21 Reliable Free and Paid Industry Report Databases

If you’ve ever tried doing industry research for a project or startup, you’ve probably hit one of two walls—a paywall or outdated data that’s no longer useful.

Market research can feel like a rabbit hole; one tab leads to another, and before you know it, you’ve spent hours chasing half-relevant reports.

This article solves that problem. We’ve curated a list of 21 free and paid sources for industry and market reports.

So whether you’re doing industry/market research to validate demand, writing a plan, or planning a pivot, this list will save you time and help you find the data that actually matters.

21 Top sources for industry and market reports

When you’re building a business plan, pitch deck, or marketing strategy, finding reliable data fast is key. These 21 trusted sources—both free and paid—help you understand markets, spot trends, and make confident, data-backed decisions.

Let’s get started.

A) Consulting & premium industry sources

If you want expert-level insights and data that industry giants use, start here. These sources offer deep market analysis and trend reports that help you understand where your industry is heading.

 1) McKinsey & Company

One of the most reputable brands in business strategy and research, McKinsey & Company was established in 1926. It’s part of the “Big Three” consulting firms known for shaping global business decisions through data-driven insights and real-world experience.

They operate in 60+ countries and work directly with Fortune 500 companies, emerging startups, and governments. McKinsey builds its research using a mix of reliable sources, which include:

• Proprietary data from client engagements
• Custom surveys with executives and consumers
• Primary interviews with C-suite leaders, policymakers, and technical experts

Moreover, they also use verified public and third-party data from sources like Statista, the IMF, the World Bank, and major industry associations.

Hence, whether you’re refining your business plan or preparing a major strategy shift, you can use McKinsey’s insights to see how industries truly evolve. They show you what moves work in the real world and why.

2) Bain & Company

Bain & Company, also part of the “Big Three” consulting firms, has advised global companies since 1973 on strategy, operations, and digital transformation.

It has worked directly with 64% of the Global 500 to solve real problems, like:

• Improving operational efficiency and reducing costs
• Driving innovation through AI, automation, and digital transformation
• Building customer loyalty and accelerating sustainable growth

Their insight is derived from significant market research, proprietary databases, and actual client work. Bain teams gather and examine customer, financial, and operational data from a variety of industries to determine what really produces results rather than what theory predicts.

Bain’s research demonstrates what propels sustained success, whether you’re honing your approach, creating a business plan, or investigating market opportunities. Bain is a good place to start if you require insights based on actual business performance.

3) Upmetrics

Upmetrics is primarily a business planning platform providing tools and resources for business and financial planning, as well as industry and market research.

Considering that a lot of Upmetrics users require industry and market research reports for their business plan, Upmetrics provides on-demand research reports. You can request one for your business, and you’ll receive ready-to-use reports in 24-48 hours.

These reports pull verified data from Bizminer and ChatGPT’s DeepResearch, combining industry overviews, financial benchmarks, and operational insights into one easy-to-digest package.

What makes Upmetrics different is how founder-focused these reports are. They don’t just show numbers—they connect them directly to your business idea. Each report includes:

• Verified benchmarks from thousands of real U.S. businesses
• Transparent sourcing with clear definitions and data origins
• Multi-year historical data and forward-looking trends
• Market size, structure, and projected growth rates
• Revenue, expense, and profit ratios by company size
• Cash flow and margin data aligned with investor expectations
• Operational benchmarks like cost patterns and efficiency drivers

Ideal for startups and small businesses, Upmetrics reports help founders to make smarter business decisions without spending weeks digging through data.

4) Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) stands among the world’s top three or the “Big Three” consulting firms as well. It’s known for helping companies solve complex business problems like slow market growth, declining profits, and inefficient operations since 1963.

Since its early days, BCG has guided global companies, including Fortune 500 companies, in shaping:

• Corporate strategies
• Driving digital transformation
• Managing mergers and acquisitions
• Sustainability and climate action

BCG gathers insights directly from its projects, partnerships, and industry collaborations. Moreover, its hands-on work across sectors like consumer goods, finance, healthcare, technology, and energy gives its research real-world depth.

Each report captures real market dynamics—not textbook theories. Their research highlights how markets shift, where new trends emerge, and which strategies businesses use to grow.

If you’re building a strategy, testing new markets, or studying competitors, BCG’s reports show you where growth is happening and how to seize it.

