What a Scientific American subscription covers
A Scientific American subscription gives you access to articles, columns, and special reports on science, technology, and nature. The magazine publishes monthly in print, and the website posts new content daily. A subscription includes both the print edition and full access to the website's archive — you can read past articles going back years, not just current ones.
The print magazine arrives at your address once a month. The digital version is available on the website and through a mobile app for phones and tablets. You do not have to choose between print and digital; a single subscription covers both.
What you do not get: a subscription does not include access to Scientific American's books, special editions sold separately at newsstands, or premium courses or events that the organization sells as add-ons. Those are separate purchases.
Key Takeaways
- A Scientific American subscription includes both the monthly print magazine and unlimited access to the website and mobile app.
- Print subscriptions typically cost less per issue than buying single copies at a newsstand, and the price varies depending on how long you commit to.
- You can start, pause, or cancel your subscription through your account on the Scientific American website at any time.
- Student and educator discounts are available and require proof of current enrollment or employment at an accredited school.
Subscription pricing and commitment lengths
Scientific American offers subscriptions at different price points depending on how long you commit. A one-year subscription costs less per month than a month-to-month plan, and a two-year subscription costs even less per month. The exact prices change periodically and vary by region, so the current rates appear on the subscription page of the Scientific American website.
You can also buy a gift subscription for someone else. Gift subscriptions run for one year and can be set to start immediately or on a date you choose. The recipient receives a notification that a subscription has been purchased for them, along with instructions to set up their account.
Promotional offers appear regularly — discounted rates for new subscribers, or reduced prices during sales events. These offers are advertised on the Scientific American homepage and in email newsletters. Signing up during a promotion costs less than the standard rate, but the subscription itself works the same way.
How to manage your subscription online
Once you have a subscription, you log into your account on the Scientific American website to manage it. From your account page, you can view your subscription status, see when it renews, update your mailing address, and change your payment method. You can also download the mobile app and log in with the same username and password.
If you want to pause your subscription temporarily instead of canceling it, that option is available in your account settings. A paused subscription does not charge you during the pause period, and you can resume it whenever you choose. The pause typically lasts up to three months.
To cancel, you log into your account and select the cancel option. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period — you do not lose access mid-month. If you cancel and then change your mind, you can resubscribe at any time, though you may not receive the same promotional rate.
Student and educator discounts
Scientific American offers reduced subscription rates for students and educators. To receive the discount, you need to verify your status through a third-party verification service that checks your school enrollment or employment. The verification process happens during signup and takes a few minutes.
Student discounts apply to anyone currently enrolled at an accredited college, university, or high school. Educator discounts apply to teachers, professors, and other staff at accredited schools. The discount percentage varies but is typically 30 to 50 percent off the standard rate.
Once your discount is verified, it applies to your subscription for as long as you remain enrolled or employed at an accredited school. If your status changes, you will need to update it in your account or your subscription will revert to the full price at your next renewal.
Print delivery and address changes
Print magazines ship to the address you provide when you subscribe. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks from the publication date, depending on your location. If you move, you can update your mailing address in your account at any time, and the change takes effect with the next issue.
If an issue fails to arrive, you can report it through your account. Scientific American will investigate and either resend the issue or credit your account. Report missing issues within 90 days of the publication date for the best chance of resolution.
International subscriptions are available to most countries, but shipping costs are higher and delivery times are longer — typically three to four weeks. The subscription page shows which countries are available and what the international rate is.
Digital access and the mobile app
Your subscription includes access to the Scientific American website without a paywall. You log in once on your computer or phone, and you can then browse articles, search the archive, and read the full text of any story. The website also includes interactive features like slideshows, videos, and infographics that accompany many articles.
The Scientific American mobile app is available for iOS and Android. Download the app, log in with your subscription account, and you can read articles offline by downloading them to your device. The app also sends notifications when new articles are published in topics you follow.
If you have trouble logging in or accessing content, the website has a help section with troubleshooting steps. You can also contact Scientific American's customer service through the website, and they will help you restore access.
What happens when your subscription renews
Your subscription renews automatically on the date it is set to expire, using the payment method on file. You will receive an email reminder a few days before the renewal date. If you want to cancel before the renewal, you have until the renewal date to do so in your account settings.
If your payment method fails during renewal — for example, if your credit card has expired — Scientific American will attempt to charge it again a few days later. If the second attempt fails, you will receive an email asking you to update your payment information. Your access continues while you resolve the payment issue, but if it is not fixed within a set period, your subscription will be suspended.
If you want to change your subscription length — for example, from month-to-month to annual — you can do that in your account. The change takes effect at your next renewal date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read Scientific American articles without a subscription?
Yes, but with limits. The website allows you to read a certain number of free articles per month before a paywall appears. A subscription removes the paywall and gives you unlimited access to all articles, including the full archive. Some articles are free to all readers regardless of subscription status.
Does my subscription include access to Scientific American Mind or other specialty publications?
No. A Scientific American subscription covers only the main magazine and website. Scientific American Mind, Scientific American Español, and other specialty publications are separate subscriptions with their own costs and signup pages.
What if I want to give a subscription as a gift but do not know how long the person will want it?
Gift subscriptions are sold for one year only. If the recipient wants to continue after the year ends, they can renew at the standard rate. You cannot purchase a shorter gift subscription through the website, but you can contact customer service to discuss other options.
Can I share my subscription login with family members?
Scientific American's terms of service state that a subscription is for personal use only and should not be shared. Sharing login credentials with others violates the terms. If multiple people in your household want access, each person should have their own subscription or use the free article limit on the website.
How do I know if my subscription is active?
Log into your account on the Scientific American website and go to your subscription page. It shows your current subscription status, the renewal date, and your payment method. If you see "Active" or a future renewal date, your subscription is current.