Nielsen is a global, independent measurement and data company for fast-moving consumer goods, consumer behavior, and media. In this article, we discuss the top Nielsen Competitors and Alternatives.
Nielsen, a renowned global measurement and data analytics company, offers insightful consumer behavior trends and data drawn from over 90 years of experience in the media, retail, and consumer goods industries.
The firm’s strength lies in delivering holistic, cross-platform user engagement insights using advanced analytics and innovative measurement technologies. Additionally, Nielsen’s consumer behavior data aids businesses in making knowledgeable decisions about product innovation, pricing, and marketing, helping them steer growth and outpace competition.
- Product Type: Measurement and data company for fast-moving consumer goods, consumer behavior, and media.
- Industry: Market research and analysis of media and viewer interactions globally.
- Headquarters: New York City, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: David Kenny.
- Number of employees: 15,000+ (2023).
Table of Contents
The top Nielsen competitors are
1. Kantar
- Product Type: Market research and consulting
- Industry: Market research
- Founded Date: 1992
- Founders: Eric Salama
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Eric Salama
Kantar is a prominent competitor of Nielsen, offering market research and data analytics solutions. Kantar helps businesses make informed decisions by providing insights into consumer behavior, market trends, media measurement, and brand performance. With various services, including consumer panels and media measurement and monitoring, Kantar enables companies to understand their target audience, measure advertising effectiveness, and track brand health.
2. Comscore
- Product Type: Analytics and audience measurement
- Industry: Market research
- Founded Date: 1999
- Founders: Gian Fulgoni, Magid Abraham
- Headquarters: Reston, Virginia, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Bill Livek
Comscore is another major player in the market research industry, providing digital audience measurement and advertising analytics. Comscore helps businesses analyze online behaviors and trends, allowing them to optimize their digital marketing strategies and maximize their online presence. By offering detailed data on website traffic, audience demographics, and ad effectiveness, Comscore assists businesses in making data-driven decisions to enhance their digital advertising efforts.
3. GfK
- Product Type: Market research and consulting
- Industry: Market research
- Founded Date: 1934
- Founders: Gerhard Fritsch, Wilhelm Karmann, Friedrich Kroeber, and Karl Knauer
- Headquarters: Nuremberg, Germany
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Peter Feld
GfK, a global market research company, competes with Nielsen by offering comprehensive research and consulting services. GfK helps businesses understand consumer preferences, market dynamics, and industry competition. With expertise in consumer insights, brand tracking, and sales performance measurement, GfK equips businesses with the knowledge they need to stay competitive and drive growth.
4. Ipsos
- Product Type: Market research and consulting
- Industry: Market research
- Founded Date: 1975
- Founders: Didier Truchot
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Didier Truchot
Ipsos is a market research and consultancy leader, providing various solutions to help businesses understand market trends, consumer behaviors, and brand perceptions. Ipsos leverages its expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods to deliver actionable insights to its clients. By offering services such as consumer testing, brand positioning, and advertising effectiveness measurement, Ipsos enables businesses to make informed decisions based on reliable data.
5. IRI (Information Resources, Inc.)
- Product Type: Market research and consulting
- Industry: Market research
- Founded Date: 1979
- Founders: Gerald Eskin, Jerome Kern, and John Malec
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Kirk Perry
IRI (Information Resources, Inc.) is a competitor of Nielsen, specializing in data and predictive analytics for the consumer packaged goods industry. IRI helps businesses optimize pricing, promotions, assortment, and inventory management through advanced analytic solutions. With its vast data resources and industry expertise, IRI empowers companies to drive growth, enhance profitability, and gain a competitive edge.
6. Numerator
- Product Type: Market research and consulting
- Industry: Market research
- Founded Date: 2018
- Founders: Eric Belcher
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Eric Belcher
Numerator is a leading provider of market intelligence solutions, enabling businesses to gain insights into consumer behavior, brand performance, and market dynamics. Numerator combines data from multiple sources, including purchase receipts and online transactions, to provide a comprehensive market view. With its innovative analytics capabilities, Numerator assists companies in understanding shopper preferences, tracking competition, and making informed business decisions.
7. J.D. Power
- Product Type: Market research and consulting
- Industry: Market research
- Founded Date: 1968
- Founders: J.D. Power III
- Headquarters: Troy, Michigan, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Dave Habiger
J.D. Power, a well-known name in the market research industry, specializes in measuring and improving customer satisfaction across various sectors. J.D. Power conducts independent research to assess product quality, customer experiences, and brand perceptions. J.D. Power helps businesses enhance customer loyalty, inform product development strategies, and drive overall customer and employee satisfaction by offering benchmarks and insights based on extensive surveys.
