Rolling Stone offers print and digital subscriptions at different price points, with print costing more but including both formats, and digital-only access available at a lower rate
Rolling Stone sells subscriptions through its own website and through third-party vendors. A print subscription includes a digital copy of each issue plus online access to rolling stone.com. A digital-only subscription gives you access to the website and the digital replica of the magazine, but no printed copy arrives at your home. Print subscriptions cost more per year than digital-only, though the exact price changes based on promotional offers running at the time you subscribe.
You can start, pause, or cancel a subscription at any time through your account settings on Rolling Stone's website. If you subscribe through a third-party seller like Amazon or a newsstand app, you manage that subscription through that vendor's platform instead. The magazine publishes 12 issues per year, with each issue arriving roughly monthly for print subscribers.
Key Takeaways
- Print subscriptions include both the physical magazine and full digital access to rolling stone.com and the digital replica.
- Digital-only subscriptions cost less than print but give you only website and digital magazine access, not a printed copy.
- You can manage your subscription directly through Rolling Stone's website or through a third-party vendor, depending on where you bought it.
- Promotional pricing is common, so the price you see when you first visit may not be the same as the regular rate.
Print subscriptions and what arrives at your door
A print subscription sends you a physical copy of Rolling Stone magazine 12 times per year. Each issue arrives at the mailing address you provide during signup, usually within a week or two of the cover date. Print subscribers also receive full access to rolling stone.com and can read the digital version of each issue on any device through Rolling Stone's app or website.
Print subscriptions are the most expensive option because Rolling Stone pays for printing and postage. The cost varies depending on whether you are subscribing for the first time, renewing an existing subscription, or taking advantage of a limited-time offer. You can view the current print subscription price on Rolling Stone's subscription page.
Digital-only subscriptions and online access
A digital-only subscription gives you access to rolling stone.com and the digital replica of each issue, but no printed magazine arrives in the mail. You read everything on your phone, tablet, or computer. Digital subscriptions cost less than print because Rolling Stone has no printing or shipping costs.
Digital subscribers can read issues to read offline and search past issues through the website's archive. The digital replica looks like the printed magazine but is formatted for screens. If you already read most of your news and entertainment online, digital-only may be the lower-cost option that still gives you access to Rolling Stone's full content.
How to start a subscription
Visit rolling stone.com/subscribe to see current subscription options and pricing. You will choose between print and digital, then select your subscription length — usually one year, though some offers include shorter terms. Enter your payment information and mailing address (for print) or account email (for digital). Your subscription begins when ready, though the first printed issue may take several weeks to arrive.
You can also subscribe through Amazon, Apple News+, or other third-party platforms that carry Rolling Stone. Pricing and terms may differ on those platforms. If you subscribe through a third party, you manage renewals and cancellations through that vendor's website or app, not through Rolling Stone directly.
Managing your subscription and making changes
Log into your account on rolling stone.com to view your subscription status, update your mailing address, or pause your subscription temporarily. You can also read past issues and manage your digital preferences from your account dashboard. If you subscribed through a third-party vendor, log into that vendor's platform instead to make changes.
You can cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings. Rolling Stone does not charge a cancellation fee. If you cancel mid-subscription, you keep access through the end of your paid period. Some subscriptions renew automatically, so check your account settings if you do not want to be charged again when your current term ends.
Subscription pricing and promotional offers
Rolling Stone frequently runs promotional pricing on new subscriptions, especially around holidays and special events. The introductory rate is lower than the regular renewal price. After your first term ends, your subscription renews at the regular rate unless you cancel. You can see both the introductory price and the renewal price before you complete your purchase.
Print subscriptions cost more than digital-only subscriptions. The exact difference depends on current offers, but print is typically two to three times the cost of digital. If you want to switch from print to digital (or vice versa) after you have already subscribed, you can cancel your current subscription and start a new one at any time.
What happens if you do not receive an issue
If a print issue does not arrive within three weeks of the cover date, contact Rolling Stone's customer service through the website. Have your subscription account number ready. Customer service can resend a missing issue or credit your account. Delivery times vary by location, so issues in remote areas may take longer than those in cities.
For digital subscribers, if you cannot access an issue through the website or app, try logging out and logging back in, or clearing your browser cache. If the problem continues, contact customer service with your account email address and the issue date you are trying to access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give a Rolling Stone subscription as a gift?
Yes. Rolling Stone offers gift subscriptions through its website. You choose the subscription type (print or digital), the length, and the recipient's name and address. You can include a gift message. The recipient receives a notification that a subscription is on the way, and the subscription begins on the date you specify.
What is the difference between the digital replica and rolling stone.com?
The digital replica is a page-by-page copy of the printed magazine, formatted for screens. Rolling stone.com is the website with breaking news, reviews, and articles updated throughout the day. Both are included with print and digital subscriptions, so you get both the magazine format and the constantly updated website.
Do I have to renew my subscription, or does it renew automatically?
Most subscriptions renew automatically on the date your current term ends, using the payment method you provided. You will receive a reminder email before the renewal charge is processed. You can turn off automatic renewal in your account settings at any time, or cancel before the renewal date to avoid being charged.
Can I change my subscription from print to digital or vice versa?
You can cancel your current subscription and start a new one with a different type. You keep access through the end of your paid period after you cancel. Some promotional offers may not be available when you resubscribe, so check the current pricing before you make the switch.
What payment methods does Rolling Stone accept?
Rolling Stone accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and PayPal. The payment method you provide is charged on your renewal date each year unless you cancel or turn off automatic renewal. You can update your payment information in your account settings at any time.