Both The New Yorker and National Geographic offer high-quality content, but they cater to different interests. The New Yorker is better for those interested in in-depth reporting, cultural commentary, and fiction, while National Geographic is ideal for those passionate about geography, nature, and world cultures. The choice depends on individual preferences and interests.
| Attribute | The New Yorker | National Geographic |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Focus | Journalism, commentary, criticism, essays, fiction, satire, cartoons, and poetry. Known for in-depth reporting, political and cultural commentary, short stories, and humor. Covers popular culture, world politics, and social issues. | Geography, history, nature, science, and world culture. It aims to inspire people to discover, understand, and protect the world. |
| Target Audience | General public, urban, educated, sophisticated, relatively wealthy readership. Readers are often well-educated, open-minded, interested in current events and literary fiction. Generally holds liberal views. | Curious individuals with a hunger for knowledge; People who care about the planet and believe in responsible travel and exploration; Generally, wealthy, educated, and liberal individuals; A broad audience across various platforms, including print, digital, social media, and television. Demographically, the online audience is 42.05% male and 57.95% female, with the largest age group being 25-34 year olds. |
| Publication Frequency | 47 times annually, with five of these issues covering two-week spans. | Monthly. National Geographic History is published bi-monthly, 6 issues per year. |
| Subscription Price | $169.99 per year (no automatic renewals). Other prices may vary. | 12 issues per year for $59.00. Prices may vary depending on the subscription type (print, digital, or print & digital) and retailer. |
| Digital Access Options | Full access to the current issue online and a complete archive of back issues. Access through The New Yorker app for iOS and Android. | Available through interactive online editions. Digital access is often included with a print subscription. |
| Print Quality | Light paper stock. | Thick, square-bound glossy format with a yellow rectangular border. High-quality paper stock. |
| Photography and Illustration Quality | Well-known for illustrated covers and single-panel cartoons. High-quality photography and artwork. | Known for high-quality, groundbreaking storytelling, photography, and visuals. Photography is a key element of its success. |
| Writing Style and Tone | Ranges from humorous to erudite. Known for high-quality prose. | Well-documented journalistic stories. The approach is generally neutral, avoiding prudery, colonial voyeurism, and politics. |
| Depth of Reporting and Analysis | Renowned for in-depth reporting and rigorous fact-checking. Articles often blur the line between literature and journalism. | In-depth articles on culture, geography, nature, science, technology, and the environment. |
| Political Leaning/Bias | Left-leaning political bias. Editorially, often endorses Democratic candidates. | Rated as Center to Leaning Left. Some argue it has become more political in recent years. |
| Availability of Archival Content | Complete archive of back issues viewable as they were originally printed. Available online since the late 1990s. | Access to every issue since 1888 may be available with some subscriptions. |
| Awards and Recognition | Eight Pulitzer Prizes since 2014. Three National Magazine Awards and three Pulitzer Prizes in 2025. | Has won numerous National Magazine Awards, including awards for general excellence, reporting, photojournalism, and website. The Hubbard Medal is awarded for distinction in exploration, discovery, and research. |
| Ratings | Reliable, Analysis/Fact Reporting (Ad Fontes Media) | Not available |