Want to cut the cable. Then Philo TV may be just what you need. This streaming service allows you to watch live TV channels without the expensive cable bill; Philo lets you watch and record 63 channels of live TV for just $20 per month. It is also available on all major streaming devices, including Roku, Chromecast, and Apple TV.
Philo TV does not have a lineup of local channels or all major cable networks, but it does offer many popular channels. It also offers Starz and Epix as premium add-ons. At this price, Philo could be the perfect streaming solution to free you from headache-inducing cable fees and non-cancelable contracts, and a free 7-day trial allows new users to check out Philo before deciding to subscribe.
As noted in our Philo TV review, the service has a bright, sleek interface that is easy and comfortable to use. In addition, Philo's DVR can store an unlimited number of recordings for 30 days, making it ideal for viewers who like to record large numbers of shows and movies to watch later. These great features make Philo one of the best streaming services on the market.
Philo TV, under the Discovery umbrella, is an "over-the-top" (OTT) service. That is, it falls into the same category as streaming services like Netflix and Amazon. However, Philo specializes in live TV, streaming programs as they are broadcast. It also offers shows and movies on demand. [Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, and Fubo TV all stream live TV, but their channel lineups, features, and prices differ.
To use Philo TV, customers can stream on Philo's website or download an app to one of the many devices supported by the service. The company offers new customers a free 7-day trial.
There are currently 63 Philo TV channels. including AMC, BBC America, BET, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, Food Network, HGTV, IFC, Lifetime, MTV, Nickelodeon, TV Land, VH1, and many other popular cable networks are included.
Philo does not carry local channels, so at this time it is not possible to watch broadcast stations ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, or CW; Philo's TV lineup is also sparse in sports channels, so no ESPN or Fox Sports.
Philo's channels can be viewed in a grid-style live guide similar to that found on cable TV. You can also search for specific channels and programs.
Philo also offers premium channels Starz and Epix.
Philo TV has only one package and plan: $20 per month.
Philo users who subscribe to these services by July 13 can watch Starz for $9/month after a promotional price of $5/month for the first three months; Epix is $6/month, with an initial promotional price of $3/month;
Philo TV is $20/month, with an initial promotional price of $3/month.
Philo has partnered with Best Buy to offer subscription deals; new Philo customers will receive one month free when they purchase qualifying products such as streaming devices, smart TVs, and antennas. In addition, customers who sign up for Philo through Best Buy will receive a 50% discount on their first month's bill.
Philo TV's review rated the service 3 out of 5 stars. The low price and unlimited DVR earned points, but the limited selection ultimately hurt. Overall, this is a "decent new contender in the streaming space," and while it may not be for everyone, Philo may not prove to be comprehensive enough unless we "have all your favorite channels in Philo's lineup," as stated that it is not.
In PCMag, Ben Moore rated Philo 3.5 out of 5, deducting points for its lack of local coverage and programming and sparse sports and news offerings. However, he praised the quality of Philo's mobile app.
Philo TV has apps for iOS and Android, and supported devices include major smart TVs, streaming boxes, and sticks as well as web browsers.
Philo does not support Chromecast or game consoles at this time.
Philo's DVR is one of its greatest features. It can store an unlimited number of current and upcoming TV shows and movies. Recordings are available for 30 days. Also, when playing back DVR recordings, commercials can be fast-forwarded and rewound
The Philo DVR has two minor drawbacks. Once you save a program, it records all broadcasts, regardless of whether the episode is new or not. It is also not possible to delete recordings before the 30-day expiration date. Of course, since the DVR has unlimited capacity, there is no need to worry about deleting recordings to make room for other recordings.
Yes, Philo airs commercials during the program; fast-forwarding, rewinding, and pausing for commercials vary by channel.
Yes, many of the Philo channels, such as AMC, BBC America, and IFC, show classic and recent hit movies. In addition to the movies aired on the included channels, Sling also offers on-demand movies for an additional rental fee. Movies are available in both new and old releases and typically cost between $2.99 and $4.99.
Philo has over 40,000 titles available on demand. However, there is no easy way to browse on-demand video content. The only way is to look for the "VOD" tag on the program's profile page.
Note that Philo has a recommended Internet speed and that video quality is adjusted according to available bandwidth. Recommendations include:
13 Mbps - Recommended for reliable HD streaming, even when multiple streams or other devices are using the same network.
7 Mbps - Stream a single HD video. Buffering issues may occur if multiple devices are streaming or using the network at the same time.
3 Mbps - Streams SD quality video.
Less than 3 Mbps - Video quality will be degraded; Philo may load slower or re-buffer.
More info: How much should you really pay for your internet speed.
If you're looking for a low-cost live TV service and Philo's channel lineup has your favorites, it's probably the most affordable streaming service.Philo has 50 channels, live viewing, unlimited DVR, tons of on-demand content, so you get a lot of bang for your buck.
However, if you want local channels, or if your preferred network is not in the lineup, Philo may not be the best (or only) streaming service for you. if you have to add another service on top of Philo, you'll have to add another service to watch. If you have to add another service on top of Philo, it could be expensive because you won't be able to watch everything you want to watch. In that case, you may want to consider a more expensive streaming service with a stronger channel lineup.
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