Top 10 Lab Alternatives & Competitors

Lab is a design and engineering-led venture studio established in 2015. They provide comprehensive design and development services focused on integrated functionality. With premium pricing starting at $75,000, Lab emphasizes strong collaboration in project execution and management, catering mainly to startups and medium-sized enterprises. Their small team allows for personalized service and agile responses to client needs.

Below are 10 agencies, including Paper Leaf, Standard Beagle Studio, Coletiv Studio, BonneSai, BoltSource, Mobitplus Technologies, Enliven, Gaslight, DePalma Studios, Catalyst UX:

Top 10 Alternatives to Lab by 7BE

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  • Paper Leaf

    Web & mobile app experts.

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    Pros:

    Dedicated to web and mobile applications.
    Strong emphasis on understanding client goals.
    Established history ensures reliability.

    Cons:

    Higher hourly rates than Lab.
    Minimum project size higher than Lab.
    Employee count may limit specialized services.

    $150 - $199

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2009

    $25,000+

    Edmonton

    Verified

    Focus

    70% Custom Software

    70%70% Custom Software

    15%15% UX/UI Design

    15%15% Product Design

  • Standard Beagle Studio

    Dig. Lead. Play.

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    Pros:

    Flexible approach to client needs.
    Small team allows for personalized service.
    Lower project minimums than Lab.

    Cons:

    Limited employee strength may impact scalability.
    Lower market recognition than Lab.
    Might not have deep technological expertise.

    $100 - $149

    2 - 9

    Founded in 2012

    $10,000+

    Austin

    Verified

    Focus

    60% UX/UI Design

    60%60% UX/UI Design

    30%30% Custom Software

    10%10% Product Design

  • Coletiv Studio

    Crafting digital products

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    Pros:

    Creative approach to digital product development.
    Lower maximum hourly rate than Lab.
    Collaboration-focused work culture.

    Cons:

    Longer distances for U.S. clients.
    Limited employee count may restrict scalability.
    Competitors may have stronger tech backgrounds.

    $50 - $99

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2016

    $10,000+

    Porto

    Verified

    Focus

    80% Custom Software

    80%80% Custom Software

    10%10% UX/UI Design

    10%10% Product Design

  • BonneSai

    We build world-class startups.

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    Pros:

    Highly personalized startup services.
    Very low minimum project size.
    Affordable hourly rates for startups.

    Cons:

    Operating in Australia may complicate coordination.
    Smaller team may affect availability.
    Young company, less proven experience.

    $25 - $49

    2 - 9

    Founded in 2017

    $10,000+

    Southport

    Verified

    Focus

    80% Custom Software

    80%80% Custom Software

    10%10% UX/UI Design

    10%10% Product Design

  • BoltSource

    We help your engineering org work smarter and slee

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    Pros:

    Lower minimum project size than Lab.
    More affordable hourly rate.
    Diverse employee expertise available.

    Cons:

    Less integrated design and engineering functions.
    Newer company with less proven track record.
    Fewer employees may limit project capacity.

    $100 - $149

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2019

    $10,000+

    United States

    Verified

    Focus

    80% Custom Software

    80%80% Custom Software

    10%10% UX/UI Design

    10%10% Product Design

  • Mobitplus Technologies

    Complete software solution for your business.

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    Pros:

    Extremely low minimum project size.
    Incredibly competitive hourly rate.
    Suits startups and SMEs with budget constraints.

    Cons:

    Quality may vary given low pricing.
    Located in India, overseas collaboration challenges.
    Limited direct client interaction potential.

    < $25 / hr

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2017

    $1,000+

    Secunderabad

    Verified

    Focus

    80% Custom Software

    80%80% Custom Software

    10%10% UX/UI Design

    10%10% Product Design

  • Enliven

    Enliven Builds Enterprise Web Applications

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    Pros:

    Similar employee size ensures dedicated service.
    Strong expertise in enterprise applications.
    Established track record since 2012.

