UX Design
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September 1, 2025

Top 9 digital design agencies in 2025

Johanna Székelyhidi

From UX-focused studios to full-service creative powerhouses, this list highlights the top 9 digital design agencies making waves in 2025. Whether you’re seeking research-driven product design, bold branding, or immersive motion work, these teams are defining what great digital experiences look like today.

1 - UX studio

UX studio's website positions them as research-driven and design focused, with fully dedicated, scaleable UX teams for hire

UX studio’s designs are based on user research and thus prioritize usability. This makes them a perfect fit for risk-averse B2B SaaS clients who need tried-and-tested design solutions built on data. 

They’re especially good at simplifying complex dashboards and redesigning outdated products. Their portfolio shows a wealth of design work that balances beauty and functionality. 

The UX studio team outsources top design and UX research talent, who integrate into client projects and work as full-time members. This gives them strong domain expertise in verticals such as healthcare, legal, or financial services.

If you’re after reliable solutions with tangible business outcomes, get a quote and scale up your digital design team with UX studio. 

2 - BASIC/DEPT® Agency

Basic Dept's website features a showreel displaying the various areas of their digital design work, from UX to branding

BASIC/DEPT® is a digital branding and digital design agency known for creating work that’s “easy to understand, impossible to ignore.” Their approach blends strategy, design, and technology into bold experiences for ambitious brands. 

Beyond client projects, they invest heavily in internal initiatives like Applied® (a thought-leadership platform), Brandbeats® (a podcast with 45k+ listeners per episode), and Crafted® (a community celebrating diversity and creativity). This mix of client work and cultural projects gives them a strong creative pulse across industries and geographies. 

3 - Handsome Frank

A screenshot of Handsome Frank's website features a bold full-page illustration of a colorful jungle

Handsome Frank is a global illustration and animation agency built on collaboration and creativity. With a roster of 40+ artists, they connect clients to a diverse pool of talent capable of tackling any brief, from editorial spreads to brand campaigns. 

Over the years, they’ve delivered work for major names like Spotify, Chanel, and The Guardian, while also supporting emerging brands and publishers. Their approach is hands-on, guiding clients who may be commissioning illustration for the first time, while offering experienced project management for industry veterans.

4 - Pentagram

Pentagram's website features a showreel showing their design achievements

For over five decades, Pentagram has been at the forefront of global design, known for creativity, craft, and strategy across disciplines. 

Unlike traditional digital design studios, Pentagram’s 24 partners are both owners and designers, giving clients direct access to the people shaping their work. 

The studio’s output spans identity systems, digital products, architecture, exhibitions, and packaging, with an iconic portfolio that includes Warner Bros., Citibank, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Saturday Night Live. 

Their reputation rests on timeless, intelligent design that continues to influence industries and audiences alike.

5 - Emerge

Emerge's understated website focuses on business mpact

Emerge is a digital design agency that offers UX design, strategy, and development services. Based in Portland, they’ve spent more than 20 years helping organizations improve the way their products work and feel. 

Their work spans industries from healthcare to technology, with results that include smoother onboarding, higher retention, and improved customer journeys. 

Rather than chasing trends, they focus on practical design solutions that serve both business goals and user needs, making digital products easier to adopt and more rewarding to use.

6 - RNO1

RNO1's site features edgy animations and a black-and-

RNO1 is a digital design firm specializing in brand, UX, and product experiences. They work with clients ranging from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies, helping brands define identity, design experiences, and scale products across web and app platforms. 

Like UX studio, RNO1 also often acts as a strategic partner, co-creating what they call the BVP—Best Viable Product—rather than just an MVP. 

As a full-service agency, their services include everything from brand strategy, to UX/UI design, prototyping, development and digital marketing.

7 - ReDefine

Redefine's site highlights how they can unleash the potential of every story

ReDefine stands out on this list, as they are experts in a very specific field of digital design: VFX and animation. 

With studios across North America, Europe, and India, their team of skilled artists provides end-to-end creative services, from concept to final render. 

Part of the DNEG Group, ReDefine draws on decades of award-winning expertise and cutting-edge technology to deliver high-quality visual effects and animation efficiently. 

For projects that demand both technical mastery and creative finesse, ReDefine provides dependable, scalable solutions that help studios, filmmakers, and streaming services realize their most ambitious stories. 

8 - Rekos

Rekos's main tagline is "stay ahead with elevated digital presence"

Rekos is a full-stack digital design studio that builds websites, apps, and brands from start to finish. Their senior team covers everything: UI/UX design, front- and back-end development, architecture planning, and brand strategy. 

