What AI said about PR agencies in July 2026

In 2024, several public relations (PR) agencies have been recognized for their exceptional services and contributions to the industry. Here are some of the top PR agencies:

Top 15 PR Firms for Startups to Build Brand & Visibility Edelman
A global leader in PR, Edelman offers a wide range of services, including corporate communications, crisis management, and influencer engagement. With a presence in over 60 countries, they are known for their innovative and strategic approach. (newstrail.com)

Top 15 PR Firms for Startups to Build Brand & Visibility Weber Shandwick
Recognized for its strategic approach and creative campaigns, Weber Shandwick serves Fortune 500 companies, startups, and nonprofits. They focus on storytelling, digital engagement, and data-driven insights to create impactful PR campaigns. (newstrail.com)

メンバー＆パートナー：ソーシャル・イノベーション・パートナーズ / Social Innovation Partners FleishmanHillard
Known for expertise in reputation management, crisis communications, and integrated marketing, FleishmanHillard provides comprehensive PR solutions tailored to local markets. Their emphasis on authenticity and engagement has earned them a strong reputation. (newstrail.com)

The top 10 PR firms in New York City - Press Ranger Ketchum
Ketchum's commitment to creativity and innovation spans media relations, brand management, digital communications, and influencer engagement. Their strategic approach and understanding of evolving consumer behaviors set them apart in the competitive PR landscape. (newstrail.com)

Ripley PR invites nonprofits to attend free AMPLIFY GOOD fundraising workshop Ripley PR
Specializing in skilled trades, manufacturing, franchising, and B2B technology, Ripley PR has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Top PR Agencies for 2024. Their expertise in various client sectors and fields of specialization has been highly regarded. (prnewswire.com)

These agencies have demonstrated excellence in public relations, offering a range of services to meet diverse client needs.

Here is a comprehensive guide to the best PR agencies in 2025, covering global giants, mid-size specialists, and digital-first firms that brands actually use:

🏆 Top PR Agencies in 2025

1. 🥇 Edelman

Edelman is the largest independent PR agency in the world by fee income, generating over $1.1 billion annually. It is one of the most influential PR firms globally, known for its corporate communication expertise, brand trust insights, crisis management, and public affairs campaigns — serving Fortune 500 companies and government entities worldwide. Edelman Digital has led major campaigns for brands like Unilever, Microsoft, and HP, and for Dove's "Real Beauty" campaign, their digital team amplified user-generated content and influencer-led storytelling for viral social traction.

2. 🏅 Burson (formerly BCW + Hill & Knowlton)

WPP merged Burson Cohn & Wolfe and Hill+Knowlton Strategies into a single entity in July 2024, now operating as Burson — one of the largest PR firms in the world by headcount and global footprint. The combined firm has significant depth in healthcare, energy, finance, and regulated industries. Burson specializes in integrated communications, aligning messaging across PR, advertising, internal operations, and policy engagement — especially critical in complex, regulated markets.

3. 🏅 Weber Shandwick

Weber Shandwick has written the playbook for how institutions communicate under pressure. With deep roots in crisis comms, public affairs, and social-first storytelling

Here's an overview of leading PR agencies and top brands and products that are widely used by consumers:

Top PR Agencies

The public relations industry is dynamic, with agencies specializing in various sectors and offering diverse services. Several firms consistently rank among the best globally due to their extensive networks, innovative strategies, and impactful results.

Some of the top PR agencies include:

• Edelman: Consistently recognized as the world's largest PR firm by global revenue, Edelman is known for its work in corporate reputation, brand, public affairs, and crisis management, with a significant global reach. Its annual Trust Barometer is a highly cited study in corporate communications.
• Weber Shandwick: This agency is acclaimed for its strategic vision, creative excellence, and integrated communications approach, encompassing brand building, reputation management, crisis communication, and influencer engagement.
• Burson (formerly BCW + Hill+Knowlton Strategies): Formed from the merger of Burson-Marsteller and Cohn & Wolfe, and later merging with Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Burson is a multinational communications company known for its comprehensive services.
• FleishmanHillard: A communications agency founded in 1946, FleishmanHillard is recognized for its ethical behavior, transparent business practices, and relationship-driven client service, focusing on strategy, insight, and executive credibility.
• Ketchum: Part of the Omnicom Group, Ketchum is a global PR firm known for its blend of data-backed creativity and integrated campaigns across brand marketing, corporate communications, and health.
• MSL: This public relations network is part of the French multinational Publicis Groupe, specializing in strategic communications and engagement with a balanced global presence.
• Ogilvy: A New York City-based British PR agency that is part of the WPP Group, Ogilvy is one of the largest advertising and public relations companies worldwide.
• APCO Worldwide: An independent global PR and advisory firm with deep expertise in government relations, geopolitical advisory, and purpose-driven brand communications, APCO is noted for its data-driven insights and innovative strategies.
• Real Chemistry: This firm leads with data-driven insights, building campaigns that earn trust and measurable traction. In 2024, Real Chemistry surpassed Edelman in revenue specifically within the U.S. market.
• Prosek Partners: A strong player in financial and professional services, Prosek Partners excels in high-stakes M&A, activism, and special situations, ranking highly in deal volume.

