Top Media Buying & Planning Agencies

Researched by:Goodfirms Research TeamUpdated:September 21, 2026

Goodfirms has reviewed 3,799 Media Buying & Planning Agencies as of September 2026 across 102 countries. The top-ranked firm is SmartSites (4.9 stars, 16 verified reviews, $100 - $149/hr, founded 2011, Jersey City). Across the category, the median hourly rate is $37, median client rating is 4.8, and 17% of firms employ 50+ members. Explore the vetted Media Buying & Planning Agencies companies below, compare their strengths, and connect with the provider best suited to your requirements.

Buying media without the right strategy can drain budgets fast. That’s why top media buying agencies focus on precision, performance, and constant optimization across digital and traditional channels. Goodfirms makes this process easier by curating a vetted list of trusted media buying and planning agencies, evaluated on market presence, client feedback, and proven results. With detailed profiles, verified reviews, and smart filters, Goodfirms helps businesses confidently compare media buying companies that align with their goals, budget, and target audience.

How this list is built: All 3,799 firms below pass Goodfirms' 4-step verification process (background check, client interviews, portfolio audit, ongoing quality review). Listings marked "Sponsored" are agencies that pay for premium placement - sponsorship does not affect star ratings or review content.

Top 10 at Glance

Compare the highest-ranked firms first side by side.

Rank
Company
Rating
Reviews
Hourly Rate
Team Size
Founded
Location
Action

List of the Best Media Buying Companies & Planning Firms

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Hourly Rate
Employees
ReviewsAll Companies
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Client Type
  • SmartSites is a trusted media planning company delivering data-backed media planning and paid advertising solutions for growing brands. Established in 2011, the agency has supported 900+ businesses with strategic ad placements and budget optimisation. Its performance-driven campaigns are built on audience insights and channel analytics. ... read SmartSites reviews & insights

    $100 - $149/hr
    50 - 249
    2011
    Jersey City, United States
    We had a great experience overall. - Writer
    Visit Website
  • Using AI Tools

    • ClaudeClaude
    • CanvaCanva
    • GrammarlyGrammarly

    25+ years. Hundreds of brands. One goal: websites that convert. Lounge Lizard is a New York-based, award-winning web design and digital marketing agency founded in 1998. We deliver custom website design, development, UX strategy, SEO, AEO, and performance marketing for companies that need more than ... read Lounge Lizard reviews & insights

    NA
    50 - 249
    1998
    NYC, United States
    Lounge Lizard transformed our outdated website into a modern platform through a well-structured and collaborative development process. - IT Manager
    Visit Website

    Why Lounge Lizard?

    • Lounge Lizard has been in Business since 1998
    • Agency is Run by a Webby Awards Judge
    • Veteran Brand Story Tellers & Results Mindset
  • Using AI Tools

    • ChatGPTChatGPT
    • ClaudeClaude
    • GeminiGemini
    • PerplexityPerplexity
    • CanvaCanva

    Sequence Commerce is a full-stack e-commerce agency managing $500M+ in ad spend across 100+ brands, with teams in New York and Toronto. We run Amazon Advertising (PPC, DSP, and AMC); AI-SEO (AEO, GEO, and LLMO); Walmart Connect; TikTok Shop; Meta Paid Social; and Shopify Plus ... read Sequence Commerce reviews & insights

    < $25/hr
    50 - 249
    2019
    Brampton, Canada
    Adaptive Amazon Marketing Strategy for Gen Z Customers - President

    Why Sequence Commerce?

    • Fullstack under one team Amazon Ads AI SEO
    • 500M managed with named client results
    • 7 2026 awards and 5 verified partnerships
  • Colormatics is a creative-driven media buying and planning agency that blends strategic media placement with compelling visual storytelling. The team is an expert in video production, post-production, animation, VFX/3D, graphic design, photography, and media strategy, helping brands launch high-impact campaigns that deliver measurable results. Colormatics ... read Colormatics reviews & insights

    $150 - $199/hr
    10 - 49
    2014
    NYC, United States
    Colormatics managed a complicated process smoothly and with great grace. - Chief of Staff
    Visit Website
  • Post your project. Get proposals from PRO-verified firms.

