Xbox Game Pass continues to redefine the gaming experience by offering expansive game libraries, exclusive perks, and cross-platform access all through monthly subscription models.
As of 2025, Microsoft has introduced multiple tiers to cater to different user needs. Among these, Xbox Game Pass Premium and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate have become the most talked-about plans.
Understanding the core differences between these two plans is essential for UK gamers deciding where to invest their money.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down features, device compatibility, pricing, in-game benefits, and more to help you decide which plan delivers the best value in 2025.
What Are Xbox Game Pass Premium and Ultimate?
Xbox Game Pass Premium and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate are tiered subscription models developed by Microsoft to suit different player profiles in 2025.
Both plans allow access to an extensive library of games and offer benefits tailored for different types of gamers.
Xbox Game Pass Premium is ideal for casual players who primarily play on console or PC and are comfortable waiting for new titles to be added after release. It provides:
- Access to over 200 games on console, PC, and cloud
- Cross-platform play
- Standard cloud gaming experience
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, on the other hand, is tailored for dedicated gamers looking for a comprehensive service. It includes everything in Premium, along with several exclusive benefits:
- Over 400 games including third-party titles
- Day-one access to new releases
- EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics integration
- Higher rewards and better streaming performance
This tier-based structure helps users find a plan that best suits their gameplay style and budget.
How Do the Game Libraries Compare?
The number and diversity of available games differ significantly between the two tiers. Ultimate clearly offers a more extensive library, largely due to the inclusion of EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics.
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the game libraries:
| Feature | Game Pass Premium | Game Pass Ultimate |
| Total Games | 200+ | 400+ |
| Xbox First-Party Titles | Delayed (12 months) | Available on Day-One |
| Third-Party Titles | Select | Extensive |
| EA Play Access | Not included | Included |
| Ubisoft+ Classics | Not included | Included |
| Platform Availability | Console, PC, Cloud | Console, PC, Cloud |
Gamers who want immediate access to the latest titles and broader variety will find Ultimate significantly more appealing. Premium still offers strong value, particularly for players not focused on launch-day access.
What Day-One Access Does Each Plan Offer?
One of the biggest differentiators between Premium and Ultimate is day-one access to newly released games. For many gamers, playing a title at launch is a key part of the experience, especially when it comes to avoiding spoilers and being part of the initial online community.
Only Game Pass Ultimate provides day-one access to:
- All new Xbox Game Studios titles
- Selected third-party blockbuster games
- Exclusive content such as early access betas
Premium users must wait up to 12 months for the same games to become available in their library. This delay affects titles from both Microsoft and third-party publishers, making Ultimate the clear choice for those who value early access.
Which Plan Offers Better Cloud Gaming Capabilities?
Cloud gaming has become central to the Xbox ecosystem, and both plans provide access to this feature. However, the quality of experience varies.
Game Pass Premium includes cloud gaming with:
- Streaming on mobile, PC, and supported TVs
- Moderate wait times during peak hours
- Standard resolution streaming
Game Pass Ultimate enhances the experience with:
- High-resolution streaming up to 1440p on supported titles
- Priority access with reduced wait times
- Ability to stream select games from personal library
- Optimised performance on a broader set of devices
The added performance benefits of Ultimate make a notable difference, especially when streaming on mobile networks or lower-end devices.
What Devices Can You Use With Each Plan?
Device compatibility is strong across both subscription tiers. Regardless of whether users choose Premium or Ultimate, the supported platforms are the same.
Users can access their Game Pass library on:
- Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
- Windows PCs and laptops
- Android and iOS phones and tablets
- Samsung, LG, and Amazon Fire smart TVs
- Meta VR headsets
- Web browsers through xbox.com/play
- Handheld devices with Xbox Cloud Gaming support
There is no limitation in terms of supported devices based on plan, which makes both options equally versatile. However, the streaming quality and responsiveness on these devices will be superior for Ultimate subscribers.
Do You Get Online Console Multiplayer with Both Plans?
Yes, both Xbox Game Pass Premium and Ultimate provide access to online console multiplayer. This feature allows users to play with friends, join co-op missions, and participate in global matches in titles that require Xbox Live Gold access.
Key details:
- Multiplayer for paid titles is included in both plans
- Free-to-play titles such as Fortnite and Apex Legends remain available to all users without a subscription
- No need to buy Xbox Live Gold separately when subscribed to either Premium or Ultimate
This inclusion ensures that both casual and competitive players can enjoy online gaming without additional charges.
What Are the Perks, Rewards, and In-Game Benefits?
The perks, rewards, and in-game benefits of Xbox Game Pass subscriptions are a major draw for many gamers. These features add layers of value beyond just access to the game library.
While both Xbox Game Pass Premium and Ultimate provide benefits, Ultimate includes more comprehensive offerings tailored for frequent gamers.
In-Game Benefits Across Popular Titles
Both Game Pass Premium and Ultimate grant access to in-game benefits. These may include cosmetic items, experience boosts, or seasonal content in supported titles.
Examples of popular games offering perks:
- League of Legends
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Rainbow Six Siege
Ultimate subscribers often receive exclusive items or additional content not available to Premium members. For competitive or free-to-play games with monetisation options, these bonuses can add noticeable value.
Fortnite Crew Exclusive (Ultimate Only)
One of the standout exclusive features of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in 2025 is its inclusion of Fortnite Crew. This offers:
- Fortnite Battle Pass each season
- 1,000 V-Bucks per month
- Exclusive Fortnite Crew Pack with skins and items
This benefit alone adds significant value for Fortnite players, especially those who regularly purchase V-Bucks or battle passes separately.
