Top 10 Web Design Agencies In the World — November 2024
Listing the best digital design agencies worldwide. Find the right website design firm to deliver your website in San Francisco, New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles, or London.
Updated: November 4, 2024
In the digital era, a robust online presence is crucial for business success. Recent studies show that 61% of consumers conduct online research before purchasing, underscoring the importance of an effective, user-friendly website. To assist businesses in finding top-tier web design services, we have compiled a comprehensive rating of the top web design companies and agencies worldwide.
Top 10 Web Design Companies — November 2024:
How I select: My comprehensive evaluation system helps you choose the best web design agency. I assess agencies based on their industry recognition, online presence, and team composition. Client satisfaction, service range, and industry expertise are crucial factors. I also consider geographical reach and pricing models. I examine awards, media coverage, thought leadership, portfolio quality, and adaptability to various sectors. Remember, this is not a ranked list, but a curated selection of the world’s best web design firms.
1. Clay
Clay is a leading San Francisco-based global digital agency that creates exceptional digital experiences for brands. It combines innovative technology with user-centric design and emphasizes future-proof design, a strong focus on user needs, and fostering authentic brand-audience connections.
Best for: Clay’s services are tailored for large technology companies, well-funded SaaS startups, and enterprises with complex digital needs. Their expertise in cutting-edge technology, AI integration, and ability to simplify intricate concepts through thoughtful design benefits clients like Slack, Google, and Amazon.
However, Clay’s specialized focus and premium pricing may only suit some businesses. Smaller local enterprises or those in more traditional industries might find their cutting-edge approach excessive for their needs. Startups with tight budgets should carefully consider the investment, as the agency’s services may be beyond their financial reach.
Based in: San Francisco, CA
Employees: 70+
Minimum Project Cost: $50,000
Hourly Fee: $150 — $199
Clients: Slack, Facebook, Google, Amazon, Zenefits, Cisco
Expertise: web design, 3D, illustrations, animation, content production, content strategy, motion design, design systems, frontend & backend development, CMS (content management system) implementation
Online portfolio: https://clay.global/work
Social Media Channels: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
2. AKQA
AKQA is a globally recognized ideas and innovation company known for its futuristic approach to design and ability to transform groundbreaking concepts into reality. Their core philosophy emphasizes a future-oriented approach, sustainability focus, real-world impact, and visionary execution. Key strengths include high-profile partnerships with global leaders, proactive integration of sustainability in designs, interdisciplinary expertise, and a global perspective derived from their international presence. These attributes position AKQA as a leader in shaping the future of design across various disciplines, consistently delivering innovative solutions that address tangible challenges and meet the high expectations of their diverse, high-profile client base.
Best for: AKQA’s expertise is best leveraged by businesses ready to invest heavily in design as a competitive advantage, especially those prioritizing sustainability and real-world impact. Their interdisciplinary approach and global perspective make them well-suited for companies needing comprehensive creative solutions spanning interface design to product development across diverse markets.
However, AKQA’s cutting-edge approach and pricing structure may not be suitable for small to medium-sized businesses with simpler design needs or limited budgets. Their services best align with organizations prepared for radical innovation and substantial investment in future-focused design strategies.
Based in: London, San Francisco, São Paulo, Melbourne, Aarhus, Amsterdam, Atlanta, Auckland, Berlin, Cairo, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Dubai, Gurgaon, Johannesburg, Miami, Milan, New York, Paris, Riyadh, Portland, Shanghai, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo, Venice, Washington DC, Wellington
Employees: 3,000+
Minimum Project Cost: $250,000
Hourly Fee: $250 — $350
Clients: Coca-Cola, Sprite, Louis Vuitton, H&M, IBM, ECCO, Sony, Nike
Expertise: CRM implementation, e-commerce design, digital business transformation and consulting, UI design, digital content creation and distribution, SMM
Online portfolio: https://www.akqa.com/work/
Social Media Channels: Instagram, X, LinkedIn
3. Code & Theory
Code and Theory is a digital-first creative agency headquartered in New York. It is known for its innovative approach to digital design and technology. The agency’s core philosophy centers on innovation, conversion-centric design, and a holistic approach that combines technical expertise with creativity, user psychology, and business strategy.
