Hiring a UX design agency in the U.S. isn’t easy. There are more than 6,000 design agencies listed on Clutch alone, with new ones emerging every year.
Most “top agency” lists don’t help much either. They recycle the same names without telling you what those agencies cost, what they specialize in, or whether they’re a fit for your kind of product.
This article is your shortcut. We’ve handpicked UX agencies with pricing data, clear strengths (and weaknesses), and guidance on how to tell which one is right for your project.
Let’s dive in.
Best UX design companies in the USA (2025 edition)
Here are 17 top UX agencies in the USA that deliver exceptional results.
1. Eleken (Remote, strong U.S. presence)
Eleken is a subscription-based design agency that embeds product designers directly into SaaS teams. They partner with startups and scaleups that need fast, strategic UX, without the overhead and delays of traditional hiring.
- Founded: 2015 (remote-first)
- Focus: SaaS, research-driven UX, web and app interfaces
- Industries served: AI, geoservices, data products, healthcare, nonprofit
- Best for: SaaS companies that need speed, flexibility, and deep product thinking
- Pricing: Subscription model
- Clients: Advan Research, Prift, HabitSpace, and more.
Why choose them
Remote-first and async-native, the team is praised for reliability, speed, and product-savvy thinking that goes beyond surface-level UI.
With 111+ reviews on Clutch (4.9 rating), Eleken stands out for consistently delivering thoughtful design at startup speed.
As one SaaS client from San Francisco put it, "Eleken has an understanding of modern design aesthetic and they tailor that to a client’s needs."
Strengths:
- Embedded designers, async-ready collaboration.
- Deep SaaS expertise.
- End-to-end support (research → UI → dev handoff).
Limitations:
- No in-house development services.
And if you want to learn more about how to hire designers, consider watching this video:
2. Clay (San Francisco, CA)
Clay is a high-end digital design agency specializing in branding, enterprise UX, and futuristic interfaces for Fortune 500 clients.
- Founded: 2009
- Focus: Branding, enterprise UX, high-end digital interfaces
- Best for: Premium digital experiences and visually striking interfaces
- Pricing: Projects starting from $50K+
- Clients: Meta, Google, Coinbase, Sony
Why choose them
If you’re launching a luxury product or rebranding an enterprise platform, Clay delivers visual impact at scale. It’s one of the few agencies where the design alone makes users say “wow.”
With a 4.8 Clutch rating, they’ve built a reputation for professionalism and design excellence.
As one client said, “Their combination of structure, flexibility, and responsiveness made the process incredibly smooth.”
Strengths:
- Exceptional visual design and brand integration.
- Trusted by global enterprises (Google, Amazon, Meta).
- Expertise in AR/AI, motion design, and product strategy.
Limitations:
- High cost; geared toward enterprise budgets.
- Less emphasis on deep UX research.
3. Work & Co (New York, NY)
Work & Co is a strategy-first digital product agency that partners with top-tier brands to design and build mission-critical tools for both enterprise and public good initiatives.
Founded: 2013
Focus: Product strategy, UX/UI design, and end-to-end digital development
Best for: Enterprise and public sector organizations with large-scale digital ecosystems
Pricing: High-end enterprise retainers ($100 - $149 per hour, based on Clutch data)
Clients: Pfizer, Loewe, IKEA, Gatorade
Why choose them
Work & Co operates like a true product studio, a long-term partner rather than a traditional vendor. They excel when projects require close collaboration, strategic depth, and flawless execution. While they don’t rely on public review platforms like Clutch, their client list of global brands underscores their credibility and consistent delivery at scale.
Strengths
- Exceptional expertise in UX strategy and enterprise-grade execution.
- Integrated cross-functional teams spanning design, engineering, and strategy.
Limitations
- Premium pricing, not ideal for startups or smaller budgets.
- Engagements often involve longer timelines and complex delivery cycles.
