Top Web Design Agencies in the World for 2026

Updated: February, 2026. No paid placements.

Because the options are literally endless, picking the right web design agency can feel like a never-ending scroll. A lot of the largest companies and talent networks cluster in downtown cores like San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, and major cities across Europe.

The web design field in the U.S. is the second largest in the world, with 30,000+ web design companies and more than 41,000 employees. With so many choices, it all comes down to how quickly and efficiently you can narrow it down and decide. Our article focuses on web design companies that have built a reputation for quality service in many different sectors.

How We Rated The Agencies

Each agency can earn up to 25 points across five categories. Each category is scored from 0 to 5, and points are only awarded when the proof is clear in live work, case studies, or reliable third-party sources. These five categories serve as key performance indicators for evaluating agency effectiveness.

The Five Checks

• UX And Strategy (0–5). Clarity of thinking behind the site, including research, IA, conversion logic, and user flows.
• Visual Craft (0–5). Brand expression, layout discipline, typography, and consistency across multiple live examples.
• Build Quality (0–5). Implementation polish, performance, and responsiveness signals, and evidence that the work is truly shippable.
• Launch Readiness (0–5). System thinking, CMS and content scalability, handoff quality, and post-launch support signals.
• Proof And Trust (0–5). Depth of case studies, recognizable client proof, and third-party validation when available.

How We Keep It Verifiable

We use the information in each agency’s profile in this article, along with third-party sources when available, such as review platforms and published case studies. When we cite a claim, we link to a source so you can double-check it yourself.

Disclosure

If our agency appears on the list, we clearly label it and score it using the same rubric. We also keep the scoring criteria public, so readers can judge the method, not just the result.

The World’s 18 Top Web Design Agencies - February Rankings

1. Clay

A Global Tech Startup Web and Brand Design Agency

Clay Design Agency

Locations: San Francisco, Belgrade
Year Established: 2009
Team Size: 11-50
Budget: $150,000+
Key clients: Slack, Facebook, Google, Amazon, Zenefits, Cisco
Web design сapabilities: website design, content production, content strategy, frontend & backend development, CMS implementation
Best for: crypto & web3, fintech, finance, ecommerce, technology, startups, food & beverage, telecommunications, healthcare, B2B
Portfolio: https://clay.global/work
Clutch: https://clutch.co/profile/clay#highlights
Socials: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

Clay assists teams in simplifying their product and their site, so that anyone can understand it in no time. After that, they take care of the details, such as structure, flow of the copy, user interactions, and site performance.

They have plenty of experience in developing user-friendly and high-performing websites. Clay's work combines design and development so that the optimal performance is achieved. They work alongside product and marketing teams of large corporations and fast-growing startups.

Some of the work they do entails a complete site redesign. Other projects focus on launching sites, pricing pages, or a new narrative and site structure that help the existing site make sense.

Our Score: 23/25

• UX and strategy 5/5.
• Visual craft 4/5.
• Build quality 4/5.
• Launch readiness 5/5.
• Proof and trust 5/5.

Reviewer's take: I appreciate and take pride in the effort put into the user flow, the website navigation, the site interactions, and the minute details that are important to making a site intuitive to use. When it goes live, it should reflect the original design we set out to build, not a diluted version that loses the original concepts during development.

Independent Proof

• Google Maps reviews.
• CSS Winner profile.
• Awwwards profile.

Last verified Feb 2026.

2. Deloitte Digital

Innovative Digital Consulting Agency Transforming Business Experiences

Deloitte Digital Design Agency

Locations: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Chicago, New York, Tel Aviv, Dublin, London, Paris, Madrid, Lisbon, and many more
Year Established: 2012
Key clients: Verizon, Intel, New Balance, Adobe, Macy’s, United States Golf Association
Team Size: 17,000+
Budget: $500,000+
Web design сapabilities: customer experience design and activation, customer research, user experience design, dynamic content enablement, end-to-end customer journey design, product validation
Best for: healthcare & life sciences, entertainment, media & telecom, energy, resources & industrials, retail, technology, e-commerce & fashion tech, banking & finance, design & architecture
Portfolio: https://www.deloittedigital.com/ce/en/work.html
Clutch: https://clutch.co/profile/deloitte-digital-0
Socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Threads

Deloitte Digital is an international agency combining consulting, technology, and creativity to help their clients develop and improve their digital footprint. Since 2012, they have assisted leading brands with their most daring visions, integrating strategy, UX, and creative and full-scale development services for digital transformation.

With over 17,000 employees in all major cities, their focus is on creative business transformation to improve relationships between employees, customers, and communities. Regardless of where they are based, be it Calgary, Singapore, or anywhere else in the world, Deloitte Digital’s clientele is diverse, and their experience across different industries is vast, giving them the ability to provide customized, effective, long-lasting solutions.

Our Score: 22/25

• UX and strategy 4/5.
• Visual craft 3/5.
• Build quality 5/5.
• Launch readiness 5/5.
• Proof and trust 5/5.

Reviewer's take: I would go to them when the website is only one piece of a bigger customer journey, and the real job is getting everything to line up. The tradeoff is that the work can feel more engineered than expressive, depending on the team you get. You hire them for certainty and scale, not for a small studio vibe.

