The Wire
The Wire: A focused music magazine subscription with searchable archives and print or digital access. Ranked #49 of 71 in News and Digital Magazine Subscriptions by our editors (4.5/10); pricing: From £16/mo; best for readers seeking music journalism in print and digital.
At a glance
- Editor score4.5 / 10
- PricingFrom £16/mo
- Best forReaders seeking music journalism in print and digital
- Free planNo
- Publication typeMagazine
- Founded1982 · Somerset House, London, United Kingdom
- Facts checked5 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Choose digital-only or print-plus-digital subscriptions.
- Searchable online access to past issues.
- Subscriptions include music downloads; print subscribers also get CD compilations.
Where it doesn't
- Specializes in experimental and underground music rather than broad coverage.
- Print-plus-digital prices vary by region.
- No free plan; digital access starts at £16 for three months.
Our verdict on The Wire
The Wire is an independent magazine covering experimental and underground music through journalism, photography, interviews, reviews and other editorial features. Published monthly since 1982, it offers digital-only and print-plus-digital subscriptions for readers who want a dedicated music publication in either format. Digital editions are available on the web and through iOS and Android apps, while print issues are delivered by post.
Digital-only access costs £16 for three months or £55 per year; both options include digital issues, past issues and subscriber music downloads. UK print-plus-digital subscriptions cost £43 for six months, £75 for one year or £142 for two years. Europe options are £62 for six months, £100 for one year or £190 for two years. These plans include monthly print issues, instant digital access, archive access and music downloads. The archive and searchable digital issues are useful for readers who want to revisit earlier coverage as well as follow new releases and artists.
The subscription’s appeal is tied to its editorial focus: it suits readers specifically interested in experimental and underground music, not those looking for a general-interest magazine or broad music coverage. Digital subscribers receive music downloads, while print subscribers also receive The Wire Tapper CD compilations. Choose digital-only for access to issues and the archive without mailed print editions; choose print-plus-digital if physical issues and CDs matter. The Wire’s focused scope is a strength for its intended audience, but a poor fit for readers whose interests lie elsewhere.
The Wire pricing
All 11 The Wire plans and prices →
The Wire fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Publication type | Magazine |
| Publication bundle | No |
| Archive access | Yes |
| Audio content | No |
| Ad-free access | Not verified |
| Gift subscription | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | |
| Built for | Solo (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | From £16/mo (source) |
| Website | thewire.co.uk |
| Facts checked | 5 Oct 2026 |
Alternatives to The Wire
- The New York TimesA paid news subscription with breaking alerts, audio and video, plus a broader All Access bundle.9.4
- Financial TimesA broad news subscription with personalised reading, offline access and market coverage.9.3
- The Wall Street JournalA subscription news service pairing WSJ journalism with personalized feeds and market tools.9.2
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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