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 public relations agency buys nothing. It earns coverage: it works out what a business can credibly say, turns that into a story an editor or producer will run without payment, pitches the named journalists who cover that beat, and handles the awkward version of the same job when the story is unflattering.
Award badges and directory rankings counted for nothing here. We kept only firms whose own site sells public relations as a named service, read the address behind the New York claim, and used each firm's own logo. Thirteen external firms survived that pass, thirteen describe media or press work on their own site, and none publishes a rate card.
What does a public relations agency in New York actually deliver?
Coverage in the outlets your buyers already read, and the working relationships that keep producing it month after month. Thirteen external firms working New York cleared our check, eleven publish a local address, and eleven credit a client by name.
1. Web Tonic
About: Web Tonic treats earned coverage as part of the same growth plan as everything else, so the demand work, the assets a story needs and the reporting that traces coverage to pipeline answer to one team. Media lists, pitch records and creative files stay in the client’s name from the first week.
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. JMG Public Relations
About: JMG Public Relations is an award-winning PR agency headquartered in New York City that supports innovators, startups, and fast-scaling businesses. The firm specializes in media relations, thought leadership development, and strategic storytelling designed to build brand visibility and credibility.
Key Services: Public Relations, Media Relations, Thought Leadership, Content Creation, Social Media Marketing, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), Website Consulting
Industries Served: Technology, Business, Cleantech, Consumer, Policy
Notable Clients:
Locations: New York, New York
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Brands that need earned media coverage
Website: JMG Public Relations
3. 5W Public Relations
About: 5W Public Relations is a large independent public relations and digital marketing firm headquartered in New York City. The agency integrates traditional earned media and media relations with digital marketing, influencer programs, and generative engine optimization (GEO).
Key Services: Public Relations, Media Relations, Crisis Communications, Corporate Communications, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Influencer Marketing, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), SEO
Industries Served: Consumer Brands, Technology, Beauty & Fashion, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Financial Services, Corporate, Crisis Communications
Notable Clients: VIZIO, Webull, Zeta, Nokia, Sparkling ICE
Locations: New York, New York
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Brands that need earned media coverage
Website: 5W Public Relations
4. BPM-PR Firm
About: BPM-PR Firm is a public relations agency headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, operating since 2005. The agency specializes in earned media coverage, media relations, corporate communications, and executive positioning across 16 industry verticals.
Key Services: Media Relations, Media Positioning, TV & Broadcast PR, Podcast PR, Print Media, Digital News & Online, Thought Leadership, Brand & Launch Strategy, Influencer & Celebrity Partnerships, Awards & Recognition, Events & Sponsorship, Corporate Communications, Crisis & Reputation Management, Executive Positioning, Investor Relations
Industries Served: Arts & Culture, Beauty, Consumer Products, Fashion, Financial Services, Health & Wellness, Hospitality, Lifestyle, Mobile Apps, Real Estate, Sports, Technology
Notable Clients: Armitron, Antonia Saint New York, Bellabeat, Canaan Palestine, MightyBright, Palmstreet, Patricia Nash Designs, Soaak Technologies, WithIT
Locations: New York, New York, USA
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Brands that need earned media coverage
Website: BPM-PR Firm
5. AMP3 Public Relations
About: AMP3 Public Relations is a boutique public relations and media outreach firm based in New York City. The agency specializes in consumer lifestyle, luxury, beauty, and fashion PR campaigns, utilizing a multi-pronged approach across traditional media, influencer marketing, and experiential events.
Key Services: Traditional PR, Media Relations, Digital PR, Influencer Marketing, Event PR & Production, Social Media Management, SEO & PPC, C-Suite Thought Leadership
Industries Served: Fashion, Beauty, Consumer Lifestyle, Luxury, Tech, Food and Beverage, Travel
Notable Clients: Fossil Group, Cat Footwear, Dr. Scholl's, Disney Princess, Kleinfeld Bridal Party, Merrell
Locations: New York
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Brands that need earned media coverage
Website: AMP3 Public Relations
6. RLM PR
About: RLM PR is a New York City-based full-service public relations and communications firm headquartered at the Chrysler Building. The agency specializes in high-impact media outreach, strategic positioning, and earned media campaigns across technology, consumer goods, and emerging industries.
Key Services: Earned Media, Owned Media, Social Media & Trend Influencer Campaigns, Partnership, Events & Consulting, Crisis PR, Media Training, Op-Ed Writing
Industries Served: AdTech, B2B, AI, Cannabis, Healthcare, Media & Publishing, MedTech, Podcasting, Tech, Consumer, FinTech
Notable Clients: Amazon, Answers.com, Wondery, Foria Wellness, Interxion, Upromise, MX
Locations: New York, New York
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Brands that need earned media coverage
Website: RLM PR
7. Channel V Media
About: Channel V Media is a public relations and communications agency specializing in market expansion, strategic positioning, and media relations. Headquartered in New York City, the firm focuses on turning company news and announcements into strategic earned media coverage that drives visibility and builds authority.
