News sites with no paywall (2026)
Updated September 2026
Sometimes the easiest way past a paywall is to read a source that does not have one. These reputable outlets keep their core news free — no subscription, no meter.
How this list is chosen
These are established outlets that keep their core news free — largely wire services, public broadcasters, and nonprofit newsrooms funded by grants, licence fees or reader donations rather than subscriptions. A few show occasional support prompts, but the articles stay readable.
When you still hit a wall
For outlets not on this list, a reader-first tool handles soft and metered walls, and your public library covers many hard-paywall titles for free.
Free news sources
| Outlet | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AP News | Wire service | Core news free; funded by licensing to other outlets |
| BBC News | Public broadcaster | Free worldwide (UK licence fee) |
| NPR | Public radio (US) | Free; occasional donation prompts |
| PBS NewsHour | Public broadcaster (US) | Free |
| The Guardian | Reader-funded | No wall; asks for optional support |
| The Conversation | Academic nonprofit | Free, expert-authored, republishable |
| ProPublica | Investigative nonprofit | Free; foundation-funded |
| Al Jazeera English | International broadcaster | Free |
| Deutsche Welle | Public broadcaster (DE) | Free, many languages |
| France 24 | Public broadcaster (FR) | Free, multilingual |
| CBC News | Public broadcaster (CA) | Core news free |
Free as of 2026; a few may add light support prompts. For paywalled outlets not listed here, try a reader tool or your library.
Live success rates
Unlike other tools, RemovePaywall shows how often it actually works, from real usage — recent examples: The New Yorker ~98% · WIRED ~98% · The Atlantic ~97% · Business Insider ~92% · The New York Times ~64%. See the full live list.
FAQ
Which major news sites have no paywall?
Wire services (AP), public broadcasters (BBC, NPR, PBS, DW, France 24, CBC), and nonprofits (The Conversation, ProPublica) keep their core news free. The Guardian is free with optional support.
Is free news lower quality?
No — AP and Reuters supply much of the world's wire reporting, and public broadcasters and nonprofits produce award-winning journalism.
What about paywalled outlets?
Use a reader-first tool for soft/metered walls, or your public library for hard-paywall titles like the NYT or WSJ.