A logo is how customers remember your business. Just think about how quickly you recognize brands based solely on their logos, like Coca-Cola, Apple, and Mcdonald’s. In contrast, not having a logo will make you look unprofessional and people likely won’t remember you.
Based on your budget, your design skill, and the urgency of your project, here are the 4 best logo design services to get a logo for your business right now:
Which one should you pick?
Here’s a quick summary of which logo design service is best for whom:
| Logo design service | Cost | Pick if |
|---|---|---|
| 99designs Best overall | – $149 – $299 – $899 | – You need a logo in 3 to 7 days – You can spend at least $149 on a logo – You want to get 60+ logo design ideas from professional designers – You don’t have ongoing design needs |
| Looka Best logo maker | – $20 or $65 – $92/yr or $192/yr | – You need a logo right now (10 minutes) – You’re on a tight budget ($20+) – You want to create a logo yourself even if you have no design skills – You want a complete branding kit + website ($92/yr+) |
| Kimp Best design service | – from $299/mo | – You want a free logo (use their 14-day free trial) – You have ongoing design needs and can spend at least $400/mo |
| Toptal Best freelance service | – from $80/hr | – You want a professional and highly-vetted logo designer – You can spend at least $500 |
If you need more information, keep reading our in-depth reviews of the best logo design services.
Best logo design services: In-depth reviews
1. 99designs
Best logo design service
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Why we chose it: 99designs stands out as the premier logo design company for one-time projects. With a reasonable price of just $299 (which is a steal for a professional logo), you can launch a contest that typically attracts around 60 logo design submissions. For more options, higher quality designers, and extra features, you can opt for higher-priced packages that ultimately give you more logo design choices. The best part? If you’re not satisfied with any of the submissions, you have a 60-day window to request a full refund. We put this to the test, and they delivered on their promise without any hassle.
How it works: 99designs operates as a crowdsourced logo design platform. By initiating a “contest,” you invite numerous designers to showcase their unique interpretations of your desired logo. Once the contest deadline passes, you simply choose your favorite design, awarding the prize money to the winning designer. You can also request minor revisions if needed.
Potential drawbacks: Although 99designs is an exceptional logo design service, it’s not without its shortcomings. The main drawback of the lowest tier contest is that the quality of submissions may not meet your expectations, as it’s open to all designers, and top professionals might not participate. To ensure access to professional designers, you can select the Gold Contest for $899 or the Essential package for a 1-to-1 logo design experience.
Best alternatives: If you’re interested in exploring other crowdsourced logo design services, Crowdspring is a viable option. However, it falls notably short of the benchmark set by 99designs.
2. Looka
Best online logo logo maker
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Why we chose it: Looka stands out as the top logo maker for logo design, offering a high degree of flexibility and an impressive array of features at a competitive price point. For just $20, you can acquire a logo, or you can pay an additional $45 to receive it in vector formats. Subscription plans grant access to over 300 branded designs, including business cards, email signatures, social post templates, and more, starting at $96/year. For $192/year, you can also get a website. We selected Looka due to its versatile offerings and exceptional value for money.
How it works: Looka guides you through the logo creation process with a user-friendly setup wizard. Begin by inputting your company name and an optional slogan. Then, select colors, fonts, logo layouts, and examples of logos you like, provided by Looka. The platform’s AI engine generates dozens of logo concepts for you to save and edit. You only pay when you’re satisfied with the logo and ready to download it.
Potential drawbacks: Looka’s primary limitation is its software, which restricts users from performing advanced text manipulation or creating intricate icons. If you require such features in your logo, consider exploring other options on this list.
Best alternatives: A noteworthy alternative to Looka is Tailor Brands. While Looka focuses on DIY logo design, Tailor Brands provides a broader range of services. These include graphic design, website hosting, LLC formation (even outside the US), tax filing, business account creation, business insurance, and more. As a result, Tailor Brands is the ideal choice for new business owners seeking a comprehensive solution, while Looka is perfect for those who require only a logo (along with design and website options).
3. Kimp
Best logo design service subscription
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Why we chose it: Kimp may not be our top-rated unlimited graphic design service, but it offers a quick and cost-effective solution for logo creation. We recommend Kimp if a) you need designs on an ongoing basis due to the monthly subscription model, or b) you want to take advantage of their free trial for a complimentary logo.
How it works: Sign up for a free account using the free trial link (orange button in the top right corner). As it’s a subscription-based service, you’ll need to provide your payment information, but you won’t be charged until the trial period ends. Once registered, submit a logo design task through Kimp’s user-friendly platform. Your design manager will review the request and assign it to a designer. Within one or two days, you’ll receive your logo design, which you can approve or request additional revisions.
