Originally launched as a free service to rival Xbox Live in 2010, PlayStation Plus has evolved significantly since its inception. The current version of PlayStation Plus is a subscription-based service for PS5 and PS4 users, which is essential for online play. It also offers additional tiers that provide benefits such as a catalog of downloadable games, cloud streaming, and more.
While Sony previously offered free trials for new users to its online service, **PlayStation Plus does not currently offer any free trials**.
Can You Get PS Plus For Free in Other Ways?
Although PlayStation Plus doesn't offer free trials to everyone, certain countries or regions may occasionally have access to a limited-time free trial, as indicated on Sony's website. Unfortunately, Sony doesn't disclose exactly *who* these free trials are for or *when* they are available, so you'll need to stay vigilant. PlayStation also occasionally hosts free multiplayer events that don't require a PS Plus subscription, though these are often unpredictable.
PlayStation *does* offer occasional deals on PlayStation Plus subscriptions; however, these are often **only available for new or expired members**. It would be great if Sony could extend these offers to all members!
What PS Plus Alternatives Have Free Trials?
There isn't a *direct* replacement for PS Plus, as it's required for online play on PS5 and PS4, but there are some alternatives with free (or nearly free) trials that offer a catalog of games to stream. However, most of these alternatives require a different console, a PC, or a mobile device to use the service.
1. PC Game Pass (14 Days for $1 - $11.99/month)
14 Days For $1
Microsoft PC Game Pass offers hundreds of games to play, including Xbox Game Studios titles on day one, along with an EA Play subscription and Riot Games benefits. See it at Xbox
2. Nintendo Switch Online (7-Day Free Trial) - Starting at $3.99/month
7 Days Free
Nintendo Switch Online includes dozens of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, a Nintendo Music app, access to discount game vouchers, retro game controllers, and limited-time games. See it at Nintendo
3. Amazon Luna+ (7-Day Free Trial) - $9.99/month
7 Days Free
Amazon Luna+ provides access to a catalog of over 100 games, playable up to 1080p/60fps, and is available on PC, Mac, and mobile devices. See it at Amazon
4. Apple Arcade (1-Month Free Trial) - $6.99/month
1 Month Free
Apple Arcade offers a growing library of over 200 ad-free games, available across all your Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro), and you can share your subscription with up to five family members. See it at Apple
Other services like Ubisoft+ and EA Play feature publisher-specific catalogs of games to stream, but they don't currently offer any free trials.
