What you get with The Economist digital subscription

The Economist digital subscription gives you access to articles, data, and analysis on the website and through their mobile app. You read current news coverage, special reports, and their data journalism — the same editorial content published in their print edition, but delivered online as stories appear rather than waiting for the weekly print issue.

The subscription includes access to their archives going back several years, so you can search past coverage on a topic. You also get The Economist's newsletters, which deliver selected articles and analysis to your email inbox on a schedule you choose. Some subscribers use the digital edition to read on tablets or phones during commutes, while others use it as a reference tool for specific topics they follow.

The app works offline — you can download articles to read later without an internet connection. The website works on any browser, so you are not locked into one device or platform.

Key Takeaways

  • The Economist charges a monthly or annual rate for digital access, with annual plans costing less per month than paying month-to-month.
  • You can start and stop your subscription at any time; there is no long-term contract or cancellation fee.
  • The digital subscription does not include the print magazine — if you want both, you pay a separate combined rate.
  • Your login works across their website, mobile app, and newsletters, so you access the same content on any device.
  • Student discounts are available if you have a valid university email address or student ID.

Pricing and payment options

The Economist offers monthly and annual digital subscriptions. Monthly plans cost more per month than annual plans, because the annual rate spreads the cost over twelve months. The exact price varies by country and changes periodically, so you see the current rate when you visit their website to subscribe.

You pay by credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Billing happens automatically on the same day each month (for monthly plans) or each year (for annual plans). You can update your payment method or pause your subscription in your account settings at any time.

The Economist sometimes runs promotional rates for new subscribers — discounted first months or reduced annual rates. These offers appear on their subscription page and are time-limited, though new promotions typically start when others end.

How to set up your subscription

Visit The Economist's subscription page and choose between monthly and annual billing. Enter your email address and create a password for your account. Select your payment method and complete the purchase.

You receive a confirmation email with your login details. Use that email and password to sign in on their website or download their app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Your subscription is active immediately, so you can start reading right away.

If you already have an account with The Economist (from a previous subscription or a free trial), you can log in with your existing email and password rather than creating a new account. Your new subscription attaches to that same account.

Canceling or pausing your subscription

You can cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings on The Economist's website. There is no penalty for canceling, and you keep access until the end of your current billing period. If you cancel mid-month on a monthly plan, you do not receive a refund for the unused portion.

Some subscribers pause their subscription instead of canceling — this temporarily stops billing without deleting your account. When you are ready to resume, you reactivate it in the same settings. Pausing is useful if you know you will want to return later but do not need access for a few months.

If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you log back in with your original email and password. Your saved articles and preferences are still there.

Digital subscription versus print plus digital

The Economist sells three subscription options: digital only, print only, and print plus digital. The digital-only subscription is the least expensive. Print only costs more because of production and shipping. Print plus digital (called a combined subscription) costs more than digital alone but less than buying both separately.

The print edition arrives weekly by mail. If you want the physical magazine and digital access, the combined plan is cheaper than paying for both subscriptions separately. If you only read online, the digital subscription is the better value.

Student and group discounts

The Economist offers reduced rates for students with a valid university email address or student ID. The discount applies to digital subscriptions and combined subscriptions. You verify your student status during signup, and the reduced rate applies to your account.

Some universities and organizations negotiate group subscriptions for their members or employees. If your school or employer has a relationship with The Economist, you may be able to access it through them at no personal cost. Check with your institution's library or HR department to see if this option is available to you.

What happens if you do not use your subscription

Your subscription continues to bill each month or year regardless of how often you log in. The Economist does not pause or refund unused time. If you realize you are not reading regularly, canceling stops future charges — but you lose access immediately rather than at the end of your billing period.

Some readers keep their subscription active but read infrequently, treating it as a reference tool they use when they need it. Others find they read more during certain seasons or when following a particular story. There is no penalty for reading less than you expected; you simply decide whether the cost is worth it to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my login with family members?

The Economist's terms of service restrict sharing your login to people in your household. Sharing with people outside your home violates the terms. If multiple people in your household want access, The Economist offers household plans in some regions that allow several logins under one subscription.

What if I forget my password?

Go to The Economist's login page and click "Forgot password." Enter your email address, and they send a password reset link to your inbox. Click the link and create a new password. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or contact their customer service.

Can I read The Economist on my Kindle or e-reader?

The Economist does not offer a native Kindle app or e-reader format. You read on their website or mobile app. Some readers use browser tools or third-party apps to convert articles to e-reader format, but this is not officially supported by The Economist.

Do I get a refund if I cancel mid-billing period?

No. If you cancel a monthly subscription mid-month, you keep access until the end of that month but do not receive a refund for unused days. Annual subscriptions work the same way — canceling does not refund the unused portion of the year.

Is there a free trial?

The Economist occasionally offers free trial periods for new subscribers, usually one or two weeks. These trials appear on their subscription page when available. After the trial ends, your subscription converts to paid billing unless you cancel before the trial period closes.