    Goodfirms recommends the top 3. You pick the winner.

  • Using AI Tools

    • ClaudeClaude

    Offshore Marketers is a performance-oriented media buying agency helping businesses plan and manage cost-effective advertising campaigns. The agency delivers strategic media planning, PPC, and paid social solutions through flexible engagement models without long-term contracts. Offshore Marketers helps brands maximize reach, control ad spend, and achieve ... read Offshore Marketers reviews & insights

    NA
    2 - 9
    2021
    Whitehall, United States
    Transfer Connex Content Marketing Campaign - Chief Executive Officer

    Why Offshore Marketers?

    • Proven expertise, on-time delivery
    • Client-first, transparent communication
    • Scalable, high-quality solutions
  • Mayple is your key to scaling online businesses effortlessly. We've handpicked top-performing marketing experts specialized in your niche, ensuring that only the most skilled minds are at the helm of your marketing campaigns. With our unique and unbiased monitoring system, you can trust that your ... read Mayple reviews & insights

    $25 - $49/hr
    10 - 49
    2017
    NYC, United States
    Very nice partner. - Customer Service Supervisor
  • There are over 63,000 "agencies" in the US. 95% of these are freelancers and small groups with little to no experience. BusySeed's team comes from doing work for companies like Forbes, Toyota, Western Union and Microsoft. We walk the walk. We've driven hundreds of millions ... read BusySeed reviews & insights

    NA
    10 - 49
    2016
    NYC, United States
    Professional service, clear communication, and solid SEO support. - Owner
  • PRETO Business Corp. – a PR agency that employs a comprehensive approach to communication. We shape narratives, formulate strategies, engage audiences, and elevate your story to the forefront. Our team comprises innovators, trendsetters, and problem solvers, fostering a collaborative environment that embraces diverse backgrounds and ... read PRETO BUSINESS Corp. reviews & insights

    $200 - $300/hr
    10 - 49
    2022
    Fort Lauderdale, United States
    The project delivered impressive results. - Founder at Mastery: custom growth content
  • Optimal IT Solutions is your one-stop destination for cutting-edge digital services. We specialize in mobile and web app development, custom software solutions, stunning web design and development, engaging social media and digital marketing strategies, and high-quality video animation. Whether you're a startup or an established ... read Optimal IT Solutions reviews & insights

    $25 - $49/hr
    50 - 249
    2015
    Texas City, United States
    We were impressed by their ability to pivot quickly and solve the overall visual with patience - Co-Founder at Antenna
  • Corecentrix’s Marketing Rule No.1 is understanding your business! Allow us to do so by placing a call at: 888-858-3183 With Corecentrix, you have a 360 view of how your business steers but now, with a better driver. We have helped multiple businesses overtake their competitors ... read Corecentrix Business Solutions reviews & insights

    $50 - $99/hr
    50 - 249
    2019
    Long Island, United States
    Their team demonstrated exceptional knowledge of healthcare PPC strategies. - Human Resources Specialist at ADCO Dental
  • Using AI Tools

    • ClaudeClaude

    In a world full of whispers, we make sure your Brand ROARS.The Big Mouth PR is a loud-by-design brand & PR studio for the founders, executives, and brands who refuse to be the best-kept secret.We bridge the gap between brilliant concepts and mainstream recognition. We ... read The Big Mouth PR reviews & insights

    $100 - $149/hr
    50 - 249
    2021
    Bloomington, United States
    An exceptional partner for Global media relations and premium PR execution. - Head of Brand Strategy

    Why The Big Mouth PR?

