Are you looking for a custom software development company to create apps or systems for your business? We went through countless verified client feedback and success stories of leading software development firms to build our listing — all to help businesses like yours find the best partner. Browse our directory and filter the results by industry, location, minimum budget, team size, and other criteria to find the right company for your project.
We also curated this list of the best custom software development companies from over 7,000 firms by carefully analyzing their success stories, awards, industry recognitions, client testimonials, and verified reviews. Explore each company’s profile and past projects to hire the ideal company for building your app.
Table of Contents
The Number One Software Development Company as Selected by DesignRush Is:
1. Instinctools

- Best for: Overall
- Average Hourly Rate: $40
- Minimum Budget: $10,000 - $25,000
- Founded: 2000
- Size: 250 - 499
- Location: Potomac, Maryland
- Notable Clients: Lition, Swiss Red Cross, SAP, Fujitsu, Burda Digital, and more
Instinctools has been a prominent software development company for over 20 years, consistently delivering innovative and cost-effective solutions. Their expertise, reflected in over 1000 successful projects, encompasses custom software development, mobile and web solutions, legacy software modernization, business intelligence, data visualization, cloud and DevOps, and crypto exchange development.
When Lition needed a solution for energy exchanges, they turned to Instinctools. Their goal: ease barriers for green producers and provide cheaper green electricity to consumers. Instinctools used 10 JavaScript frameworks to create a powerful web platform.
Today, the platform built by the agency serves 41 million German households, allowing users in 30+ cities to save up to 20% on energy bills. Meanwhile, producers see up to a 30% profit increase, promoting both economic and environmental benefits.
Check Instinctools Agency Profile
2. Itransition

- Best for: Zoom API App Development
- Average Hourly Rate: $40
- Minimum Budget: $50,000 & Up
- Founded: 1998
- Size: 1000 & Up
- Location: Lakewood, Colorado
- Notable Clients: AstraZeneca, PayPal, Adidas, Expedia, eBay, Philips, PepsiCo, Xerox, and more
A software development leader founded in 1998, Itransition has been a trusted partner for businesses ranging from startups to large enterprises. They cover a broad range of services, from ECM, EDM, ERP and CRM to custom-designed applications. Recognized for their skill in creating unified digital systems, they focus on clear communication, teamwork, and operational efficiency.
A mobile and healthcare technology expert, the company assisted a US research center with medical screenings for sexual assault victims in underserved areas. They developed an app enabling local nurses to consult experienced doctors, securely storing consultations and details on a website. The solution incorporated SSO user authentication, end-to-end encryption, and streamlined app performance, ensuring smooth operation and HIPAA compliance.
Result: In under six months, they had everything up and running. The new system allowed nurses to set up cases 3x quicker, take clearer photos and videos, and safely manage all information.
Check Itransition Agency Profile
3. Kanda Software

- Best for: Customized Software Solutions
- Average Hourly Rate: $50
- Minimum Budget: $50,000 & Up
- Founded: 1993
- Size: 500 - 999
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Notable Clients: CBRE, College Interactive, Havas Media, OneSky, Lionbridge, and more
Kanda Software, with 20+ years of experience, excels in software development, quality assurance, and compliance. They provide customized solutions, prioritize data security, adhere to benchmarks like HIPAA and PCI, and execute projects diligently with strong client communication.
In an era when traditional communication channels are becoming outdated, College Interactive faced the challenge of directly connecting college and university admissions departments with prospective students. Thanks to the agency’s innovative approach, College Interactive transformed the admissions marketing and recruitment process.
With Kanda Software's expertise, College Interactive launched the Ci Web Platform and mobile apps, giving students access to over 5,000 institutions while providing colleges with a direct contact channel for admissions details, requirements, and payment options.
Check Kanda Software Agency Profile
4. Oxagile

- Best for: Modern Software Solutions
- Average Hourly Rate: $40
- Minimum Budget: $10,000 - $25,000
- Founded: 2015
- Size: 250 - 499
- Location: New York City, NY
- Notable Clients: Orange, Discovery, Vodafone, Kaltura, and more
Oxagile, established in 2005, is a US leader in cutting-edge software solutions, specializing in video and machine learning integration. The agency creates top-tier applications for live streaming, VoD, real-time chats, VR, and 360-degree video on various platforms, leveraging AI for task automation. Clients like Orange, Discovery, and Vodafone have benefited from their commitment to research and development.
A leading German IT solutions provider for public transport, serving nearly a third of Germany's market, sought Oxagile's assistance in modernizing its legacy ticketing system. Their solution catered to 43 public transport companies and needed to enhance the experience for over 700,000 end-users across various platforms.
