Best Mobile App Design Agencies in the World
Top UX/UI Design Firms for Mobile Apps — Trusted by Startups and Enterprise Teams for Innovation, Usability, and Scalable Product Design
Updated November 4, 2025
Looking to build a standout mobile or web app? The right design agency can turn your vision into a seamless, user-friendly product. This guide highlights the top app design agencies globally — known for innovation, usability, and stunning UI/UX.
Top App Design Companies in the World — November 2025 Ratings:
1. Clay
Clay is a San Francisco-based digital design agency known for crafting high-performance mobile app experiences that are as functional as visually refined. With a deep focus on mobile UX/UI, the agency helps enterprise brands and tech companies clarify complex product ecosystems through precision design, strong visual identity, and seamless interaction flows.
Based in: San Francisco, CA
Employees: 70+
Minimum Project Cost: $50,000
Clients: Google, Amazon, Facebook, Slack, Cisco, Zenefits
Expertise: mobile app design, UX strategy, responsive UI systems, web design, motion design, 3D and visual storytelling, content strategy, frontend/backend development, CMS implementation
Social Media Channels: Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook
Best for: Clay is a top choice for large-scale mobile app projects requiring advanced UX thinking, product strategy, and a polished, modern interface. It’s particularly well-suited for enterprise platforms, tech products, and SaaS companies investing in long-term mobile user experience.
Not ideal for: businesses with limited digital scope or early-stage startups on a tight budget may find Clay’s scope and pricing more tailored to enterprise-level complexity and innovation-driven apps.
2. Mission Control
Mission Control is a San Francisco-based mobile app, and digital product design agency focused on creating user-centered experiences through a clear and efficient design process. The team combines strong UX thinking with modern development approaches — delivering products that are intuitive, responsive, and built for growth.
Based in: San Francisco, CA
Founded in: 2025
Team Size: 11–50
Minimum Project Budget: Depends on the pricing model
Industries: crypto & Web3, FinTech, technology, finance, B2B, startups
Expertise: UX/UI design, user research and testing, interaction design, motion design, design systems, full-stack development, no-code/low-code solutions
Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn
Best for: Mission Control is a great fit for startups and tech companies looking for thoughtful UX, fast iteration, and clean product execution. Their process is direct, strategic, and backed by smart use of AI, helping teams move quickly without sacrificing quality.
Not ideal for: large enterprises with complex internal workflows or clients expecting traditional, drawn-out design timelines may find Mission Control’s lean and focused approach less aligned with their needs.
3. UsTwo
UsTwo is a globally recognized digital product studio with a strong track record in designing and developing immersive mobile and web applications. Established in 2004, they blend human-centered UX with technical excellence and AI-powered innovation to deliver high-impact digital experiences.
Based in: London, UK (with studios in New York, Malmö, Lisbon, and Tokyo)
Founded in: 2004
Team Size: ~250 employees across offices
Minimum Project Budget: $50,000+
Industries: finance, healthcare, retail, mobility, entertainment, wellness
Expertise: mobile & web app UI/UX design, full-stack development (native iOS/Android, React Native, Kotlin Multiplatform, Web), AI-powered prototyping & experimentation, motion design, product strategy, service design, AR/VR and wearable apps
Notable Work: Monument Valley (award‑winning mobile game), projects for Peloton, L’Oréal (La Roche‑Posay), HSBC/Clir, Inflection AI
Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn, X
Best for: organizations seeking a mature, product-driven partner with proven mobile design capabilities and global reach. Especially suited for brands looking to combine refined user experience, technical depth, and innovation across mobile, web, AR/VR, or AI-powered products.
Not ideal for: small startups with tight budgets or companies looking for boutique agencies offering ultra‑customized local engagement may find UsTwo’s scale and pricing model better suited to mid‑market and enterprise initiatives.
4. Huge
Huge is a global digital agency that designs bold, high-impact mobile and web experiences for some of the world’s largest brands. With a strategy-first mindset, Huge blends design, technology, and data to create mobile products that are intuitive, scalable, and user-centered.
