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Philo Free Trial & Review: An In-Depth Analysis

With an enticing blend of live and on-demand television at a budget-friendly price, Philo has captured the attention of cord-cutters across the nation.

But what exactly makes Philo stand out in the crowded arena of streaming services? Is it the extensive channel lineup? The impressive content library? Or the fact that it's one of the most cost-effective options out there?

In this post, we're diving deep into the world of Philo, exploring its features, content, pricing, and everything in between.

Whether you're a seasoned streamer looking to switch services or a newbie considering cutting the cord, this comprehensive review will give you a clear picture of what Philo has to offer.

Philo Review Summary

Philo Review: Getting More for Less with Live TV Streaming $25/month
Philo Free Trial & Review- An In-Depth Analysis - Freetrial.Reviews

Name: Philo

Description: Philo is a live and on-demand TV streaming service that offers an affordable way to watch your favorite shows. For just $25 per month, you get access to 70+ channels and more than 75,000 hours of content across all your devices.

Offer price: $25 per month

Currency: USD

Application Category: Streaming, Movies/Series

  • Movies / Series / Live TV Selection
  • Price Comparison
  • Video Quality / Userability
4.1

Summary

This service aims to replicate a cable TV subscription but at a significantly reduced price. Philo is recognized for taking the hassle out of TV, providing endless entertainment at an unbeatable price. It operates without a contract, offering a flexible option for viewers. It's worth noting that despite its extensive channel offering, it may lack some key channels found in other services. The service also offers a 7-day free trial for new users.

What is Philo TV?

Philo TV, a standout in the crowded field of streaming services, offers a unique blend of features that sets it apart from its competitors.

At a competitively priced $25 per month, Philo provides access to more than 70 popular broadcast and cable networks, making it an attractive alternative to traditional cable TV subscriptions

One of Philo's defining characteristics is its commitment to affordability without compromising on content.

With over 75,000 hours of on-demand content, it provides endless entertainment across all your devices. Whether you're a fan of drama, comedy, reality TV, or movies, Philo has something for everyone.

Philo's user-friendly interface takes the hassle out of TV viewing. The service allows for multiple streams and even offers an unlimited DVR, so you never have to worry about missing your favorite shows. Plus, there's no contract, providing flexibility for subscribers.

Despite its impressive offerings, Philo does face some challenges. Notably, while it replicates much of a cable TV subscription, it may lack certain key channels.

However, its extensive channel lineup and affordable pricing make it a compelling choice for those looking to cut the cord.

In conclusion, Philo TV is redefining the streaming landscape by offering high-quality, live and on-demand programming at a fraction of the cost of traditional cable.

Its simple, hassle-free approach to TV, combined with its vast content library, makes it an appealing choice for those seeking value and convenience in their TV viewing experience.

How much is Philo TV per month?

PlanPriceDescription
Standard Service$25/monthIncludes more than 60 channels, unlimited DVR, and multiple streams.
Starz Add-On$9/monthAdds Starz premium channels to your package.
MGM Plus Add-On$6/monthAdds MGM Plus premium channels to your package.
Movies & More Add-On$3/monthAdds five premium channels with TV shows, documentaries, and movies.
Please note that these prices are as of September 2023 and may change over time.

The standard service provides access to popular entertainment networks, and you can customize your plan further with add-ons.

Is Philo really worth it?

The service is particularly lauded for its unlimited cloud DVR feature and its user-friendly interface.

However, Philo's channel selection is less comprehensive compared to some competitors. It doesn't offer any local channels or sports networks, which could be a deal-breaker for some viewers.

Similarly, it has few news networks, which might be a concern for those who like to stay updated on current events.

The verdict on whether Philo is worth it largely depends on individual viewer preferences. If you don't mind missing out on sports, local channels, and some news networks, and value affordability and a robust entertainment and lifestyle channel lineup, Philo could be a good fit for you.

But, if your viewing habits include local news, sports, or a broader variety of channels, you might want to explore other options.

Can I get Philo for free?

Philo do offer a 7-day free trial for new users. To access this trial, you must visit Philo's website and provide your full payment details.

It's important to remember to cancel before the end of the trial if you decide not to continue with the service, as you will be charged the regular subscription fee of $25 per month after the trial ends.

For T-Mobile customers, there's an additional offer where they can receive $10 off per month for 12 months on their Philo subscription, after the 7-day free trial. (T-mobile discount offer no longer available. True as of September 2023)

>> Click here to sign up for Philo 7-day trial

Is Philo like Netflix?

Philo and Netflix are both popular streaming services, but they serve different purposes and offer different types of content.

FeaturePhiloNetflix
Monthly Price$25Starts at $9.99 for Basic, $15.49 for Standard, and $19.99 for Premium
Number of Channels/ShowsOver 70 channelsThousands of shows and movies
Content TypeLive TV and on-demand contentPrimarily on-demand content
Original ProgrammingNoYes
AdsNoNo
Simultaneous Streams31 for Basic, 2 for Standard, 4 for Premium
DVRUnlimitedNot applicable
Free TrialYes, 7 daysNo
Please note that these details are as of September 2023 and may change over time. Both services have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice will depend on your specific viewing preferences.

Philo:

Philo is a live TV streaming platform that allows you to watch familiar channels in real-time, much like traditional cable or satellite TV. It offers more than 70 channels, including popular networks such as HGTV, MTV, and TLC. Philo also provides on-demand content but its main selling point is its live TV offering.

Netflix:

Netflix, on the other hand, is primarily an on-demand streaming service known for its vast library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original programming. While Netflix does not offer live TV, it excels in providing a wide range of on-demand content.

In terms of cost, Philo is generally cheaper than Netflix, making it an attractive choice for cord-cutters looking to keep their costs down.