With Oxagile's expertise, the ticketing platform transformed, resulting in a twofold boost in database performance and an impressive 107% increase in transaction capacity, managing over 40,000 ticket transactions daily. The improved system also ensured client setups became 15 times faster, reinforcing the company's strong market standing.
5. Andersen

- Best for: AI/ML Integrated Applications
- Average Hourly Rate: $50
- Minimum Budget: $50,000 & Up
- Founded: 2007
- Size: 1000 & Up
- Location: New York City, NY
- Notable Clients: BNP Paribas, Globe Payroll, Samsung, Marvel, Media Markt, and more
A top custom software development firm with 15+ years of experience and 11 global offices, Andersen specializes in FinTech, eLearning, and Healthcare. They've delivered 1000+ projects with a team of 3000+ IT experts and excel in comprehensive testing using technologies like JavaScript, .Net, Python, and Swift.
BNP Paribas, the world's eighth-largest banking group, sought to monitor legislative changes across diverse regions effectively. Andersen provided a sophisticated solution with an AI and ML-integrated application, an ETL module, and a dedicated computational platform.
The system reduced operational times significantly, processing a 500-page document in two minutes instead of a week, resulting in a 7.3% decrease in toxic assets and an estimated project ROI of 124%.
6. Sigma Software

- Best for: AWS Cloud Technology
- Average Hourly Rate: $40
- Minimum Budget: $1,000 - $10,000
- Founded: 2002
- Size: 1000 & Up
- Location: Lviv, Ukraine
- Notable Clients: AOL, Knorr-Bremse, AstraZeneca, Volvo Penta, SAS, Fortum, and more
Sigma Software is a global software development firm with 20+ years of experience, 2000+ IT professionals across 12 countries, and expertise in automotive, healthcare, telecom, eCommerce, cloud computing, game development, and AR/VR/MR. They offer top-tier solutions and are recognized among the top 100 outsourcing companies worldwide. Certified in ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001, Sigma is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and AWS Consulting Partner.
AOL, a leading advertising media conglomerate, acquired a video ad platform and sought to integrate it into their vast ecosystem. Sigma Software stepped in to enhance the platform using AWS Cloud technology. Their solution processes 26TB of data daily, handles over 2.5 million events per second, and is now used by 30,000 global companies.
It enables swift report generation in just 1.5 minutes and accommodates versatile ad campaigns, addressing AOL's immediate needs and establishing them as prominent figure in the ad tech landscape.
Check Sigma Software Agency Profile
7. Softeq

- Best for: IoT Solutions
- Average Hourly Rate: $80
- Minimum Budget: $50,000 & Up
- Founded: 1997
- Size: 250 - 499
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Notable Clients: Lenovo, Epson, Microsoft, WTA, NVIDIA, Verizon, G.J.Gardner, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and more
Softeq specializes in digital transformation using cutting-edge technologies like IoT, AI, ML, industrial automation, robotics, blockchain, and AR/VR. They design high-performance, secure IT systems and connected devices, holding certifications in ISO 27001, ISO 9001, and ISO 13485. With an NPS of 50 and four consecutive years as an Inc. 5000 business, their growth and client satisfaction speaks for itself.
A client sought Softeq's help to develop an IoT solution for monitoring HVAC equipment wear and tear and detecting failures. Softeq responded with Sub-1 GHz transceivers for long-distance data transmission and a customized communication protocol for reliable data relay.
The P2P setup, using customized IEEE 802.15.4 protocols, provided consistent data transfer up to 300 meters while a mesh network alternative catered to future expansion needs. The results were impressive, demonstrating Softeq's expertise in IoT implementation.
8. Innowise

- Best for: All-Inclusive Management Tools
- Average Hourly Rate: $50
- Minimum Budget: $25,000 - $50,000
- Founded: 2007
- Size: 1000 & Up
- Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
- Notable Clients: OneStop Pro, N:aip, NFT Pro, IMT, CoreLedger, and more
Innowise Group, with 16+ years in software development, has a team of 1500+ IT experts across 40+ domains, delivering 850+ projects with a 93% recurring customer rate. Their customer-centric approach has earned them a global reputation, serving 200+ clients from 30+ countries.
When a client sought a streamlined solution for a new hotel management project, they turned to Innowise Group. The customized hospitality software resulted in a 43% revenue increase within three months, improved operational efficiency by 31%, and led to significant time and cost savings.
The all-inclusive management tool also contributed to the hotel's top-ranking position on TripAdvisor, confirming its enhanced guest service and overall excellence.
