Philo Review 2026
The cheapest legitimate live TV service in the U.S. — if you can live without sports and locals.
Overview
Philo is one of the most affordable live TV streaming services in the United States, offering a strong lineup of entertainment, lifestyle, and on-demand content without the higher cost associated with sports and local channels. The service includes 70 live TV channels and more than 60,000 on-demand movies and TV shows, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious cord-cutters.
During our testing period, Philo delivered reliable streaming performance across Firestick 4K Max, NVIDIA Shield Pro, and Samsung Smart TVs. Channel switching was quick and responsive, while HD streams remained stable with minimal buffering throughout normal viewing sessions. Although the service is limited to HD resolution, playback quality was consistently smooth across supported devices.
Philo also includes unlimited cloud DVR, broad device compatibility, and an easy-to-use interface, making setup and daily use straightforward. Combined with its low monthly price and extensive entertainment catalog, Philo remains one of the best value live TV streaming services for viewers who don't need live sports or local broadcast channels.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 70 live TV channels
- 60,000+ VOD movies and TV shows
- Affordable monthly subscription
- Unlimited cloud DVR included
- HD streaming performance
- Free trial available
Cons
- No live sports channels
- No local broadcast networks
- Limited news coverage compared to other live TV services
- Streaming is limited to HD with no 4K support
Hands-on Screenshots
Pricing Plans
| Plan | Devices | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 connection | $0.00 |
Key Specs
Supported Devices
Payment Methods
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Philo cost?
Philo has a single Standard plan at $28/month that includes around 70 channels and three simultaneous streams — roughly a third of the price of YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.
Does Philo carry live sports or local channels?
No. Philo focuses on entertainment, lifestyle and news channels and does not carry live sports or local ABC/CBS/NBC/Fox affiliates, which is how it keeps the price so low.
Does Philo have a free trial and DVR?
Yes. Philo offers a 7-day (168-hour) free trial and includes unlimited cloud DVR with a 30-day catch-up window.
How many devices can stream Philo at once?
Philo's $28 Standard plan includes three simultaneous streams at no extra cost, matching YouTube TV without the premium price.
Is Philo a legitimate live TV service?
Yes. Philo is a fully licensed budget live TV streaming service in the United States. It streams in HD and FHD (no 4K) and bundles a 60,000-title on-demand library.