VML Alternatives
The strongest VML alternatives for enterprise digital marketing in 2026
About VML
Creative network combining VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson under WPP.
Founded
2024 (merger)
Size
30,000+
Pricing tier
Enterprise ($$$$)
Best for
Global brand transformation programs requiring creative, CRM, and commerce capabilities at scale.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | Empire325 Marketing | VML | Basis (as of 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best-fit client | Businesses wanting one integrated, senior-led team for marketing plus engineering; Long Island / local-focused brands | Global and enterprise brands running large-scale creative, CRM, and commerce transformation programs | Per Empire325 operating model; VML per company site & public disclosures |
| Model | Senior-led, lean team; creative, data, performance, and engineering operate as a single function | Large WPP creative network formed by the 2024 merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson | Per Empire325 operating model; VML per WPP announcement (Oct 2023, operational Jan 2024) |
| Team & footprint | Small senior-practitioner team, Long Island, US | 30,000+ staff across 60+ markets worldwide, led by global CEO Jon Cook | Public disclosures & company site (WPP/VML) |
| Core specialties | Full-stack engineering, custom AI/SaaS, modern data infrastructure, performance marketing, AI-search/GEO, local SEO | Creative and brand experience, CRM/loyalty, commerce, and marketing technology at global scale | Per Empire325 services; VML per company site |
| Integration | Integrated by design from day one — creative, data, performance, and engineering under one roof, no department handoffs | Integrating two large agencies; creative and performance disciplines can still operate in silos, as is common in large post-merger networks | Per Empire325 operating model; VML per existing entry weakness & merger reporting |
| Pricing | Lean, senior-led model without large-agency overhead; scope-based | Enterprise ($$$$), typically large custom engagements | Per Empire325 model; VML tier per existing entry — enterprise networks quote custom |
Last reviewed: July 2026
Why teams pick Empire325 over VML
Empire325 was integrated by design from day one. Creative, data, performance, and engineering operate as a single function, not coordinated silos.
Senior practitioners
Every engagement is delivered by senior team members. No junior-resourcing dilution; no project managers managing project managers.
Engineering depth across the stack
Web development, AI agents, data infrastructure, and analytics all under one team. Eliminates the multi-vendor coordination tax.
Revenue-tied measurement
Every engagement ties to CFO-defensible KPIs. Marketing mix modeling, incrementality, and multi-touch attribution are built in, not retrofitted.
When VML is the better fit
Global brand transformation programs requiring creative, CRM, and commerce capabilities at scale. If your engagement specifically needs the operating profile VML excels at, they may be the right call. Empire325 is happy to help you evaluate the fit honestly — we'd rather decline a poorly-fitting engagement than ship outcomes that don't compound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Empire325 a good alternative to VML?
It depends on your scale and needs. VML is one of the world's largest creative networks — a strong choice for global brands running creative, CRM, and commerce transformation across dozens of markets. Empire325 is the better fit when you want an integrated, senior-led team where creative, data, performance, and full-stack engineering work as one function, plus Long Island local and AI-search/GEO expertise. For a single global brand-transformation program at massive scale, VML has reach Empire325 doesn't.
How does Empire325's pricing compare to VML?
VML operates at an enterprise tier ($$$$) as a 30,000-plus-person WPP network, typically on large custom engagements. Empire325 runs a lean, senior-led model without large-agency overhead, so engagements are generally more cost-efficient — though exact pricing is scope-based for both. Ask each for a scoped quote against your goals to compare directly.
What does Empire325 offer that VML typically doesn't?
Integration by design and direct senior access. Empire325 keeps creative, data, performance, and full-stack engineering — including custom AI/SaaS and modern data infrastructure — as a single function under one team, so nothing is handed across departments. VML brings world-class creative, CRM, and commerce at global scale, but as a recently merged network those disciplines can still operate in separate silos. Empire325 also adds Long Island local and AI-search/GEO expertise.
When should I choose VML over Empire325?
Choose VML if you're a global or enterprise brand needing creative, CRM, and commerce transformation delivered across 60-plus markets with the resources of a WPP network. Its scale, award-winning creative, and international coverage suit big multi-market programs. Empire325 is the pick when integrated senior-led delivery, marketing-plus-engineering under one team, and local or AI-search focus matter more than global footprint.
References & further reading
Sources cited on this VML alternatives page
VML's pricing tier (Enterprise ($$$$)) and best-fit profile (global brand transformation programs requiring creative, crm, and commerce capabilities at scale) are derived from public disclosures, industry research, and Empire325's direct procurement experience.
- Gartner Marketing Research — digital-services consultancy procurement benchmarks and engagement-model analysis used for the comparison framework above.
- Forrester Research — B2B services Wave reports for the agency category, including VML and adjacent firms.
- Harvard Business Review — professional-services operating-model research on senior-led delivery vs. layered organizational structures.
Comparing Empire325 to VML for a real engagement?
Schedule a 30-minute call. We'll give you an honest assessment of which firm fits your situation — even if that's VML.
Schedule honest comparison call