8. eMarketer
- Product Type: Market research and consulting
- Industry: Market research
- Founded Date: 1996
- Founders: Geoff Ramsey
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Ross Benes
eMarketer is a leading market research company focused on digital marketing and media. eMarketer provides insights, forecasts, and trends in digital advertising, e-commerce, social media, and emerging technologies. With its comprehensive data and analysis, eMarketer helps businesses navigate the digital landscape, optimize marketing strategies, and understand consumer behaviors in the online space.
9. WARC (World Advertising Research Center)
- Product Type: Market research and consulting
- Industry: Market research
- Founded Date: 1985
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: David Tiltman
WARC (World Advertising Research Center) is a global information provider for the advertising and marketing industry. WARC offers various resources, including industry trends, case studies, market intelligence, and best practices. By delivering insights on advertising effectiveness, consumer insights, and industry developments, WARC supports businesses in making informed decisions and driving successful advertising campaigns.
10. Amazon
- Product Type: E-commerce, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital streaming, and more.
- Industry: Technology, retail, and entertainment.
- Founded Date: 1994.
- Founders: Jeff Bezos.
- Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Andy Jassy.
Amazon is a multinational technology company and e-commerce giant. While Amazon is not a direct competitor to Nielsen in the market research industry, its vast consumer database and purchase data contribute to its influence. As a significant player in online retail, Amazon provides valuable insights into consumer behaviors and preferences, which businesses can use to understand market dynamics and make informed decisions.
11. LinkedIn
- Product Type: Social media platform for business and employment.
- Industry: Technology and employment.
- Founded Date: May 5, 2003.
- Founders: Reid Hoffman, Allen Blue, Konstantin Guericke, Eric Ly, and Jean-Luc Vaillant.
- Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Ryan Roslansky.
LinkedIn, a professional networking platform, is not a direct competitor to Nielsen in the market research industry. However, LinkedIn’s extensive user base and professional profiles enable valuable insights into B2B (business-to-business) industries and professional demographics. With features like LinkedIn Analytics, businesses can gain insights into their audience, understand industry trends, and implement targeted marketing strategies.
12. Apple
- Product Type: Consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.
- Industry: Technology.
- Founded Date: April 1, 1976.
- Founders: Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.
- Headquarters: Cupertino, California, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Tim Cook.
Apple is a technology company known primarily for its consumer electronics and software. Although not directly competitor to Nielsen, Apple’s products and services, such as the iPhone and Apple Music, contribute to vast consumer data. By analyzing user interactions, Apple can provide insights into user preferences, product popularity, and market trends. These insights can be helpful to businesses looking to understand consumer behavior and align their strategies.
13. Statista
- Product Type: Market data, market research, and market studies.
- Industry: Market research.
- Founded Date: 2007.
- Founders: Friedrich Schwandt.
- Headquarters: Hamburg, Germany.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
Statista is a competitor of Nielsen that offers a comprehensive online platform for statistical data and market research. It provides users access to vast data, charts, and reports across various industries, allowing businesses to make informed decisions based on reliable information. With its easy-to-use interface and extensive database, Statista is a valuable resource for obtaining market insights and understanding industry trends.
14. Uber
- Product Type: Ride-hailing, food delivery, and micro-mobility.
- Industry: Transportation and technology.
- Founded Date: March 2009.
- Founders: Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp.
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Dara Khosrowshahi.
A renowned technology company, Uber is not Nielsen’s direct competitor in the market research industry. However, Uber’s platform generates valuable data regarding transportation trends, pricing, and consumer behavior. This data can be helpful for businesses seeking to understand transportation patterns, consumer preferences, and potential market opportunities linked to the transportation industry.
15. Publicis Groupe
- Product Type: Advertising and public relations.
- Industry: Advertising and marketing.
- Founded Date: 1926.
- Founders: Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet.
- Headquarters: Paris, France.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Arthur Sadoun.
Publicis Groupe is an advertising and communications company that competes with Nielsen by offering a wide range of marketing, advertising, and consulting services. Publicis Groupe helps businesses create effective marketing strategies, enhance brand awareness, and engage with target audiences. With its global presence and expertise in advertising and communication, Publicis Groupe supports businesses in achieving their marketing objectives.
