Sony is raising PlayStation Plus prices for new customers from May 20, adding another cost increase to an already pricey console generation. The change applies in select regions and affects the shorter subscription options.

According to PlayStation’s official post, one-month plans will start at $10.99, €9.99, or £7.99, while three-month plans will start at $27.99, €27.99, or £21.99. Current subscribers are mostly protected for now. Sony says the new pricing will not apply to existing members unless they change their plan or allow the subscription to lapse. However, subscribers in Turkey and India may also see the change.

Why are shorter plans being targeted?

Sony’s latest PlayStation Plus price hike appears to mainly affect Essential tier users who pay monthly or renew in shorter bursts. The monthly plan is increasing by $1, while the three-month plan is going up by $3.

Sony has blamed “ongoing market conditions,” but the timing is hard to ignore. The change comes roughly six months before GTA 6, one of the most anticipated games ever, and a title likely to bring many players back to online multiplayer.

GTA Online remains a major draw even 13 years after GTA 5 launched. A Welcome Hub widget in a PlayStation beta build reportedly showed that GTA 5 still had more than 5 million active players last week. Given GTA Online’s popularity, it likely accounted for a significant share of that activity. If GTA 6 sees a similar rush (which it likely will), many casual players may return to PlayStation Plus just to access online play. Those short-term subscribers are exactly the ones now being asked to pay more.

What are players saying about it?

The response has been predictably frustrated. On Reddit and X, many players questioned why a digital subscription needs a market-conditions explanation, especially when basic features such as online multiplayer and cloud saves remain tied to PlayStation Plus Essential.

Looking for websites where you can find apps and software that are not available on typical app stores is difficult. While searching for this, you may have come across a similar website, Softonic. But of course, such sites where you can download free software come with doubts and confusion. You are not alone in this; many people have questions about whether it is legit and is softonic safe to use.

In this blog, we will talk about its reliability, how to use it, and what you can do to stay protected from any mishaps while using Softonic. 

What is Softonic?

Softonic is a website that allows people to download applications and software for computers and mobile devices. It not only offers downloads, but also describes the user reviews and ratings of that application. It also suggests alternatives when a software is not available on traditional app stores, especially for desktops. 

This software directory lists apps and PC programs for multiple devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. 

Yes, it feels convenient; moreover, when it’s free and away from official sources. But sometimes convenience can come at a cost. 

Is Softonic Safe to Download from?

Even in recent times, Softonic faced several backlashes and news around its free downloads coming at a cost of someone else’s (a developer’s) hard work. As Softonic is a website that allows free downloads but then fills apps with its own ads, and earns the revenue instead of the person who has actually made the app. 

In April 2013, the company was accused of delivering an adware that would be installed regardless of the user’s permission. Later in May 2013, there was news that this software website was displaying a fake Flash alert that led to a fake installer download. 

Press Release by Softonic

In October 2025, Softonic launched its security reports, stating a few safety measures:

• Every page in the software catalogue will have visible security reports for reliability checks before downloading.
• 35% catalogues already include Security Reports, but the company expects to reach 100%.

The website claims to offer multilayer APK & binary verification thats give antivirus protection, malware and spyware detection, privacy policy review for mobile apps, and more. 

Softonic Reviews

Some users on Reddit reported that when they downloaded an app, they got the McAfee antivirus out of nowhere. One user labeled it as a horrible website that takes you near to downloading some sort of malware. One user said that the website itself isn’t evil. 

• Trustpilot ratings: 3.6/5
• Sitejabber/Smartcustomer ratings: 1.3/5

Softonic Alternative

The need for software and apps across devices, operating systems, and platforms is never-ending. And in today’s time, there are several skilled people with a lack of tools and technical expertise due to financial constraints. Websites like Softonic help them get access to various tools, applications, and software at no cost. Here is a list of alternatives to Softonic. 

1. FileHippo

FileHippo offers the latest version of the best and safest software. The website claims to provide apps without bundles or any added toolbars. Also, they are malware and adware-tested. They have various categories of platforms, devices, and systems. It also keeps the older versions if you need them. Users prefer it because of its simpler and less cluttered features compared to Softonic. 

