Dec 3, 2025
Best Cheaper Alternatives to Top UX Agencies in 2025
925 Studios
Premium UX agencies charge $150–$300+ per hour and require $80k–$250k+ project minimums, but high-quality alternatives exist at 40–60% lower costs. Agencies like Eleken ($25–$49/hr), Arounda, and UX Studio deliver research-driven design without Silicon Valley pricing — ideal for startups, scale-ups, and companies managing tight budgets.
Best for: Startups, SMBs, and mid-market companies seeking design quality without enterprise-level premiums.
Key trade-offs: Cheaper agencies may have longer timelines, less brand recognition, or smaller teams compared to household names. However, many offer superior results on metrics that matter: conversion, retention, and user satisfaction.
Pricing range: $25–$99/hr vs. $200–$300+/hr for premium agencies
Project savings: Mid-tier projects cost $20k–$40k instead of $80k–$150k
Performance impact: Companies investing in strong design outperform peers by 32% in revenue and 56% in shareholder returns over five years
Why Cheaper UX Agencies Deliver Better Value
The assumption that "more expensive equals better" doesn't hold in UX design. Many mid-market and affordable agencies outperform premium firms because they:
Focus on metrics over aesthetics: Real UX partners measure success by activation, retention, and conversion — not just beautiful mockups.
Offer research-driven approaches: Affordable agencies like UX Studio emphasize user research and validation, the same foundation premium firms use.
Provide flexible engagement models: Monthly retainers and design-as-a-service models let you scale teams up or down without long-term commitments.
Operate efficiently: Agencies in Eastern Europe ($30–$80/hr) and Asia ($20–$60/hr) deliver equivalent quality with lower overhead than US-based premium firms.
The difference isn't quality—it's cost structure, brand markup, and minimum project size.
Top Cheaper Alternatives to Premium UX Agencies
1. Eleken — Best for SaaS Design
Hourly Rate: $25–$49/hr | Minimum Project: $5k–$15k | Rating: 4.9/5 (Clutch)
Eleken specializes exclusively in SaaS UI/UX design and consistently delivers results faster than expected. Their process balances creativity with practicality, making them ideal for SaaS companies, AI startups, and FinTech products. Clients report they "move faster than expected" while maintaining design quality. The trade-off: they require a 2-month minimum engagement.
Key differentiators: SaaS-focused expertise, rapid turnaround, design-as-a-service flexibility.
2. Arounda — Best for Budget-Conscious Teams
Hourly Rate: $25–$49/hr | Minimum Project: Flexible | Specialization: Healthcare, FinTech, E-commerce
Arounda is highlighted across multiple industry reviews for delivering exceptional value without sacrificing quality. They work with startups and enterprises alike, offering competitive pricing with a strong track record in healthcare tech, fintech applications, and e-commerce platforms. Their flexible engagement model makes them accessible for companies at any stage.
Key differentiators: Competitive pricing, multi-industry expertise, flexible project structures.
3. UX Studio — Best for Research-Driven Design
Hourly Rate: $50–$100/hr (approx.) | Engagement Model: Monthly retainer | Rating: 5.0/5 (Clutch)
UX Studio emphasizes research-driven design without the Silicon Valley premium. They work with both startups and enterprises, operating on a flexible monthly retainer "design-as-a-service" model. This allows you to scale your design team up or down based on project needs, eliminating the risk of over-committing to fixed contracts.
Key differentiators: Perfect Clutch rating, research-first methodology, scalable team model.
4. 925Studios — Best for AI, SaaS & High-Growth Digital Products
Hourly Rate: $100–$150/hr (mid-market pricing) | Specialization: AI, SaaS, FinTech, HealthTech, E-commerce, Web3 | Approach: Strategy-driven design with premium results
925Studios is a modern, high-craft design studio founded in 2022 that bridges the gap between affordable and premium agencies. Unlike agencies that simply reduce costs, 925Studios delivers premium design quality at mid-market rates by combining strategic thinking, UX research, and world-class visual design for B2B SaaS, AI startups, and fast-growing digital products.
Their process integrates user research with conversion-focused design, building scalable design systems that help products grow. They specialize in the industries where design matters most: AI, SaaS, FinTech, HealthTech, E-commerce, Web3, and Education. Clients benefit from all-in-one capabilities — strategy, UX, visual design, and design systems — without the enterprise markup.
