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, mandatory for online play, and offers additional tiers that include benefits such as a catalog of downloadable games, cloud streaming, and more.
While Sony used to provide 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 according to Sony's website. Unfortunately, Sony doesn't reveal exactly *who* these free trials are for or *when* they are available, so you'll need to keep your eyes peeled. PlayStation also occasionally has free multiplayer events with no PS Plus subscription required, although these are often unpredictable.
PlayStation *does* have occasional deals on PlayStation Plus subscriptions; however, they are often **only available for new or expired members**. It would be great if Sony could extend these offers to all subscribers!
What PS Plus Alternatives Have Free Trials?
There really 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 close to free) trials that offer a catalog of games to stream. However, most (if not all) of these alternatives require either a different console, a PC, or a mobile device to use the service.
1. PC Game Pass (14 Days for $1 - $11.99/month)
Hundreds of games are available to play with PC Game Pass, including Xbox Game Studios titles on day one. It also includes an EA Play subscription and Riot Games benefits.
2. Nintendo Switch Online (7-Day Free Trial) - Starting at $3.99/month
Nintendo Switch Online includes dozens of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games. The subscription also features the Nintendo Music app, access to discount game vouchers, retro game controllers, and limited-time games.
3. Amazon Luna+ (7-Day Free Trial) - $9.99/month
With Amazon Luna+, you can access a catalog of over 100 games and play them up to 1080p/60fps. It's available on PC, Mac, and mobile devices.
4. Apple Arcade (1-Month Free Trial) - $6.99/month
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). You can 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.