Independent Proof

• Google Maps reviews.

Last verified Feb 2026.

3. DEPT

A Full-Service Digital Agency That Specializes in Experience, Engineering, Growth Marketing, and Creative Services

DEPT Design Agency

Locations: Amsterdam, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Chicago, London, Mexico City, New York City, Paris, and many more
Year Established: 2016
Key clients: eBay, Philips, Patagonia, Netflix, Disney, Sprite, Reddit, Beiersdorf / NIVEA, Google, Twitch, Adobe
Team Size: 4,000+
Budget: $50,000+
Web design сapabilities: customer experience/user experience platforms, commerce platforms, e-commerce & web design, web and mobile app development
Best for: agriculture & food, arts & culture, automotive, banking, finance & insurance, commerce, consumer goods & services, energy & utilities, family & kids, fashion, health, manufacturing & industrials, public service & non-profit, tech, media & communications, travel
Portfolio: https://www.deptagency.com/work/
Clutch: https://clutch.co/profile/dept#highlights
Socials: LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Twitch

DEPT isn’t just a regular website company. They combine a global reach and a more localized approach, staying ahead of brand and technological advancements. With over 4,000 employees across 30 different global locations, DEPT continues to make a strong impact across the globe.

They believe the future of website design and advertising lies in the fusion of fully integrated digital design and DEPT’s digital and performance marketing expertise.

Because of DEPT's immense knowledge in advertising, they are able to develop a plan to transform specialized, data-driven advertising solutions and performance-integrated advertising to help a company excel, all while creating an enjoyable and long-lasting experience for the customer.

Our Score: 22/25

• UX and strategy 4/5.
• Visual craft 4/5.
• Build quality 4/5.
• Launch readiness 5/5.
• Proof and trust 5/5.

Reviewer's take: DEPT shipping has the calm confidence of someone who has encountered many variants of the aforementioned problems. If you want a large, yet personal touch, DEPT can do that, almost better than any competition of their size.

Independent Proof

• The Webby Award.
• Google Maps reviews.

Last verified Feb 2026.

4. R/GA

An Innovation Consultancy and Digital Agency with a Global Reach

R/GA Design Agency

Locations: New York, San Francisco, Austin, Los Angeles, Portland, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, London, Berlin, Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, Batam, Sydney, Melbourne
Year Established: 1977
Team Size: 2500+
Key clients: Nike, Reddit, Verizon, Shopify, Samsung
Budget: $500,000+
Web design сapabilities: campaign & content design, product & experience design
Best for: food & beverage, technology, e-commerce & fashion tech, nof-for-profit, healthcare & life sciences
Portfolio: https://rga.com/work
Clutch: https://clutch.co/profile/rga#highlights
Socials: Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn

R/GA has changed quite a bit since opening as a design consultancy in the 1970s. It's fair to say that R/GA has transformed the way advertising and marketing work. They've also revolutionized how creativity is applied to digital design.

R/GA centers their design work on the user's experience. This approach allows more brands to collaborate on developing a more human and user-friendly digital future. R/GA's digital services are exemplary.

Our Score: 21/25

• UX and strategy 5/5.
• Visual craft 4/5.
• Build quality 4/5.
• Launch readiness 4/5.
• Proof and trust 4/5.

Reviewer's take: They can push an idea into something memorable, then back it up with real experience thinking. You just want to be clear that you are not shopping for “good enough,” because that is not how they are set up.

Independent Proof

• Webby Awards recognition.
• The Shorty Awards profile.
• Compaign Agency of the Year Global Awards profile.
• Google Maps reviews.

Last verified Feb 2026.

5. AKQA

Global Design and Innovation Agency with a Forward-thinking Approach

AKQA Design Agency

Locations: London, San Francisco, São Paulo, Melbourne, Amsterdam, and many more
Year Established: 1994
Key clients: Coca-Cola, Louis Vuitton, Hyundai, General Motors, Miro, Nike, TikTok, Sephora, Sony, Tinder, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Fanta, Levi's
Team Size: 3,000+
Budget: $50,000+
Web design сapabilities: media, search and analytics, interface design, digital content creation, and distribution
Best for: e-commerce, electronics, food & beverage, mobility, not-for-profit, education, media & telecom, technology, games, design & architecture, fashion & beauty, health & fitness
Portfolio: https://www.akqa.com/work/
Clutch: https://clutch.co/profile/akqa#highlights
Socials: Instagram, X, LinkedIn

The type of agency you're pulling in for AKQA is for rigorous demands; not only for the work to look good in the deck, but for it to actually ship. They have great knowledge in UI/UX of digital products and help big companies restructure messy or vague business objectives into streamlined products, services, and experiences people want to engage with.

Furthermore, AKQA is seen to be the strongest when work has defined, real, and practical constraints. Closure, sustainability, complex systems, and time constraints are real, and they ship digital solutions to the problems of real business and innovative, complex systems. They integrate strategy, design, and engineering early to avoid problems at launch and achieve scalable solutions.

Our Score: 21/25

• UX and strategy 4/5.
• Visual craft 4/5.
• Build quality 4/5.
• Launch readiness 4/5.
• Proof and trust 5/5.