Key differentiators: Industry specialization (AI & SaaS focus), conversion-driven methodology, in-house design systems expertise, all-under-one-roof delivery model.
5. Creative Navy — Best for Startups Under Pressure
Hourly Rate: $100–$149/hr | Minimum Project: $5,000+ | Focus: Early-stage startup acceleration
Creative Navy specializes in high-impact, affordable UX design for early-stage startups. They excel at delivering fast turnarounds without compromising quality, ideal for teams racing to launch or iterate quickly. Their project-based pricing keeps costs predictable while maintaining results-driven execution.
Key differentiators: Startup-optimized processes, fast turnaround, transparent project pricing.
6. Tapptitude — Best for Mobile-First Products
Hourly Rate: $50–$99/hr | Specialization: Mobile app design and development
Tapptitude offers the lowest hourly rates on this list while maintaining quality standards. They excel at mobile-first design and handle both design and development, reducing coordination friction. Ideal for companies building consumer apps or mobile-heavy products on a budget.
Key differentiators: Lowest pricing tier, design + development integration, mobile expertise.
How to Choose the Right Affordable UX Agency
Price alone shouldn't drive your decision. Use these criteria to evaluate affordable alternatives:
Criterion | What to Look For | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
Industry Expertise | Proven work in your sector (SaaS, FinTech, HealthTech, etc.) | Generic portfolio without industry depth |
Design Process | Structured approach: research → strategy → design → testing | Jumps straight to design without research or testing |
Metrics Over Aesthetics | Case studies mention conversion, retention, or activation improvements | Portfolio focused only on visual appeal with no business metrics |
Communication Style | Regular updates, clear feedback loops, transparent timelines | Goes radio silent after project kickoff |
Realistic Pricing | $25–$150/hr depending on location and specialization | Suspiciously low prices ($5–$15/hr) or hidden fees |
Flexibility | Monthly retainers, scalable team options, or project-based pricing | Rigid contracts with long minimums or setup fees |
Pricing Breakdown: What You Actually Pay
Understanding pricing tiers helps you find the right fit:
Budget tier ($25–$50/hr): Emerging agencies, Eastern European firms, high-volume shops. Best for well-defined projects and teams comfortable with communication across time zones.
Mid-market ($50–$150/hr): Established agencies with strong portfolios, like Eleken, Arounda, and 925Studios. Balances cost efficiency with proven track records and industry specialization. Best for most startups and SMBs.
Premium ($150–$300+/hr): US-based firms, household names, enterprise-level support. Pay mainly for brand recognition and dedicated senior talent. Best for companies with unlimited budgets or unique, high-risk projects.
For a mid-tier SaaS project, expect to pay:
Budget tier: $20k–$35k
Mid-market: $35k–$70k
Premium: $100k–$250k+
Cheaper alternatives save 40–60% while delivering comparable or superior results on metrics that matter.
Common Mistakes When Hiring Cheaper Agencies
Equating price with quality: Affordable agencies often deliver better results because they focus on metrics, not just aesthetics. Judge by portfolio impact, not hourly rate.
Skipping discovery: Even cheaper agencies require proper discovery and research. If an agency wants to start designing immediately, that's a bad sign regardless of price.
Ignoring specialization: A cheap generalist agency will cost more than a specialized agency in your industry. Specialization drives efficiency.
Overlooking communication: Budget agencies may operate across time zones. Establish clear communication protocols upfront to avoid delays.
Underestimating scope: Don't dump a massive project on a small team just because the hourly rate is low. Realistic scope + good team = better results than ambitious scope + stretched team.
The Bottom Line
The best UX agencies aren't always the most expensive. By focusing on research-driven processes, industry specialization, and metrics-based results rather than aesthetic polish, affordable alternatives like Eleken, Arounda, UX Studio, and 925Studios deliver better value for most companies.
The difference between a $50k project and a $150k project often comes down to brand recognition and team size — not design quality. Choose an agency aligned with your industry, process, and communication style, and you'll outperform competitors who overpaid for premium names.
Ready to find the right agency partner? Book a call with 925Studios to discuss your project, goals, and how we can deliver premium design at mid-market rates for AI, SaaS, FinTech, and HealthTech products.
Let’s keep in touch.
