Top 20 Online Auction & Bidding Apps In 2025

Published on February 19th, 2025

Visualize a world where you can engage an auction house from the comfort of your couch. Outbid competing bidders with that “got it!” feeling and engage in bidding wars to snag amazing deals on your smartphone. Welcome to 2025, where online bidding apps and websites have become an immersive, engaging experience fusing cutting-edge technology with the age-old thrill of the hunt. 

Whether you are an established collector, bargain hunter, or just someone who loves a little thrill throughout their day, the best online bidding apps and sites of 2025 usher in a new paradigm in the way you shop, compete, and win. 

Prepare yourself for a trip through a venue where every bid conveys Midas-like heavy tipping, every second counts, and every prize is a long-sought victory. Let’s now take a look at the platforms that would change the face of the deal!

Facts and Current Market Statistics of Bidding Apps

• The online auction market is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating a substantial increase in market size over the next few years. According to Technavio, the global online auction market is estimated to grow by USD 3.98 billion from 2025 to 2029, driven by the shift toward online auctions and the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence in market trends.
• Further analysis by Archive Market Research projects the online auction market to reach a size of $18,510 million by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is attributed to the increasing popularity of online auctions, which offer convenience, transparency, and a wide range of products and services.
• Market Research Future anticipates the online auction market to grow from USD 739.11 billion in 2025 to USD 1,530.56 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.42% during the forecast period.

Such figures point towards the growing place of online auction sites in international markets as indicative of a surge in the movement towards online transactions and greater usage of technology in business.

Top 20 Online Bidding Apps & Websites You Shouldn’t Miss in 2025

1. eBay – Best Online Auction & Bidding App For Android & iPhone

Founded: 1995
Founder: Pierre Omidyar
eBay is the family name for online auctions. From vintage memorabilia to brand-new gadgets, eBay allows people to bid on nearly anything. The auction model of the site is easy but habit-forming—you submit a bid, see the clock wind down, and hope to be the winner without being outbid at the eleventh hour. With listings in the millions from around the globe, it’s one of the most flexible bidding apps. Whether you’re searching for limited-edition sneakers or a used car, eBay has a little bit of everything.

Download: Android|iOS

Also Check: How to Build an Auction Website like eBay

2. Sotheby’s – One Of The Top Bidding Apps For iPhone & Android

Founded: 1744
Founder: Samuel Baker
Sotheby’s is the epitome of prestige in the world of auctions. Traditionally known for its in-person luxury art and collectible sales, the company has successfully transitioned into the digital era with seamless online auctions. Unlike typical bidding apps that focus on everyday items, Sotheby’s caters to high-net-worth individuals looking for rare artworks, fine jewelry, and exclusive collectibles. Whether you’re eyeing a Picasso or a diamond-studded Rolex, Sotheby’s digital platform brings elite auctions straight to your screen.

Download: Android |iOS

3. Catawiki

Founded: 2008
Founders: René Schoenmakers, Marco Jansen
If you crave the unique, Catawiki is the best site to venture into. The auction site with handpicked auctions contains unusual objects such as vintage automobiles, out-of-print comics, and good wine. Other apps that provide open bidding by any user listing their products do not compare with Catawiki’s expert auctioneers managing all the sales for quality and genuineness. Art enthusiasts and history buffs have no shortage of something interesting to uncover.

Download: Android |iOS

4. Auction.com—Homes for Sale

Founded: 2007
Founder: Jeff Frieden
Purchasing a home in an auction seems complex, but Auction.com has made it astonishingly easy. Focusing on foreclosed and bank-owned properties, Auction.com a best bidding app enables consumers to bid for properties at reasonable prices. Both homebuyers and investors take advantage of Auction.com to discover great deals on listed properties not on the open market. Through financing options and thorough property reports, it is an ideal website for those entering the real estate world via auctions.

Download: Android |iOS

5. AuctionZip

Founded: 2003
Founder: Pat Hendershott
AuctionZip is a virtual treasure map designed for collectors. It centralizes online and live auctions from various auction houses, providing users with access to estate sales, farm machinery, and antique furniture. As opposed to other bidding apps that concentrate on impulse sales, AuctionZip maintains the excitement of live auctions. If you’re an enthusiast of competitive bidding, this site is a good site to visit.