Reviewer's take: AKQA is a good selection when the demands are set and the brief is substantive. The output is evidence-based, and the work is considered; decisions are made early, and the work is thorough. I have also seen them built with teams that work within constraints, and this goes further than a lot of people think.

Independent Proof

• Red Dot Design Award.
• Google Maps reviews.

Last verified Feb 2026.

6. Active Theory

A Creative Technology & Experience Studio with a Focus on Quality and Performance

Active Theory Design Agency

Locations: Los Angeles, Amsterdam
Year Established: 2012
Key clients: Rick and Morty, Magic Leap, Blue Shield, Google, Coachella
Team Size: 11-50
Budget: $25,000+
Web design сapabilities: creative HTML5 & JS development, digital advertising, technology direction, front & back-end development, art direction & design, creative direction & concepting, digital installations, and experiential campaigns
Best for: mobility, telecommunications, e-commerce & fashion tech, games, entertainment, aerospace, food & beverage
Portfolio: https://activetheory.net/work
Clutch: https://clutch.co/profile/active-theory#highlights
Socials: Instagram, LinkedIn, X

Active Theory, a craft digital studio in Los Angeles, develops experiences designed to make you stop scrolling. With years in responsive web design, Active Theory creates digital experiences that are usable on every device. They create and

They are especially known in the world of film and movie marketing, where there is a need for the site to feel cinematic and be part of the story. They also create smart solutions that fulfill and motivate, merging tech and UX to deliver on goals.

Our Score: 20/25

• UX and strategy 4/5.
• Visual craft 5/5.
• Build quality 4/5.
• Launch readiness 3/5.
• Proof and trust 4/5.

Reviewer's take: I would choose them for when the site is part of the experience and not just a silo of information. If you need something strictly pragmatic, this can be more power than you need.

Independent Proof

• Awwwards profile.
• The Webby Awards recognition.
• Google Maps reviews.

Last verified Feb 2026.

7. Uniko Studio

Award‑Winning Creative Design Studio that Builds Custom Websites

Locations: Miami, London
Year Established: 2022
Key clients: Adobe, Colgate, GoDaddy, PeerSpot, Dermalogica, Daniel Wellington, Taggstar, Johnson & Johnson, BIG Energy Group
Team Size: 11-50
Budget: $10,000+
Web design сapabilities: custom website design, Webflow development, CMS implementation, 3D & motion design
Best for: B2B brands, tech startups, consumer goods, health & beauty, professional services, energy & industrial, ecommerce
Portfolio: https://www.unikostudio.co/work
Clutch: https://clutch.co/profile/uniko-studio
Socials: X, LinkedIn, Instagram

Uniko Studio is an innovative creative design agency based in New Zealand, specializing in developing tailored websites and brand identities that inspire confidence, create significant emotional effects on customers, and help businesses grow.

They strategically partner with startup and enterprise clients alike to develop polished and effective online presences to enhance brand equity and enhance user experience. Uniko combines strategic thought processes with exceptional visual design in almost everything they produce.

Our Score: 20/25

• UX and strategy 4/5.
• Visual craft 5/5.
• Build quality 4/5.
• Launch readiness 4/5.
• Proof and trust 3/5.

Reviewer's take: Although Uniko provides outstanding creative direction and tremendous attention to detail, their small size may limit the amount of work they can take on for larger enterprises at one time.

Independent Proof

• Google Maps reviews.

Last verified Feb 2026.

8. Razorfish

Leading Digital Solution Provider for Business Transformation

Razorfish Design Agency

Locations: New York, San Francisco, Toronto, and many more
Year Established: 1995
Key clients: Dove, Cadillac Rise, Porsche Engine Notes
Team Size: 1000+
Budget: $500,000+
Web design сapabilities: innovation workshops & prototyping, data-driven digital ecosystems & commerce, data-driven optimization, CRM & modern loyalty
Best for: consumer electronics, travel & hospitality, retail & CPG, financial services, media & entertainment, automotive & transportation, health & fitness, telecommunications
Portfolio: https://www.razorfish.com/work/
Socials: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram

Razorfish helps brands evolve their presence and operations. Based out of New York City, they work with companies across multiple fields to define their brand narrative, and then develop cohesive multi-channel digital experiences. Their proficiency in search engine optimization (SEO) and digital marketing helps clients improve their online visibility and grow their business at an accelerated rate.

They combine design and technology and explore new areas such as Web3 and the metaverse when it makes sense for the project.

Our Score: 19/25

• UX and strategy 4/5.
• Visual craft 3/5.
• Build quality 4/5.
• Launch readiness 4/5.
• Proof and trust 4/5.

Reviewer's take: When the objective is to establish an ecosystem capable of continuous evolution, with measurement and iteration integrated, I prefer Razorfish. The work may lean more towards "platform and performance" than boutique artistry, and that is often the goal.

Independent Proof

• US Agency Awards recognition.
• Google Maps reviews.

Last verified Feb 2026.

