Sony’s PlayStation Plus has been a staple in the gaming community, receiving a comprehensive overhaul in 2022. The service now features a tiered arrangement, merging the original PS Plus with PS Now. This redesign aims at providing a competitive alternative to Xbox Game Pass, especially with its higher subscription levels boasting expansive libraries of games that are refreshed monthly.
Despite facing some scrutiny and critiques, PS Plus has reached a level of stability, emerging as a reliable choice for both PS5 and PS4 gamers alike. Given its diverse content offerings and various pricing structures, it’s essential for potential subscribers to understand the key components of PS Plus.
Latest Update (January 17, 2025): The latest titles for PS Plus Premium and Extra have been disclosed by Sony and are now included in this article.
Overview of PlayStation Plus Tiers
The PlayStation Plus service offers a tiered system instead of a single subscription model, allowing users to choose from three distinct levels: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Below is a breakdown of the benefits associated with each tier:
- Essential: This is the foundational tier and includes online multiplayer access, monthly free games, exclusive discounts, and additional benefits.
- Extra: Offers all the features of the Essential tier, plus a vast collection of downloadable PS5 and PS4 titles.
- Premium: Incorporates all the benefits of Essential and Extra, with the addition of a classic games catalog covering titles from PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSP.
Your choice of PS Plus tier ultimately depends on your gaming preferences. If your main goal is to engage in online multiplayer, the Essential tier might suffice, with limited benefits from the more costly options.
The Premium tier’s main selling point lies in its expansive Classics Catalog, which adds a variety of older titles to the selection available under the Extra tier. It’s important to mention that PS3 games are only accessible via Cloud Streaming, meaning usability largely depends on the speed and stability of the user’s internet connection.
Which PS Plus Tier Is Right For You?
Given the significant difference in pricing among the tiers, understanding the features and benefits of each can be helpful in determining the best choice.
| Essential | Extra | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Games | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Multiplayer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Exclusive Discounts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud Storage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Share Play | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PS Plus Collection (PS5 Only) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Exclusive Content | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Game Catalog – PS5 & PS4 Games | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ubisoft+ Classics | No | Yes | Yes |
| Classics Catalog – PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSP Games | No | No | Yes |
| Cloud Streaming | No | No | Yes |
| PS Plus on PC (Cloud Streaming) | No | No | Yes |
| Game Trials | No | No | Yes |
| Sony Pictures Core | No | No | Yes |
Pricing for PlayStation Plus
Each PlayStation Plus tier comes with its unique pricing to reflect the benefits included within each subscription level.
PS Plus Essential Pricing
- 1-Month Subscription: $9.99
- 3-Month Subscription: $24.99
- 12-Month Subscription: $79.99
PS Plus Extra Pricing
- 1-Month Subscription: $14.99
- 3-Month Subscription: $39.99
- 12-Month Subscription: $134.99
PS Plus Premium Pricing
- 1-Month Subscription: $17.99
- 3-Month Subscription: $49.99
- 12-Month Subscription: $159.99
Subscribing to PlayStation Plus
Subscribing to PS Plus is a straightforward process with multiple options available to users.
New users must first create a PlayStation Network account, which is essential for accessing any PSN services, including game purchases from the PS Store. You can start by creating an account here.
Subscribing via PS5
The easiest way to subscribe to PS Plus is through your PS5 or PS4 console. Here’s how:
- Log in to your home screen.
- Navigate to the PlayStation Plus panel.
- Select “Subscribe“.
- Choose your tier: Essential, Extra, or Premium.
- Select your payment plan.
Subscribing via Web Browser
You can also subscribe directly from a web browser. Just visit the PlayStation Plus page, scroll to “Choose Your Membership Plan“, select your preferred tier, and then click “Add to Cart“to complete your purchase.
Cancelling Your PS Plus Subscription
If you need to cancel your PS Plus subscription, follow these simple steps:
- On a web browser, navigate to the Account Management page.
- Select “Subscription“from the PlayStation Network menu.
- Click “Cancel Subscription“next to PlayStation Plus.
This page also lets you change your PS Plus tier or adjust your payment frequency.
PS Plus on PC
Subscribers to PS Plus Premium can stream games via the dedicated PC app, which includes selections from both the Games and Classics Catalog, though it does not offer the complete range of titles. Notable points to consider include:
- Only the DualShock 4 controller is confirmed to be compatible, although others may work.
- PS Plus On PC isn’t available in every region that has the primary streaming service.
- PS5 games cannot be streamed.
- There is no need for a PS5 or PS4 to subscribe to PS Plus on PC.
- For optimal experience, a wired broadband internet connection with at least 5 Mbps is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Premium Subscribers Stream PS5 Games?
PS Plus Premium’s Cloud Streaming allows access to PS4 games in the Games Catalog and all titles in the Classics Catalog. However, PS5 games are not streamable.
When Are New Games Added?
While Sony has not confirmed a precise date for new game additions, historical patterns indicate updates typically occur halfway through the month.
Can Subscribers Switch Tiers?
Absolutely. If you wish to upgrade to a higher PS Plus tier, simply purchase a new membership at your desired level, and the upgrade will take effect immediately. You will be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of the current month.
To downgrade, access the “Subscription“tab in your Sony account, and your new tier will apply with the next billing cycle.
Can PS Plus Benefits Be Shared?
Which PlayStation Plus Should I Get?
Your choice will ultimately depend on your gaming habits. If you primarily plan to play PS5 and PS4 titles, opting for the Premium tier may not be necessary.
PS Plus Essential Free Games For January 2025
Free Titles for October
The PS Plus Essential free games for January 2025 will be available from January 7 to February 3.
This month starts with a mixed bag that may elicit differing opinions, largely due to the controversial nature of the primary game released. However, like previous months, this lineup does have its highlights worth considering.
While “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League”recently underwent scrutiny for its mixed reviews, it remains a significant title to explore risk-free within the subscription framework. Accompanied by “Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered,”which offers classic arcade racer thrills, and the acclaimed indie title “The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe,”January’s free games provide a range of gaming experiences.
Games Available on PlayStation Plus Extra & Premium
- Current as of December 30, 2024
For many subscribers, PS Plus Extra represents the ideal tier, as it features a vast library of PS5 and PS4 games. Unless you have a keen interest in retro titles or Cloud Streaming, there are limited reasons to select Premium over Extra. Both tiers provide the option to download and install the following games:
Every PS5 Game On PS Plus Extra & Premium
| A-H | I-R | S-Z |
|---|---|---|
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Every PS4 Game On PS Plus Extra & Premium
| A-G | L-R | S-Z |
|---|---|---|
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Exploring PlayStation Plus Premium Classics
The Premium tier is dedicated to celebrating the legacy of PlayStation through its extensive library of classic titles from over two decades. Owners of PS5 or PS4 who wish to revisit cherished games from the past will find this tier particularly enticing.
Unique Titles Exclusive to PS Plus Premium
| A-D | E-R | S-Z |
|---|---|---|
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Complete List of PS3 Games on PS Plus Premium
| AE | F-Q | R-Z |
|---|---|---|
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PS1, PS2, & PSP Games Included in PS Plus Premium
| PS1 | PS2 | PSP |
|---|---|---|
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