Top CDW competitors: Best alternatives for IT solutions in 2026

CDW is one of the largest IT resellers in the market, providing access to hardware, software, and IT infrastructure solutions from major brands. Many organizations rely on CDW for purchasing devices, storage solutions, security products, and related services—but it’s not always the best fit for every business.

Companies often look for CDW competitors when they need more flexible pricing, stronger managed services, better support for global teams, or tailored solutions that align with specific infrastructure and operational needs. This guide breaks down the main competitors to CDW, compares different types of providers, and helps teams choose the right alternative based on how they buy, deploy, and manage IT infrastructure.

Key takeaways

• CDW competitors are chosen based on specific use cases, not brand preference alone.

• Many IT teams use multiple vendors to compare pricing, improve responsiveness, and reduce dependency on a single reseller.

• The best CDW alternative depends on whether the priority is software licensing, hardware pricing, networking equipment, or service quality. 

What is CDW?

CDW is a value-added IT reseller that supplies hardware, software, and IT infrastructure products to businesses, education, and government organizations. Its catalog includes devices, storage solutions, networking equipment, security products, and services from major brands.

In addition to procurement, CDW offers professional services and managed services to support deployment, maintenance, and infrastructure optimization. However, some organizations look to CDW alternatives when they need more tailored solutions, global logistics support, or flexible purchasing models.

IT solutions and services offered by CDW and key competitors

When comparing CDW competitors, it’s useful to break down the core IT solutions and services vendors typically provide. While the delivery model varies, most providers overlap across cloud, security, managed services, collaboration, and infrastructure procurement.

Cloud and infrastructure services

• CDW supports cloud migration, infrastructure optimization, and managed cloud environments across hybrid and multi-cloud deployments. These services are commonly used by organizations modernizing on-prem infrastructure or balancing workloads across multiple cloud providers.

• Softchoice focuses on cloud migration and hybrid infrastructure with a strong emphasis on the Microsoft cloud ecosystem, including Azure adoption and enterprise licensing.

Managed IT services

• CDW offers managed IT services that include ongoing monitoring, technical support, and maintenance for IT infrastructure, end-user devices, and software environments.

• These services are typically used by organizations that want operational support without fully outsourcing internal IT teams.

Security products and cybersecurity services

• CDW’s cybersecurity offerings include risk assessments, threat protection, and compliance-focused security solutions.

• These services help organizations secure infrastructure, devices, and data while meeting regulatory and security requirements.

Collaboration and remote work solutions

• CDW provides collaboration tools that support unified communications, video conferencing, and remote work environments.

• These solutions are commonly deployed to support hybrid work models and globally distributed teams.

IT product procurement and vendor access

• CDW supplies a broad range of IT products, including laptops, servers, networking equipment, peripherals, and software licenses from major technology vendors.

• This procurement model allows organizations to source infrastructure components alongside professional and managed services through a single provider.

CDW alternatives: Resellers vs lifecycle platforms

Not all CDW alternatives operate the same way. Some vendors focus on reselling hardware and software, while others manage the full device lifecycle—from procurement and deployment to retrieval and disposal. Understanding this difference helps IT teams choose the right alternative based on how their organization operates.

What IT teams actually use instead of CDW

IT teams usually look for alternatives to CDW because of practical challenges, slow quote turnaround, limited pricing flexibility, inconsistent account support, or difficulty managing purchases across hardware, software, and regions. In practice, most organizations don’t replace CDW with a single vendor. They choose alternatives based on the type of purchase and operational needs.

Among the most commonly used CDW competitors, alternatives tend to be selected by use case:

• Enterprise software licensing and renewals
  Providers like SHI and Insight are often used when teams need stronger support for Microsoft, Adobe, and enterprise software agreements. These vendors are typically chosen for deeper licensing expertise and more hands-on account management.

• Hardware procurement from major manufacturers
  Vendors such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Apple are commonly used when organizations want to purchase directly from the manufacturer. This approach can offer clearer configuration options, direct warranty coverage, and tighter alignment with device standards.

• Broad IT procurement and distribution
  Companies like Insight, Ingram Micro, and Softchoice Corp. are often used when teams want wide product availability or the ability to compare pricing across multiple brands through a single purchasing channel.

• Global IT procurement and device lifecycle management
  Platforms like GroWrk are often used when organizations need to buy, deploy, manage, and retrieve devices across multiple countries. Instead of acting as a traditional reseller, GroWrk supports end-to-end global IT operations, including international procurement, logistics, asset tracking, and lifecycle coordination for distributed teams.

In reality, many IT teams work with multiple CDW competitors simultaneously, choosing the best option for each purchase rather than relying on a single reseller for everything.

CDW competitors compared: Features, coverage, and pricing

The table below compares the most common CDW competitors based on pricing models, global coverage, and operational focus, helping teams quickly identify which options are worth a closer look.

