ELEKS vs DataArt: full comparison for 2026
Quick verdict
ELEKS (4.4/5) edges ahead of DataArt (4.0/5) overall. ELEKS is the better choice for data-heavy custom software, Ukrainian rates, mature processes. DataArt is the stronger option for travel and finance firms, long-term nearshore teams. The right choice depends on your project size, budget, and required tech stack.
ELEKS vs DataArt: head-to-head summary
| Criterion | ELEKS | DataArt |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 | 1997 |
| HQ | Tallinn, Estonia (engineering in Lviv; London office) | New York, United States (London office) |
| Team size | 2,000+ | 5,000–6,000 |
| Rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Primary differentiator | Three decades of outsourced delivery with an in-house research and development unit | Two decades of London presence and specialist travel-industry engineering |
| Pricing model | Time and materials, dedicated team, fixed price | Time and materials, dedicated team |
| Min. engagement | Not published | Not published |
| Primary tech stack | .NET, Java, Python | Java, .NET, Python |
| Industries served | Financial services, Logistics, Healthcare, Media, Retail | Travel and hospitality, Financial services, Healthcare, Media, Retail |
ELEKS vs DataArt: 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.
DataArt
Eugene Goland founded DataArt in New York in 1997, and the company opened in London in 2001. It reports more than 6,000 people as of September 2025, spread across Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and elsewhere. Travel and hospitality, finance and healthcare are its strongest industries. UK clients get a long-standing London presence with delivery from lower-cost locations.
Services and capabilities: ELEKS vs DataArt
| Capability | ELEKS | DataArt |
|---|---|---|
| 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 DataArt
| Framework / platform | ELEKS | DataArt |
|---|---|---|
| .NET | ✓ | ✓ |
| Java | ✓ | ✓ |
| Python | ✓ | ✓ |
| React | ✓ | ✓ |
| AWS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Azure | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kubernetes | N/A | N/A |
| Embedded | N/A | N/A |
Pricing comparison: ELEKS vs DataArt
| Criterion | ELEKS | DataArt |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum engagement | Not published | Not published |
| Engagement models | Dedicated team, Fixed project, Time and materials | Dedicated team, Time and materials |
| Rate transparency | Not public | Not public |
| Price tier | Mid-market | Mid-market |
Target audience comparison: ELEKS vs DataArt
| Dimension | ELEKS | DataArt |
|---|---|---|
| Best company size | Startup to mid-market | Startup to mid-market |
| Best industries | Financial services, Logistics, Healthcare | Travel and hospitality, Financial services, 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 travel company needs booking-engine and distribution work., A financial firm wants legacy trading software modernised. |
| Typical project type | Dedicated team | Dedicated team |
ELEKS vs DataArt: 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 |
| DataArt | |
|---|---|
| + | London office has been open since 2001 |
| + | Specialist knowledge of travel booking and distribution systems |
| + | Delivery spread across several regions |
| - | US headquarters means UK contracts may sit with a non-UK parent |
| - | Headcount estimates vary widely between sources |
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 DataArt?
A typical fit: a travel company needs booking-engine and distribution work.
Two decades of London presence and specialist travel-industry engineering. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Travel and hospitality, Financial services, Healthcare, Media, Retail.
Decision matrix: ELEKS vs DataArt
| 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 DataArt (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 DataArt
| Use case | ELEKS fit | DataArt 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 travel company needs booking-engine and distribution work. | Limited | Strong | DataArt |
| A financial firm wants legacy trading software modernised. | Limited | Strong | DataArt |
| 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 | Limited | ELEKS |
Verdict: ELEKS vs DataArt
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.
DataArt (4.0/5) is worth a look in a scenario like this: a financial firm wants legacy trading software modernised. If your situation matches that, DataArt is a competitive option.
Related comparisons
ELEKS vs DataArt FAQ
Is ELEKS better than DataArt?
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. DataArt's strongest advantage: london office has been open since 2001.
How do ELEKS and DataArt differ in pricing?
ELEKS uses time and materials, dedicated team, fixed price pricing. DataArt uses time and materials, dedicated team pricing. Neither firm publishes a full rate card; a discovery call is required for project-specific quotes.
Which is better for enterprise: ELEKS or DataArt?
DataArt 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 DataArt?
ELEKS's primary differentiator is: three decades of outsourced delivery with an in-house research and development unit. DataArt's primary differentiator is: two decades of London presence and specialist travel-industry engineering. They also differ in team size (2,000+ vs 5,000–6,000), minimum engagement (Not published vs Not published), and primary industries served (Financial services, Logistics vs Travel and hospitality, Financial services).
Verify all details directly with each company before making a decision.