9. BairesDev

- Best for: Automated Systems
- Average Hourly Rate: $50
- Minimum Budget: Inquire
- Founded: 2009
- Size: 1000 & Up
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Notable Clients: Google, Salesforce, IBM, Autodesk, Rolls-Royce, Motorola, Burger King, and more
BairesDev is a leading nearshore software development agency with a team of 4,000+ bilingual professionals spanning the Americas and the Caribbean. They specialize in tailored solutions, delivering 1,200+ projects with a 91.2% customer satisfaction rate and 70.3% NPS.
Partnering with Google, BairesDev handled QA for Android TV launch, ensuring a consistent user experience across platforms. They also facilitated a seamless transition from manual to automated testing for Google's software updates on Android and iOS, ensuring uniformity and scalability.
Check BairesDev Agency Profile
10. ELEKS

- Best for: Optimizing Delivery Procedures
- Average Hourly Rate: $45
- Minimum Budget: $25,000 - $50,000
- Founded: 1991
- Size: 1000 & Up
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Notable Clients: Aramex, TAIT, Acino, GRTgaz, Autodesk, Blackboard, Havas, and more
ELEKS is a software engineering powerhouse established in 1991, combining quality, transparency, and innovation. With 2,000+ experts across Europe, the US, and Canada, they've delivered 700+ projects and hold an impressive Net Promoter Score of 65.
Aramex, a logistics leader, sought a technology partner to optimize its delivery procedures. ELEKS, known for mobile UX, data science, and R&D, became the chosen partner. They launched 17 projects in nine months, reducing warehouse operation costs by 5x and increasing mobile user retention by 230%.
The partnership proved highly beneficial for Aramex, showcasing ELEKS' efficiency and effectiveness.
How We Picked the Best Software Development Firms
To curate our premier software development firms list, our specialized team used a robust scoring system, evaluating each service provider based on the following criteria:
- Relevant software development services
- Project portfolios and collaboration with prominent clients
- Industry reputation and client reviews
- A thorough evaluation of their technical expertise and executive leadership
- Software development topics covered
- Digital reputation on DesignRush, Google, and other similar platforms
Visit our DesignRush Agency Ranking Methodology page for more insights into our rigorous selection process.
10 Most Popular Custom Software Development Companies Compared
Agency Name | Location | Hourly Rate | Size | Best For |
Instinctools | Potomac, MD | $40 | 250 - 499 | Overall |
Itransition | Lakewood, CO | $40 | 1000 & Up | Zoom API App Development |
Kanda Software | Boston, MA | $50 | 500 - 999 | Customized Software Solutions |
Oxagile | New York City, NY | $40 | 250 - 499 | Modern Software Solutions |
Andersen | New York City, NY | $50 | 1000 & Up | AI/ML Integrated Applications |
Sigma Software | Lviv, Ukraine | $40 | 1000 & Up | AWS Cloud Technology |
Softeq | Houston, TX | $80 | $50,000 & Up | IoT Solutions |
Innowise | St. Petersburg, FL | $50 | 1000 & Up | All-Inclusive Management Tools |
BairesDev | San Francisco, CA | $50 | 1000 & Up | Automated Systems |
ELEKS | Chicago, IL | $45 | 1000 & Up | Optimizing Delivery Procedures |
List of the Best Software Development Firms
- Mercury Development offers best in class Software Development, Mobile Apps, UI/UX, QA, ML, Data Science and more. With over 23 years in business, and over 400 employees, Mercury has the experience [... view the full profile of Mercury Development]Stuart, Florida 250 - 499 $50/hr Inquire
- ELEKS is the partner of choice for many leading enterprises, SMEs and technology challengers. We help businesses elevate their value through custom software development, product design, QA and [... view the full profile of ELEKS]Chicago, Illinois 1000 & Up $50/hr $25,000 - $50,000
- Leveraging 30 years of excellence designing, developing, deploying and supporting world-class software solutions, Kanda Software has established itself as a trusted Software Development, Cloud [... view the full profile of Kanda Software]Boston, Massachusetts 500 - 999 $50/hr $50,000 & Up
- Azumo helps businesses build intelligent apps by providing nearshore, top-tier developers skilled in AI, data engineering, and enterprise web and mobile applications. Our expertise has earned the [... view the full profile of Azumo]San Francisco, California 100 - 249 $55/hr $50,000 & Up
- Offering Chatbot, IT, and Software Solutions. Talentica Software is an innovative outsourced product development company that provides startup-oriented and dedicated remote teams to help startups [... view the full profile of Talentica Software]Pune, India 500 - 999 $30/hr $50,000 & Up
- When hiring an app or web development team to build custom software, one variable matters most: are the developers fully dedicated to your success, or are you one client of many? [... view the full profile of Designli]Greenville, South Carolina 50 - 99 $85/hr $10,000 - $25,000
- AppMakersUSA is a US-based full-service mobile application development company. We specialize in building cross-platform websites and apps (meaning iOS & Android for the price of one), informing your [... view the full profile of App Makers USA]Woodland, California Under 49 Inquire $10,000 - $25,000
- We are the nerds that every company wants in their tech division; experience, innovative and imaginative to the core!With more than 200 innovative software products and solution delivered, Trango [... view the full profile of Trango Tech]San Jose, California 100 - 249 Inquire $1,000 - $10,000
- Wezom offers web and mobile development services, providing solutions that address business challenges, meet market demands, enhance internal operations, and stay up-to-date with digital trends. [... view the full profile of Wezom]Chicago, Illinois 250 - 499 $49/hr $50,000 & Up
- TRIARE provides comprehensive services encompassing the entire software development lifecycle of WEB and MOBILE applications, along with UI/UX Design, Prototyping, Business Analysis, and software [... view the full profile of TRIARE]Warsaw, Poland 50 - 99 $45/hr Inquire
Need Help Selecting The Right Agency For Your Project?
