If Philo doesn't offer the kind of channel line-up you need (including sports and local broadcast networks), you may want to check out a few alternatives: fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, or DirecTV Stream. And if you're a fan of the Discovery, Inc. channel lineup, you can get them all with the new Discovery+ streaming service.
We also created extensive, free TV guides for every major cord-cutting service. Use channel guides for fuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV others to view currently-playing and upcoming programs using almost any device and without a service subscription.
Sling TV: best low cost Philo alternative
Source: Sling TV
Sling TV is available either in the “Orange” package or the “Blue” package. Both of these packages are viable alternatives to Philo. Want more information? Take a look at our Sling TV review.
Sling TV pricing and packages
You can overspend with Sling TV if you're not careful, but it's hard to not see the price benefits versus other competitors, like DirecTV Stream. Depending on which package you choose, you'll get between 30 and 45 channels.
This service has revived its 7-day free trial for 2022.
Alongside that, you can pick some add-on channel packages that can significantly increase your number of available channels.
Sling TV channels
The Orange Package includes a pretty good selection of channels, including ESPN and other sports channels that are not offered in any of Philo’s package options.
The Blue Package has a similar selection of channels, but lacks ESPN and has a few more cable entertainment channels, such as Fox Sports, NBC, NBCSN, FX, and SyFy.
You can learn more about Sling TV's channels here.
Sling TV supported devices
Sling TV also has great platform coverage, compared to Philo. You can watch Sling on Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and iOS/Android devices, as well as on some Samsung and LG Smart TVs, the Xbox One gaming console, and your web browser.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, AirTV
- Smart TVs: LG TV, Samsung TV, Android TV, Roku TV, Mi TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android, iOS, xcl
- Game consoles: Xbox One, Oculus
- Desktop browsers: Chrome on Mac and Windows recommended
You can learn more about Sling TV's streaming policy here.
Sling TV simultaneous streams
Sling TV's simultaneous streaming policy is both better and equivalent to Philo's. If you get Sling Blue, you'll be restricted to just one device stream per account. However, Sling Orange offers 3 streams per account (the same as Philo).
Unique to Sling TV is also its Sling Watch Party feature. This allows you to share your streams with up to 3 friends for free. They don't need Sling TV accounts to join. This is currently only available on iOS mobile devices and desktop browsers.
To learn more about Sling TV's simultaneous streaming policy, check here.
Sling TV DVR
Sling TV provides a 50-hour cloud DVR with every Orange, Blue, or Orange+Blue package.
To learn more about Sling TV's DVR, check here.
Sling TV on-demand library
Philo easily beats Sling TV when it comes to on-demand library size. However, Sling TV still provides a strong library of on-demand content, with 10,000 hours of movies and TV shows available.
You can learn more about Sling TV's on-demand library here.
fubo: best Philo alternative for sports
Source: fuboTV
If poor sports coverage is the primary reason you’re not interested in Philo, fuboTV is a great choice for you. fuboTV began as a sports-focused streaming service, and it still offers the widest variety of sports coverage of any “skinny bundle” subscription. Take a look at our full fuboTV review here.
fuboTV pricing and packages
fuboTV offers several channel packages, with the 130-channel Pro package being the cheapest. While the price is far higher, you'll get a large number of channels you won't find through Philo.
You'll get 130+ channels in most locations. The higher-tier packages include a boost in features and channels, including additional simultaneous streams and more DVR storage.
Learn more about fuboTV's pricing and packages here.
fuboTV channels
fuboTV includes numerous sports, entertainment, news, and lifestyle networks. Enjoy cable networks like CBS Sports, beIN Sports, NBA TV, NFL Network, and NBCSN, and many more.
Learn more about fuboTV's channel packages here.
fuboTV supported devices
Platform support is also better than with Philo. fuboTV offers support for iOS/Android, web browsers, Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV devices.
The full list of fuboTV's supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Cube and TV Stick, Chromecast and Roku
- Smart TVs: Android TV, Hisense, LG, Samsung Smart TV, Vizio
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
- Gaming Devices: Xbox
To learn more about fuboTV's supported devices, check here.
fuboTV simultaneous streams
fuboTV allows you to stream on a minimum of 2 screens at once if you're signed up to the Latino Plus subscription. All other packages allow you to stream content on 10 screens at home, and up to three outside your home network.
You can learn more about fuboTV's simultaneous streaming policy here.
fuboTV DVR
The DVR starts at 250 of storage space for the Latino Plus subscription, while all others get 1,000 hours of DVR storage. For all accounts, the DVR storage is shared across all users.
