.

Although it also supports in-person auctions, ClickBid’s silent auction software is ideally suited for fully virtual nonprofit events. Their event websites and online bidding options make it easy for event attendees to participate and contribute from the comfort of their homes.

Top Features

• Text-to-register: Bidders can register for your auction from their phones, streamlining the process.
• Custom landing pages: ClickBid offers a landing page to centralize your auction catalog, ticket sales, registration, and donations, all in one place.
• Dedicated advisor: Organizations have options for personalized and prioritized support leading up to the event, with day-of-event phone support and options for additional staff and volunteer training.

Pricing

ClickBid’s basic plan starts at $795 annually. You can access additional features or the full suite of solutions for $1295 or $2295 per year, respectively.

GiveSmart is the auction product produced by Community Brands. It includes features designed for large organizations, including event planning, ticketing, and donor management, creating a robust and established platform.

Top Features

• Item procurement tracking: When you have multiple people out in the community asking for item donations, it’s important to track the process so that there aren’t duplicates. With GiveSmart’s tracking system, you can see all the donations coming in.
• Leaderboard display: This technology allows everyone at your event (both in-person and virtual guests) to see paddle raises, leading bids on auction items, and other calls to action in real time.
• No-bid item reminders: Highlight the items that need a little more love to boost bids and ensure you don’t end up with leftover items.

Pricing

GiveSmart doesn’t publish its pricing online, so you must request a demo to get a quote for your organization.

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Givebutter is a free, all-in-one fundraising platform designed to be accessible and user-friendly, especially for smaller nonprofits new to hosting online auctions that don’t want to commit to robust software yet. Givebutter is perfect for helping you navigate your organization’s first online auction.

Top Features

• Automated bidding options: Givebutter simplifies auction management with features like automatic bid extensions and "Buy Now" options for items. This allows donors to participate easily, even if they're unfamiliar with traditional auction formats.
• Custom item categories: Givebutter lets you create custom categories for your auction items, making it easy for donors to find what they're interested in.
• Real-time notifications and updates: Whether guests bid online or via mobile bidding, they’ll get instant outbid and “item won” notifications.

Pricing

While the platform itself is free, Givebutter charges processing fees on all transactions. These fees are typically passed on to donors during checkout.‍

Winspire is a specialized provider of high-end travel packages designed to boost fundraising efforts for nonprofits. Rather than a full-fledged auction platform, Winspire offers a curated selection of luxury experiences to enhance your existing auction.

Top Features

• 200+ travel packages: Winspire boasts a diverse portfolio of travel experiences, ranging from luxurious getaways to exclusive adventures.
• Custom package options: Don’t find what you’re looking for? Winspire can create completely custom experiences to appeal to your unique donor base.
• Auction advising services: Beyond providing travel packages, Winspire often offers guidance on auction strategy and how to best leverage their offerings to maximize your fundraising potential.

Pricing

Winspire's consignment model means you don't pay upfront for travel packages. You only pay for items that are actually sold, minimizing your financial risk. However, the travel packages do typically come with premium price tags.

Silent Auction Pro is a versatile platform designed to streamline the management of both traditional and online silent auctions. While offering a range of features, it's particularly well-suited for organizations that prefer a more hands-on approach to their events.

Top Features

• Ticketing and seating management: Silent Auction Pro goes beyond auction management by offering tools to handle ticketing and seating arrangements, making it a comprehensive solution for your entire in-person event.
• Additional donation options: The platform supports various donation methods, including text-to-give and paddle raises.
• Robust reporting: Silent Auction Pro provides detailed reports on bidding activity, donor information, and overall event performance.

Pricing

Silent Auction Pro’s most basic option for in-person events costs $449 annually. To access the full range of features, including mobile bidding, you must invest in one of the platform's higher-tiered pricing plans, starting at $749.

Silent Auction Software FAQ

Still have questions about which platform to choose? Explore our answers to the most common questions and concerns.

What is Nonprofit Auction Software?

Nonprofit auction software is a type of event management technology designed to help nonprofits host successful fundraising auctions.