We'll Find The Best Agencies For You.- At Goji Labs, we are a web and mobile app development company headquartered in Los Angeles. With over 10 years of experience, our team has helped startups, businesses, and non-profits launch hundreds [... view the full profile of Goji Labs]Los Angeles, California Under 49 $149/hr $25,000 - $50,000
- EffectiveSoft delivers tailored software engineering services that empower clients to disrupt industries and enhance customer experiences. [... view the full profile of EffectiveSoft]San Diego, California 250 - 499 $50/hr $25,000 - $50,000
- Established in 2010, AgileEngine is a privately held company that builds dedicated teams of software developers and designers. Some of the biggest names in tech and the hottest startups around the [... view the full profile of AgileEngine]Boca Raton, Florida 500 - 999 Inquire Inquire
- We are ready to build your project in the digital world. We will help you through the development process from initial analysis to successful launch. We design, build and launch digital products on [... view the full profile of Moravio]Prague, Czech Republic 50 - 99 $79/hr $25,000 - $50,000
- Leanware is a proven nearshore software development partner based in Latin America. We specialize in staff augmentation, providing businesses with skilled professionals who seamlessly integrate into [... view the full profile of Leanware]Bogota, Colombia Under 49 $35/hr $25,000 - $50,000
Top Rated: 5-star Average ReviewsAccelerating Software Development - Building Offshore Software Development CentersSaigon Technology focuses on tailored web and app development for emerging startups and established enterprises. The company adheres to ISO standards and embraces an Agile approach. Models: offshore [... view the full profile of Saigon Technology]Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 500 - 999 $35/hr $10,000 - $25,000- We provide dedicated agile software development teams that deliver complex custom applications.We transform development experience into product confidence. [... view the full profile of Profil Software]Gdynia, Poland 50 - 99 $45/hr Inquire
- We craft digital products that streamline your processes, expand your customer base, and drive business growth. Strategically located within your reach, we'll take your ambitious project from an [... view the full profile of Infinum]New York City, New York 250 - 499 Inquire $50,000 & Up
- Suffescom is a leading mobile app development company offering top-notch solutions across diverse industries. [... view the full profile of Suffescom Solutions Inc]Los Angeles, California 250 - 499 Inquire $10,000 - $25,000
- Snotor is a Web and Mobile Application Development company that helps you enhance the value of your business, reach your strategic goals, and win the market. With 16 years of experience and 450+ [... view the full profile of Snotor]Riga, Latvia 50 - 99 $40/hr $10,000 - $25,000
- Zazz equips your business digitally with mobile, web & custom software development solutions, helping you stay relevant in the dynamic market filled with growing customer needs. [... view the full profile of Zazz]Seattle, Washington 250 - 499 $45/hr Inquire
- JPLoft is a leading mobile & web app development company based in Denver, Colorado. For over a decade, we've turned dream ideas of global brands like Nike, Red Bull, Whirlpool & passionate founders [... view the full profile of JPLoft]Denver, Colorado 100 - 249 Inquire Inquire
- Digis is a Software Development company with a team of 200+ professionals dedicated to Custom Development (Web & Mobile) and design. We have a wealth of experience across several industries [... view the full profile of Digis]New York City, New York 100 - 249 $39/hr $25,000 - $50,000
- We are an award-winning AR, VR and Metaverse agency working with some of the world's largest brands as well as SME's and startups. Some of our most notable clients include: Microsoft, Peugeot [... view the full profile of Takeaway Reality]London, United Kingdom Under 49 Inquire Inquire
- IIH Global offers innovative web, software, and mobile app development services tailored to your needs. As a trusted UK-based agency, we deliver reliable, scalable, and client-focused solutions to [... view the full profile of IIH Global]Rickmansworth, United Kingdom 50 - 99 $20/hr Under $1,000
- Tooploox offers custom software development services that help innovative companies and startups design and build digital products with AI, mobile, and web technologies. [... view the full profile of Tooploox]Wroclaw, Poland 100 - 249 $65/hr $25,000 - $50,000
- iQlance is a leading web &mobile app development company with a strong presence in Dallas, USA. With extensive experience in crafting and deploying innovative mobile applications and software, we [... view the full profile of IQlance Solutions]Dallas, Texas 50 - 99 $25/hr $10,000 - $25,000
- inVerita is a 150 engineers custom software and staff augmentation company that delivers healthcare, pharmacy and medical(IoT), web(.NET/Node.js/Javascript), mobile solutions(Flutter, Native [... view the full profile of InVerita]London, United Kingdom 100 - 249 Inquire Inquire
