The best PlayStation Plus deals have been pretty challenging to come across now that the new form of PS Plus has come into force and bedded in. But, over time, we've seen offers on the subscription service steadily improve and there are a few more opportunities to save when subscribing or when buying PS Store credit to convert into PS Plus subscriptions. It's worth hunting around for too as when it does come to be, a cheap PS Plus deal is one of the best PS5 deals you can get.
Generally, new members tend to get the best PlayStation Plus deals when subscribing directly on the PS Store. We've seen upwards of 50% off subscription time in some cases, so it's best to take advantage of these if you're currently not signed up on your PS4 or PS5.
But for current subscribers – or those looking to renew their membership – the best bet is to find and then use a discounted PS Store gift card that you can semi-regularly get at retailers. You can then use those funds to buy a PS Plus subscription through the PlayStation Store online or on your console. You have to be a little wary of Sony's own seasonal deals on the subscription too, as it's almost impossible to take advantage of one if you want to downgrade - the best offerings are always for upgrading or extending. All of this means that you just need to find the cheapest means to get the best PS Plus deals, and our tools and links below should help you do just that.
PlayStation Plus deals - Essential
It's always better value to buy in bulk with PS Plus as a 12-month sub is always cheaper than 12 one-month subs. You'll find the best prices for a voucher that will top-up your account to cover the cost of 12 months of PS Plus Essential membership below. A three-month subscription is also available, though the value isn't as strong. However, if you do want to pay for the shorter length of time, you should be able to follow any link below and choose the 3-month option at the retailer you get to.
PlayStation Plus deals - Extra
As with Essential, there's a bigger saving on the Extra tier if you pay for a 12-month subscription up front. This tier comes with all the regular benefits of PS Plus Essential, but you also get access to an ever-changing catalog of PS5 and PS4 games to download and play.
PlayStation Plus deals - Premium
PlayStation Plus Premium is the highest membership tier and costs $17.99 / £13.49 per month. Once again, you can save money if you pay for a 12-month subscription up front as that comes in at $159.99 / £119.99. As well as the benefits of PS Plus Essential and Extra, you get access to a selection of original PlayStation, PS2, PS3, PSP, and PS4 games. The majority of these are available through cloud streaming only, but a number of them - mostly the PS1 titles - can be downloaded to play as well.
There are also a number of limited-time game trials you can play, including major releases such as Horizon Forbidden West, Cyberpunk 2077, and Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection.
Note: Because Australia does not have cloud gaming support the highest tier in this region is slightly different. Instead, it's dubbed PlayStation Plus Deluxe and it costs AU$21.95 or AU$196.95 for a full year. It's effectively the same as Essential and Extra but also includes limited-time game trials as well as access to older PS1, PS2, and PSP games - just without the cloud gaming option.
PlayStation Plus deals - How to get the best deals
Brand new or returning members get the best PS Plus deal when buying any digital codes on sale from online stores such as ShopTo or CD Keys. For example, some of these online stores offer $50 / £50 of credit for closer to $40 / £40. You can use this to top up your account with discounted funds and activate your subscription for less than the regular price.
If you haven't been around for a while but had your subscription running in the background, existing PS Plus members have been automatically converted to the Essential tier. This comes with exactly the same features and benefits you've had before. If you're happy to stick with that, you can use wallet top-up codes on sale to add the time they offer as normal.
Lastly, for those looking to upgrade to a higher tier, you first have to go through the upgrade process on the PlayStation Store. When you enter the PS Plus section, you'll see an option to convert your remaining membership time to either Extra or Premium, as well as how much it will cost. Right now, this is the only way you can upgrade. Then, if you want to add more time later, you can use PS Plus digital codes with the required funds to renew depending on the tier.
PS Plus deals - FAQs
What are the PS Plus tiers?
In brief, there are three tiers of PlayStation Plus now, all offering slightly different features. PlayStation Plus Essential is the same as the 'old' service - a simple subscription with monthly free games, the ability to play online, and some extra discounts at the PS Store. Simples.
The next tier up is PlayStation Plus Extra which has all the Essential tier benefits, plus access to a catalog of up to 400 PS4 and PS5 games to play.
Then, the top tier is PlayStation Plus Premium. It has all the benefits of the previous two tiers but also adds the ability to play select PS3 games via cloud streaming, a selection of original PlayStation, PS2, and PSP titles via download or streaming, and time-limited trials for major PS5 releases.
Is a PlayStation Plus membership worth it?
If you play games online then a PlayStation Plus is absolutely worth buying - it's literally essential in getting you online and being able to play with pals and teammates. There are also free monthly games: a constantly updated roster of games to download and play that will save you far more than the membership costs each month. On top of that, there are exclusive discounts on the PS Store, cloud storage and save game backups that can really come in handy if you want peace of mind that all your game progress is kept safe should anything happen to your console.
As for the Extra and Premium tiers, well, it entirely depends on how much PlayStation gaming you do and whether the catalog of titles appeals to you. There are some huge PS5 and PS4 games available. Not to mention lots of nostalgia-inducing PS1, PS2, and PS3 classics on the Premium tier like Ape Escape, Syphon Filter, and Resident Evil: Director's Cut. Premium members also get access to game trials for PS5 releases which is a superb way to try before you buy.
Can I get PS Plus for free?
It's very rare that any folk can just pick up PS Plus for free - but that's not to say no one can. Those new to the subscription service can bag 7-day free trials - existing subscribers can't get such luck. There have been sightings of free X-day trials with certain products before too but we haven't seen many of these ourselves in recent years, if ever.
Does PS Plus ever go on discount?
Yes! The simple answer here is that Sony does indeed discount its PS Plus memberships regularly.
However the way Sony is now offering these discounts is more multifaceted than ever before. Sometimes the best deals are reserved for subscription upgrades (i.e. changing your tier to the step above), sometimes they are exclusively accessed on your PS5 rather than online, and sometimes the best deals are to be found with discounted PS Store codes and cards.
These discounts might also come around events such as Sony's own Days of Play event every springtime, so can often be worth waiting for.
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