Philo TV: Channel Lineup, Packages, Pricing Details, and Comprehensive Overview
For budget-conscious viewers seeking affordable alternatives to streaming services like Sling TV, Fubo, and DirecTV, Philo TV and Frndly TV are worth considering. Both services offer lower-cost options with different channel lineups, catering to those who prioritise affordability over extensive channel selection.
Philo TV: A Budget-Friendly Live TV Streaming Service
At just $28 per month, Philo TV is one of the cheapest live TV streaming services available. It provides 70+ channels, focusing on entertainment and lifestyle content but excluding local broadcast channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX), Disney channels, and major sports. Philo stands out for its unlimited DVR and the ability to stream on multiple devices simultaneously, making it an excellent choice for general entertainment without live sports.
Frndly TV: A Focus on Family-Friendly Content
Frndly TV, priced at $8.99 per month, offers a more focused channel lineup, focusing on family-friendly content like History, Lifetime, and Hallmark channels. While it has a limited overall lineup compared to full live TV services, it provides a very affordable entry point for those who prefer these specific networks.
Sling TV: More Expensive but Offers Broader Channel Variety
Sling TV offers two main packages, Orange and Blue, each priced around $45.99 per month. Orange is best for ESPN and sports channels, while Blue includes more general entertainment and some local channels. Sling TV is more expensive than Philo but provides better channel variety and some local channel coverage in select markets.
DirecTV’s MyEntertainment Skinny Bundle: A Moderate Price Point
DirecTV’s MyEntertainment Skinny bundle, priced at about $34.99 per month, offers access to several popular channels like FX, A&E, and Discovery at a moderate price point. It serves as a middle ground between the cheapest options and more comprehensive services.
In comparison, Philo and Frndly provide more affordable options, though with limited channel selection, especially lacking sports and certain local networks. Sling TV and DirecTV tend to be pricier but offer broader channel variety and sports options where available.
Key Comparison Points:
| Service | Price (per month) | Channel Focus | Local Channels | Sports Coverage | DVR Storage | |--------------------|-------------------|-------------------------------|----------------|----------------------|-------------------| | Philo TV | $28 | Entertainment and lifestyle | No | No major sports | Unlimited | | Frndly TV | $8.99 | Family-friendly, niche channels| Limited | No | Not specified | | Sling TV Orange | $45.99 | ESPN, Disney channels | Some in select markets | Yes, ESPN | 50 hours (upgrade to unlimited for +$5) | | Sling TV Blue | $45.99 | Fox, Discovery, general entertainment | Some | Limited sports | 50 hours (upgrade available) | | DirecTV MyEntertainment | $34.99 | FX, A&E, Discovery, Bravo | Some | Limited | Not specified |
For those prioritising affordability, Philo is a strong choice if sports and local channels are not essential. On the other hand, Sling TV and DirecTV offer more robust packages at higher prices but with better channel variety and sports options.
Additional Information:
- Previous Philo subscribers who only kept recordings for up to 30 days can update to the year-long DVR option by visiting the Philo help page.
- Philo offers a free, ad-supported streaming service with channels such as USA Today, RetroCrush, Cheddar News, Gusto, Revry, Screambox TV, Fail Army, People are Awesome, Pet Collective, Comedy Dynamics, and Outside.
- Philo allows streaming on up to three devices simultaneously.
- Philo can be watched on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV (fourth generation or later), Android TV (5.0 or higher), Google Chromecast (second generation or later), PC or Mac, and mobile devices with Android 5.0 or higher, iOS 13.0 or higher, and Amazon Fire Tablets 5.0 or higher.
- Philo subscribers can upgrade to an ad-free tier on AMC Plus for $4 extra per month.
- Philo TV stands out among live TV streaming services for its unbeatable price of $28 per month, providing 70+ entertainment and lifestyle channels without local broadcast or Disney channels.
- Frndly TV, priced at $8.99 per month, specializes in family-friendly content, featuring networks like History, Lifetime, and Hallmark, while limiting overall channel selection.
- Sling TV, with prices around $45.99 per month, offers two main packages (Orange and Blue) that cater to different needs, with Orange focusing on ESPN and sports channels and Blue providing general entertainment and local channels.
- In comparison, DirecTV’s MyEntertainment Skinny bundle offers a moderate price point of about $34.99 per month, providing access to popular channels like FX, A&E, and Discovery.
- Budget-conscious viewers seeking a more affordable streaming service might prefer Philo or Frndly TV, as Sling TV and DirecTV are pricier but offer a broader channel variety and sports options.
- If you're a previous Philo subscriber, you can update to the year-long DVR option by visiting the Philo help page, or you can watch Philo on multiple devices simultaneously with no restrictions, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and mobile devices.
