The New York Times Company launches digital subscriptions for Wirecutter

The New York Times Company announced today that Wirecutter, its product recommendation service, will institute a metered paywall, asking its frequent users to subscribe for unlimited access to its research and recommendations. New York Times All Access digital and home delivery subscribers will continue to receive unlimited access to Wirecutter’s 1,200+ product reviews, deals coverage and other guides to help them shop confidently online with their existing subscription. A standalone subscription to Wirecutter is available for $5 every four weeks or $40 annually.

“While Wirecutter will continue to be an affiliate business, diversifying its revenue sources will help ensure its long-term success and independence, as well as unlock additional business value that can be invested back into the business to serve subscribers,” said David Perpich, head of standalone products, The New York Times Company. “This change is also a continuation of The Times’ push to invest in product experiences that enrich subscribers’ lives beyond reading the news, following on the heels of NYT Games and NYT Cooking.”

Wirecutter’s digital subscription is part of the company’s efforts to add even more differential value to the subscriber experience. Earlier this summer, the company launched gift articles, which allow subscribers to share up to 10 articles a month with nonsubscribers; and in August, it announced subscriber-only newsletters, a curated collection of more than 15 new and existing News and Opinion newsletters available only to Times subscribers.

Linda Li, general manager of Wirecutter, added: “Wirecutter’s success is due to its singular focus on helping our readers with integrity, transparency, empathy and rigor. With the launch of subscriptions, we’re excited to further this mission so that Wirecutter can become even more indispensable to our readers’ lives.”

Wirecutter researches, tests and recommends the best of everything, from robot vacuums to wine glasses. It strives to make finding the best stuff quick, easy and transparent, so its users can get on with their lives. Wirecutter was founded in 2011 and acquired by The Times Company in 2016.