HiBid vs Proxibid (2026): Auction Platform Comparison
HiBid and Proxibid both host live auctioneers selling government surplus alongside private estates. Here's how the two platforms differ in fees, inventory, and buyer experience.
HiBid (run by Auction Flex) and Proxibid (now part of Auction.com's portfolio) are both technology platforms that auction houses use to run their live and timed online auctions. Government surplus appears on both, mixed in with estate sales, farm equipment, and commercial liquidations.
TL;DR
HiBid is built around the auctioneer-platform model. Each auction is run by an independent auction house using HiBid's software. Listings are more variable but fees are generally lower.
Proxibid has a more curated, dealer-driven experience with stronger heavy-equipment and real-estate inventory. Buyer's premiums tend to run higher.
Quick decision
- Estate-sale and small-auctioneer government surplus
- Generally lower buyer's premiums (often 10-13%)
- Wider variety of small lots
- Heavy equipment and commercial vehicle auctions
- Dealer-grade listings with more photos and inspection notes
- Curated real-estate inventory
Side by side
| HiBid | Proxibid | |
|---|---|---|
| Auctions per day | Hundreds | Dozens (more curated) |
| Buyer's premium | 10 – 13% typical | 12 – 18% typical |
| Auction style | Auctioneer-hosted, timed and live | Mostly live with timed catalogs |
| Government surplus volume | Moderate | Moderate |
| Categories | Everything | Heavy emphasis on equipment, vehicles, real estate |
Notes for government-surplus buyers Both platforms host government surplus indirectly: an auction house contracted by a city/state/county runs the sale on the platform. This means listings, descriptions, and seller responsiveness vary a lot by who's running each specific auction.
If you're cross-shopping a specific category (e.g., police interceptors), it pays to check both alongside GovDeals and Public Surplus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are HiBid and Proxibid free to buyers? Registration is free. Buyer's premiums apply to winning bids and are stated on each auction's terms page.
Can I trust the descriptions? Quality varies by the underlying auction house. The platform itself doesn't verify condition. Always read each lot's full terms and inspect in person when possible.
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