4. MetaLab (Remote: Canada + U.S. presence)
MetaLab is a UX/UI design firm recognized for crafting exceptional digital products for clients such as Slack, Coinbase, and TED. They’re celebrated for their fast, stylish, and startup-friendly approach that brings product ideas to life with polish and agility.
Founded: 2006
Focus: UX/UI design, product design, and prototyping
Best for: UX design for startups and growing tech companies seeking quick, high-quality design execution
Pricing: Mid-to-high tier project-based pricing, minimal project size is $100,000+ (Clutch data)
Clients: Uber, Suno, Upwork, Loom
Why choose them
If you’ve got a product idea that needs to move from concept to launch fast, without sacrificing design quality, MetaLab is a safe bet. Their work combines modern aesthetics with practical usability, making them a favorite among fast-moving product teams. While they don’t have public Clutch reviews, their portfolio speaks for itself.
Strengths
- Clean, modern UX with strong visual identity.
- Agile processes for quick design turnarounds.
- Proven track record with leading tech brands.
Limitations
- Limited emphasis on in-depth UX research.
- Engagement often ends post-delivery, with minimal long-term involvement.
5. Fantasy (New York, NY)
Fantasy is a global UX design studio based in New York, known for its bold visuals, cinematic interfaces, and futuristic design language. The agency combines artistry and innovation to create standout experiences across various industries, including automotive, technology, and luxury fashion.
Founded: 1999
Focus: UX/UI design, creative direction, motion design, and concept development
Best for: Big ideas, cinematic interfaces, and high-concept digital experiences
Pricing: Premium tier only
Clients: Porsche, Meta, Spotify, Salesforce, Royal Caribbean
Why choose them
Fantasy is the UI/UX design company USA you bring in when your product isn’t just software; it’s an experience meant to captivate. Their visionary approach to digital design has made them a creative powerhouse for brands looking to stand out with visually stunning, emotionally engaging interfaces. While they don’t list Clutch reviews, their client portfolio reflects a world-class level of trust and recognition.
Strengths
- Unparalleled aesthetics and cinematic design quality.
- Strong creative vision and conceptual depth.
Limitations
- Heavy on visual storytelling, lighter on deep UX research.
- Less suited for functional or data-heavy B2B SaaS products.
6. CodeCross (Texas, TX)
CodeCross is a Texas-based digital agency specializing in mobile and web development. Known for its clean design aesthetic and technical precision, the team delivers stunning websites and Flutter-powered apps for businesses ranging from Austin startups to Dallas enterprises.
Founded: 2021
Focus: Flutter app development, web design, and custom digital solutions
Best for: Businesses seeking modern, high-performing apps and websites built with speed and scalability in mind
Pricing: Mid-range to enterprise-tier projects, with a minimal project size is 10K+
Clients: Texas-based startups and enterprise brands
Why choose them
CodeCross has earned a 5.0 Clutch rating for its blend of clean, modern design and robust technical execution.
As one client noted, “Their eye for clean, modern design combined with technical excellence was very impressive.”
They’re an ideal partner for companies looking to combine beautiful user experiences with reliable engineering.
Strengths
- Expertise in Flutter app development and responsive web design.
- Strong local focus with experience across Texas markets.
Limitations
- Primarily focused on regional clients; limited international presence.
- Smaller team size may limit capacity for large-scale enterprise rollouts.
7. Frog (Global, U.S. offices in Austin, SF, Boston)
Frog is one of the original global innovation consultancies, recognized for helping organizations drive large-scale transformation through design, with U.S. offices in Austin, San Francisco, and Boston. Frog partners with Fortune 500 companies and public institutions to tackle complex challenges across industries.
Founded: 1969
Focus: Design strategy, innovation consulting, service design, and digital transformation
Best for: Fortune 500 companies and innovation labs pursuing systemic change
Pricing: enterprise-level engagements ($100 - $149 / hr, based on Clutch data)
Clients: Subaru, Unilever, IKEA, Volvo
Why choose them
When you’re reinventing an entire system, whether in healthcare, finance, or transportation, Frog gives you the structure, research, and tools to do it right.
