PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Which Console to Buy

Summary: In 2026 the PS5 is the safer pick for most people: it usually costs less than the Xbox Series X in the US, has a much larger player base, and keeps its biggest exclusives. The Xbox Series X makes sense if you want Game Pass, play on PC too, or already own an Xbox library. The hardware is close enough that price and games matter more than specs.

• Both consoles have had several price changes in 2025 and 2026, so check current prices before buying.
• Raw performance is close, with the Series X slightly ahead on paper.
• Many Xbox games now also release on PS5, while PlayStation keeps its biggest exclusives.
• Game Pass is the strongest reason to choose Xbox.

The PS5 vs Xbox Series X question has changed a lot since both launched in 2020. Microsoft now releases many of its games on PlayStation, and both companies have raised prices more than once, so the old arguments need updating.

Price

Console prices have moved around more this generation than any before it. Rising memory and component costs pushed both Sony and Microsoft to raise US prices during 2026, and the Xbox Series X disc model rose to $799.99 on August 1, 2026. The standard PS5 has stayed below that level, while the PS5 Pro sits in a higher bracket.

Because prices have shifted several times in a single year, check the current price at a couple of retailers before you buy. Sales events can change the answer quickly.

Performance and Hardware

On paper, the Xbox Series X has a slightly more powerful GPU, at around 12 teraflops against the standard PS5's roughly 10. In practice, most multiplatform games look and run very similarly on both, and the difference is rarely something you would notice without a side-by-side comparison.

The bigger hardware differences are in the details. The PS5's DualSense controller has haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that some games use well. The Xbox controller is more conventional and runs on AA batteries or a rechargeable pack. If you want the most performance on console, the PS5 Pro is a step above both.

Games and Exclusives

This is where the two have diverged most. Microsoft now brings many of its first-party games to PS5, including Halo: Campaign Evolved in July 2026, so owning an Xbox is no longer the only way to play most Xbox titles. PlayStation still keeps its biggest first-party games off Xbox, though many reach PC later.

The player base matters too. The PS5 has sold roughly 95 million units by mid-2026, far ahead of Xbox Series X|S, which means more of your friends are likely to be on PlayStation.

Game Pass vs PlayStation Plus

Game Pass is Xbox's strongest argument. The top tier includes new Microsoft games on release day, a large rotating library, PC games and cloud streaming. PlayStation Plus has a large catalog in its higher tiers, but Sony's biggest new releases usually do not arrive on day one. If you plan to subscribe rather than buy games individually, Xbox with Game Pass can work out cheaper.

Which One Should You Buy?

• Choose the PS5 if you want PlayStation exclusives, your friends play on PlayStation, or you want the lower price.
• Choose the Xbox Series X if you want Game Pass, you also play on a Windows PC, or you already own a library of Xbox games.
• Choose neither for now if you mainly play on PC, since a handheld PC or your existing computer may cover what you need.

The Deciding Factor for Most Buyers

With performance this close, the decision usually comes down to where your friends play and whether you want a subscription. Once you have picked, a gift card for your platform's store is an easy way to build your library without linking a bank card.

For PlayStation store credit, browse PlayStation gift cards.