What you get with The Economist subscription

The Economist is a weekly magazine published in London that covers global news, politics, business, science, and culture. A subscription gives you access to the print magazine, the website, and a mobile app. You read current articles immediately and can search the archive going back several years.

The magazine arrives in print on Thursdays in most of North America and Europe. Digital access starts the moment your subscription begins, so you do not have to wait for the first print issue to arrive. You can read on any device — phone, tablet, or computer — and the app works offline, so you can download articles to read later without an internet connection.

Key Takeaways

  • The Economist offers three subscription tiers: print only, digital only, and print plus digital, with prices varying by region and how long you commit.
  • A digital-only subscription costs roughly $15 to $20 per month depending on whether you pay monthly or commit to a year, and includes full website and app access.
  • Print subscriptions are more expensive and take one to two weeks to begin, while digital access starts immediately.
  • The Economist frequently offers discounted introductory rates for new subscribers, typically 50 percent off the first several weeks.

Subscription tiers and pricing

The Economist sells three main subscription types. Digital-only gives you the website and mobile app but no print magazine. Print-only gives you the magazine by mail but no digital access. Print plus digital gives you both. Prices vary by country and by how long you commit — monthly plans cost more per month than annual plans, and new subscribers often receive a discount on their first payment.

In the United States, a digital-only subscription typically runs between $15 and $20 per month on a monthly plan, or roughly $10 to $12 per month if you commit to a year upfront. Print-only subscriptions cost significantly more because of mailing costs. Print plus digital is the most expensive option. Prices in other countries differ; The Economist publishes regional editions and charges accordingly. The best way to see current pricing for your region is to visit The Economist's website directly, since rates change and promotional offers rotate frequently.

The Economist regularly offers new-subscriber discounts — often 50 percent off the first four to twelve weeks. These promotions appear on the website and in email campaigns. If you see a rate you like, that offer may not be available next week, so the site creates some time pressure, but you can always cancel within a trial period if you change your mind.

How to start a subscription

Go to The Economist's website and select the subscription tier you want. You will enter your email address, create a password, and choose your payment method — credit card, debit card, or PayPal. You will also enter a billing address. The site will show you the current price, any discount applied, and the date your first full charge will occur.

Digital access begins immediately after payment clears. Print subscriptions take longer: the first issue typically arrives within one to two weeks, depending on your location and the current mail volume. If you choose print plus digital, your digital access starts right away while you wait for the first print issue.

After you subscribe, you can log in to The Economist website with your email and password. The mobile app is available on iOS and Android; download it and log in with the same credentials. Your subscription is tied to your email address, so you can access it on any device.

Managing your subscription and cancellation

Log into your account on The Economist website to view your subscription status, update your payment method, or change your billing address. You can also pause your print subscription temporarily if you are traveling or do not want issues for a period of time.

To cancel, go to your account settings and select the cancellation option. The Economist will ask you why you are leaving and may offer you a discount to stay. If you decline, your subscription ends on the date shown — you will not be charged again, but you will lose access to digital content on that date. Print issues already mailed will still arrive. If you cancel during a trial or promotional period, make sure you cancel before the trial ends, or you will be charged the full rate.

Student and group discounts

The Economist offers reduced rates for students and for groups. Student subscriptions are typically 50 percent off the standard digital rate. To claim a student discount, you will need to verify your status through a third-party service like SheerID or Unidays, which confirms your enrollment at an accredited school.

Organizations can purchase group subscriptions for employees or members. Pricing depends on the size of the group and the subscription tier. Contact The Economist's sales team directly for a quote if you are buying for more than a few people.

What happens if you do not renew

When your subscription ends, you lose access to the full website and app. You can still read a limited number of free articles per month on The Economist website — typically four or five — but you cannot access the archive or read the full magazine. Print issues stop arriving.

If you want to resubscribe later, you can do so at any time, and you may be offered a new-subscriber discount even if you have subscribed before. Your old account information remains on file, so you can log back in with your original email and password if you return within a reasonable time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read The Economist for free?

The Economist allows you to read a limited number of free articles each month on its website without a subscription — usually four or five. After you hit that limit, you must subscribe to read more. Some articles are permanently free, particularly breaking news and opinion pieces. The app does not offer a free tier; you must subscribe to use it.

What is the difference between the website and the app?

Both give you access to the same articles and archives. The app lets you download issues to read offline, which is useful if you travel or have spotty internet. The website works in any browser. Some subscribers prefer the app for reading on a phone or tablet, and the website for reading on a computer.

Can I share my subscription with family members?

The Economist's terms of service allow one person per account. Sharing your login with family members violates the terms and could result in your account being suspended. If multiple people in your household want access, each person needs their own subscription, though you may be able to purchase a group or family plan at a discount by contacting sales.

How do I pause my print subscription?

Log into your account on The Economist website, go to your subscription settings, and select the option to pause or skip issues. You can choose how many weeks to pause. Your digital access continues during the pause. When the pause ends, print issues resume automatically.

What if I want to switch from digital-only to print plus digital?

Log into your account and go to subscription settings. You can upgrade your plan immediately. The Economist will charge you the difference between your current plan and the new one, prorated for the time remaining on your current billing cycle. The first print issue under your upgraded plan typically arrives within one to two weeks.