Their decades-long legacy and multidisciplinary teams make them a go-to partner for organizations seeking to drive long-term impact at scale. While they don’t publish Clutch reviews, their reputation in the global design community speaks for itself.
Strengths
- Deep expertise in design research and strategy.
- Global reach with cross-functional teams across continents.
- Proven track record in enterprise transformation projects.
Limitations
- Not cost-effective for early-stage startups.
- Extended project timelines due to large-scale collaboration.
8. Instrument (Portland, OR + nationwide)
Instrument is a full-service digital agency headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with teams across the U.S. They specialize in uniting UX, brand, and development to craft cohesive, high-performing digital products that balance functionality with storytelling.
Founded: 2002
Focus: UX/UI design, brand strategy, and full-stack development
Best for: Mid-size organizations seeking strong alignment between user experience and brand identity
Pricing: Mid- to upper-tier projects (minimal project size is $250,000+)
Clients: Google, Dropbox, Patagonia, Nike
Why choose them
Instrument excels at bridging the gap between product usability and brand expression. Their multidisciplinary teams deliver work that feels both thoughtful and visually consistent, ideal for companies that want every digital touchpoint to reflect their brand’s essence.
Strengths
- Strong UX and engineering integration for end-to-end delivery.
- Expertise in storytelling-driven design and brand coherence.
Limitations
- Less nimble than smaller, boutique studios.
- May prioritize visual and brand storytelling over deep UX research.
9. Huge (Brooklyn, NY + multiple cities)
Huge is a global digital agency headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, with offices in multiple cities worldwide. They specialize in large-scale digital transformation, combining UX, strategy, and technology to deliver measurable business outcomes for enterprise clients.
Founded: 1999
Focus: Product transformation, customer experience, and digital strategy
Best for: Corporations looking to modernize and scale complex digital systems
Pricing: Enterprise-level engagements ($50 - $99 / hr, based on Clutch data)
Clients: Google, McDonald’s, Verizon, LEGO
Why choose them
Huge operates at the intersection of creativity and performance, helping established brands rethink their digital presence from the ground up. Their approach integrates strategy, analytics, and design to drive both customer satisfaction and business growth.
Strengths
- Multi-industry expertise across consumer, tech, and enterprise sectors.
- Strong foundation in digital strategy and analytics.
- UX design that ties directly to business impact.
Limitations
- Enterprise-level pricing and longer timelines.
- Large client portfolio may limit individual project focus.
10. R/GA (Multiple U.S. cities)
R/GA is a full-service global agency operating across multiple U.S. cities. Positioned at the intersection of UX, branding, and technology, R/GA is best known for crafting bold, high-impact digital products and campaigns that connect design with measurable growth.
Founded: 1977
Focus: UX/UI design, branding, marketing strategy, and digital innovation
Best for: Product–marketing hybrids and growth-focused digital experiences
Pricing: Enterprise and upper mid-market clients ($100 - $149 / hr, based on Clutch data)
Clients: Android, MOCA, Verizon Myplan
Why choose them
When you want a product that not only looks exceptional but also drives engagement and sales, R/GA delivers with polish and precision.
Their integrated teams bridge brand storytelling and product design, making them ideal for companies that need to stand out in both UX and marketing arenas.
Strengths
- Deep integration of brand, design, and technology.
- Strong creative culture with global recognition.
Limitations
- Heavier focus on marketing and campaign design than pure UX research.
- Best suited for consumer-facing apps and large-scale digital launches.
11. Ramotion (San Francisco, CA)
Ramotion is a boutique UX and branding agency based in San Francisco, specializing in early-stage startups, mobile apps, and technology companies. They’re known for crafting clean, modern interfaces with a strong sense of motion and visual identity.
