Alternatives & competitors

Top 10 PhD Labs alternatives

Snapshot

PhD Labs at a glance

Here's what PhD Labs has listed on this profile:

Hourly rate
$100 - $149
Minimum project size
$10,000+
Company size
2 - 9 employees
Founded
1998

Listed locations:

  • HQ: Santa Monica, United States

Primary service focus ("Focus"):

  • 80%
    Custom Software Development
  • 20%
    UX/UI Design

Direction focus

  • 65%Web Development
  • 35%Mobile Development

eCommerce systems focus

  • 80%Magento
  • 5%osCommerce
  • 5%Shopify
  • 5%Ubercart
  • 5%Other eCommerce Systems

Platforms

  • 40%Linux server
  • 40%Windows server
  • 10%AWS
  • 5%Other
  • 5%Heroku
Side by side

Quick comparison

All numbers below are taken from the alternatives page cards (rate, min project, size, founded, location/presence, focus).

PhD Labs
Ajackus
Acumen Digital
VeryCreatives
TaglineDesign. Build. Launch.Remote technology teams for exponential growthCreating experiences that grow businesses.Digital Product Agency
Foundation year19982011—2009
Min. project size$10,000+$5,000+$1,000+$25,000+
Hourly rate$100 - $149< $25 / hr$25 - $49$50 - $99
Employees2 - 950 - 24910 - 4910 - 49
HeadquartersSanta Monica, United StatesMumbai, IndiaLagos, NigeriaBudapest, Hungary
Services
80%

80%Custom Software

40%

40%Custom Software

80%

80%Custom Software

80%

80%Custom Software

Industries
40%

40%Business services

30%

30%Real estate

20%

20%Information technology

100%

100%Information technology

Client sizes
65%

65%Midmarket ($10M - $1B)

60%

60%Small Business (<$10M)

40%

40%Midmarket ($10M - $1B)

80%

80%Small Business (<$10M)

Directions
65%

65%Web Development

70%

70%Web Development

60%

60%Web Development

75%

75%Web Development

Coding Languages
50%

50%C

30%

30%JavaScript

20%

20%PHP

40%

40%JavaScript

Frameworks & CMS
45%

45%.NET

20%

20%AngularJS

40%

40%WordPress

43%

43%Ruby on Rails

Devices
45%

45%Android

50%

50%Android

60%

60%Android

50%

50%Android

Operating Systems
55%

55%iOS

50%

50%Android OS

50%

50%Android OS

50%

50%Android OS

Platforms
40%

40%Linux server

60%

60%Amazon Web Services

50%

50%Amazon Web Services

80%

80%Amazon Web Services

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  • #01Ajackus

    Remote technology teams for exponential growth

    View Portfolio

    Pros

    • Very low hourly rate compared to others
    • Strong focus on clear communication
    • Ability to scale easily with larger clients

    Cons

    • Quality might be inconsistent due to low rate
    • Less experience in specialized software
    • Primarily focused on IT services, not design

    < $25 / hr

    50 - 249

    Founded in 2011

    $5,000+

    Mumbai

    Verified

    Focus

    40% Custom Software

    40%40% Custom Software

    40%40% AI SaaS Development

    10%10% UX/UI Design

    10%10% AI-Driven UX/UI Design

  • #02Acumen Digital

    Creating experiences that grow businesses.

    View Portfolio

    Pros

    • Very low minimum project size
    • Good understanding of client needs
    • Affordable rates for quality work

    Cons

    • No established foundation year
    • Limited presence in tech-focused markets
    • Potentially less expertise in software development

    $25 - $49

    10 - 49

    Undisclosed

    $1,000+

    Lagos

    Verified

    Focus

    80% Custom Software

    80%80% Custom Software

    20%20% UX/UI Design

  • #03VeryCreatives

    Digital Product Agency

    View Portfolio

    Pros

    • Good results for tech businesses
    • Moderate pricing for services
    • Strong alignment with client goals

    Cons

    • Higher minimum project size
    • Less specialization in B2B
    • May not suit every industry

    $50 - $99

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2009

    $25,000+

    Budapest

    Verified

    Focus

    80% Custom Software

    80%80% Custom Software

    20%20% UX/UI Design

  • #04YOONG

    Stay young at the digital age

    View Portfolio

    Pros

    • Very affordable rates for small projects
    • Lowest minimum project size among competitors
    • Young and dynamic approach to technology

    Cons

    • Less experienced team overall
    • Lower hourly rate may reflect on quality
    • Less focused on B2B solutions specifically

    $25 - $49

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2016

    $5,000+

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Verified

    Focus

    80% Custom Software

    80%80% Custom Software

    20%20% UX/UI Design

  • #05Vazco

    Best Custom Software Development Company from PL

    View Portfolio

    Pros

    • Competitive rates for custom solutions
    • Established expertise in custom software
    • Good access and communication with clients

    Cons

    • Higher minimum project size compared to PhD Labs
    • Fewer years in industry than PhD Labs
    • Less emphasis on personalized service

    $50 - $99

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2008

    $25,000+

    Wrocław

    Verified

    Focus

    80% Custom Software

    80%80% Custom Software

    20%20% UX/UI Design

  • #06GoodRequest

    Design & engineering full-service partner.

