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It depends on how you play. Remote Play requires a paired PS5 and broadband Wi-Fi, but not a PlayStation Plus subscription. Portal’s separate cloud-streaming mode can work without your PS5, but requires PlayStation Plus Premium and supports only eligible games. A game may also require Plus for its online multiplayer.
What Portal needs for each play mode
| Requirement | Remote Play from your PS5 | Cloud streaming on Portal |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 | Yes. A paired PS5 must be connected to broadband and powered on or in Rest Mode. | Your PS5 does not need to be on; PlayStation says it may be off or in use by another account. |
| PlayStation Plus | Not for Remote Play itself. A particular game may separately require Plus for online multiplayer. | Yes. An active PlayStation Plus Premium membership is required. |
| Game source | A compatible game installed on your paired PS5. | Select supported PS5 games, including eligible catalog titles and select digital games in your library. |
| Internet connection | Broadband Wi-Fi; PlayStation gives 5 Mbps as the minimum and recommends 15 Mbps for a better play experience. | Broadband Wi-Fi; PlayStation states 5 Mbps minimum upload and download to establish streaming, 7 Mbps for 720p, and 13 Mbps for 1080p. |
These are PlayStation’s published requirements, not independent performance-test results. Remote Play and cloud streaming use different speed guidance; meeting a stated minimum does not guarantee a stable experience on every network.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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PS Portal + Case + Charging Station | $300.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Foluck 4 in 1 Carrying Case for PlayStation Portal Remote Player, PS Portal | $36.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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CoBak Hard Carrying Shell Case for PlayStation Portal Remote Player | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Remote Play requires a PS5, but not a Plus subscription
In Remote Play mode, Portal acts as a screen and controller for compatible games installed on your paired PS5. The console needs broadband internet and must be fully powered on or in Rest Mode. PlayStation’s product FAQ says, “No, using PlayStation Portal™ Remote Player and PlayStation® Remote Play does not require a PlayStation Plus membership.” PlayStation’s Portal FAQ also says a PS5 console and PlayStation account are required.
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The no-Plus rule applies to Remote Play as a feature, not every online function inside every game. If a game requires Plus for online multiplayer, that game’s requirement still applies when you play it through Portal.
#1 Best Overall
- Put Your PS5 in the Palm of Your Hand - PlayStation Portal Remote Player gives you access to the games on your PS5 over your home Wi-Fi*, letting you jump right into gaming without needing to play on a TV.
- Play Your Game Collection - PlayStation Portal Remote Player can play compatible games you have installed on your PS5 console, including your favorite games for PS5 and PS4.**
- Store and Protect – Sturdy outer shell, molded interior and dual zipper pulls provides protection for the PlayStation Portal remote player
- Charging Cable Pass-through – Allows a charging cable to be plugged into the PS Portal while stored inside the case
- Charge and Display – Charge the PlayStation Portal remote player and display it next to your PlayStation5 console
Wi-Fi is required, but it need not be your home Wi-Fi
PlayStation says Portal use requires broadband Wi-Fi, with at least 5 Mbps and 15 Mbps recommended for a better Remote Play experience. You can connect away from home; the connection quality will depend on the network available where you are. Public Wi-Fi can work, though some networks have extra validation steps.
For certain public networks that require additional validation, PlayStation says Portal system software 3.0.1 or later and a smartphone or tablet may be needed to complete the sign-in. Initial setup must first be completed on home Wi-Fi. See PlayStation’s Portal FAQ for its current setup and network details.
Rank #2
- 【𝟒 𝐈𝐍 𝟏 𝐒𝐞𝐭】The four-in-one kit includes: Playstation Portal Remote Player carrying case x 1, silicone protective case x 1, screen protectors x 2, thumbstick caps x 4. This comprehensive kit offers superior protection for your device, shielding it from various potential damages
- 【𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝】Our protective carrying case is specially designed for PlayStation Portal, the grooves inside are designed to fit the PS Portal perfectly, the interior of the carrying case bag is made of soft flannel for more comfort, the microfiber screen cover protects the device screen Protected from scratches, the hard EVA shell protects your handheld device from scratches, drops, dust
- 【𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲】Our carrying case can be perfectly installed with PS5 Portal. There is a mesh storage layer with zipper, which can store headphones, data cables, mobile power supply, etc. There are grooves at the bottom, and small items can be stored. Designed with a comfortable rubber handle on the top, you can easily hang, lift and carry it with you
- 【𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫】Our silicone protective case is custom-made for PS Portal and fits all buttons and sockets precisely. Made of high-quality soft silicone material, comfortable to hold, anti-slip, anti-sweat and anti-fall. There are heat dissipation holes designed on the front and bottom, so you don’t have to worry about PS Portal heating, allowing you to enjoy a better gaming experience
- 【𝟐 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫】The screen protector is specially designed for PS Portal and is highly transparent and ultra-clear, giving you the best viewing effect. The perfect screen protector is waterproof, dustproof, and scratch-resistant, and there are two screen protectors in total
Cloud streaming can work without your PS5, but requires Premium
Cloud streaming is separate from Remote Play: supported games are streamed to Portal rather than streamed from your own PS5. In this mode, your PS5 does not need to be running. PlayStation requires an active PlayStation Plus Premium membership, a PlayStation account, broadband Wi-Fi, and an eligible adult account in a supported territory. Game and account eligibility restrictions apply.
PlayStation’s cloud-streaming guidance lists 5 Mbps minimum upload and download to establish a stream, 7 Mbps for 720p, and 13 Mbps for 1080p. Those figures are distinct from the Portal FAQ’s 5 Mbps minimum and 15 Mbps recommendation for Remote Play. Cloud streaming is limited to select PS5 titles; the supported catalog and availability can vary by region and change over time. Check PlayStation’s cloud-streaming page for current eligibility details.
Rank #3
- Solid protection: The shell is made of EVA material, which is solidly protected without looking too rigid
- Exclusive protection: The storage and protective travel case specially designed for PlayStation Portal Remote Player is easy to carry around, dustproof and easy to clean
- Multiple uses: In addition to being a carry-on storage bag, it has multiple uses. The storage bag has a zippered mesh storage layer that can store data cables, and a bottom layer with grooves that can store any small items.It is also a perfect storage box for daily use at home
- Multiple screen protection: Our anti-scratch microfiber material screen protection cover and anti-slip Velcro design provide ultimate protection for your device's screen. Enjoy gaming without worries
- The Package Include: 1 x Carrying Case, 2 x Screen Protector, 1 x Grip Case, 4 x Thumb Grip Caps
Choose the mode that fits your situation
- You own a PS5 and want to play its installed games: Use Remote Play. You need the paired PS5 and Wi-Fi, but Portal use alone does not require Plus.
- You want to stream select games without relying on your PS5 being on: Cloud streaming may fit, but it requires Premium and an eligible game, account, and region.
- You want to play online multiplayer: Check the specific game’s multiplayer requirements; its Plus requirement is separate from Portal’s Remote Play requirement.
Both modes depend on an internet connection. If you are deciding whether Portal will work for you, first check which mode you intend to use, then confirm the relevant game and account eligibility on PlayStation’s Portal product and FAQ page and cloud-streaming page.
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