Founded: 2009
Focus: UX/UI design, branding, motion design, and front-end development
Best for: Startups and tech companies needing cohesive brand identity and polished, animated UIs
Pricing: Project-based and retainer options, a minimal project size is $50,000+
Clients: Mozilla, Netflix, Salesforce, Adobe
Why choose them
Ramotion is ideal when you want one integrated team to handle your app’s visuals, motion, and front-end polish. This UI & UX design company, United States holds a 4.9 rating on Clutch.
As one client shared, “I was impressed with their brand personality exercises and visual design process.”
Their blend of branding and UX makes them a strong fit for startups looking to launch with a distinctive, well-crafted digital presence.
Strengths
- Seamless collaboration between design and development teams.
- Expertise in animations, transitions, and micro-interactions.
- Strong UI system design with attention to scalability.
Limitations
- Less emphasis on deep product strategy and UX research.
- Smaller team may result in longer lead times for larger projects.
12. Beyond (New York, NY + San Francisco, Austin)
Beyond is an agile product design company with offices in New York, San Francisco, and Austin. They specialize in fast, collaborative design sprints and iterative product development, helping teams move from concept to launch efficiently.
Founded: 2010
Focus: UX/UI design, product strategy, and rapid prototyping
Best for: UX sprints, lean MVPs, and startups focused on iteration and speed
Pricing: Mid-range to enterprise-level projects, min project size is $75,000+
Clients: Google, Mailchimp, Warner Bros., Snapchat
Why choose them
When you already have a roadmap and need a partner to execute quickly and cleanly, Beyond is your go-to, with a 4.8 rating on Clutch. Their agile, embedded approach integrates seamlessly with in-house teams.
As one client noted, “We were impressed with their subject matter expertise and the quality of their work.”
Strengths
- Agile, collaborative process with embedded team model.
- Strong sprint methodology for quick iterations and testing.
- Proven ability to deliver MVPs and updates efficiently.
Limitations
- Not a full-service agency; less focus on brand or marketing design.
- Less suited for early-stage concepts without an existing product team
13. Blink UX (Seattle, WA)
Blink UX is a research-driven UX design firm based in Seattle, Washington, specializing in complex systems for healthcare, fintech, and government sectors. Their work emphasizes accessibility, usability, and data-backed decision-making to ensure products meet both user needs and regulatory standards.
Founded: 2000
Focus: UX research, design validation, accessibility, and service design
Best for: Regulated industries and accessibility-critical digital products
Pricing: Mid- to upper-tier projects, min project size is $25,000+
Clients: Amazon, Microsoft, NASA, eBay
Why choose them
If your UX must meet legal, medical, or technical standards, Blink will help you get it right and prove it with data. With a 5.0 Clutch rating based on one review, the client praise their professionalism and adaptability.
One reviewer shared, “They did really great, especially when things were outside of scope. The project got very complex.”
Their rigorous research process and usability testing make them a trusted partner for organizations where compliance and precision are mission-critical.
Strengths
- Deep emphasis on UX research, testing, and validation.
- Experts in accessibility and compliance design.
- In-house usability testing labs and dedicated research teams.
Limitations
- Research-heavy process may slow down fast-moving startups
- Minimal focus on branding or marketing design.
14. UIDesignz (Los Angeles, CA)
UIDesignz is a Los Angeles–based UX/UI agency offering cost-effective design solutions for startups and small to midsize businesses. They focus on creating clean, modern interfaces that help early-stage teams ship quickly without overspending.
Founded: 2019
Focus: UX/UI design, web and mobile interfaces, and rapid prototyping
Best for: Startups and SMEs on a budget seeking fast, modern design delivery
Pricing: Affordable, project-based pricing, min project size is $1,000+
Clients: Netflix, Airbnb, Canva, early-stage startups, and small tech companies
Why choose them
UIDesignz is a practical choice when you need good-enough design fast, without breaking your early-stage budget. With a 5.0 Clutch rating, clients praise their responsiveness and clear communication.