    View Portfolio

    Pros

    • Strong reputation and quality of work
    • Larger team enhancing project capacity
    • Good reviews indicating high satisfaction

    Cons

    • Higher hourly rate than PhD Labs
    • Larger teams may mean less individual attention
    • May focus more on bigger projects

    $50 - $99

    50 - 249

    Founded in 2013

    $10,000+

    Slovakia

    Verified

    Focus

    80% Custom Software

    80%80% Custom Software

    20%20% UX/UI Design

  • #07Ebbex

    Building Apps Intentionally

    View Portfolio

    Pros

    • Same country location for US clients
    • Quality rate equal to PhD Labs
    • Personalized client relationships

    Cons

    • Limited team size for larger projects
    • Higher minimum project size than some competitors
    • Less technological diversity indicated

    $100 - $149

    2 - 9

    Founded in 2010

    $10,000+

    Redding

    Verified

    Focus

    80% Custom Software

    80%80% Custom Software

    20%20% UX/UI Design

  • #08Angrybuilds

    We turn your software ideas into viable business

    View Portfolio

    Pros

    • Lower hourly rates than PhD Labs
    • Larger team for diverse projects
    • Strong skills in various platforms

    Cons

    • Fewer years of experience in the industry
    • Less personalized service due to size
    • Limited availability in North America

    $50 - $99

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2014

    $10,000+

    Kraków

    Verified

    Focus

    40% Custom Software

    40%40% Custom Software

    40%40% AI SaaS Development

    10%10% UX/UI Design

    10%10% AI-Driven UX/UI Design

  • #09Southern Code

    Software solutions from the ground up

    View Portfolio

    Pros

    • Very affordable hourly rates
    • Innovative ideas proposed to clients
    • Strong technical skills and accuracy

    Cons

    • Limited experience compared to PhD Labs
    • Communication may face language barriers
    • Farther location for US-based clients

    $25 - $49

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2015

    $10,000+

    Córdoba

    Verified

    Focus

    80% Custom Software

    80%80% Custom Software

    20%20% UX/UI Design

  • #10THREADABLE

    Software Development company in Dublin

    View Portfolio

    Pros

    • Established presence in Irish tech scene
    • Strong portfolio with high-profile clients
    • Good for European market needs

    Cons

    • Higher rates compared to PhD Labs
    • Limited to European clients primarily
    • May not cater to niche markets well

    $50 - $99

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2009

    $10,000+

    Dublin

    Verified

    Focus

    80% Custom Software

    80%80% Custom Software

    20%20% UX/UI Design

Decide with confidence

How to choose

Quick pointers comparing pricing, location and capabilities across leading alternatives.

Cost and engagement

PhD Labs has a higher hourly rate compared to Angrybuilds and Southern Code.

PhD Labs' project minimum aligns with competitors like Threadable and GoodRequest, ensuring quality and commitment.

PhD Labs offers a premium feel compared to more budget-oriented options like Acumen Digital.

Geography

PhD Labs operates in the U.S., providing close collaboration for local clients, unlike agencies in Poland, Ireland, or Argentina who may have time zone challenges.

Based in the U.S., they serve clients who prefer working with domestic agencies, ensuring cultural alignment.

While being U.S.-based, they're more competitive in niche markets than some overseas competitors.

Capabilities and tech

PhD Labs utilizes cutting-edge design and development technologies that parallel offerings from competitors like Ebbex and GoodRequest.

PhD Labs is well-versed in the latest tools, similar to Southern Code and Threadable's technical capabilities.

Their focus on quality project delivery matches or exceeds that of other agencies like Vazco and VeryCreatives.

Guidance

Recommendations

Pick the right agency for your needs with these quick pointers.

  • Consider Southern Code for cost-effective solutions, offering lower hourly rates and solid execution on budget projects.
  • PhD Labs is ideal due to their U.S. presence, ensuring seamless communication and cultural compatibility.
  • GoodRequest provides a full-service approach ideal for a sustained partnership in ongoing digital projects.
  • Vazco specializes in tailored solutions, fitting well for businesses needing specific B2B industry knowledge.
  • Ebbex stands out for its collaborative nature and focus on delivering personalized, outcome-driven solutions.
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