Both The Verge and WIRED are valuable resources for technology news and analysis, but they cater to different audiences and preferences. The Verge is a better choice for those who want a broader range of topics and enjoy video and podcast content. WIRED is better suited for those who prefer in-depth analysis and long-form journalism with a focus on the cultural and political impact of technology.
| Attribute | The Verge | WIRED |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Focus | Technology, science, culture, and entertainment; focuses on current technology news and its impact on society and popular culture. | Focuses on how emerging technologies affect culture, the economy, and politics. Covers the tech industry, including the internet and digital culture, science, and security. Extends beyond hardware and software to include the people, companies, and ideas that are part of the language industries, with a broader focus on the social, economic, and political issues surrounding technology. |
| Depth of Reporting and Analysis | Balances fast-breaking industry news with in-depth reporting, reviews, and features. | Known for its investigative long-form journalism on digital culture, business, and innovation. Publishes deep-dive stories on topics like cybersecurity, AI, and the future of tech, often blending narrative storytelling with cutting-edge research. Some reviews suggest that articles, especially on complex technical subjects, sometimes lack depth and detailed analysis. |
| Writing Style and Tone | Varies, generally aims to be engaging and informative. | Writers generally try to be very "with it" and "modern" when using language. The magazine's style champions the "quirky, individualist spirit of the Net" both online and in print. |
| Website Design and User Experience | Homepage features content modules optimized for mobile consumption; 2022 redesign aimed to create a trustworthy space for news and community building. Some users found the redesign overwhelming and difficult to scan. | Aims to create a clean and gratifying experience through a clutter-free site. Focuses on designing a site that works seamlessly, is fast to use, and scales across devices. Page load-time is a key consideration, especially for digitally savvy readers. Strives to "not make the user think" by ensuring the website is user-friendly and easy to navigate. |
| Mobile App Availability and Quality | No native mobile app; website is designed to be responsive on mobile devices. An app called 'The Verge' exists in the Google Play Store but has very few reviews and was last updated in 2022. | Has a mobile app available for both iPhone and iPad. The app is free to download, with subscribers receiving unlimited access and non-subscribers able to access a selection of complimentary articles each month. User reviews indicate issues with the app, particularly regarding login and access for digital subscribers. |
| Video Content Production Quality | Produces high-quality video content, including documentaries and explainers. Verge Science's YouTube channel had over 100 million views and 1.15 million subscribers as of August 2023. | Creating high-quality video content involves meticulous planning, using the right equipment, and crafting engaging scripts. High production value refers to videos that boast top-tier quality in terms of visual aesthetics, sound, editing, and overall presentation. |
| Podcast Offerings and Production | Offers various podcasts, including The Vergecast, Decoder, and others. The Vergecast won a Webby Award in 2012. | Not available |
| Community Engagement | Aims to unify the site with a community element. Social integration is woven throughout the site, with forums and Facebook Connect authentication. | Forums cover a wide range of topics. |
| Social Media Presence and Engagement | Vox Media, which owns The Verge, has a large social media following. | Not available |
| Advertising and Sponsorship Transparency | Generates revenue through advertising and sponsored content. Launched a subscription model to reduce ads for subscribers. | Business model relies primarily on advertising. The presence of advertisements and sponsored content can sometimes be overwhelming, potentially detracting from the user experience and raising questions about impartiality. |
| Fact-Checking and Editorial Standards | High factual reporting rating due to proper sourcing and supporting the consensus of science. | Has a reputation for fastidious fact-checking. For print articles, reporters hired as fact-checkers go over each story line by line, verifying facts with sources. Original content posted online generally isn't fact-checked due to staffing and time constraints, except for legally sensitive stories which undergo a review for accuracy. |
| Subscription Model and Value | Subscription for $7 per month or $50 annually. Subscribers get an ad-light browsing experience, unlimited content, premium newsletters, and a print magazine for annual subscribers. | Operates on a subscription-based model, offering subscribers unlimited access without display advertising. All readers can access the homepage, section front pages, and a limited number of articles per month for free. A digital-only subscription may not include access to the WIRED app. |
| Price | $7 per month or $50 annually | Not available |
| Ratings | Ad Fontes Media rates The Verge as "Skews Left" in bias and "Generally Reliable/Analysis OR Other Issues" in reliability. | Not available |