What a Portland Press Herald subscription includes
A Portland Press Herald subscription gives you access to news, sports, and opinion coverage of Maine. The paper offers both print and digital subscriptions, and you can choose print alone, digital alone, or both together. Print copies arrive at your home on the days the paper publishes. Digital access works through their website and mobile app, letting you read articles on any device.
The Portland Press Herald is owned by Gannett, the same company that runs USA Today and hundreds of other local papers across the country. Your subscription supports the newsroom that covers Maine politics, courts, schools, and local events. Pricing and what's included can change, so it's worth checking their current offers before you commit.
Key Takeaways
- Print subscriptions deliver the newspaper to your home on publication days, while digital subscriptions let you read on their website and app.
- You can buy print only, digital only, or a combination package that includes both.
- Subscription prices vary depending on how long you commit — weekly, monthly, or annual plans typically cost different amounts per week.
- You set up your account directly on the Portland Press Herald website or by calling their customer service line.
- Most subscriptions let you pause or cancel anytime, though the terms depend on which plan you choose.
How to start a digital subscription
Go to the Portland Press Herald website and look for a "Subscribe" button, usually near the top of the page. Click it and you'll see the available plans. Choose the digital option and select how long you want to commit — most sites offer weekly, monthly, or annual choices. Annual plans usually cost less per week than month-to-month.
Enter your email address and create a password. You'll need to provide a payment method — credit card, debit card, or sometimes PayPal. After you complete the purchase, you can log in when ready and start reading. Your digital access works on their website and through their mobile app, which you can read from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
How to start a print subscription
Call the Portland Press Herald's customer service line or visit their website and select the print option. You'll need to provide your delivery address so they know where to send the newspaper. Tell them which days you want delivery — most people choose weekdays only, weekends only, or seven days a week. The cost changes based on how many days per week you want.
Print subscriptions usually start within a few business days of when you order. You'll pay upfront for your first billing period. If you want to add digital access to your print subscription, you can often do that through the same order or by contacting customer service afterward.
Pricing and plan options
Subscription prices change regularly and vary by region, so the exact cost depends on when you order and where you live. The Portland Press Herald typically offers introductory rates for new subscribers — your first few weeks or months may cost less than the regular price. After the introductory period ends, your rate goes up to the standard price.
Annual subscriptions usually offer the best per-week rate if you're willing to pay a larger amount upfront. Monthly plans cost more per week but give you more flexibility. Some plans bundle print and digital together at a discount compared to buying them separately. Check the website or call customer service to see what promotions are running right now.
Managing your account and making changes
Once you're subscribed, you can log into your account on the Portland Press Herald website. From there you can update your payment method, change your delivery address, or adjust which days you receive the print edition. Most accounts let you pause your subscription for a week or two if you're traveling, rather than canceling entirely.
If you need to make changes and can't do it online, call customer service. They can help you upgrade to a different plan, add digital to a print subscription, or handle billing questions. Keep your account login information somewhere you can find it — you'll need it to access digital content and to manage your subscription later.
What to do if you have billing or delivery problems
If your print edition doesn't arrive on a day it should, contact customer service as soon as you notice. They can investigate whether it was a delivery issue and may send a replacement or credit your account. Keep a record of which dates you missed — that makes it easier for them to help you.
If you see a charge on your credit card that you don't recognize, or if your rate went up unexpectedly, call customer service right away. Billing errors do happen, and they can usually resolve them quickly if you have your account number and the charge date. If you're within your introductory period, make sure you understand when that period ends and what your regular rate will be.
Canceling your subscription
You can cancel your subscription through your online account or by calling customer service. Most plans let you cancel anytime, though some promotional rates require you to stay subscribed for a minimum period. If you cancel before that period is up, you may be charged an early termination fee — the terms depend on which plan you chose.
When you cancel, ask customer service whether you'll get a refund for any unused portion of your current billing period. Some companies issue refunds automatically; others require you to request one. If you think you might want to come back later, ask whether they offer any "win-back" rates for returning subscribers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read the Portland Press Herald without a subscription?
The Portland Press Herald allows some free articles per month before requiring a subscription. The exact number changes, but typically you can read a few stories before hitting a paywall. A subscription removes that limit and gives you full access to all content.
Does the digital subscription work on my phone and tablet?
Yes. read the Portland Press Herald app from your phone's app store, or visit their website in your mobile browser. Your login works on all devices, so you can start reading on one device and pick up where you left off on another.
What happens to my subscription if I move out of Maine?
Digital subscriptions work anywhere, so you can keep reading from any state or country. Print subscriptions depend on whether the Portland Press Herald delivers to your new address. Contact customer service with your new address and they'll let you know if delivery is possible.
Can I gift a subscription to someone else?
Some subscription services offer gift options, but it varies. Contact customer service or check the website to see if they currently offer gift subscriptions. If they do, you'll typically choose the length and plan, and they'll send a code or notification to the recipient.
Is there a student discount?
Some newspapers offer student rates, but availability changes. Call customer service or check the website to ask whether they have a current student discount. If they do, you'll likely need to show proof of enrollment.