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 tailored for PS5 and PS4 users, which is essential for online play. Beyond the basic requirement, it offers additional tiers that enhance the gaming experience with benefits like a catalog of downloadable games, cloud streaming, and more.
Although Sony once provided free trials for new users to its online service, **PlayStation Plus does not currently offer any free trials** to its users.
Can You Get PS Plus For Free in Other Ways?
While PlayStation Plus doesn't offer free trials to everyone, certain regions may occasionally access limited-time free trials, according to Sony's website. Unfortunately, Sony doesn't specify who can benefit from these trials or when they are available, so you'll need to stay vigilant. PlayStation also hosts free multiplayer events that don't require a PS Plus subscription, though these events are often unpredictable.
PlayStation does offer occasional deals on PlayStation Plus subscriptions, but these are typically **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?
While there isn't a direct replacement for PS Plus, which is necessary for online play on PS5 and PS4, there are alternatives that offer free or nearly free trials and provide a catalog of games to stream. Note that these alternatives generally require a different console, a PC, or a mobile device.
1. PC Game Pass (14 Days for $1 - $11.99/month)
14 Days For $1
**Microsoft PC Game Pass**
See it at Xbox
- Hundreds of games available to play
- Play Xbox Game Studios titles on day one
- Includes an EA Play subscription and Riot Games benefits
2. Nintendo Switch Online (7-Day Free Trial) - Starting at $3.99/month
7 Days Free
**Nintendo Switch Online**
See it at Nintendo
- Includes dozens of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games
- Nintendo Music app included in subscription
- Access to discount game vouchers, retro game controllers, and limited-time games
3. Amazon Luna+ (7-Day Free Trial) - $9.99/month
7 Days Free
**Amazon Luna+**
See it at Amazon
- Access a catalog of over 100 games
- Play games up to 1080p/60fps
- Available on PC, Mac, and mobile devices
4. Apple Arcade (1-Month Free Trial) - $6.99/month
1 Month Free
**Apple Arcade**
See it at Apple
- Access a growing library of over 200 ad-free games
- Available across all your Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro)
- Share your subscription with up to five family members
Other services like Ubisoft+ and EA Play feature publisher-specific catalogs of games to stream, but they don't currently offer any free trials.
