How Much is a Month of PS Plus?
The cost of a monthly PlayStation Plus subscription varies depending on the tier you choose. As of late 2023, PlayStation Plus Essential, the most basic tier, costs $9.99 per month. This is the standard option that provides the core benefits of PlayStation Plus, which we’ll discuss further. However, if you’re looking for additional perks and a larger game library, you’ll need to consider the higher-tier options, which come with different monthly costs. It’s crucial to remember that these prices can be subject to change, so always check the PlayStation Store for the most current information. Let’s break down the tiers and their costs further.
Understanding PlayStation Plus Tiers and Their Monthly Costs
PlayStation Plus currently offers three distinct subscription tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Each tier provides a different level of benefits and, therefore, comes with a different price tag. Understanding these differences will help you decide which option best fits your gaming needs and budget.
PlayStation Plus Essential: The Core Experience
As mentioned, the Essential tier is the most basic and costs $9.99 per month. This tier grants you access to essential features such as online multiplayer gaming for most purchased titles, exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store, and a couple of downloadable games each month. Also included is 100 GB of cloud storage for game saves, ensuring your progress is safe even if something happens to your console.
PlayStation Plus Extra: Expanding Your Game Library
Stepping up to PlayStation Plus Extra will incur a higher monthly fee, though the exact price isn’t directly stated as a monthly amount in the source text. Instead, the information tells us that it is $35 more per year than the Essential tier. What this gets you, though, is access to a large catalog of downloadable games from the PS4 and PS5 eras, in addition to all the benefits of Essential. This is a great option for gamers looking to expand their gaming horizons without purchasing each title individually. The exact monthly cost would need to be derived from the yearly price differences, as the source text does not provide a monthly breakdown for this tier.
PlayStation Plus Premium: The Ultimate Package
PlayStation Plus Premium, the highest tier, offers all the benefits of both Essential and Extra, plus access to an even larger library that includes retro games. This tier can be purchased for $18 a month according to our source. However, it’s also available in three-month and annual packages. It’s the ultimate choice for PlayStation enthusiasts wanting access to a vast range of gaming experiences, from classic titles to the latest releases.
Additional Ways to Pay and Save
While a straight monthly subscription is convenient, there are other ways to pay for PlayStation Plus that can save you money in the long run. You can often find discounted gift cards, or sometimes retailers offer promotions on multi-month subscriptions.
Quarterly and Annual Plans
Choosing to pay quarterly or annually often comes with a cost saving. While the source doesn’t explicitly list the monthly cost of Extra, it does state the cost is $35 more per year than Essential. The annual cost for Essential is $79.99 so, an annual subscription for Extra is $114.99. Premium costs $160 annually, and $50 for three months, and $18 a month, as stated in the source text. These offer cost savings compared to the monthly price. The 3 month option of Essential costs $24.99 and an annual version costs $59.99. While it’s good to remember these costs, it’s a good idea to shop around before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PlayStation Plus
To further clarify any confusion you might have about PlayStation Plus, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers:
Is a monthly PS Plus subscription still available?
Yes, the standard tier of PlayStation Plus Essential can be paid for on a monthly basis at a cost of $9.99. You can also opt for quarterly or annual payments which can be more cost effective.
Is PlayStation Plus more expensive now than before?
Yes, PS Plus Extra is $35 more per year and PS Plus Premium is $40 more per year than it used to be. These increased costs reflect the additional features and larger game libraries offered by these tiers.
Can you get PlayStation Plus for free?
Yes, sometimes free trials are offered, if available in your country or region. These trials usually grant you access to PlayStation Plus benefits for a limited time.
What do you get with a PlayStation Plus subscription?
As a PlayStation Plus member, you can play select content, join your friends in multiplayer games, enjoy special features, and automatically back up game save data to online storage. The specific benefits vary depending on the subscription tier you choose.
Do you need PlayStation Plus to play free online games?
No, a PlayStation Plus membership is not required to play free-to-play games online. If the free game has an online multiplayer feature, you can play it without a subscription.
Is it worth buying PlayStation Plus?
If you want to play games online, a PlayStation Plus subscription is necessary for the majority of purchased games. Therefore, the Essential subscription is recommended. In addition to online multiplayer, it provides exclusive discounts, free monthly games, and cloud saves.
Why pay for PS Plus?
In addition to granting access to online multiplayer, PS Plus offers exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store, free games each month, and 100GB of cloud storage for game saves.
Is there a $5 a month option for PS Plus?
No, there is no $5 per month plan for PlayStation Plus. The base monthly cost is $9.99 for the Essential tier.
What games are included with PS Plus in 2023?
The games included each month vary. In May 2023, titles like Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Watch Dogs Legion, and Humanity were part of the PlayStation Plus Games Catalog. Games are added and removed from the catalog regularly.
Do you lose the monthly free games if you cancel PS Plus?
Yes, games you receive through PS Plus are only available while your subscription is active. If your subscription ends, you will lose access to the downloaded games.
How much is a new PS5 console?
The new model of the PS5 with a disc drive costs $499.99 in the US, while the PS5 Digital Edition is priced at $449.99. The new models are also often referred to as PS5 Slim versions.
How much is Xbox Game Pass?
An Xbox Game Pass Core subscription costs $10 a month or $60 per year, providing access to online multiplayer support and a collection of Xbox Studio games, along with discounts.
Is PlayStation Plus safe for kids?
Yes, PlayStation Plus is generally safe for kids. Parental controls allow parents to set content restrictions, ensuring that child family members can only access age-appropriate content based on the content’s age rating.
What are the differences between PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now?
PlayStation Plus focuses on online multiplayer access and monthly free games, while PlayStation Now, which has now been merged into the new PlayStation Plus structure, mainly offers access to a large library of streamable games.
Do you need PS Plus to play all online games?
For most games you have bought on disc or downloaded from the PlayStation Store, you need a PS Plus membership to play online. However, most free-to-play games do not require a membership.
Conclusion
Understanding the various PlayStation Plus tiers and their associated costs is crucial to making the right decision for your gaming needs. While the basic monthly cost for PlayStation Plus Essential is $9.99, those seeking more comprehensive benefits might want to consider the higher-tier options, either on a monthly basis or through a multi-month plan, or even annually. By weighing the benefits and carefully considering the price, you can pick the PlayStation Plus plan that will give you the most enjoyment from your console.