9. Base Design

A Multifaceted Creative Agency for Innovative Branding and Communication Solutions

Base Design Agency

Locations: New York, Brussels, Geneva, Melbourne
Year Established: 1997
Key clients: The New York Times, Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Dior, MoMA
Team Size: 150+
Budget: $20,000+
Web design сapabilities: digital strategy, digital design, art direction, graphic design, typeface design, web development
Best for: education, food & beverage, design & architecture, media & telecom, financial services, hospitality & leisure, sports, fashion & beauty, manufacturing & industrials
Portfolio: https://www.basedesign.com/work
Clutch: https://clutch.co/profile/base-design#highlights
Socials: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn

Base Design believes that culture should be the essence of their strategy and operational ethos. Anything that doesn't capture cultural relevance won't win, no matter how good the execution is.

Base Design is about building experiences that provoke feelings. Most of their work revolves around connection, belonging, and clarity. Their 25+ years of industry experience include collaborations with companies, nonprofits, and institutions across multiple fields.

Their offerings go beyond the web and include brand strategy and design, packaging, editorial and book design, as well as web development.

Our Score: 19/25

• UX and strategy 3/5.
• Visual craft 5/5.
• Build quality 3/5.
• Launch readiness 3/5.
• Proof and trust 5/5.

Reviewer's take: Base Design is for teams that prioritize culture, taste, and the brand’s impression. Work is done with quiet confidence, almost as though it doesn’t need to shout to be remembered. When the balance between typography, editorial rhythm, and visual restraint is in perfect sync with the desired conversion, I’d recommend involving them.

Independent Proof

• Best DEsign Awards recognition.
• PRINT Magazine mention.
• Google Maps reviews.

Last verified Feb 2026.

10. Bleed

Award-Winning Design Agency with a Global Reach

Bleed Design Agency

Locations: Oslo, Vienna
Year Established: 2000
Key clients: National Museum of Norway, Zaha Hadid, Deutsche Bank, Visa, University of Oslo, Wien Museum, Hermés, Toyota, Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, The National Theatre, Warner Music
Team Size: 50
Budget: $35,000+
Web design сapabilities: communication design, digital services and products, experience and service design
Best for: education, media & communications, fashion & beauty, design & architecture, healthcare & life sciences, banking, tech, commerce
Portfolio: https://bleed.com/
Socials: Instagram, Linkedin

Bleed is a design studio located in Oslo. They focus on bold and modern brand design. They have also gotten a lot of attention from others outside of Norway. They have worked on brand identities, digital design, illustrations, and projects that are focused on fine art (all within the same design studio).

Bleed has a brave approach to design as well. Rather than designing to trends and being safe with choices, they make bold and confident design decisions that really stand out to consumers and capture their attention.

Our Score: 19/25

• UX and strategy 3/5.
• Visual craft 5/5.
• Build quality 3/5.
• Launch readiness 3/5.
• Proof and trust 5/5.

Reviewer's take: I appreciate that their work is refined in a bold way. I also appreciate that they are willing to make large design decisions, as opposed to just incrementally designing choices in order to avoid making a decision. They are the studio I would choose to have a brand that from one page would be instantly recognizable as bold.

Independent Proof

• The One Club For Creativity awards.
• Awwwards recognition.
• Google Maps reviews.

Last verified Feb 2026.

11. PORTO ROCHA

Focused on Socially and Culturally-Motivated Systems

Porto Rocha Design Agency

Locations: New York
Year Established: 2019
Key clients: Apple, Brooklyn Museum, Coinbase, Discord, Google, H&M, Lego, Netflix, Nike, Pinterest, Shopify, Spotify, Sundance Film Festival, Twitch, Universal Music, Upwork, YouTube
Team Size: 11-50
Budget: $20,000+
Web design сapabilities: visual identity design, editorial design, web design, experiential design, strategy, design systems, art direction
Best for: media & communications, arts & culture, education, e-commerce & fashion tech, sports, travel & hospitality, food & beverage, fashion, telecommunications, crypto
Portfolio: https://portorocha.com/all
Socials: Instagram, LinkedIn

PORTO ROCHA collaborates with large technology companies and retail, as well as with artists and cultural groups. Such diversity is reflected in their design work. Depending on the type of work, the design can be clean and focused on products, or more storytelling and expressive.

For web design, they can combine clarity and the brand’s character, and communicate messages clearly and quickly. They focus on and design for lead quality and business outcomes, ensuring the site creates the traffic the business needs.

Our Score: 19/25

• UX and strategy 3/5.
• Visual craft 5/5.
• Build quality 3/5.
• Launch readiness 4/5.
• Proof and trust 4/5.

Reviewer's take: I feel PORTO ROCHA is considerate of the culture around the project, which, in turn, gives it a non-generic feel. They are a good option if you want a website that looks good but is still warm and human.

Independent Proof

• Google Maps reviews.

Last verified Feb 2026.

12. 84.Paris

A Multidisciplinary Creative Agency Focused on Technology, Relationships, and Innovation

Paris Design Agency

Locations: Paris
Year Established: 2013
Key clients: Facebook, Adidas, Google Cultural Institute, BMW, Puma, LinkedIn, Bumble, YouTube, Greenpeace
Team Size: 11-50
Budget: $20,000+
Web design сapabilities: digital experience, design & art direction, digital ecosystem, design thinking, creative data
Best for: media & telecom, health & fitness, travel & leisure, food & beverage, healthcare & pharma, fashion & beauty, not-for-profit, tech & digital services, education, design & architecture, entertainment & gaming
Portfolio: https://www.84paris.com/en/work
Clutch: https://clutch.co/profile/84-paris
Socials: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn

84.Paris is located in the center of the fusion of advertising and digital craft. They undertake branding, website creation, and social initiatives. They champion the cultural relevance and currency of work, rather than the cookie-cutter approach. Through a structured process of web design, they manage the quality of each project by implementing research, UI/UX design and development, testing, and launching.