Key Services: Public Relations, Media Relations, Strategic Planning, Thought Leadership, Executive Visibility, Digital PR, Crisis PR, Content Marketing
Industries Served: B2B Technology, FinTech, Climate Tech, Retail Technology, Consumer Brands, Martech/Adtech, Healthcare Tech
Notable Clients: IBM, Pernod Ricard, Hilton, Marriott, Bluecore, Everseen, Fortune & Frame
Locations: New York, New York
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Brands that need earned media coverage
Website: Channel V Media
8. Benvenuti Public Relations
About: Benvenuti Public Relations is a full-service public relations, marketing, and social media firm specializing in the hospitality, food and beverage, and lifestyle industries. Founded in 1993, the agency utilizes aggressive media outreach and long-standing journalist relationships to execute global campaigns and media relations programs.
Key Services: Public Relations, Media Relations, Social Media Management, Restaurant Consulting, Brand Identity, Special Events
Industries Served: Hospitality, Food and Beverage, Lifestyle, Hotels
Notable Clients:
Locations: New York, New York, USA
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Brands that need earned media coverage
Website: Benvenuti Public Relations
9. MST Creative PR
About: MST Creative PR is a boutique New York public relations and social media agency with a multi-decade track record specializing in the restaurant, hospitality, wine, and culinary product sectors. The firm executes strategic media campaigns across print, online, and broadcast channels, alongside event management and digital marketing.
Key Services: Public Relations, Media Relations, Social Media Management, Culinary Product Launches, Event Management, Digital Marketing, Branding, Photography
Industries Served: Restaurants, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Wine & Spirits, Gourmet Retail
Notable Clients: Contento, Soogil, Crystal Springs Resort, Tsuta, Sarashina Horii
Locations: New York
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Brands that need earned media coverage
Website: MST Creative PR
10. PR Hacker NYC
About: PR Hacker NYC is a data-driven public relations and marketing agency with a regional office located in New York City's NoMad neighborhood. The firm offers integrated marketing disciplines including public relations, influencer marketing, viral PR, and media relations working closely with top-tier outlets.
Key Services: Public Relations, Media Relations, Influencer Marketing, Experiential Events, Video Production, Brand Strategy, Social Media, Crisis Communication, SEO
Industries Served: Financial Services, Fintech, Technology, Food and Beverage, Fashion, Entertainment, Music
Notable Clients: Del Monte, Natural Balance, 9Lives, Ooma, Ambronite, Pollfish, Budweiser, Milk Bone, Smuckers, Citi, Mercedes-Benz, Meow Mix
Locations: San Francisco, California
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Brands that need earned media coverage
Website: PR Hacker NYC
11. SHIFT Communications
About: SHIFT Communications is an integrated PR and communications agency that utilizes a Performance Communications framework to build campaigns focused on visibility, credibility, and demand. The agency maintains an office in New York City alongside its headquarters and other regional locations to support national clients across technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors.
Key Services: Corporate Communications, Brand Content, Events & Experiential, Media Relations, Influencer Marketing, Organic Social, Paid Media, Strategic Narrative
Industries Served: B2B Technology, Healthcare, Consumer Brands
Notable Clients: Citrix, Storj, Butterfly Network, Wedderspoon, McDonald's, NordicTrack
Locations: Boston, Massachusetts
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Brands that need earned media coverage
Website: SHIFT Communications
12. Stuntman Public Relations
About: Stuntman Public Relations is a Manhattan-based public relations agency specializing in the food & beverage, culinary, and hospitality industries. The firm focuses on combining traditional public relations and media relations with creative, disruptive, and viral marketing campaigns.
Key Services: Public Relations, Media Relations, Viral Marketing, Event Planning, Branding, Social Media Strategy, Influencer Engagement
Industries Served: Food & Beverage, Hospitality, Restaurant, Consumer Packaged Goods, Wines & Spirits, Specialty Retail, Wellness
Notable Clients: Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Consortium, San-J Tamari, Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, I'm donut?
Locations: New York
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Brands that need earned media coverage
Website: Stuntman Public Relations
13. FischTank PR
About: FischTank PR is an established leader in the conception and execution of marketing and communications campaigns for organizations of all industries and sizes. They specialize in media relations outreach, crisis communications, digital marketing, and content writing strategies to serve as a comprehensive communications department.
