10 Best Science Magazines Online Subscriptions Reviews

If you love science and enjoy learning about the most groundbreaking discoveries, you need to be reading science magazines regularly.

You’ll stay up-to-date with all the latest advances and learn from the best scientists in the world.

Science magazines are great for expanding your mind and broadening your perspective. You’ll not only be excited and inspired, but your brainpower will be improved too.

Here we look at the top ten best science magazines and review our favorite three in the list.

Things to Consider

When you’re considering a subscription to a science magazine, there are plenty to choose from, but you do have a choice when it comes to the delivery format:

  • Home Delivery. Home delivery is great if you enjoy a hard copy of your magazine. There’s something about being able to hold it in your hands that makes it more enjoyable. Of course, you’ll have to wait a few extra days between release and delivery. Hard copies are also more cumbersome to take with you and aren’t hard to recycle.
  • Electronic Delivery. This is all the rage today. Kindle has made it super easy to read and store your magazines. You’ll be able to re-read previous issues and never have to worry about taking them with you. Everything is stored on your account and can be accessed by your computer, phone, or kindle.

Top 10 Science Magazines Comparison Chart

Picture Name Issues per Year Price Rating (1-5)
Science News 1. Science News 26 $$$$
  • 4.8/5
American Scientist 2. American Scientist 6 $$$
  • 4.6/5
Id : Ideas & Discoveries 3. Id : Ideas & Discoveries 6 $
  • 4.6/5
Archaeology magazine 4. Archaeology 6 $$
  • 4.6/5
National Geographic 5. National Geographic 12 $
  • 4.5/5
Smithsonian 6. Smithsonian 11 $
  • 4.5/5
Discover 7. Discover 10 $
  • 4.3/5
Analog Science Fiction & Fact 8. Analog Science Fiction & Fact 12 $$$
  • 4.2/5
Birds & Blooms 9. Birds & Blooms 14 $$
  • 4.6/5
Scientific American 10. Scientific American 12 $$$
  • 4.0/5

Buying Information

Buying the best science magazines requires a little contemplation. You’ll want to identify what’s important to you and choose a magazine that meets your preferences, so here are a few things to consider before subscribing.

  • Regularity. Some magazines are delivered once a month whilst others are only every two months. You’ll want to choose a magazine that fits your schedule – remember you actually have to read it to benefit from it.
  • New Technology Focus. These magazines are great for being at the forefront of innovation. You’ll hear about new technology before anyone else and learn everything about it in a few short articles.
  • Scientists. Some magazines feature regular articles from particular scientists. These interviews or features are great for staying informed of changes in selected industries. You’ll read about a unique perspective and learn from the best.
  • How Things Work. Type articles are great for new scientists or readers. You’ll be introduced to familiar topics and dive deep into how they work. Discovering new ways to look at the world and interpret the events around you.

Top 10 Best Science Magazines Reviews

1. Science News Magazine Review

For a science magazine, this one covers all aspects of the industry. It provides a quick glance over of the latest changes and movements in the sciences. Originally starting out as a weekly snippet’s magazine consisting of just 16 pages, this magazine now goes out every 2 weeks with 32 pages.

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Unlike other magazines, this one doesn’t just cover the hot topics in the industry. Instead, it offers breaking news from every scientific realm imaginable. You’ll be presented with articles covering nuclear physics, astrology, medicine, electronics, engineering, biology, and geology in just one issue.

There are longer articles published for all the news snippets, so you find any exciting resources to find out more. Other magazines are uniquely targeted to professionals in their fields, and the language can be hard to understand.

Whereas Science News translates all the most interesting and relevant information from these trade magazines into layman’s terms.

2. American Scientist Magazine Review

This magazine is specifically geared towards industry specialists who understand the specific languages used in their fields. It is not something that the average American can pick up and read easily – not without a firm grasp of scientific terms.

With that aside, this is one of the most highly respected magazines for the sciences. It contains peer-reviewed, well-researched articles. Each article, although not necessarily cutting edge, presents modern research and information for the reader.

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The publication includes articles written for various fields, including physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, mathematics, etc. Although this may sound like many broad topics, the editors have done a great job organizing these articles in each issue.

We found all the articles to be well written and highly informative. Typically, there are ten articles in each issue, plus a dozen or more book reviews. The amount of detail included in these articles is well above most other publications.

Although such detailed workings can be overwhelming for those not in the industry, scientists will appreciate how clear and concise these articles are.

3. Id : Ideas & Discoveries Magazine Review

Ideal for young readers or those just starting out in studying the sciences. This magazine presents simple concepts for teenagers and young adults. If you’ve always had an interest in the sciences but never studied them extensively, then this magazine is a great launching pad to start with.

Even though this magazine is geared towards the younger reader, we were pleasantly surprised by the content. Not only was it interesting, but many of the facts and ideas were also new to us. Sometimes it’s easy to bypass the simplest of scientific ideas in preference for more challenging ones.

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A magazine focused on the basic principles is a refreshing take on the sciences and highly addictive. There is a healthy mix of short articles and longer ones. Some of the longest articles span 4-5 pages and are detailed reads.