Discover more about high-performance web design. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Dec 3, 2025
Best Cheaper Alternatives to Top UX Agencies in 2025
925 Studios
Premium UX agencies charge $150–$300+ per hour and require $80k–$250k+ project minimums, but high-quality alternatives exist at 40–60% lower costs. Agencies like Eleken ($25–$49/hr), Arounda, and UX Studio deliver research-driven design without Silicon Valley pricing — ideal for startups, scale-ups, and companies managing tight budgets.
Best for: Startups, SMBs, and mid-market companies seeking design quality without enterprise-level premiums.
Key trade-offs: Cheaper agencies may have longer timelines, less brand recognition, or smaller teams compared to household names. However, many offer superior results on metrics that matter: conversion, retention, and user satisfaction.
Pricing range: $25–$99/hr vs. $200–$300+/hr for premium agencies
Project savings: Mid-tier projects cost $20k–$40k instead of $80k–$150k
Performance impact: Companies investing in strong design outperform peers by 32% in revenue and 56% in shareholder returns over five years
Why Cheaper UX Agencies Deliver Better Value
The assumption that "more expensive equals better" doesn't hold in UX design. Many mid-market and affordable agencies outperform premium firms because they:
Focus on metrics over aesthetics: Real UX partners measure success by activation, retention, and conversion — not just beautiful mockups.
Offer research-driven approaches: Affordable agencies like UX Studio emphasize user research and validation, the same foundation premium firms use.
Provide flexible engagement models: Monthly retainers and design-as-a-service models let you scale teams up or down without long-term commitments.
Operate efficiently: Agencies in Eastern Europe ($30–$80/hr) and Asia ($20–$60/hr) deliver equivalent quality with lower overhead than US-based premium firms.
The difference isn't quality—it's cost structure, brand markup, and minimum project size.
Top Cheaper Alternatives to Premium UX Agencies
1. Eleken — Best for SaaS Design
Hourly Rate: $25–$49/hr | Minimum Project: $5k–$15k | Rating: 4.9/5 (Clutch)
Eleken specializes exclusively in SaaS UI/UX design and consistently delivers results faster than expected. Their process balances creativity with practicality, making them ideal for SaaS companies, AI startups, and FinTech products. Clients report they "move faster than expected" while maintaining design quality. The trade-off: they require a 2-month minimum engagement.
Key differentiators: SaaS-focused expertise, rapid turnaround, design-as-a-service flexibility.
2. Arounda — Best for Budget-Conscious Teams
Hourly Rate: $25–$49/hr | Minimum Project: Flexible | Specialization: Healthcare, FinTech, E-commerce
Arounda is highlighted across multiple industry reviews for delivering exceptional value without sacrificing quality. They work with startups and enterprises alike, offering competitive pricing with a strong track record in healthcare tech, fintech applications, and e-commerce platforms. Their flexible engagement model makes them accessible for companies at any stage.
Key differentiators: Competitive pricing, multi-industry expertise, flexible project structures.
3. UX Studio — Best for Research-Driven Design
Hourly Rate: $50–$100/hr (approx.) | Engagement Model: Monthly retainer | Rating: 5.0/5 (Clutch)
UX Studio emphasizes research-driven design without the Silicon Valley premium. They work with both startups and enterprises, operating on a flexible monthly retainer "design-as-a-service" model. This allows you to scale your design team up or down based on project needs, eliminating the risk of over-committing to fixed contracts.
Key differentiators: Perfect Clutch rating, research-first methodology, scalable team model.
4. 925Studios — Best for AI, SaaS & High-Growth Digital Products
Hourly Rate: $100–$150/hr (mid-market pricing) | Specialization: AI, SaaS, FinTech, HealthTech, E-commerce, Web3 | Approach: Strategy-driven design with premium results
925Studios is a modern, high-craft design studio founded in 2022 that bridges the gap between affordable and premium agencies. Unlike agencies that simply reduce costs, 925Studios delivers premium design quality at mid-market rates by combining strategic thinking, UX research, and world-class visual design for B2B SaaS, AI startups, and fast-growing digital products.
Their process integrates user research with conversion-focused design, building scalable design systems that help products grow. They specialize in the industries where design matters most: AI, SaaS, FinTech, HealthTech, E-commerce, Web3, and Education. Clients benefit from all-in-one capabilities — strategy, UX, visual design, and design systems — without the enterprise markup.