Download: iOS

6. DealDash—Bid & Save Auctions

Founded: 2009
Founder: William Wolfram
DealDash is an auction site that offers penny auctions with users getting top-shelf items at remarkably discounted prices—if they strategize their bids wisely. Each bid adds only a penny to the cost of the item, but each one increases the auction clock as well, resulting in a test of endurance and wits. It’s competitive and exciting fun for getting electronics, home decor, and even gift certificates. But do bid prudently, as penny auctions take a degree of skill and luck.

Download: Android |iOS

Also Read: How Much Does It Cost To Develop An Auction App?

7. LiveAuctioneers: Bid @ Auction

Founded: 2002
Founders: Julian R. Ellison, Randy K. Eckels
For those who want to experience the luxurious auction house but cannot make a trip there, LiveAuctioneers puts it right in your fingertips. This auction site is partnered with high-end auction houses from all over the globe where buyers can bid on priceless art, antiques, and extraordinary jewelry. It has the romanticism of an old-school auction and the ease of online bidding, which is why serious collectors love it.

Download: Android |iOS

8. Invaluable

Founded: 1989
Founder: Adam Kirsch
If you are interested in historical relics, fine art, and high-end products, Invaluable is a site you should consider. While other bidding apps offer a combination of common and high-end products, Invaluable specializes in high-end, authenticated products only. It partners with reputable auction houses and galleries to provide buyers with access to exclusive and rare pieces.

Download: Android |iOS

9. IAA Buyer Salvage Auctions

Founded: 1982
Founder: John Kett
IAA Buyer Salvage Auctions is the go-to auction platform for auto enthusiasts and businesses looking to purchase salvage or repossessed vehicles. The platform allows users to bid on insurance-claimed cars, damaged vehicles, and repossessed automobiles at significantly lower prices. Whether you’re looking for a project car or a vehicle for spare parts, IAA makes car auctions accessible to the public.

Download: Android |iOS

10. FindAuction

Founded: 2016
Founder: Pratik Vyas
FindAuction is India’s leading online auction website for real estate as well as government-seized property. It gives investors access to opportunities that otherwise may not come up on general real estate sites. If you’re searching for a foreclosed house or business space at bargain prices, the site offers in-depth property descriptions and bidding analysis, making the real estate auctions more transparent and accessible.

11. Bidkaro

Founded: 2018
Founder: Amit Agarwal
Bidkaro is an upcoming bidding app that makes auctioning effortless for both buyers and sellers. It offers some other real-time bidding across categories like electronics, automobiles, and real estate. It is this very interface that makes it simple and straightforward bidding experience. Be it an individual craving a deal or a business seeking to auction her goods, Bidkaro doesn’t stint on quality.

Download: Android |iOS

12. Emirates Auction

Founded: 2004
Founder: Abdulla Matar Al Mannai
Emirates Auction is among the largest online auction apps in the UAE, with expertise in selling luxury vehicles, number plates, property, and even heavy machinery. It specializes in hosting government and corporate sales, guaranteeing maximum security and confidence. It gets bidders from all over the world, owing to its prestige of having high-value exclusive assets for sale.

Download: Android |iOS

13. Auctions by CarDekho

Founded: 2008
Founder: Amit Jain
CarDekho’s auction website is used for the selling and purchasing of used vehicles with an easy online bidding system. In contrast to conventional dealerships, the app enables owners of cars to sell their cars and get competitive offers from prospective buyers. The openness in prices and quick sale features make it among the best car bidding apps on the market.

Download: Android |iOS

Suggested: How to Develop A Penny Auctions Website?

14. Super Player Auction: Cricket

Founded: 2021
For cricket fans, the Super Player Auction is a fantasy come true. Based on the actual player auctions in professional leagues such as the IPL, this auction app allows users to participate in fantasy cricket auctions. Users can bid for their favorite players, build dream teams, and play against other users in fantasy leagues. It’s a new and thrilling spin on both sports and online auctions.

Download: Android |iOS

15. IRS Treasury Auctions

Founded: 1998
Founder: U.S. Government
The IRS Treasury Auctions website is where the U.S. government auctions off seized property, such as real estate, cars, and other valuable personal property. These auctions tend to provide amazing bargains since seized property is auctioned off at competitive opening bids. Unlike most commercial bidding apps, this one offers a chance to bid on government-owned assets at potentially lower prices.

16. PropertyRoom—Property Bidding Platform App

Founded: 1999
Founder: Tom Lane
PropertyRoom.com is a hidden jewel among auction houses; basically a marketplace for law enforcement agencies and items sold by any department. You can discover some amazing deals on luxury watches or collectible items as PropertyRoom.com enables you to bid for lost, stolen, or unclaimed property that has been taken by police. This makes it a more exciting adjunct to mainstream auction apps, with constant new auctions appearing daily. 