Best for: Code & Theory is well-suited for established brands and growing companies ready to invest significantly in their digital strategy.
The agency’s expertise is especially valuable in the e-commerce, fashion, and healthcare sectors. In e-commerce, they excel at optimizing user journeys and checkout processes. Fashion brands skillfully balance visual appeal with conversion-focused design. In healthcare, they demonstrate proficiency in simplifying complex information and creating intuitive interfaces.
However, with a minimum project cost of $250,000 and $300, their services are likely too extensive and costly for small businesses or those with simpler digital needs.
Based in: New York
Employees: 1000+
Minimum Project Cost: $250,000
Hourly Fee: $200 — $300
Clients: Amazon, Polestar, Pfizer, TikTok
Expertise: data, research & testing, platforms & products, business consulting & design transformation
Online portfolio: https://www.codeandtheory.com/things-we-make
Social Media Channels: X, LinkedIn, Instagram
4. Shiftbrain
Shiftbrain, founded in Japan in 2003, is a globally recognized website design company known for its impressive design skills and transparent workflow. Their core philosophy emphasizes transparency, client partnership, efficiency, and cultural fusion, blending Eastern and Western design perspectives. Key strengths include award-winning design work and a global presence with offices in Japan and the Netherlands, making Shiftbrain a top choice for clients seeking exceptional web design services with a unique cultural blend.
Best for: Shiftbrain best suits established and growing businesses seeking sophisticated, globally-appealing digital presences. Their blend of Eastern and Western design perspectives makes them ideal for multinational corporations or brands expanding into diverse markets. They excel in crafting strong visual identities and complex, interactive web solutions, making them valuable for companies prioritizing engaging user experiences and deep brand connections. Their transparent, structured approach appeals to clients who value clear communication and efficient processes. With high minimum project costs and hourly rates, Shiftbrain is positioned for medium to large-scale website design projects, rather than small businesses or those needing simple web solutions. They’re most appropriate for clients ready to invest substantially in a nuanced, strategic digital presence that can work across different cultural contexts.
Based in: Tokyo
Employees: 10–49
Minimum Project Cost: $150,000
Hourly Fee: $150 — $250
Clients: Toyota, Starbucks, LEXUS Magazine
Expertise: digital strategy, web design and development, animation, interactive design
Online portfolio: https://note.com/shiftbrain/m/mbc8d3c77023e?lang=en
Social Media Channels: X, Facebook, Instagram, note, Behance
5. Active Theory
Active Theory is a creative digital production and design studio based in Venice, California, known for creating cutting-edge digital experiences beyond traditional web design. Their core philosophy centers on innovation, technological adaptation, and user-centric design, constantly pushing creative limits and embracing emerging technologies. Key strengths include diverse technical expertise from traditional web design to advanced VR and AR technologies, a global perspective with Los Angeles and Amsterdam offices, and the ability to apply immersive technology skills across various industries, positioning them as leaders in innovative digital experiences.
Best for: Active Theory is best suited for established brands and innovative companies seeking to create groundbreaking digital experiences. Their expertise in immersive technologies like VR and AR makes them ideal for businesses in the entertainment, technology, and luxury sectors that want to engage users in novel ways. Large corporations with substantial budgets for web design projects, particularly those looking to significantly impact global markets, would benefit most from Active Theory’s services.
However, given their high minimum project cost and focus on complex, immersive experiences, Active Theory may not be the best fit for small businesses, startups with limited budgets, or companies seeking simple, straightforward web solutions.
