Philo TV Channels: 2024 Rundown on Plans & Pricing

From the Editor:

Published on: May 22, 2024

Philo TV stands out in the busy world of streaming services as a smart choice. The price of cable plans goes up every year, but Philo offers a cheaper alternative for people who love cable networks like HGTV and Great American Family.

For just $25 per month, it offers a lineup of over 70 channels, including popular ones like AMC, Lifetime, and HGTV, right into your living room. This makes it a go-to option for those who love great TV without the high cost.

Philo keeps it simple and wallet-friendly. You won’t find sports or local news channels here, but you get a solid selection of entertainment and the freedom to record as much as you want with unlimited DVR. This means your favorite shows are always ready when you are.

Even without sports, Philo’s charm lies in its easy-to-use service and the freedom of not being tied down by contracts. It’s perfect for anyone looking to save money without missing out on great TV.

In the world of streaming, where big names like Sling TV and YouTube TV are often talked about, Philo stands its ground. It’s not just another option; it’s the smart choice for those who want quality TV without breaking the bank. So, if you’re ready to see what Philo has to offer, check out our complete guide below.

Philo Plans and Pricing

A Philo subscription costs $25 per month for more than 70 live TV channels that are mostly available on cable TV and satellite. I started subscribing to Philo in December 2017, and I can tell you that your bill doesn’t have any sneaky additional fees, and you can pay month to month.

While sports channels and local channels are not an option, you can increase your channel lineup through a few different add-on premium channels.

philo channels — *^{(Photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)}*

Add-ons with Philo

There are a few entertainment add-on bundles that broaden your selection of movies and original shows.

MGM+ add-on includes MGM+, MGM+ Marquee, and MGM+ Hits. These three channels cost $6 per month and have thousands of hit movies, comedy specials, and original series. (MGM+ was formerly known as EPIX)
STARZ add-on features commercial-free movies and original series from the network for $9 per month. Subscribers get STARZ, STARZ Encore, and STARZ Kids & Family as live TV channels.
Movie & More is a standalone add-on with award-winning movies from FMC, REELZ, HDNet Movies, and Sony Movies, along with documentaries and cult classics for $3 per month.

Philo has the complete on-demand library for MGM+ and STARZ as well. Each add-on package has a free trial.

Does Philo Have Sports Channels?

You won’t find any sports channels on Philo such as ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, or even Bally Sports. Philo is uncommon among most live TV streaming services because it does not carry sports as a way to keep its price affordable.

Sports fans who are cord-cutters can try streaming services such as YouTube TV, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, and Sling TV for sports networks and regional sports networks.

Can I Get Local Channels with Philo?

Philo does not carry local channels such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, or the CW. By offering lifestyle and entertainment channels, subscribers get a core of cable TV channels without the high costs associated with carrying local channels or sports channels.

But there are ways to put together a channel lineup that includes local channels and Philo without relying on a higher-priced live TV streaming service. You can:

Buy a TV Antenna and plug it directly into your television. It’s easy to figure out whether you’ll need an indoor or outdoor TV antenna.
On a Roku or Android TV device, you can use an HDHomeRun, Tablo, or another OTA DVR with a TV antenna to watch local channels in a separate app.
Some Smart TVs running Google TV (such as Sony Bravia) have built-in channel guides that incorporate Philo TV channels and over-the-air (OTA) local channels into a single guide.

Does Philo Have News Channels?

Philo does carry some news networks, but not the big three cable news networks, CNN, FOX News, and MSNBC. AccuWeather Network, BBC World News, Cheddar News, Players TV, and USA Today are the news networks that are part of Philo’s channel lineup.

Philo Comparisons

When comparing Philo to competing streaming services, its affordability and channel lineup make it a great value. Philo offers a robust channel lineup for those who prioritize entertainment-based cable networks. It has A&E, HGTV, Discovery Channel, Food Network, and other popular entertainment-focused cable networks. Philo is priced at $25 per month and includes unlimited Cloud DVR with no limit on how long you keep recordings.

Frndly TV offers 50 channels for about $10 per month if you want HD resolution. While Frndly TV bills itself as a “family-friendly” option, some of its channels are lesser-known networks you may have never heard of before. Philo has more channels, unlimited DVR, an easy-to-use interface, and simultaneous streaming options.

