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Philo Review

Adam Zeis
Adam Zeis is the Managing Editor of The Streamable, where he oversees all site content and leads a dynamic team of freelancers. With over 15 years of experience in tech media, Adam has developed a deep expertise in streaming entertainment, technology, and content creation. His passion for the streaming landscape began when he cut the cord in 2010. Since then, he has dedicated his career to exploring and sharing insights on the ever-evolving digital entertainment space.
Read full bio ›
Adam Zeis
•
As a cord-cutter since 2010, he’s spent over 15 years covering tech and streaming for sites like TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, and CrackBerry. He also has a soft spot for '80s movies.
As a cord-cutter since 2010, he’s spent over 15 years covering tech and streaming for sites like TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, and CrackBerry. He also has a soft spot for '80s movies.

Philo is a live TV streaming service designed for entertainment lovers, offering flexible ways to watch without the high price of traditional TV bundles. The service now features two paid plans — Essential and Bundle+ — alongside its existing free streaming offering, giving customers a range of options depending on how much live and premium content they want.

The Essential plan costs $25 per month and includes 70+ live TV channels focused on entertainment and lifestyle programming, such as AMC, HGTV, Hallmark Channel, Nickelodeon, and Food Network. Subscribers also get access to 120+ free streaming channels, more than 80,000 movies and shows on demand, and unlimited DVR with one-year storage. Essential also includes a 7-day free trial for new customers.

For viewers who want more premium content, Philo offers the Bundle+ plan for $33 per month (formerly Philo Core). Bundle+ includes everything in Essential, plus ad-supported AMC+, access to the HBO Max (Basic with Ads) app, and discovery+. While Bundle+ adds a full premium streaming bundle for just $8 more per month, it does not include a free trial.

The service is available on most major devices, including Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers. In addition to its paid plans, Philo also offers a free ad-supported streaming experience, allowing users to explore content before deciding whether to upgrade to a live TV subscription.

While it doesn’t include local broadcast stations or sports networks like ESPN, FS1 or NBC Sports Network, Philo remains one of the most affordable live TV streaming options for entertainment-focused viewers. With a simple lineup, generous DVR storage, and a clear path from free streaming to live TV and premium bundles, Philo is an appealing choice for cord-cutters who want to keep costs down while still enjoying a wide range of popular programming.

Philo
$25 – $33 philo.com
7-Day Free Trial
More Info:

Philo News

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
More News Articles

Review

We tested Philo and other live TV streaming services for more than 100 hours. Philo is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, iPhone/iPad, Android Phone/Tablet, Mac, Windows, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, and VIZIO Smart TV.

Features

Unlimited Cloud DVR

Philo has Unlimited DVR storage, which lets you keep shows for 12 months. Those grandfathered on their legacy plans ($16 or $20 a month), will have their recordings stored for 30 Days.

You can only record an entire series, not a single episode. If you start recording after you tune into a channel, the recording will start from the beginning of the program.

While it’s still recording, you can watch from the beginning but you won’t be able to fast forward through commercials.

Up to 3 Devices

Philo allows you to stream on up to 3 devices simultaneously.

33 TV Everywhere Apps

Philo gives you access to 33 different TV Everywhere apps.

List of Compatible Apps

On Demand

There is a variety of on demand content to stream within the Philo app.

No Parental Controls

There are no parental controls for Philo.

Only DIRECTV, Hulu Live TV, and Sling TV have parental control features.

72-hour Rewind Feature

This feature allows you to watch shows that you didn’t record, for up to three days after it aired. This feature adds a lot of additional shows that aren’t normally available on demand.

Philo
$25 – $33 philo.com
7-Day Free Trial

Compatible Devices

Philo is compatible with these devices:

Philo is not compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, or onn devices.

  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Apple TV
  • Google Chromecast
  • Roku
  • Android TV
  • iPhone/iPad
  • Android Phone/Tablet
  • Mac
  • Windows
  • LG Smart TV
  • Samsung Smart TV
  • Sony Smart TV
  • VIZIO Smart TV
  • PlayStation
  • Xbox
  • Nintendo
  • onn

Phone & Tablet Apps

Philo has an iPhone app, but does not currently offer an iPad app (you can use the iPhone app on iPad though). The look and feel mimics their other apps, but there is no standard channel guide.

While on Android, there is not a native app, you can play using Chrome on Android 7.0+. The interface looks similar to a native platform, but feels more sluggish.

TV App

Philo has support for Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Samsung TV (for TVs newer than 2017). They don’t support Android TV, Chromecast, or AirPlay. While they have an alphabetical grid of currently live shows, they don’t have a standard channel guide.

Computer

You can watch Philo on Mac and Windows computers using most major browsers. It is the only platform that includes a standard channel guide.

Philo
$25 – $33 philo.com
7-Day Free Trial

Channels

Local Channels

Philo doesn’t offer any local channels like ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Telemundo, The CW or Univision.

Top Cable Channels

Philo offers top cable channels from A&E Networks, AMC Networks, Discovery, and Paramount.

You get 18 of the top 35 cable channels.

The top 35 cable channels are listed below. For a list of all channels, look at Philo’s full channel lineup.