Based in: Venice, CA; Amsterdam
Employees: 20+
Minimum Project Cost: $200,000
Hourly Fee: $200 — $250
Clients: Squarespace, Xbox, YouTube, Spotify, Hennessy, Google
Expertise: AR, VR, animation, front & back-end development, art direction & design, creative direction & concepting
Online portfolio: https://activetheory.net/work
Social Media Channels: Instagram, LinkedIn, X
6. Design Bridge and Partners
Design Bridge and Partners is a global brand and design consultancy headquartered in London, with a strong claim to being one of the world’s best web design agencies. Their core philosophy emphasizes impactful design, a holistic approach considering business, people, and the planet, and a commitment to specialized industry knowledge and sustainability. Key strengths include a significant global presence with 17 studios worldwide, a large and diverse team of 900 creatives, and a high-profile client base of major global brands. These factors combined enable Design Bridge and Partners to create impactful brand designs across various industries internationally.
Best for: The agency’s expertise is especially valuable for businesses that require complex, multi-faceted design solutions that can be consistently applied worldwide while adapting to local nuances. Their work with high-profile clients like NASA Artemis, Unilever, and Coca-Cola demonstrates their ability to handle projects ranging from futuristic ventures to keeping established brands relevant.
However, Design Bridge and Partners might not be the best fit for small businesses or startups with limited budgets. Their comprehensive, global approach is geared towards larger organizations or those ready to invest substantially in their brand and visual identity.
Based in: New York, Los Angeles, São Paulo, Woodstock, Bryanston, Madrid, Munich, Berlin, London, Amsterdam, Quarry Bay, Patumwan, Singapore, Jakarta,
Employees: 500
Minimum Project Cost: $250,000
Hourly Fee: $250 — $350
Clients: Guinness, BBC, China Duty-Free, Shakespeare’s Globe, London Symphony Orchestra, Shelter, Riot Games
Expertise: digital platforms, motion design, 3D design, digital communication and marketing support, creative and content evolution
Online portfolio: https://www.designbridge.com/work
Social Media Channels: Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram
7. Razorfish
Razorfish is a New York City-based interactive agency, part of Publicis Groupe, that specializes in transforming brands through personalized and immersive experiences. Its core philosophy centers on brand transformation, personalization, omnichannel engagement, and close client collaboration. Key strengths include cross-industry expertise, integration of cutting-edge technologies like Web3 and Metaverse, and a talent for articulating brand purpose. As a leader in incorporating advanced technology and visuals into design, Razorfish excels at creating innovative, tailored solutions that engage customers across multiple touchpoints.
Best for: Razorfish best suits large, established brands seeking comprehensive digital transformation and innovative, technology-driven marketing solutions. Their services are particularly valuable for companies aiming to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, especially those interested in exploring Web3 and Metaverse technologies.
The agency’s expertise is ideal for businesses looking to create personalized, immersive experiences across multiple channels and touchpoints. Their focus on brand purpose articulation makes them a strong choice for companies undergoing significant rebranding or those wanting to better communicate their core company culture and values in the digital space.
Given their minimum website design project cost of $250,000, Razorfish is positioned for substantial, complex projects. They’re well-suited for forward-thinking enterprises in various industries ready to invest heavily in cutting-edge digital strategies and open to radical change.
Based in: Atlanta, Austin, Birmingham, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, San Luis Obispo
Employees: 2000+
Minimum Project Cost: $250,000
Hourly Fee: $200 — $300
Clients: Dove, Cadillac Rise, Porsche Engine Notes
Expertise: search engine optimization, customer data platforms, applications, data-driven digital ecosystems & commerce, CRM, mobile application design and development, content strategy
Online portfolio: https://www.razorfish.com/work/
Social Media Channels: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram
8. FOR GOOD DESIGN LAB
For Good Design Lab is a Sydney-based design agency specializing in branding, product design, and digital experiences for visionary startups and disruptive businesses. Focusing on merging impact and profit, they work with clients who aim to create positive change while achieving commercial success.
Best For: For Good Design Lab is ideal for growth-stage and early-stage startups aiming to elevate their brand and digital presence while making a positive impact. They excel at serving businesses that seek to align their design with social and environmental goals, offering comprehensive design services from branding to UX/UI and website design. The agency is particularly well-suited for innovative companies in tech, finance, and sustainability sectors looking to disrupt their industries through purpose-driven design and strategy.
