PlayStation Plus: Is It Worth the Upgrade in 2025?

If you have a PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4, chances are you’ve heard of PlayStation Plus, the subscription service from Sony that promises online multiplayer, free games each month and discounts galore. As 2025 looms, the big question facing you is: Is it worth it to upgrade that current plan?

Let’s break it down into simple terms. Ready? Let’s go!

The Basics of PlayStation Plus

Before we dive into if an upgrade is really worth it, let’s quickly recap on what PlayStation Plus actually provides. The service is split into three key layers:

Essential: The basic membership offering online multiplayer and free monthly games Consider it PlayStation Plus’s “entry level.”

Extra: Lumps in a massive library of PS4 and PS5 titles for on-demand play. So, if you’re just out to play unspeakable amounts of games without purchasing each and every one​ individually, this is your outlet.

Premium: The top tier. Everything in Extra, plus access to a library of classic games, game trials and cloud gaming. Oh, and there’s also PS VR support for folks who want to check out the game in virtual reality.

Now, the real question is – do you need to upgrade?

PlayStation Plus Essential: Is It Enough?

If you have the Essential tier, you’re already getting the basics — online multiplayer (you can finally play with your friends) and free monthly games (some of them are awesome, some aren’t so much). For many, this is enough.

However, there are times when you see your buddy with a collection of PS5 exclusive titles in his library and feel that FOMO. FOMO is real, right?

So, what’s the story with upgrading?

PlayStation Plus Extra: A Step Up for Game Lovers

If you’re a gamer with needs that extend beyond some free games every month, Extra may be the middle ground you’ve been waiting for. This plan provides access to a gigantic catalog of PS4 and PS5 games at quite an affordable price. So you’re not limited to just what’s on your PlayStation store wishlist—you’ve got hundreds of games you can play!

Plus, if you like digging into older games, the Extra tier frequently has some hidden gems from previous generations. You may find a classic game you overlooked — or have the chance to play that must-have PlayStation game you’ve coveted, without spending full price.

PlayStation Plus Premium: The Ultimate Package?

This is where the magic happens (if you have some extra cash). The Premium tier is for the die-hard, willing to pay a little extra for all things PlayStation. You receive all the benefits of the Extra plan, as well as:

PS1, PS2 and PSP classic games

Game trials (to give you a chance to try before you buy)

Cloud gaming support (no PS5? No problem!)

But the real kicker for some? PlayStation VR news. If you’re a PlayStation VR fan, then it’s your ticket to exclusive VR games and experiences. It’s the kind of stuff that makes you think “I can’t believe this is all real” (all while dodging zombies or flying around in space). Think of it as magic—but for your eyes.

So, Is It Worth Upgrading?

All right, enough of the fluff; time for meat. Is it worth it?

Yes, if you’re always on the hunt for new games to play. Both the Extra and Premium plans provide access to a huge library, making it much easier to experiment with different genres and sample PlayStation releases you’d never have bought otherwise.

Yes — if you want early access to exclusive games and PS5 upgrades. The Premium tier also includes game trials so you can try out new PlayStation games before committing to a purchase.

No, if you’re mainly a single-player gamer and already have a good library. If that’s not your thing, or you prefer to wait for sales, then the Essential tier should at least suffice for updates on your PlayStation systems and a freebie or two.

Pricing in 2025

Let’s talk numbers for a sec. Here’s how much PlayStation Plus will cost in 2025:

What Is it: Essential $9.99/month or $59.99/year

Add-on: $14.99/month or $99.99/year

Premium: $17.99/month or $119.99-$159.99/year

So, is it worth the upgrade? It depends on how much you game, and whether or not you care to have some extra perks such as cloud gaming, game trials, or access to the all-time best PlayStation game trailers in the business.

Final Thoughts

PlayStation Plus is still the go-to subscription for most PS5 and PS4 owners in 2025. The upgrade templates give you lots of options, whether you want just the fundamentals or are ready to go all-new with classic games, cloud gaming and exclusive perks.

If you’re the type of person who’s always searching for that next must-play game to dive into, then paying extra for Extra or Premium is probably a great decision. But if you’re a casual gamer content with the essentials (and free games), then it might be worth sticking to that.

Ultimately, it all comes down to what you want from your PlayStation console news and gaming experience. So take the plunge — make that choice and return to gaming!

What do you think? Should you spend on the upgrade? Share your thoughts below!