What you get with an Atlantic subscription

The Atlantic publishes a monthly print magazine and runs a website with daily news, essays, and long-form reporting. A subscription gives you access to both. The print edition arrives at your home roughly 10 times per year (they skip some months). The website version includes everything in print plus additional articles published online only, and you can read it on any device with a browser.

You do not need a subscription to read some Atlantic content — the site lets you view a limited number of free articles per month before a paywall appears. A subscription removes that limit and gives you full access to the archive going back years. Print subscribers also get access to the website at no extra cost.

Key Takeaways

  • The Atlantic offers both print and digital subscriptions, with print subscriptions including website access at no additional charge.
  • Print subscriptions cost roughly $60 to $100 per year depending on whether you pay upfront or monthly, and arrive about 10 times per year.
  • Digital-only subscriptions cost less than print and give you immediate access to all website content, but you receive no physical magazine.
  • You can pause, cancel, or switch subscription types at any time through your account settings on The Atlantic's website.
  • Student discounts and gift subscriptions are available directly through The Atlantic, and some employers or libraries offer free access as a benefit.

Print subscription pricing and payment options

Print subscriptions to The Atlantic cost between $60 and $100 per year, depending on how you pay. If you pay the full year upfront, the cost is lower — typically around $60. If you choose monthly billing, you pay roughly $8 to $10 per month, which adds up to more over a year. Some promotional offers run lower for the first year, then return to standard pricing for renewal.

The magazine arrives roughly 10 times per year. The Atlantic publishes monthly issues but skips July and August, so you receive fewer issues in summer. Each print subscription includes full access to the website at no extra charge, so you get both the physical magazine and the digital version.

You can start or stop a print subscription through The Atlantic's website. Cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing period — if you cancel mid-month, you still receive the next scheduled issue. Pausing a subscription (rather than canceling) is also an option if you want to resume later.

Digital-only subscriptions and website access

A digital-only subscription costs less than print and gives you immediate access to all content on The Atlantic's website. Pricing typically runs $50 to $80 per year, or $5 to $8 per month. You receive no physical magazine — only the ability to read articles online and through The Atlantic's mobile app.

Digital subscriptions are useful if you prefer reading on a phone or tablet, want to start immediately without waiting for mail delivery, or want to save money compared to print. You can read offline by downloading articles through the app on some devices. The digital archive goes back decades, so you can search and read past reporting on any topic.

Student discounts and special offers

The Atlantic offers discounted subscriptions to students with a valid school email address or student ID. Student rates are typically 50% off the standard price, bringing annual cost to around $30 to $40. You set up a student subscription through The Atlantic's website by verifying your student status.

The Atlantic also runs promotional offers throughout the year, especially around the holidays and back-to-school season. These promotions usually offer the first year at a reduced rate. Gift subscriptions are available and can be sent to someone else — you choose the start date and can include a message.

Employer and library access

Some employers offer The Atlantic as a workplace benefit, either as a print subscription mailed to your home or as digital access through a company account. Check with your HR or benefits department to see if your employer has a group subscription. If they do, you may receive a free subscription or a discounted rate.

Some public libraries also provide free digital access to The Atlantic through their online resources. You log in with your library card number to read articles on the library's website. This access is free if you have an active library card, though it may not include the mobile app depending on your library's agreement.

How to manage your subscription

Once you have a subscription, you manage it through your account on The Atlantic's website. You can update your payment method, change your billing address, pause the subscription temporarily, or cancel at any time. These changes take effect at the end of your current billing period unless you request an immediate stop.

If you have both print and digital access and want to switch to digital-only or vice versa, you can make that change in your account settings. The Atlantic also sends renewal reminders before your subscription expires, so you have time to decide whether to continue.

If you experience problems accessing content, miss an issue, or have questions about your account, The Atlantic has a customer service contact form on its website. Response times vary, but they typically reply within one to two business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read The Atlantic for free?

Yes, The Atlantic allows you to read a limited number of free articles per month on its website. Once you reach that limit, you see a paywall. A subscription removes the limit and gives you full access. Some content is always free, including breaking news and certain opinion pieces.

What happens to my subscription if I move?

Update your mailing address in your account settings on The Atlantic's website. Print issues will be sent to your new address starting with the next scheduled issue. There is no charge for changing your address, and you can do it anytime through your account.

Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-year?

Refund policies vary depending on how you paid and how long you have had the subscription. Most subscriptions are non-refundable, but The Atlantic may make exceptions for billing errors or service problems. Contact their customer service to discuss your specific situation.

Do I need a subscription to read The Atlantic on my phone?

You can read some free articles on The Atlantic's mobile website without a subscription. To read unlimited articles or use the mobile app, you need a digital or print subscription. The app is available on iOS and Android devices.

Can I gift a subscription to someone else?

Yes. The Atlantic offers gift subscriptions through its website. You choose the subscription type (print or digital), the length (usually one year), and the start date. You can include a message, and The Atlantic sends a notification to the recipient with instructions on how to access their subscription.