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As of August 18, 2026, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $22.99 per month in the U.S., and PC Game Pass costs $13.99. Both are below the prices set during Microsoft’s October 2025 overhaul, but above their earlier prices. The April 2026 reduction came with a major trade-off: future Call of Duty games will no longer arrive on Ultimate or PC Game Pass at launch; Microsoft says they are expected around the following holiday season instead. Other eligible day-one releases remain part of those plans.
What changed, and when?
Game Pass went through two distinct changes. Microsoft’s October 2025 restructuring introduced the Essential, Premium, and Ultimate names, expanded features and benefits, and raised Ultimate to $29.99 per month. On April 21, 2026, it lowered Ultimate and PC Game Pass prices, while changing the day-one policy for future Call of Duty releases.
| Period | Ultimate, U.S. | PC Game Pass, U.S. | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before October 2025 | $19.99/month | $11.99/month | Earlier price baseline. |
| October 2025 overhaul | $29.99/month | $16.49/month | New tier structure and expanded benefits. |
| April 21, 2026 onward | $22.99/month | $13.99/month | Partial price rollback; future Call of Duty launches removed from day-one access on these plans. |
The October 2025 changes added to the bundle, including partner benefits such as Fortnite Crew, EA Play, and Ubisoft+ Classics for Ultimate. A larger bundle does not mean every new release is included at launch. Microsoft’s April 21, 2026 announcement lists the current prices and Call of Duty change: Xbox Game Pass update.
The April reduction did not return either plan to its earlier price: Ultimate is still $3 more per month than its pre-overhaul price, and PC Game Pass is $2 more. These are U.S. monthly prices; Microsoft’s prices vary by region. The April announcement identifies reductions for Ultimate and PC Game Pass, not price changes to every tier.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
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Which Game Pass plan includes what?
Microsoft’s current comparison page lists 500+ games for Ultimate and 200+ for Premium. Those are current catalog figures, not guarantees: games and features vary over time, by region, plan, and platform. Essential’s and Premium’s current U.S. prices are not stated in the cited comparison material, so check Microsoft’s local purchase page before subscribing.
| Plan | Best suited to | Key inclusions | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Console players who prioritize multiplayer and a smaller catalog | Curated Game Pass library, online console multiplayer, member deals, selected in-game benefits and rewards | No day-one access to new games. |
| Premium | Players who want a wider catalog and cloud access without the top-tier bundle | 200+ games on Microsoft’s current comparison page; cloud access; new Xbox-published games generally within 12 months | No day-one access and no Ultimate partner bundle. |
| Ultimate | Players who use Xbox, PC, or cloud and value the broadest bundle | 500+ games on Microsoft’s current comparison page, eligible day-one releases, online console multiplayer, cloud gaming, EA Play, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, and selected benefits | Costs more; future Call of Duty releases are not day-one inclusions. |
| PC Game Pass | Windows PC players who want a PC-focused library | PC catalog and eligible day-one PC releases | Not the full console-and-cloud Ultimate package; future Call of Duty releases are delayed. |
Ultimate’s included partner services are useful only if you would use them. Microsoft’s comparison page describes Fortnite Crew benefits, EA Play, and Ubisoft+ Classics, including a collection of 50+ Ubisoft+ Classics games; do not assume each has equal cash value or is worth paying for separately. See Microsoft’s plan comparison for current features and terms.
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.
What happens to day-one games, especially Call of Duty?
“Day one” does not mean every new game. Ultimate and PC Game Pass continue to include eligible launches, with future Call of Duty games now the stated exception. Premium gets new Xbox-published games generally within 12 months rather than at launch, and that timing policy excludes Call of Duty. Essential has no day-one access.
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- Call of Duty already in the catalog: Existing titles remain available while they are in the library.
- Want a future Call of Duty at launch? Expect to buy it separately unless Microsoft announces a different offer. A subscription should not be treated as day-one access for those games.