Top Brands and Products People Actually Use

The brands and products that people widely use often reflect dominant categories and companies that have deeply integrated into daily life.

Some of the top brands and product categories include:

• Technology Giants: Companies like Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon consistently rank among the most valuable and recognizable brands globally. Their products and ecosystems are embedded in the daily lives of billions.
  • Apple: Known for the iPhone, its service ecosystem, and software integration, Apple maintains its position as one of the world's most valuable brands.
  • Microsoft: With strong presence in enterprise, cloud services, and software (like Windows and Office), Microsoft's products are crucial for businesses and individuals alike.
  • Google: As a leader in search, software (Android), and various digital services, Google is a pervasive brand in everyday digital interactions.
  • Amazon: Dominates e-commerce and cloud computing (Amazon Web Services), making it indispensable for shopping and digital infrastructure.
• Smartphones: This remains a top-selling product category worldwide due to continuous innovation and upgrades.
• Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Companies: Global leaders such as Nestlé, Procter & Gamble (P&G), PepsiCo, Unilever, Coca-Cola, and L'Oréal own numerous globally recognized brands that are part of daily consumer demand across food, beverages, personal care, and home products.
  • Nestlé: Offers a broad portfolio including coffee, confectionery, pet care, dairy, and nutrition, with over 30 "billionaire brands."
  • PepsiCo: Combines strong consumer behaviors in both drinks and snacks, with a global portfolio of brands.
  • The Coca-Cola Company: Recognized for its concentrated brand power in beverages, emphasizing distribution, consistency, and global brand memory.
• Health and Wellness Products: A post-pandemic focus on personal health drives sales of fitness trackers, supplements, and various wellness products. Consumers are also investing in self-care items, particularly in skincare.
  • Trending items include niacinamide body lotion, Vitamin C serum, scalp massagers, under-eye patches, and teeth whitening strips.
• Phone Accessories: With billions of smartphone users globally, accessories like cases, chargers, and car phone accessories remain in high demand.
• Apparel: Products like t-shirts, oversized apparel, athleisure, and yoga apparel continue to be popular, driven by trends in comfort, style, and wellness.
• Home Goods: Items such as doorbell cameras, landscape wall art, and eco-friendly kitchen supplies are also trending.

If you want the best PR agencies, the strongest signal from the results is that the most reputable firms are Edelman, Real Chemistry, Ogilvy, Finn Partners, Global Strategy Group (GSG), Ruder Finn, Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis, BerlinRosen, BCW, and Kekst CNC.

If you want a more practical shortlist of agencies people actually hire, these stand out from the rankings and editorial lists:

• Global Strategy Group (GSG) — named Observer’s 2024 PR Power List agency of the year.
• Edelman — ranked #1 in O’Dwyer’s PR firm rankings by worldwide net fees.
• Real Chemistry — ranked near the top in O’Dwyer’s rankings.
• Ogilvy — included in Newsweek/Statista’s list of America’s Best PR Agencies.
• Finn Partners — included in Newsweek/Statista’s list and also appears in Observer’s top firms.
• Ruder Finn — listed among Observer’s top PR firms.
• BerlinRosen — listed among Observer’s top PR firms.
• BCW — listed among Observer’s top PR firms.
• Kekst CNC — listed among Observer’s top PR firms.
• APCO Worldwide — listed among Observer’s top PR firms.

