Xbox Game Pass vs PlayStation Plus in 2026: which subscription is worth the money?

Key figures

Two subscriptions, two strategies

Game subscriptions have become a big monthly expense for console players, and both companies changed their prices in 2026. Microsoft raised Game Pass Ultimate to $29.99 in October 2025, then cut it to $22.99 a month in April 2026 after criticism, according to Forbes. In exchange, new Call of Duty games no longer join Ultimate or PC Game Pass on launch day; they arrive about a year later. Sony took the opposite direction: from May 20, 2026, PlayStation Plus prices rose for new subscribers in several regions, including the United States.

The tiers and prices (United States)

Sources: Forbes (Game Pass, April 2026); NME and Gameluster (PlayStation Plus, May 2026). The higher PlayStation Plus prices apply to new subscribers; existing members keep their rate unless their membership lapses. The last published annual prices for Extra and Premium were $134.99 and $159.99, set in 2023; check the PlayStation Store for current annual offers.

Where each service wins

• New games at launch: Game Pass Ultimate still includes Microsoft's new games on day one, Call of Duty excepted. PlayStation Plus Extra usually adds Sony's big games months or years after release.
• Monthly price for the top tier: Game Pass Ultimate ($22.99) costs $3 more than PS Plus Premium ($19.99), but includes PC Game Pass.
• Annual savings: PlayStation Plus is cheaper per month when paid yearly; Essential costs $79.99 a year, about $6.67 a month.
• Online play: on both consoles, the entry tier (Game Pass Essential or PS Plus Essential) is required for most online multiplayer. Free-to-play games such as Fortnite are the main exception.
• Classics and streaming: PS Plus Premium offers older PlayStation games and cloud streaming; Game Pass Ultimate includes cloud gaming too.
• PC players: Game Pass has a dedicated PC tier at $13.99; PlayStation Plus has no PC equivalent.

Which one should you choose?

• You own only a PS5 and play online: PS Plus Essential, ideally on an annual plan.
• You own only an Xbox and want many new games: Game Pass Ultimate.
• You play mostly one or two big games a year: buy those games and keep only the entry tier for online play.
• You play on PC: PC Game Pass at $13.99.
• You want to discover older games cheaply: PS Plus Extra or Game Pass Premium.
• Money is tight: pause your subscription between big releases; neither service requires a long contract on monthly plans.

Verdict

For Xbox and PC players, Game Pass Ultimate became better value in 2026 after its price cut, even without day-one Call of Duty. For PS5 players, PlayStation Plus is more expensive than before, but annual plans remain the cheapest way to play online. The best choice depends on your console first, then on how many new games you really play each year. If you are choosing a console for the holidays, read our PS5 Pro, PS5 or Xbox Series X guide for GTA 6.

This article is based on announcements and reports published by other outlets. Prices can change; always check Microsoft's and Sony's official stores.