The best online art galleries: a comparison of 10 platforms

Anyone wishing to buy art online now has far more options than they did a few years ago. The range of options extends from specialised platforms for emerging artists to international marketplaces and traditional mail-order galleries. However, not every platform operates in the same way: some sell works directly from artists, whilst others work with galleries or art dealers. There are also significant differences when it comes to originals, editions, reproductions, advice and returns. In this comparison, we’re looking at ten well-known providers. It’s not just the size of the range that matters. We’re also looking at where the works come from, how transparent their provenance is, what services buyers receive, and who each platform is particularly suited to.

Why it’s hard to choose when buying art online

1. Student Art Market: Particularly strong in original art by young artists

2. Singulart: An international selection with personalised advice

Singulart is aimed at buyers who wish to discover contemporary art from various countries. The platform offers original paintings, sculptures and photographs, as well as editions and lithographs. The range extends from emerging artists to established names. Singulart describes its selection as curated and states that it vets artists before they are accepted onto the platform. 

A particular advantage for beginners is the service: Singulart offers a free, personalised art consultation and, on request, puts together a selection of works tailored to individual tastes. The platform also offers free returns within 30 days and insured worldwide delivery. According to the provider, all works on offer are sold with a certificate of authenticity. Prices range from a few hundred euros to significantly more expensive works in the five- and six-figure range.

Suitable for: buyers who wish to combine a wide international selection with personalised support.

Strengths: international reach, curated selection and comprehensive service.

Please note: Those looking exclusively for emerging artists will need to apply more specific filters.

3. ArtMajeur: An exceptionally wide selection

4. Saatchi Art: An international marketplace for contemporary art

Saatchi Art is one of the internationally established platforms for contemporary art. It focuses on original works by artists from various countries. The works are dispatched directly by the artists and, according to the provider, are supplied with a certificate of authenticity.

For newcomers, Saatchi Art offers a free art advisory service. There is also an important point to note regarding the returns policy: the platform states a 14-day returns period, the specific terms of which may depend on the respective market or country of delivery. Prices range from a few hundred euros for more affordable works to significantly more expensive originals by established artists.

Suitable for: people who want to discover international contemporary art and buy directly from artists.

Strengths: international reach and a wide selection of original art.

Please note: Due to international shipping, the origin, delivery time and shipping conditions may vary depending on the artwork.

5. Kunsthaus ARTES: A traditional art dealer with an online shop

Kunsthaus ARTES sets itself apart from the major digital marketplaces thanks to its long history in the art trade. According to the company, it has been trading in art since 1978 and describes itself as Germany’s first mail-order art gallery. The range comprises original works of art from the 20th and 21st centuries, including classical modern art, art from after 1945, Pop Art and contemporary art.

The selection is curated, and ARTES states that it checks every incoming work for condition and provenance. Of particular interest is the option to view works at home or in the office free of charge by prior arrangement. Personal advice and free returns are also offered. Prices range from a few hundred euros to several thousand euros and beyond for more sought-after pieces.

Suitable for: Buyers who value the traditional art trade, established artists and personalised service.

Strengths: long-standing experience, curated selection and personalised service.

Please note: The focus is more on established artists than exclusively on young emerging artists.

6. KUNST-ONLINE: Direct contact with independent artists

KUNST-ONLINE takes a marketplace approach and connects buyers directly with independent artists. The range of works on offer includes hand-painted originals, drawings, photographs, sculptures and art prints. The platform describes itself as a German-speaking art community and currently lists more than 9,000 works by over 1,500 artists.

Direct contact is a key part of the concept. For many works, interested parties can contact the artists directly, ask questions about the work or arrange a visit to the studio. Commissioned works are also possible.

With regard to certificates of authenticity, KUNST-ONLINE points out that many professional artists include a hand-signed certificate with their originals. This should therefore be checked for each individual work. Prices range from affordable originals to works in the higher price bracket.

Suitable for: Buyers who value direct contact with artists.

Strengths: a wide selection and direct interaction with the artists.

Please note: Service and documentation may vary depending on the artist.

7. OriginalKunstKaufen: Focus on original art

OriginalKunstKaufen is specifically aimed at people looking for original art. Compared to large international marketplaces, its offering is more focused on a manageable catalogue.

This may appeal to buyers who do not wish to navigate through millions of search results. At the same time, the platform is less extensive than international marketplaces. You should therefore check details regarding price, certificate and other terms of purchase directly on the page for each individual work. Prices range from affordable original art to higher-priced works, depending on the artist, format and piece.

Suitable for: Buyers who are specifically looking for originals and prefer a smaller catalogue. 

Strength: a clear focus on original art.