They have a unique ability to unite two opposites - the rational and the emotional. They are skilled at uncovering and distilling the real issues into clear, effective, and emotionally resonant campaigns. They are also quick to adopt new tools, so the work doesn’t get stale.

Our Score: 18/25

• UX and strategy 3/5.
• Visual craft 4/5.
• Build quality 3/5.
• Launch readiness 4/5.
• Proof and trust 4/5.

Reviewer's take: This one feels very much alive to culture and campaigns in a way that avoids work from feeling stale. They are good when a client wants to energize the brand and position it more relevantly, while wanting the website to have a good structure and readability.

Independent Proof

• Awwwards recognition.
• CSS Design Awards.
• Google Maps reviews.

Last verified Feb 2026.

13. Party

Leading Creative Agency for Innovative Branding and Business Transformation Solutions

Party Design Agency

Locations: Tokyo, Kamakura, Okinawa
Year Established: 2011
Key clients: LEXUS, Yahoo! Japan, Slack, UNIQLO, TOYOTA
Team Size: 11-50
Budget: $25,000+
Best for: politics, retail, supply chain, logistics, transport, telecommunications, utilities
Portfolio: https://prty.jp/projects
Clutch: https://clutch.co/profile/party#highlights
Socials: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, note

In 2011, Tokyo, Japan, saw the emergence of the design studio PARTY. The studio especially loves briefs that require a lot of tightening, imagination, and a unique perspective. They deal with product and service design, branding, and entertainment. Amongst many fields, they incorporate a variety of fields to construct experiences that feel unique. They fuse the three realms of the digital, physical, and spatial to form new experiences driven by a singular objective.

In addition to design, they assist clients with research, planning, and development, and provide startup services to clients who require support. For breakthrough innovation, PARTY is one of the most prominent web design agencies.

Our Score: 18/25

• UX and strategy 3/5.
• Visual craft 4/5.
• Build quality 4/5.
• Launch readiness 3/5.
• Proof and trust 4/5.

Reviewer's take: I would certainly not recommend them to someone looking for something mainstream. However, I would recommend them for a unique marketing strategy. If you're looking for a traditional corporate website, steer clear of them.

Independent Proof

• Google Maps reviews.

Last verified Feb 2026.

14. ED

Innovative Studio Specializing in Digital Design and Website Development

ED Design Agency

Locations: Sydney, Collingwood
Year Established: 2012
Key clients: National Gallery of Australia, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Boston University’s School of Theatre, Country Road Group, Melbourne Writers Festival, Christopher Ireland, Australian Automobile Association
Team Size: 11-50
Budget: $30,000+
Web design сapabilities: web design, digital design, 3D design, graphic design
Best for: not-for-profit, education, media & entertainment, ecommerce, design & architecture, food & beverage
Portfolio: https://ed.studio/
Clutch: -
Socials: Instagram, LinkedIn

ED. has a studio in Australia and digital brand services based in Sydney and Collingwood. They do brand systems and website design and development, infusing creative coding and design work in their builds. They also work well with clients in different regions of the world. ED. proves an ability to reach and adapt internationally.

ED. looks to push the limits of the elements of each project. Their tagline is “What If?” and they work to reframe the questions in the scope to explore the bounds of prototyping.

Our Score: 17/25

• UX and strategy 3/5.
• Visual craft 4/5.
• Build quality 4/5.
• Launch readiness 3/5.
• Proof and trust 3/5.

Reviewer's take: ED feels like a team that actually enjoys exploring, and you can see it in the output. I like them when a brand wants to feel modern without becoming cold and when there is room to play with form and storytelling.

Independent Proof

• Google Maps reviews.

Last verified Feb 2026.

15. Shiftbrain

A Transparent and Creative Studio with a Global Reach

Shiftbrain Design Agency

Locations: Tokyo
Year Established: 2003
Key clients: Toyota, Starbucks, BEYOND BY LEXUS Magazine
Team Size: 11-50
Budget: $20,000+
Web design сapabilities: digital strategy, web design, interactive
Best for: retail, education, not-for-profit, fashion & beauty, manufacturing & industrials, technology, startups & VC, financial services, food & beverage, e-commerce & fashion tech, mobility, hospitality & leisure, electronics
Portfolio: https://shiftbrain.com/
Clutch: https://clutch.co/profile/shiftbrain#highlights
Socials: X, Facebook, Instagram, note, Behance

Since 2003, Shiftbrain has become well known in Japan's web design industry. Shiftbrain specializes in creating custom websites tailored to individual clients' specifications. With clients such as Toyota and Starbucks, and many other award-winning creations, Shiftbrain seems to never disappoint.