    Cons:

    Minimum project size still higher than Lab.
    Undisclosed hourly rates may present risks.
    Less focus on design elements noted.

    Undisclosed

    2 - 9

    Founded in 2012

    $50,000+

    Clayton

    Verified

    Focus

    60% Custom Software

    60%60% Custom Software

    20%20% UX/UI Design

    20%20% Product Design

  • Gaslight

    Product Development & Custom Apps

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    Pros:

    Excellent problem-solving capabilities highlighted.
    Good employee capacity with 10-49 staff.
    Compelling user feedback on performance.

    Cons:

    Minimum project size higher than Lab.
    Hourly rate could be more expensive.
    Focus primarily on product development.

    $100 - $149

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2009

    $25,000+

    Cincinnati

    Verified

    Focus

    50% Custom Software

    50%50% Custom Software

    30%30% UX/UI Design

    20%20% Product Design

  • DePalma Studios

    Building Applications People Love to Use! - 8 yrs.

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    Pros:

    Lower minimum project size than Lab.
    Affordable hourly rate facilitates access.
    Solid reputation for extra effort.

    Cons:

    Not as specialized in design engineering.
    Employee count might limit specialist availability.
    Competitive market presence.

    $100 - $149

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2012

    $10,000+

    Nashville

    Verified

    Focus

    55% Custom Software

    55%55% Custom Software

    35%35% UX/UI Design

    10%10% Product Design

  • Catalyst UX

    The Leading UX Firm for Medical & Life Sciences

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    Pros:

    Strong reputation in medical and life sciences.
    Undisclosed rates but known for quality service.
    Established since 1994 gives credibility.

    Cons:

    Higher minimum project size than Lab.
    Undisclosed rates may deter some clients.
    Focus area limits potential clientele.

    Undisclosed

    10 - 49

    Founded in 1994

    $25,000+

    San Mateo

    Verified

    Focus

    50% Custom Software

    50%50% Custom Software

    40%40% UX/UI Design

    10%10% Product Design


Comparisons

Cost of services

  • Lab's minimum project size is $75,000+, ensuring high-quality engagements unlike cheaper options from BoltSource or Mobitplus.

  • Competitors like BoltSource and Gaslight have lower project minimums, making them more accessible for startups on a tight budget.

  • Mobitplus offers services starting at $1,000+, but Lab's higher cost reflects a premium, dedicated approach to design and engineering.

Geography

  • Lab operates in the United States, competing with local agencies like Gaslight and Enliven, optimizing collaboration due to geographical closeness.

  • HP-Based agencies like Gaslight, Enliven, and Standard Beagle provide similar services within the U.S. market.

  • International competitors like Mobitplus may offer lower costs, but Lab's U.S.-based operations ensure better alignment with local market needs.

Technologies

  • Lab employs a state-of-the-art integrated tech stack comparable to BoltSource and Enliven but focuses on design and engineering.

  • Mobitplus utilizes open-source frameworks, which differ from Lab's tailored development solutions that require higher investment in technology.

  • Competitors like Paper Leaf and Standard Beagle also emphasize cutting-edge technologies, yet Lab's integrated design and engineering approach distinguishes them in the market.


Recommendations

  • Launching on a limited budget

    Mobitplus Technologies is well-suited for startups needing affordable solutions, with project sizes starting at just $1,000.
  • Collaborating with U.S.-based agencies

    Consider Gaslight or Enliven for strong collaboration opportunities, as both are established in the U.S. and prioritize effective communication.
  • Looking for a long-term digital partnership

    Lab may be ideal due to its comprehensive service offering and dedication to partnering closely with clients for sustained growth.
  • Requiring niche B2B industry expertise

    Catalyst UX is highly regarded for its specialized expertise in the medical and life sciences sector, making it a prime choice for niche requirements.
  • Solving business problems with custom solutions

    DePalma Studios excels in tailoring applications to meet specific user needs, often going the extra mile for clients.

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