Table of contents
How we vet every listicle
Every agency featured on Web Tonic passes our 84-point editorial review before a single listicle goes live. This is how we vet each pick:
Verified client outcomes: We require real case studies with measurable KPIs — revenue, ROAS, CPA, retention — tied to the exact category being ranked. No cherry-picked wins, no unverifiable numbers.
Independent reputation: We cross-check Clutch, Google, G2, and Trustpilot ratings, and screen for review-bombing or suspicious patterns. Only operators with a consistent, verifiable track record make the cut.
Beyond that, every listing goes through a quarterly re-audit. We check 84 criteria across 6 pillars to make sure it still holds up — here are some of the checks we run:
A market research and insights agency converts a business question into evidence: it designs the study, recruits and screens the right respondents, runs the fieldwork, whether groups, interviews, shopper research or online surveys, then analyses the result into something a brand can act on. Toronto's supply runs from single-facility recruiters to national polling houses, and those are genuinely different purchases.
We read thirteen external agencies plus our own team on evidenced research work, head offices taken from their own sites, publicly named clients and published pricing. Twelve confirm a Toronto-area address, none names clients, none prints a rate.
Are these Toronto market research agencies really based in Toronto?
Twelve of the thirteen external firms publish a Toronto-area address on their own site; Leger runs the market from Montreal. None of the thirteen names a client publicly on its site, and none publishes a rate.
1. Web Tonic
About: Web Tonic treats research as the front half of a campaign, not a report that arrives and stops, so the questions we ask buyers in interviews and surveys are the ones we then test in paid search and in creative variants from our performance creative team. Claimed preference and measured behaviour sit in a single data intelligence layer, for brands selling out of Toronto and across Canada
Key Services: Growth Marketing, Paid Social, PPC, Meta Ads, SEO, Google Ads, Snapchat Ads, Amazon Ads, Reddit Ads, TikTok Ads, TikTok Shop, GEO-AEO, Webflow Design, Shopify Design, WordPress Design, UGC, Social Media Management, Pay Per Click Management, Marketing Analytics, Analytics Implementation & CDPs, Performance Branding, Performance 360° Audit, Programmatic Ads, OOH Ads, HR Marketing
Industries Served: eCommerce, SaaS, B2B, Construction Professionals, Home Services, SMEs, Health Spa & Wellness, Retail, Legal & Judicial Services, Food & Beverages, Pets, Fitness, Family & Children, Finance & Insurance, Travel, Non-Profits & Organizations, Furniture & Decoration
Notable Clients: WorldRemit, Jack & Jones, Ardene, L’Oréal, Sendwave, Nestlé, Airbnb. Serve Fortune 500 companies and smaller fast-paced startups.
Locations: HQ in San Francisco with notable offices in New York, Chicago, Miami, Toronto, Montreal, Dubai, Singapore, Sydney and more. Offices on five continents.
Pricing: Starting at USD $3,000 per month. Flexible and scalable plans at any time according to your enterprise needs. Book a call to learn more.
Great For: Mid-market to enterprise-level businesses requiring ongoing, on-tap growth and performance marketing services.
Website: Web Tonic
2. JMRS
About: JMRS provides B2C market-research recruitment and research services across Canada, handling everything from online research and in-person focus groups to usability testing and taste tests. Based in Toronto, the firm offers comprehensive participant screening and research facility arrangements.
Key Services: Focus Groups, Surveys, Usability Testing, Mock Juries, Audience Tests, Ethnographies, Dyads, Market Research Recruitment
Industries Served:
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Toronto
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Local and regional brands
Website: JMRS
3. Decision Point Research
About: Decision Point Research is a Toronto-based market research company providing qualitative and quantitative data collection services since 2013. They specialize in reaching niche population segments through dedicated call centers, focus group facilities, and proprietary panels.
