What you get with a The Week subscription
The Week is a weekly news magazine that summarizes major stories from hundreds of sources, condensing them into one digest. A subscription delivers the print magazine to your home each week, or gives you access to the digital edition online, or both depending on which plan you choose. The magazine covers politics, business, science, culture, and world news, with a focus on explaining context rather than breaking news.
The subscription is sold directly by The Week's publisher, Dennis Publishing, and also through third-party retailers like Amazon and some local newsstands. Pricing and what's included varies depending where you purchase and which plan you select — print only, digital only, or print plus digital.
Key Takeaways
- The Week offers three main subscription types: print magazine delivered weekly, digital access through their website and app, or a combination of both.
- Subscription costs vary by retailer and promotional offers, so the same plan may cost different amounts depending where you purchase it.
- You can pause, cancel, or change your subscription plan at any time, though the process differs depending on whether you subscribed directly or through a third party.
- Digital subscribers get access to the full archive of past issues and can read on any device with a web browser or the mobile app.
- Print subscriptions typically arrive on Fridays or Saturdays, though delivery timing depends on your location and postal service.
Print, digital, and combination plans
The Week offers three subscription paths. Print only means you receive the physical magazine by mail each week. Digital only gives you access to the current issue and archives through The Week's website and mobile app, readable on phones, tablets, and computers. Print plus digital combines both — you get the magazine in the mail and online access at the same time.
Which plan makes sense depends on how you read. Print subscribers often prefer holding the magazine and reading offline. Digital subscribers can read immediately when the issue publishes online, usually before the print edition arrives. The combination plan costs more but removes the choice — you have both options available.
Pricing for each plan changes based on promotional offers. The Week frequently runs discounts for new subscribers, especially around holidays or through third-party retailers. Renewal rates (what you pay after the first term ends) are typically higher than introductory rates.
Where to subscribe and how pricing works
You can purchase a subscription directly from The Week's website, through Amazon, or occasionally through local retailers. Each source may offer different prices and promotional terms. A subscription bought through Amazon might cost less initially than one purchased directly from The Week, but the renewal price could differ. Some retailers bundle The Week with other publications or services.
Introductory rates are almost always lower than the standard renewal price. If you see an offer for a year at a certain price, read the fine print to confirm what you'll pay when that term ends. Many subscriptions auto-renew at the full rate unless you cancel before the renewal date.
Gift subscriptions are also available through The Week's website. These typically come with a start date you choose and a printed gift announcement, and they follow the same pricing structure as regular subscriptions.
How to manage your subscription
If you subscribed directly through The Week's website, you can log into your account to pause, cancel, or change your plan. The process is usually straightforward — you'll find account settings or subscription management in the customer portal. You can typically pause for a month or two if you're traveling or want to take a break, then resume without losing your account.
If you subscribed through Amazon or another retailer, you manage the subscription through that retailer's platform, not through The Week directly. Amazon subscriptions are managed in your Amazon account under "Your Subscriptions." Canceling or pausing works the same way but happens in Amazon's system, not The Week's.
Cancellation is not automatic — you must actively cancel to stop charges. If you cancel mid-cycle, you typically keep access through the end of your paid period. Some subscriptions offer a refund for unused portions if you cancel early, though this depends on the retailer and the specific terms you agreed to.
Digital access and the mobile app
Digital subscribers and print-plus-digital subscribers get access to The Week's website and mobile app. The app is available for iPhone and Android and syncs across devices — you can start reading on your phone and continue on a tablet or computer. The app works offline, so you can download issues to read without an internet connection.
Digital access includes the current week's issue plus a searchable archive of past issues, usually going back several years. You can search by topic, author, or date. The website version works in any web browser and doesn't require downloading an app.
Login credentials are the same whether you access through the website or app. If you have trouble logging in, The Week's customer service can reset your password or help troubleshoot access issues.
Delivery timing and what to do if issues don't arrive
Print subscriptions are mailed weekly and typically arrive on Friday or Saturday, though timing depends on your location and how far you live from the distribution center. Subscriptions to addresses in remote areas may arrive a day or two later. The Week publishes online earlier in the week, usually Wednesday or Thursday, so digital subscribers see content before print subscribers receive it in the mail.
If you don't receive an issue within the expected timeframe, contact The Week's customer service with your subscription number and the issue date you're missing. They can investigate whether the magazine was lost in the mail or if there was a problem with your subscription. In some cases they'll send a replacement or credit your account.
Address changes should be made in your subscription account as soon as possible. If you're moving, update your address before your move date to avoid missed issues. Print subscriptions typically can't be forwarded by the postal service, so the magazine won't follow you automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change from print to digital or vice versa?
Yes. If you subscribed directly through The Week, log into your account and change your plan. If you subscribed through a third party like Amazon, you'll need to manage the change through that retailer's system. You may need to cancel one plan and purchase a different one, or the retailer may allow you to modify the existing subscription.
What happens if I cancel my subscription?
You stop receiving new issues after your paid period ends. Digital access typically ends on the same date. If you cancel mid-cycle, you keep access through the end of the billing period you've already paid for. Refunds for unused time depend on the retailer and their refund policy.
Can I read The Week on multiple devices with one subscription?
Yes. You can log into your account on your phone, tablet, and computer simultaneously. Digital subscribers can read on as many devices as they want using the same login. Print subscribers who also have digital access can do the same.
How do I contact The Week if I have a problem?
The Week's customer service is available through their website, usually through a contact form or email address. Response times vary. If you subscribed through Amazon or another retailer, you can also contact that retailer's customer service, and they can escalate issues to The Week on your behalf.
Is there a student discount?
The Week occasionally offers discounted rates for students, though availability and the discount amount vary. Check The Week's website or contact their customer service to ask about current student pricing. Some educational institutions also offer subscriptions through their library systems.