Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass offer a similar service for their respective platforms. Neither has undergone many changes over the years. Still, the differences in the services set them apart. Both services provide access to hundreds of games (and apps for Play Pass) for a monthly or yearly subscription fee. If you recently picked up a new iPhone or a fantastic Android phone for games, they are the perfect opportunity to explore the available apps.

Apart from the potential savings, the biggest benefit of loading the games and apps on these services would be accessing a library that doesn't contain in-app purchases or ads. And if you're in limbo about whether to switch from Android to iOS (or not), learning what these subscription services offer may play a role in your decision.

Which service is the better value?

The easiest way to compare both services is to look at the numbers, but this doesn't tell the entire story.

At first glance, it looks like Play Pass is a better value than Apple Arcade in every aspect. It's cheaper, offers more games, and all games can be bought without a subscription. However, those familiar with Apple's business model will correctly assume that Apple is offering a more premium, curated list. While many of the best games on the Play Store are available via Play Pass, there's a lot of filler.

What's in Google Play Pass?

Google Play Pass offers must-play games like Star Wars: KOTOR, which found its way into our roundups of the best RPGs for Android. Other notable additions include Stardew Valley, Monument Valley, Mini Metro, and Titan Quest, which help round out a collection of fantastic games. But Play Pass isn't only about games. Including apps at no extra cost is a significant feather in Play Pass's cap.

Like Apple Arcade, you won't find gacha games or other pay-to-win experiences. There's a ton of junk, but Google seems to use these poor-quality games to pad out the numbers, making them difficult to find unless you actively search for them. The only games we spotted with one or two-star reviews were in the New to Play Pass section. They even break their promises with some of them. One of these filler games, a riveting experience titled JapaneseOfficeSimulator, includes ads you can't skip.

So after you throw out all the junk, the Google Play Pass collection of apps and games is reduced to a roughly similar number as Apple Arcade. However, this isn't a problem for most users as the best games are promoted heavily. Google Play Pass also includes some handy features that make a subscription more palatable. Say you subscribe but only find yourself enjoying one or two games. Cancel your subscription, and your save data is preserved, so you can purchase the games individually and carry on where you left off. Canceling anytime doesn't remove your access to your games and apps until the end of the subscription period. It's handy when you secure a sale on a yearly subscription but don't want to get caught by the auto-renewal charges.

In short, Google Play Pass feels like browsing through a thrift store. You'll find some quality gems at a low price, but ignore 90% of the store. And, like a thrift store, it takes a while to find what you're looking for. Usually, you'll discover Play Pass games by browsing the Play Store as you would usually, as included games are marked with a Play Pass logo.

What's in Apple Arcade?

Apple Arcade's collection is curated to provide only the cream of the crop. There are plenty of quality titles like Alto's Adventure and Crashlands, but the big draw is the exclusive games.

Mostly, these exclusive games seem to be sequels or spinoffs to existing franchises like Jetpack Joyride 2 or Amazing Bomberman. But don't think they're cheap money grabs. They're quality games that are a stark contrast to the JapaneseOfficeSimulators of Google Play Pass. Unlike the Play Pass landing page, it's quick and easy to explore Apple Arcade's selection. And because of the smaller selection, finding something you'll be interested in is quicker.

However, locking these games behind a subscription sacrifices the flexibility of Play Pass. If you enjoy one or two games, you must maintain your subscription to keep playing. Even for games available for purchase separately, save data doesn't transfer. You'll need to resubscribe to continue your game where you left off. Note that you can continue to play your library after canceling. You also have around a two-week grace period to resubscribe to the service once your subscription expires. So, you can access your downloaded games and save data after your subscription period ends.

Add in the $20 difference between the services' yearly subscriptions, and it's hard to say that Apple Arcade is better value than Play Pass. It's a very Apple experience, a premium experience that lacks flexibility and freedom.

Exclusive offers included with the services

For new (and qualified returning) Apple Arcade subscribers, you can obtain up to three free months off your subscription when you purchase a new Apple device running the latest iOS. After setting up your new device and signing in with your Apple ID, visit the Apple Arcade via the App Store and redeem the offer (you have 93 days before the deal expires). Be aware that claiming this offer requires entering a valid payment method. However, it's a great way to test the waters of the service without paying upfront.

You can also bundle your subscription with Apple One. If you pay for other Apple-operated services like Apple Music and Apple TV+, consider upgrading to an Apple One plan to save money.

The rumors of Google offering a Google One and Play Pass bundle never materialized. Outside of that, there are no bundles with Google services that feature Play Pass. However, Google Play Pass holds limited-time offers, such as getting three months free with Google Pay, so you may want to frequent the offers tab in case one pops up.

So which service is better?

In terms of quality, Apple Arcade surpasses Google Play Pass. However, the lack of flexibility and absence of apps hold back Apple's subscription service in comparison, which makes it difficult to recommend.

If Apple allowed users to purchase Apple Arcade games individually, it would be a firm opponent to Play Pass. However, Play Pass's cheaper yearly subscription, more extensive library, and flexible purchasing options make it a fantastic choice, even for those who only play selectively or periodically. And if you find the volume of games and apps on Play Pass too much of an overwhelming experience to explore, we have a dedicated roundup of the best apps and games available on Play Pass to guide you.