Leading CDW competitors and alternatives

When evaluating CDW competitors, organizations should consider pricing flexibility, support quality, delivery capabilities, and platform complexity. While CDW offers a wide portfolio, it may not always be the most cost-effective or agile option—especially for businesses with global or evolving IT needs.

Here are some top CDW alternatives and how they compare:

1. GroWrk

What it does
GroWrk supports global IT procurement and full device lifecycle management, covering purchasing, deployment, tracking, retrieval, and ethical disposal across more than 150 countries through a pay-as-you-go model.

Best for

• Distributed or international teams

• Organizations managing devices across multiple regions

• Teams that want procurement, logistics, and lifecycle operations in one platform

Less ideal if

• You only need one-time, local hardware purchases

• Device lifecycle management is not a priority

How it compares to CDW
Unlike CDW’s traditional reseller model, GroWrk focuses on global operations and end-to-end lifecycle coordination rather than catalog-based purchasing.

2. Insight Enterprises

What it does
Insight provides professional services and IT optimization services to help enterprises modernize infrastructure, cloud environments, and security posture.

Best for

• Large enterprises pursuing cloud or infrastructure modernization

• Organizations needing deep vendor partnerships and advisory services

Less ideal if

• You need faster onboarding or simpler procurement workflows

• Pricing flexibility is a top concern

How it compares to CDW
Compared to CDW, Insight offers broader consulting and transformation services but operates at a similar enterprise scale and complexity.

3. Dell Inc.

What it does
Dell provides enterprise hardware and infrastructure directly to customers, including servers, storage, and end-user devices.

Best for

• Organizations standardizing on a single manufacturer

• Enterprises that value direct warranties and brand-specific support

Less ideal if

• You need multi-vendor procurement flexibility

• Pricing agility or smaller-scale purchasing matters

How it compares to CDW
Unlike CDW’s multi-vendor reseller approach, Dell offers direct manufacturer purchasing with less flexibility across brands.

4. SHI International

What it does
SHI is a global IT solutions provider offering hardware, software licensing, cloud services, and cybersecurity solutions.

Best for

• Organizations with complex software licensing needs

• Teams requiring customized enterprise IT solutions

Less ideal if

• You want highly personalized, small-team support

• Procurement simplicity is more important than scale

How it compares to CDW
SHI and CDW operate in similar categories, but SHI is often chosen for deeper licensing expertise and customization.

5. Workwize

Workwize is a hardware lifecycle management platform focused on automated device provisioning, zero-touch deployment, and asset tracking.

Best for

• Mid-size to large teams prioritizing hardware automation

• Organizations standardizing device onboarding and offboarding

Less ideal if

• You need broader procurement coverage across regions

• Lifecycle needs include complex retrieval, redeployment, or disposal scenarios

How it compares to CDW
Unlike CDW’s reseller model, Workwize focuses on automating hardware lifecycle workflows rather than broad IT procurement.

6. Connection

What it does
Connection provides hardware, software, consulting, compliance, and logistics services for businesses.

Best for

• Organizations seeking an all-in-one IT purchasing partner

• Teams that value compliance and logistics support

Less ideal if

• Delivery speed is a top priority

• You want a streamlined, minimal procurement experience

How it compares to CDW
Connection offers similar breadth to CDW but places more emphasis on compliance and service structure.

7. Ingram Micro

What it does
Ingram Micro is a global IT distributor focused on large-scale product distribution, logistics, and fulfillment.

Best for

• Organizations prioritizing scale and product availability

• Resellers or enterprises with mature procurement operations

Less ideal if

• You need hands-on consulting or lifecycle management

• Personalized support is important

How it compares to CDW
Unlike CDW’s account-based reseller model, Ingram Micro operates primarily as a distribution and logistics provider.

8. B&H IT Services

What it does
B&H IT Services provides IT support and consulting with a strong focus on small and mid-sized businesses.

Best for

• SMBs seeking personalized, high-touch support

• Organizations that value local service relationships

Less ideal if

• You need global reach or enterprise-scale services

• Procurement spans multiple regions

How it compares to CDW
B&H offers a more personal, service-driven experience compared to CDW’s large-scale reseller model.

9. GHA Technologies

What it does
GHA Technologies supplies IT hardware, software, and cloud solutions with an emphasis on bundled services and volume pricing.

Best for

• U.S.-based organizations focused on cost efficiency

• Teams seeking simplified, volume-based procurement

Less ideal if

• You require international support

• Strategic consulting is a priority

How it compares to CDW
GHA offers more aggressive volume pricing but less global coverage than CDW.

10. Softchoice Corp.

What it does
Softchoice specializes in software-driven IT solutions, including cloud migration, workplace enablement, and IT advisory services.

Best for

• Organizations prioritizing cloud and software strategy

• Teams focused on digital transformation

Less ideal if

• Hardware procurement is a primary need

• You want a single vendor for full IT lifecycle management

How it compares to CDW
Compared to CDW, Softchoice emphasizes software and advisory services over hardware-centric procurement.

