What PlayStation Plus gives you at each tier

PlayStation Plus comes in three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Each tier stacks on top of the one below it — Extra includes everything Essential offers, plus additional games and features. Premium includes everything in Extra, plus cloud gaming and classic PlayStation games. The tier you choose determines which online multiplayer features you can use, how many games you get each month, and whether you can stream or read older PlayStation titles.

All three tiers require a monthly or annual payment. The monthly cost varies by region and changes periodically, so check your PlayStation Store for current pricing in your country. Annual plans typically cost less per month than paying monthly.

Key Takeaways

  • PlayStation Plus Essential is the base tier and is required to play online multiplayer on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
  • Extra adds a game library of several hundred titles at no additional cost beyond the subscription, including recent PlayStation exclusives.
  • Premium adds cloud gaming (play games without downloading) and access to classic games from PlayStation 1, 2, and PSP.
  • You can change tiers or cancel at any time, and your subscription renews automatically unless you turn off auto-renewal.
  • Family members on the same console can share a subscription, but online multiplayer requires each player to have their own PlayStation Network account.

PlayStation Plus Essential: online multiplayer and monthly games

Essential is the entry-level tier. It lets you play online multiplayer games, access online features in single-player games, and use cloud storage to back up your save files. You also receive a small number of games each month at no extra cost — typically two to three titles that rotate monthly.

Essential is required if you want to play any online multiplayer game on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5. Single-player games do not require a subscription. Free-to-play games like Fortnite and Apex Legends do not require PlayStation Plus to play online, even at the Essential tier.

PlayStation Plus Extra: hundreds of games in a rotating library

Extra includes everything Essential offers, plus access to a game library of several hundred titles. These games are available to read and play as long as your subscription is active. The library includes recent PlayStation exclusives like God of War Ragnarök, Spider-Man, and Sackboy: A Big Adventure, along with third-party games from publishers like Ubisoft and Capcom.

The library changes regularly — Sony adds new games and removes others each month. You can see the full current list on the PlayStation Store. If a game you are playing leaves the library, you have a grace period to finish it before it becomes unavailable, though you lose access once the subscription ends.

PlayStation Plus Premium: cloud gaming and classic games

Premium includes everything in Extra, plus two additional features: cloud gaming and a catalog of classic PlayStation games. Cloud gaming lets you stream games from Sony's servers instead of downloading them to your console — useful if your internet is fast enough and your storage is full. The classic games library includes titles from PlayStation 1, PlayStation 2, and PSP, though the selection varies by region.

Premium also includes a trial period for new games — you can stream certain new releases for a limited time before deciding whether to buy them. This feature is not available on Essential or Extra.

How to change tiers or cancel your subscription

You manage your subscription through your PlayStation Network account settings on your console or the PlayStation website. To upgrade or downgrade, go to your account, select Subscriptions, and choose the tier you want. Changes take effect when ready, and you are charged the difference if you upgrade mid-cycle.

To cancel, go to the same Subscriptions menu and select Cancel Subscription. Your access ends on the date your current billing period expires — you do not lose access when ready. Auto-renewal turns off automatically when you cancel, so you will not be charged again unless you manually restart the subscription.

Sharing a subscription with family members

Family members who use the same PlayStation 5 console can share a single subscription. The account holder's subscription covers anyone who plays on that console. However, each person who plays online multiplayer needs their own PlayStation Network account — the subscription itself is not tied to a specific account, only to the console.

On PlayStation 4, console sharing works similarly, but the rules are stricter about which accounts can use the subscription. Check your console's account settings to see who has access to your subscription on that device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need PlayStation Plus to play single-player games?

No. PlayStation Plus is only required for online multiplayer, online features in games, and cloud save storage. You can play any single-player game without a subscription. Free-to-play games also do not require PlayStation Plus to play online.

Can I try a tier before committing to a full month?

Sony occasionally offers trial periods for new subscribers, usually a discounted first month. Check the PlayStation Store to see if a trial is currently available in your region. Existing subscribers cannot use trials.

What happens to my games if my subscription expires?

Games you downloaded through PlayStation Plus become unplayable once your subscription ends. Games you purchased separately remain playable. Your save files stay on your console and in cloud storage, so you can pick up where you left off if you resubscribe later.

Can I use my subscription on multiple consoles?

Yes, but the rules differ between PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. On PS5, you can use your subscription on any console where your account is set as the primary account. On PS4, console sharing settings determine access. Check your console settings to confirm your setup.

Is cloud gaming available in my country?

Cloud gaming through PlayStation Plus Premium is not available everywhere. Availability depends on your region and internet provider. Check the PlayStation website or your account settings to see if cloud gaming is available where you are.