What is the difference between open access journals and subscription journals?

Open access journals provide immediate, free online access to published articles, typically funded through article processing charges paid by authors or institutions. Conversely, subscription journals require payment for access, funded primarily through reader, library, or institutional subscriptions. Key distinctions involve funding mechanisms and accessibility barriers. Subscription journals restrict access to paying subscribers; open access removes price barriers. Copyright retention often favors authors more in open access. While subscription models have long-established prestige systems, open access prevalence varies significantly across disciplines. Open access includes models like gold (published OA) and green (author self-archiving), whereas hybrid journals offer OA options within subscription frameworks. The primary value of open access lies in maximizing research visibility, accessibility, and potential societal impact by enabling barrier-free dissemination globally. Subscription journals traditionally ensure financial sustainability and rigorous quality control through peer review. Many funding mandates now require open access publishing to ensure public accessibility to publicly funded research.