16. Omnicom
- Product Type: Advertising and marketing.
- Industry: Advertising and marketing.
- Founded Date: 1986.
- Founders: Allen Rosenshine, Keith Reinhard, and John Bernbach.
- Headquarters: New York City, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: John Wren.
Omnicom is another major competitor of Nielsen, providing businesses with advertising, marketing, and public relations services. Omnicom helps companies develop integrated marketing campaigns, strengthen brand identities, and engage with consumers effectively. With its network of agencies and expertise in advertising and branding, Omnicom assists businesses in reaching their target audience and enhancing brand performance.
17. WPP
- Product Type: Advertising and marketing.
- Industry: Advertising and marketing.
- Founded Date: 1971.
- Founders: Martin Sorrell.
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Mark Read.
WPP is a global advertising and public relations company that competes with Nielsen by offering various marketing and communication services. WPP helps businesses build strong brands, create impactful advertising campaigns, and connect with consumers across multiple channels. With its extensive network of agencies and industry expertise, WPP supports businesses in achieving their marketing goals.
18. Dentsu
- Product Type: Advertising and marketing.
- Industry: Advertising and marketing.
- Founded Date: 1901.
- Founders: Hoshiro Mitsunaga.
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Toshihiro Yamamoto.
Dentsu is a multinational advertising and public relations company that competes with Nielsen by offering clients innovative marketing and communication solutions. Dentsu helps businesses develop creative advertising strategies, execute media campaigns, and optimize customer experiences. With its expertise in advertising, media planning, and digital marketing, Dentsu assists companies in driving brand growth and successfully reaching their target audience.
19. Interpublic Group
- Product Type: Advertising and marketing.
- Industry: Advertising and marketing.
- Founded Date: 1961.
- Founders: Marion Harper Jr.
- Headquarters: New York City, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Philippe Krakowsky.
Interpublic Group is a global advertising conglomerate that competes with Nielsen by providing a wide range of marketing, advertising, and digital services. Interpublic Group helps businesses develop effective marketing strategies, create compelling advertising campaigns, and leverage digital platforms for increased brand exposure. With its advertising and digital marketing expertise, Interpublic Group supports businesses in achieving their marketing objectives.
20. Mediaocean
- Product Type: Advertising technology.
- Industry: Advertising and marketing.
- Founded Date: 2001.
- Founders: Bill Wise.
- Headquarters: New York City, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Bill Wise.
Mediaocean is a leading advertising software and solutions provider that competes with Nielsen in the marketing technology industry. Mediaocean helps businesses streamline advertising processes, manage media buying and planning, and optimize advertising investments. With its comprehensive software tool suite, Mediaocean enables companies to improve efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness in their advertising operations.
21. Google
- Product Type: Internet-related services and products.
- Industry: Technology.
- Founded Date: September 4, 1998.
- Founders: Larry Page and Sergey Brin.
- Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Sundar Pichai.
A renowned technology company, Google is not Nielsen’s direct competitor in the market research industry. However, Google’s advertising platform and vast online services generate valuable data and insights into consumer behavior, online trends, and marketing effectiveness. These insights can be helpful for businesses looking to understand digital marketing landscapes and consumer preferences in the online space.
22. Meta
- Product Type: Social media and technology.
- Industry: Technology.
- Founded Date: February 4, 2004.
- Founders: Mark Zuckerberg, Andrew McCollum, Eduardo Saverin, Chris Hughes, and Dustin Moskovitz.
- Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Mark Zuckerberg.
Meta (formerly Facebook) is a technology company not directly competitor to Nielsen in the market research industry. However, Meta’s platform gathers vast amounts of user data and offers digital advertising solutions to advertisers that can provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and preferences. These insights can be helpful for businesses looking to understand digital advertising trends and target their marketing effectively.
23. Amazon
- Product Type: E-commerce, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital streaming, and more.
- Industry: Technology, retail, and entertainment.
- Founded Date: July 5, 1994.
- Founders: Jeff Bezos.
- Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Andy Jassy.
Amazon, a multinational technology company and e-commerce giant is not Nielsen’s direct competitor in the market research industry. However, Amazon’s vast consumer database and purchase data contribute to its influence over competitors in the field. As a significant player operating in online retail, Amazon provides valuable insights into consumer behaviors and preferences, which businesses can use to understand market dynamics and make informed decisions.
24. Microsoft
- Product Type: Computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and more.
- Industry: Technology.
- Founded Date: April 4, 1975.
- Founders: Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
- Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Satya Nadella.