    • We are loud-by-design, not cookie-cutter.
    • We turn hidden brands into market leaders.
    • Aggressive media outreach that drives ROI.
  • Aimers is an international Digital Performance Marketing Agency that helps SaaS and tech B2B companies with paid acquisition solutions. We will become an extension of your marketing team, propelling your success with our data-driven strategies, results-oriented PPC campaigns, advanced analytics, and relentless conversion rate optimization. ... read Aimers reviews & insights

    $50 - $99/hr
    10 - 49
    2015
    NYC, United States
    Great work and very professional - VP of Marketing @ AbbaDox driving growth & having fun doing it
  • Cultivating & Marketing Professionals (CA Marketing Pros) is a U.S.-based full-service marketing and business consulting agency that helps businesses grow through data-driven strategies and integrated marketing solutions. The company offers a wide range of services including marketing strategy, advertising, SEO, social media, influencer campaigns, lead ... read Cultivating & Marketing Professionals reviews & insights

    $150 - $199/hr
    10 - 49
    2022
    Katy, United States
    CAMARKETINGPROS Delivers Exceptional Content Creation and SEO Magic. - Senior Manager of Product Management
  • Infinity Media is a digital marketing company in Los Angeles that is unique among marketing firms. In fact, we prefer not to be referred to as an "agency." " We're a team of digital marketing freelancers who love working with business owners and marketing teams! ... read Infinity Media reviews & insights

    $100 - $149/hr
    2 - 9
    2013
    Los Angeles, United States
    Streamflow marketing - Founder & Managing Director at Streamflow
  • Pickles team is a full-cycle marketing agency. We've been through the wringer, fire, and challenges, and now we create cool projects in the fields of branding, communications, and performance. We create websites, services, and internal systems for companies, infusing each project with a unique marinade ... read Pickles team reviews & insights

    $25 - $49/hr
    10 - 49
    2022
    NYC, United States
    A reliable and strategic digital partner with a strong understanding of international markets - Anonymous
  • Boutique, integrated paid media agency focused on paid media management and building a full-funnel approach for small to midsize brands. Our focus is to help brands establish a scalable paid media strategy while developing a data-first paid media presence.

    $100 - $149/hr
    2 - 9
    2021
    Dallas, United States
    Excellent results from Dossier Media! - Marketing Manager
  • Smart Marketing Firm LLC is a dynamic digital marketing agency dedicated to empowering businesses through innovative, data-driven strategies. Our mission is to help brands of all sizes thrive in the competitive online landscape by delivering tailored marketing solutions that drive measurable results. At Smart Marketing ... read Smart Marketing Firm LLC reviews & insights

    $25 - $49/hr
    10 - 49
    2017
    San Diego, United States
    Working with Smart Marketing Firm has been a game-changer for Tangent-EHR LLC, as their tailored mar - Director
  • Using AI Tools

    • ChatGPTChatGPT

    KEY Difference is a Web3 and AI growth company built to help blockchain, crypto, and emerging tech startups gain traction in competitive markets. We deliver end-to-end services across strategic marketing, public relations, brand positioning, community building, and user acquisition — giving projects the visibility and ... read KEY Difference Media reviews & insights

    NA
    250 - 999
    2008
    Wyoming, United States
    Role: Outreach Marketing Coordinator - Ramya Karamsetti

    Why KEY Difference Media?

    • Clear, well-researched comparison content
    • Simple, user-friendly explanations
    • Reliable and regularly updated information
  • Intensify is an advertising agency excelling in digital advertising, social media management, and eCommerce growth. Based in Los Angeles, Intensify works with companies globally, from Dubai, to the US, to South Korea. The company collaborates with clients in a variety of industries including apparel, beauty, ... read Intensify reviews & insights

    $100 - $149/hr
    2 - 9
    2014
    West Hollywood, United States
    Launch & Growth for Paid Search - Digital Marketing Manager
  • Using AI Tools

    • ChatGPTChatGPT
    • PerplexityPerplexity

    SEARCHEN NETWORKS® is a digital marketing and web strategy firm focused on helping businesses improve visibility, generate qualified leads, and understand where their customers are actually coming from. Unlike traditional agencies that focus on isolated tactics, SEARCHEN NETWORKS®​ takes a structured, data-driven approach to online ... read SEARCHEN NETWORKS® reviews & insights

    $150 - $199/hr
    10 - 49
    2001
    West Palm Beach, United States
    Awesome - Owner

    Why SEARCHEN NETWORKS®?

