The 25 Companies With the Best Reputations

A poll surveyed what people really think about the most visible companies in the United States.

The 25 Companies With the Best Reputations

Looking for a good place to work? Maybe you want to feel as though you’re part of a company with a solid reputation. Axios and The Harris Poll looked at 100 of the most visible companies in the United States and analyzed their reputations. In the poll they asked: “Of all the companies that you’re familiar with or that you might have heard about, which TWO – in your opinion – stand out as having the BEST (and WORST) reputations overall?”

If you’re wondering which companies stand out, here are the top 25 companies with the best reputations that came out of the poll.

25. Unilever

Reputation score: 77.3

Reputation: Very Good

Unilever is a global company headquartered in the Netherlands and the U.K. The brands under the Unilever umbrella include very visible staples, including Lipton, Knorr, Dove, Breyers, Hellmann’s and Vaseline.

The company prides itself on its equitable practices and its efforts to empower women at different stages of its supply chain. Additionally, Unilever focuses on sustainability, which it has been working on implementing since 2010.

24. Netflix

Reputation score: 77.3

Reputation: Very Good

As the seventh-largest internet company by revenue, Netflix is well-known for its pioneering work in online streaming. In streaming battles against telecommunications giants like Comcast, Netflix comes out looking like the scrappy little guy.

Netflix has been a champion of the popular idea of Net Neutrality, and this, along with the idea to stream entertainment content at a lower cost than cable, has endeared the company to many consumers.

23. Aldi

Reputation score: 77.4

Reputation: Very Good

Aldi is a discount grocery chain owned by a German company. It’s known for providing good quality products at low prices. There are Aldi stores all over the United States, as well as throughout Europe and in Australia.

Aldi is also the owner of the popular and well-liked Trader Joe’s, which likely contributes to its popularity in the United States.

22. Chick-fil-A

Reputation score: 77.5

Reputation: Very Good

Even though Chick-fil-A still has a good reputation, this year it’s dropped significantly in the rankings. Chick-fil-A receives a lot of praise for its delicious chicken sandwiches as well as for its emphasis on its version of Christian family values. The chain’s stores are closed on Sunday, and the company’s foundation provides scholarships for its team members and donates to the Salvation Army and Junior Achievement.

However, Chick-fil-A has come under fire in recent years for its support of organizations that are anti-LGBTQ+.

21. Kroger

Reputation score: 77.9

Reputation: Very Good

Kroger is the largest U.S. supermarket chain by revenue. The company has a good reputation for quality grocery stores that offer a variety of foods at reasonable prices. Some of the supermarkets owned by Kroger include Smith’s, Fred Meyer, Dillons, Roundy’s and King Soopers.

Kroger’s solid rewards programs (which also include gas rewards) draws shoppers. Additionally, Kroger is working on a plan to reduce its waste, particularly food waste, while contributing to the conversation around hunger in American communities.

20. Lowe’s

Reputation score: 77.9

Reputation: Very Good

The home improvement giant is known for providing competent advice and reasonably priced home and garden items.

Lowe’s has made it a point to focus on sustainability, by working on its supply chain and trying to add more eco-friendly products to its lineup. Additionally, the company encourages its employees to volunteer in their communities and has a social responsibility report detailing its efforts.

19. Boeing

Reputation score: 78.3

Reputation: Very Good

This report came out before all the news about the 737 Max, so it will be interesting to see how the aerospace company’s reputation is impacted. Boeing has moved to rectify some of the issues that have been associated with the controversy.

Boeing does have a corporate citizenship program, and it gives to various areas, including the arts and education. On top of that, Boeing belongs to the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, advocating for more money to be spent on development and diplomatic efforts around the world.

18. Costco

Reputation score: 78.6

Reputation: Very Good

One of the most popular warehouse club stores, Costco is a favorite of bulk shoppers. The company has a reputation for quality merchandise at affordable prices.

Additionally, Costco continues to enjoy a good reputation from its compensation practices. The CEO makes much less than the CEOs of other major companies, and Costco recently raised its base pay rate to $15 an hour, compared to the $11 an hour offered by Walmart (ranked 79 on this list).

17. USAA

Reputation score: 78.8

Reputation: Very Good

USAA is a credit union focused on serving members of the military and their families. The financial institution is known for its variety of products and services that meet the needs of its customers without being excessively expensive. USAA offers free checking, savings, insurance and loans.

The company regularly offers financial education programming for military families, and makes it a point to support organizations aimed at improving the quality of life for these families.

16. Hobby Lobby

Reputation score: 78.9

Reputation: Very Good

The craft and hobby store is well-known for its wide variety of craft supplies. Additionally, Hobby Lobby is also known for its classes and other community events.

Hobby Lobby is a company that claims to adhere to “Christian values,” and its charitable contributions toward such missions contributes to its reputation. However, the company did make news a few years ago when it challenged the Affordable Care Act’s requirement to provide insurance coverage for all forms of birth control.

15. LG

Reputation score: 79.0

Reputation: Very Good

According to the study, LG has seen a significant increase in its reputation score this year. The electronics company, which has its headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, is a well-known maker of TVs and smartphones.

LG is known for low prices on products of reasonable quality. Additionally, the company has won a number of awards for its clean, minimalistic design and intuitive displays.

