Top 5 Mobile Auction Software for Nonprofits (& How to Choose)

There are over 30 different auction platforms built for nonprofits. It’s the classic case of having too many options.

So how can you know which one has the best mobile features for hybrid auctions? How can you choose the one that won't crash on event night?

We'll walk you through how to choose what’s right for your needs. Then we'll narrow down the options to our top 5 picks, with the pros and cons of each.

Note: Price estimates were last updated Dec. 2025.

7 Steps to Choose Your Mobile Auction Software

Just in case our top 5 picks don’t sound right for you, here’s our method for selecting the right software for your charity auction.

Step 1: Check the Software’s Price and Pricing Model

Your budget is a huge factor for which auction software you choose. But another factor to consider is pricing models. Auction platforms use different methods for charging fees, including:

• Flat monthly or annual fees
• A percentage of your total event revenue
• Free, but with added credit card processing fees
• Free, but with fees deferred to donors

Many mobile bidding sites are free, but platform fees and processing fees end up falling on your donors. Pay attention to those extra charges and be upfront with donors before your auction begins. Explain that they will be paying extra fees at checkout.

Step 2: Look for Mobile Bidding Features

Check that your software has great mobile bidding features.

If the auction platform’s mobile bidding features aren’t prominently displayed on their website, this is not a good fit! Some fundraising platforms don’t specialize in auctions or mobile auctions. This is likely to be an afterthought for the platform.

Step 3: Read Reviews

Check what people are saying about different auction platforms. You can find reviews on Capterra, Software Advice, Reddit, and Google. Some platforms offer full fundraising suites, so look specifically at reviews about their auctions and mobile bidding.

Step 4: Check that Payment Processing is Secure

It may be tempting to choose a lesser known platform because of its affordability. But make sure that platform is secure for your donors during checkout! Look for PCI-compliant software and transparent payment reporting.

Step 5: Choose a Mobile Bidding Platform with Quality Customer Service

Auctions are a lot of work, and the more help you have, the better. Look for auction platforms that offer great customer service or on-demand help while your auction is live.

Some platforms also provide a white glove service. A representative will come in-person to your live event to help with setup and operation!

Step 6: Select a Platform that Doesn’t Require an App

Donors don’t want to download an app to their phones for a one-time event, so choose a platform that works on mobile browsers. If the auction software you choose has an optional app, make it clear to donors that they don’t have to download it.

Step 7: Use Free Trials or Free Sign-Ups to Test Software on Mobile

If you want to see what your donors will experience during mobile bidding, test out your software before making your purchase. Some platforms let you sign up for free, while others require demo calls and purchases before accessing their software.

Best 5 Mobile Auction Software for Nonprofits

Use our step-by-step process to select mobile bidding software that’s right for you, or select from our curated list. Here’s what we recommend and why:

1. CharityAuctions (Formerly CharityAuctionsToday)

Recently recognized by G2 as “Easiest to Use” in its niche, CharityAuctions is our best all-around pick for mobile auction software. 

The recent redesign from CharityAuctionsToday to CharityAuctions was built specifically with mobile functionality in mind. Beyond their ease of use, their customer support is very helpful and you can use the platform offline in case of wi-fi and connectivity issues.

The free version of CharityAuctions doesn’t feel restrictive at all and comes with all the features you’ll need.

Can you sign up for free?: Yes

Are demos available?: Yes

Pricing: 0-8% of auction revenue

PCI-compliant: Yes

Key Mobile Features:

• No app required (everything can be done on a browser)
• Mobile payment integration (Apple Pay, etc.)
• Text notifications

Best For:

• Small nonprofits and schools on a budget
• Medium-sized nonprofits
• Ready-to-use auction pages & quick setup
• Hybrid auctions & online auctions

Pros:

• Offline functionality 
• Easiest platform to setup
• Amazing customer support

Cons:

• Fewer advanced features
• Less customization

2. Givebutter

Givebutter is a popular choice for fundraising software that also comes with auction and mobile bidding features. You can choose to have donors pay all fees, or your organization can cover some fees to lessen the burden on donors. 

Can you sign up for free?: Yes

Are demos available?: Yes

Pricing: 0-6% of revenue, or flat fees based on number of donors

PCI-compliant: Yes

Key Mobile Features:

• No app required (everything can be done on a browser)
• QR codes for items
• Text notifications

Best for:

• Small nonprofits and schools on a budget
• Organizations looking for free but comprehensive fundraising software

Pros:

• Can be used completely free (but fees are deferred to donors)
• All-in-one fundraising platform

Cons:

• High fees for ticketed events
• Auction item categories can be hidden on mobile
• Links to auction pages occasionally have issues

3. OneCause

OneCause is a highly professional option that comes at a moderate price. They have great mobile bidding features plus a whole range of other fundraising features beyond auctions.

Can you sign up for free?: No

Are demos available?: No

Pricing: Plans starting at $200 plus 5% fee on donations

PCI-compliant: Yes

Key Mobile Features:

• No app required (everything can be done on a browser)
• Text notifications
• Live leaderboards

Best for:

• Medium to large nonprofits
• Organizations looking for more customization and advanced features
• Organizations looking for all-in-one fundraising software that includes auctions

Pros :

• Highly professional
• All-in-one platform
• Extensive mobile features

Cons:

• Steepest learning curve

4. Auctria

Auctria is another great option that balances affordability with high quality software. The one downside is that text notifications only come with their optional app. Donors accessing your auction page via web browser will receive email notifications instead.

Can you sign up for free?: Yes

Are demos available?: Demos must be scheduled

Pricing: $0-$750/year + credit card processing fees

PCI-compliant: Yes

Key Mobile Features:

• QR codes
• Event website
• Text or email notifications

Best for:

• Small to medium nonprofits on a budget
• Integrating mobile bidding at live auctions
• Online and hybrid auctions

Pros :

• Great customer support
• Great customization

Cons:

• Less modern auction page design
• Mobile notifications only come with their app

5. GiveSmart

GiveSmart is the premium option on our list, with the most impressive list of mobile features. Choose GiveSmart for high-end auctions to impress high-end donors.

Can you sign up for free?: No

Are demos available?: No, demos must be scheduled

Pricing: Annual subscription starting at $2,395 plus 3.5% credit card processing fees

PCI-compliant: Yes

Key Mobile Features:

• Live leaderboards
• No app required (everything can be done on a browser)
• Text notifications
• Item bundling
• Allows videos
• Sponsorship displays

Best for:

• Large nonprofits
• Organizations looking for robust features

Pros:

• Great integrations with CRMs and more
• Great receipt system

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not transparent with pricing

The Stress-Free Choice for Mobile Bidding

For easy mobile bidding setup, CharityAuctions is your best option.

CharityAuctions offers a free account to test all mobile bidding features. It lets you customize your fees based on your budget, starting from free options.

Set up a test auction with CharityAuctions in minutes and see what your donors will experience.

Or read our Complete Mobile Bidding Guide for all of our mobile bidding How-To’s.

Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.