In 2025, the world of live TV streaming continues to expand, offering more options than ever before. However, one service that has quietly become a standout for those looking to cut costs without sacrificing quality is Philo.

Known for its simplicity and affordability, Philo offers an impressive lineup of entertainment-focused channels at a fraction of the cost of traditional cable or many other streaming services.

Unlike its competitors, Philo does not include expensive sports or local news channels. Instead, it focuses on providing entertainment options like reality shows, movies, lifestyle programming, and classic TV.

For just $28 per month, Philo delivers over 70 live channels and an on-demand library, along with features like unlimited cloud DVR storage and the ability to stream on multiple devices at once.

Philo’s budget-friendly pricing, paired with its easy-to-use interface and flexible month-to-month subscription model, makes it an attractive choice for viewers who want the experience of live TV without the high costs associated with other services.

But with a heavy focus on entertainment, it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for sports or local news, Philo might not be the best fit. But for entertainment lovers, Philo offers great value without breaking the bank.

Philo Overview

Philo is a live TV streaming service that focuses on providing entertainment at a low cost. Unlike other streaming services that offer a range of content, including sports and local news, Philo has opted to strip down its offerings to focus primarily on entertainment and lifestyle programming.

In doing so, it has managed to provide a budget-friendly alternative to cable TV. The service includes over 70 live channels, a massive library of on-demand content, and an unlimited DVR feature—all at an affordable monthly price.

Philo is perfect for cord-cutters who want to ditch traditional cable but aren’t interested in paying for channels they never watch.

With a focus on affordability, Philo targets those who are looking for a simplified, entertainment-based streaming experience without the need to pay for premium packages.

How Philo Works

Philo operates as an over-the-top (OTT) streaming service. This means that you don’t need any special hardware or a cable subscription to get started. All you need is a reliable internet connection, and you can stream Philo content on virtually any device, from smart TVs and streaming sticks to mobile phones and tablets.

Philo works by offering a range of live channels that stream programming in real-time, similar to how traditional cable TV works.

You can watch shows as they air, browse the channel guide, and catch up on recent episodes of your favorite series. However, Philo sets itself apart by offering content through the internet rather than traditional cable infrastructure.

The service also provides on-demand content, which you can access anytime, and includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record shows and movies to watch later.

How to Get Started With Philo

Getting started with Philo is incredibly easy, and you won’t need to worry about long-term contracts or any complicated setup. Here’s how to begin:

• Sign Up: Visit the Philo website and create an account. Philo often offers a free trial, allowing you to test the service before committing to a subscription.

• Choose Your Device: You can watch Philo on a variety of devices. Whether you have a smart TV, streaming device (like Roku or Amazon Fire TV), a tablet, or a smartphone, Philo is compatible with all major platforms.

• Start Watching: Once you’re logged in, you can begin browsing the channel lineup and start watching live TV or on-demand content. You can also access the cloud DVR if you want to record something for later.

• No Commitment: Philo operates on a month-to-month basis, so there are no contracts or cancellation fees. You can cancel or pause your subscription at any time.

Philo Streaming Features

Philo offers a set of features that make it one of the most appealing budget streaming services on the market. Let’s take a closer look at some of these features.

1. Content

Philo offers a wide variety of entertainment-focused content. The service includes over 70 live channels that cover a range of genres, from TV shows and movies to reality TV, cooking, and lifestyle programming.

Some of the most popular channels available on Philo include AMC, Comedy Central, Food Network, HGTV, Nickelodeon, and Discovery Channel.

While Philo doesn’t carry any live sports or local news channels, its content lineup makes it a great choice for viewers who are more interested in entertainment and lifestyle programming. The on-demand library is vast, and it includes full seasons of popular TV shows, movies, and series from many of the channels Philo carries.

2. Affordability

One of the biggest reasons to consider Philo is its affordable price. The service offers a base plan for just $28 per month in 2025. This price includes access to all the live TV channels, on-demand content, and cloud DVR.