With over 200 projects delivered across industries—from fintech to renewable energy—the team crafts experiences that convert and resonate. 

If you want things done under one roof instead of hiring specialists, Rekos is a great choice: besides UX studio, their pricing is the most accessible. 

9 - UENO

Ueno is dedicated to strategic design and innovation

Ueno is a creative studio that transforms ideas into digital products, brands, and experiences people love. They focus on two things: making sure it works, and making sure it feels right. 

From building apps and websites to designing brands with a distinct voice, Ueno balances practical function with human-centered design. 

With a team experienced in digital design, technology, and storytelling, Ueno has helped some of the biggest brands in the world bring their visions to life. 

Top 9 digital design agencies – quick summary

Following these more in-depth introductions of our top 9 digital design agencies, let’s summarize what you need to know about them in this handy table. 

Compare positioning, main services, top clients and prices to find the best fit for your business.

A visual summary of the blog post

What do digital design agencies do?

Digital design agencies create user-centered digital products, brands, and experiences. They combine creativity, strategy, and technology to help businesses improve usability, engagement, and brand presence online.

Beyond aesthetics, they optimize how users interact with a product or brand, ensuring every touchpoint—whether on a website, app, or campaign—supports engagement, trust, and long-term loyalty. 

How to select the best agency for your digital design projects?

Choosing the right agency for your digital project involves considering the following key factors:

  • Portfolio and expertise: Look for projects similar to yours.

  • Reviews and testimonials: Check client feedback.

  • Team setup and processes: Ensure skilled designers, strategists, or developers are included, based on your project’s needs.

  • Flexibility and scalability: Make sure the agency can adapt to project changes.

  • Pricing and timelines: Confirm budget alignment and delivery expectations.

Speaking of which…

How much do digital design agencies charge?

Pricing varies widely depending on agency size, expertise, and project scope. Rates can range from $50–$99/hr for mid-tier European agencies like UX studio and Rekos, to $150–$300/hr for high-end studios like BASIC/DEPT® or UENO. Some agencies offer project-based pricing or retainers for ongoing work.

You can negotiate the pricing model that suits your project. 

Digital design services

Digital design agencies offer a range of services which we grouped into 4 categories based on industry practices and examples from leading agencies.

1. UX design 

Focused on creating intuitive, user-centered digital products.

  • UX/UI design – Designing end-to-end digital products from concept to launch, ensuring usability and aesthetic appeal.

  • UX research – Conducting user interviews, usability tests, and surveys to guide design decisions.

  • Market Research – Understanding user needs, trends, and competitor products to inform design.

  • UX Consultancy – Advising companies on UX strategies, process improvements, and product optimization.

Example agencies: UX studio, Emerge, Rekos

Banner saying "We design products that are easy to use, not to mention developer-friendly and commercially viable. Book a meeting with UX studio."

2. Brand & visual Identity

Focused on defining and communicating a company’s image and personality.

  • Branding & visual identity design – Logo design, color palettes, typography, and brand guidelines.

  • Digital-first branding – Adapting brand identity for online platforms and digital campaigns.

  • Customer experience (CX) design – Designing holistic experiences across multiple touchpoints.

Example Agencies: Pentagram, BASIC/DEPT®, RNO1

3. Illustration & motion design

Adding creativity, animation, and visual storytelling to digital experiences.

  • Illustration – Custom artwork for web, mobile, and print.

  • Animation & motion graphics – Interface animations and promotional content.

  • VFX & cinematic design – Advanced visual effects for video content and immersive experiences.

Example agencies: Handsome Frank, ReDefine

4. Advertising & marketing design

Focused on creating visuals and experiences that promote brands, products, and services.

  • Digital campaign design – Banner ads, social media marketing visuals, email campaigns, and landing pages.

  • Content & visual storytelling – Designing engaging graphics, videos, and interactive content for marketing purposes.

  • Marketing collateral – Brochures, presentations, sales materials, and promotional assets optimized for digital channels.

Example Agencies: BASIC/DEPT®, UENO

Searching for a design partner, not just an agency?

Banner saying "trusted by top brand. Our team delivers standout designs that drive results. Get in touch."

At UX studio, we combine strategic UX thinking with reasonable mid-tier European rates and high-quality design. Our embedded teams usually include a designer plus a researcher, offering flexible solutions aligned with your budget and goals.

If you need external help on your digital design project, contact us for a tailored quote and let’s discuss the details.‍