    • Know exactly where your leads come from
    • Better leads, not just more leads
    • Stop wasting money on bad marketing
  • At Universal, we’re not here to play it safe... we’re here to make waves. Whether you’re looking to write that bestselling book, launching an app that disrupts, or crafting marketing content that actually converts, we’ve got your back. From epic design to next-level digital solutions, ... read Universal Writing Hub reviews & insights

    NA
    10 - 49
    1997
    Berkeley, United States
    We felt supported throughout. - Vice President
  • For more than a decade the cohort.digital crew has helped clients build smart media strategies and managed paid ad campaigns of all types. Our media experts work with both ad agencies and in-house marketing teams. We can serve as their internal media planning/execution team or ... read cohort.digital reviews & insights

    $150 - $199/hr
    2 - 9
    2020
    Topeka, United States
    Exactly what we were looking for. - Executive Director
  • Wreggy has developed data driven and advanced analytics-led marketing practices, significantly improving its clients’ marketing performance. Our clients include small to medium sized businesses across content, non-profit, technology, retail and health-care fields. Practice has yielded +25% higher performance, compared to previous baselines.

    $100 - $149/hr
    10 - 49
    2022
    Nassau, United States
    Amazing collaboration with proven results - Sourcing and Account Manager
  • WJB Marketing is an award-winning full-service marketing and advertising agency headquartered in Texarkana, Texas that specializes in digital marketing, SEO – search engine optimization, local SEO, social media marketing, PPC / ad management, web design, and other online marketing services. WJB Marketing leverages the power ... read WJB Marketing reviews & insights

    NA
    10 - 49
    2018
    Texarkana, United States
    Best Marketing Company Ever - Area Manager
  • We craft purposeful, passionate brands. We believe every brand has a compelling story to tell and work closely with businesses and organizations in designing, developing, and deploying intentional and memorable brands for the world to enjoy.

    $25 - $49/hr
    2 - 9
    2010
    Nashville, United States
    Proof is the real deal. - Owner/ Mixologist
  • Cassandra Bryan Design, affectionately referred to as cb{d}, has been making creative magic since 2009, providing branding packages, custom website and digital marketing services to local and national clients from small to large. We’re not your average creative agency and we certainly don’t do everything, ... read cb{d} Cassandra Bryan Design reviews & insights

    NA
    10 - 49
    2009
    Wichita, United States
    Cost vs Reward - VP Business Development/Contracts
  • Recognized on the 2019 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies, Marketing Doctor, Inc. is a full service agency known for its strategic and visionary approach in helping clients meet their unique and individual organizational goals. Based in Massachusetts, the Marketing Doctor team has celebrated ... read Marketing Doctor reviews & insights

    NA
    10 - 49
    2003
    Northampton, United States
    Knowledgeable, Easy to work with, Super nice team! - Sam Jensen
  • Are you seeking a Google Ads ppc agency for your Local Service Business? Scaleket is a Specialized Google Ads Agency for Lead Generation. We set up and manage Google Ads campaigns along with Landing Page Optimization. Having worked with 50+ local service businesses, we understand ... read Scaleket reviews & insights

    $25 - $49/hr
    2 - 9
    2024
    Jersey City, United States
    Excellent experience and results with Scaleket team - Psychotherapist
  • WE ARE DATA-DRIVEN DIGITAL MARKETING Accelerate marketing performance with custom audience lists, strong branding, effective websites, compelling content, proven advertising and automation — driven by web search, social media, email and messaging.

