Product Overview: Philo TV

Website: philo.com

Cost: Core Tier: $28.00/mo

Add-ons: 90+ Extra channels Free

Entertainment Add-ons: Movies & More $3.00/mo  AMC+ $4.00/mo

Premium Add-ons: MGM+ $7.00/mo  Starz $11.00/mo

Regional Sports fee: Philo TV does not offer any Regional Sports options

Launching: Philo TV was founded by Tuan Ho and Nicholas Krasney in 2010 while they were students at Harvard University. They started as an experimental dorm-room streaming project. It was later rebranded as Philo TV in 2013

Philo TV is a budget-friendly streaming service that appeals to folks looking to cut the cord without sacrificing access to a good variety of channels. While traditional cable services often come loaded with hefty bills and hidden fees, Philo TV keeps things simple and affordable. For just $28 a month, you can access a diverse lineup of over 70 live channels, making it an attractive option for price-conscious viewers.

Philo TV tends to attract a specific crowd. If you’re someone who loves channels like A&E, AMC, BET, Comedy Central, HGTV, Nickelodeon, and Hallmark, you’ll feel right at home. It’s perfect for those who prioritize entertainment, lifestyle shows, and kids’ content over live news and sports. Due to the absence of local channels and mainstream sports networks, it’s less suitable for avid sports fans or news junkies.

A quick glimpse at Philo’s features shows a strong focus on flexibility and accessibility. No long-term contracts are required, which means you can cancel anytime without hassle. This setup is a breath of fresh air compared to traditional cable contracts that often lock you in for years. Additionally, there’s a 7-day free trial that lets you try before you commit, allowing you to ensure it’s the right fit for you and your family.

Compatibility is another strong suit of Philo TV. It works smoothly across smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku, Amazon FireTV, and Apple TV, mobile devices, and computers through Philo.com. This means you can watch your favorite shows and movies pretty much anywhere, whether you’re lounging at home, on-the-go, or during a break at work.

The purpose of this review is to provide a clear and comprehensive look at what Philo TV offers—the good, the bad, and everything in between. Whether you’re already a subscriber considering if you should stick around or just curious about whether Philo is the streaming service for you, this guide’s got you covered.

Pros and Benefits of Philo TV

Philo TV’s affordability is one of its biggest selling points. For just $28 a month, you get access to a wide range of channels without the financial stress that often comes with cable bills. If you’re on a budget but still want diverse entertainment options, Philo is a solid choice.

With over 70 channels, Philo offers a good mix of content. You can enjoy a variety of entertainment, news, and kid-friendly options. Channels like A&E, AMC, BET, Comedy Central, HGTV, Nickelodeon, and Hallmark ensure there’s something for everyone in the household.

An impressive on-demand library is another standout feature. With access to more than 70,000 shows and movies, you’ll hardly run out of things to watch. This vast library is ideal for binge-watchers and families who like to keep their viewing options open.

Flexibility is key with Philo. There’s no long-term contract, so you can cancel anytime without the usual stress. This is perfect for those who dislike being tied down or are hesitant to commit to a single service for an extended period.

Philo’s compatibility across devices is another major plus. Whether you prefer watching on a smart TV, streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV, or on your mobile devices and computers, Philo has you covered. This flexibility makes it easy to enjoy your favorite content wherever you are.

Still not sure if Philo is right for you? The service offers a free 7-day trial, allowing you to test the waters before fully committing. This trial period lets you experience all the features and decide if it’s the right fit for your viewing needs.

Cons and Limitations of Philo TV

Even with its attractive pricing and flexibility, Philo TV does have some drawbacks. A major limitation is that it allows only three simultaneous streams. This could become an issue in larger households where multiple people might want to watch different shows at the same time.

The channel selection, while covering a wide range, still misses out on many well-known news and sports networks. If you’re used to flipping through channels like CNN, FOX News, ESPN, or MSNBC, you might find Philo’s offerings a bit lacking. For sports fans, the absence of major sports networks like ESPN means you’ll miss out on many live games and sports events.

Local and broadcast network channels are completely missing from Philo’s lineup. If you want access to ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, or PBS, you’ll need a separate digital antenna to catch live broadcasts. This can be inconvenient if you’re looking to consolidate all your viewing into one service.

