99designs is one of the largest design contest platforms in the world, where businesses post a prize and dozens of designers compete with concepts. But how much does it really cost? This guide provides transparent pricing for all project types, what you get at each tier, how designers get paid, and whether you're getting value for money.
99designs Pricing Overview
99designs uses a tiered pricing model where higher packages attract more designers and offer additional features. Prices vary by project type:
Logo Design Contest Pricing
Bronze
- •Basic competition level
- •Standard timeline (7-10 days)
- •100% money-back guarantee (60 days)
- •Copyright transfer
Silver
- •All Bronze features
- •Mid-level designers
- •Featured listing (more visibility)
- •NDA protection
Gold
- •All Silver features
- •Top-level designers
- •Dedicated account manager
- •Priority support
- •Extra revisions
Platinum
- •All Gold features
- •Handpicked elite designers
- •Dedicated project manager
- •Highest priority matching
- •Premium design quality
Logo + Website Bundle Pricing
99designs offers bundled pricing for multiple projects run simultaneously:
1-to-1 Project Pricing (No Contest)
If you'd rather work directly with one designer instead of hosting a contest:
- No platform fee on top of designer price
- Faster timeline (no contest phase)
- Direct communication with chosen designer
What You Get With Each Contest Tier
Designs Received
Higher tiers attract more submissions. Bronze: ~30 designs, Silver: ~60 designs, Gold: ~90 designs, Platinum: ~60 premium designs (handpicked elite designers).
Designer Quality
Bronze attracts beginners. Gold/Platinum attract Top-Level and Elite designers with proven portfolios.
Timeline Speed
Bronze/Silver: 7-10 days. Gold: 5-7 days with fast-track options. Platinum: 3-5 days with highest priority.
Support Level
Bronze/Silver: Standard support. Gold: Priority support. Platinum: Dedicated project manager guiding you through every stage.
Revision Rounds
All tiers get revision rounds, but Gold/Platinum get faster turnaround times and more flexibility.
Additional Costs to Consider
Upgrades Mid-Contest
You can upgrade to a higher tier during a contest. Cost: $100-$300 depending on jump level.
Extend Timeline
+$25-$50 to extend your contest by 3-7 days if you need more time for decisions.
Extra Designer Invites
Invite specific designers to your contest: $10-$20 per invite.
Blind Contest Option
+$100 to make your contest private (designers can't see each other's work).
How Do Designers Get Paid?
Understanding how designers are compensated helps you evaluate whether pricing is fair:
Designer Payout
99designs takes 30-40% platform fees for contests. For 1-to-1 projects, fees vary: Entry-level (15%), Mid-level (10%), Top-level (5%). Contest winners receive:
- →Bronze contest ($299 client price) → ~$179-$209 designer payout (60-70%)
- →Silver contest ($499 client price) → ~$299-$349 designer payout (60-70%)
- →Gold contest ($799 client price) → ~$479-$559 designer payout (60-70%)
- →Platinum contest ($1,199 client price) → ~$719-$839 designer payout (60-70%)
Real Cost Analysis: Is 99designs Worth It?
Let's break down the value per design received:
Cost Per Design
Bronze: $299 ÷ 30 designs = $9.97 per concept
Silver: $499 ÷ 60 designs = $8.32 per concept
Gold: $799 ÷ 90 designs = $8.88 per concept
Platinum: $1,199 ÷ 60 premium designs = $19.98 per concept
Value Insight
You're primarily paying for variety and designer quality, not volume. Gold offers the best balance between price, quality, and options.
Pros & Cons of 99designs Pricing
✅Advantages
- →Fixed CostsYou know exactly what you'll pay upfront—no hidden fees unless you add upgrades
- →Multiple OptionsReceive dozens of designs to choose from vs just 1-2 from traditional agencies
- →Money-Back GuaranteeIf unsatisfied, you can request a refund (with conditions)
- →Copyright IncludedFull rights transfer upon winner selection—no extra fees
- →Predictable TimelinesContests end within 7-10 days, faster than most agency projects
❌Disadvantages
- →Platform Fees30-40% platform fees for contests (designers receive 60-70% of the prize)
- →Inconsistent QualityBronze/Silver tiers attract many beginner designers—quality varies wildly
- →No Direct CollaborationContest format limits deep strategic conversations vs 1-on-1 engagements
- →Lots of Manual WorkYou must review dozens of designs, provide feedback, and manage—time-consuming
- →Limited RevisionsOnce won, revisions are limited—additional work can mean extra charges
Cost Comparison: 99designs vs Alternatives
How does 99designs pricing stack up against other design options?
Freelance Platforms (Upwork, Fiverr)
$100-$500 for logo design
✅ Lower costs, direct collaboration, more flexibility
❌ Must find/vet designers, quality less guaranteed
Design Agencies
$2,000-$10,000+ for logo design
✅ Highest quality, strategic guidance, brand expertise
❌ 5-10x higher prices, longer timelines (4-8+ weeks)
AI Design Tools (Looka, Canva)
$20-$100 for AI-generated logos
✅ Instant delivery, very cheap, unlimited revisions
❌ No human creativity, generic output, limited customization
99designs
$299-$1,199 for logo design
✅ Multiple options, fixed pricing, copyright included, 100% money-back guarantee
❌ 30-40% platform fees, inconsistent quality at low tiers
Who Should Use 99designs?
✅You're a Good Fit If:
- →You have a budget of $500-$799 (Gold tier is sweet spot)
- →You value multiple design options over deep collaboration
- →You have time to review dozens of designs
- →You have clear brand guidelines to share with designers
- →You want a quick turnaround (7-10 days)
- →You're comfortable managing a contest process
⚠️Skip If:
- →Your budget is under $300 (quality is too low at Bronze tier)
- →You want strategic brand guidance, not just design execution
- →You have a complex design need requiring deep collaboration
- →You want to work directly with one trusted designer
- →You're not prepared to review dozens of designs
- →You'd rather explore AI-generated options for under $100
📜Final Verdict: Is 99designs Worth It?
99designs offers good value at Gold/Platinum tiers ($799-$1,199) if you value variety and can handle the contest process. Bronze/Silver ($299-$499) attract too many beginners—quality is hit-or-miss. Note: Platinum offers fewer designs (60) but higher quality than Gold (90).
Best for: Businesses with $500-$799 budgets who want multiple design options without paying agency prices. If your budget is under $300, try Fiverr or AI tools. Above $1,199, consider boutique agencies for more strategic value. Gold offers the best balance: 90 designs with dedicated account manager for $799.
Solid for mid-market businesses, but not best for tight budgets or complex needs
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