You can learn more about fuboTV's cloud DVR here.
fuboTV on-demand library
For its part, Philo boasts of a library offering 25,000+ titles. fuboTV, while not advertising its library size, likely also has a large library due to having a much larger number of available channels. Most channels on offer provide some content, both new and past TV show episodes and movies. As well, fuboTV's 72-hour rewind feature means you'll have content from almost every channel on offer available for at least 3 days after it airs.
Learn more about fuboTV's on-demand library here.
Hulu + Live TV: best Philo alternative for on-demand
Source: Hulu
Hulu + Live TV offers a large live TV package, but its biggest draw is the hybrid on-demand/live TV service that it provides. It's a great alternative to Philo if you’re interested in combining live TV with Hulu’s library of on-demand content. Get more info in our full Hulu + Live TV review.
Hulu + Live TV pricing and packages
You'll get a large package of channels and access to Hulu on-demand from Hulu + Live TV, with a total of 75+ in most areas. As of 2022, Hulu + Live TV now includes Disney+ and ESPN+ as part of the package. If you're already paying for Disney+ that means you can get a huge discount off the price by switching to Hulu + Live TV.
You can learn more about Hulu's packages here.
Hulu + Live TV channels
Your Hulu + Live TV subscription lets you access 75+ cable channels, depending on where you are, including USA, A&E, FX/FXX, TBS, and SyFy. You also get sports coverage from Fox Sports 1 and 2, ESPN/ESPN2, and local CBS/NBC/FOX/CBS affiliates.
To learn more about Hulu's live TV channels, check here.
Hulu + Live TV supported devices
Platform support is much better than Philo. Today, you can watch Hulu + Live TV on Apple TV, Amazon Fire devices, Chromecast, Xbox One and 360, web browsers, Android and iOS, some newer Roku devices, and select Samsung Smart TVs. You can even watch on the Nintendo Switch -- Hulu is the only streaming company offering a Switch app at the moment.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick, Chromecast and Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: LG TV (select models), Samsung TV (select models), Vizio, Android TV and Roku TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android, iOS
- Game consoles: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Xbox 360, PlayStation 4 and 5
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
- Desktop operating systems: Windows 10 (dedicated app)
To learn more about Hulu's supported devices, click here.
Hulu + Live TV simultaneous streams
Hulu + Live TV is a bit more restrictive than Philo when it comes to simultaneous device streaming. You can only stream on 2 devices unless you purchase the “Unlimited Screens” package. With Unlimited Screens, you can stream on 3 devices outside the home, and unlimited devices on your home Wi-Fi network.
To learn more about Hulu's Live TV streaming policy, check here.
Hulu + Live TV DVR
Hulu + Live TV offers an unlimited DVR. However, after nine months, your oldest recordings will automatically be deleted, so keep this in mind while recording your favorite shows.
You can learn more about Hulu Live TV's DVR here.
Hulu + Live TV on-demand library
Interestingly, your subscription also includes a base-tier subscription to Hulu's on-demand service. This means you can watch the entire library of Hulu on-demand content with no restrictions, in addition to the on-demand content from your live TV channels. As a result, Hulu's on-demand library dwarfs Philo's, with over 85,000 titles available to stream.
You can learn more about Hulu's on-demand library here.
DirecTV Stream: A Philo alternative for channel lovers
Source: DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is quite a bit more expensive than Philo. However, you can get as many as 140+ channels through DirecTV Stream, which is more than most other services. That said, you'll be paying through the nose to get that many. You can get more info from our full DirecTV Stream review.
DirecTV Stream pricing and packages
DirecTV Stream offers a range of channel packages starting at 65+ channels with the Entertainment package, all the way up to 140+ with the Ultimate package. This is vastly, more channels than Philo offers, but also vastly more expensive than most cord-cutters are willing to pay.
Still, if you're in it for the channels and cutting the cord mostly to get away from long-term contracts, this is a potential option.
You can learn more about DirecTV Stream's pricing here.
DirecTV Stream channels
DirecTV Stream has every channel you can think of available through its priciest service package. But its introductory package offers some of the popular basics, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and AMC. The two introductory packages also add HBO to the package, which is part of why the channel count is small, but the price is high.
You can learn more about DirecTV Stream's channels here.
DirecTV Stream supported devices
DirecTV Stream has great platform support, compared to Philo. You can stream your content on a variety of devices, including Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, web browsers, and iOS/Android devices.
You can learn more about DirecTV Stream's streaming policy here.
DirecTV Stream simultaneous streams
DirecTV Stream allows for a rather mind-boggling 20 simultaneous streams per account. It even allows you to watch on up to 3 devices outside of your home network. That's far more generous than any other service on the market.