- TestMatick delivers quality in software testing across a wide range of industries from finance to entertainment. With our skilled quality assurance team, we can begin testing projects of any [... view the full profile of Testmatick]New York City, New York 100 - 249 $14/hr $1,000 - $10,000
- Aristek is a custom development company specializing in AI and DS solutions for EdTech, HealthTech, Logistics, and Retail. Our experts have 22+ years of experience, serving 40+ global clients and [... view the full profile of Aristek Systems]Vilnius, Lithuania 100 - 249 $50/hr $25,000 - $50,000
- We work with ambitious startups, global nonprofits, and Fortune 500s to design and develop the websites and software they need. [... view the full profile of Bilberrry]Seattle, Washington 50 - 99 $100/hr Inquire
- We provide a full range of services as a full-service mobile app development company, including mobile strategy, design, integration, migration, and upgrade, as well as 24 hour support and [... view the full profile of EbizON Digital]California, Maryland 100 - 249 $49/hr $1,000 - $10,000
- Сomprehensive AI-powered healthcare software solutions tailored for business needs of healthcare providers. Full-cycle development, custom apps, and medical IT consulting. Our AI-driven services [... view the full profile of IT Medical]Miami, Florida Under 49 Inquire Inquire
- A3Logics is a premier IT solutions development company specializing in cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). We leverage innovative [... view the full profile of A3Logics]Carlsbad, California 250 - 499 $35/hr $25,000 - $50,000
- Our expert team of engineers, designers, and product strategists offers flexible solutions – whether you need to fill skill gaps or form a dedicated team to lead end-to-end development. [... view the full profile of Cheesecake Labs]San Francisco, California 50 - 99 Inquire Inquire
- Plego Technologies is an organization that offers customised services. Our areas of expertise include software development services, the creation of bespoke web applications as well as their design [... view the full profile of Plego Technologies]Downers Grove, Illinois Under 49 Inquire Inquire
- Rubyroid Labs is a full-cycle software development company specializing in the development of digital solutions. Since 2013, we have been creating software for startups and established businesses [... view the full profile of Rubyroid Labs]Warsaw, Poland 50 - 99 $35/hr $10,000 - $25,000
- Digital Silk is an agency focused on Creating Superior Digital Experiences for their clients. They create cutting-edge brand strategies, websites, apps and results-driven marketing campaigns for [... view the full profile of Digital Silk]New York City, New York 100 - 249 $150/hr Inquire
- Glorium Technologies specializes in tech consulting and engineering for Healthcare and Real Estate. We offer comprehensive software development services, from planning to maintenance. Our mission is [... view the full profile of Glorium Technologies]Princeton, New Jersey 250 - 499 $50/hr $25,000 - $50,000
- IEC/ISO 27001, Google, Microsoft Certified Company [... view the full profile of InoXoft]Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 100 - 249 $35/hr $50,000 & Up
- Newwave Solutions is a top-notch IT outsourcing company with over 12+ years of experience and 300+ dedicated employees. [... view the full profile of Newwave Solutions]Hanoi, Vietnam 500 - 999 $25/hr $25,000 - $50,000
- BitsWits is the top mobile app development company in the US, creating innovative mobile applications that help businesses across industries increase efficiency, engagement, and sales. Our top mobile [... view the full profile of BitsWits]Houston, Texas 100 - 249 $25/hr $25,000 - $50,000
Top Rated: 5-star Average ReviewsTechnical partners | Full-service Web development | IT Outsourcing | Blockchain Development CompanyPeiko is a company that develops the most demanding and technically complex web projects, improving the quality of products for all major IT markets in the world. We have been helping companies and [... view the full profile of Peiko]London, United Kingdom 50 - 99 $40/hr $25,000 - $50,000- With over 15 years of experience as a software product development company, we plan, build and promote new applications so you don't have to.Scopic excels in desktop, web, and mobile app [... view the full profile of Scopic]Marlborough, Massachusetts 250 - 499 $40/hr $1,000 - $10,000
- Phenomenon specializes in data-driven product design and development for SMEs across SaaS, EdTech, FinTech, and Healthcare. We offer UI/UX design, Web & Mobile development, Discovery, MVP creation, UX [... view the full profile of Phenomenon Studio]Wroclaw, Poland 50 - 99 $45/hr Inquire
- Startbit, is a global IT services company with expertise in outsourced web development and custom software development with focusing on Website, eCommerce development, Mobile APP development, and [... view the full profile of Startbit IT Solutions]Wilmington, Delaware 50 - 99 Inquire Inquire
- Alty is the apps design and development company. Our goal is to help startup entrepreneurs and companies implement innovations, making digital interaction with their products and services as simple as [... view the full profile of Alty]Cascais, Portugal 50 - 99 $75/hr $25,000 - $50,000