Download: Android |iOS

17. ShopGoodWill

Founded: 1999
Founder: Goodwill Industries
ShopGoodWill is a charitable bidding site in which consumers can bid for used items that are donated to Goodwill stores. Funds benefit job and career training programs for individuals in need. Whether you seek vintage treasures, refurbished computers, or one-of-a-kind home decor, ShopGoodWill provides a guilt-free shopping experience while giving to a worthy cause.

Download: Android |iOS

18. HiBid

Founded: 2009
Founder: Auction Flex
HiBid is a comprehensive auction site that ties together internet and live auctions. It is inclusive of extensive auction categories ranging from estate auctions to collectibles, equipment, and even livestock. HiBid makes direct connections for the buyer between buyers and auction houses, where bidders are ensured of real-time and immersive auctioning experiences. For die-hard fans of dynamic competitive auctioning, HiBid is definitely an excellent portal to begin.

Download: iOS

19. Bidsquare

Founded: 2014
Founders: Six Leading Auction Houses
Bidsquare is a luxury bidding apps that specializes in fine art, antiques, and collectibles. Unlike regular auction platforms, Bidsquare is highly selective in curating its listings, ensuring that only the best and most authentic items are available. Bidsquare partners with some of the premier auction houses in the industry, which makes it a trusted destination for serious collectors and investors alike. 

Download: Android |iOS

20. Bonhams

Founded: 1793
Founders: Thomas Dodd & Walter Bonham
Bonhams is rated as one of the oldest and most respectable bidding apps in the world. It deals with fine jewelry, classic cars, arts, and rare wines with a little orientation for participating in luxury auctions. Revenue entered the auction once all opened platforms were associated with online auctions. If you are looking for exclusive collectibles, then this is definitely among some of the best auction apps to try out. 

Download: Android |iOS

This list brings together various bidding apps, so surely you will find something that you like—be it cars, fine art, real estate, or even fantasy sports players!

Also Read: How to Create a Website For Penny Auctions?

Why Are Online Bidding Applications Getting So Popular?

• Increased Accessibility and Convenience

With the rise of smartphones, online auction apps are more accessible than ever. People can now place bids from anywhere, whether at home, on the go, or during a break at work. This convenience makes it easier for users to participate in auctions whenever they want, eliminating the need to attend physical auctions.

• Wider Range of Products

Auction apps provide access to an extensive range of products. From electronics and collectibles to real estate and antiques, users can find almost anything they desire. This vast selection attracts different types of buyers and sellers, ensuring a thriving marketplace within these bidding apps.

• Competitive Pricing

One of the key attractions of auction apps is the chance to get items at lower prices. Buyers can place bids and often end up paying much less than they would have at a retail store. The bidding process fosters competition, which results in dynamic pricing and better deals for savvy shoppers.

• Global Reach

Online auction platforms have removed geographical barriers, enabling buyers and sellers from across the world to interact. Whether it’s a rare artifact or a luxury watch, buyers can now access global markets, broadening their opportunities.

• Real-Time Updates and Notifications

Auction apps provide real-time updates, so users can track bidding progress, ensuring they never miss an opportunity. Push notifications and instant alerts for new listings make the entire process engaging and more user-friendly, enhancing the overall auction experience.

Types of Auction Platforms/Bidding Apps

• Reverse Auction

In a reverse auction, the typical auction dynamics are flipped. Instead of the price increasing as bids go higher, in this model, the price decreases with every new bid. Sellers list their products at a high price, and buyers compete by offering progressively lower bids. The goal is to get the lowest price and the first bid to meet the seller’s target price wins. This format is commonly used for service procurement, especially in business-to-business (B2B) environments.

• Penny Auction

Penny auctions have gained popularity in recent years due to their thrilling and fast-paced nature. In a penny auction, every bid raises the price of the item by a small increment, usually just a penny or a small fraction of a dollar. However, each bid also increases the time left for the auction to end. While bids may appear inexpensive, they can add up quickly, and the winner often pays a fraction of the retail price. However, if you don’t win, you lose the money spent on bids.

• English Auction

The English auction is the most common and traditional form of auction. In this format, the auctioneer starts with a low price, and participants bid by raising the price incrementally. The auction continues until no more bids are placed, and the highest bidder wins the item. This type of auction is widely used in art, antiques, and collectibles, making it one of the most popular formats in online bidding apps.