Most agencies at Shiftbrain's caliber provide very little, if any, transparency. Along with web design, Shiftbrain provides integrated digital marketing services to help clients further develop their digital footprint. They provide clients with a defined scope, along with a timeline, and keep lines of communication open, which allows clients to know exactly what to expect at any point in time. The combination of their transparency and the quality of their work is what drives many clients to return.

Our Score: 17/25

• UX and strategy 3/5.
• Visual craft 4/5.
• Build quality 3/5.
• Launch readiness 3/5.
• Proof and trust 4/5.

Reviewer's take: Shiftbrain has a reputation as one of the industry leaders, and their work has precision and looks like nothing was designed at random. I especially appreciate their communication. Unlike many other top-tier companies, their communication is not oblique.

Independent Proof

• Awwwards profile.
• CSS Design Awards recognition.
• Google Maps reviews.

Last verified Feb 2026.

16. Anagrama

Multidisciplinary Creative Agency That Blurs the Lines Between Design and Business Consulting

Anagrama Design Agency

Locations: Mexico City, Monterrey, Tokyo
Year Established: 2009
Key clients: Codebase, San Marino, Avanza Skin, Momiji, Arcus, Orson
Team Size: 11-50
Budget: $25,000+
Web design сapabilities: user interface design, user experience design, usability analysis
Best for: fintech, healthcare & life sciences, hospitality & leisure, e-commerce & fashion tech, media & entertainment, food & beverage, technology, startups, design & architecture, sports
Portfolio: https://www.anagrama.com/
Clutch: https://clutch.co/profile/anagrama#highlights
Socials: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest

Anagrama works with both brand development and brand positioning and has 50+ people sitting in offices in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Tokyo. They sit in a sweet spot between a design studio and a consultancy. They help define the strategy, then translate it into the visuals and systems a brand needs to show up consistently.

Anagrama’s work is consultancy and brand identity, to collateral and illustration, with strong capability in digital, too. They bring UI, UX, and usability thinking into the process, which makes them a strong candidate when a brand refresh also needs to live in a website or product experience. Anagrama also supports performance marketing to help measure business growth and maximize client ROI.

Our Score: 17/25

• UX and strategy 3/5.
• Visual craft 4/5.
• Build quality 3/5.
• Launch readiness 3/5.
• Proof and trust 4/5.

Rewiever's take: I like them for clients that are reinventing themselves and not merely updating a homepage. If you want a partner who can define the story, then help weave it through the specifics, they are your fit.

Independent Proof

• Awwwards profile.

Last verified Feb 2026.

17. Team XIV

Blending Design, Technology, and AI to Craft Unforgettable Experiences

Locations: Warsaw
Year Established: 2011
Key clients: Lumina, Space Cartels, GenteelJet, Rivets, BMW, Porsche
Team Size: 11-50
Budget: $100k+
Web design сapabilities: website design, AI-powered experiences, 3D design, photography, product design, e-commerce, development, AR/VR, media production
Best for: technology, startups, e-commerce, automotive, gaming, fashion, AI, digital media
Portfolio: https://team14.studio/
Socials: Instagram, LinkedIn

Based in the heart of Warsaw, Team XIV is the fusion of innovative technology and creativity, developing timeless AI-based digital transformations. Whether you are a startup or a large corporation, Team XIV provides end-to-end digital solutions that excite, inspire, and transform the way people and organizations connect.

Through AI integration, digital product design, and innovative use of digital technologies, Team XIV is redefining the borders of technology and creativity. Using the very best in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), E-Commerce, and New Photography, Team XIV aims to provide an exquisite user experience to all their customers - pushing the limits of the impossible.

Our Score: 14/25

• UX and strategy 3/5.
• Visual craft 3/5.
• Build quality 3/5.
• Launch readiness 3/5.
• Proof and trust 2/5.

Reviewer's take: The work being simple is a good thing. The focus is on proving the ideas and the primary issue. I specifically like them for early-stage startups that require a reputable image without excessive construction.

Last verified Feb 2026.

How to Choose the Best Web Design Company

A user-friendly site pays off. Google’s research found that 79% of people are more likely to return to, and share, a mobile site that is easy-to-use.

Once you have a shortlist, here is how to pressure-test it.

Start with the agency’s own site and socials. If their messaging is fuzzy, the UX is clunky, or the site feels outdated, that is usually a signal. Small details tend to mirror how they work with clients.

Then look past the glossy portfolio. Click into real, live websites they built and use them as a customer would. Check speed, mobile experience, navigation, and clarity. Pretty is not enough. It needs to perform.

If you are in crypto or digital finance, pick a team that understands the category.

Talk budget early. Set a range and be realistic about what quality costs. Boutique studios can be a great fit if you are smaller, but ultra-low pricing often backfires. Good teams will not stick around if the deal feels lopsided.

Local is also an option. If your audience is in the US, having a US team can be a better cultural fit and facilitate in-person check-ins. This can be helpful in minimizing communication issues and allows you to discuss web design and ongoing remote collaboration issues directly.

When assessing agency processes, look for strong project management, as this translates to effective time management, communication, and project goals alignment.

Lastly, check the hype. Look up reviews on Google Maps or Clutch, and request 2-3 recent references. A good agency shouldn’t hesitate.

