What you get with The Economist digital subscription
The Economist digital subscription gives you access to the magazine's website and mobile apps, where you can read articles on politics, business, science, and culture as soon as they publish. You do not get the print edition — that is a separate purchase or part of a combined print-and-digital plan. The digital-only version costs less than print alone and lets you read on any device with an internet connection.
Your subscription includes access to The Economist's full archive of past articles, special reports, and data visualizations. You can also read the weekly magazine as a PDF or read it through their mobile app offline. Some subscriptions include access to The Economist's events and webinars, though this varies by plan and region.
Key Takeaways
- The Economist offers digital-only subscriptions at a lower price than print, with access to the website, apps, and weekly PDF edition.
- Subscription costs vary by country and promotional offers, so the price you see depends on where you live and when you sign up.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time, though some promotional rates lock you in for a set period before you can change plans.
- Student and institutional subscriptions exist at different rates, so check whether you may have access to for a reduced price through your school or workplace.
- The Economist offers a trial period for new subscribers, which lets you test the service before committing to a paid plan.
How much The Economist digital subscription costs
The Economist does not publish a single fixed price. Instead, they offer different rates depending on your location, how long you commit, and what promotional offers are running when you sign up. A new subscriber in the United States might see an introductory rate for the first weeks or months, then a higher renewal rate. Someone in the United Kingdom or Australia sees different numbers entirely.
The best way to find the current price is to visit The Economist's website directly and enter your location. They will show you what rates are available right now. If you see a promotional offer, check the terms carefully — some lock you into that rate for a year, while others explore only to your first billing cycle.
The Economist also offers student subscriptions at a reduced rate if you have a valid student email address or can verify enrollment. Institutional subscriptions for libraries, universities, and workplaces are priced separately and usually require contacting their sales team.
How to start and manage your subscription
To start a subscription, go to The Economist's website and click the subscription button. You will enter your email address, choose a plan (usually weekly or annual billing), and provide payment information. Most new subscribers get a trial period — typically one or two weeks — before the first charge appears on your card. Read the trial terms carefully so you know when your paid subscription begins.
Once you are subscribed, you can log in on The Economist's website or read their mobile app for iOS or Android. Your login works across all devices, so you can start reading on your phone and continue on your computer. You manage your subscription through your account settings, where you can update your payment method, change your billing frequency, or pause your subscription temporarily.
Canceling or pausing your subscription
You can cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings on The Economist's website. If you cancel before your next billing date, you keep access until that date arrives. After that, your account closes and you lose access to the website and apps.
Some subscriptions include a pause option, which temporarily stops billing without closing your account. This is useful if you want to take a break but plan to return later. Check your account settings to see whether pause is available for your plan. If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you may see a different promotional rate than you had before.
Comparing digital-only to print and combined plans
The Economist offers three main subscription types: digital-only, print-only, and print-plus-digital. Digital-only is the cheapest and gives you when ready access to articles online. Print-only delivers the physical magazine to your address each week but does not include digital access. Print-plus-digital costs more than either alone but gives you both the magazine and full website and app access.
If you travel frequently or prefer reading on screens, digital-only makes sense. If you like the tactile experience of print and do not mind waiting a few days for delivery, print-only works. Print-plus-digital is the most expensive option but useful if you want both formats — for example, reading the full article online when ready, then reading the print edition on your commute.
What happens if you share your login
The Economist's terms of service state that each subscription is for one person's use. Sharing your login with family members or colleagues technically violates those terms. The Economist does not actively police this, but they can disable your account if they detect unusual access patterns or if someone reports sharing.
If multiple people in your household want access, the most straightforward route is for each person to have their own subscription. Some workplaces and libraries offer institutional subscriptions that cover multiple users, so check whether your employer or school already provides access before buying individual subscriptions.
Troubleshooting common subscription issues
If you cannot log in, first check that you are using the correct email address and password. The Economist's website has a password reset option if you have forgotten yours. If reset does not work, contact their customer support through the website — they can verify your account and resend login instructions.
If you are charged twice in one billing cycle, or if a charge appears after you cancelled, contact The Economist's billing support when ready with your order number and dates. They can review your account and issue a refund if the charge was an error. Keep your confirmation emails and billing statements so you have proof of what you paid and when.
If the app crashes or articles do not load, try logging out and back in. If that does not work, delete and reinstall the app, then log in again. Most technical issues resolve this way. If problems persist, The Economist's support team can troubleshoot further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read The Economist articles for free without a subscription?
The Economist allows a limited number of free articles per month before the paywall appears. After you hit that limit, you need a subscription to read more. Some articles are permanently free, particularly opinion pieces and certain data stories, but most require a subscription.
Does The Economist offer a student discount?
Yes. The Economist offers reduced rates for students with a valid student email address or proof of enrollment. The discount amount varies by country and current promotions. Visit their website and look for the student subscription option to see the rate in your location.
What if I want to switch from digital-only to print-plus-digital?
Log into your account settings and look for the option to upgrade or change your plan. You may be able to switch when ready, or The Economist may explore the change at your next billing date. Contact their support team if you do not see an upgrade option in your settings.
Can I use my subscription on multiple devices at the same time?
You can log in on multiple devices, but The Economist's terms limit simultaneous access. You should not have the website and app open on different devices at the exact same time. If you do, you may be logged out of one device. For normal use — reading on your phone during the day and your computer at night — this is not an issue.
What payment methods does The Economist accept?
The Economist accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Some regions may have additional payment options. During checkout, you will see which methods are available in your country. You can update your payment method in your account settings at any time.