5) Gartner

Gartner is a worldwide research and consultancy company that offers information and analysis to assist companies in making wise choices.  It was established in 1979 and is renowned for its in-depth study of technology and market analysis.

Every year, their analysts converse with hundreds of CIOs, executives, and suppliers to learn about the latest developments in business and technology.  Large-scale surveys record the tools that businesses are using and what they are actually purchasing.

Verified users provide frank product reviews that show how solutions function in actual environments through Gartner Peer Insights. This produces a 360-degree perspective of every market when combined with financial information and public reports.

These reports help corporate executives identify genuine trends, steer clear of hype, and confidently select technology partners.

6) Forrester Research

Forrester is a leading global research and advisory firm that helps businesses understand markets, customers, and technology shifts. Since its start in 1983, the firm has worked with 61% of Fortune 100 companies across technology, marketing, customer experience, and product strategy.

Every year, Forrester surveys more than 500,000 consumers, executives, and tech leaders to spot shifts in behavior, spending, and market direction.

For its well-known Forrester Wave™ (Signature research), Forrester’s analysts even speak directly with product users to learn what’s working—and what’s not—in real-world scenarios.

They also collect over 100 million real-time feedback votes from different platforms to keep their insights current. If you’re shaping a new product strategy, validating a market, or improving customer experience, Forrester’s research gives you data you can act on and assist you:

• Spot opportunities
• Anticipate market shifts
• Back your business plan
• Help you make informed decisions

B) Market Research & data platforms (Paid/Freemium)

These market research platforms, in contrast to consulting firms, offer ready-to-use data that you can include straight into your market analysis or business plan. For entrepreneurs, analysts, and company planners who require trustworthy data without waiting for consultancy recommendations, they are ideal.

7) IBISWorld

The Australian firm IBISWorld is a global business intelligence company, well-known throughout the world for its extensive, data-rich industrial research. With ready-to-use reports across thousands of industries, it has assisted governments, corporations, and investors in making well-informed decisions for more than 50 years.

Every report at IBISWorld is created by knowledgeable analysts, not algorithms, who examine information from trade associations, government databases, financial statements, and corporate filings.

To transform numbers into meaningful insights, they combine this with local knowledge and IBISWorld’s exclusive modelling tools. Because industries change quickly, IBISWorld updates its reports several times a year to maintain accurate and current data.

IBISWorld is best for entrepreneurs, consultants, and business planners who need quick, reliable industry overviews, growth forecasts, and competitor benchmarks to support planning, strategy, or investor presentations.

8) Statista

Statista is a German online data platform that offers a wide range of information in various formats, including charts, graphs, and reports.  Founded in 2007, Statista pulls data from thousands of sources worldwide, including:

• Market research firms like Nielsen, Mintel, and Ipsos
• Government agencies such as the U.S. Census Bureau, Eurostat, and national statistics offices
• Industry associations and trade organizations that publish sector-specific data
• 30,00,000 Surveys, interviews, and 80,000 topics from 22,500 sources

They also run their own surveys, such as the Global Consumer Survey, to capture real insights into how people buy, behave, and choose brands.

What makes Statista stand out isn’t just the data—it’s how they present it. Every report, chart, and infographic is designed for clarity by simplifying complex datasets into visual insights sourced from verified industry reports, surveys, and government databases.

It’s an ideal market research tool for entrepreneurs, researchers, and marketers who need quick, reliable visuals to back decisions or presentations.

9) Euromonitor International

Euromonitor International is a reliable platform to understand industries, economies, and consumer behavior worldwide. Founded in 1972 in London, it’s often the go-to source for understanding how industries, brands, and consumers behave worldwide.

Its flagship platform, Passport, gives you access to a vast database of market reports, statistics, and expert analysis across industries and countries. Euromonitor’s Passport knowledge hub delivers data on:

• Market entry opportunities
• Track lifestyle shifts
• Analyze brand performance
• Optimize growth
• Navigate global economies

What makes it powerful is its blend of global coverage and local insight—their analysts work on the ground in over 100 countries to capture real-world trends.

This gives them a real view of what’s happening in each market, and the internal modeling team turns this data into reliable forecasts and actionable trends.

If you’re planning international expansion or validating a business idea, Euromonitor’s reports show you exactly where demand is rising and what strategies are winning across markets.

10) S&P Global

S&P Global is one of the world’s most trusted sources for financial and commodity intelligence. Established in 1860, it helps businesses, investors, and governments make informed decisions with transparent, data-backed insights.

