What Is PlayStation Plus?

PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, Ubisoft+, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack – most of the major players in the world of video games have their own subscription service(s), and Restart is here to break down each one so you know what’s up.

Today, let’s look at PlayStation Plus.

What is PlayStation Plus?

PlayStation Plus, or PS Plus, is an optional subscription service that gives subscribers access to online multiplayer features in video games played on PlayStation consoles, store discounts, and other benefits.

As of this writing, there are three different PS Plus subscription plans to choose from, with each offering a different set of benefits.

Here’s an overview of all three.

What do you get in PS Plus Essential?

PS Plus Essential subscribers will be able to play PlayStation games with other real people through online multiplayer features. It’s important to note that while most PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 games require a PS Plus subscription to play online, certain free-to-play titles (like Fortnite) do not have this requirement.
Subscribers receive access to a curated selection of games each month, which, if added to their library during the available window, they can continue to play going forward without making an additional purchase so long as they have an active PS Plus subscription.
Subscribers receive access to exclusive discounts on select games, add-ons, and other content in the PlayStation Store.
Subscribers receive access to exclusive content, such as skins and other cosmetics, in a selection of games.
Subscribers receive access to cloud storage, allowing them to save their PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 game data in the cloud.
Subscribers receive access to “Share Play” sessions, which allow them to invite their friends to play games with them, even if those friends don’t own the same games. Subscribers can invite a single visitor to play with them at a time, and sessions end after one hour.

What do you get in PS Plus Extra?

PS Plus Extra subscribers receive everything included in the Essential plan.
Subscribers receive access to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, which includes hundreds of games they can download and play so long as they have a subscription.
Subscribers receive access to a curated selection of games in the Ubisoft+ Classics catalog.

What do you get in PS Plus Premium?

PS Plus Premium subscribers receive everything included in the Essential and Extra plans.
Subscribers receive access to the Classics Catalog, allowing them to play a curated selection of titles originally released on PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PSP.
Subscribers receive access to limited-time game trials.
Subscribers can stream games from the Classics Catalog and the Game Catalog to their PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and/or PC.
Subscribers can stream a curated selection of up to 100 movies from the Sony Pictures Catalog using the Sony Pictures Core app on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5.

How much does PS Plus cost?

Each plan is available in one month, three month, or yearly subscriptions. Here are the prices for the different plans for subscribers in the United States:

PS Plus Essential

1 Month: $9.99
3 Months: $24.99
12 Months: $79.99

PS Plus Extra

1 Month: $14.99
3 Months: $39.99
12 Months: $134.99

PS Plus Premium

1 Month: $17.99
3 Months: $49.99
12 Months: $159.99

Am I required to purchase PS Plus?

The answer will depend on your personal gaming habits. If you want to play games online that require a PS Plus subscription, then yes, you will need to purchase at least the PS Plus Essential plan. However, if you only play single-player games or don’t care about the other benefits provided by the PS Plus plans, you aren’t required to subscribe.

Is PS Plus worth it?

The PS Plus Essential plan is worth if it you like playing online multiplayer games, since a subscription is required to play most PlayStation games online.

The PS Plus Extra plan is worth if it you're interested in catching up on many older, but still high quality games without purchasing them individually.

The PS Plus Premium plan is worth if if you enjoy retro gaming and/or are interested in the plan's streaming features.