Potential drawbacks: Kimp does not specialize in logo design; it’s just one of the services they offer. Therefore, you may not be assigned a professional logo designer. Additionally, Kimp may not be the best choice if you’re looking for the top unlimited graphic design service.
Best alternatives: If the idea of a virtual designer appeals to you, consider Awesomic as the superior alternative or ManyPixels as the budget-friendly option.
4. Toptal
Best freelance logo design company
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Why we chose it: Toptal stands out as one of the few companies that hire genuine professionals. Their rigorous vetting process often takes several weeks, with only a small percentage of designers making the cut. Opting for Toptal is risk-free, as they manage all transactions between you and the designer. Additionally, each new designer you hire comes with a 14-day free trial, so if you’re not satisfied, you pay nothing.
How it works: The hiring process with Toptal takes longer than with other platforms. First, you’ll complete a questionnaire, followed by at least two meetings with their team members, who will identify the most suitable logo designer for your project. Afterward, you’ll have a virtual meeting with the selected designer. The entire process, from start to finish, can take anywhere from one to several weeks.
Potential drawbacks: Toptal’s pricing may be a significant hurdle for many businesses. Before hiring, you must make a $500 deposit, which, although fully refundable if you change your mind, may be a substantial amount for small businesses. Furthermore, their top-tier designers charge hourly rates ranging from $80 to $150.
Best alternatives: If you’re willing to trade quality for more affordable pricing, Fiverr and Upwork are viable options. However, for comparable quality, Upwork and Fiverr’s pricing tends to be on par with Toptal’s.
What is a logo design service?
Definition: A logo design service is a professional provider that specializes in creating unique and memorable logos for businesses, organizations, or individuals. These services help clients develop an emblem or symbol that effectively represents their brand and communicates their desired message to their target audience.
A logo design service plays a crucial role in building a strong brand identity. A well-designed logo creates a lasting impression, increases brand recognition, and differentiates a business from its competitors. By collaborating with clients to understand their vision, values, and target market, logo design services craft a visual representation that embodies these elements, ultimately contributing to a cohesive and successful brand identity.
Advantages
- Time-saving – Logo design services save clients valuable time by handling the design process from start to finish, allowing business owners to focus on other essential aspects of their operations.
- Professional expertise – These services employ skilled designers with extensive experience in creating logos, ensuring that clients receive a high-quality, polished design that effectively represents their brand.
- Customization – Logo design services work closely with clients to understand their unique needs, preferences, and brand identity, resulting in a custom design tailored to their specific requirements.
Disadvantages
- Cost – Professional logo design services can be expensive, with pricing varying based on the designer’s experience, project complexity, and the level of customization requested.
- Potential communication barriers – Working with a logo design service may involve communication challenges, particularly if the client and designer are located in different time zones or have language barriers.
- Limited control over the creative process – While logo design services offer customization, clients may still feel they have limited control over the creative process, particularly if they have a specific vision that the designer does not fully understand or agree with.
Types of logo design services
1. Unlimited graphic design services
Unlimited graphic design services provide clients with a fixed-rate subscription for a wide range of design tasks, including logo design. These services offer a dedicated designer or design team that works on projects on an ongoing basis without any limitations on revisions.
Pros:
- Cost-effective for businesses with multiple design needs
- Unlimited revisions allow for fine-tuning of the logo
- A dedicated designer ensures consistency in branding
Cons:
- Less personalized attention compared to hiring an in-house designer
- Potentially slower turnaround times due to workload and other clients
- Quality may vary depending on the skill level of the assigned designer
- Limited communication or collaboration compared to working with an in-house team
- Risk of over-dependence on a single service provider for all design needs
» More: Best unlimited graphic design services
Crowdsourced graphic design services
Crowdsourced graphic design services involve posting a logo design contest, where multiple designers submit their concepts based on the client’s brief. The client then selects the winning design that best suits their needs.
Pros:
- Access to a wide range of creative ideas
- Competitive pricing due to designer competition
- Option to choose from multiple design concepts
Cons:
- Lack of personalized attention from designers
- Intellectual property concerns with multiple design submissions
- Inconsistent quality of submitted designs
Freelancers
Freelancers are self-employed designers who offer their logo design services on a project-by-project basis. Clients can find freelancers through online platforms, personal recommendations, or professional networks.
