Forrester is a well-known name in market research, but it’s not always the right fit. As technology and services organizations rethink how they invest in research and advisory firms in 2026, many are actively comparing Forrester against more specialized alternatives that offer deeper industry focus, clearer benchmarks, or more actionable guidance.

In this guide, we compare the top Forrester competitors—including TSIA, Gartner, IDC, Everest Group, and 451 Research—to help you understand where each firm excels, how they differ, and which option aligns best with your organization’s goals.

If you’re evaluating research providers based on value, relevance, and execution, and not just brand recognition, this comparison will help you narrow your options with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Forrester is no longer the default choice for every organization: While Forrester remains strong in customer experience and digital transformation research, many organizations in 2026 are turning to more specialized firms that offer deeper industry focus, clearer benchmarks, or more actionable guidance.
• The right Forrester alternative depends on what you need to execute—not just what you need to understand: Broad market analysis from firms like Gartner may suit large enterprises, while technology-specific insight from IDC or 451 Research better supports emerging tech decisions. Vendor-centric evaluations often point to Everest Group.
• Industry-specific, execution-focused research often delivers greater value: For technology and services organizations, TSIA stands out by combining peer benchmarking, operational frameworks, and data-driven insight designed to help leaders move from strategy to measurable results.

List of Top Forrester Competitors

• TSIA: Provides deep, industry-specific insights for technology and services companies.
• Gartner: A global leader in IT research known for its Magic Quadrant and broader market coverage.
• IDC (International Data Corporation): Specializes in data-driven insights for IT and emerging technologies.
• Everest Group: Focused on IT outsourcing, services, and vendor comparison.
• 451 Research: Offers real-time insights into cloud computing, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure.

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Breakdown of Each Competitor

TSIA

TSIA (Technology & Services Industry Association) is for companies in the technology and services industry. Unlike Forrester's broad focus on customer experience and digital transformation, TSIA provides strategic business insights and peer-driven research tailored for technology and service-based organizations.

TSIA's core value proposition is based on actionable, data-driven strategies that help members improve their business performance. The association's unique membership model and strong peer networking create a community where businesses can share best practices and gain specific guidance, making it a more targeted and often more cost-effective solution than Forrester’s consulting services.

• Industry-specific insights: TSIA focuses exclusively on technology and service-based industries, providing highly relevant data and analysis.
• Data-driven benchmarking: Provides actionable benchmarks and best practices essential for business growth.‍
• Strong peer networking: The community-driven approach fosters direct industry engagement and knowledge sharing.‍
• Cost-effective membership: The membership model is more affordable than Forrester’s high-cost consulting services.‍
• Actionable strategies: Unlike broad research reports, TSIA guides tech and service companies.

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Related: TSIA’s History of Future Predictions: From Consumption Economics to AI Economics™

Gartner

Gartner is a market research and advisory services firm, best known for its Magic Quadrant and Hype Cycle reports. While it provides broad industry analysis, some businesses find its high cost and general guidance less actionable than those of more specialized firms.

Gartner offers broader industry coverage, and its Magic Quadrant and Hype Cycle provide easily digestible, visual frameworks for market positioning and technology adoption. It's often considered the more dominant firm in the IT sector.

Its services are generally more expensive and enterprise-focused. Some clients feel its research is less hands-on and actionable than Forrester’s.

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Related: Gartner Competitors: Top Alternatives in 2026

IDC (International Data Corporation)

IDC specializes in research on IT, AI, and emerging technologies. It is a strong alternative for businesses that require technology-specific market intelligence, rather than Forrester’s broader CX-focused approach.

IDC's research is highly focused on IT and emerging technologies, such as cloud computing and cybersecurity. It is known for its data-driven insights and has a strong global presence, particularly in Asia and Europe. 

G2 users rate IDC's ease of use higher than Forrester's. Its scope is narrower, focusing primarily on technology and IT, which may not suit businesses seeking broader market analysis or CX insights.

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Everest Group

Everest Group is a research firm specializing in outsourcing, IT services, and vendor analysis. It is a robust alternative for companies seeking competitive benchmarking and detailed vendor comparisons, a niche where Forrester's research is more limited.

The firm's PEAK Matrix framework and detailed vendor reports are invaluable for businesses evaluating and selecting service providers. It offers actionable, highly specific competitive benchmarking for the outsourcing and IT services market.

Its specialization can be a limitation for those who need a broader view of technology trends or customer experience.

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Related: Data-Driven Benchmarking for Tech Companies: Insights to Optimize Performance and Growth

451 Research

Now part of S&P Global Market Intelligence, 451 Research provides timely insights into cloud computing, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure. It is a strong alternative to Forrester for businesses that prioritize understanding and investing in emerging technologies.

451 Research is known for its real-time market insights, offering faster updates than Forrester's periodic reports. Its flexible subscription models can also be more affordable for smaller, or more specialized businesses.

Its research is narrowly focused on technology infrastructure, making it less suitable for businesses looking for broader strategic or marketing insights.

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Find the Best Alternative for Your Needs 

Choosing the right alternative to Forrester depends entirely on your specific needs. Each of these companies offers unique advantages, so be sure to compare their features and pricing before making a decision.

Here's a video that discusses the evolution and influence of Forrester and Gartner in the tech industry, which provides additional context on their market positions. 

FAQs

What is the best alternative to Forrester in 2026?

There is no single “best” alternative for every company. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize enterprise IT strategy, technology-specific market intelligence, vendor benchmarking, or operational execution within technology and services organizations.

How does TSIA differ from Forrester?

Forrester focuses heavily on qualitative research around customer experience and digital transformation. TSIA, by contrast, specializes in technology and services organizations and emphasizes benchmarking, operational maturity, and peer-validated best practices that support execution and business performance.

Is Forrester still worth it for technology companies?

Forrester remains valuable to organizations focused on CX strategy and high-level market narratives. However, many technology companies find greater ROI from research providers that offer more targeted, data-driven, and industry-specific guidance.