As one review noted, “They maintained open and effective communication, addressing our queries promptly and keeping us updated.”
This UI & UX design company United States streamlined workflow and modern templates make them ideal for lean teams focused on speed and simplicity.
Strengths
- Fast design turnaround and agile workflows.
- Modern design templates and visual appeal.
- Affordable pricing for early-stage companies.
Limitations
- Less customization for complex product needs.
- Limited research and development integration.
15. Zazz (Seattle, WA)
Zazz is a Seattle-based mobile-first UX and development agency specializing in cross-platform app design and development. Their team delivers end-to-end mobile experiences that strike a balance between functionality, performance, and visual appeal.
Founded: 2011
Focus: Mobile app design, cross-platform development, and product strategy
Best for: Design-led startups and businesses building mobile products with integrated design and development support
Pricing: Mid-range app design and development projects, starting at $50K+
Clients: CreditCanada, Deep Sentinel
Why choose them
Zazz is a solid choice for startups launching mobile products that need a unified team, from wireframing to app store launch. With a 5.0 Clutch rating, clients highlight the team’s dedication and energy.
As one client put it, “We were absolutely delighted with the passion and hard work they demonstrated.”
Their agile process and mobile expertise make them a reliable partner for fast-moving product teams.
Strengths
- Complete in-house app design and development team.
- Agile development process with fast iteration cycles.
- Strong record of successful MVPs and app store launches.
Limitations
- Primarily focused on mobile; limited web UX expertise.
- Less suitable for complex multi-platform ecosystems.
16. Thoughtbot (New York, NY)
Thoughtbot is a seasoned product design and development consultancy known for helping teams build better products, faster. With a focus on lean processes and collaboration, they guide clients from idea to launch through proven methodologies and technical excellence.
Founded: 2003
Focus: Product design, agile development, and team enablement
Best for: Companies seeking an experienced partner to accelerate product delivery and strengthen internal processes
Pricing: Mid-range to enterprise-level projects, starting at $10K+
Clients: Hilton, Mailchimp, LevelUp, Vimeo
Why choose them
Thoughtbot is ideal for teams looking to level up both their products and their internal capabilities. With a 4.9 Clutch rating, clients consistently praise their process, transparency, and technical guidance.
As one review highlighted, “The most impactful is thoughtbot’s processes, collaboration, and guidance around product development.”
Their approach blends craftsmanship with mentorship, making them a trusted long-term partner.
Strengths
- Deep expertise in product design and agile development.
- Strong focus on collaboration and client enablement.
- Proven process for fast, high-quality delivery.
Limitations
- More process-driven than creative or experimental.
- Best suited for teams with some product maturity already in place.
17. Niftic (Washington, DC)
Niftic is a creative UX and branding agency known for blending strategic thinking with inventive design. They focus on creating meaningful, conversion-driven experiences that strike a balance between aesthetics and business goals.
Founded: 2015
Focus: UX/UI design, branding, and conversion optimization
Best for: Companies seeking design that’s both visually striking and strategically grounded
Pricing: Mid-range project pricing, starting at $25K+
Clients: Google, Airbnb, Patagonia, National Geographic
Why choose them
Niftic combines creative energy with a strong strategic backbone, making them an excellent fit for teams that want design aligned with measurable impact. With a 5.0 Clutch rating, clients consistently highlight their ability to think big while staying business-focused.
As one client put it, “Strategically-aligned creativity is something that they are really good at.”
Strengths
- Strong alignment between design and business strategy.
- Expertise in branding and conversion-focused UX.
- Flexible, collaborative approach with creative flair.
Limitations
- Smaller agency; limited capacity for large-scale enterprise work.
- Less focused on technical development or engineering.
Now that we’ve covered some of the best UI/UX design companies in the USA, let’s take a closer look at standout agencies across key US cities.