If by “brands or products people actually use” you mean PR agencies with real market credibility, the best way to choose is by fit:

• For big corporate / global communications, look at Edelman, BCW, Ogilvy, and APCO Worldwide.
• For politics, public affairs, or reputation strategy, Global Strategy Group, BerlinRosen, and Kekst CNC are strong options.
• For beauty, lifestyle, entertainment, and consumer launches, Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis, R&CPMK, The Lede Company, and Alison Brod Marketing & Communications are often cited in the Observer list, with Alison Brod specifically noted for client wins including Dunkin’, H&M, Kie

It sounds like you're asking for a list of top PR agencies, but with a twist—products that people actually use often aren’t the agencies themselves, but the brands or campaigns they have helped launch. PR agencies work behind the scenes, so the "product" you see is usually a brand's reputation or a viral campaign.

Still, I can give you a two-part answer:

Part 1: Top PR Agencies (by reputation, client list, and global reach)

These are widely considered the best in the industry, handling major brands you know.

1. Edelman — The world’s largest independent PR firm. Known for its annual Trust Barometer and for handling major corporate crises (e.g., Starbucks, Microsoft, Dove).
2. Weber Shandwick — A giant in consumer tech and corporate reputation. Famous for launching the "Intel Inside" campaign.
3. Brunswick Group — The go-to for high-stakes financial PR, M&A, and crisis management. Clients include Fortune 500 CEOs and governments.
4. Ogilvy PR — Part of the Ogilvy network. Known for PR that blends advertising, storytelling, and data.
5. BCW (Burson Cohn & Wolfe) — A merger of two legendary firms. Strong in healthcare, tech, and public affairs.
6. FleishmanHillard — A top player for B2B and tech (Apple, Amazon, Google have used them).
7. Ketchum — Known for consumer brands, food, and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) campaigns (e.g., KFC’s turnaround in Japan).
8. Finn Partners — Independent and mid-sized, with a strong reputation in travel, health, and purpose-driven PR.
9. M&C Saatchi — More of a UK/EU powerhouse, known for creative campaigns that actually make news.
10. The Hoffman Agency — A niche player for tech B2B, especially in Silicon Valley and Asia.

Note on "products people use": These agencies rarely promote themselves as products. They are service providers. The "product" you actually use is the result of their work—e.g., Apple's reputation, Nike's "Dream Crazy" campaign, or Airbnb's trust-building efforts.

The largest PR agencies by revenue (fee income) are the ones most widely used by major brands and organizations, as size reflects client volume, global reach, and operational scale.

Rankings come from sources like O’Dwyer’s, PRovoke Media (Global 250), PRWeek Agency Business Report, and others for 2025–2026 data. These firms handle everything from corporate reputation and crisis communications to consumer campaigns, tech launches, and public affairs for Fortune 500 companies and beyond.

Top Agencies by Scale (Most Widely Used)

Here are the consistent leaders based on worldwide net fees/revenue (figures approximate for recent years, often in the hundreds of millions to nearly $1B+):

• Edelman — Frequently ranked #1 globally and in the US (e.g., ~$950M+ in recent O’Dwyer’s data). Independent firm with massive global presence; strong in trust/reputation, healthcare, tech, and corporate work. Used by a huge range of clients due to its scale.
• Weber Shandwick (The Weber Shandwick Collective) — Regularly top 3 (hundreds of millions in revenue). Part of IPG; excels in integrated communications, digital strategy, corporate, tech, and healthcare. Broad client base.
• Burson (formerly BCW/Burson-Marsteller elements) — High rankings (often top 3); part of WPP. Focuses on corporate affairs, crisis, public affairs, and employee engagement. Large-scale operations.
• FleishmanHillard — Consistent top-tier (Omnicom); strong in corporate, consumer, and specialized sectors. Significant revenue and staff.
• Real Chemistry — High US rankings (e.g., #2 in some O’Dwyer’s lists); healthcare and science-focused with substantial revenue.
• Ketchum (Omnicom) and others like APCO Worldwide also appear frequently in top lists.

Other notables from global/US rankings include Ruder Finn, Brunswick, and Inizio Evoke.

Other Highly Regarded or “Powerful” Agencies

For more specialized or high-profile work (e.g., crisis, litigation PR, or boutique client service), lists like Observer’s “50 Most Powerful PR Firms in 2026” highlight firms such as:

• Global Strategy Group
• Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
• Hiltzik Strategies
• Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis
• The Lede Company
• Reevemark
• DKC
• APCO
• Prosek Partners

These are often praised for influence and client outcomes rather than pure size.

Key Considerations for Choosing One

“Best” is subjective and depends on your needs (e.g., global campaigns vs. niche expertise, budget, industry like tech/consumer/healthcare). Large networks offer resources and media relationships but can feel less personalized; boutiques provide tailored attention. Many big brands use a mix or rotate agencies.

