Need to pick a winner for your raffle, giveaway, or contest? We've tested and compared the 7 most popular pick a winner apps to help you choose the right tool. From simple random number generators to comprehensive raffle management platforms, this guide covers everything you need to know about selecting winners fairly and transparently.
Quick Verdict
Best Overall: rafflr - Complete raffle management with professional drawing tools
Best Free Option: Random.org - Simple, trustworthy random selection
Best for Social Media: Woobox - Instagram and Facebook integration
What is a Pick a Winner App?
A pick a winner app is software that randomly selects winners from a pool of entries. These tools range from basic random number generators to sophisticated platforms that handle ticket sales, participant management, and live drawings. The right app depends on your specific needs:
- Simple drawings - Just need to pick a random number
- Name drawings - Select from a list of participants
- Weighted drawings - More tickets = better chances
- Live events - Visual drawings for audience engagement
- Complete raffles - Full management from sales to selection
Top 7 Pick a Winner Apps Reviewed
1. rafflr - Best Overall Pick a Winner App
Price: $97/year | Free trial: No (credit card required)
rafflr is more than just a pick a winner app - it's a complete raffle management platform. While other tools focus only on the drawing, rafflr handles everything from selling tickets to selecting winners with style.
Pros:
- Complete raffle management
- Multiple drawing styles (traditional, reverse, 50/50)
- Live drawing animations
- Automatic winner notification
- Video recording of drawings
- Mobile-optimized interface
Cons:
- Overkill for simple drawings
- Annual subscription required
- No free plan available
Best for: Organizations running professional raffles who need more than just winner selection
2. Random.org - Best Free Pick a Winner Tool
Price: Free | Premium: $4.95/month
Random.org has been the internet's trusted source for randomness since 1998. Their pick a winner tool uses atmospheric noise to generate truly random selections, making it perfect for simple, trustworthy drawings.
Pros:
- Completely free for basic use
- True randomness (not pseudo-random)
- No registration required
- Highly trusted reputation
- Multiple drawing methods
Cons:
- No participant management
- Basic interface
- No integration with sales
- Manual data entry required
Best for: Quick, simple drawings where you already have your participant list
See Professional Winner Selection in Action
Watch how rafflr makes picking winners exciting with live animations and transparent drawings
3. Woobox - Best for Social Media Giveaways
Price: $37/month | Free plan: Limited features
Woobox specializes in social media contests and giveaways. Their pick a winner feature integrates directly with Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to randomly select winners from comments, likes, or hashtags.
Pros:
- Direct social media integration
- Automated entry collection
- Multiple entry methods
- Fraud detection features
- Detailed analytics
Cons:
- Monthly subscription pricing
- Complex for simple raffles
- Limited customization
- Social media focused only
Best for: Brands running social media giveaways and influencer campaigns
4. AhaSlides - Best for Live Event Drawings
Price: Free for up to 7 participants | Paid: From $7.95/month
AhaSlides brings excitement to live events with their spinning wheel pick a winner feature. Perfect for conferences, meetings, and live fundraising events where visual appeal matters.
Pros:
- Visually engaging spin wheel
- Real-time participation
- Mobile audience joining
- Customizable wheel design
- Sound effects and animations
Cons:
- Limited free version
- Requires internet connection
- Not suitable for large raffles
- No ticket sales features
Best for: Live events where audience engagement is priority
5. MiniWebTool Random Picker - Simple and Fast
Price: Free
MiniWebTool offers a no-frills random picker that gets the job done. Paste your list, click pick, and get a winner. Perfect for those who need quick results without any setup.
Pros:
- Completely free
- No registration needed
- Works on all devices
- Simple copy-paste interface
- Instant results
Cons:
- Very basic features
- No save functionality
- No verification options
- Limited to 10,000 entries
- No API or integrations
Best for: Quick, one-time drawings with small entry lists
6. RandomPicker - Feature-Rich Free Option
Price: Free
RandomPicker offers surprising functionality for a free tool. With options for weighted drawings, multiple winners, and even team generation, it's more capable than most free alternatives.
Pros:
- Advanced features for free
- Weighted entry support
- Multiple winner selection
- Team/group creation
- Result sharing options
Cons:
- Contains ads
- Cluttered interface
- No customer support
- Limited to 1,000 entries
Best for: Users needing advanced features without budget
7. AppSorteos - Best for Instagram Giveaways
Price: Free trial | Paid: From $9.99/draw
AppSorteos focuses specifically on Instagram giveaways, automatically collecting entries from comments, mentions, and hashtags. Their pick a winner algorithm filters out bots and fake accounts.