Compare this to some of the other streaming services on the market, and it’s easy to see why Philo is so attractive to budget-conscious viewers.

The pricing structure is simple—there’s no need to worry about extra fees, hidden charges, or complex package tiers. Philo gives you all the essential content for one low monthly fee.

There are no complicated bundles to navigate, making it easier for users to get exactly what they want without paying for content they don’t need.

3. Add-Ons

If you want more content beyond the basic Philo package, there are a few add-ons available. These premium add-ons include extra channels like MGM+, STARZ, and others. These add-ons can be purchased for an additional fee, giving you the flexibility to expand your content library without committing to a higher base price.

These optional add-ons are a nice touch for those who want more movies or specific channels, but they are not required to enjoy the core Philo service. The base plan already offers more than enough content for most viewers.

4. Flexibility

One of the most appealing features of Philo is its flexibility. You can stream Philo on a variety of devices, making it easy to watch wherever you are. Whether you prefer to watch on your TV, phone, tablet, or computer, Philo has you covered. It supports popular streaming platforms like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast.

Additionally, Philo doesn’t lock you into a long-term contract. The month-to-month subscription model gives you the freedom to cancel or pause your service at any time.

This flexibility is a major selling point for anyone who wants to try out the service without committing to anything long-term.

5. Multiple Screens

Philo allows you to stream on up to three devices simultaneously, making it a good choice for households with multiple viewers. This is particularly useful if different people in your household want to watch different shows or channels at the same time.

Philo also lets you create up to 10 user profiles, so each person can have their own personal settings, recommendations, and DVR recordings. This adds an extra layer of customization and makes the service more family-friendly.

Philo Pricing

Philo offers a single subscription plan that costs $28 per month. This is one of the most affordable live TV streaming options available in 2025. There are no extra costs for the core content—just one low price that gives you access to live channels, on-demand content, and unlimited cloud DVR storage.

Optional Add-Ons

If you’re looking to add more premium content, Philo offers a handful of add-ons. These include additional movie and series channels like MGM+, STARZ, and others. These add-ons cost extra per month, but they give you the ability to expand your content options without upgrading to a more expensive base plan.

Philo Pros & Cons

As with any streaming service, Philo has its pros and cons. Let’s break them down to give you a better idea of what to expect.

Pros

• Affordable: At just $28 per month, Philo is one of the most budget-friendly live TV streaming options available.
• Great for Entertainment: Philo offers a solid lineup of entertainment channels, making it perfect for viewers who love TV shows, movies, and lifestyle programming.
• Unlimited Cloud DVR: Philo includes unlimited cloud DVR, so you can record as much content as you want and watch it later.
• Multiple Screens: Stream on up to three devices at the same time, and create up to 10 user profiles per account.
• Simple Pricing: Philo’s pricing structure is straightforward with no complicated tiers or hidden fees.

Cons

• No Sports: If you’re a sports fan, Philo won’t meet your needs, as it doesn’t include any live sports channels.
• No Local Channels: Philo doesn’t carry major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, or Fox, so you won’t have access to local news or primetime shows.
• Limited News Coverage: News channels are also missing from the lineup, so Philo isn’t ideal for those who want to stay up-to-date on current events.
• Streaming Quality: Philo’s streams are generally limited to 720p for live content and 1080p for on-demand content, which may not be ideal for those who want higher-resolution streams like 4K.

Top Philo Reviews

Philo has garnered positive reviews from many tech experts and users alike. Here’s what some have said:

• TV Guide describes Philo as one of the most cost-effective live TV streaming services, highlighting its affordability and the value it offers to users who prioritize entertainment over sports or local news.

• Yahoo Tech praises Philo for its extensive channel lineup, including AMC, Comedy Central, and Discovery Channel, as well as its flexibility and month-to-month pricing model.

• Cordcutting.com notes that Philo’s decision to leave out sports and local news channels helps keep costs low, making it an attractive option for people who want a simpler streaming service without all the extra frills.

