In the ever-evolving landscape of streaming services, Philo has emerged as a unique player, offering a budget-friendly alternative for cord-cutters. This streaming service has gained attention for its focus on entertainment and lifestyle channels, providing a curated selection of content without the hefty price tag often associated with traditional cable packages. As viewers increasingly seek affordable options to access their favorite shows, Philo has positioned itself as a solution to consider.
This review delves into the key aspects of Philo TV, examining its channel lineup, subscription plans, and overall user experience. It explores the service’s cost-effectiveness, comparing Philo’s offerings to those of its competitors in the streaming market. By analyzing Philo’s strengths and limitations, this article aims to help readers determine if this streaming service aligns with their viewing preferences and budget constraints. Whether you’re new to cord-cutting or looking to switch providers, this comprehensive look at Philo will provide valuable insights to inform your decision.
Philo’s Channel Offerings
Philo offers a diverse array of channels, focusing primarily on entertainment and lifestyle content. With over 70 popular networks in its lineup, Philo provides viewers with a wide range of options to suit various interests.
Entertainment Networks
Philo’s entertainment offerings include popular channels such as AMC, Comedy Central, MTV, and Paramount Network. Viewers can enjoy hit shows like “Tyler Perry’s Sistas” on A&E and “60 Days In.” The service also includes AMC+, which features content from IFC Films Unlimited, Shudder, Sundance Now, and The Walking Dead channel. This addition gives subscribers access to nearly all seasons of “The Walking Dead” and its spin-off content.
Lifestyle Channels
For those interested in lifestyle programming, Philo provides access to networks like HGTV, Food Network, and the Cooking Channel. Viewers can watch popular shows such as “Fixer Upper” from HGTV, with full past seasons available for binge-watching. The Hallmark Channel, Travel Channel, and Discovery Channel are also part of Philo’s lineup, catering to a wide range of interests.
On-Demand Content
Philo boasts an extensive on-demand library with over 60,000 titles available. This vast selection surpasses some competitors like Fubo and YouTube TV. The service allows viewers to watch recently aired episodes of popular shows, with some titles offering full past seasons. Additionally, Philo includes movies from partner channels like SundanceTV and AMC, featuring titles such as “Super 8,” “Spaceballs,” and “Airplane.”
A unique feature of Philo is the ability to watch most shows that have aired within the last 72 hours, even if they’re not typically available on-demand. This feature proves particularly useful for viewers who may have forgotten to record a specific show.
Pricing and Plans
Philo offers a straightforward pricing structure with its Core package priced at $28.00 per month. This base package includes access to over 70 channels, focusing on entertainment and lifestyle content. Subscribers can enjoy popular networks such as AMC, Comedy Central, MTV, and Paramount Network, along with additional ad-supported content from AMC+.
Core Package
The Core package provides viewers with a comprehensive selection of channels, including AMC+ which gives access to IFC Films Unlimited, Sundance Now, The Walking Dead Channel, and Shudder. This offering caters to a wide range of interests, from drama and comedy to reality TV and documentaries.
Add-Ons
For those seeking to enhance their viewing experience, Philo offers several add-on options:
- AMC+ (ad-free): $4.00 per month
- MGM+: $7.00 per month
- STARZ: $11.00 per month
- Movies & More: $3.00 per month
These add-ons provide access to premium content, including ad-free AMC+ programming, MGM+ original series, STARZ movies and shows, and additional movie channels.
Free Trial
Philo offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers, allowing them to explore the service’s features before committing to a paid subscription. During this trial period, users can access the full channel lineup, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and the ability to stream on up to three devices simultaneously. The trial also includes access to Philo’s extensive on-demand library, featuring over 60,000 titles.
User Experience
Interface
Philo’s interface features a dark design with blue and white accents, offering a sharp look despite its rounded corners. The top-level header items include Home, Guide, and Saved, with a search bar and profile settings accessible from the upper-right corner. The Home section showcases noteworthy shows in a top-level slider, followed by side-scrolling lists of different programming categories. A unique feature is the play button on content thumbnails, which displays the playback progress of live programming.
