Did you know that improving your UX design to boost customer retention by just 5% can lead to a 25% jump in profits? That’s straight from a Harvard Business School report, and it’s a powerful reminder of how much great design really matters.
As designer Frank Chimero put it, “People ignore design that ignores people.” That’s exactly why we’ve pulled together this list of top UX/UI design agencies in the U.S. and Europe — teams that put users first and craft digital experiences that truly connect.
In this guide, you’ll meet 14 standout agencies known for turning smart strategy and sharp visuals into real results. Whether it’s Lazarev.Agency’s user-driven approach or Momentum Design Lab’s focus on long-term vision, these firms are experts at taking your digital presence to the next level.
Let’s explore who they are, and how they can help you build something meaningful.
Key Takeaways
- UX/UI design agencies typically charge $75–$250 per hour, with higher rates for senior talent, enterprise projects, or specialized services like interaction design.
- Costs increase with project complexity, often requiring a team of UX/UI designers, researchers, developers, and brand or motion design experts.
- High-end agencies assign senior designers and specialists to large accounts, raising costs but significantly boosting output quality.
Top UX/UI Design Agencies in the U.S.
East Coast Giants
1. R/GA (New York, NY)
Founded in 1977 as R/Greenberg Associates, R/GA began its journey in film and video production, notably creating the iconic opening title sequence for the 1978 “Superman” film. Over the years, it evolved into a digital powerhouse, pioneering interactive advertising and digital transformation.
In 2025, R/GA regained its independence from Interpublic Group, launching a $50 million innovation fund to invest in AI-driven solutions and talent development. With a global presence spanning cities like London, Tokyo, and São Paulo, R/GA continues to blend design and technology to craft compelling brand experiences.
- Services: UX/UI design, digital transformation, branding, advertising
- Top Clients: Google, Nike, Samsung, Verizon
- Website: rga.com
- Hourly rate: $100 - $149 / hr
- Rating: 4.5/5
2. Frog Design (Brooklyn, NY)
Established in 1969 by Hartmut Esslinger, Frog Design gained prominence through its collaboration with Apple, designing the original Macintosh’s casing. Now a part of Capgemini Invent, Frog operates globally, emphasizing human-centered design across various industries. With a team of over 2,000 professionals, they continue to innovate in product and service design.
- Services: UX/UI design, product design, strategy, branding
- Top Clients: GE, Honeywell, Intel, Microsoft
- Website: frog.co
- Hourly rate: $100 - $149 / hr
- Rating: 4.7/5
3. Smart Design (New York, NY)
Since its inception in 1980, Smart Design has been at the forefront of creating meaningful product experiences. Their work spans from designing OXO’s Good Grips kitchen tools to innovative solutions for companies like Ford and Gatorade. Emphasizing user-centric design, they bridge the gap between physical and digital products.
- Services: UX/UI design, product design, strategy
- Top Clients: Ford, Gatorade, Sephora
- Website: smartdesignworldwide.com
- Hourly rate: $150 - $199 / hr
- Rating: N/A
West Coast Innovators
4. Lazarev.Agency (San Francisco, CA)
Established in 2015, Lazarev.Agency specializes in crafting digital products that resonate with users. Their expertise lies in blending innovative design with strategic thinking, making them a preferred partner for startups and tech companies aiming to make a mark. With a user-first approach, they ensure that each product not only looks good but also delivers exceptional user experiences.
- Services: UX/UI design, branding, product design
- Top Clients: Payoneer, Metastaq, Pika AI
- Website: lazarev.agency
- Hourly rate: $100 - $149 / hr
- Clutch Rating: 5.0/5
5. IDEO (San Francisco, CA)
Formed in 1991 through a merger of several design firms, IDEO has been instrumental in popularizing design thinking. Their collaborative approach has led to groundbreaking designs, from Apple’s first computer mouse to innovative organizational strategies. With a presence in multiple countries, IDEO continues to tackle complex challenges across sectors.
- Services: UX/UI design, innovation consulting, organizational design
- Top Clients: Ford, IKEA, Procter & Gamble
- Website: ideo.com
- Hourly rate: $100 - $250 / hr
- Rating: 4.7/5
Midwestern Creatives
6. One North Interactive (Chicago, IL)
Since 2012, One North has been delivering tailored digital experiences for professional services firms. Their deep understanding of the unique challenges in sectors like law and consulting allows them to craft solutions that align with their clients’ goals. By integrating strategy, design, and technology, they help firms stand out in competitive markets.