    NA
    10 - 49
    2004
    Thousand Oaks, United States
    Great quality of leads! Happy with their service and communication. - Project manager
  • We build and grow online businesses. Over the past 18 years, we have provided innovative design, custom development and SEM services for more than 1,250 store owners throughout the world. We drive online business with; SEO services, affiliate network management, email marketing, PPC campaign management, ... read 216digital reviews & insights

    < $25/hr
    10 - 49
    1999
    Cleveland, United States
    216 Digital - - Website Adminstrator/ QA Manager
  • Our only purpose is to generate synergies action and roi, Conecting Dots, PERFORMANCE & ROI Conecting Dots, BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE & ROI Conecting Dots, DEVELOPMENT & ROI Conecting Dots, DEVELOPMENT, BI, PERFORMANCE & ROI

    NA
    50 - 249
    2011
    Austin, United States
    Transparency and great results; complete satisfaction with Iridian services, they are always willing to work on your side and your needs. - Founder and CEO
  • We’re a collection of 12 best-in-class marketing agencies with data-driven thinking in our DNA. Each of the 12 TOP agencies has a different specialty—from specific capabilities (such as digital marketing or creative conception) to industry verticals (like healthcare or technology). Whether we're positioning a new ... read Top Agency reviews & insights

    NA
    10 - 49
    Dallas, United States
    Good service, Good Company members. - Kevin J. Rogers
  • No.1 Digital Marketing Company & Agency For Small and Large Business.Try our online marketing services including Search Engine Optimization, Social Media, PPC services and Web development services. For More Information Visit Us : https://uniqwebtech.com/ Mail Us : [email protected]

    NA
    2 - 9
    0
    Jefferson City, United States
    How To Make 500 Dollars Fast - hani styles
  • Rank Fuse Digital Marketing 📍 Located in Lenexa, Kansas | 🌐 Serving Clients Nationwide 🎯 Certified Google Partner Rank Fuse Digital Marketing is a results-driven, full-service digital marketing agency based in Overland Park, Kansas. As a Certified Google Partner, we bring trusted expertise and performance ... read Rank Fuse Digital Marketing reviews & insights

    $100 - $149/hr
    2 - 9
    2015
    Kansas City, United States
    Consistently goes above and beyond expectations. - Director of Marketing
  • Wpromote is The Challenger Agency and we specialize in digital marketing and customer acquisition. We love to help brands challenge the 800 lb gorillas of their industry and grow their market share through digital efforts. We also help larger organizations “think and act like challengers” ... read WPROMOTE reviews & insights

    NA
    250 - 999
    2001
    Dallas, United States
    The experience working with Wpromote was really amazing. - Anonymous
  • We are a full-service, interactive digital marketing agency that specializes in comprehensive marketing design and execution. Our team is comprised of a diverse group of highly talented, multi-disciplined individuals that work together to create beginning-to-end solutions for our clients, including dynamic marketing and eCommerce websites, ... read Corporate Communications, Inc. reviews & insights

    NA
    10 - 49
    1992
    Rochester, United States
    Rapid drama-free, on-budget site design and build - Chief Marketing Officer
  • Local Marketing Solutions, LLC is a woman-owned digital marketing agency specializing in data-driven strategy, high-intent lead generation, and performance-focused growth systems for businesses, service providers, and coaching brands. Founded in 2016, we’ve helped hundreds of organizations scale through strategic Google Ads management, advanced analytics, conversion-driven ... read Local Marketing Solutions LLC reviews & insights

    $150 - $199/hr
    10 - 49
    2016
    Philadelphia, United States
    Local Marketing Solutions helped me build a strong foundation and grow my business. - Owner
  • Moburst is a full-service, mobile first, and digital creative agency that helps companies grow their business. After redefining hundreds of apps and A/B testing every possible feature in every vertical, our team knows what works for each product, and how to deliver the most relevant ... read Moburst reviews & insights

    $150 - $199/hr
    50 - 249
    2013
    NYC, United States
    I highly recommend - VP Mobile & IoT
  • We are the result of Strategy + Design + Marketing = An Integrated Approach As Seth Godin says in his book ‘Purple Cow’ – You have to be truly remarkable to stand out of the crowd. What makes us truly Purple and stand out is ... read Pure Design Solution reviews & insights

