The New York Times offers four subscription tiers with different prices and access levels

The New York Times charges different amounts depending on which subscription you choose. The basic digital plan costs the least and gives you access to articles on the website and app. The bundle plans cost more but add access to the Times's games, audio, and other products. Print subscriptions exist separately and cost more than digital alone. Prices vary by region and change periodically, so the exact amount you pay depends on where you live and when you sign up.

New subscribers often see introductory rates for the first few months, then the price increases to the standard rate. The Times also runs promotions at certain times of year. If you already subscribe to another product — like a bundle that includes Times access through your phone carrier or streaming service — you may not need a separate subscription.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital-only subscriptions cost less than print or bundle plans, and introductory rates are usually lower than the ongoing monthly price.
  • The Times offers a games-only subscription separate from news access, and a bundle that includes news, games, cooking, and audio.
  • Print subscriptions cost significantly more than digital and vary by how many days per week you receive the paper.
  • Some phone carriers, streaming services, and employers include Times access as part of their plans, so check what you already have before buying a separate subscription.

Digital-only news subscription

The digital news plan gives you access to articles on nytimes.com and the New York Times app on your phone or tablet. This is the least expensive option. New subscribers typically pay a reduced rate for the first month or two, then the price moves to the standard monthly rate. The exact introductory price and standard price vary depending on your location and current promotions.

With a digital news subscription, you can read a certain number of articles per month before hitting a limit. The limit is high enough that most readers do not reach it, but if you read the Times very frequently, you may encounter a paywall. You also get access to some Times newsletters and the ability to save articles to read later.

Games-only subscription

The Times offers a separate subscription for access to its games — crossword, Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and others — without a news subscription. This costs less than the news plan. You can also buy games individually through the app, but a subscription is cheaper if you play regularly.

The games subscription does not include access to news articles. If you want both games and news, you would need to buy both subscriptions separately, or choose a bundle plan that includes both.

Bundle plans that combine news, games, and other products

The Times sells a bundle that includes digital news access, all games, the Cooking section with recipes and meal planning tools, and access to audio articles and podcasts. This bundle costs more than the news subscription alone but less than buying each product separately. Like the news plan, bundle subscribers typically see an introductory rate for the first few months.

The bundle is designed for readers who use multiple Times products. If you only read news and never use games or cooking content, the news-only plan is cheaper. If you use several of these products regularly, the bundle saves money compared to separate subscriptions.

Print subscriptions and print-plus-digital combinations

Print subscriptions deliver the physical newspaper to your home. You can choose delivery for all seven days of the week, weekdays only, or weekends only. Print subscriptions cost significantly more than digital subscriptions. The price depends on your location, how many days per week you want delivery, and whether you also want digital access included.

Most people who buy print also add digital access, since the combined price is often not much higher than print alone. Some print subscribers already have digital access through their subscription, while others need to add it. Check your account or contact the Times to see what is included with your print plan.

Access through employers, phone carriers, and other services

Some employers offer New York Times subscriptions as a workplace benefit. If your employer provides this, you may not need to buy a separate subscription. Several phone carriers and streaming services also include Times access as part of their plans — check your existing subscriptions before signing up on your own.

If you have access through another service, you can link that account to your New York Times profile. This lets you read on the website and app using your existing login. The access level may differ from a direct subscription — for example, some employer plans include news but not games or cooking.

How introductory rates work and when prices increase

New subscribers usually pay a reduced rate for the first month, three months, or sometimes longer. After the introductory period ends, your subscription automatically renews at the standard rate, which is higher. The Times sends an email before the price increases so you know when to expect the change.

You can cancel your subscription at any time, including during the introductory period. If you cancel before the price increases, you will not be charged the higher rate. The Times also runs limited-time promotions where the introductory rate is lower than usual, so the price you see when you sign up may not be the same as what someone else pays at a different time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read New York Times articles without paying?

The Times allows you to read a limited number of free articles per month before the paywall appears. The exact number varies, but most casual readers do not hit the limit. If you read frequently or want unlimited access, you need a subscription.

What is the difference between the news plan and the bundle?

The news plan includes only articles and some newsletters. The bundle adds games, the Cooking section, and audio content. If you use multiple Times products, the bundle usually costs less per product than buying them separately.

Do I need to pay for a subscription if my employer offers Times access?

No. If your employer provides a subscription, you can use that instead of buying one yourself. Log in with your employer account or link it to your personal New York Times profile to access the site and app.

Can I use one subscription on multiple devices?

Yes. You can log into your account on your phone, tablet, computer, and other devices. The subscription covers you personally, not a specific device, so you can read on as many devices as you want.

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

Your access ends on the date your subscription period ends. If you paid for a month, you can read until the end of that month. You can restart your subscription at any time, and new subscribers often see introductory rates again.