Xbox Game Pass costs $9.99 to $22.99 per month in the United States, depending on the plan. These are US monthly rates, current as of April 21, 2026. A rotating library is a subscription catalog where available titles can change over time.
Choosing a plan can be tricky when you play on more than one device or want new games at launch. The right choice depends on where you play and which features you will use. This comparison covers console and PC access, cloud play, and day-one releases.
Key Takeaways
- US monthly rates range from $9.99 to $22.99.
- Essential and Premium include console and PC access.
- PC Game Pass is for PC play.
- Ultimate offers access across console, PC, and supported devices.
- Day-one access depends on the plan and game.
- Check gaming deals and gift cards for current terms.
New subscribers should compare the cost with the games they expect to play, not just the plan name. A plan is most useful when its games and features match the devices you already use.
How Much Is Game Pass in the US?
The four US monthly prices range from $9.99 for Essential to $22.99 for Ultimate. Ultimate costs $22.99 per month and PC Game Pass costs $13.99 per month, as of April 21, 2026.
Essential is the lowest-priced plan, at $9.99 per month. Premium costs $14.99 per month. Microsoft prices may vary by region, so the US rates do not apply everywhere.
| Plan | US monthly price | Main play platform | Day-one releases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | $9.99 | Console and PC | No |
| Premium | $14.99 | Console and PC | No |
| PC Game Pass | $13.99 | PC | Yes |
| Ultimate | $22.99 | Console, PC, supported devices | Yes |
That means Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is $22.99 a month in the United States. Game Pass on PC costs $13.99 a month through PC Game Pass.
Microsoft announced the current Ultimate and PC Game Pass rates on April 21, 2026. CNBC’s report on the price changes also covers the new monthly rates.
Microsoft prices may vary by region, so a US rate may not match the price shown in another country.
Premium, sometimes described as the Pass Premium tier, sits between Essential and Ultimate by monthly cost. Compare the displayed plan names carefully when shopping, since similar labels can make it easy to choose the wrong subscription.
Check the displayed regional price before you subscribe, since Microsoft prices may differ by region.
Which Game Pass Plan Fits Your Setup?
PC Game Pass is the straightforward fit if you play only on a PC, while Ultimate suits players who want access across console, PC and supported devices. Your main device is the best place to start when comparing plans.
Essential, Premium, and Ultimate work on Xbox consoles and PC. Supported-device access does not mean that every game works on every device.
| Plan | Xbox console | PC | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Yes | Yes | Console-and-PC players seeking the entry tier |
| Premium | Yes | Yes | Players wanting a larger console-and-PC library |
| PC Game Pass | No | Yes | PC-only players |
| Ultimate | Yes | Yes | Players wanting broad supported-device access |
If You Mainly Play on PC
PC Game Pass is PC-only, making it a direct choice if you do not play on an Xbox console. It gives you access to a Game Pass library on your computer, with day-one releases included.
Before you sign up, check that your computer can run the games you want. The Xbox Game Pass catalog includes titles with different system needs, and a subscription cannot make an older computer run them well.
If You Play on Xbox or Several Devices
Essential or Premium can fit players who use both an Xbox console and a PC. Ultimate also covers console and PC, with access on supported devices for selected games.
That extra access can help when you switch between screens, but it has limits. This guide to family-friendly gaming consoles can help you weigh the devices in your home.
A title may support console play but not a particular supported device. Before choosing a cross-device plan, confirm that the specific game you want supports the device you will use.
What Does Each Game Pass Plan Include?
Ultimate has the largest stated library, with more than 500 games, while Essential has more than 50. Those counts are approximate, and titles can change over time.
Plan benefits differ in library size, online multiplayer, and partner services. The number of games matters less if the titles you want are not included.
Essential: A Smaller Library and Console Multiplayer
Game Pass Essential includes more than 50 games. The library is smaller than those of the other listed plans, but it covers console and PC play.
Essential includes online console multiplayer, so you can play supported multiplayer games over the internet. It does not include new releases on day one.
The plan can suit you if its available games cover your regular play. A smaller library can still be good value when it includes the titles you want to return to.
Premium: More Games and New Xbox Releases Later
Game Pass Premium includes more than 200 games, plus online console multiplayer. It works on Xbox consoles and PC, with a larger library than Essential.
Premium adds new Xbox-published games within one year of launch. Select games are excluded from that timing, so a particular title may arrive later or follow a different schedule.
This plan can fit players who want more games than Essential offers but do not need every new release at launch. Its library still changes as titles enter or leave.
PC Game Pass: PC Games and EA Play
PC Game Pass includes more than 300 games on PC and includes EA Play. It is a PC-only subscription, so its benefits do not add Xbox console access.
EA Play adds access to a selection of games and other member benefits. Check the individual game listing for availability and any platform limits before you count on a specific title.
For PC players, the plan brings together the Game Pass library and EA Play in one subscription. Its value depends on the games you actually want to play.
