Head-to-head · News and Digital Magazine Subscriptions
The Washington Post vs The Guardian
The Washington Post leads on 0 checks, The Guardian on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreThe Washington Post · 9.1/10
- Free planboth
The Washington Post scores higher on our rubric for news and digital magazine subscriptions: 9.1 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.
The Washington Post is the better fit for readers seeking broad US and international coverage. The Guardian is the better fit for readers seeking free Guardian app access.
- The Washington Post fits best
Readers seeking broad US and international coverage
- The Guardian fits best
Readers seeking free Guardian app access
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Side by side
| Feature | The Washington Post 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | The Guardian 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #4 in News and Digital Magazine Subscriptions | #8 in News and Digital Magazine Subscriptions |
| Best for | Readers seeking broad US and international coverage | Readers seeking free Guardian app access |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Support | Live chat, Email, Phone · 24/7 | Email, Phone, Live chat |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo |
| Features The Washington Post 0/5 · The Guardian 0/5 | ||
| Publication bundle | Not published | Not published |
| Archive access | Not published | Not published |
| Audio content | Not published | Not published |
| Ad-free access | Not published | Not published |
| Gift subscription | Not published | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Publication type | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | The Washington Post publishes U.S. and international reporting, opinion and other journalism through its website and mobile apps. Its coverage extends beyond national headlines to local news, weather, arts and entertainment, making it a… Read the review → |
The Guardian app brings the publisher’s journalism—news, investigations, opinion, sport, culture and lifestyle—to iOS and Android. It suits readers who want a single publisher’s reporting alongside audio, podcasts and puzzles, with free… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
The Washington Post — where it wins
- Covers national, international and local news, plus weather, arts and entertainment
- Saved stories sync across devices when readers are signed in
- Premium+ adds three shareable accounts and monthly digital passes
Where it doesn't
- Free access is limited to a number of articles
- Unlimited website and app access requires a paid plan
- Sharing accounts and digital passes are Premium+ features
The Guardian — where it wins
- Follow topics and writers in a personalized My Guardian feed
- Listen to article audio and Guardian podcasts in the app
- Use crosswords, word games, Sudoku and trivia in the puzzles hub
Where it doesn't
- Free access to app content is metered
- Full app content and ad-free reading require a subscription
- Offline reading is a digital supporter benefit
- The Washington Post9.1/10 · Free plan
Broad news coverage with web and app access, plus optional sharing and archive features.
Visit siteFull verdict → - The Guardian8.7/10 · Free plan
A free, metered Guardian app with audio, podcasts and puzzles; subscriptions remove limits and ads.
Visit The GuardianFull verdict →
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All news and digital magazine subscriptions comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update