Head-to-Head
Stevie Awards vs Inc. 5000 (2026)
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Quick answerStevie Awards (9.7) leads on the industry benchmark; Inc. 5000 (8.9) leads on revenue-verified growth ranking. Seven programs since 2002 drawing 10,000+ entries a year from 60+ nations. The only program in this set ranked on verified revenue growth rather than a judged submission. Pick by whether your work is companies prioritizing the most widely recognized name in the field or U.S. private companies with $2M+ revenue and a strong growth story.
| Factor | Stevie Awards | Inc. 5000 |
|---|---|---|
| BAG Score | 9.7 · Platinum | 8.9 · Gold |
| Best for | The industry benchmark | Revenue-verified growth ranking |
| Real cost | Per-entry fees rising toward each deadline; MENA program winner-fee-only ($545+) | $395 early / $495 preferred / $695 regular application fee (nonrefundable) |
| Turnaround | Months | Months; single annual cycle, results each August |
| What winners receive | Trophy/medallion, winner logos, press templates | Published list placement, editorial coverage, optional marketing package |
| Judging model | 200+ rotating professional judges | Audited or CPA/attorney-cosigned revenue verification |
Where Stevie Awards leads
Stevie Awards's current published figures live on its official site. Seven programs since 2002 drawing 10,000+ entries a year from 60+ nations. It is the stronger pick for companies prioritizing the most widely recognized name in the field. Read the full Stevie Awards review.
Where Inc. 5000 leads
Inc. 5000's current published figures live on its official site. The only program in this set ranked on verified revenue growth rather than a judged submission. It is the stronger pick for U.S. private companies with $2M+ revenue and a strong growth story. Read the full Inc. 5000 review.
Full field: the 2026 rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which scores higher, Stevie Awards or Inc. 5000?
Stevie Awards scores 9.7 to Inc. 5000's 8.9 on our published rubric. The better pick depends on your job, not on one number.
How do Stevie Awards and Inc. 5000 prices compare?
Stevie Awards: Per-entry fees rising toward each deadline; MENA program winner-fee-only ($545+). Inc. 5000: $395 early / $495 preferred / $695 regular application fee (nonrefundable). They price on different models, so compare against your own volume rather than the sticker.
Which should I choose?
Stevie Awards for companies prioritizing the most widely recognized name in the field; Inc. 5000 for U.S. private companies with $2M+ revenue and a strong growth story. See both full reviews and the 2026 rankings.
Sources & verification
- Stevie Awards published specs and pricing — Stevie Awards (company site) (as of August 2026)
- Inc. 5000 published specs and pricing — Inc. 5000 (company site) (as of August 2026)