- We are Redwerk, a software development company that builds killer apps for mobile, web, and SaaS. Since 2005, we've helped over 170 businesses from 22 countries propel their products to new heights. [... view the full profile of Redwerk]Kyiv, Ukraine 50 - 99 $80/hr $10,000 - $25,000
Top Rated: 5-star Average ReviewsAward-winning and Passion-driven app development company. More than a Tech partner.Top 10 Web and Mobile App Developer in Singapore | ISO Certified | Top 100 Singapore's fastest-growing companies 2024 [... view the full profile of Vinova]Singapore, Singapore 250 - 499 $30/hr $1,000 - $10,000- We are Magneto. A team of digital commerce experts working with manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers globally, turning ideas into unique customer and content-centric experiences using a [... view the full profile of Magneto IT Solutions]New York City, New York 250 - 499 $25/hr $10,000 - $25,000
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Custom Software Development Company Hiring Guide
What is a custom software development company?
A custom software development company is a company that creates, designs, deploys, and maintains software applications, systems, or platforms for various industries and purposes. These companies typically employ skilled teams of software engineers, developers, designers, and project managers who collaborate to build customized software solutions based on client needs or market demands.
Software development firms follow structured methodologies, such as Agile or DevOps to ensure efficient development cycles, continuous delivery, and maintenance of high-quality software that aligns with business goals, user expectations, and emerging technology trends. They often provide post-launch support, scaling, and updates to ensure long-term success and optimal software performance.
What does a custom software development company do?
A custom software development company creates, improves, and maintains software solutions for a variety of purposes across a wide range of industries, users, and organizations. Software developers can also improve and personalize existing programs to meet an organization’s needs.
Software development companies commonly offer the following services:
- Consulting
Offering expert advice on software architecture, development methodologies, and technology stacks to align with the client’s business goals and ensure the optimal use of technology - Product development
Creating end-to-end software products, from ideation and concept development to design, prototyping, and final delivery - Mobile app development
Creating native or cross-platform mobile applications for iOS and Android, focusing on building intuitive, responsive apps - Web development
Developing dynamic and responsive websites and web applications, including front-end and back-end development - UI/UX design
Designing the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) aspects of software development - Quality assurance and testing
Conducting QA and testing to ensure that the software is free from defects, performs as expected, and meets the defined requirements - System integration
Connecting different software systems, applications, and databases to work together within an organization’s IT infrastructure - Cloud solutions and DevOps
Optimizing the development lifecycle by automating processes and using cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) to deliver scalable, cost-effective, and secure solutions - Maintenance and support
Providing ongoing support to ensure that the software continues to perform optimally post-launch - Software modernization
Updating and enhancing legacy software systems to improve performance, security, and scalability
What is the difference between custom software and commercial software?
Custom software is developed to meet the unique needs of an individual organization, business, or user. It offers a customized solution with full control over modifications and updates. On the other hand, commercial software (or off-the-shelf software) is designed for a broad audience and has general-purpose functionality, limited customization, and is usually licensed or subscribed to rather than owned.
Here’s a breakdown of their differences and similarities:
Custom software | Commercial software |
Flexible pricing | Fixed pricing |
|
|
Designed for unique requirements by specific users | Designed for purchase and access by anyone |
Example: Banking services | Example: Microsoft Office |
How much do software development firms charge for their services?
The top software development firms can charge between $20,000 to over $300,000 for their services. The total cost of developing software depends on factors, such as project scope, technology stack, and the developer’s level of expertise.
The more complex a project is, and the more developers are involved, the higher the expected cost. A small app that usually takes around 700 hours to develop comes at a lower price, while more complex software with server-side applications can have a six-figure price tag.
