Magazines: The New Yorker vs. The Atlantic

Quick Verdict

Both The New Yorker and The Atlantic are highly respected magazines offering in-depth reporting, cultural commentary, and literary content. The choice between them depends on individual preferences regarding writing style, political leaning, frequency of publication, and subscription cost. The New Yorker is known for its iconic cartoons and rigorous fact-checking, while The Atlantic is recognized for its sophisticated analysis and influence on national discourse.

Both publications offer in-depth reporting and analysis, but The New Yorker is published more frequently.
Both publications cater to an educated and liberal readership, but The New Yorker targets a more urban and sophisticated audience.
Both publications have a left-leaning political stance, but The Atlantic is considered more moderate.
Both publications are influential in cultural trends and national discourse.
Both publications feature fiction and poetry content.
Both publications incorporate humor and satire.
Both publications have rigorous fact-checking processes.
Both publications offer user-friendly digital access, but The New Yorker also offers access to cartoons and crossword puzzles.
The New Yorker's subscription cost is a minimum donation of $30 monthly or $360 annually, while The Atlantic offers different subscription tiers with varying prices.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	The New Yorker	The Atlantic
Literary Style and Tone	Known for clarity, harmony, truth, and courtesy to the reader. The writing often allows the reader to daydream and subtly draw out themes. It is characterized by ironic detachment and meticulous attention to facticity.	Sophisticated yet accessible, uses serif fonts, intellectual and serious tone, clean, authoritative, and high-minded writing
Depth of Reporting and Analysis	Renowned for in-depth reporting, political and cultural commentary. It offers insightful and thought-provoking content that keeps readers informed about current events and cultural trends.	In-depth perspective and analysis, provocative analysis, commentary, and sophisticated takes
Cultural Relevance and Impact	Considered by many to be the most influential magazine in the world. The magazine has emerged as a model of what is 'best,' setting a standard of what it means to be 'civilized'. It is an influential creator of American culture.	Influences national discourse, influential critical voice on fine arts, pop culture, and language, reflects and influences current cultural trends
Political Perspective and Bias	The magazine generally holds liberal views. It is rated as left-biased based on story selection and editorial position. A large percentage of its readership has left-of-center political values.	Left-Center position, history of endorsing Democratic candidates, moderate liberal editorial bias, rated 'Skews Left' by Ad Fontes Media
Fiction and Poetry Content	Known for its attention to modern fiction through the inclusion of short stories and literary reviews. It features fiction, poetry, and literary reviews.	Publishes significant literary works, interested in great fiction and poetry
Humor and Satire	Known for its humor, satire, and cartoons. It includes single-panel cartoons and satirical articles.	Incorporates humor and satire, sometimes subtly, tinge of playfulness and hilarity, effective article headlines
Art and Illustrations	Well-known for its illustrated and often topical covers. The magazine features unique covers with paintings or illustrations.	Illustrative and artistic, aid content and pacing
Fact-Checking Accuracy	Has rigorous fact-checking and copy editing processes. Consistently identified with its rigorous fact-checking. Fact-checkers are integral to the editorial process.	Dedicated to accuracy and truth, employs rigorous fact-checking processes
Digital Accessibility and User Experience	Offers unlimited digital access to articles, the online archive, cartoons, and crossword puzzles. There is a New Yorker app for iOS and Android.	User-friendly interface, well-designed mobile app
Subscription Cost and Value	A one-year subscription may require a minimum donation of $30 monthly or a one-time donation of $360. Introductory offers may be available.	Different subscription tiers (digital-only, print and digital, premium ad-free), pricing may vary
Frequency of Publication	Published 47 times annually, with five of these issues covering two-week spans.	10 issues per year, resumes monthly publication in 2025
Target Audience and Readership	Written for an urban, educated, sophisticated, and relatively wealthy readership. Its target audience includes educated adults and professionals in creative fields. The readership generally holds liberal views.	College-educated, liberal readers, serious national readers and 'thought leaders', interested in current topics and foreign affairs, influential, curious, and eager to leave a lasting mark
Price	A one-year subscription may require a minimum donation of $30 monthly or a one-time donation of $360. Introductory offers may be available.	Not available
Ratings	Not available	Not available

Overall Comparison

The New Yorker: 47 issues/year, $360/year; The Atlantic: 10 issues/year, price not available.

Pros and Cons

The New Yorker

Pros:

Clear, harmonious, and courteous writing style
In-depth reporting and analysis
Influential in cultural trends
Substantial and diverse selection of fiction and poetry
Effective and frequent use of humor and satire
Visually appealing and relevant art and illustrations
Rigorous fact-checking process
User-friendly and accessible digital version

Cons:

Left-leaning political stance may not appeal to all readers
Subscription cost may be high for some

The Atlantic

Pros:

Sophisticated and accessible writing style
In-depth reporting and analysis
Influential voice on culture and national discourse
Rigorous fact-checking process
User-friendly digital interface and mobile app
Incorporates humor and satire

Cons:

Perceived moderate liberal editorial bias

User Experiences and Feedback

The New Yorker

What Users Love

Writing style is clear, harmonious, and courteous to the reader.
Renowned for its in-depth reporting and political and cultural commentary.
Considered highly influential and reflects current cultural trends.
Includes a substantial and diverse selection of fiction and poetry.
Effectively and frequently uses humor and satire.
Art and illustrations are visually appealing and relevant.
Has a rigorous fact-checking process.
Digital version of the magazine is user-friendly and accessible.
Adheres to its publication schedule.
Magazine's target audience is urban, educated, sophisticated, relatively wealthy, and caters to their interests.

Common Complaints

The magazine has a left-leaning political stance, which is reflected in its content.
The subscription cost may be justified by the quality and quantity of content.

Value Perception

Subscription cost may be justified by the quality and quantity of content.

The Atlantic

What Users Love

Offers in-depth reporting and analysis of current events and issues.
Has a long history of influencing national discourse and is considered an influential voice on various aspects of culture.
The digital version is user-friendly, with a well-designed mobile app for accessing content on various devices.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

The Atlantic's pricing is comparable to other digital subscriptions, with introductory rates and promotional offers available.

User Recommendations

The writing style is sophisticated but accessible, with a tone that is intellectual and often serious.
Visuals tend to be illustrative and artistic, aiding the content and pacing of the magazine.
The magazine generally takes a Left-Center political stance, which is reflected in its editorial positions and endorsements.