Key Services: Focus Groups, Surveys, Intercept Surveys, Central Location Testing, CATI Surveys, Recruitment, Panel Research
Industries Served: Agriculture, Technology, Food & Beverage, Healthcare, Government, Automotive
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Toronto
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Agriculture advertisers, Technology advertisers, Food & Beverage advertisers
Website: Decision Point Research
4. Ethos Market Research
About: Ethos Market Research is a global quantitative and qualitative market research agency providing end-to-end research solutions. The firm specializes in B2B, consumer, automotive, and healthcare sectors while combining diverse panels with advanced and AI-assisted analysis to deliver actionable intelligence.
Key Services: Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, Panels and Sampling, Recruitment, AI Voice Agents, Quant Surveys, Focus Groups, Translation Services
Industries Served: B2B, Consumer, Automotive, Healthcare
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Toronto
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: B2B advertisers, Consumer advertisers, Automotive advertisers
Website: Ethos Market Research
5. Dig Insights
About: Dig Insights is a tech-enabled insights company that helps organizations make smarter business decisions by bringing together futures and innovation strategy, insights consulting, and proprietary technology. They specialize in quantitative and qualitative research to help clients understand consumer drivers, pressure-test ideas, and monitor impact.
Key Services: Future Strategy & Innovation, Insights Consulting, Quantitative and Qualitative Research, Proprietary Technology & Agile Testing (Upsiide, Dig One)
Industries Served: Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Food & Beverage, Retail, Technology, Financial Services, Healthcare, Sports & Entertainment
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) advertisers, Food & Beverage advertisers, Retail advertisers
Website: Dig Insights
6. Leger
About: Leger is a Canadian-owned market research and analytics firm providing comprehensive end-to-end market research, advanced analytics, customer experience, and digital marketing expertise. Established in 1986, the company operates multiple regional offices including one in Toronto, Ontario, while maintaining its corporate headquarters in Montreal.
Key Services: Market Research, Analytics, Customer Experience, Omnibus, Online Communities, Advanced Analytics, Full Service Market Research, Online Research Panels
Industries Served: CPG, Finance, Health & Wellness, Healthcare, Lottery & Gaming, Public Affairs, Retail, Travel & Tourism
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Montreal
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: CPG advertisers, Finance advertisers, Health & Wellness advertisers
Website: Leger
7. CRC Research
About: CRC Research is a field service and qualitative market research provider with dedicated focus group facilities in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. The firm offers bilingual respondent recruitment, moderating services, sensory and usability testing, and project management for local and global clients.
Key Services: Qualitative Marketing Research, Bilingual Recruitment, Focus Group Facilities, Moderating Services, Sensory Testing, Usability Testing, Project Management
Industries Served: Consumer Markets, Healthcare, B2B
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Toronto
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Consumer Markets advertisers, Healthcare advertisers, B2B advertisers
Website: CRC Research
8. Campaign Research Inc.
About: Campaign Research Inc. is a full-service market research and strategy consulting firm founded in 2003, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. The agency offers comprehensive quantitative and qualitative research solutions, leveraging data science and statistical analysis to help organizations optimize their brands and public affairs campaigns.
Key Services: Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, Advanced Statistical Analysis, Public Affairs, Social Presence, Advertising and Copy Testing, Brand Health & Equity, Customer Satisfaction Study, Usage and Attitude Study, New Product Development
Industries Served: Consumer Packaged Goods, Technology, Financial Services, Telecommunications, Politics & Public Affairs, Energy, Healthcare, Aviation, Agriculture, Manufacturing
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Toronto
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Consumer Packaged Goods advertisers, Technology advertisers, Financial Services advertisers
Website: Campaign Research Inc.
9. Modus Research
About: Modus Research is an independent, Canadian-owned market research firm specializing in survey research, public opinion polling, and custom B2B studies. The company utilizes scientific methodologies and probability-based panels, such as the Modus Business Panel, to deliver evidence-based insights.