Microsoft Rewards Integration
Microsoft Rewards is deeply integrated with both Game Pass plans, offering players the opportunity to earn points through gameplay, Store purchases, and daily challenges.
Game Pass Premium provides:
- Up to 50,000 Rewards points per year
- 2x points for game and add-on purchases
- Up to 5% back on eligible Game Pass library content
Game Pass Ultimate offers:
- Up to 100,000 Rewards points per year
- 4x points for Store purchases
- Up to 10% back in points on Game Pass games and add-ons
The increased points accumulation under the Ultimate plan can result in regular savings on Xbox Store content, making it a practical option for players who purchase games or expansions frequently.
Exclusive Deals and Discounts
Both plans include discounts on selected games and downloadable content. However, the scale and frequency of these deals vary.
- Premium: Standard Game Pass deals and a few seasonal offers
- Ultimate: Enhanced discounts (up to 30%) and more frequent member-exclusive promotions
For users who actively build their game libraries or buy add-ons, the savings under Ultimate can be substantial over the course of a year.
How Much Do Xbox Game Pass Premium and Ultimate Cost in the UK?
The price of each subscription reflects the features and services provided. Here is a breakdown of the current UK pricing as of 2025:
| Plan | Monthly Price (UK) | Trial Offer |
| Game Pass Premium | £10.99 | First 14 days for £1 |
| Game Pass Ultimate | £22.99 | No current trial |
While Ultimate costs more than double the price of Premium, it also delivers double the game content and several exclusive features. The decision ultimately depends on how frequently a user plays and what they value in their gaming experience.
Players who don’t mind waiting for new titles and only play a few times a week may find Premium more than adequate. More engaged gamers who play across devices and want early access to everything will likely find the cost of Ultimate justified.
Which Xbox Game Pass Plan Offers the Best Value in 2025?
Value can be subjective, but when comparing Xbox Game Pass Premium and Ultimate, the best plan for an individual often comes down to their gaming habits, device usage, and expectations around content and release timing.
Value for Casual Gamers
Xbox Game Pass Premium is designed with the budget-conscious or occasional gamer in mind. It offers:
- Over 200 quality titles
- Full access on console, PC, and supported cloud devices
- In-game perks and Microsoft Rewards integration
For players who don’t require day-one access or additional services like EA Play, Premium delivers consistent value at a lower cost. It covers essential features and is sufficient for those who enjoy gaming a few times a week or focus on single-player campaigns.
Value for Frequent and Competitive Gamers
Game Pass Ultimate offers a premium-tier experience that is most beneficial for those who game regularly and across platforms. It is also ideal for players who want to stay on the cutting edge of game releases.
Ultimate stands out with:
- Day-one access to Xbox and selected third-party titles
- Access to EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics
- Enhanced cloud gaming performance with higher resolutions and reduced latency
- Twice the Rewards point cap compared to Premium
- Exclusive perks such as Fortnite Crew and expanded discounts
Players who engage with Xbox Game Pass multiple times a week or actively participate in online and competitive gaming will find Ultimate provides excellent return on investment.
Long-Term Value Comparison
Here is a side-by-side look at how the two plans stack up in terms of long-term value:
| Feature | Game Pass Premium | Game Pass Ultimate |
| Monthly Cost (UK) | £10.99 | £22.99 |
| Game Access | 200+ titles | 400+ titles |
| Day-One Releases | No | Yes |
| EA Play & Ubisoft+ | Not included | Included |
| Rewards Points Cap | 50,000/year | 100,000/year |
| In-Game Perks | Basic access | Extended and exclusive |
| Streaming Quality | Standard | Up to 1440p with priority |
While Premium provides cost-effective access to the Xbox ecosystem, the additional benefits in Ultimate clearly justify its higher price for many users, especially those making full use of the subscription.
Conclusion
In 2025, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate remains the most feature-rich option, offering more games, faster access, better rewards, and enhanced cloud gaming capabilities. It’s clearly the plan for serious or daily gamers who want access to everything the Xbox ecosystem has to offer.
That said, Xbox Game Pass Premium is far from inadequate. At less than half the price of Ultimate, it offers impressive value for casual players, especially those who don’t need the latest releases right away.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on how often you play, what kind of games you enjoy, and how important early access and extra perks are to your experience.
FAQs About Xbox Game Pass Premium vs Ultimate in 2025
Can I upgrade from Game Pass Premium to Ultimate?
Yes, you can upgrade at any time by adjusting your subscription through your Xbox account settings. The change usually takes effect immediately or at the end of your current billing cycle.
Does Xbox Game Pass Premium include Xbox Live Gold?
No, Xbox Live Gold is not included with Game Pass Premium. It’s a feature exclusive to Game Pass Ultimate.
Are the game libraries different for console and PC?
No, both Premium and Ultimate offer cross-platform libraries, but Ultimate includes additional content like EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics, which expands the offering.
Is cloud gaming available on both Xbox Game Pass plans?
Yes, both plans include cloud gaming. However, Ultimate users benefit from higher streaming quality and reduced wait times.
Are new Xbox exclusives available on Game Pass Premium?
Not immediately. New Xbox exclusives arrive on Premium up to 12 months after release, whereas Ultimate users get them on launch day.
Do either of the plans include in-game currency like V-Bucks?
Only Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes Fortnite Crew benefits such as V-Bucks and the Battle Pass.
Can I share my Game Pass subscription with family members?
While Xbox supports account sharing through home console settings, Game Pass subscriptions are linked to the primary account. Additional users may need separate subscriptions for full access.
