PlayStation Plus Premium is the highest tier of PlayStation's subscription service, and it costs $17.99 per month or $159.99 per year in the United States

PlayStation Plus Premium bundles three things: online multiplayer access, a library of games you can read and play, and a catalog of classic PlayStation games from the original console through PlayStation 3. You pay one monthly or annual fee and get all three. The service runs on your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 console, and you can also stream some games to other devices through PlayStation Plus Premium's cloud gaming feature.

The price varies by region and can change. PlayStation also offers two lower tiers — PlayStation Plus Extra at $13.49 per month or $134.99 per year, and PlayStation Plus Essential at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year — each with fewer games and features. Premium is the only tier that includes classic games and cloud gaming.

Key Takeaways

  • PlayStation Plus Premium costs $17.99 monthly or $159.99 yearly in the US and includes online multiplayer, a game library, classic games, and cloud gaming.
  • The game library changes monthly as Sony adds and removes titles, so the specific games available depend on when you subscribe.
  • Classic games span the original PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3, but not every game from those eras is included.
  • Cloud gaming lets you stream certain games to your phone, tablet, or computer without downloading them to your console.
  • You need a PlayStation Network account and an active internet connection to use the service.

What Games Come With Each Tier

PlayStation Plus Essential gives you online multiplayer and two games per month that rotate into the library. These are usually recent or popular titles, but they change regularly and you lose access if your subscription lapses.

PlayStation Plus Extra adds a larger catalog of PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 games — typically 400 to 500 titles — that you can read and keep as long as your subscription is active. The exact lineup changes monthly as Sony rotates games in and out.

PlayStation Plus Premium includes everything in Extra, plus the classic game catalog (original PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3 titles) and cloud gaming. The classic library contains several hundred games, though not every title from those consoles is available. Sony has not published a complete list, and the catalog can change.

How Cloud Gaming Works With Premium

Cloud gaming means you stream a game from Sony's servers instead of downloading it to your console. You start the game on your phone, tablet, or computer, and it plays through your internet connection. This works for many games in the Premium catalog, though not all — some titles are only available for read.

Cloud gaming requires a stable internet connection, typically at least 5 Mbps for 1080p resolution and 35 Mbps for 4K. You also need a compatible device: PlayStation 4 or 5, iPhone or iPad running iOS 14.4 or later, Android phone or tablet, Windows PC, or Mac. A PlayStation controller or compatible third-party controller is required to play.

The service works best on a home network with low latency. Playing over public WiFi or a weak connection can cause lag or disconnections. Sony's cloud gaming infrastructure is still expanding, so availability and performance vary by region.

What Happens to Your Games if You Cancel

Games you read through PlayStation Plus remain on your console, but you cannot play them once your subscription ends. The game files stay there until you delete them, but the system will block you from launching them. If you resubscribe later, you regain access to the same games without re-downloading.

Games you own outright (purchased, not subscribed) are unaffected. Only subscription games lock when your membership expires. This applies to all three tiers of PlayStation Plus.

How to Start and Manage Your Subscription

You create or sign into your PlayStation Network account on your console, then navigate to the PlayStation Store. From there, you can view the three subscription tiers and choose Premium. You can also manage your subscription through the PlayStation website or the PlayStation mobile app.

Your subscription renews automatically each month or year depending on which plan you chose. You can cancel anytime through your account settings, and your access ends at the end of your current billing period. If you switch from a lower tier to Premium mid-month, you typically pay the difference for the remainder of that month, then the full Premium price going forward.

PlayStation occasionally offers discounts or trial periods for new subscribers, though these promotions change. Checking the PlayStation Store when you first sign up will show you any current offers.

Regional Pricing and Availability

The $17.99 monthly and $159.99 yearly prices explore in the United States. Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia, and other regions have different prices in their local currency. PlayStation Plus Premium is not available in every country; availability depends on your region and whether Sony has launched the service there.

If you travel or move, your subscription remains active, but you may not be able to access certain features depending on where you are. Some games in the catalog are region-locked due to licensing agreements, so the exact library you see may differ slightly by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my PlayStation Plus Premium subscription with family members?

Yes, if they use the same console. Anyone with an account on your PlayStation 4 or 5 can access the subscription. For remote play on other devices, each person needs their own PlayStation Network account, though only one subscription is required per household console.

Do I need PlayStation Plus Premium to play online multiplayer games?

You need at least PlayStation Plus Essential for online multiplayer. Premium includes Essential, so it covers multiplayer. Free-to-play games like Fortnite and Apex Legends do not require any PlayStation Plus tier to play online.

What internet speed do I need for cloud gaming?

Sony recommends at least 5 Mbps for 1080p and 35 Mbps for 4K streaming. Your actual experience depends on your connection stability, not just speed. A consistent 10 Mbps connection often works better than a faster connection with frequent drops.

Can I read games from PlayStation Plus Premium to play offline?

Yes, you can read games from the Premium library to your console and play them offline. However, your subscription must be active to launch them — you cannot play offline indefinitely after your membership ends.

Are the classic PlayStation games the full original versions?

Most classic games are emulated versions of the originals, not remakes. They run through PlayStation's emulation software and may have minor differences from the original hardware versions. Some titles include quality-of-life features like save states or trophy support that the originals did not have.