The timing and policy are Microsoft’s stated expectations, not a guarantee of an exact date for each future title. Details are in the April 2026 announcement and the current plan comparison.
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.
Which plan is worth paying for?
Choose based on the features you will actually use, not the headline game count. The annual totals below simply multiply Microsoft’s U.S. monthly prices by 12; they are before tax and assume a full year at the stated rate, without promotions or future price changes.
| Plan or option | Useful when… | Price calculation or trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | You mainly need console multiplayer, a smaller library, and occasional member benefits. | Check the current local price; it is not stated in the cited price announcement. |
| Premium | You want a broad console/cloud catalog and can wait for Xbox-published releases. | Check the current local price; it is not stated in the cited price announcement. |
| Ultimate | You play across Xbox and PC, use cloud gaming, play several eligible new releases, or value its partner services. | $22.99/month, or $275.88 for 12 months before tax. |
| PC Game Pass | You play on Windows and want a PC catalog and eligible day-one PC releases, not the full console bundle. | $13.99/month, or $167.88 for 12 months before tax. |
| Buy games individually or subscribe intermittently | You play only a few games, want permanent ownership, or need future Call of Duty at launch. | You give up the subscription catalog and bundled benefits, but keep titles you buy under their purchase terms. |
Ultimate makes more sense if
- You regularly play games across console, PC, and cloud.
- You use enough eligible day-one releases to justify a recurring subscription.
- You already value included services such as EA Play, Fortnite Crew, or Ubisoft+ Classics.
- You accept buying future Call of Duty games separately if you want them on launch day.
Downgrade, pause, or buy separately if
- You mostly play one or two multiplayer games and do not use the bundled services or cloud gaming.
- You play mainly older titles, or often go months without using the catalog.
- You play only on PC and do not need Ultimate’s console benefits.
- Launch-day Call of Duty access or permanent ownership matters more than sampling a changing library.
What cloud gaming and streaming do—and do not—include
Cloud gaming lets you stream supported games rather than install and run them locally. Xbox lists access through supported Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, mobile devices, select Samsung and LG smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, Meta VR headsets, and browsers, subject to device and regional limits. A qualifying Game Pass subscription, supported device and compatible game are required for Game Pass cloud access; some free-to-play cloud games, including Fortnite, can be played with a free Microsoft account. A compatible controller may be needed, and streaming quality depends on your network and device. Not every catalog game is cloud playable.
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
Microsoft’s December 2025 update announced that Essential, Premium, and Ultimate members could stream from a library of more than 1,000 owned games across supported devices. This “Stream Your Own Game” feature is separate from streaming games included in the Game Pass catalog: a purchased game can be streamable even when it is not in the subscription library, but only if that title is supported. See Xbox Cloud Gaming and the December 2025 update for availability details.
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Subscriptions, ownership, and other limits to check
- Catalog access is not ownership. Access to a subscription game ends if it leaves the catalog or your subscription expires, unless you buy it separately.
- Catalogs change. A listed game count does not promise that a particular title will stay, appear in every region, or be available on every platform. DLC and add-ons may not be included with a base game.
- PC access can have extra requirements. Some games may require third-party launchers or accounts; Microsoft’s terms also exclude certain launcher- or Battle.net-dependent PC games from rewards eligibility.
- Recurring billing continues unless you stop it. Turn off recurring billing or cancel through your Microsoft account before the next renewal if you do not want another charge. The account interface may offer different options depending on remaining prepaid time; check the confirmation and end date shown there.
- Promotions are conditional. Offers may be limited by region, eligibility, or period. After a promotion, the subscription renews at the then-current regular price unless canceled. Microsoft says it may increase prices with at least 30 days’ notice under its terms.
- Check local pricing before checkout. Regional prices, taxes, promotional terms, supported devices, and game availability can differ.
Microsoft’s current plan comparison and subscription terms set out the varying availability and recurring-billing conditions. Its overview of in-game benefits also explains that selected benefits apply only to supported games and offers.
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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
