Whether you've got a PlayStation 4, or somehow managed to snag yourself a PS5, PlayStation Plus is a great way to get the most out of your console. While this subscription initially seems fairly straightforward, there's a bit more to it than meets the eye. Especially when you take into consideration the separate PlayStation Now subscription, which is similar in some aspects, and very different in others. To help you decide if PS+ is a service you'll actually use, or will just end up being another monthly charge you keep forgetting to cancel, we've broken down the monthly pricing and what features the subscription actually includes.

Like most subscription services, PS+ incentivizes a longer membership plan over a shorter one. Choosing an annual membership will save you 50% compared to a monthly subscription, and 40% compared to a 3-month. True, it will cost you a lump sum of $60, but with the instant access it grants to over 20 games, it also pays for itself immediately.  

Beyond the monthly savings offered with an annual membership, there are a few more ways to avoid leaving money on the table with this subscription. With a little digging, you can also find subscription packages on sale that bring the monthly cost down even lower. Here are some of the best ones available right now. 

A PS+ subscription grants you access to a couple of different features. While the majority are universal, there are some differences for those who have upgraded to the PlayStation 5 vs. PlayStation 4 users. We've broken down all the major features here.

Monthly games

For budget-conscious gamers, this is one of the biggest draws for the PS+ subscription. Every month, three new games are available for subscribers to claim for free. Even if you don't have the storage to download it that particular month, you can still claim the title and save it in your library for a later date. The rotating selection consists of two PlayStation 4 games and one next-gen title (though PS4 users can still download a previous-gen version). While these aren't always the biggest AAA titles, plenty of great games have been up for grabs in the past.

Game selection is also where PlayStation 5 users get a bit of a bonus. Subscribers who have the more recent console will also get access to the PlayStation Plus Collection, a back catalogue of some of the biggest PS4 games. Hits like God of War, Uncharted 4, The Last of Us (remastered) and many more are available for free to PS5 users, while PS4 users will still have to actually purchase the games. Its a great bonus if you were an Xbox user in the previous generation, and never had a chance to check out some of these popular PlayStation exclusives.

Online multiplayer

Whether it's running and gunning in the latest FPS, or trash-talking your buddy in a friendly match of FIFA, if you're a fan of multiplayer mayhem, a PS+ subscription is pretty much going to be a necessity. While there is a growing selection of free-to-play games like Warzone and Fortnite that don't require an online membership, the vast majority multiplayer games will. And as more and more titles embrace cross-platform gameplay, you'll be able to play with you're friends regardless of their preferred consoles.

Exclusive discounts and access

On top of the selection of free monthly games, PS+ subscribers will also get access to exclusive deals and discounts from the PlayStation online store. From full games to add-ons and DLC, subscribers will often times be able to grab more recent and popular titles at a reduced price that non-subscribers won't see for some time. Beyond sales, PS+ users will also get exclusive early-access to new demos and betas, as well as unique in-game rewards, skins, and content.