PlayStation Plus vs Xbox Game Pass: Which Is Better?

For gamers, subscription services have become a large part of their experience. How do you decide between the two most popular options? PlayStation Plus vs Xbox Game Pass is a tough choice. These gaming giants offer numerous features and benefits, making it challenging to know which one is truly worth your time and money. Whether you want access to the latest releases or perks like online multiplayer, both services provide something for every gamer. Which should you choose?

An Overview of PlayStation Plus vs Xbox Game Pass

PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass are complete gaming ecosystems that enhance your gaming experience. Yet, how do they stack up against each other?

Feature/Aspect	PlayStation Plus	Xbox Game Pass
Service Tiers	Essential, Extra, Premium	Core, Standard, Game Pass for PC, Game Pass Ultimate
Monthly Subscription Cost	– Essential: $9.99	– Core: $9.99
	– Extra: $14.99	– Standard: $14.99
	– Premium: $17.99	– PC: $11.99
		– Ultimate: $19.99
Free Monthly Games	Yes (varies by tier)	Yes (varies by tier)
Game Library Size	400+ PS4 and PS5 games (Extra & Premium)	400+ games (Standard), 100+ for Ultimate
Cloud Gaming	Yes (only on Premium)	Yes (Ultimate only)
Online Multiplayer	Yes (required for online play)	Yes (included in all tiers)
Game Streaming	Yes (Premium only)	Yes (Ultimate only)
Backward Compatibility	PS1, PS2, PS3, PSP games (Premium)	Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox original games
Exclusive Discounts	Yes	Yes
DLC and Add-On Content	Discounts available	Discounts available
Game Trials	Yes (limited time trials on Premium)	Yes (limited time trials on Ultimate)
New Releases Availability	Varies; some day one releases	Many day one releases
Additional Services	PlayStation Now integration (Premium)	EA Play included (Ultimate)

PlayStation Plus: The Essential Playstation Experience

PlayStation Plus has been around for quite some time and has seen many changes over the years. What started as a service for online multiplayer and a handful of monthly games has now evolved into a multi-tiered system. Today, three subscription levels are available to players:

• Essential for $9.99 monthly: This tier is the baseline, offering access to online multiplayer, two monthly downloadable games — including one for PS4 and one for PS5 — cloud storage and exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store.
• Extra for $14.99 monthly: A package deal that builds on Essential by giving you access to a wider catalog of PS4 and PS5 games. It’s basically a library that lets you explore and download titles whenever you want.
• Premium for $17.99 monthly: This is the top-tier option, providing all the perks of Essential and Extra. However, it also adds classic games from previous PlayStation generations and cloud streaming capabilities. It’s a great option if you want full access to PlayStation’s offerings, including retro hits. 

Xbox Game Pass: All-You-Can-Play Gaming

Xbox Game Pass takes a slightly different turn. Often called the “Netflix of gaming,” this subscription service gives subscribers instant access to a huge selection of games. However, Microsoft has recently changed the Xbox Game Pass lineup, introducing new tiers. Now, the service offers four tiers, including:

• Xbox Game Pass Core: At $9.99 per month, Core is an entry-level option providing access to over 25 games, special deals and online gameplay.
• Xbox Game Pass Standard: Replacing the previous Console tier, Standard costs $14.99 monthly and offers hundreds of games, online gameplay and discounts. The main difference from the previous tier is that new subscribers won’t have immediate access to day-one game releases. It may add some titles later — up to 12 months after the initial release.
• PC game pass: For PC gamers, this tier costs $11.99 each month. It offers access to a large library of games, EA play, recent day-one titles and promotions.
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: If you want it all, Ultimate is available for $19.99 per month and includes the benefits of all the other tiers. Plus, it allows access to day-one titles and gaming across platforms like console, PC and mobile with cloud gaming.

Game Library and Access

With gaming subscriptions, the availability of games in the library is often the main deciding factor for most gamers. PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass offer extensive catalogs, but the details of their game access differ greatly.

What You Get With the PlayStation Plus Library

PlayStation Plus recently underwent a major revamp, providing access to games across its three towers. For instance, the Essential tier offers subscribers access to a limited number of monthly downloadable games. While these titles rotate regularly, they often include a mix of popular indie titles, AAA games and PlayStation classics. 

In the Extra tier, you get more options for PS4 and PS5 titles. The game library will include various genres, so there’s something for everyone — whether you’re into adventure, RPGs or action-packed shooters.

In the Premium tier, you can access an even larger game library, including titles from PS1, PS2 and PSP. This tier also allows you to stream games across PS4, PS5 and PC.

What You Get With the Xbox Game Pass Library

The Xbox Game Pass’s library offers a large selection of titles. Depending on the tier you choose, you’ll have access to numerous games spanning console, PC and cloud gaming. 

