I agree. The PS4 is better than the XBox One. Even though they are essentially identical pieces of hardware, Sony hasn't crippled its system with a Windows-based software system. Plus, Microsoft has done with their current system what Sony did with the PS3; they have made it ridiculously hard for developers to publish titles, which tends to cripple it in terms of new indie games.
As it has been said many times already, the Playstation Network is free. You are able to log on, have an account, interact with other players, etc. for free. Playstation Plus does carry a price, but it is not required for the operation of the PS4. Some game developers do require players to have a PS+ account in order to play their specific games online, but it is not required by Sony.
That said, a PS+ account is essentially free. Sony gives away hundreds of dollars worth of games for PS+ members. These are not discounted games, they are completely free with a membership.