PlayStation Portal is better if you own a PS5 and want a dedicated handheld screen with built-in controls; Remote Play on a phone or tablet is better if you want to use a device you already own, choose touch or controller input, or connect to a PS4. Neither is a standalone console: both stream games from a PlayStation console, and the experience depends on your network.
At a glance: Portal or phone/tablet?
| What matters | PlayStation Portal | PS Remote Play on a phone or tablet |
|---|---|---|
| Compatible console | PS5 only; Portal does not work with PS4. Sony’s compatibility guidance. | PS5 or PS4 through the app. Sony’s Remote Play overview. |
| Screen and hardware | Dedicated remote-play device with an 8-inch HD screen and integrated controls. Sony’s product page. | Uses a compatible Android phone or tablet, iPhone, or iPad you already have, plus the free app. Device and app requirements apply. Sony’s overview. |
| Controls | Built-in controls. | On-screen touch controls or a compatible controller; support and features vary by device and operating system. Sony’s controller guidance. |
| Connection | Wi-Fi. Sony recommends a 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection for Portal. | Wi-Fi or mobile data. Using mobile data may count against your plan and depends on carrier and network conditions. Sony’s mobile setup guidance. |
| Best fit | PS5 owners who want a dedicated screen and controls, including when someone else is using the TV connected to the console. | Players who want flexibility, already have a compatible device, or need to connect to a PS4. |
When PlayStation Portal is the better choice
You want a dedicated handheld setup
Portal combines an 8-inch HD screen with integrated controls, so you do not have to mount a phone or bring a separate controller. It can let you play remotely while another person uses the TV connected to your PS5. It is still a streaming device, not a separate console: it needs a PS5 and a suitable network connection. Sony’s Portal product information.
| # | 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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You have a PS5 and prefer built-in controls
Portal is designed for PS5 Remote Play and is not compatible with PS4. If you own only a PS4, the mobile app is the relevant option. Sony’s compatibility page.
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Portal uses Wi-Fi. Sony recommends 5 GHz Wi-Fi for Portal and a stable, high-speed connection. You can use it away from home if suitable broadband Wi-Fi is available; mobile-data access is an option for the phone app, not Portal. Sony’s Portal setup instructions.
#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
When Remote Play on a phone or tablet is better
You want to use a device you already own
The free PS Remote Play app works with compatible Android smartphones and tablets, as well as iPhone and iPad. Check the current app and device requirements for your model before setting up. The app can connect to a PS5 or PS4. Sony’s overview.
You want touch controls or a controller choice
Mobile Remote Play offers on-screen touch controls and compatible wireless controllers. A DualSense or DUALSHOCK 4 may work depending on the phone or tablet and its operating system, but controller support and features vary. Do not assume that every DualSense feature available on a PS5 will work through a mobile device. Sony’s controller guidance.
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
You may use mobile data or connect to a PS4
The app can use Wi-Fi or mobile data. To allow mobile-data connections, open the app’s settings and enable Use Mobile Data. Sony cautions that carrier and network conditions can prevent mobile-data use; streaming can also consume your data allowance and may incur charges if you exceed it. Sony’s mobile-device instructions.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteIf your console is a PS4, the app supports it while Portal does not. Some games that require VR equipment or additional peripherals are not compatible with Remote Play. Sony’s Remote Play compatibility notes.
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
Connection requirements and what they mean
Sony says Remote Play requires an internet connection of at least 5 Mbps and recommends at least 15 Mbps for a better experience. These are Sony’s general technical guidelines, not a promise of a particular picture quality or low delay: actual results vary with the network environment. Sony’s Remote Play guidance and Portal FAQ.
- For either option: the console, remote-play device, account, and game must be compatible, and the connection must be sufficiently stable.
- For Portal: Sony recommends connecting the PS5 to the router with a wired connection where possible, using 5 GHz Wi-Fi for Portal, and keeping the PS5 connected to broadband. Network conditions still affect streaming. Sony’s setup guidance.
- For mobile: Wi-Fi avoids mobile-data allowance concerns; if you use mobile data, check your plan and remember that carrier conditions can affect availability and performance. Sony’s mobile guidance.
How to set up each option
Set up Remote Play on a phone or tablet
- Install the free PS Remote Play app on a compatible Android device, iPhone, or iPad.
- Sign in to the app with the same PlayStation account used on the PS5 or PS4 you want to connect to.
- Select the console in the app and follow its connection prompts. The console must be configured for Remote Play and reachable over the network. Sony’s mobile setup instructions.
- If you want to connect over mobile data, open the app settings and turn on Use Mobile Data. Check your data allowance first.
Set up PlayStation Portal
- On the PS5, enable Remote Play in the console settings.
- Sign in to Portal and the PS5 with the same PlayStation account, then follow Portal’s pairing prompts.
- Keep the PS5 connected to broadband. To connect to a PS5 in Rest Mode, enable Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning on PS5 from Network in the PS5’s Rest Mode settings.
- For a more suitable home network setup, Sony recommends a wired connection for the PS5 where possible and 5 GHz Wi-Fi for Portal. Sony’s Portal setup instructions.
Cost, subscriptions, and audio considerations
Remote Play itself does not require a PlayStation Plus membership, whether you use Portal or the mobile app. A particular game may still require PlayStation Plus for online multiplayer. Sony’s Portal FAQ.
For Portal audio, Sony lists a 3.5 mm wired audio connection and support for PlayStation Link wireless audio devices. Sony’s Portal compatibility information. On mobile, available audio and controller features depend on your device and accessories.
Quick Recap
Which should you choose?
- Choose Portal if you have a PS5, want a dedicated screen with integrated controls, and expect to play over suitable Wi-Fi.
- Choose phone or tablet Remote Play if you already own a compatible device, want touch or controller input, may use mobile data, or need PS4 support.
- Try the app first if you are unsure whether Remote Play fits your network or play habits and already have a compatible phone or tablet. It lets you assess the streaming setup before buying dedicated hardware.
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.