    < $25/hr
    10 - 49
    2010
    Jersey City, United States
    5 Star Review - Licensed Private Investigator for Background Checks
  • With over 8+ years of experience in digital marketing, Lea Digital Solutions has established itself as a pinnacle of expertise and precision in the digital world. Our team, comprised of seasoned experts and unwavering perfectionists, is devoted to sculpting unparalleled success stories for businesses both ... read Lea Digital Solutions reviews & insights

    $100 - $149/hr
    2 - 9
    2021
    Durham, United States
    Valuable SEO Partner that delivers high quality services for sustainable growth - Anonymous
  • Evolve7 was conceptualized and established in late 2016 with a notion of providing the small/medium business marketplace with a 360 degree approach to online marketing. We believe that every aspect of our business relationships be driven by clearly understanding client needs and expectations and then ... read Evolve 7 reviews & insights

    NA
    10 - 49
    2016
    El Paso, United States
    Transformative - CEO
  • BUZZZ - Revenue Driven Digital Marketing Agency BUZZZ is a revenue-driven digital marketing agency helping businesses grow through data-driven marketing strategies, AI-powered SEO, and performance-focused advertising. Our team builds full funnel marketing systems that increase visibility, generate qualified leads, and scale revenue. We combine search ... read BUZZZ reviews & insights

    $25 - $49/hr
    50 - 249
    2020
    Chicago, United States
    Buzzz helped turn our digital presence into real growth with smart, seamless strategy. - Creative Director | Brand Strategist

    Why BUZZZ?

    • Data driven growth strategies
    • ROI focused campaign execution
    • Transparent reporting and insights
  • JuxtDigital stands as a distinguished leader in the digital marketing landscape, serving over 1,000 SEO professionals and brands since 2008. Based in Delaware, this specialized agency has revolutionized how businesses achieve sustainable organic growth through cutting-edge SEO methodologies. What sets JuxtDigital apart is its unwavering ... read JuxtDigital reviews & insights

    $100 - $149/hr
    50 - 249
    2008
    Dover, United States
    Regular updates and clear explanations - SEO Manager
  • At Seafoam, we help businesses build a rock-solid foundation for sustainable growth by finding the sweet spot where brand and performance marketing intersect, empowering you to strike the perfect balance that maximizes your potential and deeply resonates with your target audience.

    $150 - $199/hr
    10 - 49
    2010
    St. Louis, United States
    Seafoam delivered excellent website, branding and marketing for our company. - Anonymous
  • Alev Digital is a company that helps businesses grow online. They create and improve websites, help brands look good, and manage social media. They also help businesses show up in Google searches, run online ads, and sell products online. Alev Digital works with many types ... read Alev Digital reviews & insights

    $50 - $99/hr
    10 - 49
    2023
    Austin, United States
    Alev Digital's team is creative and detail-oriented, excelling in every aspect of marketing. - Salman Saraf
  • At Vantage Market & Digital Solutions LLC, we specialize in elevating businesses by combining cutting-edge technology with time-tested strategies in electronic presence management. Based in California, our approach goes beyond traditional digital marketing. We focus on holistic, end-to-end solutions that encompass website development, custom software, ... read Vantage Market & Digital Solutions LLC reviews & insights

    NA
    2 - 9
    2024
    Tracy, United States
    Game-Changer for Our Firm's Digital Presence - Head or Demand Gen
  • Using AI Tools

    • ChatGPTChatGPT
    • ClaudeClaude
    • PerplexityPerplexity

    WebFX is a performance-focused media buying agency helping brands plan and execute high-impact advertising campaigns. Backed by 500+ marketing experts and 20+ years of experience, the US-based firm blends data-driven media planning with AI-powered optimisation. Its strategic approach ensures smarter ad placements and continuous performance ... read WebFX reviews & insights

    $100 - $149/hr
    250 - 999
    1995
    Harrisburg, United States
    Working with Atölye15 was practical, solution-focused, and easy to follow. - Özge Oğuz

    Why WebFX?