• Digital Trends commends Philo for being one of the most affordable live TV streaming services and appreciates its compatibility with a wide range of devices.

Is Philo Safe and Reliable?

Philo is a safe and reliable streaming service. It operates using standard encryption methods to protect user data and streaming content. Philo has been around for several years and has built a solid reputation for providing stable and secure streaming.

The biggest potential downside for some viewers is Philo’s limited channel lineup—particularly if you’re someone who watches live sports or needs access to local news. But if you’re okay with missing out on those types of content, Philo delivers a great streaming experience.

Is Philo Worth It?

If you care about entertainment—TV shows, movies, reality TV, and lifestyle channels—then yes, Philo is absolutely worth it in 2025. For just $28 a month, you get access to over 70 live channels, a vast on-demand library, and unlimited cloud DVR storage.

Philo keeps things simple and budget-friendly by focusing on entertainment, leaving out costly extras like sports or local news, which keeps the price low while still offering popular channels like AMC, HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, and Comedy Central.

Philo also allows streaming on up to three devices simultaneously and offers the flexibility of unlimited DVR recording, making it a great choice for households.

However, if you’re someone who relies on sports, local news, or comprehensive live coverage, Philo might not be for you. But for anyone looking for an affordable and straightforward TV streaming option focused on entertainment, Philo is a great value.

Philo Customer Support

Philo offers customer support via phone, chat, and email, available through their Help Center. While the support team is accessible 24/7, user reviews reveal mixed experiences.

Many customers have reported issues with billing and cancellations, particularly complaints about being charged after canceling within the free trial period.

Others have expressed frustration with slow response times or unhelpful support during live chats, especially when it comes to resolving account issues or technical problems. A few users also mentioned difficulties with deactivating their accounts or receiving refunds for errors.

While Philo does provide multiple support channels, the overall satisfaction with customer service appears inconsistent. For most users, issues with billing and account management seem to be the main pain points.

If customer support is a priority for you, it might be worth considering potential delays or challenges when seeking help.

Is There a Philo App?

Yes, Philo offers apps for a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming sticks, mobile phones, tablets, and web browsers. The app is user-friendly, and most users find it easy to navigate, whether they’re watching on a large TV or a mobile device.

However, one drawback is that Philo does not support 4K streaming, so if you have a high-end home theater system, you might be disappointed by the resolution.

Our Verdict

Philo is a standout option for budget-conscious streamers who want a simple, no-frills way to watch live TV. At just $28 per month, it provides an excellent value with over 70 live channels, a massive on-demand library, and unlimited cloud DVR, all without the hefty price tag of traditional cable or other streaming services.

It’s perfect for viewers who love entertainment-based content, including reality shows, dramas, and movies, but don’t care about sports or local news channels.

The service offers flexibility with support for multiple devices, the ability to stream on three screens simultaneously, and no long-term commitments—ideal for people who want to cancel or pause their subscription without hassle.

Philo’s lack of sports and local channels may be a dealbreaker for some, but for those who are focused on entertainment, it’s hard to beat.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable way to cut the cord and enjoy popular TV shows, movies, and lifestyle programming, Philo is a solid choice. It’s simple, reliable, and offers a great mix of content at a very low cost. If sports and local news aren’t essential for you, Philo is definitely worth considering.

FAQs

Does Philo include live sports or local channels?

No, Philo doesn’t include any live sports or local channels. It focuses primarily on entertainment programming.

Can I record shows on Philo?

Yes, Philo offers unlimited cloud DVR, allowing you to record shows and movies to watch later.

How many devices can stream at once?

Philo allows up to three simultaneous streams on a single account.

Are there add-on packages for movies or premium channels?

Yes, Philo offers add-ons like MGM+, STARZ, and others for an additional fee.

Does Philo offer a free trial?

Yes, Philo typically offers a 7-day free trial for new users to test out the service before committing to a subscription.