They draw reports from primary financial filings, corporate disclosures, and regulatory submissions—including SEC reports, central bank data, and stock exchange filings.

The company also maintains proprietary databases, such as S&P Capital IQ and S&P Global Market Intelligence, which track everything from mergers and acquisitions activity to sector performance and macroeconomic indicators.

For founders, analysts, and planners, S&P Global offers verified data that forms the backbone for financial forecasting, risk analysis, and strategy building.

11) MarketResearch.com

Founded in 1996, MarketResearch.com is an online marketplace that aggregates reports from hundreds of independent research firms worldwide.

Moreover, they gather information via surveys, trade journals, corporate filings, and professional research to offer in-depth understandings of market size, trends, and competitive environments.

Their studies can be used to benchmark competitors for your business plan or strategy, or verify assumptions.

For company planners, consultants, investors, and entrepreneurs who need dependable, readily usable data without spending hours searching across numerous sources, the platform is extremely helpful.

C) Government & public sources (Free)

These resources offer trustworthy, openly accessible data for economic analysis, market research, and industry trends. For new businesses, entrepreneurs, and business planners who require reliable data without having to pay for subscriptions, they are ideal.

12) U.S. Census Bureau

The U.S. Census Bureau was founded in 1902 to provide an official source of population and economic data. It conducts the national census every 10 years to determine congressional representation and distribute federal funding.

Beyond the decennial count, it runs more than 130 ongoing surveys—like the American Community Survey and Economic Census—to provide continuous insights into the nation’s demographics, economy, and business activity.

Its datasets cover industries, households, and geographic areas, making it especially useful for entrepreneurs, business planners, and researchers.

Importantly, the U.S. Census Bureau is governed by the USA government, which powers decision-making for policymakers, businesses, researchers, and investors. Moreover, it’s a reliable source to get accurate insights to understand the American population and economy.

13) Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the U.S. government’s main source for labor, wage, and inflation data.

It operates under the Department of Labor and focuses only on collecting and publishing accurate, unbiased statistics.

The BLS gathers data directly from millions of employers and households through large national surveys:

• Current Employment Statistics (CES): Payroll data from over 120,000 businesses.
• Consumer Price Index (CPI): Prices paid by consumers nationwide.
• Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): Wages and employment for 800+ jobs.
• Producer Price Index (PPI): Prices received by U.S. producers.
• Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS): Hiring, quits, and layoffs.

Each dataset follows strict, standardized methods reviewed by economists and statisticians.

BLS data helps businesses, policymakers, and researchers track jobs, wages, productivity, and living costs with confidence.

In short, it provides the reliable economic facts that guide everything from public policy to paycheck planning.

14) Small Business Administration (SBA)

The Small Business Administration (SBA) was founded in 1953 under the Small Business Act to support and strengthen America’s small businesses.

Unlike agencies that conduct large-scale surveys, the SBA relies on existing data from sources, like the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to analyze the small business ecosystem.

It also maintains its own administrative data, which tracks:

• Loan guarantees
• Partner performance
• Program impact on jobs and growth

Its reports and statistics help entrepreneurs and business planners make informed decisions, size markets, and strengthen business plans without spending on paid subscriptions.

Moreover, this platform guides you on small business loans, grants, and funding programs. You can explore eligibility requirements, compare loan options, and understand the application process. This makes it easier to secure financing and plan your business growth with confidence.

15) U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is an independent, nonpartisan federal agency that provides data and analysis on how trade, tariffs, and imports affect U.S. industries and workers.

It sources data directly from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S Census Bureau, the Department of Commerce, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

All this information is available through USITC’s DataWeb, which offers detailed product-level trade flows, country-specific import/export data, and harmonized tariff schedules.

Its research helps businesses, policymakers, and analysts assess trade impacts, identify risks, and plan global market strategies using verified government data.

16) Data.gov

Data.gov is the U.S. government’s open data platform. It gives you free access to thousands of datasets across the economy, health, energy, and more.

It compiles datasets from departments, like the U.S. Census Bureau, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Energy—covering topics from employment and trade to health and climate.

You can use it to:

• Analyze trends
• Explore regional or sector-specific data
• Credible government-sourced information

Entrepreneurs, researchers, and business planners can quickly download and work with this data. This platform saves time and ensures that decisions are backed by reliable, official sources.

D) Industry associations & niche sources (Mostly free/some paid)

These sources provide specialized, industry-specific data and insights. They’re ideal for entrepreneurs, consultants, and business planners who need detailed trends, benchmarks, and niche market information.

