There is no single best elevator company. The right choice depends on your building’s equipment, your needs, and your budget. The four global majors, Otis, Schindler, KONE, and TK Elevator, lead on proprietary equipment, global resources, and new installations, while independent companies often win on cost, flexibility, and servicing older or non-proprietary equipment. The guide below breaks down the tradeoffs so you can choose with confidence.
When it comes to elevators, building owners and property managers often ask: which elevator company is the best? The answer depends on various factors, including your building’s specific needs, the type of equipment installed, and the services required. Whether you are seeking routine maintenance, modernization, or new installations, understanding the strengths and limitations of major and independent elevator companies can help you make an informed choice.
Major Elevator Companies: A Global Presence
The global elevator industry is led by four major companies: Otis Elevator, Schindler Elevator, KONE Elevator, and TK Elevator. These organizations dominate the market due to being OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), with extensive service networks, longevity, and the ability to handle a diversity of projects. There are also companies like Fujitec Elevator and Mitsubishi Elevator, though they do not service every market like the four majors.
Not sure whether a major or an independent is right for your building? That is exactly what we help owners decide. We are independent elevator consultants. We work only for building owners, never the elevator companies, so we have no stake in which one you choose. We help you pick the right fit and hold them to it.
Strengths of Major Elevator Companies
- Equipment development: major companies design and sell their own elevator and escalator systems.
- Global resources: their international presence supports ongoing research and development for their products.
- Comprehensive solutions: from new installations to modernization, they provide end-to-end elevator and escalator systems and services.
Limitations of Major Elevator Companies
- Proprietary equipment: many use proprietary systems that only their own technicians can service, locking customers into long-term maintenance agreements and part replacement. The OEM controls the market for its equipment, including deciding when to phase out parts.
- Higher costs: maintenance and repair costs with the majors can be higher than with independent providers, and competitive bidding is usually not feasible.
- Less flexibility: service terms and schedules may be less adaptable to individual building needs.
Independent Elevator Companies: Flexibility and Personalized Service
Independent elevator companies serve regional or local markets and often offer a more personalized and cost-effective alternative to the majors. They are particularly valuable for buildings that want an alternative to the majors, or that have unique needs, legacy systems, or require tailored service.
Strengths of Independent Elevator Companies
- Cost-effective solutions: independent providers typically offer competitive pricing for maintenance and repairs.
- Personalized attention: smaller companies often provide more flexible service tailored to specific building needs.
- Support for legacy systems: independents may excel at servicing older equipment that OEMs no longer support.
Limitations of Independent Elevator Companies
- Resource constraints: smaller scale may limit their ability to obtain parts from the majors, or the price from the OEM may be higher.
- Limited proprietary access: some independents may lack access to the latest proprietary technologies, such as certain machine-room-less (MRL) systems.
Key Factors to Consider
- Equipment compatibility and service needs. Evaluate whether the company has expertise with your specific equipment. Major OEMs are ideal for their own proprietary systems, while independents can service based on each company’s capabilities. Independents often excel with non-proprietary or older equipment.
- Maintenance and modernization. For routine maintenance, choose a provider with a track record of reliable, preventative care to reduce downtime and prolong equipment life. For modernization, assess whether the company can meet the building’s needs using both proprietary and non-proprietary equipment.
- Contract transparency. Clear terms and conditions are essential when renewing or negotiating maintenance agreements. The building should have a clear understanding of all terms, conditions, key performance agreements, service level agreements, inclusions, exclusions, and rates from all potential elevator service providers.
- Project scope for new installations. For new construction, major companies may offer online specifications and dimensions that developers and architects like to use. These are typically for proprietary OEM equipment and may lock you into that major for the life of the building. Independents can often provide competitive bids for non-proprietary installations. The majors can install non-proprietary equipment too, but usually charge a premium.
Union vs Non-union Companies
The choice between a union and non-union elevator company adds another layer to the decision, and depends on the building’s location and whether both options are even available.
Union companies. Pros: technicians often have consistent training, certifications, and access to advanced tools and techniques. Cons: higher labor costs, which may be reflected in service rates.
Non-union companies. Pros: typically more cost-effective and flexible in service offerings. Cons: training and resource availability can vary, so vetting is important, though most non-union companies have properly trained technicians.
Technology and Future Trends
Both major and independent companies are increasingly adopting innovative solutions to meet evolving building needs. While the majors develop and manufacture their own elevator and escalator systems, many independents bring similar tools into their offerings through manufacturers beyond the four majors.
This Decision Is Bigger Than “Who Is Best”
The harder truth is that this is not really about who is best in general. It is about who is best for your specific building, your equipment, and your budget, and getting it wrong is expensive. A poor fit can lock you into proprietary equipment for the life of the building, inflate your maintenance costs, or leave you with parts you cannot source. This is where an independent elevator consultant earns the fee. We evaluate your equipment and goals, run a fair comparison across providers, and make sure the choice protects your building and your bottom line, not the elevator company’s.
Making the Right Choice for Your Building
The decision between a major and an independent provider depends on your building’s unique needs:
- For proprietary systems, the majors provide unmatched expertise and resources.
- For cost-effective maintenance, legacy equipment, or personalized service, independents offer flexibility.
- For union vs non-union, prioritize the needs of the building and what is available in your market.
By evaluating your building’s requirements, understanding the strengths and limitations of each provider type, and carefully reviewing service agreements, you can keep your vertical transportation systems reliable, efficient, and cost-effective.
Want an unbiased read on the best fit for your building? We compare providers for you, with no allegiance to any of them. Talk to an independent elevator consultant for a no-obligation conversation, or call (312) 519-9949.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which elevator company is the best?
There is no single best elevator company. The four global majors (Otis, Schindler, KONE, and TK Elevator) lead on proprietary equipment, global resources, and new installations, while independent companies often win on cost, flexibility, and servicing older or non-proprietary equipment. The best choice depends on your building’s equipment, needs, and budget.
Are independent elevator companies cheaper than the major companies?
Often, yes. Independent providers may offer more competitive pricing on maintenance and repairs and tend to be more flexible on service terms. The tradeoff is that they may have limited access to proprietary parts or the newest OEM technology. For non-proprietary or older equipment, an independent is frequently the more cost-effective choice. It really all depends on your situation.
Should I choose a union or non-union elevator company?
It depends on your building’s location and needs. Union providers often offer consistent training, certifications, and access to advanced tools, but at higher labor costs. Non-union companies are typically more cost-effective, though training and resources can vary, so vetting matters. In some markets you may not have a choice between the two. A building needs to look at their individual situation.
How do I decide between a major and an independent elevator company?
Start with your equipment. Proprietary OEM systems may require the major that installed them pending when installed, while non-proprietary or legacy equipment can usually be serviced competitively by an independent. Then weigh cost, flexibility, parts availability, and contract terms. Because this decision affects your costs for the life of the building, many owners bring in an independent elevator consultant to run a fair, unbiased comparison before committing.