    • Data-driven strategies that drive revenue
    • Experts in SEO, GEO, and AI search visibility
    • Proven results with measurable business growth
  • From startups to Fortune 1,000 members, Spark specializes in helping technology-focused and innovation-minded companies transform their brands by bringing powerful narratives to life through public relations and integrated marketing programs. The agency’s full suite of services includes content and social development, programmatic distribution and other ... read Spark PR reviews & insights

    $25 - $49/hr
    50 - 249
    1999
    San Francisco, United States
    Very poor PR performance - Ammar Adra

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The Magical Quadrant

Hover any bubble for the firm's exact scores. Filter the view using the controls on the right.

360-PERFORMANCE VIEW (Y) →
0255075100
Industry ContendersIndustry LeadersUpcoming AchieversMarket Influencers
0255075100
CORE COMPETENCIES (X) →

The four quadrants explained

Each card shows the count of firms in that quadrant and the top 5 by composite score.

Industry Leaders
Top-right · Both axes ≥ 50
0FIRMS

Strong on both Core Competencies and 360-Performance. These firms have proven track records, deep specialisation, and solid client outcomes. Default recommendation for most buyers.

Market Influencers
Bottom-right · X ≥ 50, Y < 50
2FIRMS

Deeply specialised but with moderate market presence. Often the right pick when specialisation matters more than scale - boutique shops with deep technical chops.

Top 5 by composite score

1intouch57 / 472WEDEX57 / 44
Top firms in this category

No firm has cleared the Leaders threshold (≥ 50 on both axes) in this category yet. The 8 highest-scoring firms overall are shown below.

How firms are placed on the matrix

Every position on this chart is the output of the Goodfirms ranking algorithm - a weighted composite of signals across two axes. The algorithm is recomputed regularly and is fully documented.

Sponsorship does not affect placement. PRO members receive visible badges and ad placements, but their algorithmic scores are calculated identically to free listings.

Read the full methodology
Algorithm at a glance
1
X-axis (Core Competencies): Service Focus Ratio + Portfolio Depth + Quality + Experience
2
Y-axis (360-Performance): Client Reviews + Market Presence + Goodfirms Score
3
Missing signals are excluded from a firm's score, not substituted with defaults - weights redistribute across remaining inputs
4
Recency decay over the last 18 months keeps stale reviews from dominating
5
Eligibility floor: ≥ 1 published review in this category scope

Where the firms are.

Bubble size shows how many firms each country has; colour shows its average hourly rate. Tap any country for its firm count, average rate, rating, and Value Score.

Loading map…

Average hourly rates by region.

Where you hire affects what you pay by up to 3×. Comparable quality is available across regions - the rate gap between the priciest and cheapest is the single biggest lever on a project budget.

Average hourly rate · USD

AUOceania$84/hr$84
ZAAfrica$77/hr$77
SGAsia Pacific$71/hr$71
USNorth America$70/hr$70
GBWestern Europe$70/hr$70
UAEastern Europe$57/hr$57
MXLATAM$55/hr$55
INSouth Asia$47/hr$47

What the gap actually buys you

The rate gap between the highest- and lowest-cost regions is largely a cost-of-living and labor-market gap - not a quality gap. Top-tier firms in lower-cost regions routinely deliver work competitive with premium markets at a fraction of the cost.

That said, time-zone overlap, language alignment, and IP protection vary by region. Eastern Europe and LATAM hit a sweet spot: meaningful cost savings with same-day overlap for US/EU clients.

~70%

Typical cost savings when moving a $100K/year dev contract from a premium market to a top value destination - comparable skill, comparable delivery quality.

All countries ranked by Value Score.

Every country with 100+ vetted firms in this category, ranked by Value Score.