5 Most Important Qualities in a Top Website Design Agency

More people live, shop, and make decisions online every year. That means your website is often the first impression, and it sets the tone fast. Stanford research found that 75% of people judge a company’s credibility based on its website design. So picking the right agency is not a “nice to have”. It is a business move.

Here are five qualities that set the pros apart from template factories.

Depth

Great agencies are not just “good at visuals”. They bring the full mix. UX and UI, research, content, branding, and clean builds on the right CMS. Bigger teams can cover more specialties. Smaller teams can be great too, if they go deep in your niche.

Openness

The best partners are clear and easy to work with. They explain timelines, roles, and processes upfront, then keep you in the loop with steady check-ins. No mystery. No buzzwords. Just straight answers and visible progress.

Experience

You want proof, not promises. Strong portfolios, relevant case studies, and client references tell you how they think, how they execute, and whether they can deliver at your level.

Precision

Details make or break a site. Top agencies sweat the UX, responsiveness, accessibility, performance, and SEO basics, so the site looks great and works smoothly on every device.

Flexible

Web projects change. Good agencies adapt without chaos. They communicate early, adjust fast, and keep momentum when priorities, timelines, or feedback shift.

FAQs

Picking the Right Agency

What Are the Top Web Design Companies in 2026?

Currently, leading website design companies include Clay, Mission Control, R/GA, Active Theory, and Heydays. These web design companies show excellence in building unique websites with a focus on usability and storytelling, with a large clientele in the technology industry, e-commerce, and other fields.

What Is the Best E-commerce Web Design Agency Near Me?

Top remote e-commerce web design agencies in 2026 include Clay, DEPT, Mission Control, Pentagram, and R/GA.

For good strategy-led UX, performance-driven, and good brand-integrated design, those agencies do great collaborative work for startups and scalable businesses, regardless of location.

Which Bay Area Web Development Agency Is Known for User-Friendly Solutions?

Mission Control and Clay focus on web design, where they strategically balance high design with high performance. These agencies have a strong user-centered design where they use a strong commitment to optimal user experience/ usability.

Clay combines user experience, branding, and full-stack development to create sleek and user-friendly websites for both large tech firms and small startups.

Mission Control, led by Clay, focuses on rapid website development using no-code and low-code strategies. Their AI-integrated processes help startups prioritize speedy launches, using clear and conversion-centered design.

Which Web Design Agencies Have Won Industry Awards Recently?

Web design agencies Clay, DEPT, and Pentagram have won awards in 2025 from Awwwards and The Webby Awards for outstanding UI/UX and digital storytelling and design.

Why Should Businesses Hire a Web Design Agency?

Web design agencies are equipped with the relevant knowledge in UX, UI, and digital strategies to create websites that are user-friendly, visually appealing, and conversion-optimized. This strengthens the businesses' digital experience and, in turn, their credibility.

What Are the Best Web Design Agencies that Specialize in the Healthcare Industry?

Some of the best website design agencies in the healthcare industry are Rekos Agency, TRIARE, and Lionwood.software. Because of their experience in multiple industries, including healthcare, they are able to develop solutions for a variety of business challenges.

They assist medtech startups and healthcare providers in gaining the ability to effectively serve their clients by focusing on HIPAA compliance, user-friendly patient engagement interfaces, and design that accounts for user accessibility.

How Do I Know if a Web Design Agency is Good?

Review their portfolio for quality, diversity, and industry relevance. A strong agency will also have:

• Transparent design processes
• Case studies with measurable outcomes
• Positive client feedback
• Experience designing for your type of user or business

Should I Choose a Local or International Web Design Agency?

Local agencies may offer timezone convenience and market familiarity. However, international agencies often provide:

• Cross-industry expertise
• Access to global design trends
• Remote collaboration best practices
• Diverse team perspectives

What Questions Should I Ask a Web Design Agency Before Hiring?

Smart questions include:

• Can you illustrate to me your design methods?
• How do you go about mobile-first design and other forms of design?
• Have you had previous work experience with companies like ours?
• How do you determine the success of the work you do?
• What methods do you use, if any, to collaborate and then handoff?
• What mistakes should businesses make when working with a web design firm?

What Mistakes Should Businesses Avoid When Hiring a Web Design Agency?

Avoid selecting based solely on price or visual style. Common pitfalls include:

• Ignoring a thought-out web design proposal
• Ignoring UX strategy
• Overlooking mobile optimization
• Choosing agencies with no industry relevance
• Not reviewing real client outcomes

Budget and contracts

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Web Design Agency?

There are many different variables that impact pricing. However, you can expect the following:

• $10,000 to 20,000 dollars for more basic or brochure-type websites
• 30,000 to 75,000 dollars for custom mid-range designs?
• $100,000 and above for designs and enterprises that are much more complicated

Should I Invest in a Paid Discovery Phase Before Committing to Full Website Design and Development?

The answer is yes. A paid phase allows you to determine the parameters, the order of importance, and the needs early on. Therefore, this will minimize the need for re-work and will avoid other surprises when you are conducting the design and development phases.

This is particularly important for websites that are more complicated, if the message is unclear, or if there are a lot of migrations that need to take place. If the scope of your project is smaller and well defined before you go into the phase, you can then often skip this phase.

