Top Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazines 2026

Since 2014, I've compiled an annual ranking of science fiction and fantasy magazines, based on prominent award nominations and "best of" placements over the previous ten years. If you're curious what magazines tend to be viewed by insiders as elite, check the top of the list. If you're curious to discover reputable magazines that aren't as widely known (or aren't as widely known specifically for their science fiction and fantasy), check the bottom of the list. Below is my list for 2026. (For previous lists, see here.) Method and Caveats: (1.) Only magazines are included (online or in print), not anthologies, standalones, or series. (2.) I give each magazine one point for each story nominated for a Hugo, Nebula, Sturgeon, World Fantasy, Ignyte, or Eugie award in the past ten years; one point for each story appearance in the past ten years in the "best of" anthologies by Dozois, Horton, Strahan, Clarke, Adams, and Tidhar; and half a point for each story appearing in the short story or…