What National Geographic offers and how much it costs

National Geographic publishes a monthly magazine and runs a streaming service called National Geographic+. The magazine subscription costs around $12 per year when you sign up for an annual plan, or roughly $2 per issue if you buy single copies at a newsstand. National Geographic+ (the streaming service) costs $11 per month or $110 per year, and includes documentaries, series, and films — no ads on the yearly plan.

You can also bundle National Geographic+ with Disney+ and Hulu through Disney's bundle options, which may cost less than subscribing to each service separately. The exact bundle price depends on whether you choose ad-supported or ad-free versions of the other services.

Both the magazine and the streaming service operate independently — subscribing to one does not give you the other. You choose based on what you actually want to read or watch.

Key Takeaways

  • The National Geographic magazine subscription runs about $12 per year for monthly delivery, while the streaming service National Geographic+ costs $11 monthly or $110 yearly.
  • The magazine and streaming service are separate products; you must pay for each one separately unless you use a Disney bundle.
  • You can pause or cancel either subscription at any time without penalty, though refunds for unused time vary by how you paid.
  • National Geographic+ is included free with certain Disney+ bundle tiers, so check your current Disney subscription before paying separately.
  • Digital access to magazine articles is not automatic with a print subscription; you may need to set up a separate online account to read them.

How to start a magazine subscription

You can order a National Geographic magazine subscription directly from the National Geographic website or through third-party magazine subscription services. When you order directly, you provide your mailing address and payment method, and issues arrive monthly. The subscription typically starts with the next available issue, not the current month's edition.

If you order through a third-party service like Amazon or a magazine bundle site, the process is similar but the renewal terms and customer service contact may differ. Direct subscriptions are usually simpler to manage because you deal with National Geographic's own customer service if there are problems with delivery or billing.

You can also purchase a gift subscription, which arrives with a gift announcement and starts on a date you choose. Gift subscriptions are often discounted further than regular subscriptions.

How to start a National Geographic+ streaming subscription

National Geographic+ is accessed through the National Geographic website or the National Geographic app on phones, tablets, and streaming devices. You create an account with an email address and password, then choose your payment plan — monthly or annual. Payment is charged to a credit card, debit card, or through your Apple ID or Google Play account if you sign up through those platforms.

Once you pay, you can log in immediately and start watching. The service works on most devices: phones, tablets, computers, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast. You can watch on multiple devices at the same time depending on your plan tier.

If you already have a Disney+ subscription on certain tiers, National Geographic+ may already be included. Log into your Disney+ account and check your bundle details before starting a separate National Geographic+ subscription.

Pausing, canceling, and getting refunds

Both the magazine and National Geographic+ allow you to cancel at any time. For the magazine, contact National Geographic's customer service by phone or through your online account. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, so you keep access through that date.

For National Geographic+, you can cancel through your account settings on the website or app. The cancellation is immediate, and you lose access at the end of your current billing period. If you paid for a full year and cancel partway through, refund policies vary — some refund unused months, others do not. Check the terms when you sign up or contact support before canceling if a refund matters to you.

Some people pause instead of cancel. The magazine does not offer a formal pause option, but you can contact customer service to skip issues temporarily. National Geographic+ does not offer a pause feature either, so your choices are to keep the subscription active or cancel it.

Digital access and reading online

A print magazine subscription does not automatically include digital access to articles. You must create a separate account on the National Geographic website and link it to your subscription to read current and past articles online. This requires your subscription number, which appears on your mailing label.

Some articles on the National Geographic website are free to read without a subscription. Others are behind a paywall and require you to log in with your linked account. The exact mix of free and paid content changes, so you may find some articles accessible without paying and others that require the subscription.

If you only want to read National Geographic online without receiving the print magazine, you can purchase a digital-only subscription, which is usually cheaper than the print version.

What happens if you do not receive an issue

Magazine delivery typically takes one to two weeks after the issue publishes. If you do not receive an issue within that window, contact National Geographic's customer service with your subscription number and the issue date you are missing. They can investigate whether the issue was lost in the mail or if there was a problem with your subscription.

If an issue was lost, National Geographic can usually send a replacement or credit your account for that month. Keep your mailing label or subscription number handy so you can provide it quickly. If you move, update your address in your account before the next issue ships to avoid missed deliveries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a magazine subscription include access to National Geographic+?

No. The magazine and streaming service are separate products with separate costs. You must pay for each one if you want both. However, if you have a Disney+ subscription on certain tiers, National Geographic+ may already be included at no extra cost.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my subscription partway through the year?

For the magazine, refunds depend on how many issues remain. Contact customer service with your subscription number to ask about a refund. For National Geographic+, refund policies vary by payment method and plan type — check your account or contact support before canceling if you expect a refund.

What devices can I watch National Geographic+ on?

National Geographic+ works on phones, tablets, computers, and most streaming devices including Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast. You can log in on multiple devices, though simultaneous viewing limits depend on your plan tier.

How do I link my magazine subscription to my online account?

Go to the National Geographic website, create an account or log in, and look for a section to link your print subscription. You will need your subscription number, which is printed on your mailing label. Once linked, you can read digital articles tied to your subscription.

Can I give a National Geographic subscription as a gift?

Yes. Both the magazine and National Geographic+ offer gift subscriptions. For the magazine, you choose the start date and it arrives with a gift announcement. For the streaming service, you purchase a gift code that the recipient redeems on their own account.