New York Times subscription prices vary by plan and how you pay

The New York Times offers three main subscription tiers: digital-only access, the bundle that adds the print newspaper, and a bundle that includes the Times Games. Prices differ depending on whether you pay monthly or commit to a year upfront. The digital-only plan costs less than the print bundle, and the Games bundle sits between them. The Times also runs promotional rates for new subscribers that differ from the standard price you pay after the promotion ends.

As of now, the digital-only plan starts at $17 per month when you pay monthly, or roughly $15 per month if you commit to a year. The bundle that includes print delivery costs more — roughly $25 to $30 per month depending on your location and whether you choose monthly or annual payment. The Games bundle (digital plus access to the Times crossword, Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and other games) runs between the two. New subscribers often see introductory rates that are significantly lower, sometimes as low as $1 for the first month or $1 per week for the first year, after which the standard price takes over.

Prices can shift, and the Times occasionally adjusts them. The best way to see the current price for your situation is to visit nytimes.com/subscribe and select the plan you want — the site will show you the exact rate before you enter payment information.

Key Takeaways

  • The New York Times offers three subscription types: digital-only, digital plus print, and digital plus Games, each with different monthly costs.
  • You can pay month-to-month or commit to a full year, and annual payment usually costs less per month than paying monthly.
  • New subscribers typically see introductory rates that are much lower than the standard price, which kicks in after the promotion ends.
  • Prices vary by location for print subscriptions and change periodically, so the current rate appears on the Times website when you choose a plan.
  • The Times offers student discounts and sometimes bundles with other services like Audible or Disney+, which change the total cost.

Digital-only subscription cost and what it includes

A digital-only subscription gives you access to nytimes.com and the New York Times app on your phone and tablet. You can read unlimited articles, watch video, and access the Times archives. This is the least expensive option. The standard monthly rate is around $17 per month when you pay month-to-month, or you can pay for a year upfront at a lower per-month rate.

New subscribers to the digital plan often see an introductory offer — commonly $1 for the first month, after which the full price begins. Some promotions run for longer, such as $1 per week for the first year. These introductory rates are temporary; once they end, you pay the standard rate unless you cancel.

Print plus digital bundle cost and what it includes

The print bundle includes the physical newspaper delivered to your home, plus full digital access. The cost depends on your location because delivery fees vary by zip code. In most areas, the bundle runs between $25 and $30 per month for monthly payment, or less per month if you pay annually. Some locations charge more, particularly in rural areas where delivery is more expensive.

When you order the print bundle, the Times website shows you the exact price for your address before you pay. You choose how many days per week you want the paper delivered — for example, weekdays only, weekends only, or seven days. Changing your delivery schedule does not change the price; you pay the same rate regardless.

Games bundle cost and what it includes

The Games bundle includes digital access to the New York Times website and app, plus unlimited play of the Times Games: the daily crossword, Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, Waffle, and others. The cost sits between the digital-only plan and the print bundle — typically around $20 to $25 per month depending on whether you pay monthly or annually.

If you already have a digital subscription, you can add Games to your account for a separate monthly fee, usually around $5 to $10 per month. This is cheaper than switching to the Games bundle if you want to keep your current plan and just add the games.

How introductory rates work and when they end

New subscribers almost always see an introductory price that is much lower than the standard rate. Common offers include $1 for the first month, $1 per week for the first year, or $2 per month for the first year. The Times displays the introductory rate and the date it ends before you complete your purchase.

After the introductory period ends, your subscription automatically renews at the standard price unless you cancel. The Times sends an email reminder before the introductory rate expires, telling you the new price and when it takes effect. You can cancel anytime before that date to avoid being charged the full price, or you can let it renew and pay the standard rate.

Student discounts and bundle options

The New York Times offers a student discount on the digital-only plan. Students with a valid .edu email address can get the digital subscription at a reduced rate — typically around $6 per month. You verify your student status through the Times website during signup.

The Times also occasionally bundles subscriptions with other services. For example, some promotions combine a Times digital subscription with Audible (for audiobooks) or Disney+ at a combined price lower than buying them separately. These bundles appear on the Times website and change periodically, so check the current offers when you subscribe.

What happens if you cancel and want to resubscribe

If you cancel your subscription, you can resubscribe at any time. However, the Times typically does not offer the same introductory rate to returning subscribers. Instead, you usually pay the standard price when ready, or the Times may offer a different promotional rate than what new subscribers see.

Some subscribers cancel temporarily to take advantage of a new introductory offer, but the Times has limits on how often you can do this. If you cancel and resubscribe within a short window (the exact timeframe varies), you may not be offered another promotional rate. The best approach is to check what rate the Times shows you when you attempt to resubscribe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the New York Times for free?

The New York Times does not offer a free subscription, but you can read a limited number of articles per month without paying. Once you reach your limit, you must subscribe to read more. Some public libraries offer free digital access to Times subscriptions through their library cards.

Do I have to pay for a full year, or can I cancel anytime?

You can choose to pay month-to-month or annually. With either option, you can cancel anytime. If you pay annually and cancel before the year is up, the Times does not refund the unused portion — you lose access when your cancellation takes effect.

What's the difference between paying monthly and paying annually?

Annual payment spreads the cost over twelve months at a lower per-month rate than paying month-to-month. For example, the digital plan might cost $17 per month if you pay monthly, but only $15 per month if you pay for the full year upfront. You save money by committing to a year, but you cannot get a refund if you cancel early.

Does the Times charge tax on top of the subscription price?

Tax treatment depends on your state and the type of subscription. Some states tax digital subscriptions, others do not. The Times shows the total amount you will pay, including any applicable tax, before you enter payment information.

Can I share my subscription with family members?

The New York Times allows you to share your account with household members on the same WiFi network. You can also create separate login credentials for family members so they have their own reading history and saved articles, all under one subscription.