How Much Does The Economist Cost in the UK?
The Economist costs £20 per month for a digital subscription, providing access to the weekly magazine plus daily digital coverage. According to The Economist Group, the publication has over 1.2 million subscribers worldwide with strong readership among UK business professionals and policymakers.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital (introductory) | £1 for first month | N/A | Full digital access |
| Digital | £20.00 | £189.00 | Weekly magazine + daily articles + app |
| Digital + Print | £26.00 | £252.00 | Digital + weekly print edition delivered |
The Economist regularly offers introductory deals — £1 for the first month is standard. The annual plan saves approximately 21% versus monthly billing. Student discounts of 50% are available.
Compare all options on our UK News & Media subscriptions page.
Does The Economist Auto-Renew?
Yes, The Economist auto-renews monthly or annually. Introductory rates increase to standard pricing automatically. Check at economist.com/account.
How to Cancel The Economist in the UK
- Sign in at economist.com
- Go to My Account > Subscription
- Select Cancel
- Confirm — access continues until end of billing period
The Economist may offer a retention deal when you attempt to cancel.
See also our guides to Financial Times UK subscription and The Times UK subscription.
Is The Economist Worth It in 2026?
The Economist offers unique value through its distinctive editorial voice — concise, opinionated analysis of global affairs in a weekly format. It complements daily news sources rather than replacing them.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Concise, well-written global analysis | £20/month is expensive for a weekly publication |
| Distinctive editorial voice and perspective | Liberal/centrist stance may not suit all readers |
| Excellent coverage of economics, technology, and politics | Less UK-focused than broadsheets |
| Audio edition of every issue included | Weekly format means less breaking news |
| Espresso daily briefing app | Some sections feel Anglocentric despite global coverage |
The Times and FT offer daily news. The Economist is best as a weekly supplement that synthesises global events into digestible analysis. The audio edition makes it excellent for commuters.
Track Your Economist Subscription with Prunely
Prunely lets you add The Economist to track renewal dates. Set reminders when introductory offers expire. Track alongside all subscriptions — no bank connection needed. Prunely is free for up to 5 subscriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Economist cost per month?
The Economist Digital costs £20/month (£189/year). Digital + Print costs £26/month (£252/year). Introductory offers start at £1 for the first month. Student discounts offer 50% off.
Can I read The Economist for free?
The Economist allows 3-5 free articles per month with registration. Most content requires a subscription. The weekly Espresso briefing app is free with limited content.
Is The Economist left or right?
The Economist describes itself as "radical centrist" — socially liberal and economically free-market. It has endorsed both Conservative and Labour candidates. Its editorial stance is broadly liberal-internationalist.
How do I cancel The Economist?
Sign in at economist.com > My Account > Subscription > Cancel. Cancel before introductory rates expire. The Economist may offer retention deals. Use Prunely to track your renewal date.
Does The Economist have an audio edition?
Yes. Every weekly issue is available as a professionally narrated audio edition, included with all digital subscriptions. Episodes run approximately 6-7 hours, covering the full magazine. Available through The Economist app.