Promwad vs Sirin Software: full comparison for 2026
Quick verdict
Promwad (4.4/5) edges ahead of Sirin Software (4.2/5) overall. Promwad is the better choice for hardware startups heading for volume production. Sirin Software is the stronger option for US buyers wanting Ukrainian embedded Linux rates. The right choice depends on your project size, budget, and required tech stack.
Promwad vs Sirin Software: head-to-head summary
| Criterion | Promwad | Sirin Software |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2004 | 2014 |
| HQ | Essen, Germany | Pompano Beach, Florida, USA (R&D in Kyiv and Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine) |
| Team size | 101–250 | 11–50 |
| Rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Primary differentiator | Combined PCB, FPGA and firmware design with manufacturing preparation, delivered from EU entities | US contracting entity with a Ukrainian embedded Linux and firmware team |
| Pricing model | Fixed project, time & materials, dedicated team | Time & materials, dedicated team |
| Min. engagement | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Primary tech stack | C, C++, Embedded Linux | C, C++, Embedded Linux |
| Industries served | Telecom & broadcast, Automotive, Industrial IoT, Consumer electronics | Industrial IoT, Consumer electronics, Telecom & broadcast |
Promwad vs Sirin Software: overview
Promwad
Roman Pakholkov started Promwad in Minsk in 2004 to design mass-produced electronics on system-on-chip platforms, and the company has since moved its business into the EU, with headquarters in Essen, Germany and a client delivery office in Lithuania. It reports more than 100 employees across 15 countries (per company website; independently unverifiable) and over 500 completed projects. Work spans schematic and PCB design, FPGA logic, embedded Linux, RTOS firmware and preparing designs for factory production. Broadcast video, telecom, automotive and industrial automation are its most frequently cited sectors.
Sirin Software
Sirin Software is registered in Florida, but its engineering happens at R&D offices in Kyiv and Ivano-Frankivsk. The company dates from 2014 and focuses on embedded Linux, firmware and IoT device software, with directory headcount estimates between roughly 25 and 50. Clutch reviews describe board bring-up, driver development and IoT gateway projects for US and European hardware companies. For buyers who want a US contracting entity and Ukrainian engineering rates, it is one of the more direct options here.
Services and capabilities: Promwad vs Sirin Software
| Capability | Promwad | Sirin Software |
|---|---|---|
| Bare-metal & RTOS firmware | ✓ | ✓ |
| Embedded Linux & BSP | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronics & PCB design | ✓ | ✗ |
| Wireless & IoT connectivity | ✓ | ✓ |
| Secure boot & OTA | ✗ | ✗ |
| FPGA development | ✓ | ✗ |
| Firmware testing & HIL | ✗ | ✗ |
| Dedicated team model | ✓ | ✓ |
Tech stack comparison: Promwad vs Sirin Software
| Framework / platform | Promwad | Sirin Software |
|---|---|---|
| FreeRTOS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zephyr | ✓ | N/A |
| Embedded Linux | ✓ | ✓ |
| Yocto | ✓ | ✓ |
| AUTOSAR | N/A | N/A |
| STM32 | ✓ | N/A |
| Nordic | N/A | N/A |
| NXP | ✓ | ✓ |
| FPGA | ✓ | N/A |
Pricing comparison: Promwad vs Sirin Software
| Criterion | Promwad | Sirin Software |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum engagement | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Engagement models | Dedicated team, Fixed project, Time & materials | Dedicated team, Time & materials |
| Rate transparency | Not public | Not public |
| Price tier | Mid-market | Mid-market |
Target audience comparison: Promwad vs Sirin Software
| Dimension | Promwad | Sirin Software |
|---|---|---|
| Best company size | Startup to mid-market | Startup to mid-market |
| Best industries | Telecom & broadcast, Automotive, Industrial IoT | Industrial IoT, Consumer electronics, Telecom & broadcast |
| Best use cases | Designing an FPGA-based video encoder board with embedded Linux, Taking an IoT sensor from prototype to a design ready for volume production | Building a Yocto image and drivers for an IoT gateway, Extending a small in-house firmware team with Linux specialists |
| Typical project type | Dedicated team | Dedicated team |
Promwad vs Sirin Software: pros and cons
| Promwad | |
|---|---|
| + | FPGA and firmware engineers work in the same team, which helps on video and high-speed interface products |
| + | Design-for-manufacturing experience reduces surprises when a prototype moves to a contract manufacturer |
| + | Twenty years of shipped products gives it a long reference list across telecom and broadcast |
| + | Contracting through EU entities simplifies procurement for European buyers |
| - | Founded in Belarus and relocated to the EU; some buyers will want to confirm where their engineers are actually based |
| - | Headcount figures vary by source, so ask who will be assigned before signing |
| - | Pure firmware jobs without a hardware component are a smaller share of its portfolio |
| Sirin Software | |
|---|---|
| + | Embedded Linux, Yocto and Buildroot work is the core of its portfolio |
| + | US entity simplifies contracts for American buyers |
| + | Rates closer to Eastern European than US levels |
| - | Directory headcount estimates vary widely, so confirm team size and seniority up front |
| - | No in-house hardware design |
| - | Delivery depends on engineers based in Ukraine, which some buyers will want covered in continuity planning |
Who should choose Promwad?
