Why You Can Trust CNET eBay (Android) review: eBay (Android)
After a disappointing false start and app recall, eBay 2.0 is finally available to Android users. Overall, the updated app is a powerful tool, but there's no question that it still needs a bit of work.
With eBay for Android, you can shop the entire eBay marketplace, right from your mobile device. Even without an account, you can search for and browse through items, check out eBay Deals, and look up sellers. But, if you want to make a bid or use other power features, you'll have to log in.
eBay (Android)
The Good
The Bad
The Bottom Line
After a disappointing false start (the mobile app was recalled), eBay finally launched version 2.0 of its Android app. While I wouldn't necessarily call the updated app's interface "attractive," it's certainly simple to navigate, especially for anyone already familiar with the full eBay Web site. Large buttons at the top of the screen let you quickly jump to your eBay profile, sell an item, or browse through eBay Motors. There's also a quick shortcut to browse through marketplace categories. When it comes to organizing items by category, eBay is no slouch. It offers dozens of categories, subcategories, and even sub-sub-categories, which can sometimes be disorienting. But once you get accustomed to the multitiered system of organization, it's a big help in sifting through the massive amount of merchandise on the site. It's also nice that you can search by keyword or bar code.
If you log in to the eBay app, you'll be able to take advantage of account-specific features, like Reminders, Saved searches, and Favorite sellers. And, of course, you'll be able to see your messages, access your profile, and list items for sale. Avid eBay shoppers and sellers should be pleased with the amount of power this app offers in the way of account and transaction management.
One of the biggest additions to eBay 2.0 is the brand-new eBay Motors interface, accessible through a button on the main eBay dashboard. Jump to this weird asphalt-colored interface to shop for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and parts in eBay's popular vehicle department (U.S. only). While this is, no question, a great addition to the app, it still has a few problems in the way it works. For instance, the eBay Motors mobile interface does not include boats among its searchable vehicles, and it offers no way of browsing by category. However, somewhat confusingly, you can find boats and vehicle categories if you exit Motors and search for them through the main eBay interface. Also, it's missing the Tire Center, Wheel Center, and several other departments that are available on the Web. That said, it's nice to now be able to search for vehicles and parts by make and model.
While eBay for Android has some work to do, particularly on its visual design and eBay Motors interface, it still offers a powerful experience for avid buyers and sellers. Anyone looking to search, browse, and manage transactions on the marketplace should be satisfied.