The average costs for custom software development by type are:
- Content Management Systems (CMS): $20,000-$50,000
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems: $100,000-$600,000+
- eCommerce solutions: $20,000-$70,000
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems: $150,000-$500,000
- SaaS products: $25,000-$100,000
- Supply chain management solutions: $100,000-$300,000+
The top 50 custom software development agencies on DesignRush charge an average of $55 per hour. 7.1% of software development firms accept projects under $1,000, catering to small scale initiatives, while 5.3% require a $50,000 minimum budget, offering more complex software development services.
Why should I hire a custom software development company?
You should hire a custom software development company because it gives you access to specialized skills, industry experience, and the latest technologies to meet your unique app or system requirements. It can offer flexibility, scalability, and seamless integration with your existing systems, ensuring a custom-built solution that grows with your business needs.
Partner with experienced software development firms because they:
- Use proven software development methodology
- Have deep expertise and specialized skills in the latest technologies
- Can create fully customized software to meet unique business goals
- Can build solutions with scalability in mind than off-the-shelf products
- Understand the importance of security protocols and compliance
- Have the expertise to integrate new software with existing systems
- Can offer technical support and maintenance
- Can ensure your software remains up-to-date, secure, and optimized
Success story
Here's a case study that further reinforces the reasons for hiring a custom software development company:
- Challenge: TradeSmith, a major US-based stock market research tools provider, decided to develop an investment portfolio management system for thousands of active users. It needed a scalable, secure, and stable system capable of handling growing user demands, with continuous upgrades and 24/7 support.
- Solution: Itransition recommended a dedicated team approach for the project. The team developed an investment portfolio management ecosystem, including both web and mobile apps, and provided DevOps, R&D, QA, UX/UI design, and ongoing support. The platform was also migrated to Amazon Web Services (AWS) to consolidate all the client's products into a unified cloud-based solution.
- Results: The flagship investment management platform allows users to make informed decisions and optimize their portfolios with features like real-time market data analysis, investment tracking, and risk alerts. The total value of portfolios managed on the platform has surpassed $20 billion.
How do I choose the best software development firm for my business?
To choose the best software development firm for your business, consider some of the following steps:
- Define your project goals and requirements
Identify your project needs, including specific features, target users, and long-term objectives to help you find a custom software development company with the right expertise and experience for your project. - Research service providers
Look for software development firms with a strong industry reputation by exploring reliable platforms like DesignRush and conducting thorough searches on Google. - Check their background and expertise
Search for potential software development companies with experience, expertise, and portfolios in your industry. The more your partner understands your target market and competition, the better it can meet your needs, provide high-quality solutions, and deliver quickly. - Browse client reviews and testimonials
Check trusted review platforms like DesigRush to find verified reviews and testimonials that illustrate the software development company's capabilities and past successes. - Look for case studies
Assess available case studies on their websites to get an insight into their experience, problem-solving approach, and ability to deliver results on similar projects. - Make a shortlist of candidates
Create a list of potential custom software development companies you’ll want to work with, and then send them a project brief along with detailed requests for proposal (RFP). - Set up a call
After receiving their proposals, set up an interview to further learn about the companies, their capabilities, and processes. - Assess their project management style
During your call, inquire about the software development firms' project management approach. Ask if they provide frequent updates, collaborative project management tools, and a clear point of contact. - Evaluate their technical skills and capabilities
Make sure the company is proficient in the technologies, frameworks, and programming languages relevant to your project. - Ask about QA testing and maintenance
Assess how the company will do quality control by asking about its testing methods, including manual and automated testing, to ensure the software will be reliable, secure, and bug-free. - Check post-launch support and maintenance
A reliable partner should provide ongoing support and maintenance to keep the software up-to-date and optimized. Also, confirm that it offers post-launch services as part of the package or as an optional add-on. - Ensure security and compliance
Make sure the software development company has robust security practices and experience with compliance requirements specific to your industry to protect sensitive data and meet regulatory standards. - Assess their communication style
Finally, evaluate the team’s communication skills and responsiveness in addressing your questions and concerns, as clear communication is crucial in keeping the project on track.
If you still need help finding a custom software development company, go to our Marketplace and give us some details about your project. Our team will send you a list of five top-rated firms that will match your requirements — for free.
How do I find the best custom software development company on DesignRush that fits my budget?
Use DesignRush's advanced filters to find the best custom software development company that fits your budget. You can filter results by budget, with options ranging from $1,000 to $50,000.
Low Budget: 1k above | |
Mid Budget: 10k above | |
High Budget: 50k above |
You can also browse through our directory to explore more company profiles by location, niche industries, area of expertise, team size, pricing, and hourly rates to comprehensively compare custom software development companies and find the best one for your business.