Key differentiators: Industry specialization (AI & SaaS focus), conversion-driven methodology, in-house design systems expertise, all-under-one-roof delivery model.
5. Creative Navy — Best for Startups Under Pressure
Hourly Rate: $100–$149/hr | Minimum Project: $5,000+ | Focus: Early-stage startup acceleration
Creative Navy specializes in high-impact, affordable UX design for early-stage startups. They excel at delivering fast turnarounds without compromising quality, ideal for teams racing to launch or iterate quickly. Their project-based pricing keeps costs predictable while maintaining results-driven execution.
Key differentiators: Startup-optimized processes, fast turnaround, transparent project pricing.
6. Tapptitude — Best for Mobile-First Products
Hourly Rate: $50–$99/hr | Specialization: Mobile app design and development
Tapptitude offers the lowest hourly rates on this list while maintaining quality standards. They excel at mobile-first design and handle both design and development, reducing coordination friction. Ideal for companies building consumer apps or mobile-heavy products on a budget.
Key differentiators: Lowest pricing tier, design + development integration, mobile expertise.
How to Choose the Right Affordable UX Agency
Price alone shouldn't drive your decision. Use these criteria to evaluate affordable alternatives:
Criterion | What to Look For | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
Industry Expertise | Proven work in your sector (SaaS, FinTech, HealthTech, etc.) | Generic portfolio without industry depth |
Design Process | Structured approach: research → strategy → design → testing | Jumps straight to design without research or testing |
Metrics Over Aesthetics | Case studies mention conversion, retention, or activation improvements | Portfolio focused only on visual appeal with no business metrics |
Communication Style | Regular updates, clear feedback loops, transparent timelines | Goes radio silent after project kickoff |
Realistic Pricing | $25–$150/hr depending on location and specialization | Suspiciously low prices ($5–$15/hr) or hidden fees |
Flexibility | Monthly retainers, scalable team options, or project-based pricing | Rigid contracts with long minimums or setup fees |
Pricing Breakdown: What You Actually Pay
Understanding pricing tiers helps you find the right fit:
Budget tier ($25–$50/hr): Emerging agencies, Eastern European firms, high-volume shops. Best for well-defined projects and teams comfortable with communication across time zones.
Mid-market ($50–$150/hr): Established agencies with strong portfolios, like Eleken, Arounda, and 925Studios. Balances cost efficiency with proven track records and industry specialization. Best for most startups and SMBs.
Premium ($150–$300+/hr): US-based firms, household names, enterprise-level support. Pay mainly for brand recognition and dedicated senior talent. Best for companies with unlimited budgets or unique, high-risk projects.
For a mid-tier SaaS project, expect to pay:
Budget tier: $20k–$35k
Mid-market: $35k–$70k
Premium: $100k–$250k+
Cheaper alternatives save 40–60% while delivering comparable or superior results on metrics that matter.
Common Mistakes When Hiring Cheaper Agencies
Equating price with quality: Affordable agencies often deliver better results because they focus on metrics, not just aesthetics. Judge by portfolio impact, not hourly rate.
Skipping discovery: Even cheaper agencies require proper discovery and research. If an agency wants to start designing immediately, that's a bad sign regardless of price.
Ignoring specialization: A cheap generalist agency will cost more than a specialized agency in your industry. Specialization drives efficiency.
Overlooking communication: Budget agencies may operate across time zones. Establish clear communication protocols upfront to avoid delays.
Underestimating scope: Don't dump a massive project on a small team just because the hourly rate is low. Realistic scope + good team = better results than ambitious scope + stretched team.
The Bottom Line
The best UX agencies aren't always the most expensive. By focusing on research-driven processes, industry specialization, and metrics-based results rather than aesthetic polish, affordable alternatives like Eleken, Arounda, UX Studio, and 925Studios deliver better value for most companies.
The difference between a $50k project and a $150k project often comes down to brand recognition and team size — not design quality. Choose an agency aligned with your industry, process, and communication style, and you'll outperform competitors who overpaid for premium names.
Ready to find the right agency partner? Book a call with 925Studios to discuss your project, goals, and how we can deliver premium design at mid-market rates for AI, SaaS, FinTech, and HealthTech products.
Let’s keep in touch.
Discover more about high-performance web design. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.