14. Kraft Heinz

Reputation score: 79.0

Reputation: Very Good

Who doesn’t love the taste of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese? Of course, there’s more to Kraft Heinz than the mac n’ cheese. Brands that fall under this umbrella include popular food stapes like Velveeta, Oscar Mayer, Lunchables, Maxwell House, Kool-Aid and Planters.

The company does have its own PAC, and makes political contributions based on the PAC’s board decisions.

13. Fidelity

Reputation score: 79.1

Reputation: Very Good

The financial services company Fidelity is one of the most well-known brokerages in the country. While the company focuses on mutual funds and retirement account management, it also engages in a great deal of financial education.

In the past, Fidelity has made it a point to address issues related to women and money, as well as work to empower marginalized communities when it comes to their finances.

12. The Home Depot

Reputation score: 79.1

Reputation: Very Good

The Home Depot is another company that has seen significant improvements in its reputation recently. The company is several slots ahead of its home improvement rival, Lowe’s.

The Home Depot is well-known for its community projects and classes offered in its stores. Additionally, the company has made it a point to beef up its online presence, and it shows, with online sales on the rise. The company also has a range of eco-friendly products, as well as responsible sourcing policies and a close relationship with Habitat for Humanity.

11. UPS

Reputation score: 79.3

Reputation: Very Good

Almost everyone knows that UPS delivers packages, and the company has a solid reputation for getting its deliveries on time. Additionally, UPS makes it easy to print out shipping labels, drop off returns and even arrange for pickup. The convenience factor has a lot to do with the company’s reputation.

Additionally, the company has a good reputation for its employment practices, with reasonable wages and a good benefits plan. On top of that, the company is working on sustainability issues.

10. Sony

Reputation score: 79.4

Reputation: Very Good

The electronics company Sony has been making strong reputational moves on this survey, moving up 21 places. The company is very well known for its TVs, as well as its gaming console. The PlayStation console and gaming network allows for online gaming and there are other entertainment products as well, including movies.

9. Microsoft

Reputation score: 79.7

Reputation: Very Good

The software giant remains one of the most respected companies on the planet, beating out its rival Apple (which is listed at 32). In addition to computer software, Microsoft has seen success with its Surface laptop and its Xbox console and online gaming network.

Additionally, Microsoft is known for its educational involvement, and the company is also still very connected to the reputation of Bill Gates, its founder, who is known for his philanthropic efforts around the world.

8. Procter & Gamble

Reputation score: 79.8

Reputation: Very Good

One of the largest consumer goods corporations in the world, Procter & Gamble is well-known for its household brands, including Luvs, Tide, Downy, Bounty, Charmin, Always, Old Spice, Cascade, Swiffer, Gillette, Crest, Vicks and Olay. Some of the world’s most iconic brands are connected to Procter & Gamble, so it’s no surprise the company has a solid reputation score.

7. Samsung

Reputation score: 80.0

Reputation: Excellent

Samsung has become one of the most popular brands for electronics and smart appliances in the world. The company is known for its TVs and smartphones, as well as for its design and innovation. In addition to selling high-quality products, the company also offers discounts to military servicemembers, students and educators.

Even with the combustion problems of a few years ago, Samsung has overcome the setbacks and retains a solid reputation.

6. Publix

Reputation score: 80.3

Reputation: Excellent

Publix represents one of the fastest-growing supermarket chains in the United States. The company is known for high-quality items at low prices.

Additionally, Publix is known for its sustainability efforts. One of the things that sets the company apart, however, is the fact that it’s an employee-owned company. So, rather than having a top-down structure, the employees are shareholders.

5. The Walt Disney Company

Reputation score: 80.4

Reputation: Excellent

It’s no surprise that Disney is so high up on the reputation list. The company is known for its family-friendly entertainment. This family friendliness goes beyond movies, though. It extends to theme parks, and even a cruise line.

While Disney has received some flack for its past history, today the entertainment powerhouse is known for doing Marvel movies right and pushing the “Star Wars” franchise forward.

4. L.L. Bean

Reputation score: 80.7

Reputation: Excellent

L.L. Bean is known for high-quality outdoor clothing and accessories. It’s possible to get footwear, bags and other outdoor equipment from L.L. Bean as well. The reputation for quality and customer service helps L.L. Bean remain one of the most respected American companies.

L.L. Bean also advocates for getting kids outdoors and for conservation issues, as well as offering military and education discounts.

3. Patagonia

Reputation score: 81.4

Reputation: Excellent

Another outdoor clothing company, Patagonia is known for high quality. Patagonia focuses on sustainability and environmental issues as well. Additionally, in an effort to reduce the impact of humans on the planet, you can also show used Patagonia wear and trade-in old clothes.

Patagonia prides itself on promoting fair labor practices throughout its supply chain.

2. Amazon

Reputation score: 82.3

Reputation: Excellent

The online retail giant is known for its ability to help you buy just about anything online — and at a low price. The company is known for recently raising its base minimum wage to $15 an hour.

However, even though Amazon is currently at the No. 2 spot, there are rumblings about Amazon’s working conditions, and the fact that the company, despite being one of the richest in the world, didn’t pay any federal tax for 2018.

1. Wegmans

Reputation score: 83.0

Reputation: Excellent

It’s no real surprise to see Wegmans at the top of this list. The company is consistently listed among those with good reputations, as well as being a top company to work for.

Wegmans is known for high quality and reasonable prices. The Wegmans branded items are known for being just as good as name brands. The company also prides itself on working with family farms for some of its sourcing, and for its efforts to help local food banks.