Based in: Brooklyn, NY (with offices worldwide)
Founded in: 1999
Team Size: 1,000+
Minimum Project Budget: $100,000+
Industries: Finance, retail, travel, media, automotive, tech
Expertise: Mobile app design, UX strategy, UI systems, service design, branding, product development, digital transformation, enterprise-scale platforms
Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter
Best for: enterprise brands and Fortune 500 companies seeking mobile-first digital transformation, with a strong focus on strategic design, personalization, and omnichannel experience. Huge is well-suited for clients needing both design thinking and business results at scale.
Not ideal for: early-stage startups, nonprofits, or companies with smaller budgets may find Huge’s global scale, layered processes, and enterprise-level pricing mismatched for smaller-scope projects.
5. Fueled
Fueled is a product design and development agency specializing in custom mobile apps for startups and enterprise clients. Known for sleek interfaces and fast execution, Fueled blends sharp visual design with strong technical capabilities to deliver high-performance mobile applications.
Based in: New York, NY (with additional teams in London and remote)
Founded in: 2007
Team Size: 100+
Minimum Project Budget: $75,000+
Hourly Rate: $150 — $200
Industries: Startups, finance, media, retail, healthcare, enterprise tech
Expertise: Mobile app design, UI/UX, product strategy, React Native & native development, branding, prototyping, MVP builds, backend development
Social Media: LinkedIn
Best for: Fueled is a strong match for startups, fast-growing businesses, and innovation teams that want to bring new mobile products to market quickly. They’re ideal for projects requiring speed, modern UX, and launch-ready development under one roof.
Not ideal for: companies looking for extensive UX research, long-term digital transformation programs, or highly regulated enterprise environments may find Fueled more suited to leaner, product-driven engagements.
6. Big Human
Big Human is a New York-based design and technology studio that creates modern mobile apps and digital products with a strong focus on storytelling, usability, and clean visual design. Their work blends creative thinking with technical precision to help companies build standout digital experiences.
Based in: New York, NY
Founded in: 2010
Team Size: ~50
Minimum Project Budget: $50,000+
Hourly Rate: inquire
Industries: media, entertainment, consumer tech, government, startups, nonprofits
Expertise: mobile app design, UI/UX, web development, brand identity, interaction design, creative strategy, frontend/backend engineering
Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn, X
Best for: Big Human is a strong choice for organizations that value personality-driven design, especially in media, entertainment, or consumer apps. They bring a human touch to digital products, often working with startups, cultural institutions, and mission-driven brands.
Not ideal for: large enterprise clients needing deep technical integrations, formal UX research at scale, or rigid development pipelines may find Big Human’s style better suited for creative, mid-sized digital projects.
7. MetaLab
MetaLab is a world-renowned digital product design agency that helps startups and tech giants turn ideas into beautiful, functional mobile and web apps. Known for its clean, intuitive design work, MetaLab partners closely with clients to shape polished, scalable, and user-friendly products.
Based in: Victoria, Canada (remote-first with global team)
Founded in: 2006
Team Size: 150+
Minimum Project Budget: $100,000+
Hourly Rate: inquire
Industries: SaaS, productivity tools, consumer tech, fintech, healthcare, B2B
Expertise: mobile app design, UI/UX, product strategy, design systems, prototyping, branding, full product design
Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn, X
Best for: MetaLab is ideal for startups, scaleups, and tech-forward companies looking for thoughtful, refined mobile app interfaces and deep product strategies. They’re powerful in SaaS and tools that require high usability and long-term design scalability.
Not ideal for: organizations needing full development services or backend-heavy builds may require an additional engineering partner. Also, smaller teams with limited budgets may find MetaLab best suited for high-impact, investment-ready projects.
8. WillowTree
WillowTree is a full-service digital product agency known for designing and developing large-scale mobile and web apps for enterprise clients. With deep industry experience, WillowTree combines strategy, UX design, and engineering to deliver end-to-end solutions with a strong focus on performance and scalability.