Based in: Sydney, NSW
Employees: 20
Minimum Project Cost: $50,000
Hourly Fee: $150 — $200
Clients: Carted, Culinary Wonderland, Black Fridye
Expertise: branding, product design (UX/UI), brand & product strategy, website design, and design systems
Online portfolio: https://www.forgooddesignlab.com/
Social Media Channels: LinkedIn, Instagram
9. DEPT
DEPT is a leading technology and digital marketing company that helps brands maintain a competitive edge in the digital landscape. Their core philosophy is built on data-driven design, balancing aesthetics with functionality, and a solid user-centric approach. DEPT distinguishes itself by delivering cutting-edge digital design solutions that blend creative intuition with empirical evidence while providing culturally nuanced designs for diverse markets and implementing advanced technologies like AI, VR, and AR to create future-proof designs.
Best for: DEPT is particularly well-suited for medium — to large enterprises and ambitious startups seeking comprehensive, cutting-edge digital solutions. Its services are ideal for global brands or companies expanding into diverse markets, as it offers a unique blend of worldwide resources with personalized, culturally nuanced design approaches.
The agency excels in serving businesses ready to embrace innovative, tech-forward design strategies, especially those looking to leverage advanced technologies like AI, VR, and AR in their digital presence. DEPT’s data-driven approach makes them valuable for companies prioritizing user insights and measurable outcomes in their design projects.
However, DEPT’s comprehensive services and pricing structure may not be suitable for smaller businesses with limited digital needs or budgets. Their approach is geared towards clients seeking full-scale digital solutions rather than those needing simple website updates or minor design work.
Based in: Toronto, Aarhus, New York City, San Diego, San Jose, Amsterdam, Atlanta, Berlin, Bern, Boston, Buenos Aires, Charlottesville, Chicago, Cologne, Copenhagen, Denver, Dublin, Zagreb, Hamburg, Zürich, Jakarta, London, Paris, Rotterdam, Maastricht, Madrid, Manchester, Mumbai, Manila, Mar del Plata, Singapore, Melbourne, Mexico City, Milton Keynes, Newburyport, Skopje, Split, Sydney, Veenendaal, Zwolle
Employees: 4,000+
Minimum Project Price: $250,000
Hourly Fee: $250 — $350
Clients: Netflix, Google, Van Gogh Museum, Audi, ASOS
Expertise: web and mobile app development, CX/UX platforms, commerce platforms, UX & design, e-commerce & web design, conversational & voice, metaverse practice
Online portfolio: https://www.deptagency.com/work/
Social Media Channels: LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Twitch
10. Base Design
Base Design is an international network of creative agencies and studios specializing in branding and communications, with over 25 years of experience. Their core philosophy centers on creating experience-focused designs that foster a sense of belonging, maintaining a long-term vision for enduring designs and client relationships, and demonstrating social responsibility through work with nonprofits. Base Design distinguishes itself by crafting holistic experiences that resonate deeply with audiences, going beyond visual aesthetics to create meaningful connections and cultural influence.
Best for: Base Design is particularly well-suited for brands and organizations seeking to create deep cultural connections through their visual brand identity and user experiences. Their services are ideal for companies that prioritize long-term brand building and want to foster a sense of belonging among their audience.
The agency is especially valuable for businesses in creative industries, cultural institutions, luxury brands, and forward-thinking companies that want their design to reflect and engage with broader cultural contexts.
However, Base Design’s culturally focused, experience-driven approach may not be the best fit for businesses seeking purely functional designs or those operating in highly regulated industries with limited creative flexibility.
Based in: New York City, Brussels, Geneva, Melbourne
Employees: 150+
Minimum Project Price: $150,000
Hourly Fee: $250 — $300
Clients: Phillips, Deezer, The New York Times, Dior, MoMA
Expertise: UX & UI, graphic design, web design & development, copywriting, art direction, motion design
Online portfolio: https://www.basedesign.com/work
Social Media Channels: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
Thanks for reading and best of luck finding the right web design firm!