Technologies

How Much Does Each Xbox Game Pass Plan Cost and Which One Is Right for You?

With prices and features constantly changing, it can be difficult to decide which Xbox Game Pass plan to subscribe to. Here’s what you need to know.

Editors’ note, Dec. 20: Xbox Game Pass offers a slew of benefits, like the ability to play on a myriad of devices — not just consoles — and access to games on Day 1 of release on certain plans, making this a convenient gaming subscription service for a wide range of people. Every Xbox Game Pass plan costs less than the price of a new AAA game each month, yet gives access to dozens — if not hundreds — of titles, which is why the service as a whole earned a CNET Editors’ Choice Award. The original article follows.

New AAA video games, the industry’s flagship titles, used to cost $50 apiece, but it’s not unusual to see a similar game cost $70 now. That price might make you pause before you buy a game, but with an Xbox Game Pass subscription, you could game for anywhere from $10 to $30 a month — less than half of that price.

Microsoft launched Game Pass in 2017, and since then, the gaming service has evolved into a good value for many gamers. All Game Pass plans offer member discounts for non-Game Pass titles and other perks, but figuring out which plan is right for you can be challenging.

That choice can be especially tough after Microsoft increased the price of Game Pass Ultimate from $20 to $30 a month and changed the names of some other Game Pass tiers. While Ultimate may not be the best choice for most folks, it’s still a good pick for gamers who want to play all the latest games.

I’ve covered the service in the past, including regular releases and whether Game Pass Ultimate will save you money compared with buying single games. With the new plan names, price increases and upgrades — like PC, console and cloud gaming for most plans — you might be wondering what the difference is between each Game Pass tier. Note that online multiplayer is standard across all tiers.

Here’s what you need to know about the Game Pass plans so you can decide which one is right for your needs.

Xbox Game Pass tiers

	Game Pass Essential	Game Pass Premium	PC Game Pass	Game Pass Ultimate
Game library size	50+	200+	400+	500+
Console gaming	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Cloud gaming	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
PC gaming	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Day 1 releases	No	No	Yes	Yes
EA Play	No	No	Yes	Yes
Ubisoft Plus Classics	No	No	No	Yes
Fortnite Crew	No	No	No	Yes
Monthly price	$10	$15	$16.49	$30

For more on Xbox, discover some of the games available on Game Pass now and check out our hands-on review of Game Pass Ultimate. You can also learn about recent changes to Game Pass.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube

Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im

Technologies

Why Travelers Are Switching to Verum E-SIM This Summer

Summer Travel, Freedom, and Seamless Connectivity: Why Verum E-SIM Is Becoming the New Standard for Travelers

Summer is the peak season for vacations, long-distance trips, and new experiences. Millions of people travel abroad, explore new countries, plan adventures, and try to stay connected with family, work, and social media. And in the middle of all this comes a familiar question: how do you stay online without expensive roaming or the hassle of buying local SIM cards?

The answer is already here — eSIM.

Why eSIM Is So Convenient

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a built-in digital SIM card that lets you activate mobile internet without a physical card. All you need is an app — choose a plan and connect in just a couple of minutes.

No more:

* searching for local SIM cards at airports
* paying expensive roaming fees
* swapping physical SIMs every time you travel

Now your internet travels with you.

Internet in 150+ Countries

Modern eSIM solutions provide coverage in 150+ countries worldwide, helping tourists, freelancers, and business travelers stay connected almost anywhere on the planet.

Among the services offering these capabilities:

Verum E-SIM — https://esim.verum.im
World E-SIM — https://worldesim.me
USA E-SIM — https://usa.esim.verum.im
Euro E-SIM — https://euro.esim.verum.im
Canada E-SIM — https://canada.esim.verum.im
Balkan E-SIM — https://balkan.esim.verum.im
Ukraine E-SIM — https://ukraine.esim.verum.im
London E-SIM — https://london.esim.verum.im
E-SIM Africa — https://africa.esim.verum.im