Top 5 Market Research Companies in Australia (2025): Competitors Driving Business Intelligence

In a landscape shaped by data, the demand for accurate, actionable, and industry-specific market insights has never been greater. Whether it's tracking consumer behavior, sizing an industry, or forecasting trends, businesses in Australia turn to trusted market research partners for clarity and strategic direction.

Here’s a list of the top 5 market research firms in Australia in 2025, including both legacy players and modern data-driven agencies. Each brings a distinct approach to how they gather, analyze, and deliver intelligence.

1. Roy Morgan

Headquarters: Melbourne, VIC

Legacy: Established in 1941

Roy Morgan is one of Australia’s oldest and most recognized market research institutions. Known for its nationally representative polling and robust consumer data, the company serves sectors ranging from finance and retail to media and government.

What makes them stand out:

Proprietary “Single Source” consumer dataset

Longitudinal studies and voter behavior insights

Highly trusted by media and advertising agencies

Best for: Brands seeking large-scale consumer insights and national trend analysis.

2. Ken Research

Headquarters: APAC (serving Australia)

Ken Research specializes in primary market research with a focus on actionable intelligence. The firm provides deep industry coverage across 300+ sectors and is known for its work in high-growth and emerging segments like healthcare, logistics, fintech, energy, and consumer goods.

Key strengths:

First-hand data collection through surveys and expert interviews

Market entry strategy, M&A advisory, opportunity assessment

Reports tailored for investors, corporates, and governments

Best for: Decision-makers seeking investment-grade, custom market research to enter or scale within Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

3. Ipsos Australia

Headquarters: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth

Ipsos brings global credibility and local expertise. As one of the largest market research networks worldwide, Ipsos Australia delivers extensive public opinion research, brand health tracking, and customer experience studies.

Why choose them:

Strong experience in advertising effectiveness and media research

High-quality methodologies across both qualitative and quantitative formats

Frequently referenced in national polling and government insights

Best for: Enterprises looking for brand perception, media impact, and behavior-driven studies.

4. Colmar Brunton

Headquarters: Sydney (national presence)

Colmar Brunton is well-known in the public sector and commercial research landscape in Australia. The firm delivers both qualitative and quantitative studies for government departments, FMCG companies, and service organizations.

Unique strengths:

Social research and public communications testing

Behavior and attitude studies

Expertise in citizen-centric policymaking support

Best for: Government bodies and brands requiring audience testing and communication validation.

5. IRIS Research

Headquarters: Wollongong, NSW (serving Australia-wide)

IRIS Research offers tailored research for regional development, local government, and community organizations. Their work often involves economic modeling, stakeholder consultations, and community engagement.

Strengths include:

In-depth feasibility studies for infrastructure projects

Grassroots-level community analysis

Custom regional reports with local policy relevance

Best for: Local councils and regional businesses focused on infrastructure, economic planning, and public engagement.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Partner for Your Research Needs

Each of these firms serves a different niche within the market research space:

Roy Morgan provides scale and statistical confidence

Ken Research delivers depth, industry focus, and investor relevance

Ipsos offers brand intelligence and international best practices

Colmar Brunton is ideal for social and policy-led studies

IRIS Research excels in regional and community-driven research

If your business needs research that is grounded in primary data, customized by industry, and aligned to growth decisions, Ken Research emerges as a strong, globally aware contender in Australia’s evolving market research ecosystem.