If you visit the PlayStation Store today, you won’t find a single, simple subscription like in the old days.
Sony decided to overhaul everything, splitting the service into three distinct tiers (Essential, Extra, Premium/Deluxe), leaving many players confused.
Which tier is best for me? Should I pay more for “Extra”? Is the “Essential” package enough? And is the “Premium” subscription really worth the higher price tag?
In this guide, we’ll learn the differences between the PlayStation Plus tiers to help you choose the subscription that gives you the best value for money based on your gaming style, and show you the smartest way to subscribe.
Tier 1: PlayStation Plus Essential
This is the traditional subscription everyone knows, just with a new name.
What does it offer?
- Online Multiplayer: The basic requirement to play FIFA, COD, or Fortnite online with friends.
- Monthly Free Games: You typically get two to three games to add to your library and play as long as your subscription is active.
- Cloud Storage: Approximately 100GB of cloud storage to back up your game save data.
- Exclusive Discounts: Special deals and discounts on games and add-ons from the digital PlayStation Store.
- Game Help: A PS5 feature that offers hints and tips directly while playing supported games.
Who is this tier for? Gamers who are mainly interested in playing online multiplayer with friends and don’t need an extra game library because they buy new releases themselves (like FIFA and Call of Duty players), or those simply looking for store discounts.
Tier 2: PlayStation Plus Extra
This tier is Sony’s direct competitor to the Xbox Game Pass service.
What does it offer?
- All the features of the Essential tier (Online + Monthly Games).
- Game Catalog: Access to a massive library of over 400 games from PS4 and PS5. This includes Sony’s powerful exclusives (like God of War, Spider-Man, Ghost of Tsushima) and third-party hits (like Assassin’s Creed).
- Downloadable Games: All games in the catalog can be downloaded and played directly on your console.
Who is this tier for? If you are a player who loves exploring stories and buys many games throughout the year, this subscription will save you hundreds of dollars. Instead of buying every game for $70, you’ll find them available within the library.
Tier 3: PlayStation Plus Premium / Deluxe
This tier has two names depending on your region:
- Premium: For countries that support Cloud Streaming (like the US and Europe).
- Deluxe: For countries that do not support Cloud Streaming (like most Arab countries), and it is priced slightly lower.
What does it offer?
- All the features of Essential and Extra.
- Classics Catalog: Hundreds of games from legacy generations: PS1, PS2, PSP (and PS3 via streaming in Premium).
- Game Trials: You can try out new and exclusive games (like God of War Ragnarok) for a limited time before buying them.
- Cloud Streaming (Premium Only): Stream specific games online without downloading them; supports PS4/PS5 consoles, PC, and devices like the PS Portal.
Who is this tier for? This option is aimed at Hardcore Gamers who want a comprehensive experience combining the latest titles with classic games from PlayStation’s history, alongside the ability to trial new games before purchasing.
The Differences Between the PlayStation Plus Tiers
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary by region and local offers.
How to Subscribe to PS Plus and Control Your Budget?
The best method pros use to avoid Region Lock issues and unexpected bank charges is subscribing using Gift Cards.
How to do it?
- Identify your account type: Is your account US? Saudi? UAE? (This is crucial as the cards are region-locked).
- Go to Kascards.com and navigate to the Gaming console section.
- Select PlayStation.
- Choose the “PlayStation Store” card that matches your region.
- Buy a card that covers the price of your chosen subscription (Essential, Extra, or Deluxe).
- Use your Crypto (USDT) to pay and receive the card code instantly and securely.
- Redeem the code on your console to top up your wallet, then use this credit to purchase the subscription.
Read More: For more details, read our step-by-step guide on How to Buy PlayStation Cards from Kascards.
In Conclusion: Which Subscription is Right for You?
- If you only play FIFA and COD with friends: Save your money and get Essential.
- If you want the biggest game library and want to save on buying individual games: The Extra tier is the golden choice and offers the best value.
- If you love retro games (PS1/PS2): The Deluxe tier is your destination.
In all cases, remember that Kascards is your secure gateway to subscribing without banking complications or region issues.
Have you decided on the right tier? Head over to Kascards now, get your card, and start your gaming journey immediately!