Local spotlight: best UX design companies in the USA by city
Sometimes proximity matters. Whether you're looking to collaborate in person, want an agency familiar with your regional market, or just prefer working in the same time zone, location can play a role when hiring a design agency.
Here’s a quick breakdown of standout UI/UX design companies in the USA, based in key tech hubs, perfect examples to explore if you’re learning what UX design looks like in practice.
New York City, NY
A global capital for digital design, especially for media, finance, fashion, and enterprise tech.
Top picks:
- Work & Co: Strategy-led, product-focused, enterprise-friendly.
- Fantasy: Known as a cinematic UI services company United States and a big-brand experience.
- Code & Theory: Ideal for media-heavy platforms.
- R/GA: Strong hybrid of UX, branding, and marketing.
San Francisco, CA
Still, the UX nerve center of SaaS and startup product design.
Top picks:
- Clay: Sleek visual identity for premium digital products.
- Ramotion: Startup-ready UI and branding in one.
- Zazz: Mobile app UX + development.
- Eleken (remote, but works heavily with SF startups, applying SaaS product design best practices).
Los Angeles, CA
Visual-forward UX agencies thrive here, especially in the entertainment, fashion, and wellness sectors.
Top picks:
- UIDesignz: Affordable, modern UI for early-stage startups.
- Fantasy (NY-based, but very active in the LA market).
- R/GA – Strong west coast presence and campaign-driven UX.
Seattle, WA
UX capital for regulated industries, accessibility, and usability research.
Top picks:
- Blink UX: Deep user research, accessibility, and compliance.
- Zazz: Mobile UX with agile dev in-house.
- Ramotion (remote work and occasional partnerships).
Austin, TX
Fast-growing startup scene with a strong product design culture and emphasis on modern UX design patterns.
Top picks:
- Beyond: Agile UX teams, ideal for lean startups.
- Frog: Legacy design thinking shop with Austin roots.
- Instrument: National team, often active in Austin-area projects.
Denver, CO
Underrated design hub with lots of startup energy and dev-focused UX firms.
Top picks:
- Thoughtbot: Lean, dev-savvy product design (U.S. presence via multiple offices).
- Niftic: Local agency blending UX, branding, and dev.
- MetaLab: Remote, but works with Denver-based startups regularly.
You don’t have to choose a local team, but if in-person workshops, cultural overlap, or same-time-zone collaboration are essential to you, this list gives you a head start to hire UX designers who understand your context.
Next, let’s unpack what makes a UX agency worth working with.
How to evaluate a UI/UX design agency in the USA
The right partner should match your budget, process, and product goals. Here’s what to look at, from case study depth to pricing transparency, so you can separate polished websites from top UI/UX design agencies that deliver:
Expertise fit
Not all UX agencies are built for the same kind of work. Some excel at designing complex SaaS dashboards, while others specialize in creating polished e-commerce storefronts. Trying to master both often means doing neither exceptionally well.
At Eleken, for instance, we focus exclusively on SaaS design. Our team has crafted hundreds of dashboards and user interfaces, developing deep expertise in data-driven, usability-focused products. Take MyInterview as an example. We designed a clean, organized dashboard that helps recruiters quickly interpret candidate information and make better hiring decisions.
The key to choosing the right agency is alignment with your product type and industry:
- If you’re building a fintech app, look for teams experienced in compliance, data visualization, and building user trust.
- If you’re scaling a B2B SaaS, you’ll want designers who understand dashboards, onboarding flows, and subscription models inside out.
It’s also important to consider how the agency works. A fast-moving startup needs an agile partner who can iterate and ship in weeks, not months. An enterprise platform, on the other hand, may benefit from an agency skilled in research-heavy processes and complex stakeholder management.
Ultimately, matching an agency’s track record and workflow to your product’s reality leads to results that drive measurable ROI, as proven in many UX ROI case studies.