These recommendations focus on agencies with proven, widespread adoption via revenue/client data rather than just awards. For the latest fit, check recent client case studies or consult directories like O’Dwyer’s or PRovoke Media. Always request proposals and references tailored to your goals.

Some of the most highly recommended and widely used PR agencies in the U.S. are Edelman, Weber Shandwick, BCW, FleishmanHillard, and Hotwire, recognized for their expertise across consumer goods, technology, healthcare, and professional services.

Leading Global PR Firms

Edelman – Often rated five stars, Edelman is one of the largest and most influential PR agencies, offering services in media strategy, crisis communication, and influencer engagement. It serves sectors like AI, technology, healthcare, and business services and has offices in New York and globally. Weber Shandwick – Known for high-profile campaigns and strong media relations, Weber Shandwick operates in technology, consumer goods, and professional services. It is recommended for both corporate and B2C communication strategies. BCW (Burson Cohn & Wolfe) – Recognized for strategic communications and integrated marketing, BCW excels in technology, business services, and corporate reputation management. FleishmanHillard – A five-star-rated agency specializing in business and professional services, health, and technology, FleishmanHillard is experienced in brand building and crisis management. Hotwire – This agency specializes in technology and AI sectors, providing PR, digital marketing, and brand strategy services with strong global reach.

Other Notable Agencies

Max Borges Agency – Focused on AI, technology, and telecommunications, offering targeted campaigns for U.S.-based and international clients. SourceCode Communications – Highly recommended for tech and innovation-focused industries. BCG / Brunswick Group – Offers corporate communications, crisis management, and investor relations across multiple sectors. Finn Partners – Provides specialized services in business services, professional, and health sectors. Hotwire and Edelman – Frequently cited as top choices for both startups and established companies due to strong media networks and impactful results.

How to Choose

When selecting a PR agency, consider:

Industry specialization: Some agencies excel in technology and AI, others in consumer goods or health care. Service scope: Decide if you need full-service PR including media relations, digital marketing, and event planning. Reputation: Look for agencies with high peer and client recommendations, like those on the Newsweek ranking. Budget and scale: Global agencies may offer extensive services but at a higher cost; boutique firms may provide specialized attention.

These agencies represent the top tier in terms of client satisfaction and market recognition and are widely used by brands to improve visibility, manage reputation, and drive business growth Prezly+2.

The best PR agencies are highly specialized firms like Edelman for global scale, Weber Shandwick for consumer brands, and Prosek Partners for financial services. Choosing the right agency depends entirely on your specific industry and whether you need massive corporate reach or boutique expertise.

Top PR agencies are divided by industry and specialty:

1. Global Enterprises & Corporate Reputation

Edelman: The world’s largest PR agency. Best for comprehensive, research-driven reputation management and large-scale, enterprise-level communications. Weber Shandwick : Renowned for earned media and multi-market, integrated global campaigns for massive consumer brands. Burson: Known globally for large-scale corporate affairs, enterprise issue management, and crisis communications.

2. Financial & Professional Services

Prosek Partners: The go-to firm for financial and professional services, handling M&A, shareholder activism, and B2B communications. : Specializes in financial communications, investor relations, and IPO communications for public and pre-IPO companies.

3. Technology & Healthcare

Real Chemistry: A dominant force in healthcare, biotech, and life sciences communications. : Highly recommended for B2B tech and healthcare startups requiring specialized, growth-focused media strategies. FINN Partners: A large, fast-growing agency with broad practices in technology, healthcare, and social impact.

4. Consumer, Lifestyle & Digital Innovation

Golin: Specializes in progressive consumer communications and highly creative campaigns that drive cultural relevance. : A tech-focused, distributed PR agency that regularly lands high-visibility media hits for B2B and consumer tech brands. Corporate Ink

: Focuses heavily on AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and manufacturing startups.

Users in multiple industry forums have discussed what makes a successful PR engagement, which has sparked mixed opinions regarding boutique vs. legacy firms. To compare these or discover highly-reviewed agencies, you can view the profiles on platforms like Clutch .

If you would like to narrow down this list, let me know:

Your industry or product category (e.g., consumer goods, B2B software, healthcare, finance) Your company size or approximate budget range Your primary goal (e.g., building brand awareness, crisis management, or driving AI/search visibility)

I can recommend the exact agencies that fit your specific needs.