Rolling Stone subscription options and what each costs

Rolling Stone offers subscriptions through its website and through third-party vendors. The most direct route is rolling stone.com, where you can choose between a digital-only subscription or a print-plus-digital bundle. Print subscriptions arrive monthly, and digital access begins immediately after purchase.

Pricing varies depending on the subscription type and any active promotions. The magazine regularly runs discounted introductory rates for new subscribers, typically lasting three to six months before the standard rate kicks in. You can also find Rolling Stone subscriptions through magazine subscription services like Amazon Prime Reading, Apple News+, and Scribd, each of which bundles it with other publications or content.

Before committing to any subscription, check the current offer on rolling stone.com directly — promotional rates change frequently, and the site usually displays what you'll pay after the introductory period ends.

Key Takeaways

  • Rolling Stone subscriptions are available as digital-only or print-plus-digital through rolling stone.com, with introductory rates that typically last three to six months.
  • Third-party services like Amazon Prime Reading, Apple News+, and Scribd include Rolling Stone access as part of broader subscription bundles.
  • You need a valid payment method and email address to set up a subscription, and digital access starts immediately upon purchase.
  • Print subscriptions take one to two weeks to arrive after you order, and you can manage or cancel your subscription anytime through your account settings.

Subscribing directly through Rolling Stone's website

Go to rolling stone.com and look for the subscription link, usually located in the footer or top navigation. Select whether you want digital-only or print-plus-digital access. The site will show you the current introductory price and the regular price that applies after the promotional period ends.

Enter your email address, create a password, and provide your billing information. If you choose print, you'll also enter a mailing address. After payment processes, you'll receive a confirmation email with your account details. Digital access is immediate; print copies begin arriving within one to two weeks depending on your location.

Using third-party subscription services

Amazon Prime Reading includes Rolling Stone as part of the Prime membership benefit — you don't pay extra, and access is included if you already subscribe to Amazon Prime. Apple News+ bundles Rolling Stone with hundreds of other magazines and newspapers for a single monthly fee. Scribd combines Rolling Stone with audiobooks, ebooks, and other magazines.

These services work well if you want access to multiple publications without managing separate subscriptions. The trade-off is that you're paying for a bundle rather than Rolling Stone alone, and you're subject to each service's terms rather than Rolling Stone's directly. Cancellation policies vary by service, so check the terms before signing up.

Managing your subscription and making changes

Log into your account on rolling stone.com to pause, resume, or cancel your subscription. Most changes take effect at the start of your next billing cycle, not immediately. If you're within an introductory period and cancel before it ends, you'll typically be charged the full regular rate for any remaining time on that promotional period — check your subscription terms to confirm.

You can update your payment method, email address, and mailing address through your account settings. If you move, update your address before your next issue ships to avoid missed deliveries. Digital subscriptions don't require address changes and can be accessed from any device where you log in.

What you get with each subscription type

A digital-only subscription gives you access to rolling stone.com's full archive, breaking news, and exclusive online content. You can read on the website or through the Rolling Stone app on phones and tablets. Digital subscribers also receive the magazine's weekly email newsletter.

Print-plus-digital subscriptions include everything digital plus a physical magazine delivered to your home each month. Print issues arrive before they hit newsstands, and you keep them as a collection. Some subscribers prefer print for reading offline or for the tactile experience; others use digital for convenience and to save space.

Troubleshooting common subscription issues

If your digital access isn't working, log out completely, clear your browser cache, and log back in. If that doesn't work, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset your account. Contact Rolling Stone's customer service through the website if the issue persists — they can resend your login credentials or investigate account problems.

For print subscriptions, allow two to three weeks for your first issue to arrive. If you don't receive an issue after that window, check your account to confirm your mailing address is correct. If the address is right but issues aren't arriving, contact customer service with your subscription number (found in your confirmation email) so they can investigate or resend a replacement copy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?

Yes. Most subscriptions allow you to pause for one to three months, then resume without losing your subscription. Pausing is usually found in your account settings under subscription management. This is useful if you're traveling or temporarily don't want issues delivered.

What happens if I cancel mid-cycle?

Cancellation typically takes effect at the end of your current billing period, not immediately. You'll retain access through that date. If you cancel during an introductory rate period, check your subscription terms — some require you to pay the full regular rate for the remainder of that promotional window.

Can I gift a Rolling Stone subscription?

Rolling Stone offers gift subscriptions through its website. You select the length (usually three, six, or twelve months), enter the recipient's email and mailing address, and choose a gift message. The recipient receives notification of the gift and can set up their account to start reading immediately.

Is there a student discount?

Rolling Stone occasionally offers discounted rates, but availability and terms change. Check rolling stone.com directly or contact their customer service to ask about current student pricing. Third-party services like Apple News+ sometimes offer student discounts as well.

Can I read Rolling Stone on multiple devices?

Yes. Log into your account on any device — phone, tablet, or computer — and your digital subscription works on all of them. You can start reading on one device and continue on another without losing your place, though this syncing depends on the app or website you're using.