Real UX research, not just “user-centric vibes”
Great UX design begins with thorough research, including interviews, testing, and usability sessions. Agencies that skip this step are just throwing pixels at the screen and hoping for the best. And that’s a good way to burn your budget on pretty interfaces that don’t work.
When evaluating types of design agencies, look for proof of their research process and ask:
- Do they conduct interviews, prototype testing, or user analytics reviews?
- How they turn findings into design decisions.
An agency that can explain the why behind every layout choice will save you time, money, and plenty of post-launch headaches.
Even professionals in the field echo this sentiment. As one designer put it on Reddit, “If I could give one piece of advice it’s avoid startups, especially as a lone designer, no respect people know they need it, but it’s always ‘other’ to the core business don’t expect budget, don’t expect research and anything that goes with it.”
It’s a reminder that good UX doesn’t happen by accident. The best agencies build that foundation into their process from day one.
Collaboration style
Do you want an embedded team that feels like part of your company, or an agency that takes your brief and runs with it? There’s no wrong answer, but there is a wrong match.
Some teams thrive on async communication over Slack or Notion, while others do their best work in weekly workshops and hands-on strategy sessions. The key is to clarify expectations before signing the contract:
- How often will you meet?
- Who makes decisions?
- What tools will you use for collaboration and feedback?
Real-world experience shows how much this can affect project success. As one designer shared on Reddit, “Every company can be the gold mine, every company can be the undesirable shit hole. It all boils down to respect, good management, and company culture.
Most bigger companies are slow, even when their tech stack is cutting edge. A lot of small companies underpay and are quite toxic, especially agencies.”
This perspective underlines the importance of fit, not just in project scope, but in working style and values. A respectful and transparent relationship between the client and agency often matters more than the size of the UI/UX design company in the USA or the complexity of the tech stack.
Before you commit, ensure you’re aligned not only on deliverables but also on how you’ll work together on a day-to-day basis. That’s what determines whether the collaboration feels effortless or exhausting.
Transparent pricing
Agencies price in one of three ways:
- Hourly, for flexible work.
- Project-based, for defined deliverables.
- Retainers or subscriptions, for ongoing design needs (this is how Eleken works).
There’s no single best model; just make sure the one you’re offered makes sense for your budget and scope.
Business fluency
Design is not only about following UI/UX trends but also about solving business problems. So, find out:
- Can the agency speak your language?
- Do they ask about your goals, your metrics, your users?
If they jump into Sketch files before asking about your retention rate or onboarding friction, keep shopping.
Here is a checklist to keep you sane:
When to hire a UX agency vs. build in-house
The in-house designer vs agency decision depends on scale, speed, and strategy. Agencies bring flexibility and specialized skills, while building an internal team makes more sense, especially if design is core to your product and you'll need it daily for years to come.
Here’s how to think about it.
When a UX agency makes sense
Agencies shine when you need:
- Speed without hiring delay. No recruiters, no onboarding. Just a signed contract and a Slack channel.
- Specialized skills you don’t have. Need UX research, motion design, or enterprise accessibility? Agencies have that on tap.
- Outside perspective. If you’re too close to the product, fresh eyes can reveal things you’ve missed.
- Short-term or project-based work. MVPs, redesigns, and onboarding flows are all great use cases for a temporary team.
- A partner to scale with. Some agencies (like Eleken) offer embedded deigners who function like in-house teammates, minus the overhead.
When you should hire in-house instead
Go internal when:
- Design is core to your product. You need a dedicated team that owns the roadmap, not just the mockups.
- You need daily iteration. Agencies work in cycles; in-house teams are always available for tweaks, tests, and experiments.
- You’re in a hyper-growth phase. If product velocity is high, it’s often faster to walk over to your designer’s desk (or ping them on Slack).
- You want tighter control. Agencies are great at executing, but in-house teams offer more hands-on oversight.
What about hybrid models?