Ultimate: The Broadest Library and Partner Benefits
Ultimate includes more than 500 games and online console multiplayer. It also includes EA Play, Fortnite Crew, and Ubisoft+ Classics.
Ubisoft+ Classics adds access to more than 50 games. The Ubisoft Classics selection is separate from the total library figure, and its titles can change.
Ultimate is the broadest package for players who will use its partner benefits and access across supported devices. The full game selection is not identical across every device.
For a closer look at what is playable, browse current Xbox Game Pass games and check each title’s platform details. Compare the benefits you will use regularly, not just the headline number of games.
Can You Buy Game Pass for a Year or Several Months?
Yes, 12-month Essential memberships and multi-month Ultimate offers are listed for purchase, but the format depends on the seller and plan. Prepaid memberships cover a set term, unlike a subscription billed each month.
A 12-month Essential membership is listed at Walmart. Third-party sellers also list multi-month Ultimate offers, but an offer is not a guaranteed annual subscription.
The Xbox Game Pass 12-month option refers to a prepaid membership when that term is offered. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 12 months is not a guaranteed format across sellers or offers.
For Game Pass Essential, the yearly amount depends on the selected plan, current offer, and whether you pay monthly or prepay. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3 months can appear as a multi-month offer, but its availability and terms vary.
- Monthly subscriptions bill for each subscription period.
- Prepaid multi-month or 12-month memberships apply when offered.
- Gift cards or codes have plan, region, and redemption terms to check.
A gift card may add account credit, while a membership code may add a set plan term. Those products are not always interchangeable, so read the product details before you buy.
Seller listings can differ in format and activation region. Check whether a code is region-compatible and stackable before paying for multiple months.
How Does Cloud Gaming Work Across Plans?
Ultimate offers 15 cloud-gaming hours per month, compared with 10 for Premium and 5 for Essential. PC Game Pass does not include cloud gaming.
Cloud play has a monthly hour limit on Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. The service also needs a supported device, region, and game.
Monthly Cloud Hours by Plan
| Plan | Cloud gaming included | Monthly cloud hours |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Yes | 5 |
| Premium | Yes | 10 |
| Ultimate | Yes | 15 |
| PC Game Pass | No | Not included |
These limits help you compare plans if you stream games instead of installing them. Xbox announced the monthly cloud-hour changes for Essential, Premium, and Ultimate in September 2026.
Xbox’s cloud gaming update describes the monthly limits and announced options for buying extra playtime. Available features can differ by market.
Streaming Games You Already Own
Ultimate subscribers can stream select games they own on supported devices. This option is separate from streaming games in the subscription library.
Owning a game does not guarantee that it can be streamed. Cloud play still depends on supported devices, regions, and games.
If you plan to play a specific title by streaming, check its cloud status first. Check device and regional support for the specific game before relying on streaming.
When Do New Games and Call of Duty Join?
Most new games arrive on day one with Ultimate and PC Game Pass, but future Call of Duty games are an exception. Day-one access applies to many new releases, not every title under the same schedule.
Future Call of Duty games are expected during the holiday season after release, about a year later. They will not join Ultimate or PC Game Pass at launch.
As of Xbox’s April 21, 2026 update, existing Call of Duty games already in the library remain available. That status concerns current titles, not future releases.
Premium follows a different timeline for select Xbox-published games. It adds those games within one year of launch, but select titles are excluded.
Essential does not include new releases on day one. If launch access matters to you, check which plan includes the game you want rather than assuming every release follows one rule.
The holiday-season timing for future Call of Duty games means the wait can vary with the release date. A launch earlier in the year can lead to a longer wait than one released closer to the holiday season.
Older Call of Duty titles already in the library are not subject to the future-game timing rule. Their access still depends on the title staying in the library and on your active plan.
Listings can also name a release date, plan, or platform limit for a specific title. Check the listing for the particular title, since release timing depends on the game and plan.
What Are the Best Ways to Lower Your Game Pass Spend?
The most reliable way to spend less is to choose the lowest tier that still includes the games and features you will use. A lower tier can be enough if its library and access meet your needs.
Savings depend on eligible offers, plan choice, and applicable Rewards or discounts. There is no guarantee that a promotion will appear for your account.
Choose Only the Benefits You Will Use
Start with the games you expect to play, then consider whether you need extra features. Paying for a larger plan makes sense only when you will use what it adds.
For example, a PC-only player may not need console access. If your regular games are in a lower tier, spending more each month may not improve your experience.
Check Offers, Rewards and Library Discounts
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate lists a 14-day trial that recurs monthly. Promotional offers may not be available to every member, and trial terms can change.
Use these checks before you subscribe:
- Sign in to check promotions available to your account.
- Compare Rewards multipliers and the terms that apply.
- Check discounts on selected games in the library.
- Verify the current trial or offer terms before subscribing.