• First-Price Sealed-Bid Auction

In a first-price sealed-bid auction, all participants submit their bids in sealed envelopes. Once all the bids are submitted, the highest bid wins, and the winning bidder must pay that price. There are no opportunities for participants to see other bids or increase their offers during the auction. This type of auction is commonly used for government procurement and private-sector sales, where confidentiality is important.

• Dutch Auction

In a Dutch auction, the auctioneer begins by setting a high price and gradually lowers it until a bidder accepts the price. This format is particularly effective for selling multiple identical items, as it allows bidders to claim goods at a price they’re willing to pay, without the typical back-and-forth bidding process. Dutch auctions are commonly seen in the sale of flowers, fish, and even some financial instruments.

• Vickrey Auction

A Vickrey auction, or sealed-bid second-price auction, is similar to the first-price sealed-bid auction. However, in this case, the highest bidder wins the auction but pays the second-highest price. This system encourages participants to bid their true value for the item, knowing that they will only pay what others are willing to pay. This type of auction is often used in online advertising and some government sales.

How To Do An Online Auction For Free?

Conducting an online auction for free can be simple if you follow these steps and use the right tools. Here’s a breakdown of how to do it:

• Select the Right Platform

Start by choosing a platform that allows you to host auctions without any fees. Popular options like Facebook Marketplace and local community groups on platforms like Reddit or WhatsApp allow you to create free listings. Additionally, auction-specific platforms like eBid or Listia offer free basic listing options, ideal for beginners.

• Create a Detailed Listing

To attract bidders, provide a clear and comprehensive description of the item you’re auctioning. Include essential details such as the item’s condition, starting bid, any relevant features, and high-quality images. A compelling listing is crucial for drawing attention and securing bids in online bidding apps.

• Set Auction Rules

Establish clear auction rules, including the starting bid, bidding increments, auction duration, and acceptable payment methods. Be transparent about any additional costs, such as shipping fees, to avoid confusion. Make sure to include terms about item delivery or pickup after the auction ends.

• Promote Your Auction

Use social media platforms and online communities to promote your auction. Share your listing in relevant groups, forums, or social media accounts to attract a larger audience. The more exposure you get, the higher the chances of receiving multiple bids on your auction.

• Monitor and Manage the Auction

Stay active during the auction, answering any questions that come up from potential bidders. Keep an eye on the bidding activity and provide updates if necessary. Being responsive will help ensure that bidders feel comfortable participating in the auction.

• Close the Auction

Once the auction has ended, notify the winning bidder and arrange payment. Ensure you follow through with the delivery or pickup process as per the terms outlined in your listing. Prompt communication after the auction’s close builds trust and helps in building a reputation as a reliable auction host.

By following these steps, you can easily create an online auction for free, making use of free platforms and maximizing your reach. Whether it’s an item you no longer need or something valuable you want to sell, online auction apps make the process efficient and accessible.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, online bidding apps have revolutionized the way items are bought and sold, offering a convenient and accessible platform for users worldwide. These apps provide a diverse marketplace, catering to various niches such as collectibles, real estate, and antiques, allowing buyers and sellers to interact more effectively. With different types of auctions available, participants can choose the best method to suit their needs, whether it’s a traditional auction or a more specialized format.

The popularity of these bidding apps continues to grow, driven by the flexibility and opportunities they offer to both casual and experienced users. Many platforms now even allow users to auction items for free, making it easier to get started without any upfront cost. As online bidding evolves, these bidding platforms are expected to play a significant role in the future of digital commerce, offering new ways to buy and sell goods globally.

FAQ’s

1. What is the best bidding site?

eBay is one of the most well-known bidding sites, offering a wide range of products. Other top choices include BidSpotter, Listia, and Tophatter, depending on your needs.

2. What is the best online auction app?

eBay, AuctionZip, and Tophatter are among the best online auction apps, providing users with seamless bidding experiences on mobile devices.

3. What is the most popular auction site?

eBay remains the most popular auction site worldwide, with millions of active users. Other notable platforms include Heritage Auctions, Sotheby’s, and Copart.

4. How much does an auction website cost?

The cost of developing a basic auction website may cost $5,000–$30,000, while a feature-rich custom platform can exceed $100,000. Overall the cost varies based on features, design, and functionality.

5. What’s the best online auction site?

eBay is widely considered the best online auction site, offering diverse categories and global reach. For niche markets, Heritage Auctions and Bonhams are top choices.

6. What is the best auto auction site?

Copart, Manheim, and IAAI are some of the best auto auction sites, offering a variety of vehicles, from salvage cars to high-end models.