Microsoft, a renowned technology company, is not a direct competitor to Nielsen in the market research industry. However, Microsoft provides various software and services that generate valuable data and insights into consumer behavior and market trends. Through platforms like Microsoft Advertising and analytics tools, businesses can gain insights into their target audience and optimize their advertising campaigns.
25. Amazon Web Services
- Product Type: Cloud computing services.
- Industry: Technology.
- Founded Date: March 14, 2006.
- Founders: Jeff Bezos.
- Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Adam Selipsky.
Amazon Web Services (AWS), a subsidiary of Amazon, offers cloud computing services and infrastructure. While not a direct competitor to Nielsen in market research, AWS facilitates storing and processing large volumes of data, which can be valuable in market research and analytics. With AWS, businesses can leverage powerful computing resources to analyze data, generate insights, and make data-driven decisions.
26. Adobe
- Product Type: Computer software.
- Industry: Technology.
- Founded Date: December 1982.
- Founders: John Warnock and Charles Geschke.
- Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Shantanu Narayen.
Adobe, a leading software company, offers customers a range of creative and marketing solutions that compete with Nielsen in the market research industry. Adobe’s software suite includes tools for data analysis, digital marketing, and customer experience management. Using Adobe’s solutions, businesses can collect and analyze data, optimize their marketing strategies, scale them, and deliver personalized customer experiences.
27. Oracle
- Product Type: Computer software and technology.
- Industry: Technology.
- Founded Date: June 16, 1977.
- Founders: Larry Ellison, Bob Miner, and Ed Oates.
- Headquarters: Redwood City, California, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Safra Catz.
Oracle, a multinational technology company, competes with Nielsen by providing various software and data management solutions. Oracle offers data analytics tools, customer relationship management systems, and marketing automation platforms. With its diverse portfolio, Oracle enables businesses to collect, organize, and analyze data to gain valuable customer insights, enhance marketing initiatives, and drive business growth.
28. Salesforce
- Product Type: Customer relationship management software and enterprise cloud computing.
- Industry: Technology.
- Founded Date: March 8, 1999.
- Founders: Marc Benioff, Parker Harris, Dave Moellenhoff, and Frank Dominguez.
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Marc Benioff.
Salesforce, a leading customer relationship management (CRM) platform, is not a direct competitor to Nielsen in the market research industry. However, Salesforce provides businesses with tools to manage customer data, track sales processes, get revenue, and automate marketing campaigns. By leveraging Salesforce’s CRM solutions, companies can improve customer interactions, get revenue, gain insights into customer behaviors, and enhance their marketing strategies.
29. SAP
- Product Type: Enterprise software.
- Industry: Technology.
- Founded Date: April 1, 1972.
- Founders: Dietmar Hopp, Claus Wellenreuther, Hasso Plattner, Klaus Tschira, and Hans-Werner Hector.
- Headquarters: Walldorf, Germany.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Christian Klein.
SAP, a multinational enterprise software company, competes with Nielsen by offering a range of business intelligence and data analytics solutions. SAP’s software enables businesses to collect, analyze, and visualize data to gain valuable insights into their operations, customers, and markets. Using SAP’s solutions, companies can make data-driven decisions, optimize their processes, and drive business growth.
30. IBM
- Product Type: Computer hardware, middleware, and software.
- Industry: Technology.
- Founded Date: June 16, 1911.
- Founders: Charles Ranlett Flint.
- Headquarters: Armonk, New York, United States.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Arvind Krishna.
A renowned technology company, IBM competes with Nielsen by providing advanced analytics and business intelligence solutions. IBM’s software and services help businesses collect, analyze, and interpret data to gain insights into various aspects of their operations, including customer behavior, market trends, and brand performance. By leveraging IBM’s analytics capabilities, businesses can make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge.
31. Accenture
- Product Type: Management consulting, technology services, and outsourcing.
- Industry: Professional services.
- Founded Date: January 1, 1989.
- Founders: Arthur E. Andersen.
- Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland.
- Area Served: Worldwide.
- Current CEO: Julie Sweet.
Accenture, a global professional services company, competes with Nielsen by offering various marketing and analytics services. Accenture helps businesses optimize their marketing strategies, enhance customer experiences, and leverage data analytics to drive growth. With its expertise in marketing analytics and digital transformation, Accenture supports businesses in making data-driven decisions and achieving their marketing objectives.
These were all the competitors of Nielsen. If you know any other competitors, please write in the comments below.
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