The topics covered in each issue are diverse and always changing. There is a strong focus on pictures over words, so if you learn from visuals rather than words, this is one of the best science magazines for you.

4. Archaeology Magazine Review

This magazine is perfect for anyone who wants in-depth knowledge of archeology. Since 1948 by the Archeological Institute of America, this Archeology magazine has been praised by many publications for years. For both casual readers and professionals, Archaeology magazine features immersive photography as well as detailed storytelling that will leave just about any of its readers in awe. 

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Archaeology magazine also follows only the most recent news world-wide. This magazine covers exciting content such as the latest discoveries and elaborate findings on various old culture.  From amazing photography, carefully-sketched illustrations, and even intricate maps, readers are sure to learn comprehensive knowledge in the field of archaeology.        

For any curious reader who is at all interested in historical films, timelines, book reviews, and so much more archeology content, this magazine is a fantastic read. 

5. National Geographic Magazine Review

The National Geographic magazine is one of the most renowned out there.  This magazine covers a wide variety of detailed and educational content. This also covers the many heart-quenching stories and graphic essays that allow readers to come along for the immersive journey. The magazine provides elaborate details on popular topics revolving around popular science, cultures, history, and geography.

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This magazine allows its readers to have a thorough walkthrough at various fascinating locations and individuals from all across the world. National Geographic magazine can entertain and inform its huge audience by captivating them with amazing photography and editorials. Every piece of information in the magazine is credible and supported by research.  The magazine’s high standards will ensure that its audience will have content of the highest quality.

Discovering the world is quite a task for many, and the National Geographic magazine can condense that discovery into their detailed and immersive magazine.

6. Smithsonian Magazine Review

Smithsonian magazine is perfect for anyone who wants general knowledge in a diverse range of scientific areas. With its first issue being released way back in 1970, this magazine is experienced and professional regarding how they present their facts. The magazine’s content provides an in-depth analysis of various topics that are guaranteed to intrigued readers. All their sources are very much legitimate and are evidence-based, that even utilize scientific sourcing.

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The magazine features various content such as history, popular science, technology, and nature. Articles related to these topics are all typically sourced with their corresponding research and are presented to keep its audience reading. The Smithsonian magazine tends to avoid any biased or political reports related to science.  Additionally, they also promote the general area of science that deals with GMOs and Climate Change.

With the general information that the Smithsonian magazine provides, readers will learn and understand knowledge in multiple fields.

7. Discover Magazine Review

Discover magazines is essentially the must-read for every science enthusiast out there. Discover features only the latest scientific developments such as genetics, computers, astrophysics, and even medicine. With its easy to read content, this magazine is excellent for anyone who may want to get a general understanding of various news in science. With each issue that they release, Discover truly lives up to its name by providing its audience with interesting topics and meaningful discussions that are guaranteed to pique people’s interests.

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This outstanding magazine highlight the areas of science that are relevant to people or society. It includes an accessible guide to the ideas and concepts that will matter in the modern world setting. Discover magazine also strays away from any personal and political parts of science. This means that all the content that readers will consume is purely unbiased and will please everyone. 

8. Analog Science Fiction and Fact Magazine Review

Since being published in 1930, Analog Science Fiction and Fact magazine has been among the most popular science fiction magazines out there. With the update on its issue last January of 2017, this magazine boasts six issues per year, with all of them having 208-page issues. This magazine feature is a collection of editorials that focus on realistic stories parallel with the many ideas and concepts of science.

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Analog Science Fiction and Fact magazines also include articles about the latest research and discoveries made in science that any science enthusiast will look forward to with each issue. One of the magazine’s consistent themes involves both fiction and opinion columns on technology and science’s relevance to society. This magazine is home to renowned authors such as Michael F. Flynn as well as Ben Bova. 

Having won numerous awards, the quality and entertainment with each issue will not disappoint curious readers.

9. Birds and Blooms Magazine Review

Birds and Blooms are known as the number one bird and garden magazine in all of North America. As its name may suggest, the magazine’s content features various useful tips and professional advice that aim to inform and inspire enthusiasts who are passionate about gardening and backyard birds. Each issue is guaranteed to give you new ideas on how to improve and your gardening and offer beautiful photographs to come with it. 

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This magazine includes many illustrations of different birds that are guaranteed to pique many bird lovers’ interest. The content makes sure to highlight only the most attractive characteristics of the many species of birds that exist and inform the reader of their origins and other fun facts. 

10. Scientific American Magazine Review

Scientific American is the oldest, consistently published magazine in the entire country. Since 1845, the quality of each page in every issue that readers receive is all state-of-the-art. This magazine is famous for its easily accessible information for every educated reader. Whether it may be the latest medical breakthroughs or alternatives to energy technology, the content that readers will discover quite a variety of developments in science.

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The magazine highlights the future of current science and how important it is to human society. Readers will find that the many answers and column questions provide useful insights on current concerns related to science, such as climate change and harmful diseases. Each issue emphasizes the vast world of science, allowing their audience to join in one the immersive and informative journey.