- Services: UX/UI design, digital strategy, branding
- Top Clients: Professional services firms, law firms
- Website: onenorth.com
- Hourly rate: $70 - $150 / hr
- Rating: 4.8/5
7. Tandem (Chicago, IL)
Founded in 2014, Tandem partners with organizations to build custom software solutions. Their collaborative approach ensures that products are not only technically sound but also user-friendly. With a focus on sectors like healthcare and education, Tandem emphasizes creating tools that make a real-world impact.
- Services: UX/UI design, software development, product strategy
- Top Clients: IBM, Udemy, NASA
- Website: madeintandem.com
- Hourly rate: $150 - $199 / hr
- Clutch Rating: 5.0/5
8. Momentum Design Lab (Chicago, IL)
Since 2002, Momentum Design Lab has been merging design thinking with agile methodologies to deliver innovative digital products. Their holistic approach ensures that user needs are at the forefront, resulting in solutions that are both functional and delightful. Serving a diverse clientele, they adapt to various industry requirements.
- Services: UX/UI design, product development, digital transformation
- Top Clients: Brokers.io, WHO, Piplsay
- Website: momentumdesignlab.com
- Hourly rate: $150 - $199 / hr
- Clutch Rating: 4.8/5
Southern Specialists
9. Bottle Rocket (Dallas, TX)
Established in 2008, Bottle Rocket has been at the forefront of mobile experience innovation. Their work covers various industries, creating apps and digital solutions that engage users effectively. With a commitment to excellence, they’ve garnered recognition for their impactful designs and user-centric approach.
- Services: Mobile app development, UX/UI design, digital transformation
- Top Clients: Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, Starwood Hotels
- Website: bottlerocketstudios.com
- Hourly rate: $150 - $199 / hr
- Clutch Rating: 4.8/5
10. Brave UX (Washington, D.C.)
Founded in 2014, Brave UX is known for its ability to tackle complex interface challenges, especially in enterprise-level software and B2B applications. The agency combines UX research with innovative UI design and front-end development to deliver products that are intuitive and efficient. Brave UX is also known for their proprietary UX research tools and methodologies, which enable them to capture deep user insights and iterate rapidly.
- Services: UX/UI design, web development, branding, usability testing
- Top Clients: Rokt, Marriott, FourthWall
- Website: braveux.com
- Hourly rate: $200 - $300 / hr
- Clutch Rating: 5.0/5
Bonus: Top Global UX/UI Design Agencies
If you’re looking to explore top-tier UX/UI agencies outside the U.S., below are some of the best international firms worth considering.
11. Fireart Studio (Warsaw, Poland)
Founded in 2013, Fireart Studio has become a global force in digital product design, with a track record of over 700 completed projects. The studio is celebrated for blending artistic craftsmanship with strategic UX thinking. Their team excels in creating beautiful yet highly functional user experiences for both startups and global enterprises, leveraging tools like Figma and Webflow to deliver pixel-perfect results.
- Services: UX/UI design, product design, motion design, custom software development
- Top Clients: Google, Atlassian, Tasty
- Website: fireart.studio
- Hourly rate: $50 - $99 / hr
- Clutch Rating: 4.9/5
12. Scandiweb (Riga, Latvia)
Founded in 2003, Scandiweb is a full-stack digital agency with a strong focus on eCommerce and UX design. As a Magento Gold Partner, they’ve worked on complex eCommerce platforms and custom web applications. With a team of over 600 professionals across 35+ countries, Scandiweb’s multidisciplinary capabilities span from design to deployment.
- Services: UX/UI design, web development, digital strategy, eCommerce optimization
- Top Clients: Jaguar, Walmart, Puma
- Website: scandiweb.com
- Hourly rate: $50 - $99 / hr
- Clutch Rating: 4.8/5
13. Winkreative (Zürich, Switzerland)
Launched in 1998 by Tyler Brûlé (founder of Monocle), Winkreative offers a storytelling-first approach to UX/UI and brand design. The agency blends journalistic thinking with elegant design to create cohesive brand experiences, particularly for travel, luxury, and cultural institutions. Their creative studios are housed in London’s Midori House.
- Services: Branding, UX/UI design, campaign strategy, editorial design
- Top Clients: Swiss International Air Lines, Monocle, Porter Airlines
- Website: winkreative.com
- Hourly rate: $70 - $300 / hr
- Rating: 4.8/5
14. E-Types (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Founded in 1997, E-Types is a Scandinavian design powerhouse known for its minimalist aesthetics and strategic approach to brand identity and UX. The agency has a rich legacy of working with arts and culture organizations, blending typography, motion, and digital storytelling into sophisticated digital products. Their spin-off agency, “Playtype,” even designs typefaces for public use.
- Services: UX/UI design, branding, web design, visual identity systems
- Top Clients: ACE&TATE, Novo Nordisk Fonden, Carlsberg Nordic
- Website: e-types.com
- Hourly rate: $70 - $250 / hr
- Clutch Rating: N/A
Pricing Models and Budget Considerations
There’s no universal rate card, because pricing is shaped by a mix of factors: the agency’s expertise, project scope, the number of team members involved, and the chosen pricing structure.