Based in: Charlottesville, VA (with offices across the U.S. and in Latin America)
Founded in: 2008
Team Size: 1,000+
Minimum Project Budget: $250,000+
Hourly Rate: inquire
Industries: healthcare, media, finance, retail, telecom, travel, hospitality
Expertise: mobile app design and development, UI/UX design, research, product strategy, web platforms, native app engineering, QA & testing, analytics, enterprise integration
Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter
Best for: WillowTree is best suited for enterprise organizations and large brands that need robust, scalable mobile solutions backed by strategy, research, and full development support. They’re a strong fit for mission-critical apps where performance, compliance, and technical depth are essential.
Not ideal for: small businesses, lean startups, or companies seeking design-only support may find WillowTree’s enterprise focus, pricing, and process better suited for larger-scale, end-to-end product initiatives.
9. Frog
Frog is a global design and innovation consultancy known for creating iconic digital products, including mobile apps. Its focus is on human-centered design and long-term business impact. With decades of experience, Frog works across industries to help organizations craft forward-thinking experiences at scale.
Based in: global (headquartered in San Francisco, CA)
Founded in: 1969
Team Size: 1,000+ (part of Capgemini Invent)
Minimum Project Budget: $250,000+
Hourly Rate: inquire
Industries: healthcare, finance, mobility, tech, retail, government, consumer electronics
Expertise: mobile app design, product strategy, UX research, digital transformation, service design, branding, innovation consulting, platform design
Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn
Best for: Frog is ideal for enterprises and global organizations tackling complex design challenges, especially those seeking a strategic partner to lead large-scale innovation across digital, physical, and service touchpoints. Their strength lies in combining deep design thinking with cross-functional collaboration.
Not ideal for: early-stage startups or small teams with limited budgets may find Frog’s scale and strategic approach more than needed for simple mobile app design or fast MVP builds.
10. Fantasy
Fantasy is a high-end digital product and mobile app design agency known for crafting elegant, futuristic user experiences. With a strong emphasis on innovation and emotion-driven design, Fantasy partners with global brands to deliver standout digital interfaces across industries.
Based in: New York, NY & San Francisco, CA
Founded in: 1999
Team Size: 100+
Minimum Project Budget: $100,000+
Hourly Rate: inquire
Industries: technology, finance, automotive, media, health, travel
Expertise: mobile app UI/UX design, product strategy, visual design, interaction design, prototyping, web and platform experiences
Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn, X
Best for: Fantasy is a great fit for large brands and innovation-focused teams looking for premium, design-led mobile experiences. They excel at visual storytelling and pushing the boundaries of UI to create apps that feel ahead of the curve.
Not ideal for: companies looking for full-stack development or budget-conscious MVPs may find Fantasy’s premium focus and creative-first process better suited to vision-driven design work rather than end-to-end builds.
How to Choose the Best App Design Agency
- Define Your Goals Clearly
Before reaching out to any agency, take time to define your specific needs. Are you seeking high-fidelity UI design, deep UX research, usability testing, branding, or full end-to-end app development? Some agencies specialize in strategy and UX; others are more design-driven or tech-focused. A well-defined scope helps you identify agencies whose strengths align with your goals and prevents scope creep later.
2. Check Their Portfolio
Review their past work to evaluate style, quality, and relevance. Look beyond surface-level aesthetics — examine how the designs solve user problems, reflect brand identity, and drive user engagement. Case studies that explain the design thinking behind the visuals are especially valuable. Prioritize agencies that have worked on projects in your domain or of similar complexity.
3. Prioritize UX Expertise
Strong UX design ensures your app is beautiful, functional, and intuitive. Ask how the agency conducts user research, creates user personas, and tests assumptions. Do they prototype and validate ideas with real users? Do they use data to drive decisions? Agencies demonstrating a thoughtful, user-centered approach will likely deliver long-term product success.