Pros:
- Instagram specialization
- Bot detection
- Multiple entry requirements
- Certificate of validity
Cons:
- Instagram only
- Per-draw pricing
- Limited customization
- No live drawing feature
Best for: Instagram influencers and brands running frequent giveaways
Feature Comparison Table
| App | Price | Free Option | Max Entries | Live Drawing | Social Integration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rafflr | $97/year | No | Unlimited | Yes | No | Professional raffles |
| Random.org | Free | Yes | 10,000 | No | No | Simple drawings |
| Woobox | $37/mo | Limited | Unlimited | No | Yes | Social media |
| AhaSlides | $7.95/mo | 7 entries | 10,000 | Yes | No | Live events |
| MiniWebTool | Free | Yes | 10,000 | No | No | Quick picks |
| RandomPicker | Free | Yes | 1,000 | No | No | Advanced free use |
| AppSorteos | $9.99/draw | Trial | Varies | No | IG giveaways |
How to Choose the Right Pick a Winner App
Consider Your Drawing Type
- One-time drawing: Free tools like Random.org work perfectly
- Regular raffles: Invest in a platform like rafflr for efficiency
- Social media giveaways: Choose specialized tools like Woobox
- Live events: Visual tools like AhaSlides create excitement
Essential Features to Look For
- True randomness - Ensure fair, unbiased selection
- Transparency options - Record or broadcast drawings
- Entry management - Import and organize participants easily
- Multiple winner support - Select several winners at once
- Result documentation - Prove fairness with certificates or logs
Red Flags to Avoid
- No information about randomization method
- Requires excessive permissions or data access
- Hidden fees or surprise limitations
- No customer support or documentation
- Overwhelmingly negative reviews about fairness
Advanced Pick a Winner Features
Weighted Drawings
Some pick a winner apps support weighted entries where participants can have multiple chances. This is essential for raffles where people buy multiple tickets. Look for apps that can:
- Handle different ticket quantities per person
- Display odds transparently
- Prevent duplicate winners (if desired)
- Show entry distribution visually
Live Drawing Features
For events, consider apps with engaging visual elements:
- Spinning wheels or slot machine animations
- Name scrolling with dramatic slowdown
- Confetti and celebration effects
- Big screen optimization
- Sound effects and music
Integration Capabilities
Professional pick a winner apps should integrate with:
- Payment systems - Automatically enter paid participants
- Email platforms - Notify winners instantly
- CRM systems - Sync participant data
- Social media - Import entries from campaigns
- Streaming software - Broadcast live drawings
Security and Fairness Considerations
How Random is Random?
Not all pick a winner apps use the same randomization methods:
- Pseudo-random algorithms - Computer-generated, good for most uses
- Hardware random generators - Use physical processes, more secure
- Atmospheric noise - Random.org's method, truly unpredictable
- Blockchain verification - Newest method, completely transparent
Ensuring Fair Drawings
- Use reputable apps - Stick to well-reviewed platforms
- Document the process - Record or screenshot drawings
- Be transparent - Share how winners were selected
- Allow verification - Provide drawing IDs or certificates
- Follow regulations - Ensure compliance with local laws
Common Pick a Winner App Mistakes
-
Not testing before the event
Always do a practice run to ensure everything works smoothly.
-
Forgetting to remove duplicates
Clean your entry list to ensure fairness.
-
Using the wrong tool for your needs
A simple Instagram giveaway doesn't need enterprise software.
-
Not having a backup plan
Technology fails - have an alternative ready.
-
Ignoring legal requirements
Some jurisdictions have specific rules about random drawings.
The Future of Pick a Winner Apps
As technology evolves, pick a winner apps are adding innovative features:
- AI fraud detection - Identify fake entries automatically
- Virtual reality drawings - Immersive winner selection experiences
- Smart contract integration - Automated prize distribution
- Augmented reality overlays - Project drawings in physical spaces
- Voice-activated drawings - "Alexa, pick a winner"
Conclusion: Choosing Your Pick a Winner App
The best pick a winner app depends entirely on your specific needs:
- For professional fundraising raffles: Choose rafflr for complete management
- For simple, free drawings: Random.org remains unbeatable
- For social media campaigns: Woobox or AppSorteos streamline the process
- For live event excitement: AhaSlides creates memorable moments
Remember, the tool is only as good as how you use it. Ensure transparency, follow best practices, and choose an app that makes your drawing process smooth and trustworthy. Your participants will appreciate the professionalism, and you'll save time and stress.