Pros:
- Direct communication with the designer
- Flexibility in pricing and negotiation
- Option to choose a designer with a specific skill set
Cons:
- No guarantee of availability for future projects
- Quality and reliability may vary
- Limited support compared to a design agency
Design agencies
Design agencies are specialized companies that provide a range of design services, including logo design. These agencies employ a team of experienced designers and project managers who collaborate on client projects.
Pros:
- Access to a team of professional designers
- Dedicated project management and support
- High level of expertise and experience
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to other options
- May prioritize larger clients or projects
- Limited flexibility in pricing
Online logo makers
Description Online logo makers, such as Looka, are web-based tools that allow users to create their logos using customizable templates and pre-designed elements. These platforms often provide a simple, user-friendly interface for creating a logo quickly.
Pros:
- An affordable option for startups or small businesses
- Fast turnaround time for logo creation
- User-friendly design process
Cons:
- Limited customization and uniqueness
- May not provide the same level of professional quality
- Potential similarity to other logos due to pre-designed elements
Factors to consider when choosing a logo design service
Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on a logo design service. Keep in mind that the cost may vary depending on the type of service, designer’s experience, and the level of customization desired. Be sure to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option while staying within your budget.
Timeline Consider the urgency of your logo design project. Some services may have faster turnaround times, while others may take longer to complete the project. Make sure to choose a service that can accommodate your deadline without compromising the quality of the design.
Design preferences Reflect on your design preferences and the complexity of the logo you envision. If you have a specific style or concept in mind, it’s essential to choose a service that can cater to your preferences and bring your vision to life. Reviewing the designer’s portfolio or previous work can help you determine if their style aligns with your expectations.
Designer’s experience and portfolio Examine the experience and portfolio of the designer or design service you’re considering. Look for a history of successful projects, satisfied clients, and a design style that resonates with your brand. Experienced designers are more likely to understand your needs and deliver a high-quality, professional logo that effectively represents your brand.
How to provide an effective logo design brief
A well-prepared logo design brief is essential for obtaining the best results quickly. Providing clear instructions and relevant information will help the designer understand your needs and create a logo that meets your expectations. Here’s what you should include in your brief:
Company background. Share information about your company, such as its history, mission, target audience, and core values. This context will help the designer create a logo that accurately represents your brand.
Logo objectives. Explain the primary goal of your logo. Describe the message you want to convey and the emotions you want your logo to evoke. This information will guide the designer in creating a logo that aligns with your brand’s objectives.
Design preferences. Specify your design preferences, such as colors, typography, and style (minimalist, vintage, modern, etc.). Provide examples of logos you like and explain what you appreciate about them. This information will give the designer a clear understanding of your aesthetic preferences.
Required elements. If you want to include specific elements, such as icons, shapes, or taglines, mention them in the brief. Be clear about their importance and how you envision them being incorporated into the logo.
Usage and application. Explain how and where the logo will be used, such as on websites, social media, print materials, or merchandise. This information will help the designer create a versatile logo that works well across different platforms and mediums.
Timeline and budget. Clearly state your project deadline and budget. Providing this information upfront will help the designer manage their time effectively and ensure that the project stays within your budget constraints.
Communication and feedback. Explain your preferred method of communication and how often you would like to receive updates on the project. Establishing a clear feedback process will help ensure smooth communication and timely revisions throughout the project.
How we pick and test the best logo design services
We have a long history of testing various graphic design services, many of which also offer logo design. These services range from freelance platforms and online logo makers to professional agencies and unlimited graphic design services.
In this list of the best logo design services, we introduced the top picks in each category of crowdsourced services, online logo makers, unlimited graphic design services, and freelancers since each comes with its own unique pros and cons. We also provided one or two alternatives for each, so you can first narrow down what kind of services you want and then pick the best one from them.
We tested and reviewed all top logo design companies in this list. We started by submitting several design requests to each, some of which were also logos. Throughout the entire process, we took notes of likes and dislikes and evaluated each logo design service in terms of quality, user experience, price, customer support, and extra features.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best logo design service in 2023?
How much does getting a logo design cost?
The cost of getting a logo designed varies by the type of service you pick. Freelance logo designers charge between $15 and $150 per hour, crowdsourced services deliver between 30 and 90 design concepts for $200 to $1,200, and agencies cost from a couple of hundred to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Is $500 too much for logo design?
How much you spend on a logo depends on your budget and goals. Small businesses usually spend from $0 to $2,000 per logo, while corporations spend hundreds of thousands of dollars or even millions.
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