All Gaming Subscription Services Compared – 2026
The subscription model has taken over gaming. Here's every major service, what you get, and which one is right for you.
Quick Comparison Table
| Service | Price/Month | # Games | Keep Games? | Day-One Releases? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Game Pass PC | $9.99 | 400+ | No | Yes (Microsoft/Bethesda/ABK) |
| Game Pass Ultimate | $19.99 | 400+ | No | Yes + Cloud + Console |
| EA Play | $4.99 | 200+ | No | 10-hour trials |
| Humble Choice | $11.99 | 5-8/mo | Yes | No |
| Ubisoft+ | $14.99 | 100+ | No | Yes (Ubisoft titles) |
| PlayStation Plus Premium (PC) | $17.99 | Growing | No | No |
| Apple Arcade (Mac) | $6.99 | 200+ | No | Yes (Apple Arcade titles) |
Detailed Reviews
Xbox Game Pass PC – Best Overall Value
$9.99/month
The king of game subscriptions. Includes:
- 400+ PC games
- All Microsoft, Bethesda, and Activision-Blizzard games on day one
- EA Play included
- Games regularly rotated (some leave, new ones added)
Best for: Anyone who plays 2+ new games per month.
Humble Choice – Best for Ownership
$11.99/month
Unlike other subscriptions, you keep the games forever:
- 5-8 curated games per month (Steam keys)
- 20% discount on Humble Store
- Humble Vault access
Best for: People who want to own their games permanently.
EA Play – Best Budget Option
$4.99/month ($29.99/year)
EA's game library:
- All EA back catalog (FIFA/FC, Battlefield, Need for Speed, Sims, etc.)
- 10-hour trials for new releases
- 10% discount on EA purchases
Best for: EA game fans. Also included free with Game Pass.
Ubisoft+ – For Ubisoft Fans Only
$14.99/month
All Ubisoft games:
- Day-one access to Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, etc.
- Includes all DLC and expansions
- Premium editions of all games
Best for: Only if you play multiple Ubisoft titles per year. Expensive for occasional play.
Value Analysis by Gaming Style
The Casual Gamer (5-10 hrs/week)
Recommended: Humble Choice ($11.99)
- You keep the games even if you cancel
- Play at your own pace without subscription pressure
- Good variety of genres
The Explorer (10-20 hrs/week)
Recommended: Xbox Game Pass PC ($9.99)
- Try many games without committing
- Access to new releases on day one
- EA Play included for extra variety
The Hardcore Gamer (20+ hrs/week)
Recommended: Game Pass Ultimate ($19.99) + Humble Choice ($11.99)
- Total: $31.98/month for access to everything
- Keep Humble games + stream Game Pass games
The Budget Gamer
Recommended: EA Play ($4.99) + patience
- Cheap subscription for EA's catalog
- Wait for sales to buy other games
- Claim free Epic Games weekly
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Strategy | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Games Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game Pass PC only | $10 | $120 | 400+ rotating |
| Humble Choice only | $12 | $144 | 60-96 kept |
| GP + Humble | $22 | $264 | 400+ rotating + 60-96 kept |
| EA Play only | $5 | $30 | 200+ EA games |
| Buy on sale only | ~$15 | ~$180 | 10-15 games kept |
Cancellation Tips
- Cancel before renewal to avoid unwanted charges
- Pause if available (Humble allows pausing months)
- Check for retention offers – sometimes you'll get a discount offer when cancelling
- Download what you want before your subscription ends
FAQ
Q: Can I subscribe to multiple services? A: Yes, and it can make sense if you game heavily. Aim for under $25/month total.
Q: What happens to my saves when I cancel? A: Cloud saves are typically retained, so you can continue if you resubscribe or buy the game.
Q: Is Game Pass replacing buying games? A: For many people, yes. But owning your favorites (Humble Choice, buying on sale) is still valuable.
Q: Do subscriptions go on sale? A: Yes! Watch for discounted subscription codes during major sale events.