For console players who want a basic catalogue and online multiplayer, start with Essential. Choose Premium if you want a broader catalogue and can wait for Xbox-published games; choose Ultimate for day-one access and its bundled services; and choose PC Game Pass if you play on PC. The best value depends on the games and features you will actually use—not the library count alone.
Xbox’s US overview currently lists these four plans. Prices and promotions can vary by region, account and time, so check the recurring price shown after signing in before deciding.
How the Xbox Game Pass plans compare
The figures below are Xbox’s own plan descriptions, captured on October 7, 2026; they are not independent measurements. Xbox says catalogues, features and availability vary over time, by region, plan and platform. See the Xbox Game Pass overview and official plan comparison for current terms.
| Plan | Listed library | Day-one releases | Cloud play listed by Xbox | Other listed features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | 50+ games | No new releases on day one | 5 hours per month | Online console multiplayer, in-game benefits and Rewards points |
| Premium | 200+ games | Xbox-published games join within one year of launch | 10 hours per month | In-game benefits, online console multiplayer and 2x Rewards points |
| Ultimate | 500+ games | New games on day one, subject to exclusions | 15 hours per month | EA Play, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, online console multiplayer and 4x Rewards points |
| PC Game Pass | 300+ games on PC | New games on day one | Not included | EA Play and in-game benefits; listed as PC-only |
Xbox’s day-one note says select games are included and excludes Call of Duty titles. Check whether a particular game is currently in the catalogue for your platform and plan before subscribing for it.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Which Xbox Game Pass plan should I get?
Essential: a starting point for console play
Consider Essential if you want an included catalogue and online console multiplayer but do not need new releases on day one. Xbox lists 50+ games and 5 hours of monthly cloud playtime for this plan. Look at the current catalogue for titles you would actually play; the headline count does not tell you whether the plan suits you.
Premium: more catalogue, with a wait for Xbox-published games
Premium may suit you if a broader selection matters more than playing Xbox-published releases at launch. Xbox lists 200+ games, 10 hours of monthly cloud playtime, and says Xbox-published games join within one year of launch. It is not the choice for immediate access to new Xbox-published releases.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Ultimate: day-one access and bundled services
Ultimate is the plan to consider if you will use its larger listed library, day-one releases, 15 hours of monthly cloud playtime, or included EA Play, Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics. The bundles only add value if they replace services or purchases you would otherwise pay for. Compare the current recurring price in your account with those costs; Xbox’s overview does not calculate individual savings.
PC Game Pass: for PC-first players
PC Game Pass is focused on PC: Xbox lists 300+ games on PC, day-one releases, EA Play and in-game benefits. Xbox labels it PC-only and says cloud gaming is not included. If you need console multiplayer or cloud play, compare the other plans’ features instead.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Is Game Pass Ultimate worth the extra cost?
It can be, if its day-one access and included services match how you play. Before choosing it, identify the games and benefits you would use, then compare their alternatives with the signed-in recurring subscription price. If you would not use the bundled services and do not need day-one releases, a lower tier may fit better. There is no universal savings figure: value depends on your region, current offer and actual use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the difference between Game Pass Premium and Ultimate?
Premium offers a 200+ game catalogue and Xbox-published games within one year of launch; Ultimate lists 500+ games and day-one releases, with select-game exclusions. The overview also lists 10 versus 15 monthly cloud-play hours. Ultimate additionally includes EA Play, Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics. The right choice turns on whether those earlier releases and extras justify its current price to you.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Check prices, catalogue terms and billing before subscribing
- Price and offers: The US overview captured for this article did not expose a complete usable price table. An indexed comparison snapshot showed $22.99/month for Ultimate and a Premium offer of 14 days for $1 followed by $14.99/month, but that partial snapshot is not a complete or independently verified current price list. Offers may be limited-time, region-specific or unavailable to some subscribers. Check the price and offer terms displayed in your account, including what you will pay after any promotion.
- Renewal: Xbox subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled. Xbox directs subscribers to turn off recurring billing before the next billing date; review the account’s current billing details when you sign up.
- Catalogue access: Access lasts while the subscription is active and the game remains in the plan’s library. Catalogue contents, counts, features and availability can change and vary by region, plan and platform.
- Cloud play: Xbox lists monthly hour allowances for Essential, Premium and Ultimate, but cloud play also depends on supported devices and regions. A supported device is sold separately, and cloud-playable titles outside the subscription may need to be purchased separately.
- Rewards: The listed point multipliers are not guaranteed cash values. Xbox says Rewards vary by market, Rewards level and local currency; terms and gameplay restrictions apply.
