Rolling Stone is the better choice for readers interested in music, pop culture, and in-depth interviews, while Wired is more suitable for those focused on technology, its cultural impact, and business applications. Both magazines offer quality journalism and visual appeal but cater to different interests and demographics.
| Attribute | Rolling Stone | Wired |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Rolling Stone | Wired |
| Music Coverage | Extensive coverage of music, particularly rock music. Offers music news, reviews, and cultural commentary. Features interviews with rock stars and covers emerging music genres and artists. | Not applicable to Wired Magazine. |
| Technology Coverage | Technology coverage is included. | In-depth coverage of current and future trends in technology. Explores gadgets, software, and technological developments. |
| Political Commentary | Covers politics and national affairs. Offers political editorials and commentary. | Publishes political commentary related to the tech industry. Coverage of the intersection of technology and politics, including the Trump administration and Elon Musk's influence. |
| Cultural Relevance | Focuses on popular culture. Captures and reflects current cultural trends, and helps to define culture. | Examines technology's effect on all aspects of culture, from social and recreational to business and politics. Recognized as a voice of the digital economy and culture. |
| Article Depth and Analysis | Produces long-form, well-researched journalism. Known for its in-depth interviews. | Provides in-depth analysis of technology, science, business, and culture. Aims to turn new ideas into everyday reality. |
| Writing Style and Quality | Blends serious criticism with accessible writing styles. | Editorial tone is informal but polished. Aims to present information in a way that is both trendy and authoritative. |
| Visual Design and Photography | Known for its provocative photography and iconic cover photos. Maintains a consistent house style using similar masthead designs, colors, and layouts across issues. | Known as a pace-setter in print and web design. Recognized for its visually appealing layout and photography. |
| Digital Subscription Options | Offers digital subscriptions with access to the e-edition of the magazine on phones, tablets, or desktops. Digital access is also available through PressReader. | Offers digital subscriptions, providing access through web browsers or the Zinio app on mobile devices. Users can access a limited number of articles per month without a subscription. |
| Print Subscription Cost | $49.95 (one-year print subscription) | $19.99 (annual promotional offer) |
| Frequency of Publication | Monthly magazine. It was initially published bi-weekly. | Published bi-monthly, with six double issues per year. Previously published monthly until 2024. |
| Target Audience | Young and mainstream, aged 15-24, with a focus on popular culture, music, films, television, and celebrities. Also appeals to 'middle of the road rock fans of all ages'. Demographic is 60% male and 40% female, with the largest age range being 25-34 years old. | Readers interested in technology and its effects on cultures worldwide. Includes globally-minded thought leaders, innovators, bloggers, and connectors. Appeals to young, educated, urban males with an affluent status. |
| Overall Reputation | A renowned magazine with a long history. It has been a cultural touchstone for over 50 years. However, some sources suggest it has a left-leaning bias and may lack credibility. | Leading technology magazine that covers the intersection of technology, business, culture, and science. Has won multiple National Magazine Awards and is credited with shaping discourse around the digital revolution. |
| Pros | Extensive music coverage, especially rock, Coverage of emerging music genres and artists, In-depth interviews, Long-form, well-researched journalism, Accessible writing style, Provocative photography and iconic cover photos, Consistent visual design, Digital subscription options available, Captures and reflects current cultural trends | In-depth technology coverage, Examines technology's effect on culture, Provides in-depth analysis, Visually appealing layout and photography, Informative and engaging writing style |
| Cons | Left-leaning bias (according to some sources), Potential lack of credibility (according to some sources) | Left-leaning bias, Not focused on music coverage |