Sling TV may outshine Philo when it comes to carrying networks like ESPN and CNN. However, Sling TV only comes with 50 hours of Cloud DVR and costs $40 per month.

Overall Value for the Money

In the world of TV streaming, Philo stands as an affordable contender, especially for viewers prioritizing entertainment and lifestyle channels.

With a subscription cost of $25 per month, offering around 70 channels including popular ones like HGTV, History, Discovery Family, and Nickelodeon, Philo presents a cost-effective solution compared to the average Comcast cable TV subscription at $129 per month in 2024.

*^{(Photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)}*

While it’s true that Philo doesn’t cater to sports enthusiasts or those seeking local news channels directly, the gap is bridgeable. Subscribers can complement their Philo subscription with a TV antenna to access local news and sports, making it a balanced blend of value and content.

YouTube TV, DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and Sling TV present a broader spectrum of channels, including sports and local news, but at higher price points. These services offer varying levels of cloud DVR storage, simultaneous streaming, and a mix of channels. But throughout 2022 and 2023, their starting prices crept past the $70-per-month price point.

For viewers whose interests align more with lifestyle and entertainment without the need for extensive sports coverage, Philo stands out for its affordability and focused channel lineup. It’s an attractive option for those aiming to streamline their expenses without compromising on a quality viewing experience.

Each service has its niche, offering a tailored experience to different viewer preferences. Philo’s niche caters well to budget-conscious consumers looking for a solid range of entertainment and kids’ content, positioning it as a compelling choice in the world of streaming services.

Philo: TV Channels, Plans & Prices FAQs

Does Philo Have a Free Trial?

Yes, Philo is a live streaming service that lets you try out its service free for seven days. You start the free trial sign-up process with your mobile number, and you can later create a profile.

If you don’t want to keep Philo, make sure to cancel before the trial ends so you don’t get billed.

Does Philo Activate Any Channel Apps?

Philo subscribers can activate apps or sign into a network’s web page to access live or on-demand content. However, device support does vary among TV networks.

How Can I Watch Live TV Channels on Philo?

You can use Philo on a Smart TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV devices such as Google Chromecast and NVIDIA Shield.

Philo has apps for a variety of mobile devices, including Android smartphones and iPhones (with current iOS). You can stream live TV on three devices at once.

To watch live television channels on your TV, download the Philo app to your streaming device or Smart TV.

Samsung TV (2017 models or later), and Smart TVs running on Google TV or Android TV are supported.

Android TV devices such as NVIDIA Shield, Smart TVs, Mi Box, and Nebula Capsule II all have Philo apps. Google Chromecast or any Smart TV that runs on Google TV also has a Philo app.

You can also watch Philo using a PC or Mac through a web browser. Fire Tablet, Android smartphone, or iPhone can stream live channels on Philo as well.

How to Cancel Your Philo Subscription

Philo has no contracts and you can cancel at any time. It’s really easy to cancel an account or start it back up again later.

Go to your account page online.
Click on “Cancel my account” at the bottom of the page.
After you cancel, you will be able to watch Philo for the remainder of your billing cycle. You can reactivate your subscription anytime.

If you canceled during a free trial and never entered any credit or debit card info, then you don’t need to do anything else.

What is the Cheapest Philo Subscription?

The cheapest Philo subscription is its main channel bundle, which costs $25 per month.

By focusing on entertainment channels, Philo keeps its prices lower than competing live TV streaming services. Philo has a free 7-day trial that you can sign up for in less than a minute by using your mobile number.

I have been a Philo customer since it debuted in 2017. It’s a great value if you want live channels such as A&E, History, HGTV, and Paramount Network without paying for a cable TV package.

You can look over the Philo channel lineup or sign up for a free 7-day trial without any contracts, sneaky fees, or obligations.

Methodology

I spend hundreds of hours throughout the year conducting hands-on testing of streaming services, including Peacock, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV. I do the same rigorous testing for TV antennas and TV-related hardware. Check out the review policy to see how I compare products and services.The Cord Cutting Report is a reader-supported publication, and may earn affiliate commissions when you pick a streaming service through a recommendation. Read our affiliate policy for more information.

Philo Channel List for 2024