ELEKS vs Apadmi: full comparison for 2026
Quick verdict
ELEKS (4.4/5) edges ahead of Apadmi (3.9/5) overall. ELEKS is the better choice for data-heavy custom software, Ukrainian rates, mature processes. Apadmi is the stronger option for UK brands that need flagship mobile apps. The right choice depends on your project size, budget, and required tech stack.
ELEKS vs Apadmi: head-to-head summary
| Criterion | ELEKS | Apadmi |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 | 2009 |
| HQ | Tallinn, Estonia (engineering in Lviv; London office) | Manchester, United Kingdom |
| Team size | 2,000+ | 250–300 |
| Rating | 4.4 / 5 | 3.9 / 5 |
| Primary differentiator | Three decades of outsourced delivery with an in-house research and development unit | Mobile-only specialism with a client list of household UK names |
| Pricing model | Time and materials, dedicated team, fixed price | Time and materials, fixed price |
| Min. engagement | Not published | Not published |
| Primary tech stack | .NET, Java, Python | Swift, Kotlin, Flutter |
| Industries served | Financial services, Logistics, Healthcare, Media, Retail | Retail, Media, Healthcare, Public sector |
ELEKS vs Apadmi: overview
ELEKS
ELEKS began in Lviv in 1991, which makes it one of the oldest software companies in Ukraine. It now lists Tallinn, Estonia as its corporate headquarters and keeps a London office on Beech Street. Around 2,000 specialists work on custom software, data science, and research and development projects, mostly from Ukraine and Poland. Its long history with Western European clients shows in fairly mature delivery processes.
Apadmi
Apadmi was founded in 2009 in Manchester and has its headquarters at MediaCity. It reported more than 300 employees in 2024, with hubs in London, Edinburgh, Lisbon and Amsterdam. The company builds and maintains mobile apps for large UK brands, including Argos, the BBC, Co-op, Asda and the NHS. Its Lisbon hub adds a lower-cost option within Western Europe.
Services and capabilities: ELEKS vs Apadmi
| Capability | ELEKS | Apadmi |
|---|---|---|
| Custom software development | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app development | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cloud & DevOps | ✓ | ✗ |
| Data & AI | ✓ | ✗ |
| Legacy modernisation | ✗ | ✗ |
| Embedded & IoT | ✗ | ✗ |
| Dedicated team model | ✓ | ✗ |
| Fixed-price projects | ✓ | ✓ |
Tech stack comparison: ELEKS vs Apadmi
| Framework / platform | ELEKS | Apadmi |
|---|---|---|
| .NET | ✓ | N/A |
| Java | ✓ | N/A |
| Python | ✓ | N/A |
| React | ✓ | ✓ |
| AWS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Azure | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kubernetes | N/A | N/A |
| Embedded | N/A | N/A |
Pricing comparison: ELEKS vs Apadmi
| Criterion | ELEKS | Apadmi |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum engagement | Not published | Not published |
| Engagement models | Dedicated team, Fixed project, Time and materials | Fixed project, Time and materials |
| Rate transparency | Not public | Not public |
| Price tier | Mid-market | Mid-market |
Target audience comparison: ELEKS vs Apadmi
| Dimension | ELEKS | Apadmi |
|---|---|---|
| Best company size | Startup to mid-market | Startup to mid-market |
| Best industries | Financial services, Logistics, Healthcare | Retail, Media, Healthcare |
| Best use cases | A logistics firm wants route and demand forecasting built into its operations software., A UK company needs a dedicated team for a multi-year product build at nearshore rates. | A retailer needs a high-traffic shopping app rebuilt., An NHS body wants a patient app. |
| Typical project type | Dedicated team | Fixed project |
ELEKS vs Apadmi: pros and cons
| ELEKS | |
|---|---|
| + | Thirty-plus years in business is a strong signal of stability for a long contract |
| + | A London office gives UK buyers a local contracting and meeting point |
| + | Data science and analytics work is a genuine strength alongside general development |
| + | Rates are in the Ukrainian band, well under UK onshore pricing |
| - | Most engineering is in Ukraine, so buyers should review continuity plans given the war |
| - | The London office is mainly a sales and account presence, not a delivery centre |
| Apadmi | |
|---|---|
| + | Mobile focus brings deep iOS and Android expertise |
| + | Recognisable UK client list gives reassurance on quality |
| + | Lisbon hub offers some rate flexibility |
| - | Narrow focus; back-office and enterprise systems are not its core |
| - | Mostly UK delivery, so pricing is close to onshore rates |
Who should choose ELEKS?
A typical fit: a logistics firm wants route and demand forecasting built into its operations software.
Three decades of outsourced delivery with an in-house research and development unit. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Financial services, Logistics, Healthcare, Media, Retail.
Who should choose Apadmi?
A typical fit: a retailer needs a high-traffic shopping app rebuilt.
Mobile-only specialism with a client list of household UK names. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Retail, Media, Healthcare, Public sector.
Decision matrix: ELEKS vs Apadmi
| Your situation | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| You need full-ownership delivery on a defined project scope | ELEKS |
| You need a large dedicated team for an ongoing programme | ELEKS |
| Your budget is at the lower end | Compare: ELEKS (Not published) vs Apadmi (Not published) |
| You need specialist depth in a specific vertical | ELEKS |
| You want engineers added to your own in-house team | Neither lists team extension; ask about dedicated teams |
| Your product includes hardware, firmware or connected devices | Neither; consider an embedded specialist |
Use case fit: ELEKS vs Apadmi
| Use case | ELEKS fit | Apadmi fit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| A logistics firm wants route and demand forecasting built into its operations software. | Strong | Limited | ELEKS |
| A UK company needs a dedicated team for a multi-year product build at nearshore rates. | Strong | Limited | ELEKS |
| A retailer needs a high-traffic shopping app rebuilt. | Limited | Strong | Apadmi |
| An NHS body wants a patient app. | Limited | Strong | Apadmi |
| You need hardware, firmware or IoT work in the same contract | Limited | Limited | Both equally |
| You want a fixed-price first phase before a longer engagement | Strong | Strong | Both equally |
Verdict: ELEKS vs Apadmi
ELEKS (4.4/5) is the stronger overall choice for most Software Development Outsourcing projects. Three decades of outsourced delivery with an in-house research and development unit.
Apadmi (3.9/5) is worth a look in a scenario like this: an NHS body wants a patient app. If your situation matches that, Apadmi is a competitive option.
Related comparisons
ELEKS vs Apadmi FAQ
Is ELEKS better than Apadmi?
ELEKS (4.4/5) scores higher overall, but "better" depends on your use case. ELEKS's strongest advantage: thirty-plus years in business is a strong signal of stability for a long contract. Apadmi's strongest advantage: mobile focus brings deep iOS and Android expertise.
How do ELEKS and Apadmi differ in pricing?
ELEKS uses time and materials, dedicated team, fixed price pricing. Apadmi uses time and materials, fixed price pricing. Neither firm publishes a full rate card; a discovery call is required for project-specific quotes.
Which is better for enterprise: ELEKS or Apadmi?
Apadmi is the larger team and typically the better enterprise-scale choice. For very large programmes, verify team size and compliance coverage directly with each company before shortlisting.
What are the main differences between ELEKS and Apadmi?
ELEKS's primary differentiator is: three decades of outsourced delivery with an in-house research and development unit. Apadmi's primary differentiator is: mobile-only specialism with a client list of household UK names. They also differ in team size (2,000+ vs 250–300), minimum engagement (Not published vs Not published), and primary industries served (Financial services, Logistics vs Retail, Media).
Verify all details directly with each company before making a decision.