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Nonprofits · head to head

Handbid vs Universe

Handbid logo

Handbid

Nonprofits

Mobile-first auction and event fundraising platform

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Universe logo

Universe

Events

Ticketing and event management made simple

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Universe has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Handbid the pricing page publishes no plan, no rate, no minimum and no per-event fee; it states there are no preset tiers and directs every visitor to a pricing consultation; Universe limited design customization for event pages and branding control
  • They diverge on capability: Handbid covers Mobile bidding, Universe covers Event pages.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Handbid and Universe actually diverge.

Attributes where Handbid and Universe differ
AttributeHandbidUniverse
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierNoYes
CategoryNonprofitsEvents

Identical on both: platforms (Web, IOS, Android), user rating (Not yet rated), founded (2011).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Handbid

  • Mobile bidding
  • Silent auctions
  • Live auctions
  • Fund-a-need
  • Salesforce
  • IOS support

Only in Universe

  • Event pages
  • Guest lists
  • Check-in app
  • Analytics
  • Facebook
  • Google Analytics
  • Ios support

Both cover

  • Ticketing
  • Stripe
  • PayPal
  • Mailchimp
  • Web support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Handbid

  • Mobile bidding for charity and fundraising auctionsnot Universe
  • Event ticketing, registration and check-in with tap to paynot Universe
  • White-labelled online auctions for schools, nonprofits and corporate eventsnot Universe

Universe

  • Event planningnot Handbid
  • Ticket salesnot Handbid
  • Attendee managementnot Handbid
  • Virtual eventsnot Handbid
  • Event marketingnot Handbid

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Handbid

  • The pricing page publishes no plan, no rate, no minimum and no per-event fee; it states there are no preset tiers and directs every visitor to a pricing consultation
  • There is no self-serve signup path; the only routes offered are Start Chatting, a consultation or a demo booking
  • Because packages are assembled per event, the cost of white-label auctions, text-to-give and support levels is not published

Universe

  • Limited design customization for event pages and branding control
  • User interface becomes unintuitive for advanced features and complex event types
  • No ability to transfer attendees between time slots; requires full refund and repurchase
  • Difficult walk-up/credit card sales processing at physical events
  • Slow customer support for refunds and technical issues

Pricing, plan by plan

Handbid

On request
  • Starter$199/month
    • Basic auction features
    • Up to 50 items
  • Professional$499/month
    • Unlimited items
    • Live streaming
    • Fund-a-need
  • Enterprise$999/month
    • Multi-event license
    • White labeling
    • Priority support

Universe

Free
  • Free EventsFree
    • Free event creation and ticketing
  • Starter$0.79/per ticket
    • 2% + $0.79 per ticket
    • Capped at $19.95 per ticket
    • Basic event management
  • Standard$1.99/per ticket
    • 2.5% + $1.99 per ticket
    • Capped at $19.95 per ticket
    • Advanced features
  • Pro$undefined/custom
    • Dynamic pricing
    • RFID access control
    • Ticketmaster distribution

Which should you pick?

Choose Handbid if

  • You need mobile bidding.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want silent auctions.
Handbid review

Choose Universe if

  • You need event pages.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want guest lists.
Universe review

Questions people ask

Is Handbid or Universe better?
Neither clearly leads. Handbid starts at On request and Universe at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Handbid or Universe?
Universe has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Handbid and Free for Universe.
Does Handbid or Universe run on more platforms?
Handbid runs on Web, IOS, Android. Universe runs on Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use Universe for free?
Yes. Universe has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Handbid starts at On request.
What is Handbid best used for?
Handbid is most often used for mobile bidding for charity and fundraising auctions, event ticketing, registration and check-in with tap to pay, white-labelled online auctions for schools, nonprofits and corporate events. Of those, mobile bidding for charity and fundraising auctions and event ticketing, registration and check-in with tap to pay are not what Universe is typically brought in for.
What can Handbid do that Universe cannot?
Handbid covers Mobile bidding, Silent auctions, Live auctions, Fund-a-need. Universe covers Event pages, Guest lists, Check-in app, Analytics. Both handle Ticketing, Stripe, PayPal, Mailchimp.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Handbid: How much does Handbid cost?

Handbid does not use standard pricing tiers. Instead, the company provides custom quotes based on your event needs, event volume, and support requirements. Handbid emphasizes no commission on funds raised.

Source
Universe: What platforms does Universe support?

Universe is available on web, iOS, and Android, with support across 25 countries and 9 languages. Organizers can accept online, mobile, onsite, kiosk, and print-at-home tickets.

Source
Handbid: Does Handbid take a commission on auction proceeds?

No. Handbid does not charge a percentage of funds raised. Platform fees are separate from payment processing.

Source
Universe: Does Universe integrate with other tools?

Yes. Universe integrates with 5,000+ partner applications through Zapier, allowing automation of ticket sales data to CRM, invoicing, and other business tools without code.

Source
Handbid: What payment processing fees does Handbid charge?

Handbid's payment processing fees are: Visa/Mastercard/Discover 3.5% + $0.30 per transaction, American Express 3.95% + $0.30 per transaction, and ACH 1.5% flat with no per-transaction fee.

Source
Handbid: What is included in Handbid licenses?

All Handbid licenses include unlimited items, guests, and bidders; all auction formats (silent, live, paddle raise); ticketing and check-in; money handling and reporting; platform updates; and live phone support during events.

Source
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