Xbox Game Pass’s listed U.S. monthly prices are $9.99 for Essential, $14.99 for Premium, $22.99 for Ultimate, and $13.99 for PC Game Pass. The right choice depends less on the headline game count than on where you play, whether you want new releases on day one, and which bundled services you will actually use.
Xbox Game Pass prices and features at a glance
These are the monthly U.S. prices and plan details shown on Xbox’s plan overview and plan comparison, checked October 3, 2026. Xbox may change prices, features, and catalog counts, so check the live offer before subscribing.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![$100 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vrrAVO+zL._SL160_.jpg)
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$100 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![$10 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41MEiiMQqmL._SL160_.jpg)
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$10 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $10.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![$50 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Y+LDLtBFL._SL160_.jpg)
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$50 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![$25 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Y0U46RO7L._SL160_.jpg)
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$25 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Xbox Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| Plan | Listed U.S. monthly price | What Xbox currently lists | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Game Pass Essential | $9.99 | 50+ games, 5 hours of cloud playtime per month, online console multiplayer, in-game benefits, and Rewards points. No day-one new releases. | Console players who want online multiplayer and an included library at the lowest listed monthly price. |
| Xbox Game Pass Premium | $14.99 | 200+ games, 10 hours of cloud playtime per month, online console multiplayer, and in-game benefits. New Xbox-published games join within one year. | Players who want a broader catalog and cloud access but can wait for Xbox-published releases. |
| Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | $22.99 | 500+ games, day-one releases, 15 hours of cloud playtime per month on the overview listing, EA Play, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, online console multiplayer, and 4x Rewards points. | Players who value day-one access and the included services across the broader bundle. |
| PC Game Pass | $13.99 | 300+ PC games, day-one titles, and EA Play; designed for PC players. | PC players looking for a PC-oriented catalog, day-one games, and EA Play. |
The catalog totals are Xbox’s headline counts on its current U.S. pages, not guarantees that a particular game is included. Xbox says titles, counts, features, and availability vary by time, region, plan, and platform.
Which Xbox Game Pass plan should you choose?
Choose Essential for lower-cost console multiplayer
Essential is the least expensive listed option at $9.99 a month. It makes sense if you play on console, want online console multiplayer and a library of included games, and do not need new releases on day one.
#1 Best Overall
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
Choose Premium if you can wait for Xbox-published games
At $14.99 a month, Premium adds a larger listed library and more monthly cloud playtime than Essential. Xbox says new Xbox-published games join within one year, so this tier suits players who value breadth and cloud access more than launch-day availability.
Choose Ultimate when its extras justify the higher monthly bill
Ultimate costs $22.99 a month and is Xbox’s broadest bundle in the current comparison. Its day-one games, EA Play, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, and 4x Rewards points may make it worthwhile if you use those benefits; paying for features you do not use can erase the value of the bundle.
Rank #2
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
Choose PC Game Pass if you primarily play on PC
PC Game Pass is $13.99 a month and includes a PC-focused catalog, day-one titles, and EA Play. It is the direct option for PC players. Compare it with Ultimate only if you also want console access or value Ultimate’s other bundled services. The Microsoft Store listing also identifies PC Game Pass as a PC-oriented subscription and shows its listed price.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- XBOX GIFT CARD: Buy full digital game downloads, game add-ons, in-game currency, memberships, devices, apps, movies, TV shows, and more.
- DIGITAL GAMES: Choose from hundreds of games, from AAA to indie options. Start playing the moment your most anticipated game is available when you pre-order and pre-download it.
- GAME AD-ONS: Extend the experience of your favorite games with add-ons and in-game currency.
- MOVIES & TV SHOWS: Rent or buy new and popular movies and TV shows from a massive library.
- PERFECT GIFT: Great as a gift for a friend or yourself. Xbox Gift Cards are easy to use, never expire, and give the freedom to pick the gift they want. Enjoy more ways to play without a credit card attached to your Microsoft account.
Rank #4
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
Rank #3
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
What to check before subscribing
- Confirm your games. Search for the specific title you want and verify that it is currently included for your region, plan, and platform. A plan’s game-count headline does not promise access to any one title.
- Compare platforms and benefits. Check whether you need console multiplayer, PC access, day-one releases, or any of Ultimate’s bundled services. Free-to-play games are available to every Xbox player; paid games may be sold separately.
- Check cloud terms for the offer you are buying. Xbox’s overview lists monthly cloud-playtime figures, while its comparison page describes Ultimate as offering unlimited cloud gaming and best streaming quality, up to 1440p on supported titles and devices. Because Xbox presents cloud benefits differently across these pages and availability varies, read the live terms for the specific offer rather than assuming unlimited play or a particular quality level.
- Check the checkout price and renewal terms. Promotional trials may be offered, but they are not the regular monthly price. The Microsoft Store listing says subscriptions continue automatically unless cancelled; review the applicable checkout terms and cancellation details.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