Essential

$25
7-Day Free Trial $25 philo.com

Bundle+

$33
7-Day Free Trial $33 philo.com

Sports Channels

In order to keep monthly pricing low, Philo doesn’t include access to any national sports channels, regional sports networks, or college or pro networks.

Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)

Philo doesn’t include access to regional sports networks (RSNs) as part of their service.

RSNs in Other Markets

Essential

$25
7-Day Free Trial $25 philo.com

Bundle+

$33
7-Day Free Trial $33 philo.com

Premium Channels

You can add STARZ ($9) and MGM+ ($6) to your Philo account.

Essential

$25
7-Day Free Trial $25 philo.com

Bundle+

$33
7-Day Free Trial $33 philo.com

Add-Ons

MGM+

$6 Add-On

STARZ

$9 Add-On

Movies & More

$3 Add-On
Philo
$25 – $33 philo.com
7-Day Free Trial

Tech Specs

  • The service currently offers 720p / 30 fps across all channels.
  • Limited buffering or playback issues in our testing.
  • Changing channels only takes 4.5 seconds, which was slower than most services.
4K
1080p
720p

720p HD

Most video streams are in 720p HD.

30 FPS
60 FPS

30 FPS

Video streams in 30 FPS.

Stereo Sound

Stereo Sound

Content has stereo audio.

Live Streaming Reliability
3
 
 
On Demand Reliability
4
 

Reliability

Philo was generally stable for both live and on demand content. We had no issues when streaming content.

Philo recommends at least 5 Mbps for each HD stream.

25 sec
Live Delay

Live Delay

Live content is about 25 seconds behind cable TV, which is similar to the other services.

4.5 sec
Channel Switching

Channel Switching

It takes about 4.5 seconds to switch between channels, which is slower than most of the other services.

Philo
$25 – $33 philo.com
7-Day Free Trial

User Experience

  • Simple and consistent design across apps to switch from Home, Live, & Saved.
  • Channel guide is informative, but feels odd because it lists channels horizontally. Unfortunately, it’s not available on mobile.
  • Search works well and offers quick access to both live and on demand content.

Home Screen

The Philo app’s home screen gives personalized suggestions of shows to keep watching, those you’ve saved, and top shows on Philo.

TV Guide

On most platforms, Philo channel guide lists all available channels alphabetically in a grid, but does not include a standard channel guide.

Search

The Philo search interface is very intuitive. Series, episodes, and people appear as you type.

Show Details

The show details page displays episodes currently live, on demand, and upcoming on a future date. You can automatically record future airings by clicking “Save”.

Playback

When you tune into a live channel, Philo takes you to the beginning of the show. You can skip ahead to live, but you may be shown commercials if it’s also available on demand.

Philo
$25 – $33 philo.com
7-Day Free Trial

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does Philo cost?

Philo is available starting at $25 / month. See the full list: Philo Pricing & Plans

Does Philo have a free trial?

Yes, Philo has a 7-Day Free Trial.

Does Philo have a DVR?

Philo includes Unlimited of Cloud DVR storage.

What channels are on Philo?

Philo includes 60 channels including 18 top cable channels. See the full list: Philo Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on Philo?

Philo allows up to 3 devices at the same time. See more details: Philo Simultaneous Streams

Does Philo have local channels?

Philo does not include ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Telemundo, The CW or Univision.

Does Philo have live sports?

Sports channels are not available on Philo.

Does Philo offer premium channels?

Philo offers premium channels like MGM+ and Starz for an additional fee. See the full list: Philo Premium Channels.

Does Philo offer on demand content?

Philo includes on demand content from most of the channels they offer. Unlike content on your DVR, you won’t be able to skip ads.

Does Philo support TV Everywhere apps?

Philo includes access to many TV Eveywhere Apps with your Philo credentials. See the full list: Philo TV Everywhere Apps.

Does Philo have a TV Guide?

Philo includes a TV Guide similar to what you would get with your cable or satellite set-top box.

Does Philo have ads?

Philo includes ads during live viewing of shows, as well on all on-demand content. You can skip ads when you watch shows recorded to your DVR.

Does Philo offer 4K streaming?

Philo does not include 4K content as part of the service.

Does Philo offer Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound?

Philo does not include Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound as part of the service.

Why you can trust us: Our expert team has reviewed, tested, and researched streaming services and devices since 2017. Millions trust The Streamable for our honest, in-depth analysis and up-to-date information. Discover our testing methodology. for Philo and others.
Adam Zeis
Adam Zeis is the Managing Editor of The Streamable, where he oversees all site content and leads a dynamic team of freelancers. With over 15 years of experience in tech media, Adam has developed a deep expertise in streaming entertainment, technology, and content creation. His passion for the streaming landscape began when he cut the cord in 2010. Since then, he has dedicated his career to exploring and sharing insights on the ever-evolving digital entertainment space.
Read full bio ›

DIRECTV Cash Back

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new DIRECTV STREAM subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • Purchase must be completed on the DIRECTV STREAM website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Sling TV Cash Back

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Sling TV subscribers to Sling Orange, Blue, or Sling Orange + Blue.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Sling TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Hulu Live TV Cash Back

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Hulu Live TV subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Hulu Live TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.