Xbox Cloud Gaming review

Xbox Cloud Gaming is the easiest way to play big console games without owning them, because the games come with the Game Pass subscription. Microsoft's US page lists Essential at $9.99 a month with 50+ games, Premium at $14.99 with 200+ games and new Xbox-published games within a year, and Ultimate at $22.99 with 500+ games, day one releases, EA Play, Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics. You can stream on phones, tablets, TVs and VR headsets, including select games you own. The big limit for anyone without a console is cloud time: Essential includes 5 hours a month, Premium 10 and Ultimate 15. That suits a few sessions a week, but not daily play. PC Game Pass at $13.99 does not include cloud gaming at all. Eligible new members can try any plan for 14 days for $1.

Who it is for

Casual players who want a game library included

Price

Game Pass Essential $9.99 per month; Premium $14.99; Ultimate $22.99.

Plans start at $9.99/month.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Cloud gaming is included in Essential, Premium and Ultimate plans
• Monthly cloud playtime: 5 hours on Essential, 10 on Premium, 15 on Ultimate
• Essential includes 50+ games, Premium 200+ and Ultimate 500+
• Ultimate adds new games on day one plus EA Play, Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics
• Stream select games you own on phone, tablet, TV and VR headset

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Games are included, so no separate purchases are needed
• Strength: Works on phones, tablets, TVs and VR headsets
• Strength: First 14 days for $1 on each plan for eligible new members
• Weakness: Cloud time is capped at 5 to 15 hours a month by plan
• Weakness: PC Game Pass at $13.99 does not include cloud gaming
• Weakness: Day one games need the $22.99 Ultimate plan

Key facts

• Cheapest plan: Essential, $9.99 per month
• Cloud hours: 5, 10 or 15 per month by plan
• Library: 50+ to 500+ games
• Ultimate: $22.99 per month
• Trial: First 14 days for $1 (eligible members)

Where it ranks

Xbox Cloud Gaming is No. 3 in our Best Cloud Gaming Services verdict.