A typical fit: designing an FPGA-based video encoder board with embedded Linux.
Combined PCB, FPGA and firmware design with manufacturing preparation, delivered from EU entities. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Telecom & broadcast, Automotive, Industrial IoT, Consumer electronics.
Who should choose Sirin Software?
A typical fit: building a Yocto image and drivers for an IoT gateway.
US contracting entity with a Ukrainian embedded Linux and firmware team. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Industrial IoT, Consumer electronics, Telecom & broadcast.
Decision matrix: Promwad vs Sirin Software
| Your situation | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| You need full-ownership delivery on a defined project scope | Promwad |
| You need a large dedicated team for an ongoing programme | Promwad |
| Your budget is at the lower end | Compare: Promwad (Not disclosed) vs Sirin Software (Not disclosed) |
| You need specialist depth in a specific vertical | Promwad |
| You need engineers to extend your own firmware team | Promwad |
| You need consulting before committing to a build | Both may offer discovery engagements |
Use case fit: Promwad vs Sirin Software
| Use case | Promwad fit | Sirin Software fit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Designing an FPGA-based video encoder board with embedded Linux | Strong | Limited | Promwad |
| Taking an IoT sensor from prototype to a design ready for volume production | Strong | Limited | Promwad |
| Building a Yocto image and drivers for an IoT gateway | Limited | Strong | Sirin Software |
| Extending a small in-house firmware team with Linux specialists | Limited | Strong | Sirin Software |
| Fixed-price firmware build | Strong | Limited | Promwad |
| Extending an in-house firmware team | Strong | Strong | Both |
Verdict: Promwad vs Sirin Software
Promwad (4.4/5) is the stronger overall choice for most Firmware Development projects. Combined PCB, FPGA and firmware design with manufacturing preparation, delivered from EU entities.
Sirin Software (4.2/5) is worth a look if you need extending a small in-house firmware team with Linux specialists. If your situation matches that, Sirin Software is a competitive option.
Related comparisons
Promwad vs Sirin Software FAQ
Is Promwad better than Sirin Software?
Promwad (4.4/5) scores higher overall, but "better" depends on your use case. Promwad's strongest advantage: FPGA and firmware engineers work in the same team, which helps on video and high-speed interface products. Sirin Software's strongest advantage: embedded Linux, Yocto and Buildroot work is the core of its portfolio.
How do Promwad and Sirin Software differ in pricing?
Promwad uses fixed project, time & materials, dedicated team pricing. Sirin Software uses time & materials, dedicated team pricing. Neither firm publishes a full rate card; a discovery call is required for project-specific quotes.
Which is better for enterprise: Promwad or Sirin Software?
Promwad is the larger team and typically the better enterprise-scale choice. For very large programmes, verify team size and compliance coverage directly with each service provider before shortlisting.
What are the main differences between Promwad and Sirin Software?
Promwad's primary differentiator is: combined PCB, FPGA and firmware design with manufacturing preparation, delivered from EU entities. Sirin Software's primary differentiator is: US contracting entity with a Ukrainian embedded Linux and firmware team. They also differ in team size (101–250 vs 11–50), minimum engagement (Not disclosed vs Not disclosed), and primary industries served (Telecom & broadcast, Automotive vs Industrial IoT, Consumer electronics).
Verify all details directly with each service provider before making a decision.