Opinov8 vs DEPT: full comparison for 2026
Last updated: July 2026
Quick verdict
Opinov8 (4.2/5) edges ahead of DEPT (4.0/5) overall. Opinov8 is the better choice for enterprises and startups wanting AI embedded across a broader software and cloud engineering programme. DEPT is the stronger option for large enterprise brands needing ML-driven marketing personalization at global scale. The right choice depends on your project size, budget, and required tech stack.
Opinov8 vs DEPT: head-to-head summary
| Criterion | Opinov8 | DEPT |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2017 | 2015 |
| HQ | London, UK | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Team size | 201–500 | 1000+ |
| Rating | 4.2 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Best for | Enterprises and startups wanting AI embedded across a broader software and cloud engineering programme | Large enterprise brands needing ML-driven marketing personalization at global scale |
| Pricing model | Fixed project, dedicated team, staff augmentation | Retainer, dedicated team |
| Min. engagement | $30K | $75K |
| Primary tech stack | Python, AWS, Azure | Python, GCP, AWS |
| Industries served | Fintech, Enterprise, Healthcare, Retail | Retail, Media, Enterprise, E-commerce |
Opinov8 vs DEPT: overview
Opinov8
Opinov8 Digital and Engineering Solutions is a London, UK-headquartered firm founded in 2017, with 200 to 300 professionals across Europe, the Americas, and MENA. Opinov8 blends software engineering, cloud, data, and AI expertise, positioning AI as a foundation of its delivery process rather than an add-on feature. The company was honored as Best AI Company in Europe by The Netty Awards, per company website; independently unverifiable.
DEPT
DEPT, founded in Amsterdam in 2015, has grown into a global digital agency with over 4,000 digital specialists across more than 30 offices on five continents, backed by the Carlyle Group. DEPT's AI-enabled marketing technology platform, Ada, and its Engineering practice deliver machine learning-driven personalization, growth, and data engineering work for major brands including Google, TikTok, and eBay. As a large, private-equity-backed marketing and engineering agency, ML and AI here sits within a much broader full-service offering rather than being the firm's sole focus.
Services and capabilities: Opinov8 vs DEPT
| Capability | Opinov8 | DEPT |
|---|---|---|
| ML model development | ✓ | ✓ |
| Computer vision | ✗ | ✗ |
| NLP | ✗ | ✗ |
| Generative AI / LLM integration | ✗ | ✓ |
| MLOps | ✓ | ✗ |
| AI strategy consulting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Staff augmentation | ✗ | ✗ |
Tech stack comparison: Opinov8 vs DEPT
| Framework / platform | Opinov8 | DEPT |
|---|---|---|
| Python | ✓ | ✓ |
| TensorFlow | ✓ | ✓ |
| PyTorch | ✓ | N/A |
| AWS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Azure | ✓ | N/A |
| Kubernetes | ✓ | N/A |
Pricing comparison: Opinov8 vs DEPT
| Criterion | Opinov8 | DEPT |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum engagement | $30K | $75K |
| Engagement models | Fixed project, Dedicated team, Staff augmentation | Retainer, Dedicated team |
| Rate transparency | Minimum disclosed | Minimum disclosed |
| Price tier | Accessible | Accessible |
Target audience comparison: Opinov8 vs DEPT
| Dimension | Opinov8 | DEPT |
|---|---|---|
| Best company size | Startup to mid-market | Startup to mid-market |
| Best industries | Fintech, Enterprise, Healthcare | Retail, Media, Enterprise |
| Best use cases | Embedding ML capabilities into an existing enterprise cloud platform, AI-augmented software modernization programmes | ML-driven marketing personalization at global brand scale, Enterprise data engineering supporting a large media or retail platform |
| Typical project type | Fixed project | Retainer |
Opinov8 vs DEPT: pros and cons
| Opinov8 | |
|---|---|
| + | 200 to 300 person team spans multiple regions, including Europe, the Americas, and MENA, for global coverage |
| + | AI integrated into a broader cloud and software engineering practice, useful for full-stack programmes |
| + | Industry recognition including a Netty Award for Best AI Company in Europe, per company website |
| + | Founded in 2017 with steady growth into a mid-size, multi-region firm |
| - | Broader cloud and software engineering scope means ML is one service line among several |
| - | Award recognition is self-reported by the company and not independently verifiable |
| - | Higher minimum engagement size than boutique ML-only specialists |
| DEPT | |
|---|---|
| + | Global scale of over 4,000 specialists across 30-plus offices, unmatched by any other firm on this list |
| + | Proprietary AI-enabled marketing technology platform, Ada, with proven enterprise brand clients |
| + | Carlyle Group backing provides financial stability for very large, long-term programmes |
| + | Named clients include Google, TikTok, KFC, and eBay, indicating enterprise-grade delivery capacity |
| - | ML and AI sits within a much broader marketing and full-service digital agency offering, not a dedicated ML practice |
| - | High minimum engagement size, inaccessible for startups or small businesses |
| - | Enterprise agency structure means less specialized, boutique-style ML research depth |
Who should choose Opinov8?
