Compare Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, Essential and PC Game Pass by library size, day-one access, cloud gaming, EA Play, partner benefits, rewards and the games you actually want to play.
Best if you switch between console, PC and cloud, want the widest library, or care about day-one releases and extra partner benefits.
Best if your main device is a Windows PC and you do not need console access or cloud gaming as part of the same plan.
Best if you want a bigger console and supported-device library than Essential but do not need day-one releases for every new game.
Best if you mainly need online console multiplayer, a smaller rotating library and basic in-game benefits.
| Feature | Ultimate | PC Game Pass | Premium | Essential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Everything: console, PC, cloud, day one | Windows PC players | Console and supported-device library users | Online multiplayer plus smaller library |
| Library size | 500+ games | 300+ PC games | 200+ games | 50+ games |
| Day-one games | Yes | Yes on PC | No full day-one access; selected Xbox-published games later | No |
| Cloud gaming | Strongest cloud positioning | Not included in the PC-only plan | Included where supported | Included where supported, with a smaller library |
| EA Play / Ubisoft+ Classics | EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics | EA Play | Check official plan terms for current partner benefits | Check official plan terms for current partner benefits |
| Before you buy | Check if a target game is leaving soon | Confirm PC platform support | Confirm the target game is in Premium | Confirm the target game is in Essential |
Xbox's own day-one page says day-one games are included with Ultimate and PC Game Pass, not Premium or Essential. That is why this page treats day-one access as the main deciding factor for new-release buyers.
Browse Day One CatalogIf you subscribe for one title, first check the game's current plan, platform and leaving date. A cheaper plan is only useful when the exact game is included on your device.
Open CalendarThis page separates durable plan differences from fast-changing live subscription offers. Library counts and feature names are based on public Xbox plan pages, while game-level filtering comes from this site's catalog data.
Ultimate is the broadest plan because it combines console, PC, cloud, day-one games and the largest set of partner benefits. It is not always the cheapest fit for a single game.
PC Game Pass can be better for Windows-only players. Ultimate is better when you also want console access, broader cloud positioning and the widest benefit bundle.
Premium does not include full day-one access. Xbox says new Xbox-published games can join Premium within 1 year of launch, excluding Call of Duty titles.
No. Search the game first, check plan and platform support, then check the calendar to avoid subscribing for a title that is about to leave.