ELEKS vs STX Next: full comparison for 2026
Quick verdict
ELEKS (4.4/5) edges ahead of STX Next (4.2/5) overall. ELEKS is the better choice for data-heavy custom software, Ukrainian rates, mature processes. STX Next is the stronger option for python back ends and data products, Polish rates. The right choice depends on your project size, budget, and required tech stack.
ELEKS vs STX Next: head-to-head summary
| Criterion | ELEKS | STX Next |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 | 2005 |
| HQ | Tallinn, Estonia (engineering in Lviv; London office) | Poznań, Poland |
| Team size | 2,000+ | 500–600 |
| Rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Primary differentiator | Three decades of outsourced delivery with an in-house research and development unit | Deep Python specialism across web back ends, data engineering and machine learning |
| 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 | Python, Django, FastAPI |
| Industries served | Financial services, Logistics, Healthcare, Media, Retail | Fintech, Healthcare, Media, Retail |
ELEKS vs STX Next: 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.
STX Next
STX Next was founded in Poznań in 2005 and built its name as one of Europe's largest Python-focused development companies. Its March 2025 anniversary release cited about 500 people and more than 1,000 projects delivered. A later combination with Gliwice's Brainhub added roughly 100 more engineers. Innova Capital has been an investor since 2020.
Services and capabilities: ELEKS vs STX Next
| Capability | ELEKS | STX Next |
|---|---|---|
| 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 STX Next
| Framework / platform | ELEKS | STX Next |
|---|---|---|
| .NET | ✓ | N/A |
| Java | ✓ | N/A |
| Python | ✓ | ✓ |
| React | ✓ | ✓ |
| AWS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Azure | ✓ | N/A |
| Kubernetes | N/A | N/A |
| Embedded | N/A | N/A |
Pricing comparison: ELEKS vs STX Next
| Criterion | ELEKS | STX Next |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum engagement | Not published | Not published |
| Engagement models | Dedicated team, Fixed project, Time and materials | Dedicated team, Team extension, Time and materials |
| Rate transparency | Not public | Not public |
| Price tier | Mid-market | Mid-market |
Target audience comparison: ELEKS vs STX Next
| Dimension | ELEKS | STX Next |
|---|---|---|
| Best company size | Startup to mid-market | Startup to mid-market |
| Best industries | Financial services, Logistics, Healthcare | Fintech, Healthcare, Media |
| 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 fintech needs a Django back end rebuilt and scaled., A media company wants data ingestion jobs and recommendation models written in Python. |
| Typical project type | Dedicated team | Dedicated team |
ELEKS vs STX Next: 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 |
| STX Next | |
|---|---|
| + | Python depth is hard to match among mid-sized European vendors |
| + | Combined STX Next and Brainhub team adds JavaScript and product capacity |
| + | Polish location gives near-total working-day overlap with the UK |
| - | No staffed UK office was found, so account management is run from Poland |
| - | The Brainhub merger is recent, and integration may take time |
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 STX Next?
A typical fit: a fintech needs a Django back end rebuilt and scaled.
Deep Python specialism across web back ends, data engineering and machine learning. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Fintech, Healthcare, Media, Retail.
Decision matrix: ELEKS vs STX Next
| 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 STX Next (Not published) |
| You need specialist depth in a specific vertical | ELEKS |
| You want engineers added to your own in-house team | STX Next |
| Your product includes hardware, firmware or connected devices | Neither; consider an embedded specialist |
Use case fit: ELEKS vs STX Next
| Use case | ELEKS fit | STX Next 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 fintech needs a Django back end rebuilt and scaled. | Limited | Strong | STX Next |
| A media company wants data ingestion jobs and recommendation models written in Python. | Limited | Strong | STX Next |
| 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 STX Next
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.
STX Next (4.2/5) is worth a look in a scenario like this: a media company wants data ingestion jobs and recommendation models written in Python. If your situation matches that, STX Next is a competitive option.
Related comparisons
ELEKS vs STX Next FAQ
Is ELEKS better than STX Next?
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. STX Next's strongest advantage: python depth is hard to match among mid-sized European vendors.
How do ELEKS and STX Next differ in pricing?
ELEKS uses time and materials, dedicated team, fixed price pricing. STX Next 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 STX Next?
STX Next 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 STX Next?
ELEKS's primary differentiator is: three decades of outsourced delivery with an in-house research and development unit. STX Next's primary differentiator is: deep Python specialism across web back ends, data engineering and machine learning. They also differ in team size (2,000+ vs 500–600), minimum engagement (Not published vs Not published), and primary industries served (Financial services, Logistics vs Fintech, Healthcare).
Verify all details directly with each company before making a decision.