Opinov8 is the right choice for enterprises and startups wanting AI embedded across a broader software and cloud engineering programme.
AI treated as a foundational layer across the entire engineering lifecycle, not a bolt-on service. Minimum engagement starts at $30K. Works best with clients in Fintech, Enterprise, Healthcare, Retail.
Who should choose DEPT?
DEPT is the right choice for large enterprise brands needing ML-driven marketing personalization at global scale.
Proprietary AI marketing platform, Ada, and global scale of over 4,000 specialists across 30-plus offices, unmatched by any other firm on this list. Minimum engagement starts at $75K. Works best with clients in Retail, Media, Enterprise, E-commerce.
Decision matrix: Opinov8 vs DEPT
| Your situation | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| You need full-ownership delivery on a defined project scope | Opinov8 |
| You need a large dedicated team for an ongoing programme | Opinov8 |
| Your budget is at the lower end | Opinov8 |
| You need specialist depth in a specific vertical | Opinov8 |
| You need staff augmentation or team extension | Neither; consider alternatives that offer staff aug |
| You need consulting before committing to a build | Opinov8 |
Use case fit: Opinov8 vs DEPT
| Use case | Opinov8 fit | DEPT fit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embedding ML capabilities into an existing enterprise cloud platform | Strong | Limited | Opinov8 |
| AI-augmented software modernization programmes | Strong | Limited | Opinov8 |
| ML-driven marketing personalization at global brand scale | Limited | Strong | DEPT |
| Enterprise data engineering supporting a large media or retail platform | Strong | Strong | Both equally |
| Fixed-price build | Limited | Limited | Both equally |
| Staff augmentation | Limited | Limited | Both equally |
Verdict: Opinov8 vs DEPT
Opinov8 (4.2/5) is the stronger overall choice for most Machine Learning Development projects. AI treated as a foundational layer across the entire engineering lifecycle, not a bolt-on service. It is best for enterprises and startups wanting AI embedded across a broader software and cloud engineering programme.
DEPT (4.0/5) is the better choice when large enterprise brands needing ML-driven marketing personalization at global scale. If your situation matches those criteria, DEPT is a competitive option.
Related comparisons
Opinov8 vs DEPT FAQ
Is Opinov8 better than DEPT?
Opinov8 (4.2/5) scores higher overall, but "better" depends on your use case. Opinov8 is better for enterprises and startups wanting AI embedded across a broader software and cloud engineering programme. DEPT is better for large enterprise brands needing ML-driven marketing personalization at global scale.
How do Opinov8 and DEPT differ in pricing?
Opinov8 uses fixed project, dedicated team, staff augmentation pricing with a minimum engagement of $30K. DEPT uses retainer, dedicated team pricing with a minimum engagement of $75K. Neither firm publishes a full rate card; a discovery call is required for project-specific quotes.
Which is better for enterprise: Opinov8 or DEPT?
Opinov8 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 Opinov8 and DEPT?
Opinov8's primary differentiator is: ai treated as a foundational layer across the entire engineering lifecycle, not a bolt-on service. DEPT's primary differentiator is: proprietary ai marketing platform, ada, and global scale of over 4,000 specialists across 30-plus offices, unmatched by any other firm on this list. They also differ in team size (201–500 vs 1000+), minimum engagement ($30K vs $75K), and primary industries served (Fintech, Enterprise vs Retail, Media).
Last reviewed: July 2026. Verify all details directly with each company before making a decision.