What red flags to watch out for when hiring software development firms?
Watch out for these clear red flags when hiring a software development firm:
- Lack of specialized expertise
Avoid companies with limited expertise in certain advanced technologies, tools, or domains - Unclear pricing and contracts
Be wary of agencies that are vague about their pricing structure or offer extremely low rates, as this may indicate low-quality work or hidden costs - Resistance to feedback and change requests
Don't consider a software development firm that is resistant to your input or seems inflexible, it could lead to problems down the line - Lack of experience and portfolio
Be cautious of software development agencies that can't provide a portfolio of previous work, you'll need to make sure they have the experience and skills to deliver on your project - Negative online reviews and reputation
Avoid any company with a poor reputation, and always check for any negative reviews or complaints - Overpromising
Be cautious of firms that make unrealistic promises or guarantees because the right partner will never overpromise what they can do - Slow to respond
Don't even consider a software development firm if you find it difficult to communicate with the company or get updates during the negotiation period - No clear ownership and accountability
Avoid companies that seem disorganized or lack a clear project management structure
What questions should I ask custom software development companies before hiring one?
Here are some important questions to ask before hiring a custom software development company:
Its Relevant Background
- How long have you been in business, and how many clients have you worked with?
- What industries have you primarily worked in? Do you have experience with [specific industry, e.g., healthcare, finance]?
- Which coding languages and technology frameworks do you specialize in?
- Can you provide examples of previous work, including case studies or success stories?
- How large is your team, and what are their core areas of expertise?
- What certifications, awards, or industry recognitions does your company have?
- What percentage of your projects come from repeat clients?
- What is your company culture like? How do you foster collaboration and innovation among your team members?
- How do you charge for your services? Is there a fixed-price or time and materials model?
Its Services and Processes
- What development methodologies do you typically use (e.g., Agile, Waterfall)?
- How do you manage projects? What tools do you use for project tracking and communication?
- How do you handle quality assurance and testing, and what does your testing process involve?
- How do you ensure the security of your development processes and the software you deliver?
- How frequently do you provide project updates, and through which channels?
- What kind of post-launch maintenance and support do you offer? What is your typical support SLA?
- Are you able to scale the project as needed, and how do you manage scaling in terms of time and cost?
- Do you outsource any project tasks to contractors?
- How do you handle intellectual property and confidentiality?
Relevant to Your Project
- How will you allocate resources to this project? Will you assign a dedicated team or use a pool of developers?
- How do you approach the first phases of the project?
- How do you determine how long the project timeline will be?
- How often can we expect updates and progress reports?
- What is your post-launch policy? What happens if we're less than satisfied with the output?
- Will we have access to the codebase and other project documentation upon completion?
- What files will I have access to during the project?
- What are the services included in our total project cost?
- What would the actual deliverables be?
- Who will be the designated point of contact throughout the project?
- How do you handle project disputes or conflicts?
What are the best custom software development companies in the US?
These are the best custom software development companies in the US:
- Kanda Software
- 4.7 stars on DesignRush (15 reviews)
- 4.8 stars on Google (9 reviews)
- Top clients: OneSky, Rue La La, Imprivata, Lionbridge
- Itransition
- 4.9 stars on DesignRush (21 reviews)
- Top clients: PayPal, Adidas, PepsiCo, eBay
- BairesDev
- 4.8 stars on DesignRush (25 reviews)
- 4.1 stars on Google (31 reviews)
- Top clients: Google, IBM, Salesforce, Rolls-Royce
- Diffco
- 5.0 stars on DesignRush (37 reviews)
- 5.0 stars on Google (22 reviews)
- Top clients: Nokia Care, Food Rocket, NCRIC, International Business Times
- Codup
- 4.9 stars on DesignRush (43 reviews)
- 4.5 stars on Google (46 reviews)
- Top clients: Unilever, Dyson, Harrods, National Wildlife Federation
Why Trust DesignRush
Rated 4.7 on Google and Trustpilot, DesignRush Agency Directory is a reliable resource for finding software development companies. We owe this to our executive selection team, which follows a strict screening process when featuring agencies on the platform, assessing key performance indicators, like portfolio, client reviews, and industry reputation.

Sources
DesignRush sustains a directory of over 30,000 agencies categorized by service category, location, expertise, and reviews. We build our database in two ways:
- Our dedicated team of agency experts actively searches the web for top-performing companies. We then pull information from their websites, online presence, and client testimonials to verify their status and qualifications prior to listing.
- The agencies listed get notified of their profiles on the website and they can choose to claim it or not, which suggests their availability for more collaborations.
Agencies can also reach out to DesignRush and must go through the verification process prior to being listed.