17) National Retail Federation (NRF)

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is the world’s largest retail trade association. It represents retailers of all sizes—from small stores to global chains—and provides verified data on consumer spending, sales performance, and retail trends.

NRF collects data from multiple primary and industry-backed sources, including:

• Member surveys from thousands of U.S. retailers across sectors like apparel, grocery, and e-commerce.
• Partnership studies with research firms such as Prosper Insights & Analytics, covering consumer sentiment, shopping frequency, and purchasing intent.
• Official economic data from agencies like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, used to validate retail employment and sales figures.
• Point-of-sale and transaction data aggregated from member companies and retail analytics providers.

These inputs power NRF’s key publications, including the Monthly Economic Review, Holiday Sales Forecast, and Consumer Spending Report. Such reports help businesses, E-commerce, and startups anticipate demand shifts, plan inventory, and adjust pricing or marketing strategies.

18) TechCrunch/Crunchbase Pro

TechCrunch is a leading technology news platform that covers global startups, funding rounds, and industry trends through direct reporting and founder interviews.

Crunchbase Pro is a business information platform that compiles verified company, investor, and funding data from official filings, press releases, and user submissions.

The purpose of TechCrunch is to deliver real-time coverage of startup launches, funding rounds, and industry trends through direct reporting, founder interviews, and press releases.

While Crunchbase Pro builds on that by providing structured, verified data sourced from:

• Company filings and official press releases
• Founder and investor submissions verified by Crunchbase’s data team
• Venture databases and public funding disclosures
• Automated web crawlers that capture updates from trusted news outlets and corporate sites

Together, they give you both narrative and numbers—helping founders validate ideas, consultants benchmark competitors, and investors spot opportunities early.

19) Healthcare Cost & Utilization Project (HCUP)

The Healthcare Cost & Utilization Project is the most comprehensive source of hospital care data in the United States. Managed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), it combines data from both public and private sources to create a national picture of healthcare use, costs, and outcomes.

HCUP gathers its data from:

• State-level hospital discharge records (inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department data).
• Federal and private healthcare databases such as Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance claims.
• Insurance and billing data are submitted directly by hospitals, clinics, and health systems.

Because the data comes directly from patient records and hospital billing systems, it reflects real-world care patterns rather than estimates.

Researchers, healthcare entrepreneurs, and policymakers use HCUP to study cost efficiency, patient outcomes, and hospital performance—making it a core resource for data-driven decisions in the medical and healthcare sectors.

20) World Bank/IMF Data

The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) are two of the most trusted global sources for economic and financial data. They collect and publish standardized statistics from national governments, central banks, and international agencies—covering GDP, trade, inflation, employment, debt, and development indicators.

Their data comes from:

• National statistical offices and central banks (official country-level submissions).
• International financial reporting systems that track lending, trade, and fiscal data.
• On-ground research and surveys conducted in developing and emerging economies.

Together, they provide a unified view of the global economy—helping businesses, policymakers, and investors analyze market health, assess risks, and plan for international expansion with credible data.

21) International Trade Associations by Industry

Trade associations offer industry-specific data that you won’t find anywhere else. They gather insights from member surveys, company reports, and government filings to track trends and performance.

For example, the American Marketing Association (AMA) publishes reports on marketing spend and consumer behavior. The National Restaurant Association tracks dining trends and restaurant performance.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) shares detailed retail and shopper data. You can find many more of other trade associations by industry through the Directory of Associations.

Many associations also offer webinars, reports, and networking opportunities, making them invaluable for entrepreneurs and business planners seeking credible, actionable industry data.

In short, they’re best suited for anyone who needs deep, sector-specific data to make informed business or investment decisions.

Conclusion

At first, market research may seem overwhelming, but it becomes easier to spot trends once you know where to look. Every source on this list has a distinct function: Data platforms fill in the blanks, consulting businesses provide perspective, and government portals provide hard numbers. The trick is to blend them instead of relying on just one.

Over the years, we’ve learned that the best insights rarely come from a single report; they come from connecting data across multiple sources and translating it into decisions.

That’s what turns research into an actual competitive advantage. So, if you want a faster way to gather reliable numbers, visualize trends, and link them all back to your business idea, look for platforms that combine research, analysis, and planning in one place.

It saves hours of searching and helps you focus on what matters—building with clarity and confidence.