The Guide section has seen improvements, now listing channels alphabetically on the left side with easy-to-read programming blocks in the middle. Users can favorite channels, moving them to the top of the list for easy access. However, scrolling through past and future content happens on a per-channel basis, which some users may find inconvenient.
Streaming Quality
Philo streams live TV in 720p/30fps, while on-demand content supports up to 1080p resolution. The service automatically adjusts video quality based on internet connection speed, but users can manually set the bitrate on Chrome, Firefox, or Edge browsers. This option isn’t available on Safari, where Philo automatically uses the best bitrate available.
Mobile App
The mobile app’s design closely resembles the streaming device apps, with one notable difference: instead of a traditional TV guide showing multiple time slots, it only displays the currently playing program for each channel. Users have reported a generally smooth experience with the mobile app, praising its performance and navigation. However, one quirk exists: when selecting a live show, Philo starts from the beginning of the program rather than the current live point, potentially causing frustration when trying to fast-forward to the present time.
Comparing Philo to Competitors
When evaluating Philo against its competitors, it’s essential to consider factors such as channel offerings, pricing, and unique features. Let’s compare Philo to some of the most popular streaming services in the market.
vs. Sling TV
Sling TV offers more flexibility with its Orange and Blue packages, starting at $40 per month. While pricier than Philo’s $28 monthly plan, Sling TV includes sports channels like ESPN and FS1, which Philo lacks. Sling TV also provides some local channels in select markets, whereas Philo has no local channel offerings. However, Philo boasts a larger channel count with over 70 options compared to Sling’s 45+ channels in their combined package.
vs. YouTube TV
YouTube TV stands out with its comprehensive channel lineup, including local, news, and sports networks. Priced at $73 per month, it offers over 100 channels, making it significantly more expensive than Philo. YouTube TV includes an unlimited cloud DVR with a 9-month storage period, while Philo’s unlimited DVR stores recordings for a year. For sports enthusiasts and those seeking a cable-like experience, YouTube TV has the edge, but Philo remains the budget-friendly option for entertainment and lifestyle content.
vs. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV, priced at $77 per month, offers a robust package that includes access to Hulu’s on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+. It provides a mix of entertainment, sports, and local channels, making it more comprehensive than Philo. However, Philo has some unique channels like Hallmark and AXS TV that Hulu + Live TV lacks. For those prioritizing cost savings and focusing on entertainment channels, Philo remains an attractive option, while Hulu + Live TV caters to viewers seeking a more well-rounded streaming experience.
Conclusion
Philo has established itself as a budget-friendly streaming option, focusing on entertainment and lifestyle content. Its straightforward pricing, extensive channel lineup, and user-friendly interface make it an attractive choice for cord-cutters looking to save money without sacrificing quality programming. The service’s unique features, such as the ability to watch recently aired shows and its vast on-demand library, give it an edge in the competitive streaming market.
When weighing Philo against other streaming services, it’s clear that each platform has its strengths and weaknesses. While Philo may not be the best fit for sports enthusiasts or those seeking local channels, it excels in providing a cost-effective solution for viewers primarily interested in entertainment and lifestyle content. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Philo’s targeted approach and affordable pricing model position it as a compelling option to consider for budget-conscious consumers.
FAQs
What are the limitations of using Philo for streaming?
Philo is targeted at budget-conscious consumers, offering over 70 channels primarily focused on entertainment and reality TV. However, it lacks local, news, and sports channels. Despite offering an unlimited cloud DVR with a retention period of 12 months, which is longer than YouTube TV’s 9 months, the absence of certain channels may be a significant drawback for many users.
How much does Philo cost per month?
Philo is currently priced at USD 25.00 per month, making it one of the more affordable streaming and on-demand TV options. Additional costs apply for premium channels; the Epix add-on is an extra USD 6.00 per month, and Starz costs an additional USD 9.00 per month.
Was there ever a Philo package priced at USD 16.00?
Yes, Philo once offered a USD 16.00 package that included a wide range of channels from networks like A+E, Discovery, Hallmark, and ViacomCBS. However, this package was discontinued in April 2019.
Is there an upcoming price increase for Philo subscriptions?
Yes, Philo has announced that starting June 12, the price of its Core package subscription will rise from USD 25.00 per month to USD 28.00 per month.