Key Services: Business Research, Public Opinion & Consumer Research, Custom and Advanced Studies, Survey Research Design, Statistical Analyses
Industries Served: B2B, Public Sector, Non-Profit, Consumer Goods
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Toronto
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: B2B advertisers, Public Sector advertisers, Non-Profit advertisers
Website: Modus Research
10. Research Professionals
About: Research Professionals is a full-service field recruiting and project management company operating since 1992. They specialize in qualitative and quantitative research recruitment for focus groups, interviews, and product testing across the GTA, nationally, and internationally.
Key Services: Field Recruiting, Project Management, Focus Groups, Qualitative and Quantitative Research, Consumer Health Research, Executive/Business Research
Industries Served: Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Technology, Automobiles, Banking & Finance, Retail, Healthcare
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Toronto
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Food & Beverages advertisers, Pharmaceuticals advertisers, Technology advertisers
Website: Research Professionals
11. Innovative Research Group
About: Innovative Research Group is a full-service public opinion research and consultation firm with offices in Toronto and Vancouver. They provide strategic insights to clients using a full range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
Key Services: Public Affairs & Opinion Research, Corporate Affairs & Communications Research, Brands & Marketing Research, Stakeholder & Public Engagement, Quantitative & Qualitative Methodologies
Industries Served: Public Sector, Private Sector, Financial Services & Investing, Crown Corporations, International Charities
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Toronto
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Public Sector advertisers, Private Sector advertisers, Financial Services & Investing advertisers
Website: Innovative Research Group
12. Research Strategy Group Inc
About: Research Strategy Group is a market research and strategic consulting firm based in Toronto. They combine social sciences and advanced analytics to deliver custom qualitative and quantitative research solutions.
Key Services: Brand & Pricing Optimization, Human-centred Research & Innovation, Brand Health Strategies, Strategic Foresight & Business Model Innovation, Consumer Psychoanalysis, Ethnographic Market Research, UX Research Solutions, Journey Mapping, Shopper Insights Solutions, Consumer Behaviour Analysis, Market Segmentation Strategies
Industries Served: Lottery & Gaming, Packaged Goods, Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, Professional Sports and Entertainment, Financial Services, Beverage Alcohol & Cannabis
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Toronto
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Lottery & Gaming advertisers, Packaged Goods advertisers, Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare advertisers
Website: Research Strategy Group Inc
13. Phase 5
About: Phase 5 is a full-service research and strategy company with offices in Toronto, Ottawa, and Minneapolis. For over 30 years, they have combined expertise across brand, innovation, user experience, and customer experience to deliver integrated, evidence-based market research.
Key Services: Full Service Quantitative Market Research, Full Service Qualitative Market Research, Online In-Depth & One-on-One Interviews, Agile Market Research, Brand & Communications Research, Customer Experience Research, Product Development & Innovation Research, User Experience (UX) Research
Industries Served: Automotive, Financial Industry, Insurance Services, Non-Profits / Fundraising, Retail Industry
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Toronto
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Automotive advertisers, Financial Industry advertisers, Insurance Services advertisers
Website: Phase 5
14. IMI International
About: Founded in Toronto in 1971, IMI International evolved into a full-service market research agency operating across 45 countries. The firm provides insight-driven solutions spanning concept testing, brand building, and performance optimization.