2. CNET Download

It is a website that gives you a combination of downloads along with editorial reviews. It is a part of the tech site CNET. The website has different types of coupons. You can download free software for Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS.

3. Filehorse

The website has the latest software with its legal and safe versions. It provides direct download links from official sources to avoid bundles or PUPs (potentially unwanted programs). 

4. MajorGeeks

It is a two-decade-old and highly reputable software download repository that has hand-tested software for different operating systems. Particularly offers system utilities, safety tools, and freeware. It offers only 4 starter or better reviewed softwares along with resources to learn to use them. 

How Safe is Softonic? 

In the case of many software, Softonic does not provide direct links from official sources, and this can be a big concern. There is a high risk of tampered files and outdated versions with vulnerabilities. You must understand these few points to consider when downloading software.

• Mirror versions aren’t always original or as secure as the ones sourced from original developers. 
• You often see big flashy download buttons that do not actually work, but will lead you to ads. One wrong click and your device can come under the influence of browser hijackers, browser toolbars, trackers, ad-supported programs, and cleaners you never wanted. 
• Some download links come from official sites, while some use Softonic’s own hosting. So it is safe, but not the best option, to get free applications. 

Tips to Make Softonic Safer

We discussed the mixed reviews and risks involved in using Softonic, but if you still choose to use it, you must gear up the defenses. It is not just about staying safe from malware, but also preventing tracking, deceptive ads, and surreptitious installers. These hints can help keep guards up against all this. 

• Firstly, try avoiding these sites and stick to developer links.
• Avoid clicking on flashy ‘Download Now’ buttons.
• Make sure to scan before clicking any tab.
• Prefer downloading well-known and reputable software.
• Never use public WiFi to download from Softonic.

Final Word: Should I use Softonic for Free Software in 2026?

Considering the recent reports from the official website and views on public forums, Softonic is safer than it was in its initial years. The ‘Softonic Downloader’ tool was retired in 2015, with significant safety compliance on the website and updates on management of hosted content. 

We also discussed some of the widely used Softonic alternatives and what you can do to use them in the safest way possible. Though this does not mean every download is risk-free. Ads that can lead to inappropriate websites are still a problem, and some files can also link you to unwanted sources. So, if your question is still, is Softonic safe? The answer is Yes, it is safe, but only if you use it cautiously.

Related: Total Adblock Review: Is It Worth The Money?

The hackers have since demanded a ransom payment from Grafana Labs to prevent the release of its codebase.

US software company Grafana Labs has confirmed a breach in which hackers gained access to the organisation’s GitHub system after stealing a private token and downloaded the company’s codebase.  

A provider of an open-source and visualisation web app with 25m users and more than 7,000 customers, including Anthropic, Bloomberg, Nvidia, Microsoft and Salesforce, Grafana Labs has a presence in more than 40 countries. 

In a statement posted on LinkedIn, Grafana Labs said, “Our investigation has determined that no customer data or personal information was accessed during this incident, and we have found no evidence of impact to customer systems or operations.

“We immediately initiated forensic analysis and we believe we’ve identified the source of the credential leak. We have since invalidated the compromised credentials and implemented additional security measures to further secure our environment against unauthorised access.”

The intruder or group – whose identity has yet to be confirmed – sent Grafana Labs a payment demand, threatening to release the stolen code. However, the organisation has refused to comply with the request.

Grafana Labs said, “Based on our operational experience and the published stance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which notes that ‘paying a ransom doesn’t guarantee you or your organisation will get any data back’ and only ‘offers an incentive for others to get involved in this type of illegal activity’, we have determined the appropriate path forward is to not pay the ransom.”

The company also stated that as part of its standard security practices, it will share information as part of a post-incident review once the investigation is complete.

Earlier this month, Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn confirmed a cyberattack affecting its North American operations, after a hacking group claimed to have stolen 8TB of data from it. Nitrogen claimed that the extracted files included confidential instructions, internal project documentation and technical drawings related to projects involving Intel, Apple, Google, Dell, Nvidia and other companies.

And prior to that, Instructure, the parent company behind Canvas, the education management platform reportedly hacked by ShinyHunters, reached an agreement with the cyber gang in which the group has returned stolen data, deleted copies and agreed not to extort client institutions affected in the hack – for unknown compensation.   

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