Another point to consider is that all content on Philo includes ads. While this is common for many streaming services, it can still be a downside if you’re accustomed to ad-free experiences on platforms like Netflix or Disney+.

Compared to some other streaming bundles available at similar prices, Philo may feel limited. Services like Disney+, Hulu, and Max offer extensive libraries without ads and include a more comprehensive range of content. For some, this makes those bundles a more appealing choice.

User feedback often highlights the limitations of Philo’s user interface. Navigating the guide and especially using features like the “last channel” button can be frustrating. A more intuitive interface could greatly enhance the viewing experience.

Lastly, some users have pointed out repetitive content on Philo, with so-called “zombie channels” broadcasting reruns instead of fresh programming. This can be a letdown if you’re looking for new content to enjoy regularly.

Channel Selection and Streaming Features

Philo’s channel lineup is geared towards those who enjoy basic cable channels. You’ll find popular options like A&E, AMC, BET, Comedy Central, HGTV, Nickelodeon, and Hallmark among the 70+ channels. While these channels cover a variety of interests, the selection is somewhat limited, especially regarding major news and sports networks.

For those who need their news fix, it’s important to note that Philo lacks big names like CNN, FOX News, and MSNBC. This could be a dealbreaker if staying updated with current events is crucial for you. Similarly, sports fans might be disappointed as there’s no ESPN. Philo only offers limited sports channels like BeIN Sports Xtra, MSG Sports Zone, and Overtime, which might not satisfy the needs of hardcore sports enthusiasts.

Premium add-ons are available but the selection is also limited. Currently, you can add MGM+ and Starz for an extra fee, which does help to expand the content library a bit but doesn’t offer the range seen in other streaming services.

One of Philo’s standout features is its massive on-demand library. With over 70,000 shows and movies, there’s plenty to choose from when you want to binge-watch or catch up on missed episodes. Philo’s emphasis on on-demand content makes it perfect for viewers who aren’t tied to live TV schedules.

Device compatibility is another strength. Philo works seamlessly with a variety of devices including Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung, and Vizio smart TVs. You can also watch through web browsers on Windows, Mac, and Chromebook. However, it’s worth noting that Philo doesn’t support gaming consoles, so if you were planning to use your PlayStation or Xbox, you’re out of luck.

Overall, Philo’s channel selection and streaming features might not cover all your bases, especially if you’re looking for extensive news or sports coverage. But for those focused on entertainment and lifestyle content, Philo offers solid value. Plan your viewing needs accordingly to get the best out of Philo’s lineup.

Bottom Line: Is Philo TV Worth It?

Philo TV’s affordability stands out in the crowded streaming market. At just $28 a month, it offers a great mix of channels and on-demand content, which can be perfect for budget-conscious viewers. If your main interests lie in entertainment and lifestyle channels, Philo delivers solid value.

User feedback generally highlights Philo’s affordability and the decent selection of channels as major positives. Many appreciate the lack of long-term contracts, allowing them to cancel anytime without the stress of penalties. The free 7-day trial is also a hit, offering a risk-free way to test out the service.

However, the limitations are significant. The absence of major news networks, sports channels, and local broadcasts could be a dealbreaker for some. If staying updated with live news or watching sports events is crucial, you may want to consider other options or supplement Philo with another service or digital antenna. With Philo’s low price, it would be an excellent choice as a supplement to a YouTube TV or Hulu Plus Live TV. I personally am exploring the possibility of using Philo with Fubo TV. Fubo easily covers both Philo’s lack of sports and news.

Philo also struggles with user interface issues and repetitive content, which can be frustrating for users who prefer a more seamless experience. The limited number of premium add-ons and the necessity to deal with ads might be deterrents for those used to other ad-free platforms.

In summary, Philo TV is an excellent option for those who are looking for an affordable and flexible streaming service with a focus on entertainment and lifestyle channels. While it may not be the right fit for everyone, especially sports fans or news enthusiasts, it offers great value for its target audience. Consider what you prioritize in a streaming service and take advantage of the free trial to make an informed choice.

Please leave comments or questions below. I would love to be a further service to your decision on your television entertainment.

All the best,

Mark Piper

mark@bethmark,com