Best Prices on Magazine Subscriptions

I've Done the Legwork so You Don't Have To

By Scott Schlimmer, published Apr 16, 2007
Published Content: 95  Total Views: 174,150  Favorited By: 19 CPs
Rating: 4.0 of 5
I used to pay full price for magazines. Since I received a full year of magazines, it didn't sound like a bad deal. Then I learned that magazines make their money by selling advertisements. Consequently, magazines can usually give away subscriptions for free and still pull a profit.

After a little research, I learned that I could find some amazingly cheap magazine subscriptions. The Internet is by far the best place to purchase magazine subscriptions.

Ebay is one interesting site for magazine subscriptions. I've had mixed success on eBay. The prices are usually the lowest on eBay, but it's hit or miss whether or not you'll receive the subscription. I've successfully purchased 3 year subscriptions on Ebay for less than $5, but I've also made purchases and never received an issue. I recommend eBay only in certain situations.

The other magazine sites have been exceptionally reliable. For each deal I list in this article, I have purchased from that supplier and received my subscription.

Here are some of the best magazine deals that I've found:

Cosmopolitan

Surprisingly, I haven't been able to find a good price for this magazine anywhere. I've purchased this a few times as a gift through eBay. I haven't had a problem yet. Search for "Cosmopolitan Magazine Subscription". Expect to pay between $4 and $8 for a one year subscription.

Economist

The Economist Magazine is notoriously expensive. 51 issues for $98 is the best I can find. That's still $30 off the standard price.

ESPN The Magazine

26 issues for $6 makes this a surprisingly cheap magazine subscription. Search for "ESPN".

Family Circle

15 issues for $10

Forbes

Forbes is a tough one. They charge $60 if you purchase the subscription straight from Forbes. The best I've found is $30, but it's not bad for a bi-weekly year long subscription.

Fortune

The business magazines seem to defy the almost-free concept. Like Forbes, Fortune costs 26 issues for $30.

Marie Claire

12 issues for $12. Also, sometimes Marie Claire is 12 issues for $7. Do a Google search for a $5 off coupon to Magazines.com. If you find one, use the $7 link and purchase with the coupon.

Maxim, Stuff, Blender

Takeaways
  • Sporting News: 60 issues for $5
  • Rolling Stone: 26 issues for $5
  • ESPN The Magazine: 26 issues for $6
Did You Know?
Magazines make most of their money by selling advertisements. Consequently, they can usually give away subscriptions for free and still pull a profit.
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 15 of 17
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I went to look for a new subscription on eBay and found that they don't have them on there anymore. So there goes the eBay option! I'll be sure to let you all know if I find another alternative.

Posted on 07/24/2008 at 5:07:28 PM

 
Or you could just open a medical office and get them all for free . . . . haha

Posted on 08/25/2007 at 7:08:00 AM

 
I wouldn't have thought of eBay for magazines. Makes sense.

Posted on 06/07/2007 at 6:06:00 PM

 
I had no idea you could get subscriptions that cheap. Good information.

Posted on 05/12/2007 at 1:05:00 AM

 
Thank you Sherri. If I just sat down and searched for all these, yes it would have taken a long time. Fortunately, I did most of the work in the past when I was searching for gifts to give to people. It flowed into an article pretty naturally.

Posted on 05/09/2007 at 10:05:00 AM

 
Great tips. You must have spent a long time doing this type of research. Thanks for doing your homework!

Posted on 05/09/2007 at 7:05:00 AM

 
I always thought those deals were scams- damn, now I'll have much more bathroom reading. Penthouse here we come!

Posted on 05/01/2007 at 6:05:00 AM

 
Great article with tons of info.

Posted on 04/20/2007 at 5:04:00 AM

 
Good one, Scott. I like that you've done the legwork - I'm sometimes uncomfortable when I do online searches for discount subscriptions.

Posted on 04/18/2007 at 7:04:00 AM

 
Loved this article~Thanks! I could definitely stand to save some $ on my magazines. :)

Posted on 04/17/2007 at 12:04:00 PM

 
I envy the derater's dedication. I just couldn't care that much.

Posted on 04/16/2007 at 10:04:00 PM

 
oooo derater struck already....sucks. I voted but it didnt budge

Posted on 04/16/2007 at 5:04:00 PM

 
I get most of these and about another 30 for free...the mailman hates me

Posted on 04/16/2007 at 5:04:00 PM

 
Yeah, Scott, you've escaped the derater so far. He blasted me big time. I like this information. I always wondered about some of these prices. Thanks for the info!

Posted on 04/16/2007 at 4:04:00 PM

 
Great topic. Thanks for sharing your information!

Posted on 04/16/2007 at 2:04:00 PM

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