What you get with an Economist subscription

The Economist is a weekly news and analysis magazine published in London and distributed globally. A subscription gives you access to the print edition, the digital website, the mobile app, and the audio edition of selected articles. You can read current and past issues, search the archive, and save articles to read later.

The magazine covers politics, business, science, technology, and culture with a focus on data and long-form reporting. Most readers use subscriptions for professional research, staying informed on global markets, or following specific policy areas in depth. The cost and access level depend on which subscription tier you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • The Economist offers three main subscription tiers: print only, digital only, and print plus digital, with different price points and renewal terms.
  • Digital subscriptions start at a lower price than print and can be managed entirely online, with access to the full archive and app.
  • Print subscriptions are delivered weekly and include digital access at the highest tier, but require a mailing address and longer commitment.
  • You can pause, cancel, or change your subscription type through your account dashboard without contacting customer service.
  • Student and institutional subscriptions have separate pricing and are managed through different sign-up pages on The Economist's website.

Digital-only subscriptions

A digital subscription gives you access to The Economist's website, mobile app, and email newsletters. You can read the full current issue online every Thursday, access the complete archive of past articles, and download the audio edition to listen offline. Digital subscriptions renew automatically and can be paused or cancelled anytime through your account.

Digital subscriptions are the most affordable entry point and require no physical delivery. You manage everything online — no phone calls or forms needed. The app works on iOS and Android, and you can read on multiple devices with the same login. Most people on a budget or who travel frequently choose this option.

Print subscriptions and print-plus-digital bundles

Print subscriptions deliver the physical magazine to your address every week. The magazine arrives on Thursday or Friday depending on your location and postal service. Print-only subscriptions are less common now; most readers who want print also add digital access, which gives you everything the digital subscription includes plus the weekly physical copy.

Print subscriptions require a valid mailing address and typically commit you to a longer term — often 12 months — than digital subscriptions. The cost is higher than digital alone, but you get the tactile reading experience and can keep physical copies. If you travel or move frequently, print can be inconvenient because you need to update your address with The Economist's customer service.

How to start a subscription

Go to The Economist's subscription page and choose your subscription type: digital only, print only, or print plus digital. Enter your email address and create a password. You will then select your subscription length — usually monthly, quarterly, or annual — and enter payment information. The Economist accepts major credit cards and some digital payment methods depending on your country.

After you complete payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your login details and instructions for accessing the app or website. Digital access begins immediately. If you ordered print, your first issue will arrive within one to two weeks depending on your location. You can log in to your account anytime to view your subscription status, update your payment method, or make changes.

Student and institutional subscriptions

The Economist offers discounted rates for students and separate pricing for institutions like universities and libraries. Student subscriptions require proof of enrollment — usually a .edu email address or a student ID number — and are available through a dedicated student sign-up page on The Economist's website. Student rates are significantly lower than standard subscriptions.

Institutional subscriptions are managed differently and may include site licenses for multiple users or access through your school's library system. If you are a student, check whether your university library already has a subscription; many do, and you may be able to access The Economist through your school's website without paying separately. Contact your library to confirm what is available.

Managing your subscription and making changes

Log into your account on The Economist's website to pause, resume, cancel, or upgrade your subscription. You can change your subscription type — for example, from digital only to print plus digital — and the system will prorate the cost. You can also update your payment method, email address, and delivery address without contacting customer service.

If you pause your subscription, your access continues until your current billing period ends, and you can resume anytime. Cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing cycle, so you will not lose access mid-month. The Economist does not charge cancellation fees. If you have a problem with your account or need to speak to someone, customer service contact information is available in your account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read The Economist without a subscription?

The Economist's website allows a limited number of free articles per month before a paywall appears. A subscription removes the article limit and gives you access to the full archive. Some articles are free to all readers, but most require a subscription to read in full.

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

Your access continues until the end of your current billing period. After that date, you lose access to the website, app, and archive. If you have a print subscription, your final issue will arrive as scheduled. You can restart a subscription anytime by logging back into your account or signing up again.

Can I share my login with family members?

The Economist's terms of service restrict sharing logins to members of your household. Sharing with people outside your home violates the subscription agreement. If multiple people in your household want access, The Economist may offer a family plan or you can purchase separate subscriptions.

How much does an Economist subscription cost?

Pricing varies by subscription type, length of commitment, and your location. Digital subscriptions are cheaper than print, and annual commitments usually cost less per month than monthly billing. Check The Economist's subscription page for current prices in your country, as rates change periodically.

Do I need to provide a credit card to start a free trial?

The Economist sometimes offers trial periods, but these typically require a valid credit card on file. The card is charged when the trial ends unless you cancel before the trial period expires. Read the trial terms carefully before signing up to understand the cancellation deadline.