The New York Times offers four main subscription tiers, each with different content access and price points

The New York Times sells subscriptions to its news content, and the plan you choose depends on what you read and how much you want to spend. The four options are: digital-only (web and app access to news), bundle (digital plus the print newspaper if you live in a delivery area), all access (digital plus games like the crossword and spelling bee), and all access bundle (everything combined). Prices vary by region and change periodically, so you should check the Times's website directly for current rates in your area.

Each plan renews automatically on a monthly or annual basis. You can pause or cancel at any time through your account settings, and the Times does not charge a cancellation fee. If you cancel mid-month, you keep access through the end of your billing period.

Key Takeaways

  • The digital-only plan gives you access to articles and news on the web and mobile app, and costs less than plans that include print or games.
  • The bundle plan adds a print newspaper subscription if you live in a delivery area, so you receive the physical paper at your home.
  • The all access plan includes digital news plus games (crossword, spelling bee, letter boxed, and others), which is useful if you use those features regularly.
  • Annual subscriptions cost less per month than paying month-to-month, though you pay the full year upfront.
  • You can change your plan, pause your subscription, or cancel entirely through your account without penalty.

Digital-only subscription: news on web and app

The digital-only plan is the least expensive option and gives you full access to New York Times articles on nytimes.com and through the mobile app for iPhone and Android. You can read an unlimited number of articles each month, save stories to read later, and use the Times's search and topic pages to browse by subject.

This plan does not include the print newspaper, and it does not include access to the Times's games (crossword, spelling bee, and others). If you only read news and do not use the games, this is the most economical choice. The Times also offers a limited free tier that lets you read a few articles per month before hitting a paywall, but a paid digital subscription removes that limit.

Bundle subscription: digital plus print newspaper

The bundle plan combines digital access with a print newspaper subscription. The Times delivers the physical paper to your home on days you choose — typically you can select weekdays, weekends, or both. This plan costs more than digital-only because you are paying for the printing and delivery.

Bundle availability depends on where you live. The Times can deliver to most urban and suburban areas but not to all rural locations. When you sign up, the system will show you which days are available in your zip code. If you want the print paper but live outside a delivery zone, you cannot add it to a digital subscription, though you may be able to purchase print separately through a newsstand or local distributor.

All access subscription: digital plus games

The all access plan includes digital news access plus unlimited access to New York Times games: the daily crossword, spelling bee, letter boxed, waffle, and others. If you solve the crossword or other puzzles regularly, this plan removes the limit on how many you can play each month.

Games are also available as a standalone subscription if you only want the puzzles and not the news, though that is a separate product. The all access plan is more expensive than digital-only but less than the bundle (unless you add both games and print, in which case you move to the all access bundle tier).

All access bundle: digital, print, and games combined

The all access bundle is the most comprehensive option: it includes digital news, the print newspaper (if available in your delivery area), and unlimited games. This is the most expensive plan because you are paying for three separate services.

Choose this plan only if you read the news regularly, want the print paper delivered, and use the games frequently. If you use only one or two of these features, a lower tier will save you money.

How to change your plan or cancel

You can upgrade, downgrade, or pause your subscription through your New York Times account at nytimes.com/account. Log in, go to the subscription settings section, and select the option to change your plan. If you downgrade (for example, from all access to digital-only), the change takes effect at the start of your next billing cycle, and you are not charged a penalty.

To cancel, go to the same account page and select the cancel option. The Times will ask why you are leaving but does not require you to answer. You keep access through the end of your current billing period. If you cancel mid-month, you do not receive a refund for the unused portion — the Times counts the subscription as active until the renewal date.

If you want to pause instead of cancel, some subscription tiers offer a pause option that temporarily stops billing without closing your account. This is useful if you know you will want to resubscribe later.

Pricing and billing frequency

The New York Times charges different prices depending on your plan, your region, and whether you pay monthly or annually. Annual plans cost less per month than month-to-month billing, but you pay the full year upfront. The Times periodically raises prices, so the amount you pay when you first sign up may not be the amount you pay after a year or two.

You can see the current price for each plan on the Times's subscription page before you commit. Payment is automatic on your billing date each month or year, depending on which frequency you chose. You can update your payment method (credit card, debit card, or other options) in your account settings at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read New York Times articles without paying?

The Times offers a limited free tier that lets you read a few articles per month before the paywall appears. The exact number varies, but it is typically three to five articles. After that, you need a paid subscription to continue reading. Some articles (breaking news, obituaries, and certain other content) are always free.

Do I get a discount if I pay for a year instead of a month?

Yes. Annual subscriptions cost significantly less per month than month-to-month plans, though you pay the entire year upfront. The exact discount varies by plan and region, so check the subscription page to compare the two prices before you decide.

What happens if I cancel mid-month?

You keep access to your subscription through the end of your current billing period. The Times does not refund the unused portion of the month. If you cancel on the 15th of a month that renews on the 30th, you still have access until the 30th, but you are not charged again.

Can I share my New York Times login with family members?

The Times's terms of service state that subscriptions are for personal use only and should not be shared. However, the Times does not actively police household sharing. If you want multiple family members to have separate accounts, you would need multiple subscriptions.

Is there a student discount?

The New York Times periodically offers discounted rates for students, but these promotions change and are not always available. Check the subscription page or search for "New York Times student discount" to see if a current offer exists. You typically need to verify your student status through a third-party service.