PlayStation Plus Essential vs Extra vs Premium: Which Tier Should You Buy in 2024?

Choosing between PS Plus Essential vs Extra vs Premium can be confusing with three distinct tiers offering different features and pricing. This guide breaks down each subscription tier to help you make the smartest purchase decision for your gaming needs and budget.

What's Included in Each PlayStation Plus Tier

PlayStation Plus Essential

Essential provides the core PlayStation Plus experience that most players need. You get online multiplayer access for all your favorite games, monthly free games (typically 2-3 titles per month), exclusive member discounts on the PlayStation Store, and 100GB of cloud storage for your save files.

This tier also includes Share Play, which lets you virtually hand your controller to friends online. For casual gamers who primarily want online multiplayer, Essential covers all the basics without breaking the bank.

PlayStation Plus Extra

Extra includes everything from Essential plus access to the Game Catalog featuring hundreds of downloadable PS4 and PS5 games. This catalog includes major titles like Marvel's Spider-Man, God of War, and Horizon Zero Dawn.

New games are added regularly, though titles do rotate out as licensing agreements expire. You can download these games directly to your console and play them as long as your subscription remains active.

PlayStation Plus Premium

Premium combines all Essential and Extra benefits with classic game streaming from PS1, PS2, and PSP libraries, PS3 game streaming, and cloud streaming capabilities for PS5 games and PlayStation Portal.

You also get game trials for select new releases, allowing you to play full games for limited periods before purchasing. Premium targets retro gaming enthusiasts and players who want maximum flexibility through cloud streaming.

Current Pricing Breakdown

Here's what each tier costs across different subscription lengths:

Annual subscriptions offer the best value, saving you roughly 33% compared to monthly payments. During Black Friday sales, these prices can drop significantly—sometimes making Premium only slightly more expensive than Extra's regular price.

Which Tier Offers the Best Value?

Essential: Best for Budget-Conscious Players

If you primarily play one or two games online with friends and don't need a massive game library, Essential provides excellent value. At $79.99 annually, it's the most affordable way to access online multiplayer and grab a few free games each month.

Extra: The Sweet Spot for Most Gamers

Extra offers the strongest value proposition for most PlayStation users. The Game Catalog alone justifies the $55 annual upgrade over Essential, especially considering individual games often cost $60-70.

With hundreds of quality titles available for download, you'll likely discover games you never would have purchased separately. This tier works perfectly for players who enjoy exploring different genres and want access to both indie gems and AAA blockbusters.

Premium: Only Worth It for Specific Users

Premium makes sense if you actively use PlayStation Portal for cloud streaming, have genuine interest in classic PlayStation games, or regularly take advantage of game trials before purchasing.

The $25 annual jump from Extra to Premium is harder to justify unless you specifically want these features. Most players will find Extra provides sufficient value without the premium price tag.

Common Questions About PlayStation Plus Tiers

Can You Switch Between Tiers?

Yes, you can upgrade to a higher tier anytime by paying the prorated difference. Downgrading takes effect at your next billing cycle, so you won't lose access to higher-tier features immediately.

Do Games Stay in the Catalog Forever?

No, games rotate in and out of the catalog as licensing agreements change. Sony typically provides 30-day notice before removing titles, giving you time to finish games or purchase them at a discount.

Is PlayStation Plus Required for All Online Features?

You need at least Essential for competitive multiplayer, but free-to-play games like Fortnite and Apex Legends don't require a subscription for online play.

Where to Buy PlayStation Plus Safely

Purchase your subscription through official channels only:

• PlayStation Store directly from your console
• PlayStation.com website
• Authorized retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or GameStop

Avoid third-party key resellers, as these may sell region-locked codes or compromise your account security. For other gaming subscriptions and software keys, check our gaming category for verified deals.

Our Recommendation

For most PlayStation users, PlayStation Plus Extra provides the best balance of features and value. The Game Catalog access alone justifies the moderate price increase over Essential, and you'll likely save money compared to buying games individually.

Choose Essential if you're on a tight budget and only need online multiplayer. Upgrade to Premium only if you specifically want classic game streaming or PlayStation Portal cloud gaming features.

Ready to get started? Compare current PlayStation Plus deals and find the best prices for your preferred tier through our verified gaming retailers.