Who Owns the Design Files and Source Code After Launch?

This varies based on your contract. Typically, project owners claim rights on design and production code, while the agency keeps rights on their tools, libraries, and other reusable pieces. You should always confirm what gets included in the handoff, such as Figma files, code repositories, licenses, and documentation, as part of the contract.

Scope and deliverables

What Services Do Web Design Agencies Typically Offer?

Web design agencies typically offer:

• UX and UI design
• Responsive website design
• Wireframes and prototyping
• Visual branding integration
• Design systems and style guides
• Developer handoff and collaboration

What’s the Difference Between a Web Design Agency and a Web Development Agency?

Web design agencies are concerned with the aesthetics, structure, and user journey of the website — how a user navigates and interacts with the site. On the other hand, web development agencies focus on the technical construction, such as the front end, back end, and content management system (CMS) integration.

Other agencies may offer software development as a part of their services, which entails custom solutions such as bespoke apps and expandable software solutions to aid in the process of digital transformation.

What Deliverables Should I Expect From a Web Design Agency?

Agencies commonly deliver strategies, structures, high-fidelity UI designs, and assets needed for development and launching the website. Typical deliverables involve sitemaps/user flows, wireframes, design screens, a component-based design system, visual and written assets, and an organized design/development handoff.

A user's experience (UX), quality, and performance reliability depend upon the technical accuracy of the deliverables. If the agency develops the website as well, a functional CMS, quality assurance (QA) testing, and support for launching the website are expected.

Timeline and collaboration

How Long Does It Take to Design a Website?

Timelines can range between 6 and 16 weeks. Each wireframe, strategy, and visual design affects the timing of development handoff.

Website redesigns are common agency projects. Companies may rebrand, enhance functionality, or target revised goals. Agencies conduct an audit and analyze performance and user experience (UX) gaps.

Can a Web Design Agency Help with Website Redesign Projects?

Yes, many agencies specialize in redesigns that modernize the visual identity, improve usability, or reflect updated business goals. They often start with an audit to identify performance issues or UX gaps.

What Do I Need to Provide to Avoid Delays?

Set clear goals and deliverables to make this process easier. Stakeholder feedback and finalized content will help avoid delays. Access to your website analytics, brand assets, and necessary accounts or tools will be important too. The smoother your content availability and approvals are, the quicker the project will progress.

Tech stack choices

Should I Choose Webflow, WordPress, Shopify, or a Headless CMS?

The tools you need to manage the website and your growth goals will determine the best technology to choose. If a company needs to make a number of rapid engineering changes to the site, Webflow is a good option. If a site is content-heavy with a lot of flexible publishing needs, WordPress is a good answer. For e-commerce and payment needs, Shopify is a good option.

If a company needs a lot of engineering and ongoing maintenance, a headless CMS is a good option.

Can an Agency Work With My Existing Engineering Team?

Yes. Many agencies collaborate with in-house teams by owning strategy and design, then pairing with your engineers on implementation. Agree upfront on responsibilities, tooling, code ownership, and review process, so handoffs stay smooth, and quality stays consistent.

Results and measurement

How Does Good Web Design Impact Business Success?

Good web design can increase sales and business success by keeping users on the site longer and improving the site’s aesthetics. Building trust with customers and gaining their loyalty helps the business in the long term through improved SEO.

How Do I Know the Redesign Is Working After Launch?

Achieving the goals set before the redesign would indicate success. Other successful goals would include higher conversion rates, more qualified sales leads, more engagement on important site pages, and less drop-off on areas of the site that are of critical importance.

Improvement of the site’s SEO, site speed, and the completion of the site’s forms and checkout process are other indicators of success and should be monitored to detect and address issues that fall short of goals.

Which Metrics Should I Track to Improve Conversion and Retention?

Track conversion rates for key flows, click-through to high-intent pages, form or checkout completion, and drop-off points. For retention, monitor repeat visits, conversion of returning users, time between visits, activation or key feature usage, and churn signals such as reduced engagement or cancellations.

How Can I Measure the Business Impact of Web Design?

Establish a baseline and then document metrics relative to your goals. Typical indicators include conversion rates, qualified leads or sales, cost per acquisition, and revenue per visitor. After a launch, you can measure engagement on certain pages, a decrease in important flows, SEO results, and volume of support requests, and then compare to what was better.

Conclusion

Top Web Design Agencies Comparison

To make the choice easier for you, we compiled the agencies from the list into one chart. For example, you can see that agencies like Anagrama and Shiftbrain excel in UX, Strategy, and Visual Design, while R/GA and Deloitte Digital excel in Build Quality and Launch Readiness.

There are many design agencies, but finding one that designs visually appealing and high-performing websites that give your business a real positive return on investment is difficult.

To get started, look at the list of agencies, choose a few, and make sure to find evidence on their website that says they meet your goals, deadlines, and project specifications. From there, make a final phone call and ask the key questions: Who is on the team, what is the workflow, and how do they measure success?

Websites that are considerate of the user and their experience, build trust and have long-term growth after the website is launched. Most of the websites created that follow this structure have good quality.

Thanks for reading!