Best Custom Software Development Companies in Chicago, IL 2025
Mobile apps and eCommerce sites are presenting new ways for companies to reach out to consumers and to do business. However, there are dozens of challenges to face when adopting such tools into their trade, where to begin and how to implement.
This is where custom software development companies come into the picture. These companies possess the people, the talent and the experience in creating custom software that matches the needs and wants of any business.
According to a survey, 38.50% of software developers are working on the front-end or the back-end of many eCommerce websites. Another survey also disclosed that 15.40% of custom software development companies expressed that they started offering customer relationship management software like chatbots, marketing automation and content management systems. Given the potential of custom software and a growing number of people connected online, these numbers are expected to further increase a few years from now.
For those looking for a custom software development company in Chicago, Illinois, here are some of the most recommended firms to work with.
Best Custom Software Development Companies in Chicago, IL 2025
Forte Group
Table XI
Table XI believes that tech should always be done right. In the past 16 years, the custom software development company has done that by doing what’s right for its clients, its peers, and its community.
Continuous development is another principle that guides this software developer. Table XI knows the importance of investing heavily in people. It regularly sends its people to train and advance their knowledge and career. Additionally, it also sends out and supports its people’s desire to contribute in their own way to their communities.
The Spice House came to Table XI in 2003 when it wanted to build an eCommerce website. That project enabled the company to realize a 14-fold increase in its eCommerce business. After 14 years, The Spice House again sought the help of the custom software developer to help improve their website. Table XI delivered a mobile-friendly, content-rich, and optimized site. The eCommerce website also made it easier for its retail and wholesale customers to browse the company’s offerings.
The company has worked with over 100 companies all over the world. Blue Cross Blue Shield, Northwestern University, AccuWeather and Tribune Publishing are some of its notable clients.
Caxy Interactive
This Chicago-based software developer has been churning out websites, applications and progressive web applications since 1999. Caxy Interactive is committed to coming up with digital experiences that tell the story of its clients. It takes into consideration user experience, strategy and execution to deliver successful projects that win the hearts of its clients and their customers.
The company always tries to find the middle ground which helps in balancing the science behind coding and the world of creativity. It is this trait that has won clients for Caxy Interactive. The custom software development company has worked with a diverse set of customers ranging from tech firms, healthcare providers to financial institutions. Chicago Architecture Center, Experian and Porter Pipe & Supply are some of its clients.
Caxy Interactive was approached by medical terminology platform Intelligent Medical Objects (IMO) when it wanted to have a modern marketing website that can attract existing and potential customers. The main goal of the website overhaul was to highlight the benefits and features of the services offered by IMO. By the end of the project, Caxy Interactive and IMO launched a website that has a clear brand voice, embraces modern aesthetics and offers a more friendly user interface.
Eight Bit Studios
Eight Bit Studios started in 2008 when a group of visionaries and digital believers wanted to have a place where they can collaborate to turn ideas into reality. Since then, the company has operated on its values that promote inclusivity, has high regard for honor, takes work seriously and takes a human-centric approach in developing software and in managing people.
This custom software development company offers almost everything businesses needed including user research & validation, branding & design systems and quality assurance testing & deployment.
Eight Bit Studios’ custom software and apps are used in a wide range of industries. It worked on online ticketing platform Vivid Seats’ mobile application that allows users to shop, plan, and organize their live event experiences. Guitar player app Rigfish also tapped the company when it developed a gear app that allows the recording of pedals, guitars and many more instruments.
Highland Solutions
Brian Sutherland founded Highland Solutions in 1999 after wanting to have a group of people committed to providing technology solutions to small businesses and nonprofits. It has since stood out as one of the top custom software developers in the Windy City. It was able to keep clients due to its unique set of values.
The company worked on improving the patient experience at the Emergency Department of the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Hospital executive Christopher Neuharth wanted to implement that hospital’s Customer Experience Strategy and made the Emergency Department as their first target. The partnership between Highland and the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin brought to life the Journey Map to create a “warm competency” at an early stage of treatment to create a positive customer experience.
Highland’s work can also be found in different industries. It helped financial services firm Thrivent Financial to develop and launch the Thrivent Student Resources digital platform. This system was made to help students better understand their financial options when deciding to take out loans. Its work has gathered the attention of associations like GoodFirms and Techreviewer.co.