Key Services: Concept Testing, Brand Building, Brand Activation, Foundational Insight & Discovery, Normative Benchmarking, Marketing Performance Optimization
Industries Served: Life Sciences & Diagnostics, Sports & Entertainment, Consumer Packaged Goods, Health & Wellness, Retail, Telecommunication & Technology, Automotive, Financial Services, Lottery & Gaming, Restaurant & QSR, Charity & Cause, Healthcare
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Toronto
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Life Sciences & Diagnostics advertisers, Sports & Entertainment advertisers, Consumer Packaged Goods advertisers
Website: IMI International
Quick Comparison Table
| Agency | Key Specialty | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Web Tonic | Full-Service Performance Marketing | USD $3,000/mo | Mid-market to Enterprise |
| 2. JMRS | Focus Groups | Quote-based | Local and regional brands |
| 3. Decision Point Research | Focus Groups | Quote-based | Agriculture advertisers |
| 4. Ethos Market Research | Quantitative Research | Quote-based | B2B advertisers |
| 5. Dig Insights | Future Strategy & Innovation | Quote-based | Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) advertisers |
| 6. Leger | Market Research | Quote-based | CPG advertisers |
| 7. CRC Research | Qualitative Marketing Research | Quote-based | Consumer Markets advertisers |
| 8. Campaign Research Inc. | Quantitative Research | Quote-based | Consumer Packaged Goods advertisers |
| 9. Modus Research | Business Research | Quote-based | B2B advertisers |
| 10. Research Professionals | Field Recruiting | Quote-based | Food & Beverages advertisers |
| 11. Innovative Research Group | Public Affairs & Opinion Research | Quote-based | Public Sector advertisers |
| 12. Research Strategy Group Inc | Brand & Pricing Optimization | Quote-based | Lottery & Gaming advertisers |
| 13. Phase 5 | Full Service Quantitative Market Research | Quote-based | Automotive advertisers |
| 14. IMI International | Concept Testing | Quote-based | Life Sciences & Diagnostics advertisers |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Toronto market research agency actually deliver?
A design, fieldwork and an interpretation. Expect a written plan that names the decision being informed, recruitment against a screener, sessions run in a facility, online or in the field, then analysis handed over with tables, transcripts and the raw data set. Ask which parts are done in house, because recruitment, facility hire, moderation and analysis are often four suppliers behind one Toronto invoice, and the lead firm may only own the analysis.
Do I need a national polling house or a boutique?
It depends on whether you need scale or depth. National houses carry panels, omnibus vehicles and weighting expertise that make representative Canadian samples affordable; boutiques give you the senior researcher on the phone and design freedom on messy qualitative questions. Ask who personally moderates and who writes the report, because that answer, not the size of the firm, decides what you receive.
Does bilingual fieldwork change the brief?
In Canada it usually does. If your study needs Quebec coverage, French moderation, translated screeners and stimulus, and analysts who can read both language groups without flattening them, say so before quotes go out. Firms differ sharply here: some run Francophone fieldwork themselves, others subcontract it to Montreal. Leger, the one firm on this list headquartered outside Toronto, works from Montreal and treats that as core capability.
What should a research proposal spell out?
Separate lines for design, recruitment and incentives, facility or platform fees, moderation, analysis and reporting, because a single project fee hides which of those you are actually paying for. Pin down sample size and screening criteria, the number of report revisions included, who owns the data afterwards, and what happens if recruitment under-delivers on a hard-to-reach quota. Not one of these thirteen external firms publishes a rate on its own site.
How do findings become marketing performance?
Someone has to own the step after the debrief, and it is rarely the research firm. Convert each finding into a claim that can be tested, run it in live campaigns, then compare what respondents said with what buyers did. Decide at the outset who writes that test plan, who runs the media and how both data sets are read together, or a solid study ends as a deck that shapes nothing.
Choosing a Market Research Partner in Toronto
Toronto is unusually self-sufficient in research: almost every firm on this page is local, so the deciding question is capability rather than geography. Decide whether you are buying fieldwork, interpretation or both, because those are staffed and priced nothing alike.
Then check the language and sample question. Twelve of the thirteen external firms publish a Toronto-area address on their own site and Leger works from Montreal, which matters most when your study needs real Francophone coverage rather than a translated questionnaire.
Ask who personally moderates and writes the report, since seniority on the actual project, not the size of the letterhead, is what separates a useful study from a tidy one.
If you would rather have the research, the campaigns that act on it and the measurement owned by one team, our growth marketing and data intelligence teams run all three from Toronto. Ask every firm the same three questions.
