Edelman and Real Chemistry lead the market. Edelman suits enterprises seeking integrated strategic communications and executive positioning at global scale. Real Chemistry is best for health tech and biotech firms needing specialist impact storytelling and earned media expertise.
RANKENTRYSCORETRENDFROM
1EdelmanFirst PR agency to achieve $1 billion in annual fee income95.0NEWCustom retainer (typically £25,000+ per month) 2Real ChemistryLargest PR firm in the US by revenue as of 202492.5NEWCustom retainer (typically £20,000–£28,000 per month) 4BursonFormed from BCW and Hill & Knowlton merger as the number 2 US-headquartered firm87.5NEWCustom retainer (typically £22,000–£26,000 per month) 5FleishmanHillardSpecialist depth in healthcare and corporate multi-market communications85.0NEWCustom retainer (typically £16,000–£23,000 per month) 6KetchumEstablished earned media specialist across corporate and technology sectors82.5NEWCustom retainer (typically £15,000–£22,000 per month) 7OgilvyIntegrated PR and marketing capabilities through dedicated Influence division80.0NEWCustom retainer (typically £14,000–£21,000 per month) 8Hill & Knowlton StrategiesGlobal PR agency with 70+ years of heritage in strategic communications and government relations77.5NEWCustom retainer (typically £14,000–£20,000 per month) 9GolinIndependent creative PR agency specialising in purpose-driven brand storytelling75.0NEWCustom retainer (typically £12,000–£18,000 per month) 10Hotwire GlobalSpecialist technology PR agency serving global B2B and innovation sectors74.0NEWCustom retainer (typically £10,000–£17,000 per month) The ranking, in detail
01
The first $1 billion PR agency delivering integrated strategic communications globally.
Edelman is the world's leading PR firm, specialising in multi-market launches, always-on earned media, executive positioning, and integrated strategic communications. Operating across 70+ countries, Edelman sets the industry standard for enterprise-scale public relations.
From Custom retainer (typically £25,000+ per month)Best for Large enterprises requiring integrated communications, executive positioning, and global multi-market campaigns
95.0
02
America's largest PR firm by revenue, specialising in health tech and biotech impact storytelling.
Real Chemistry is the largest PR firm in the US by revenue as of 2024. The agency specialises in health tech, biotech, and impact storytelling, with deep expertise in scientific communication and healthcare innovation narratives.
From Custom retainer (typically £20,000–£28,000 per month)Best for Health tech, biotech, and healthcare companies needing specialist earned media and scientific communication
92.5
03
2024 Global Agency of the Year, delivering multi-market launches and always-on earned media.
The Weber Shandwick Collective (TWSC) is a leading global PR agency named PRWeek's 2024 Global Agency of the Year. TWSC specialises in multi-market launches, always-on earned media strategies, and integrated campaign execution.
From Custom retainer (typically £18,000–£25,000 per month)Best for Global enterprises and multinational brands requiring award-winning integrated communications
90.0
04
Number 2 US-headquartered firm specialising in advisory and crisis communications.
Burson is formed from the merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton, making it the number 2 US-headquartered PR firm by fee income. The agency specialises in advisory services and crisis communications, with deep expertise in reputation management.
From Custom retainer (typically £22,000–£26,000 per month)Best for Corporations requiring crisis communications, reputation management, and strategic advisory services
87.5
05
Multi-market specialist in corporate and healthcare communications.
FleishmanHillard is a prominent global PR agency specialising in multi-market launches and always-on earned media strategies. The firm has particular depth in corporate and healthcare sector communications.
From Custom retainer (typically £16,000–£23,000 per month)Best for Corporate and healthcare organisations seeking multi-market PR campaigns and sector-specific expertise
85.0
06
Multi-market earned media specialist with deep technology and corporate expertise.
Ketchum is a leading international PR agency specialising in multi-market launches, always-on earned media, and integrated communications. The firm has particular strength in corporate and technology sector public relations.
From Custom retainer (typically £15,000–£22,000 per month)Best for Technology, corporate, and innovation-driven companies requiring multi-market earned media campaigns
82.5
07
Global marketing powerhouse with dedicated PR and Influence division.
Ogilvy is a worldwide marketing and communications agency with a dedicated PR and Influence division. The firm provides multi-market launches, always-on earned media, and integrated communications aligned with broader marketing objectives.
From Custom retainer (typically £14,000–£21,000 per month)Best for Brands seeking integrated PR and marketing communications at global scale
80.0
08
Legacy global PR firm specialising in strategic communications and corporate relations.
Hill & Knowlton Strategies is an established global public relations agency with deep heritage in strategic communications, corporate relations, and multi-market campaigns. Now part of the Burson structure following the 2022 merger.
From Custom retainer (typically £14,000–£20,000 per month)Best for Corporate clients and government relations requiring strategic communications and reputation management
77.5
09
Creative PR and marketing communications agency with focus on purpose-driven campaigns.
Golin is an independent PR and marketing communications agency known for creative campaign development and purpose-driven storytelling. The firm combines earned media expertise with marketing communications across multiple sectors.
From Custom retainer (typically £12,000–£18,000 per month)Best for Brands seeking creative PR campaigns with purpose-driven narratives and integrated communications
75.0
10
Specialist technology and innovation PR agency with global reach.
Hotwire Global is a communications agency specialising in technology, innovation, and B2B storytelling. The firm delivers earned media campaigns, thought leadership development, and integrated communications for the tech sector.
From Custom retainer (typically £10,000–£17,000 per month)Best for Technology, software, and innovation companies requiring specialist sector expertise and thought leadership
74.0
Frequently asked questions
What is the typical starting cost for PR agency services?
PR firm retainers typically range from £10,000 to £28,000 per month depending on agency size, sector specialism, and service scope. Boutique and specialist firms may start at £10,000-£15,000 monthly, whilst enterprise agencies like Edelman and Real Chemistry command £22,000-£28,000+ retainers. Most agencies do not publish fixed starting prices and provide custom quotes based on client needs.
Which PR agencies are best for health tech and biotech companies?
Real Chemistry is the largest US PR firm by revenue and specialises exclusively in health tech, biotech, and scientific communication. FleishmanHillard also offers strong healthcare sector credentials. Both agencies provide deep expertise in translating complex scientific narratives into earned media and stakeholder messaging.
Are there PR agencies better suited to technology companies?
Hotwire Global specialises in technology, software, and B2B innovation PR with strong thought leadership and analyst relations capabilities. Ketchum also has established technology sector expertise alongside corporate communications. For integrated marketing and PR, Ogilvy offers technology expertise combined with broader creative capabilities.