News Subscription Prices in 2026 — Compared
Before committing to a news subscription, it helps to see exactly what each publication costs and what you get. This guide compares pricing for major publications. Note that prices change frequently — always check the publication's website for current offers and introductory promotions.
Major US Publications
| Publication | Monthly | Annual | Student |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Times | ~$17–25 | ~$100–200 | Yes |
| Wall Street Journal | ~$35–40 | ~$300–400 | Yes |
| Washington Post | ~$10–17 | ~$100 | Yes |
| Bloomberg | ~$35 | ~$300–415 | Limited |
| The Atlantic | ~$8–10 | ~$60–80 | Yes |
| Barron's | ~$20–35 | ~$200–350 | No |
| The Athletic (via NYT) | ~$13 | ~$80 | Via NYT |
Major International Publications
| Publication | Monthly | Annual | Student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Times | ~$40 | ~$300–400 | Yes |
| The Economist | ~$25 | ~$180–250 | Yes |
| The Times (UK) | ~£26 | ~£200 | Yes |
| The Telegraph (UK) | ~£22 | ~£190 | Yes |
| The New Yorker | ~$14 | ~$100 | Yes |
Prices are approximate and change frequently. Check each publication's website for current pricing and introductory offers. Annual savings are typically 20–40%.
Free High-Quality Alternatives
Before subscribing, remember that several excellent free sources cover much of the same news: The Guardian, BBC News, Reuters, AP News, NPR, and ProPublica — all completely free with no paywall.
Need a Specific Article Now?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the cheapest major news subscription in 2026?
- The Guardian asks for voluntary contributions rather than charging a subscription. For publications with mandatory paywalls, The Atlantic and Medium are among the most affordable at roughly $10/month or less. Many publications offer substantial introductory discounts.
- Do news subscriptions offer annual discounts?
- Yes. Most publications offer 20-40% discounts for annual billing compared to monthly billing. If you are certain you want a subscription long-term, annual billing provides significant savings.
- What publications have student pricing?
- The NYT, WSJ, FT, The Economist, The Atlantic, and many others offer student discounts. Student pricing is typically 50-70% below the standard rate. Verify your student status through your .edu email address or student ID.
- Can I share a news subscription with family?
- Some publications allow multiple users per subscription (household plans). The NYT, for example, allows family sharing under certain plans. Check the specific publication's subscription terms for household or family options.