While these two platforms are good, in their own right, they are outshined by a competitor of which they are trying to mimic, the PC. Being cheaper in the long run with compatibility with third-party programs, the PC is choice for any gamer, meanwhile the consoles are low-end PCs with a high price.
The PlayStation controller is, has been and forever will be far superior to the XBOX controller, as the PS controller is better suited for the human hand.
Playing online multiplayer on Xbox Live requires a (paid) Gold membership; playing online multiplayer on PSN does *not* require a (paid) Plus membership.