Premium and PC Game Pass earn 2x Rewards points, while Ultimate earns 4x, compared with Essential. Rewards points have terms that may affect how you earn or redeem them.
Select games in the Game Pass library can offer up to 30% value through discounts. The discount applies to selected titles, not every game in the library.
Is there any way to get an Xbox Game Pass cheaper? Yes, savings depend on eligible offers, plan choice, and applicable Rewards or discounts.
Some offers target specific members and may not show for you. Tom’s Hardware’s report on targeted discounts describes user-reported offers, not a discount everyone can claim.
Treat a trial as a recurring subscription unless you turn off renewal or cancel in time.
How Do Game Pass Billing and Cancellations Work?
Game Pass recurring billing is on by default, so the subscription renews unless you stop it before the next billing date. Turning off renewal stops a future charge, but does not itself promise a refund for an earlier payment.
If an unintended renewal charge has already been paid, you may request a refund by canceling within 30 days. This refund option is limited to once per Microsoft account per subscription product.
- Check the next billing date in your Microsoft account or console.
- Turn off recurring billing or cancel before that date to stop the next charge.
- For an unintended renewal, cancel within 30 days and request a refund under the one-time limit.
After you turn off recurring billing, the current paid period can continue until it ends. That change controls the next renewal, rather than undoing a payment already made.
The refund rule applies to the most recent recurring-billing charge and has a one-time-per-account, per-product limit. It does not mean every cancellation qualifies for a refund.
Cancel within 30 days of an unintended renewal charge to request a refund, subject to the account and product limit.
Use your Microsoft account to check the status after changing the subscription. Check the cancellation status in your Microsoft account after making the change.
Does Game Pass Work on PS5?
Xbox Game Pass has no PS5 subscription tier, so there is no separate Game Pass price for playing on a PS5. The service is not a PS5 plan, and its library does not provide PS5 access.
You can play a library game only while your subscription is active and the title remains available. Access ends when your subscription expires or the game leaves the library.
Game availability can differ by region, plan, and platform. A game listed for one device may not appear for another, even within the same subscription.
If you want to explore titles before choosing a plan, see these recommended Xbox Game Pass games and then check each title’s current listing. The catalog can change over time.
There is no PS5-specific price to compare with the US Xbox rates. Check the current catalog and supported-device list for the specific game you want.
A subscription does not keep a game available after that title leaves the library.
Confirm the game, plan, region and device all match before you subscribe.
Conclusion
The right plan is the one that fits your devices and the games you want to play. Your gaming budget can go further when you choose benefits you will use, rather than paying for features that sit idle.
Check the title you want, along with its platform and current plan terms. Compare the current plan details in your Microsoft account before starting a subscription.
FAQ
Does a Game Pass cost?
Yes, Game Pass is a paid subscription, with US monthly prices starting at $9.99 for Essential. The amount you pay depends on the plan and your region. A subscription gives access to eligible games while it remains active and the titles stay in the library. Check the listed terms before you sign up.
What country is the Xbox Game Pass cheapest in?
No single country is always the cheapest, because Microsoft prices vary by region and currency. Compare each current local price after currency conversion, since exchange rates can change the result. Taxes and local pricing rules can also affect what you pay. A low listed price may not be the lowest final cost.
How does Game Pass work on Xbox?
Game Pass lets subscribers access eligible library games while the subscription is active and each game remains in the catalog. You can install supported games on your Xbox console, then play them while access continues. A title may leave the library, so check its current listing if you plan to keep playing it.
What is the best Xbox Game Pass deal?
The best deal is the plan whose monthly price matches the benefits you will use, plus any promotion you can claim. A lower tier can be a better fit if it includes your games and devices. Offers vary by member and may expire, so compare the current terms rather than relying on an old advertised deal.
Is there a 1 year subscription for Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, 12-month Essential memberships are listed for purchase, while the plan and redemption terms depend on the offer. Multi-month offers for other plans can appear through sellers, but they do not guarantee an annual subscription. Check the code’s region and term before paying, especially when buying from a third-party seller.
What is the cheapest Xbox Game Pass plan?
Essential is the lowest-priced listed plan at $9.99 per month in the United States. It covers console and PC play and includes a smaller library than higher tiers. The best choice still depends on which games and features you need. Prices can vary by region, so local rates may differ.
Is Game Pass Ultimate worth it in 2026?
Ultimate is most useful when you will use its larger library, day-one games, partner benefits, or access across supported devices. If you mainly play on one device or want only a few games, another tier may fit your needs better. Compare the specific titles and features you expect to use with the monthly cost.
Can I get Game Pass Ultimate for $1?
Do not assume a $1 offer is available, because promotional offers vary by member and time. The Ultimate product page lists a 14-day trial that recurs monthly, but that does not mean every account gets a $1 price. Read the offer terms, including renewal details, before starting a trial.
