Top 10 NEXT/NOW Alternatives & Competitors

NEXT/NOW is a digital agency that specializes in creating immersive experiences through XR solutions. Founded in 2011, they have developed a reputation for meeting deadlines effectively and delivering quality results. With a team of 10-49 employees, they service projects starting from $50,000, targeting primarily U.S.-based clients. Their focus is on innovative marketing strategies that leverage the latest in digital technologies.

Below are 10 agencies, including Groove Jones - XR, AR, VR & Digital Solutions, Foresight Mobile, Sector 5 Digital, YDX Innovation, Reality X Media, VDA, PhysUX Lab, Go International Group Dotcom, GrowthMaze, VIRTUAL BUG:

Top 10 Alternatives to NEXT/NOW by 7BE

Hire the Right Agency — Smarter, Faster, Cheaper

Hire Agency

This is how 7BE can help you:

Easily get vetted proposals from trusted IT agencies
Own your entire hiring and project sourcing journey
Discover competitive offers tailored to your needs

  • Groove Jones - XR, AR, VR & Digital Solutions

    Award-winning Web, XR, AR, VR & Digital Solutions

    View Portfolio

    Pros:

    Award-winning digital solutions for various platforms.
    Highly creative with engaging experiences.
    Competitive project minimum for quality work.

    Cons:

    Higher project minimum than some competitors.
    Limited employee capacity may affect scalability.
    Geographically limited to U.S. clientele.

    $100 - $149

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2015

    $25,000+

    Dallas

    Verified

    Focus

    40% Web Design

    40%40% Web Design

    40%40% AR/VR

    10%10% Event Marketing & Planning

    5%5% Out of Home Design

    5%5% Packaging Design

  • Foresight Mobile

    Developing Your Vision

    View Portfolio

    Pros:

    Lower project minimum, accessible for startups.
    Competitive hourly rates for quality work.
    What they lack in years they make up with innovation.

    Cons:

    Limited experience compared to older companies.
    Less focus on XR vs broader tech solutions.
    Location in the UK may involve timezone challenges.

    $50 - $99

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2016

    $10,000+

    United Kingdom

    Verified

    Focus

    90% Custom Software

    90%90% Custom Software

    10%10% AR/VR

  • Sector 5 Digital

    AR / VR / 3D Video / Experiential / Virtual Events

    View Portfolio

    Pros:

    Specializing in experiential digital projects.
    Wide range of digital services available.
    Emphasis on relationship building with clients.

    Cons:

    Undisclosed hourly rate may be unappealing.
    Potential reputation issues as a newer agency.
    Limited brand recognition compared to others.

    Undisclosed

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2014

    $25,000+

    Fort Worth

    Verified

    Focus

    30% AR/VR

    30%30% AR/VR

    30%30% Event Marketing & Planning

    15%15% Content Marketing

    15%15% Video Production

    10%10% Custom Software

  • YDX Innovation

    Virtual Reality, Branded Interactive Experiences

    View Portfolio

    Pros:

    Early mover in VR space with rich experience.
    Strong focus on immersive technology solutions.
    Very affordable minimum project size.

    Cons:

    A smaller team may restrict project size.
    Focus more on niche may limit general appeal.
    Canadian location could affect U.S. collaboration.

    $100 - $149

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2007

    $5,000+

    Vancouver

    Verified

    Focus

    40% Custom Software

    40%40% Custom Software

    40%40% AR/VR

    10%10% UX/UI Design

    10%10% Event Marketing & Planning

  • Reality X Media

    We create Interactive Experiences by using Web AR

    View Portfolio

    Pros:

    Niche expertise in AR for interactive solutions.
    Offers a wide range of services in XR.
    Highly creative with custom solutions offered.

    Cons:

    High hourly rate can limit small clients.
    Small team may lack resources for large projects.
    Limited operational scope outside the U.S.

    $200 - $299

    2 - 9

    Founded in 2010

    $10,000+

    New York City

    Verified

    Focus

    50% AR/VR

    50%50% AR/VR

    20%20% Internet of Things

    20%20% Branding

    10%10% Event Marketing & Planning

  • VDA

    Discover exceptional creativity.

    View Portfolio

    Pros:

    Extensive experience and a long-standing reputation.
    Wide range of services covering many sectors.
    Larger employee base for scalable support.

    Cons:

    High hourly rates may deter budget clients.
    Focus on design might overlook technology aspects.
    Less flexibility in adapting to new trends.

    Undisclosed

    50 - 249

    Founded in 1985

    $1,000+

    Somerville

    Verified

    Focus

    30% Event Marketing & Planning

    30%30% Event Marketing & Planning

    20%20% Architectural Design

    20%20% Lighting Design

    10%10% AR/VR

    10%10% Interior Design

    5%5% Print Design

    5%5% Graphic Design

  • PhysUX Lab

    Physically Digital

    View Portfolio

    Pros:

    Grounded in experiential marketing with proven results.
    Comprehensive service offerings in Dubai.
    Agile operations can adapt to project needs.

