Originally launched as a free service to rival Xbox Live in 2010, PlayStation Plus has evolved significantly since its humble beginnings in 2010. The current iteration of PlayStation Plus is a subscription-based service for PS5 and PS4 users that is mandatory for online play, but also features additional tiers that add benefits such as a catalog of downloadable games, cloud streaming, and more.

While Sony used to offer 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. Come on, Sony, share the love!

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, if you so desire. 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

Microsoft PC Game Pass

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• 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

Nintendo Switch Online

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• 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

Amazon Luna+

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• 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

Apple Arcade

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• 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.

Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Features, Guides, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.