4. Understand Their Process
A transparent, structured design process is a hallmark of a mature agency. Ask about their workflow from kickoff to delivery. Typical stages include discovery, wireframing, visual design, prototyping, testing, and handoff. Clarify how often they share progress and collect feedback and whether they support design sprints or agile workflows. A clear roadmap reduces misunderstandings and keeps your project on schedule.
5. Evaluate Communication and Fit
Design is a collaborative process, so chemistry matters. Gauge their responsiveness, listening skills, and openness to feedback during early conversations. Do they ask the right questions? Do they understand your business? Look for an agency that feels like a partner, not just a vendor — someone invested in your product’s success and able to adapt to your team’s rhythm and tools.
6. Balance Quality with Budget
Top-tier design agencies can be a significant investment, but they often save money in the long run by reducing redesigns and ensuring product-market fit. Get clear on pricing models (fixed, hourly, retainer), what’s included (revisions, user testing, design systems), and what deliverables you’ll receive. Always compare costs in the context of expertise, process, and expected ROI.
7. Read Reviews and References
Check third-party platforms like Clutch, GoodFirms, or Google Reviews for verified client feedback. Focus on reviews that mention communication, problem-solving, and how the agency handled challenges. Don’t hesitate to request references and ask former clients about the agency’s flexibility, deadlines, and quality of outcomes.
8. Consider Location and Time Zone
A global talent pool offers more options, but practical factors should be considered. Agencies in different time zones can slow down feedback loops or limit real-time collaboration. Make sure there’s sufficient overlap in working hours for syncs and workshops. Also, consider language fluency and cultural fit — small miscommunications can become big bottlenecks in design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a mobile app design agency?
A mobile app design agency is a specialized firm that focuses on creating mobile application user interfaces (UI) and user experience (UX). They handle everything from wireframes and user flows to visual design and interactive prototypes to ensure the app is intuitive, attractive, and effective.
2. What services do app design agencies typically offer?
Most agencies offer a combination of services, including UX research, wireframing, UI design, interactive prototyping, usability testing, branding, and design systems. Some also provide full product strategy or collaborate with development teams for seamless handoff.
3. How is app design different from app development?
App design focuses on how the app looks and feels — its layout, colors, navigation, and overall user experience. Development, on the other hand, involves coding and technical implementation to bring the design to life and make the app functional.
4. How do I choose the best app design agency for my project?
Start by defining your goals and reviewing the agency’s portfolio. Look for relevant experience, strong UX case studies, client testimonials, and a process that includes research, iteration, and feedback. Communication and cultural fit are also key.
5. What should I look for in an agency’s portfolio?
Look for design consistency, attention to detail, and variety across industries. Focus on apps that demonstrate user-friendly navigation, visual clarity, and thoughtful interaction patterns. Bonus points for case studies that include metrics or user feedback.
6. How much does hiring a mobile app design agency cost?
Costs can range from $10,000 to over $100,000 depending on project complexity, scope, and the agency’s reputation. Smaller boutique agencies may offer lower prices, while top-tier firms command premium rates for enterprise-level work.
7. How long does it take to design a mobile app?
On average, the design phase takes 4 to 12 weeks. Simple apps may be completed faster, while complex apps involving deep UX research, custom illustrations, or multiple user roles can take several months.
8. What is the typical workflow of an app design agency?
The typical workflow includes discovery (goals, audience), research (competitors, users), wireframing (low-fidelity structure), visual design (UI mockups), prototyping, user testing, and finally, handoff to development with design documentation.
9. Will the agency help with user testing and iteration?
Top-tier agencies do. They often conduct usability testing with real users to validate flows and interfaces, then iterate on the design based on feedback before final delivery. Be sure to ask about this during your selection process.
10. Can the designs be handed off to another dev team?
Yes. A good agency will prepare design files with detailed specifications, assets, and annotations to ensure a smooth handoff to your in-house or third-party development team, often using tools like Figma or Zeplin.