Hourly vs. Project-Based Pricing
Both pricing structures have their advantages depending on your project type, flexibility needs, and budget control.
Agencies typically charge $75 to $250 per hour, with rates fluctuating based on location, seniority, and industry focus. Highly experienced UX designers or agencies specializing in interaction design and enterprise clients often charge on the higher end of the scale.
Best for:
- Ongoing design support or retainers
- Small design improvements or iterative updates
- Discovery workshops, UX research, or user testing phases
Pros:
- Pay for actual work delivered
- Greater flexibility for evolving projects
- Easy to scale up/down based on progress
Cons:
- Difficult to predict the final budget
- Requires tight project management to avoid overages
💡Pro Tip: Use hourly pricing if you’re still exploring ideas or need quick design iterations for MVPs or feature updates.
Project-Based Pricing
In this model, UX/UI design agencies quote a fixed price for a well-defined set of deliverables, making it a favorite for projects with a clear timeline and scope, especially for clients working with top UX design agencies on a one-time engagement.
Best for:
- Full website or app redesigns
- Projects with fixed budgets and deadlines
- Stakeholder-driven deliverables requiring upfront clarity
Pros:
- Predictable costs
- Set timelines and milestones
- Easier stakeholder approvals
Cons:
- Less flexibility for changes once scope is agreed upon
- Risk of misalignment if scope isn’t crystal clear
💡Pro Tip: Always request a Statement of Work (SoW) from your UX design company. This should outline the project scope, timeline, deliverables, and feedback cycles to prevent scope creep, a common challenge in fixed-fee engagements.
Pricing Models and Budget Considerations
There’s no universal rate card, because pricing is shaped by a mix of factors: the agency’s expertise, project scope, the number of team members involved, and the chosen pricing structure.
Hourly vs. Project-Based Pricing
Both pricing structures have their advantages depending on your project type, flexibility needs, and budget control.
Agencies typically charge $75 to $250 per hour, with rates fluctuating based on location, seniority, and industry focus. Highly experienced UX designers or agencies specializing in interaction design and enterprise clients often charge on the higher end of the scale.
Best for:
- Ongoing design support or retainers
- Small design improvements or iterative updates
- Discovery workshops, UX research, or user testing phases
Pros:
- Pay for actual work delivered
- Greater flexibility for evolving projects
- Easy to scale up/down based on progress
Cons:
- Difficult to predict the final budget
- Requires tight project management to avoid overages
💡Pro Tip: Use hourly pricing if you’re still exploring ideas or need quick design iterations for MVPs or feature updates.
Project-Based Pricing
In this model, UX/UI design agencies quote a fixed price for a well-defined set of deliverables, making it a favorite for projects with a clear timeline and scope, especially for clients working with top UX design agencies on a one-time engagement.
Best for:
- Full website or app redesigns
- Projects with fixed budgets and deadlines
- Stakeholder-driven deliverables requiring upfront clarity
Pros:
- Predictable costs
- Set timelines and milestones
- Easier stakeholder approvals
Cons:
- Less flexibility for changes once scope is agreed upon
- Risk of misalignment if scope isn’t crystal clear
💡Pro Tip: Always request a Statement of Work (SoW) from your UX design company. This should outline the project scope, timeline, deliverables, and feedback cycles to prevent scope creep, a common challenge in fixed-fee engagements.
Factors That Affect Cost
Understanding what drives the cost of a UX design project can help you prioritize your budget more effectively and make smarter, more strategic decisions. Whether you’re working with a boutique studio or one of the best UX design agencies, these key factors will shape your final investment.
1. Project Scope & Complexity
Not all projects are created equal. Designing a simple landing page is far less complex than creating a robust, cross-platform SaaS platform or scalable mobile app with dozens of custom features. More complex builds often require UX professionals, developers, and even motion or graphic design specialists.
- Simple marketing websites: $5,000 – $20,000
- Mid-level mobile apps or platforms: $30,000 – $75,000
- Enterprise software or feature-rich digital platforms: $100,000+
The scope also influences how many user interfaces need to be designed, especially for B2B dashboards or consumer-facing portals.
2. Number of Screens or Pages
The number of screens plays a direct role in time and cost. Each screen goes through wireframing, visual design, and sometimes interactive prototyping. More screens mean more revisions, more testing, and more time spent by your user experience designers.
3. Level of Customization
A template-based approach may lower costs, but it often falls short in delivering user-centric designs tailored to your brand. On the other hand, fully customized UX/UI solutions, especially those that include robust design systems, come at a premium due to the extra strategy, creativity, and detail involved.