Therefore, while both Philo and Netflix provide streaming services, they differ significantly in their content offerings and primary functions.

If you're more interested in live TV and lifestyle or entertainment content, Philo could be a better fit. If you prefer a wide variety of on-demand content, including original shows and movies, Netflix might be more suitable.

>> Click here to read our in-depth review on Netflix

How does Philo compare to YouTube TV?

Philo and YouTube TV are both streaming services, but they offer different channels and features at different price points.

FeaturePhiloYouTube TV
Monthly Price$25$65
Number of ChannelsOver 70 channels129 channels
Content TypeLive TV and on-demand contentLive TV, on-demand content, and YouTube Originals
Original ProgrammingNoYes
AdsNoYes, on live TV and some on-demand content
Simultaneous Streams33
DVRUnlimitedUnlimited
Free TrialYes, 7 daysYes, varies by region
Please note that these details are as of September 2023 and may change over time. Both services have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice will depend on your specific viewing preferences

Philo:

Philo is a budget-friendly service that focuses mainly on entertainment channels. It offers over 70 channels for a monthly fee of $25. It does not include sports or local news channels, which helps to keep the cost down.

YouTube TV:

On the other hand, YouTube TV is more expensive, with a monthly fee of $65. However, it offers a broader range of channels, with a lineup of 129 channels that includes local networks and sports in addition to entertainment channels.

In conclusion, Philo could be a good choice if you're primarily interested in entertainment channels and want to keep your costs down. YouTube TV could be a better fit if you're willing to pay more for a wider range of channels, including local networks and sports.

What channels are on Philo?

Philo offers over 70 channels in its single live TV streaming plan. Here are 16 most popular channels:

  1. A&E
  2. AccuWeather Network
  3. AMC
  4. American Heroes Channel
  5. Animal Planet
  6. aspireTV
  7. AXS TV
  8. BBC America
  9. BBC World News
  10. BET
  11. Comedy Central
  12. Paramount Network
  13. Nickelodeon
  14. TLC
  15. HGTV
  16. Food Network

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and the channel lineup can change. Always check the official Philo site for the most current channel offering.

Is there anything better than Philo? Philo alternatives

There are several alternatives to Philo that may be considered better depending on your specific preferences:

  • Hulu + Live TV: This platform has a wider range of supported devices compared to Philo. It offers live TV channels, original content, and a vast library of on-demand shows and movies. However, it is more expensive than Philo, with prices starting at $69.99 per month. Read in-depth review
  • Vidgo: If you're looking for a comprehensive package that includes sports, Vidgo might be a better choice. It offers over 95 channels, including sports networks, but it is also more expensive than Philo, with prices starting at $55 per month.
  • Sling TV: This is another budget-friendly option that provides live TV streaming. Depending on the package you choose, Sling TV can offer a more customizable channel lineup compared to Philo. Read in-depth review
  • Frndly TV: This service is even cheaper than Philo, with plans starting at $6.99 per month. However, it only offers 15 channels, focusing mainly on family-friendly content.
  • Paramount+ Premium, Peacock, Pluto TV Live, Now TV, Xumo TV, Tubi, Level News: These are some other cheaper or free alternatives to Philo, each with their own unique content offerings and features.

Ultimately, the “best” service will largely depend on your personal needs and preferences, such as which specific channels you want, whether you need DVR capabilities, and how much you're willing to spend.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to cancel and unsubscribe Philo?

To cancel your Philo subscription, you can follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Philo website and open the Sign In page.
  2. Log into your account.
  3. On the user landing page, click on your profile picture located in the top right corner of the screen.
  4. Click on the “Account” tab.
  5. Scroll down to find the “Cancel my account” option at the bottom of the page.
  6. Click and confirm the cancellation.

For iTunes:

If you started your subscription through iTunes, you need to cancel through iTunes.

For Roku:

For Roku users, you can cancel by highlighting the Philo app, pressing the * button on your Roku remote, clicking Manage subscription, and then clicking Cancel.

Please note that once you cancel, you'll still have access to your Philo account until the end of your current billing cycle.

2. Who owns Philo?

Philo is owned by a group of companies including A+E Networks, AMC Networks, and Discovery, Inc. The company was first founded at Harvard University and is currently based in San Francisco, California.

3. Does Philo need wifi?

Yes, Philo does require a high-speed internet connection in order to stream its content. This can be through Wi-Fi or a wired internet connection.

The service is delivered over the internet, similar to other live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, and Sling TV.

For optimal streaming, it's recommended that your internet service should have at least 3 Mbps of bandwidth for one screen.

4. Does Philo include CNN?

No, Philo does not include CNN in its channel lineup. While Philo provides a variety of channels, the major cable news networks like CNN, FOX News and MSNBC are not part of their service.

5. How to record on Philo?

Recording on Philo is straightforward:

  1. Go to the Guide on Philo to search for your show.
  2. Find your show and the episode that you want to record.
  3. Select the episode and click the “Record” option.

If you are looking forward to recording one episode, click on the “Record New” option. The ‘Record All' option will help you record all the upcoming reruns of the show.

To automatically record all upcoming episodes of a series, there's also an option for that on Philo.

When you're ready to start recording, click the “REC” button. There will be a five-second countdown before the recording starts. To stop the recording, simply click the “Stop Record” button.

6. Is Philo HD or 4K?

Philo streams its live TV content in 720p HD and its on-demand content in 1080p Full HD. Currenty, it does not support 4K streaming.

While the difference in picture quality is minimal and may only be barely discernible to some viewers, it's worth noting for those who prioritize high-resolution streaming.

>> Click here to sign up for Philo 7-day trial

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