The Economist Review Review
Rated 4.5/5 on Trustpilot — Weekly journalism on global politics, economics, business, science and tech since 1843
The Economist Review
Rated 4.5/5 on Trustpilot — Weekly journalism on global politics, economics, business, science and tech since 1843
The Economist Overview
The Economist is a globally respected weekly news magazine founded in 1843 that combines rigorous reporting with sharp, independent analysis on world politics, business, finance, economics, science, technology and culture. It is read by world leaders, business executives, academics and serious news readers in more than 200 countries.
A subscription includes the famous weekly print edition delivered to your door, full digital access via Economist.com and the apps (iOS, Android, Kindle), the daily Espresso morning briefing, podcasts including The Intelligence, films and webinars, and the complete archive going back decades. The Economist is well-known for its unsigned articles, deep data journalism, distinctive Economist style guide and consistent center-right liberal editorial stance.
The Economist subscription gives you intellectual depth few other news outlets can match. Each weekly issue covers global affairs, business, finance, science and culture with the magazine's signature unsigned, fact-checked writing. Supplements like Schumpeter, Bagehot, and The Intelligence add depth on specific beats. Digital subscribers get the same content on Economist.com, mobile apps, and audio editions, plus the Espresso daily briefing, podcasts, video documentaries and the searchable archive.
The Economist Subscription Plans
Digital-Only — $144.50/year intro, $289 standard
Digital + Print Bundle — $249-$349 intro, $409 gift
Multi-year — $490 (2yr), $698 (3yr) via partners
Student/Educator discount — up to 75% off
Seasonal promo codes — 50% off subscription
The Economist offers digital-only and digital+print bundles. Digital-only annual: ~$144.50 first-year promotional ($2.78/week intro), $289 at regular rate. Digital + Print bundle: ~$249-$349 introductory ($349 standard, $409 gift rate). Multi-year subscriptions save more: 1 Year $275, 2 Years $490, 3 Years $698 via authorized resellers. Students and educators get up to 75% off with verified academic ID. 50% discount codes appear seasonally.
What Real Subscribers Say
Subscribers consistently rate The Economist 4.5/5 on Trustpilot, praising the editorial quality and depth. Common feedback notes the high subscription cost and a center-right editorial slant.
What real users say
Financial Analyst • April 28, 2026
I've subscribed to The Economist for 8 years. The depth on global finance and geopolitics is unmatched — nothing else gives me as much actionable context for investment decisions in such a compact package.
University Professor • March 14, 2026
I assign Economist articles to my political science students because the writing is consistently clear, evidence-based and globally aware. The archive alone is worth the subscription for academic research.
Business Executive • February 19, 2026
Strong magazine, but the renewal price is steep. I subscribe at the promotional rate and watch for student/multi-year deals. Espresso app is a daily must-read for me though.
Top The Economist Alternatives
If The Economist isn't the right fit, these are the alternatives most often compared against it:
Financial Times
Global business and markets journalism.
The Wall Street Journal
Business and finance news daily.
Bloomberg
Markets, finance and business coverage.
The New York Times
Broad national and world news.
The Economist FAQs
Quick answers about pricing, print vs digital subscriptions, the Espresso app, and how to cancel your Economist subscription.
How much does The Economist cost?+
The Economist offers promotional first-year rates around $144 (digital) and $409 (digital + print). Standard renewal rates are roughly $289 and $499/year respectively. Discounts for students and multi-year subscriptions are available.
Is the Espresso app included?+
Yes — Espresso's daily morning briefing is included with every paid subscription. Some limited Espresso content is also available without a subscription, but full access requires the paid plan.
Can I cancel anytime?+
Yes — you can cancel an Economist subscription anytime by contacting customer service or via your account settings. Refunds for the unused portion may or may not be available depending on the plan you chose.
Is The Economist biased?+
The Economist describes itself as classical liberal/centrist with a free-market editorial stance. Coverage is heavily fact-checked but the opinion sections reflect that worldview. Critics sometimes call it center-right.
Does The Economist still print?+
Yes — the famous weekly print edition is still produced and shipped globally. Print + digital bundles remain the most popular subscription option in 2026.
What is The Intelligence podcast?+
The Intelligence is The Economist's flagship daily news podcast, released every weekday morning with the three most important stories from the global edition explained in roughly 20 minutes.
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