Some of the best product teams do both:
- Start with an agency to ship your MVP, then build an internal team to iterate.
- Consider a design subscription model (like Eleken’s) to supplement your in-house team during peak periods.
- Use agencies for research sprints, brand refreshes, or high-stakes UX audits.
UX agency pricing and engagement models (explained)
So, how much does it cost to work with a UX agency? The unsatisfying answer: it depends. But that’s not helpful, so let’s break it down.
There are four main engagement models. Each has its pros, cons, and ideal use case.
1. Hourly pricing
Best for: Flexible, undefined scopes or occasional design needs
| Average rate: | $75–$250/hour (depending on agency tier and location) |
Use this if you have one-off tasks, such as fixing UX bugs, improving a workflow, or updating UI components.
2. Fixed-scope projects
Best for: Defined deliverables like redesigns, prototypes, or UX audits
| Average range: | $25,000–$150,000+ depending on project size |
Good for startups with a clear idea of what they need, or companies doing one big redesign.
3. Monthly retainers
Best for: Ongoing UX support, like product teams with shifting needs
| Average range: | $5,000–$30,000/month based on scope and velocity |
Ideal if you're scaling fast and need consistent UX attention without building a full in-house team yet.
4. Design subscription from Eleken
Best for: Startups and SaaS teams that want speed, predictability, and async flexibility
| Average pricing based on Clutch | Minimal project size is $10,000/month|
Best if you want an embedded designer who acts like a teammate but without the hiring pain.
Hidden costs to watch out for
Even if an agency’s proposal looks straightforward, extra costs can creep in if you’re not careful. For example, fixed-scope projects often come with change orders, meaning that every adjustment to requirements triggers an additional fee.
Large agencies managing multiple clients simultaneously may also cause delays, which can inflate your budget and timeline. And if the agency doesn’t handle implementation, you may face costly hand-off issues when your design transitions to developers.
As one Redditor warned, “Be careful of a lot of agencies. They often want to use long, convoluted processes that don’t actually result in better products but use a lot of buzzwords like discovery, agile, and lean and pad out their bill. I wish I could recommend an agency that didn’t do that, but most of them do.”
Another commenter added, “Yes. Need to choose wisely for sure. Have had some personally great experiences with the best, but have heard horror stories about ones that say they do work they have no business doing.”
To avoid surprises, always ask upfront:
- What’s included in the price?
- What happens if we change direction mid-project?
- Who will I actually work with on a day-to-day basis?
The answers to these questions will give you a clearer picture of the actual cost, not just the initial quote.
With that understanding, you can move beyond web design agency pricing and focus on what truly matters: finding the right UX partner.
Final tips for choosing the right UX partner
By now, you’ve seen the agency landscape: the big names, the niche specialists, the subscription-based disruptors. But how do you choose?
Here’s your UX agency checklist:
- Define your needs clearly. Are you launching a fast MVP, redesigning an existing product, or planning a long-term strategic overhaul? Your goals will shape the type of partner you need.
- Evaluate UI/UX designers and their expertise. Use the criteria we outlined (industry fit, process, case studies, pricing transparency) to quickly filter out agencies that aren’t aligned.
- Explore curated options. Start with our agency list and local picks to save time, rather than sifting through endless directories.
- Balance practical factors. Look beyond design skills. Compare budget ranges, expected timelines, collaboration styles (async vs. hands-on), and whether they can scale with you in the long term.
- Ask the right questions. Treat the first call like an interview. How do they handle user research? What does their feedback process look like? How do they measure success?
- Think partnership, not transaction. The right agency should feel like an extension of your team, invested in your product’s outcomes, not just delivering screens.
One last thing… If you’re a SaaS company and want a UX team that acts like your in-house designer but without the hiring headaches, Eleken might be the right fit.
We plug into your team fast, work async, and focus on what matters: clear, usable, conversion-ready design. Book a quick call, and we’ll help you determine if we’re a good fit.
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