These solutions enable nonprofits to track auction data, manage event logistics, and host entire auctions online. Additionally, many nonprofit auction platforms support integrations with popular CRMs and other fundraising tools, streamlining your processes across the board.

What are the Benefits of Using Nonprofit Auction Software?

Fundraising auctions have several moving parts, making it easy to get overwhelmed without the right tools. Luckily, auction software helps you alleviate stress by streamlining your efforts. With the right software, you can:

• Plan your entire auction without ever leaving the platform. Centralize all efforts into one system and automate key tasks, from assigning bid numbers to generating reports.
• Open up your bidding for donors everywhere. With auction sites and mobile bidding, all bidding can take place online. In other words, even donors who can't physically make it to your auction can participate.
• Gain deeper insights using reporting features. Robust reporting and analytics features can give you additional insight into your auction's performance and bidders' behavior. Generate reports on registration, bidding, and item performance to pinpoint opportunities and refine your strategies for future events.

These are just a handful of the major benefits you can expect when using online auction software. From increased donations to an overall smoother event, the list goes on!

Is There An App For A Silent Auction?

Yes, many auction platforms come with native apps for Apple and Android devices!

Mobile apps have revolutionized silent auctions by letting guests bid from the palm of their hands. However, keep in mind that not all apps are created equal. Explore our reviews above and each provider’s website to determine which app works best for your event.

Looking for the best mobile bidding app? Explore Handbid’s solution to discover why thousands of organizations choose our app.

Why Should You Consider Native Apps For Mobile Bidding?

Native apps are specifically designed for a particular operating system (like iOS) and can provide users with a smoother, more efficient experience. Additionally, native apps often have more advanced features and capabilities, creating a more engaging experience for guests. Without native apps, your auction solution may limit accessibility and convenience for users.

How Do You Choose the Best Auction Software?

Start your search by assessing your event needs and fundraising capacity. Establish a budget, and make a list of core features you need (check out our list below!). Then, research the providers on our list and see how they compare to the requirements you've noted. From there, you can begin weighing your options against one another, requesting demos, and making a decision with your nonprofit’s leadership.

Need help with budgeting? Download our free event budget template to jumpstart your selection process.

Features to Look For In Silent Auction Software for Nonprofits

The Handbid team has worked with thousands of organizations to pull off engaging silent auctions that inspire, support, and lead to lasting donor relationships. We know what it takes to create a standout event and how the right tools can take your efforts to the next level.

Using our first-hand experience, we've identified several core features to look for when assessing nonprofit auction software:

• Real-time mobile bidding
• Integrated, PCI-compliant payments with recurring donation features
• Real-time live auction updates
• Ability to accommodate both virtual and hybrid events
• Push notifications
• Native apps for iPhone and Android
• User-friendly interface
• All-in-one platform with multiple fundraising methods
• Cloud accessibility
• Robust reporting and analytics features
• Unique user profiles
• User privacy measures and data security
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Backend event management tools
• Integration with multiple CRMs and donor management platforms

This may seem like a long list of features, but many of these items are fundamental. Find a silent auction software provider with all these features, then dig deeper to ensure the platform meets your organization's unique needs.

The Long-Term Value of Nonprofit Auction Software

Nonprofit auctions have the power to transform your fundraising strategy, but you need comprehensive software to ensure they run smoothly. The right solution will unlock new levels of growth for your organization, so take your time as you consider the options on our list.

After selecting silent auction software, you still have an event you need to run! To get prepared, check out these resources:

• Silent Auctions: The Complete Guide for Smarter Fundraising. Learn how to make the most of your silent auction software and run a great event in our beginner’s guide.
• Free Fundraising Event Budget Template + Steps to Follow. Your budget is essential to choosing software and running successful events. Download our free event budget template to get started.

• Silent Auction Mistakes and How to Avoid Them. Listen to our podcast, “Elevate Your Event,” and hear from people who have experience with thousands of auctions talk about critical things to avoid when hosting a silent auction.

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