CountryFirmsAvg RateAvg RatingValue ScoreAction
INIndia781$48/hr4.983View firms
CACanada184$69/hr577View firms
USUnited States1,271$71/hr4.775View firms
GBUnited Kingdom139$75/hr575View firms
AEUAE118$69/hr4.974View firms
INIndia
781 firms$48/hr4.9
Value Score83 / 100
CACanada
184 firms$69/hr5
Value Score77 / 100
USUnited States
1,271 firms$71/hr4.7
Value Score75 / 100
GBUnited Kingdom
139 firms$75/hr5
Value Score75 / 100
AEUAE
118 firms$69/hr4.9
Value Score74 / 100

Match by work-hour overlap with your team.

Cost matters - but so does being able to actually talk to your developer during your workday. Here are the best destinations for each major hub.

If you're in US (PT/ET)Recommended

Look for nearshore LATAM partners - same-day collaboration, similar time zones, and 50-60% cost savings vs domestic.

MXMexico~7h overlap
ARArgentina~6h overlap
BRBrazil~5h overlap
CACanada~8h overlap
If you're in Europe (CET/GMT)Recommended

Eastern Europe is your sweet spot - 1-2h time zone shift, EU GDPR alignment, and 40-50% lower rates than Western Europe.

PLPoland~8h overlap
UAUkraine~7h overlap
RORomania~7h overlap
ZASouth Africa~8h overlap

How firms are placed on the matrix

Every position on this chart is the output of the Goodfirms ranking algorithm - a weighted composite of signals across two axes. The algorithm is recomputed regularly and is fully documented.

Sponsorship does not affect placement. PRO members receive visible badges and ad placements, but their algorithmic scores are calculated identically to free listings.

Read the full methodology
Algorithm at a glance
1
X-axis (Core Competencies): Service Focus Ratio + Portfolio Depth + Quality + Experience
2
Y-axis (360-Performance): Client Reviews + Market Presence + Goodfirms Score
3
Missing signals are excluded from a firm's score, not substituted with defaults - weights redistribute across remaining inputs
4
Recency decay over the last 18 months keeps stale reviews from dominating
5
Eligibility floor: ≥ 1 published review in this category scope

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Countries with the best Value Score for media planning hiring.

Ranked by a composite score blending firm count (supply), average rating (quality), and median hourly rate (cost). Affordability is weighted highest (50%), so this list surfaces actually affordable destinations rather than just-big markets.

Budget leader
United States · $0-24/hr

195 firms in this tier - more than any other country, averaging 4.0 ★. Top picks: 216digital, Pure Design Solution, Renoun Creative.

Mid-tier leader
United States · $50-99/hr

186 firms in this tier - more than any other country, averaging 4.9 ★. Top picks: Corecentrix Business Solutions, Venture Aviator, Disrupt Minds.

Top tier leader
United States · $150+/hr

77 firms in this tier - more than any other country, averaging 4.7 ★. Top picks: Colormatics, Cultivating & Marketing Professionals, ArtVersion.

Loading heatmap…
Cell intensity (firm density):
Low
High
Best Value marks the densest, highest-rated, most-affordable cell per row

How the heatmap is built

Every cell in the grid above is the count of firms in (place × hourly-rate tier). Firms are placed by their published hourly rate; those without a disclosed rate are not plotted.

Top company names per cell are surfaced by Value Score - a weighted blend of affordability (50%) + rating (35%) + review volume (15%).

The "Best" ribbon marks the cell in each row where firm density, ratings, and affordability line up best - the densest, highest-quality combination.

Read the full methodology
Value Score · per firm
ValueScore = 0.50 × Affordability
+ 0.35 × Rating
+ 0.15 × Review Volume
// All sub-scores normalized 0-100
// Affordability = (1 - rate/$200) × 100
// Rating = (rating - 3) / 2 × 100
// Volume = log10(reviews+1)/log10(200) × 100

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Browse all media planning firms in your chosen country - or let our AI hand-pick 3 matches based on your project, budget, and time-zone preference.

Get 3 AI-Matched Firms