If you’re looking for fresh information from the world of business, finance, and general news, one publication to check out is The Wall Street Journal. But like other digital journals, WSJ isn’t free. While their website is freely available for anyone, you won’t get much information apart from headlines. That’s because you need to subscribe to the WSJ to read up on the news from relevant industries. Luckily, WSJ isn’t that expensive, but it does raise the question of, “Is WSJ worth it?”
The WSJ is undoubtedly well ahead of the curve in adapting its online journal to the digital space. Considering we can turn to online resources for our daily news bits, the WSJ understands how to convey and deliver information online.
But when dealing with a journal and publication locked behind a paywall, more substance is required before paying for a monthly or yearly subscription. Our guide aims to explore the question, “Is WSJ worth it.” We will look at various aspects of the publication and give you a definitive answer.
Quick Summary:
The Wall Street Journal is an American daily newspaper and digital journal reporting on business, finance, and economic-related news and stories from around the world.
The Wall Street Journal has been around since 1889, making it one of the longest-standing newspapers and digital journals of our time.
The Wall Street Journal is an excellent source of news and information and has won numerous Pulitzer Prizes for quality reporting.
The Wall Street Journal Digital subscriptions offer unlimited access to WSJ.com, including news, opinion pieces, and financial, economic, and business information on desktop and mobile platforms.
Table of Content
What Is the Wall Street Journal (WSJ)?
The Wall Street Journal is an American (Dow Jones Company) business-focused, English-language daily newspaper and online journal. It was first published on July 8, 1889, and is headquartered in New York City. The newspaper is known for its in-depth international reporting and analysis of business, finance, and economic news and coverage of politics, technology, and lifestyle.
The Wall Street Journal has a reputation for providing high-quality journalism and has won numerous Pulitzer Prizes for its reporting over the years. WSJ publishes six days a week and also has Japanese and Chinese editions. WSJ is one of the most popular and largest news publications in the United States, with estimates of around 2.8 million copies bought yearly.
Wall Street Journal Pricing
The Wall Street Journal’s online edition operates exclusively on a subscription model. Subscribing to the WSJ gives you unlimited access to the journal’s stories, news, smartphone app, and other features. Let’s look at WSJ subscription plans.
WSJ Digital
The WSJ Digital costs $2/month for the first year for first-time subscribers. After the first year, it will cost you $9.99/month. Here is what you’re getting with WSJ Digital:
Unlimited access to WSJ.com and the WSJ smartphone application.
Unlimited access to WSJ newsletters.
Audio version of WSJ articles and news pieces.
WSJ Digital Bundle
The WSJ Digital Bundle includes all the perks of WSJ Digital plus others. The bundle costs first-time subscribers $4/month for the first year and a $19/month special offer afterward. Here is what you’re getting with the WSJ Digital Bundle:
All WSJ Digital perks.
Unlimited access to Barrons.com and Marketwatch.com.
Access to Barrons and Market Watch smartphone applications.
Access three publications in a single account (WSJ, Barron’s, and Market Watch).
Live events from journalists of all three publications.
Personal finance advice and access to WSJ stock picks.
The WSJ Digital Bundle combines the best multiple online journals offer. The bundle is a joint cooperation between WSJ, Barron’s, and Market Watch to give readers unlimited access to news and stories from various industries. These are the current best rates WSJ offers to readers. Depending on where you live, these options might be unavailable, or you might encounter different prices.
WSJ Print Edition
The WSJ Print Edition is available only to US and Asian markets. A printed edition of WSJ costs $12 for the first 12 weeks and $36.99 afterward, plus tax.
WSJ Corporate Subscriptions
The WSJ also offers Corporate Subscriptions to groups of more than ten employees. You must create a corporate account to select the WSJ Corporate Subscription option.
What Does WSJ Offer?
While the WSJ mainly focuses on business, finance, economics, and politics, it also has opinion, tech, markets, real estate, and lifestyle sections for its readers. Focusing on these other fields differentiates it from rivals and competitors like Barron’s. All in all, here is the type of content you can expect when subscribing to the WSJ:
News Articles – The WSJ covers breaking news related to business, finance, and economics, including company earnings reports, stock market movements, and global economic trends.
Opinion Pieces – The WSJ publishes op-eds and editorials with analysis and commentary on current business, finance, and economic events.
Feature Stories – The WSJ features longer-form stories that offer in-depth reporting and analysis of major trends and issues in the business world.
Lifestyle Coverage – The WSJ also covers lifestyle topics, including food, travel, fashion, and entertainment, focusing on the high-end luxury market.
Data Journalism – The WSJ uses data and visualizations to help readers understand complex business and economic concepts.
Podcasts and Video – The WSJ produces podcasts and video content that offer news, analysis, and interviews with experts on various business and economic topics.
Special features – The WSJ offers a range of special features and sections, including the Mansion section, which covers luxury real estate, and the Markets section, which provides up-to-the-minute stock market coverage.
Tools – The WSJ offers a range of data and tools to help readers stay informed on the latest trends and developments in business, economics, and finance, including company profiles, financial data, and interactive charts.
How to Subscribe to the Wall Street Journal?
To subscribe to the Wall Street Journal, follow these simple steps:
Visit the WSJ website and click the “Subscribe” button.
Choose the WSJ subscription (WSJ Digital, WSJ Digital Bundle, Corporate, or Print).
Create your account and add a debit or credit card to complete the process.
You can cancel your WSJ subscription at any time.
Wall Street Journal Review Summary – Is WSJ Worth It?
The Wall Street Journal isn’t just a digital publication; it’s a well-respected news organization with coverage in multiple industries, including finance, business, economics, and more. The Wall Street Journal publishes news from these industries worldwide, and the organization’s high-quality journalism standards are no match for its competitors.
Subscribing to WSJ or purchasing the daily print edition are the only ways to gain unlimited access to all coverage. While it might be more expensive than similar publications, many readers believe the depth and quality of its coverage are well worth it.
In summary, if you are interested in business, finance, and economic news and value high-quality journalism, insightful analysis, and trusted reporting, the WSJ is likely worth the investment. However, if you are looking for more general news coverage or have a limited budget, other news organizations may better suit your needs.
FAQs
Is the Wall Street Journal still a good newspaper?
In terms of business, finance, and economic news, many regard the Wall Street Journal as an essential newspaper to catch up on relevant news and stories.
What is a good alternative to WSJ?
There are many good alternatives to WSJ, some priced better. The list includes: The Financial Times Barron’s Market Watch
Is Wall Street Journal or Barron’s better?
It depends on what readers are looking for. For example, Barron’s is a publication that reports exclusively on US news and markets, while WSJ has worldwide and especially Asian coverage. Both cover financial, business, and economic news, but Barron’s reports more stock-related news.
