PlayStation Plus guide: everything you need to know about it

PlayStation Plus has changed over the last few years, giving you more ways to subscribe depending on how you play. PlayStation Plus is now split into three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Each plan includes online multiplayer and monthly games, but Extra and Premium add access to larger game libraries and additional features.

Let’s take a look at PlayStation Plus and what you should know before choosing a plan.

What is PlayStation Plus?

PlayStation Plus is Sony’s subscription service for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. At its core, it provides access to online multiplayer, monthly games that you can add to your library, cloud storage for saved data, and exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store. These benefits are included across all PlayStation Plus plans, making the service essential for anyone who plays online or wants access to a rotating selection of games each month.

The service is now divided into three tiers that build on one another. PlayStation Plus Essential includes the core features most players use day to day, such as online multiplayer and monthly games. With PlayStation Plus Extra, you gain access to the Game Catalog, which offers a large and regularly updated library of PS4 and PS5 games that can be downloaded and played as long as your subscription is active. The Premium tier builds on both plans by adding access to classic PlayStation games, time-limited game trials, and cloud streaming for select games.

Each tier is designed to offer a different level of access depending on how you play. From basic online multiplayer to full access to game libraries and additional features.

PlayStation Plus tiers and key benefits

Each PlayStation Plus tier includes a different set of features, depending on how you prefer to play. All plans include core benefits like online multiplayer and monthly games. The higher tiers add access to larger game libraries and additional features.

The Essential plan focuses on online play and monthly game access. Extra builds on that by adding the Game Catalog, which lets you download and play a wide selection of PS4 and PS5 games as long as your subscription is active. Premium includes everything from the first two tiers, along with classic PlayStation games, time-limited game trials, and cloud streaming options for supported games.

The chart below breaks down what is included with each plan so you can easily compare the differences between Essential, Extra, and Premium.

Note: Sony indicates that starting in January 2026, PlayStation 4 games will be added only intermittently as part of the monthly games benefit.

Cloud streaming note: Sony lists a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps for cloud streaming, with 15 Mbps recommended for 1080p.

Games included with PlayStation Plus subscription

PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium include access to the Game Catalog, which features a rotating selection of games. Availability can vary by region, and the lineup changes over time.

Recent PlayStation Blog updates have highlighted Game Catalog additions such as Resident Evil Village, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, and A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead, with new games added and others rotating out periodically. Premium also includes access to the Classics Catalog, which features games from earlier PlayStation generations. The selection is updated over time and has included games such as Ridge Racer as part of the rotating lineup available to Premium members.

In addition to the Classics Catalog, Premium offers cloud streaming for supported games. Cloud streaming can be used on compatible devices, including PlayStation 5 and PlayStation Portal, allowing you to play select games without downloading them locally. A stable internet connection is required, and availability may vary by region and game.

How much does the new PlayStation Plus cost?

PlayStation Plus pricing varies based on the tier you choose and the length of your subscription. Each plan is available in one month, three month, or twelve month options, with longer subscriptions offering better overall value. Pricing is consistent across PlayStation’s digital storefront, and all plans renew automatically unless cancelled.

The chart below outlines the standard recurring prices for each PlayStation Plus tier, making it easier to compare costs and decide which option best fits your gaming habits.

Pricing note: PlayStation Plus is an ongoing subscription that renews automatically unless cancelled, and pricing can change over time.

Changing or upgrading your PlayStation Plus Plan

If you already have a PlayStation Plus subscription, your account will remain on your current tier unless you choose to make a change. Your benefits continue as normal, and your subscription will renew at the same level unless you upgrade or cancel.

If you decide to upgrade to a higher tier, Sony applies a prorated charge based on the time remaining on your current subscription. This means you only pay the difference between plans for the remaining period, rather than being charged the full price again. Downgrades typically take effect at the end of your current billing cycle.

This system makes it easy to move between tiers without losing time on your subscription, allowing you to upgrade when you want access to additional features such as the Game Catalog or Classics Catalog.

How do I purchase a PlayStation Plus subscription at Best Buy?

You can subscribe to PlayStation Plus directly through the PlayStation Store on your console or online. Best Buy Canada also sells PlayStation Store gift cards, which can be used to add funds to your PlayStation Network wallet.

Once redeemed, those funds can be applied toward any PlayStation Plus subscription tier, whether you are starting a new membership, extending an existing plan, or upgrading to a higher tier. Gift cards are available in multiple denominations and can be purchased online or in store, making them a convenient option if you prefer not to use a credit card or want to give PlayStation Plus as a gift.

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