Key Services: Media Relations, Public Relations, Crisis Communications, Branding and Messaging, Content Writing, PR for SEO, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Email Marketing
Industries Served: Renewable Energy & Sustainability, Technology, Real Estate & Construction, Financial Services, Healthcare & Life Sciences
Notable Clients: Aeroflow Health, Aspen Power, CareMore Health, ENGIE Impact, Heliene
Locations: New York
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Brands that need earned media coverage
Website: FischTank PR
14. Factory PR
About: Factory PR is a full-service communications agency headquartered in New York City with additional offices in Los Angeles and Miami. The firm specializes in public relations, media relations, brand positioning, influencer marketing, and experiential activations across fashion, beauty, technology, and wellness industries.
Key Services: Public Relations, Media Relations, Brand Positioning, Influencer Relations, Brand & Creator Partnerships, Experiential Marketing, Executive Communications
Industries Served: Fashion, Beauty, Technology, Wellness, Lifestyle, Hospitality
Notable Clients: 21Seeds, On, Loop Earplugs, IKEA, Ray-Ban, Tinder, OnlyFans, Henry Rose
Locations: New York
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Brands that need earned media coverage
Website: Factory PR
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. JMG Public Relations | Public relations and media relations | Quote-based | Brands that need earned media coverage |
| 3. 5W Public Relations | Public relations and media relations | Quote-based | Brands that need earned media coverage |
| 4. BPM-PR Firm | Public relations and media relations | Quote-based | Brands that need earned media coverage |
| 5. AMP3 Public Relations | Public relations and media relations | Quote-based | Brands that need earned media coverage |
| 6. RLM PR | Public relations and media relations | Quote-based | Brands that need earned media coverage |
| 7. Channel V Media | Public relations and media relations | Quote-based | Brands that need earned media coverage |
| 8. Benvenuti Public Relations | Public relations and media relations | Quote-based | Brands that need earned media coverage |
| 9. MST Creative PR | Public relations and media relations | Quote-based | Brands that need earned media coverage |
| 10. PR Hacker NYC | Public relations and media relations | Quote-based | Brands that need earned media coverage |
| 11. SHIFT Communications | Public relations and media relations | Quote-based | Brands that need earned media coverage |
| 12. Stuntman Public Relations | Public relations and media relations | Quote-based | Brands that need earned media coverage |
| 13. FischTank PR | Public relations and media relations | Quote-based | Brands that need earned media coverage |
| 14. Factory PR | Public relations and media relations | Quote-based | Brands that need earned media coverage |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a public relations agency do that a New York marketing agency does not?
It works through people it does not control. A paid team buys placement and can guarantee it; a PR team persuades an editor, producer or podcast host to run a story for free, which means the pitch has to be genuinely interesting to that outlet's readers. The deliverable is a conversation, a relationship and a piece of coverage you cannot buy back if it goes wrong.
How should I judge a PR agency before I hire one?
Ask for the last three placements they secured for a client your size, in outlets you recognise, with dates. Then ask who wrote the pitch and who will write yours. Agencies win business with senior people and staff accounts with junior ones, so the honest question is which named person is on your account and how many other clients that person carries.
Which of these firms can I verify before a call?
Eleven of the thirteen. 5W Public Relations names VIZIO and Webull, BPM-PR Firm names Armitron and Antonia Saint New York, and AMP3 Public Relations names Fossil Group and Cat Footwear. The rest name nobody publicly, which in PR is often a client confidentiality clause rather than evasion. Move the burden to the call: ask for one client in your category, the outlets they landed, and what they pitched that did not run.
Why did two quotes for the same brief differ so much?
Because retainer covers different work. Ask whether media list building, spokesperson training, award entries, event support and crisis cover are inside the fee or billed on top, how many pitch hours a month you are buying, and what happens in a month when nothing lands. Those answers usually explain the entire gap.
Does the agency need to be based in New York?
It helps more in PR than in most disciplines, because relationships with local editors, broadcast bookers and event press are built in person. Eleven of the thirteen publish a New York address and the rest work the market from elsewhere: PR Hacker NYC (San Francisco, California) and SHIFT Communications (Boston, Massachusetts). Judge the media relationships and the named account lead before the postcode.
Choosing a Public Relations Partner in New York
Eleven of the thirteen external firms here publish a New York address, so geography alone will not shorten this list. What separates them is whether coverage is pitched to outlets your buyers actually read or counted in impressions nobody can trace.
Eleven credit a client you can check, and not one publishes a fee, so every number you are quoted is quoted against scope. Settle pitch hours, spokesperson time and who owns the media list before you compare two proposals.
The clearest signal of a serious partner is how they talk about the story that did not run. Ask what they pitched last quarter that was rejected, why, and what they changed afterwards, because a firm that only reports wins is reporting half the work.
Whichever way the brief lands, keep the story, the assets and the reporting answerable to one owner, because coverage that nobody connects to pipeline tends to be renewed on faith rather than evidence. If you would rather have the demand plan, the assets a story needs and the reporting behind it owned by one team, read our latest analysis or see how we work in New York.
