When looking for ways to raise funds, silent auctions are a popular and effective option for nonprofits and charity organizations. Silent auction platforms have streamlined the process, taking auction planning and hosting to the next level. Choosing the right silent auction software can give your NPO team and bidders a seamless and enjoyable experience.
This guide to the best silent auction platforms explains what auction software is, the key features to look out for, and how to choose the right option for you. We also share the top six platforms to choose from in 2025.
Silent auction software simplifies how NPOs and other charity or community organizations manage their silent auction fundraisers. A good silent auction platform can make your planning, hosting, and post-event reflection so much easier by becoming a central hub for your event data.
You can set up auctions online, manage item listings, automate bid tracking, send instant winner notifications, monitor bidding activity, and accept and process payments. Many platforms also offer features like live event support, donor management, and integration with fundraising tools. These are important features for helping you host and manage your auction in real time and keep donors happy.
What sets silent auction software apart from other auction platforms?
Well, the key feature of a silent auction is the silent mystery, of course, and that’s what the software offers. Silent auction tools allow bidders to place their bids secretly without identifying who they are to other bidders.
With silent auction software, organizers can take a whole lot off their plate, enhance efficiency, and host a fantastic event with ease!
Consider these must-have features when looking for silent auction platforms:
These are our top contenders for silent auction tools on the market today:
Our solution is a user-friendly silent auction platform designed for nonprofits and charity organizations. It’s cloud-based and allows organizations to run auctions effortlessly while engaging bidders through an intuitive interface.
We’ve created our platform with NPOs in mind to make your event planning a breeze. And a fantastic bonus: BiddingOwl is a versatile system you can use for different kinds of auctions and fundraisers from silent auctions to standard auction events.
Givebutter is a popular all-in-one fundraising platform that includes silent auction capabilities. NPOs enjoy it for its seamless integration of administrative tools and all-in-one fundraising functionalities. You can use it to manage donors, payments, real-time hosting, and other elements of your auction management.
However, its auction features aren’t as deep or specialized as platforms built specifically for auctions. For nonprofits running more complex or in-person silent auctions, Givebutter may lack some of the more tailored tools (like item watchlists or paddle raise support).
Bloomerang is a donor management and CRM platform, with added fundraising capabilities that include silent auctions. It shines in helping nonprofits build long-term donor relationships and analyze fundraising performance.
While it offers silent auction tools, they’re not the platform’s core focus. NPOs looking for a robust, intuitive auction management experience may find the learning curve steeper or features less auction-centric than platforms like BiddingOwl, which are purpose-built for these events.
OneCause is a leading silent auction platform that offers a robust suite of tools for nonprofit fundraising. It provides a comprehensive solution for both live and virtual events, making it a go-to choice for charity organizations.
OneCause is best suited to mid-to-large nonprofits with dedicated event teams and budgets. It doesn’t offer a free plan, making it less suitable for smaller organizations conscious of expenses.
Auctria is a cost-effective silent auction software tailored for nonprofits of all sizes that offers flexible features. With it, your organization can run online, mobile, and in-person auctions seamlessly, simplifying your bid item, donor, and real-time bidding management.
While Auctria offers a free version, key features like ticketing or CRM integration only come with the paid plans starting at $375. This makes it less accessible for nonprofits needing a full-feature solution without upfront costs.
If you want to give your customers a great handheld bidding experience, Handbid is a robust silent auction platform with a sleek, user-friendly interface and mobile bidding. It is perfect for both virtual and hybrid events.
However, its pricing and setup may be better suited to professional fundraisers or large-scale campaigns. Smaller nonprofits might find it more complex than necessary, particularly if they don’t need live auction bells and whistles.
Selecting the right silent auction software depends on various factors, including budget, event size, and required features. Here are some key considerations:
Silent auction platforms have transformed nonprofit and charity fundraising events. The right platform can streamline the entire process, from setting up auctions to processing payments and tracking bids, and take the load off your team’s shoulders. It can also give participants or bidders a better, more convenient experience, which results in better donor engagement, greater fundraising potential, and overall good times!
With over 30,000 organizations using BiddingOwl to raise money for their causes, we know what nonprofits need to succeed. So make silent auctions a wonderful experience for you and your supporters, and get started with BiddingOwl today!