Please note: For specific services and certification details, you should check the information provided in the relevant listing.

8. ars mundi: From originals to museum-quality replicas

ars mundi takes a significantly broader approach. As well as original works of art, its range also includes hand-signed lithographs, limited editions, multiples, high-quality art prints, museum replicas and other art objects. The company describes itself as a major art mail-order retailer and highlights its 75 years of experience.

This makes ars mundi particularly appealing if you’re not exclusively looking for a one-off piece. For example, anyone seeking an edition by a well-known artist, a sculpture or a high-quality art print will find a wide range here. As well as originals, ars mundi also offers more affordable editions and reproductions.

Suitable for: Art lovers who are looking for editions and reproductions as well as originals. 

Strength: a very wide range spanning different eras and types of work.

Please note: If you are looking exclusively for original art by young artists, more specialised platforms are the better place to start.

9. Artsper: Art from international galleries

Artsper works with a network of galleries and offers contemporary artworks from various countries. According to the company, more than 200,000 contemporary artworks from around 2,000 affiliated galleries are available. Artsper states that the galleries are vetted before being accepted.

The range includes one-off pieces, limited editions and photographs. For some listings, certificates of authenticity from the respective gallery are provided. A 14-day returns policy is also stated for verified listings. Prices range from a few hundred euros up to high-priced works by international galleries and artists.

Suitable for: Buyers specifically looking for contemporary gallery art from various countries.

Strength: Access to many international galleries via a single platform.

Please note: Delivery, price and proof of authenticity may vary depending on the gallery and the artwork.

10. KUNSTLOFT: Hand-painted art for the home

KUNSTLOFT stands out from many traditional online galleries due to its strong focus on hand-painted art for the home. The range includes, amongst other things, paintings, acrylic paintings and hand-painted canvas prints. The retailer emphasises that these are handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces and not traditional art prints or AI-generated designs.

A practical advantage is availability: KUNSTLOFT states that it has more than 50,000 hand-painted, one-of-a-kind pieces in stock in Germany and usually dispatches them within a few working days. The focus is on hand-painted pictures in the low to mid three-figure price range.

Suitable for: buyers looking for decorative, hand-painted art for their home.

Strengths: wide selection, quick availability and a clear focus on home décor.

Please note: Anyone specifically looking for academically trained emerging artists, gallery-represented works or art as a collecting area will find more suitable options on specialised platforms.

What should you look out for when buying from an online gallery?

1. Is the work really an original? ‘Original’ and ‘edition’ are not the same thing. An original is a single work of art, whilst an edition is produced in a fixed number of copies. Even limited-edition and signed art prints remain reproductions. You should therefore look out for terms such as ‘original’, ‘one-of-a-kind’, ‘edition’ or ‘print’ in the product description.
2. Is there a certificate of authenticity? A certificate of authenticity documents the provenance and authenticity of a work of art. Depending on the seller, it may be issued by the artist, a gallery or an art dealer. At Singulart, every work is offered with a certificate of authenticity; at KUNST-ONLINE, the provision of such a certificate may depend on the individual artist.
3. Who is selling the artwork? When buying art from an online gallery, you should check whether you are buying directly from the artist, a gallery or via a marketplace. This can affect your point of contact, delivery, returns and documentation. When buying directly, you often receive more information about the work’s creation, whilst galleries can offer a curated selection and additional expertise.
4. How do returns work? When buying online, you cannot view a work in its original setting before purchasing. Colours, size and overall effect may appear different on screen. A transparent returns policy is therefore important. The terms vary depending on the provider: Singulart, for example, offers free returns within 30 days, whilst Saatchi Art and Artsper offer 14 days.
5. Is there personalised advice available? Personalised advice can be particularly helpful when buying art for the first time. It should take your preferences – such as budget, format, style and the space where the artwork will be displayed – into account. Some platforms offer their own advisory teams, whilst at KUNST-ONLINE the focus is on direct contact with the artists.

Conclusion: Which online gallery is right for you?

There is no single ‘best’ platform for buying art online that suits all buyers equally. If you want to compare a wide range of international works, you’ll find a large selection on ArtMajeur, Singulart or Saatchi Art. For classical art and established artists, Kunsthaus ARTES and ars mundi are interesting options, whilst Artsper provides access to international gallery art. 

If, on the other hand, you’re looking to buy your first original work by a young artist, Studierenden-Kunstmarkt’s strength lies in its specialisation: the platform focuses on art by students and graduates and combines online purchasing with direct access to the artists and free advice. This is precisely why Studierenden-Kunstmarkt ranks first in this comparison – not because it offers the widest selection, but because of its consistent focus on this target group.

Frequently asked questions about buying art online