- Template UI: Lower cost, limited flexibility
- Custom UI/UX: Higher cost, fully aligned with brand and user expectations
4. User Research and Testing
Research is the backbone of any successful UX strategy. Agencies might offer basic research such as analytics audits or user surveys, but high-performing projects often rely on deeper, qualitative insights like usability testing, persona creation, or A/B testing.
- Basic research: ~$2,000 – $5,000
- Advanced UX research: ~$10,000+ (especially in industries like fintech or healthcare)
Well-conducted research also enhances customer engagement by ensuring the final product truly meets users’ needs.
5. Team Involvement
Costs scale with the number and seniority of professionals involved. A dedicated team may include UX consultants, researchers, brand strategists, and even motion or industrial design experts, especially for complex or enterprise-level projects.
Top UX/UI design agencies often assign top user experience designers for large accounts, which naturally increases cost, but also greatly improves the quality of the final output.
6. Timeline
Tight timelines can quickly inflate costs. Accelerated schedules often require more personnel working overtime or in parallel sprints, especially in globally distributed teams. Expedited projects are best reserved for organizations with a clear scope, immediate launch goals, and the flexibility to pay for speed.
Challenges Faced by UX/UI Design Agencies
While UX/UI design may seem like a purely creative pursuit, agencies juggle significant strategic and operational challenges behind the scenes.
Balancing Creativity with Business Goals
Designs that look stunning aren’t always functional. Conversely, a perfectly functional layout may fall flat visually.
Key challenges:
- Clients focusing too heavily on aesthetics or trends over usability
- Internal stakeholder disagreements about direction
- Measuring the ROI of design decisions
💡Pro Tip: Always align designs with business KPIs like conversion rate, retention, or user activation. Conduct regular design critiques that include business stakeholders.
Keeping Up with Tech Evolutions
Technology evolves super fast. What was an innovation two years ago might feel outdated today. Agencies must constantly adapt to:
- New design tools (e.g., Figma plugins, Framer AI, Webflow)
- Emerging platforms (wearables, AR/VR, voice UI)
- Updated accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2)
- AI-driven personalization and automation
💡 Pro Tip: Encourage your agency to present quarterly “innovation sessions” showcasing new tools and design methods.
In-House Team vs. UX/UI Design Agency
Deciding between building an in-house design team or collaborating with a UX/UI design agency is a strategic decision that impacts speed, quality, cost, and long-term scalability. Each option comes with unique advantages and trade-offs.
When to Choose an In-House Team
Opting for an internal team makes sense when design is a core pillar of your product strategy and you anticipate ongoing work that benefits from close integration.
Best if:
- You need continuous, full-time design support
- UX is central to your product’s value proposition
- You’re focused on building long-term internal expertise and team culture
Pros:
- Full control over priorities and workflows
- Smooth collaboration with product and development teams
- Faster internal feedback loops and iteration
Cons:
- Longer hiring cycles and onboarding time
- High operational costs (salaries, software, benefits)
- Limited exposure to emerging trends and external best practices
💡 Pro Tip: Document design systems early to ensure consistency and scale over time
When to Hire a UX/UI Design Agency
Hiring a top UX design agency can deliver unmatched speed, expertise, and creative solutions, especially when you’re launching something new or overhauling an outdated experience.
Best if:
- You need fast access to a globally distributed team of specialists
- You’re building or revamping a complex digital product
- You want an experienced design partner for strategy, execution, and delivery
Pros:
- Access to multi-disciplinary experts (UX strategists, motion designers, developers)
- Objective, fresh perspective that elevates user engagement
- Accelerated timelines, especially for world-class digital products
Cons:
- Requires onboarding time to understand your business deeply
- Can be costlier for long-term, ongoing projects unless managed under a retainer
💡 Pro Tip: Many leading UI/UX design agencies offer hybrid engagement models, combining upfront strategy and design with post-launch UX consulting or internal team training. This ensures continuity, quality, and better project success.
Clarify your agency’s focus, your internal capabilities, and the kind of experience you want to create. Some of the most successful brands in digital marketing, SaaS, and global branding use both approaches strategically.
Conclusion: The Right UI/UX Design Agency for You
Choosing the right UX/UI design agency means finding a team that truly understands your users and your business goals. If you’re looking for a partner that checks every box, Lazarev.Agency is one to remember.
With 500+ successful projects, 100+ awards (including a Webby), and a sharp focus on user-centered design, we’ve built a reputation for delivering UI and UX design services that drive measurable results. From research and strategy to execution, we help brands elevate their digital presence and boost ROI.
Ready to work with a reliable digital partner ? Let’s talk! We’d love to hear about your project.
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