One of the biggest draws of Xbox Game Pass is its focus on day-one releases. Games from Xbox Game Studios and partnered developers launch in the library as soon as they’re released, letting subscribers play new titles without having to make additional purchases. However, some tiers don’t offer immediate access to this, so you may want to consider whether this decreases the value for you.

The gaming experience across devices is also why it’s so similar to Netflix. It gives you a larger library of hundreds of games, from indie hits to blockbuster AAA titles. Popular franchises like FIFA, Battlefield and Mass Effect are available. Plus, it adds new games and rotates older ones out.

PlayStation Plus vs Xbox Game Pass: Which One is Better?

Feature/Aspect	PlayStation Plus	Xbox Game Pass
Pros	– Variety of Tiers: Offers different subscription levels to cater to various needs.	– Large Game Library: Access to a vast library of games across various genres.
	– Monthly Free Games: Regularly offers free games each month.	– Day One Releases: Many first-party and third-party games are available on launch day.
	– Classic Games: Premium tier includes access to PS1, PS2, PS3, and PSP titles.	– Backward Compatibility: Extensive support for older Xbox titles.
	– Cloud Gaming: Available in the Premium tier, allowing for gaming on various devices.	– EA Play Integration: Ultimate members get access to EA Play games and benefits.
	– Online Multiplayer: Required for online play, ensuring a competitive environment.	– Game Trials: Offers trials for new games, allowing users to try before they buy.
	– Exclusive Discounts: Members receive discounts on games and add-ons.	– Cross-Platform Play: Play on console and PC with the same subscription (Ultimate).
	– Strong First-Party Titles: Access to popular PlayStation exclusives.	– Flexible Subscription: Multiple subscription options available for console, PC, or both.
Cons	– Limited Day-One Releases: Fewer new games available on launch day compared to Game Pass.	– Higher Subscription Cost for Ultimate: While it offers many features, it can be more expensive than PS Plus.
	– Less Extensive Game Library: Fewer total games available in the Extra/Premium tiers.	– No Classic Games Access: Does not offer a selection of classic games like PS Plus Premium.
	– Cloud Gaming Limitations: Available only in the Premium tier, which may limit access for some users.	– Limited Free Monthly Games: Fewer free games offered each month compared to PS Plus.
	– Online Multiplayer Requirement: Requires subscription for online play, which can be seen as a downside.	– Game Availability: Games can rotate in and out of the library, so favorites may not always be available.
	– No PC Integration for Essential/Extra: PC gamers must subscribe to Premium for cloud access.	– Less Focus on Single-Player Experiences: More emphasis on multiplayer and co-op games.

When deciding between PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, the real question often boils down to which service gives you the best bang for your buck. While both services offer excellent features, their value ultimately depends on what you hope to get out of a subscription.

PlayStation Plus: Steady and Diverse Content

PlayStation Plus offers solid value across all its tiers, with a more traditional approach to content delivery. If you’re a PlayStation fan, the current-gen hits and classic throwbacks are sure to keep you entertained. With the Essential tier being the most affordable entry point, you can dip your toes into the service with access to free monthly games, cloud storage and online multiplayer.

If you want more, the Extra and Premium tiers offer expansive libraries that will satisfy your craving for everything. However, they don’t necessarily get day-one releases like Xbox Game Pass offers, so this could be a drawback.

Xbox Game Pass: An All-Access

Xbox Game Pass is quite popular for its “all-you-can-play” approach. If you love keeping up with the latest games and other developers, the value is hard to beat. Although the changes to the tier delay day-one access for new subscribers, the service still provides unmatched versatility. 

Playing new releases without purchasing them outright is a huge advantage for many gamers, and the constant addition of new titles keeps the library fresh. Plus, the EA play and cloud gaming only sweeten the deal if you want more than a console-based experience. 

While PlayStation Plus offers cloud gaming, it does come with some limitations. For instance, you can only stream PS5 games on the PS5 console. Keep in mind that only 68% of consumers are satisfied with their internet provider, so you need a strong internet connection to play cloud games smoothly.

Meanwhile, Xbox Game Pass lets you play its newest games on PC. Additionally, it’s compatible with other devices like smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, iOS and Android.

Which One Is Better?

Is PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass better? The answer to this question doesn’t come as easily as you might think. Naturally, it depends on whether you’re a PlayStation loyalist or an Xbox fan. 

Yet, if you love both, PlayStation Plus is great for those who love Sony’s exclusive games and options for classic and current titles. However, the Xbox Game Pass is appealing if you crave day-one access, a broader cross-platform experience and more frequent library updates. Whichever you choose, both give valuable access to games and perks. 

PlayStation Plus vs Xbox Game Pass: The Final Verdict

Both services offer strong perks for different genres, so choosing between PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass can seem like a tough decision. However, choosing the right option is easy when you know what you want in a gaming subscription. In the end, they both deliver great value for gamers, so weigh your preferences to pick the one that best meets your gaming needs.