    Cons:

    Small team limits the scale of projects.
    Higher rates may affect budgetclients.
    Geographical limitations can hinder U.S. clients.

    $100 - $149

    2 - 9

    Founded in 2015

    $10,000+

    Dubai

    Verified

    Focus

    70% Event Marketing & Planning

    70%70% Event Marketing & Planning

    10%10% AR/VR

    10%10% Internet of Things

    10%10% Other Digital Marketing

  • Go International Group Dotcom

    Creative Brand Marketing and Communication Agency

    View Portfolio

    Pros:

    Experienced in integrating creativity and tech.
    Offers both online and physical event solutions.
    Affordable rates for quality services.

    Cons:

    Smaller employee base can limit service range.
    Location in Malaysia might add logistical complexities.
    Limited US market presence.

    $200 - $299

    2 - 9

    Founded in 2005

    $10,000+

    Kuala Lumpur

    Verified

    Focus

    20% Web Design

    20%20% Web Design

    20%20% Marketing Strategy

    10%10% Content Marketing

    10%10% Video Production

    10%10% Public Relations

    10%10% Event Marketing & Planning

    10%10% Media Planning & Buying

    5%5% AR/VR

    5%5% Corporate Training

  • GrowthMaze

    Navigating Growth

    View Portfolio

    Pros:

    Very low project minimum, accessible to many.
    Several successful projects on record.
    Responsive team with good work ethic.

    Cons:

    Less experience and small team.
    Lower quality perception compared to larger firms.
    Limited technological scope.

    $50 - $99

    2 - 9

    Founded in 2018

    $1,000+

    Houston

    Verified

    Focus

    11% Custom Software

    11%11% Custom Software

    8%8% Web Design

    8%8% Advertising

    8%8% Digital Strategy

    8%8% Branding

    8%8% Marketing Strategy

    7%7% Graphic Design

    6%6% Logo

    6%6% Social Media Marketing

    5%5% UX/UI Design

    5%5% Artificial Intelligence

    5%5% AR/VR

    5%5% CRM Consulting and SI

    5%5% Content Marketing

    5%5% Event Marketing & Planning

  • VIRTUAL BUG

    Technologies

    View Portfolio

    Pros:

    Very low minimum project size, budget friendly.
    Diverse service offerings in tech.
    Emerging brand with favorable pricing.

    Cons:

    Very low visibility and client base.
    Less experience in the field.
    Questionable quality compared to established firms.

    $25 - $49

    2 - 9

    Founded in 2018

    $1,000+

    Chennai

    Verified

    Focus

    10% Graphic Design

    10%10% Graphic Design

    5%5% Web Design

    5%5% AR/VR

    5%5% Advertising

    5%5% Search Engine Optimization

    5%5% eCommerce

    5%5% Branding

    5%5% Logo

    5%5% Social Media Marketing

    5%5% Video Production

    5%5% Other Digital Marketing

    5%5% Print Design

    5%5% Event Marketing & Planning

    5%5% Packaging Design

    5%5% Direct Marketing

    5%5% Media Planning & Buying

    5%5% Mobile & App Marketing

    5%5% Affiliate Marketing

    5%5% Broadcast Video

Comparisons

Cost of services

  • Groove Jones has a lower minimum project size of $25,000 compared to NEXT/NOW.

  • Foresight Mobile offers projects starting at $10,000, making them more accessible for smaller clients.

  • YDX Innovation has the lowest minimum project size at $5,000, catering to budget-constrained projects.

Geography

  • Foresight Mobile operates from the UK, providing a diverse geographic option compared to NEXT/NOW.

  • YDX Innovation, based in Canada, offers a North American alternative.

  • PhysUX Lab is based in the UAE, opening international collaboration opportunities.

Technologies

  • NEXT/NOW specializes in XR solutions like many competitors, including Groove Jones and Sector 5 Digital.

  • Many competitors like Groove Jones and YDX Innovation have a strong focus on immersive technologies such as AR and VR, similar to NEXT/NOW.

  • Reality X Media also employs web AR technologies, aligning with NEXT/NOW's tech offerings.

Recommendations

  • Launching on a limited budget

    Foresight Mobile is ideal for projects under $10,000, providing quality XR solutions at a lower cost.

  • Collaborating with U.S.-based agencies

    NEXT/NOW and Groove Jones both offer robust U.S.-based services, ensuring localized expertise in digital solutions.

  • Looking for long-term digital partnership

    Sector 5 Digital emphasizes relationship-building, making it suitable for ongoing project collaborations.

  • Requiring niche B2B industry expertise

    YDX Innovation provides specialized digital experiences, perfect for businesses looking for immersive strategies in niche markets.

  • Solving business problems with custom solutions

    Reality X Media focuses on bespoke interactive experiences, ideal for addressing specific business challenges creatively.

Just Give It a Try and Unlock New Possibilities

Hire Agency