PlayStation Plus Cost Breakdown: Everything You Need to Know in 2024

If you’re a PlayStation fan, one of the first questions you’ll face is: “Is PlayStation Plus worth the cost?” With its growing subscription tiers and expanding game library, understanding the price (and value) of PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) has never been more important. This article breaks down the current cost of PlayStation Plus in 2024, compares its tiers, and explores whether it’s a smart investment for your gaming setup.


Understanding the Context

What Is PlayStation Plus?

Launched in 2013, PlayStation Plus gives subscribers access to online multiplayer, exclusive discounts, free monthly games, and cloud storage for your games and photos. Over the years, the service has evolved significantly, most recently with the redesign in late 2022 that introduced new subscription tiers.


Current PlayStation Plus Pricing Overview (January 2024)

Key Insights

As of early 2024, PlayStation Plus offers three main plans:

1. PlayStation Plus Essential

  • Monthly Cost: $9.99
  • Annual Plan: $95.64 (~$7.99/month)
  • What You Get:
    • Online multiplayer for PS4 and PS5 (PSN access)
    • One free game each month (digital download)
    • Expandable cloud storage (5 GB + 100 GB after annual payment)

2. PlayStation Plus Extra

  • Monthly Cost: $14.99
  • Annual Plan: $149.88 (~$12.50/month)
  • What You Get:
    • Online multiplayer (same as Essential)
    • Full offline library of over 400 games (via PS storage space)
    • Monthly free games (digital + PS4/PS5 versions)
    • Expandable cloud storage (110 GB with annual payment)

3. PlayStation Plus Premium

  • Monthly Cost: $19.99
  • Annual Plan: $184.64 (~$15.32/month)
  • What You Get:
    • All Essential + Extra benefits
    • Full access to PS Now movement—PlayStation’s classic online gaming platform (with select emulated classics)
    • Exclusive perks including early trials and discounts

Final Thoughts

Is PlayStation Plus Cost Worth It?

The answers depend on your gaming habits:

  • Casual Players: If you mainly play online with PS Plus library games and rarely download other titles, Essential may suffice for the lower monthly cost.
  • Hardcore Gamers/Collectors: For fans wanting complete access to over 400 PS4/PS5 games offline plus legacy content via PS Now, Premium delivers the best value despite the higher price.
  • Shared Access: Many families or groups benefit from the lower-tier plans with expanded storage and multiple simultaneous members, making Essential or Extra more affordable than single-user premium access.

Pricing Benefits and Exclusions

Included Perks:

  • Free monthly PS Plus game (downloadable or PS5/PS4 compatible)
  • Online multiplayer access across PS4 and PS5
  • Cloud saves and storage (expandable monthly)

What’s Not Included:

  • Full access to PlayStation Store purchases outside the library
  • PS Now archives — eReaders or classics require later approval
  • Any exclusive console features (e.g., DualSense integration beyond standard PS Plus)

Special Offers & Discounts

Sony regularly runs promotions, especially during holiday seasons or console launches. Look for bundle deals that include games (like horizon: call of the mountain or demon’sSouls remaster) with PS Plus subscriptions at reduced rates.