Thinking about canceling your Harvard Business Review subscription? You're not alone. HBR has been a leader in business insights since 1922, but sometimes those subscription costs just don't fit the budget anymore. Maybe you signed up to get ahead during the whole 'return-to-office' debate but now you're just trying to cut back. With plans ranging from $12 to $20 a month, you can save up to $200 a year by canceling. This guide covers how to do it on your desktop, iOS, or Android device, so you can avoid any surprise renewal charges.
How to Cancel Harvard Business Review Subscription on Desktop
Canceling on a desktop is usually the most straightforward way. For some reason, the 'cancel' button seems less hidden on a full website. You'll just need to log in directly on the HBR site.
1 Go to HBR.org and Log In
First, head over to the HBR.org website on your computer and log in. If you're already logged in, great. If not, you might have to hunt for that password you forgot.
2 Navigate to 'My Account'
Once you're in, look for your name or a profile icon, usually sitting in the top-right corner of the page. Click on it and find the 'My Account' link from the dropdown menu.
3 Find Your Subscription Details
This is where it can get a little confusing. You need to find a section labeled 'Subscription & Billing' or something similar. I had to look twice to find it. Click on that to see your current plan details.
4 Select the Cancel Option
You should see your active subscription listed. Look for a link that says 'Cancel Subscription' or 'Turn Off Auto-Renewal'. They'll probably hit you with a survey or a last-ditch offer to stay. Just push through.
5 Confirm the Cancellation
Follow all the on-screen prompts until you see a final confirmation message. Don't just close the window. Make sure it explicitly says your subscription is canceled. It's a good idea to screenshot this page for your records.
How to Cancel Harvard Business Review Subscription on iOS
If you subscribed to HBR through the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, you have to cancel it there. You can't cancel it on the HBR website. Apple handles all the billing.
1 Open the Settings App
Grab your iPhone or iPad and open the Settings app. It's the one with the gear icon.
2 Tap Your Apple ID
Tap on your name and Apple ID at the very top of the Settings screen. This takes you to your iCloud and media settings.
3 Select 'Subscriptions'
On the next screen, tap on the 'Subscriptions' option. You'll see a list of all your active and expired app subscriptions.
4 Find the HBR Subscription
Scroll through the list until you find your Harvard Business Review subscription. Tap on it to open the management screen.
5 Tap 'Cancel Subscription'
At the bottom, you'll see a red 'Cancel Subscription' button. Tap it and confirm your choice. That's it. Your subscription will stop at the end of the current billing cycle.
How to Cancel Harvard Business Review Subscription on Android
For Android users who signed up via the Google Play Store, your subscription is managed by Google. You have to cancel it through the Play Store, not the HBR website.
1 Open the Google Play Store
On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Play Store app.
2 Tap Your Profile Icon
Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner. This will open a menu with several options.
3 Go to 'Payments & subscriptions'
From the menu, select 'Payments & subscriptions'. Then, on the next screen, tap 'Subscriptions'.
4 Find the HBR Subscription
You'll see a list of all your subscriptions managed by Google Play. Find Harvard Business Review in the list and tap on it.
5 Tap 'Cancel subscription'
At the bottom of the screen, you'll find the 'Cancel subscription' option. Tap it and follow the prompts to confirm. Weirdly, I had to refresh this page once for the button to appear, so be patient if it glitches.
Cancel Harvard Business Review Subscription with phone
You can call HBR customer service at 1-800-274-3214. Their hours are typically Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM ET. Be ready with your account number or the email address associated with your subscription. A user on Reddit mentioned, 'I had to call twice. The first rep couldn't find my account.' So be prepared for a little hassle.
Cancel Harvard Business Review Subscription with email
Send an email to [email protected]. Make sure to include your full name and account information in the email. Don't expect an instant reply. It can take a couple of business days to get a response, so this isn't the best option if your renewal is tomorrow.
First, a heads-up. HBR is pretty strict with its policies. You won't get a prorated refund if you cancel mid-cycle, so don't expect any money back for unused time. Annoying, I know. Your account won't be deleted, you'll just lose access to the premium articles once your current subscription period ends. Also, there isn't really a 'pause' option for digital plans, so it's either on or off.
Harvard Business Review Plans and Pricing 2025
| Plan | Price (per month) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Digital | $12 | Full digital access to HBR.org, the HBR app, and the visual library. Good for basic access. |
| Digital + Print | $15 | Everything in the Digital plan, plus you get the bi-monthly print magazine delivered to your door. |
| Premium | $20 | All Digital and Print benefits, plus exclusive weekly content, case studies, and special event access. This is the one they push the most. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Harvard Business Review
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Emma Sullivan
EdTech and Media Writer
Emma Sullivan is the EdTech & Media Writer at Pine AI, focusing on the intersection of educational technology, digital media, and consumer trends. With over a decade of experience as a technology journalist and an educator, Emma brings a unique, hands-on perspective to their analysis. In her full time profession Emma teaches digital literacy programs and reports for leading technology publications, where they cover the launch of major educational platforms and the integration of new media in learning environments. Emma is committed to providing readers with practical, insightful, and reliable guidance whether it's about saving money or practical subscription hacks, she wants to empower consumers through knowleddge.
