Rolling Stone subscriptions are sold directly by the magazine and through third-party retailers, with prices and terms that differ by vendor and subscription length

Rolling Stone offers subscriptions through its own website (rollingstone.com), through major retailers like Amazon and Apple News+, and occasionally through promotional offers. The magazine publishes weekly in print and updates its website daily. A direct subscription from Rolling Stone typically costs less per issue than buying single copies at a newsstand, but the exact price depends on whether you choose print only, digital only, or a combination, and how long you commit to.

Print subscriptions arrive by mail on a schedule set by your subscription type — usually weekly or every other week depending on the offer. Digital access through the Rolling Stone website and app is often bundled with print or sold separately. If you subscribe through a third-party platform like Amazon or Apple News+, you get access through that platform's app or website instead, and billing runs through that vendor rather than through Rolling Stone directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Rolling Stone subscriptions are available as print only, digital only, or print plus digital, with different prices for each option.
  • Direct subscriptions through rollingstone.com often have introductory rates for the first term, then renew at a higher price unless you cancel.
  • Third-party subscriptions through Amazon, Apple News+, or other platforms bill through those services and may have different terms than direct subscriptions.
  • Print issues arrive by mail on a weekly or biweekly schedule depending on your subscription type; digital access is immediate once your subscription is active.
  • Cancellation policies and refund terms vary by where you subscribed, so check the terms before you sign up.

Subscription options and pricing tiers

Rolling Stone typically offers three main subscription paths: print only, digital only, and print plus digital. Print-only subscriptions deliver the physical magazine to your address by mail. Digital-only subscriptions give you access to rollingstone.com and the Rolling Stone app, where you can read articles, watch videos, and access the full archive. Print plus digital bundles combine both and usually cost more than either alone, but less than buying them separately.

Introductory pricing is common for direct subscriptions — the first few months or first year may be discounted, then the price increases when you renew. The renewal price is stated in the terms before you complete the purchase. Third-party subscriptions (through Amazon, Apple News+, or other platforms) have their own pricing, which may differ from Rolling Stone's direct rates. Some platforms offer free trials before charging begins.

How to start a subscription and what happens next

To subscribe directly through Rolling Stone, go to rollingstone.com, find the subscription offer, select your plan (print, digital, or both), enter your payment and delivery information, and complete the purchase. You will receive a confirmation email. Digital access typically begins within hours; print delivery begins with the next available issue and usually arrives within one to two weeks of your order.

If you subscribe through a third-party platform, the process varies. Amazon subscriptions are managed through your Amazon account and can be paused or cancelled there. Apple News+ subscriptions are managed through your Apple ID. Each platform has its own customer service contact for questions about billing or delivery. Your subscription will renew automatically on the date shown in your account unless you cancel beforehand.

Cancellation, pausing, and refund policies

Cancellation policies depend on where you subscribed. Direct subscriptions through Rolling Stone can usually be cancelled online through your account or by contacting Rolling Stone customer service. Most direct subscriptions do not offer refunds for unused portions of your current term, though some promotional offers include different terms — check the fine print before you purchase. You can typically cancel at any time, and your access continues through the end of your paid period.

Some subscriptions allow you to pause rather than cancel, which temporarily stops billing without losing your account. Third-party subscriptions (Amazon, Apple News+) follow that platform's cancellation and refund rules, not Rolling Stone's. If you subscribed through Amazon, you cancel through Amazon. If you subscribed through Apple News+, you cancel through Apple. Check the terms for each platform before you sign up, because refund may be able to access varies.

Print delivery issues and address changes

Print subscriptions are mailed from a fulfillment center, so delivery takes one to two weeks from the issue date. If an issue does not arrive within that window, contact Rolling Stone customer service with your subscription number and the issue date. They can investigate whether the issue was lost in the mail or if there is a problem with your address on file. Replacement issues are usually sent at no charge if the delay was Rolling Stone's error.

To change your mailing address, log into your account on rollingstone.com or contact customer service directly. Address changes typically take effect with the next scheduled issue. If you are moving, update your address at least two weeks before your next issue is scheduled to ship, so the magazine does not arrive at your old address.

Digital access and app features

Digital subscriptions and print-plus-digital bundles include access to rollingstone.com and the Rolling Stone app (available on iOS and Android). You log in with the email address and password associated with your subscription. The app lets you read articles offline, save stories to read later, and receive notifications for breaking news and new content. Some content on the website is free to all readers; subscription unlocks additional articles, archives, and ad-free reading depending on your subscription tier.

If you have trouble logging in or accessing content, check that you are using the correct email address and password. If you changed your email address, update it in your account settings. If you subscribed through a third-party platform like Apple News+, you do not log in with a Rolling Stone password — instead, you access Rolling Stone content through that platform's app.

Billing, renewal, and payment method changes

Direct subscriptions renew automatically on the date shown in your account. You will receive a reminder email before the renewal date. The charge appears on the payment method you provided at signup. To change your payment method, log into your account and update your card or billing information. If a payment fails, Rolling Stone typically sends a notice and may retry the charge a few days later.

If you are charged twice or see an unexpected charge, contact Rolling Stone customer service with your subscription number and the date of the charge. They can review your account and issue a refund if the charge was an error. Third-party subscriptions bill through that platform — if you subscribed through Amazon, charges appear on your Amazon account; if through Apple News+, they appear on your Apple bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel in the middle of my subscription?

Most direct Rolling Stone subscriptions do not offer refunds for unused time, though some promotional offers have different terms. Check the cancellation policy shown when you purchase. Third-party subscriptions follow that platform's refund rules — Amazon and Apple News+ have their own policies, which may allow refunds within a certain window.

What if my print issue never arrives?

Contact Rolling Stone customer service with your subscription number and the issue date. They investigate mail delivery problems and usually send a replacement at no charge if the issue was lost. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks from the issue date, so wait that long before reporting it missing.

Can I switch from print to digital or vice versa?

You can cancel your current subscription and start a new one with a different plan type. Some subscriptions allow you to upgrade to a print-plus-digital bundle mid-term, though terms vary. Contact Rolling Stone customer service to ask about switching options for your specific subscription.

Do I need a separate password for the Rolling Stone app?

If you subscribed directly through Rolling Stone, you log in with the email and password you created during signup. If you subscribed through Apple News+ or another third-party platform, you do not create a Rolling Stone password — you access the content through that platform's app instead.

How do I pause my subscription without cancelling?

Some subscriptions allow pausing, which temporarily stops billing. Check your account settings or contact customer service to see if pausing is an option for your subscription type. Third-party subscriptions may have different pause policies — check with Amazon, Apple, or whichever platform you used.