What You Get With an Elle Magazine Subscription

An Elle magazine subscription delivers the print edition to your mailbox each month, or gives you access to digital issues on their website and mobile app, depending on which plan you choose. The magazine covers fashion, beauty, culture, and celebrity news. You pay a single price upfront that covers a set number of issues — typically 12 months of delivery — rather than buying individual copies at the newsstand.

Elle offers three main subscription routes: print only, digital only, or a combination of both. Print subscriptions arrive monthly and let you flip through the full magazine at home. Digital subscriptions give you when ready access to new issues online and through the Elle app on your phone or tablet. Some combo plans include both formats, so you can read on the go or at home depending on what you prefer that day.

Key Takeaways

  • Elle subscriptions come in three types: print delivered monthly, digital access through their website and app, or both formats combined.
  • You can start a subscription directly through Elle's website or through third-party subscription services like Amazon Prime Reading or Apple News+.
  • Print subscriptions typically cost less per issue than buying individual copies at a newsstand, and digital subscriptions are usually the cheapest option.
  • Most subscriptions auto-renew at the end of your term unless you cancel, so check your account settings if you want to stop before renewal.
  • You can pause, skip issues, or cancel your subscription anytime through your account dashboard or by contacting customer service.

How to Start a Subscription Directly Through Elle

Go to Elle.com and look for the "Subscribe" button, usually located at the top or bottom of the homepage. Click it and you will see the three subscription options side by side: print, digital, or print + digital. Select the one you want and choose your subscription length — Elle typically offers 12-month plans, though promotional pricing sometimes appears for shorter terms.

Enter your payment information and mailing address (for print) or email address (for digital). Elle accepts major credit cards, PayPal, and sometimes other payment methods depending on current promotions. After you complete the purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with your subscription details and a customer account number. Your first print issue usually arrives within 4 to 6 weeks, while digital access begins when ready.

Subscribing Through Third-Party Services

If you already have Amazon Prime, you can read Elle through Amazon Prime Reading at no extra cost beyond your Prime membership. Prime Reading gives you access to a rotating selection of magazines, including Elle, though not always the current month's issue. Log into your Amazon account, go to Prime Reading, and search for Elle to start reading.

Apple News+ is another option if you subscribe to that service. It includes access to Elle along with hundreds of other magazines and newspapers. If you have an Apple device and an active Apple News+ subscription, open the Apple News app, search for Elle, and tap to read. Neither of these services gives you the print edition — they are digital only — but they cost less than a standalone Elle digital subscription if you already pay for the bundled service.

What Happens After You Subscribe

Once your subscription is active, you will have a personal account on Elle.com where you can manage your settings. Log in with the email address you used at checkout. From your account dashboard, you can view your subscription status, see when your next renewal date is, update your mailing address or payment method, and pause or cancel your subscription.

Print subscribers receive a new issue each month. If you are traveling or want to skip a month, you can pause your subscription temporarily through your account. Digital subscribers get access to the current issue as soon as it publishes online, plus a back catalog of past issues depending on your subscription type. You can read issues to read offline on the Elle app.

Pricing and Promotional Offers

Elle subscription prices vary depending on the plan and current promotions. Print-only subscriptions typically cost less per issue than buying at a newsstand, while digital subscriptions are usually the cheapest option. The magazine frequently runs promotional offers — especially around holidays or back-to-school season — that reduce the upfront cost or extend your subscription length at a discount.

Check Elle.com directly for current pricing, as rates and offers change regularly. If you see a promotional price, that rate usually applies only to your first subscription term. When you renew, the price may increase to the standard rate unless another promotion is running. You can always cancel before renewal if the new price is higher than you want to pay.

Managing Your Subscription and Canceling

Your subscription will auto-renew at the end of your current term unless you cancel. To cancel, log into your account on Elle.com, go to your subscription settings, and select the option to cancel. You can also call Elle's customer service number (found on your confirmation email or invoice) to cancel by phone. Canceling before your renewal date stops the charge — you will keep access to your current subscription through the end of your paid term.

If you want to pause instead of cancel, use the pause option in your account dashboard. This temporarily stops your subscription and delays your renewal date, which is useful if you are traveling or want to take a break. You can resume your subscription anytime through the same dashboard.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your print issue does not arrive within 6 to 8 weeks of subscribing, or if you miss an issue during your subscription, contact Elle's customer service with your subscription number. They can resend the issue or investigate a missing delivery. Keep your confirmation email handy — it contains your subscription number and customer service contact information.

If you are having trouble logging into your account, use the "Forgot Password" link on Elle.com to reset it. If you subscribed through a third-party service like Amazon Prime or Apple News+, you manage your subscription through that service's account settings, not through Elle directly. For issues with those subscriptions, contact Amazon or Apple customer service instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my subscription from print to digital or vice versa?

Most subscription services do not allow you to switch formats mid-term. Your best option is to cancel your current subscription and start a new one with the format you want. If you are near your renewal date, wait until then to switch, since canceling early may forfeit unused time.

What if I move and need to update my mailing address?

Log into your Elle account and update your address in the subscription settings section. Changes usually take effect within one to two billing cycles. If you are moving soon, update your address as soon as possible to avoid missed issues.

Do I get access to past issues with a digital subscription?

Yes, most digital subscriptions include a back catalog of past issues you can read anytime through the Elle app or website. The exact number of back issues available depends on your subscription type — check Elle.com for details on what is included with each plan.

Can I gift an Elle subscription to someone else?

Elle offers gift subscriptions through their website. Select the gift option at checkout, enter the recipient's name and address, and choose how long you want the gift subscription to last. The recipient will receive a notification that their subscription has begun.

Is there a student discount for Elle subscriptions?

Elle occasionally runs student discounts, but availability varies. Check Elle.com or contact their customer service to ask about current student pricing. You may need to verify your student status with a .edu email address or student ID.