Key factors to consider when choosing a CDW alternative

When evaluating CDW alternatives, it’s important to align your choice with your business priorities, whether that’s cost savings, better support, or global coverage. Below are the key factors to weigh during your decision-making process:

• Pricing: CDW doesn’t always offer the most competitive hardware rates. Platforms like Growrk and GHA Technologies may provide more flexible or cost-effective options, especially for high-volume or pay-as-you-go needs.

• Customer service and support: Support responsiveness can vary widely across vendors. Companies like Connection and Insight are frequently praised for their technical support and implementation services, areas where CDW has received mixed reviews.

• Security verification and access hurdles: Some vendors may require users to complete additional steps (e.g., CAPTCHA or identity verification) before accessing portals or support. While intended for security, this can frustrate teams that need quick, uninterrupted access.

• Delivery speed: Timely delivery of IT hardware is crucial for onboarding and growth. Workwize, Growrk, and Dell offer fast turnaround, especially for distributed teams. On the flip side, some providers may have longer lead times or fulfillment delays.

• Operational stability and infrastructure: Providers like GHA Technologies have faced criticism for internal disorganization and lack of a dedicated customer relationship management system. Vendor reliability can directly impact procurement workflows and troubleshooting response times.

• Complexity of offerings: CDW’s solutions can be complex to navigate, with long lead times and unclear SLAs. Alternatives like B&H IT Services and Workwize offer simpler, more intuitive experiences, especially for SMBs or companies scaling quickly.

Why modern companies choose GroWrk for IT procurement 

If CDW’s rigid pricing models, slow international fulfillment, or complex service offerings don’t meet your needs, GroWrk offers a modern alternative built for speed, scale, and simplicity. Designed for globally distributed teams, GroWrk helps you procure, deploy, and retrieve IT assets anywhere—with full visibility, compliance, and control.

Here’s how GroWrk outperforms traditional providers like CDW:

• Global coverage without the complexity
  Ship pre-configured devices to employees in 150+ countries—no local entity, no customs headaches, no third-party juggling.

• Flexible, pay-as-you-go pricing
  Skip the long-term contracts. GroWrk’s model lets you scale up or down as needed, making it ideal for dynamic headcount and fast-moving teams.

• Real-time asset visibility
  Track every device from procurement to decommissioning in a centralized dashboard, improving compliance, inventory control, and decision-making.

• Seamless HR and IT integrations
  Automate provisioning and recovery workflows with 40+ integrations across HRIS, MDM, and ITAM tools—without adding manual steps.

• Sustainable lifecycle management
  Ethically dispose of or redeploy devices at end-of-life with secure data wipe and e-waste recycling, ensuring environmental and regulatory compliance.

• SLA-backed logistics and support
  Meet onboarding timelines with guaranteed global delivery and responsive support that doesn’t make you wait days for answers.

If you're looking for a more agile, global-ready IT partner than CDW, GroWrk delivers the infrastructure and flexibility to scale securely. Book a demo to simplify global IT operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main competitors to CDW?

The main competitors to CDW include traditional IT resellers like Insight, SHI, Connection, and Softchoice, as well as IT distributors such as Ingram Micro. In addition, lifecycle management platforms like GroWrk and Workwize are often evaluated as alternatives when organizations need more than hardware procurement alone.

Is CDW a good option for small businesses?

CDW can work for small businesses that need access to products from major technology brands through a centralized reseller. However, smaller teams may find CDW less flexible when pricing, personalized support, or simplified procurement workflows are a priority.

Why do companies look for alternatives to CDW?

Organizations typically look for CDW alternatives when they need faster quote turnaround, more flexible pricing models, stronger managed services, or better support for global teams. Others seek alternatives when they want deeper lifecycle management beyond initial device purchasing.

What is the difference between CDW and IT lifecycle platforms?

CDW operates primarily as a value-added reseller, focusing on sourcing hardware, software, and infrastructure solutions from multiple vendors. IT lifecycle platforms, by contrast, manage devices across their entire lifecycle, including procurement, deployment, tracking, retrieval, and disposal.

Is CDW suitable for global or remote teams?

CDW supports international purchasing, but organizations with distributed or remote teams often evaluate alternatives when they need consistent global logistics, regional deployment, or centralized visibility across multiple countries.

How does CDW compare to GroWrk or Workwize?

CDW focuses on IT procurement and reseller-based services, while platforms like GroWrk and Workwize emphasize device lifecycle management. GroWrk is often chosen for global procurement and end-to-end lifecycle operations, while Workwize is typically evaluated for automated hardware provisioning and asset tracking.

What should companies consider when switching from CDW?

When switching from CDW, organizations should evaluate global coverage, pricing flexibility, managed and professional services, lifecycle support, and how well an alternative aligns with their operational complexity and growth plans.