To learn more about DirecTV Stream's simultaneous streaming policy, check here.
DirecTV Stream DVR
Although it at one time offered a robust 500-hour cloud DVR, you'll not get just 20 hours of cloud storage with a 90-day expiration date. You can upgrade to an unlimited DVR for an extra cost, but the expiration limit remains.
To learn more about DirecTV Stream's DVR, check here.
DirecTV Stream on-demand library
DirecTV Stream's on-demand library is by far much better than what you'll get through Philo. The service offers over 40,000 titles on-demand, including content from popular networks like HBO and Showtime, which you can't get through Philo. DirecTV Stream also offers a 72-hour rewind feature covering most channels, so you'll be able to get fresh content regularly through the service.
You can learn more about DirecTV Stream's on-demand library here.
YouTube TV: A good philo alternative for families
Source: YouTube TV
YouTube TV is relatively new but is one of the fastest-growing services on the market. The service is more than twice the price of Philo but is a good option for those who want or need to share a live TV streaming account. Take a look at our full YouTube TV review for more information.
YouTube TV pricing and packages
YouTube TV comes with some nice features and 85+ channels. On occasion, you may find a limited-time discount on its plans for new users.
6 accounts for 1 price
You can learn more about YouTube TV's pricing here.
YouTube TV channels
YouTube TV has a strong emphasis on sports and local channels. As a result, you'll get sports networks like ESPN, NBA TV, CBS Sports, and FOX Sports, as well as local networks like NBC, ABC, FOX, and CBS in many markets. You'll also get a growing selection of entertainment and news networks.
YouTube TV + Philo used to be a popular subscription pairing, but YouTube TV's price increases and its increase in offered channels make that a less-viable combination.
To learn more about YouTube TV's channels, check here.
YouTube TV supported devices
Platform support is still a bit limited, though it’s better than Philo. You can watch YouTube TV on your web browser, Android/iOS devices, Chromecast, and the Xbox One, as well as select Smart TVs.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, and TiVo Stream
- Smart TVs: Android TV, Samsung TV, LG TV, Vizio, Hisense, Sharp
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android, iOS
- Game consoles: Xbox One (all versions), PlayStation 4 and 5
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
You can learn more about YouTube TV's supported devices here.
YouTube TV simultaneous streams
You can also stream on 3 devices at once, which ties YouTube TV with Philo for simultaneous streams. You can also watch on unlimited devices at home with the 4K upgrade, which costs an additional fee.
You can learn more about YouTube TV's streaming policy here.
YouTube TV DVR
The YouTube TV DVR allows you to store unlimited TV recordings for up to 9 months, with no restrictions and no limitations on simultaneous live recordings. This is, bar none, the best DVR you can get from a “skinny bundle” service. Combine that with the fact that you can create 6 user profiles, each of which gets its own cloud DVR storage, and you can see why YouTube TV is a great Philo alternative for account sharing.
To learn more about YouTube TV's DVR storage, check here.
YouTube TV on-demand library
YouTube TV does not advertise its total on-demand library size. Still, with a larger number of channels on offer, you'll find more available on-demand content through the service than through Philo. That includes a large library of new and old-run TV shows and movies, sporting events, and YouTube Originals.
You can learn more about YouTube TV's on-demand library here.
The Biggest Problems with Philo – Explained
Source: Philo
Philo offers you quite a bit for your money. You get DVR with unlimited recordings for 30 days, and you can stream your content on up to 3 devices at once, making it better than comparable services like fuboTV and Sling TV (Orange) in this regard.
But, given the low cost of Philo, there are few areas where the company has skimped a bit.
Extremely poor sports coverage
One of the main reasons behind Philo’s budget price is that it eschews sports coverage almost entirely. You will not find ESPN, NBC Sports, FOX Sports, or any other major sports networks on Philo – and you won’t be able to watch local FOX, ABC, or NBC channels, either. Sports coverage is relegated to the automotive-focused Velocity – which occasionally airs coverage of car races.
If you want sports coverage, Philo is absolutely not for you. However, even if you don’t care about sports coverage, Philo’s low price point means there are still some significant gaps in its channel lineup.
Lacks several major cable entertainment networks
With Philo, you can watch programming from several major cable networks like AMC, A&E, and BET, as well as IFC, Discovery, and Comedy Central.
However, there is no support for other major networks like TBS, TNT, and FX/FXX, Cartoon Network, SyFy, and quite a few other channels.
If you’re looking for a streaming service that can completely replace cable for you, Philo is not an ideal choice.
Limited device support
The final problem we have with Philo is its limited device support. The service is still relatively new, so it’s not surprising that support is limited – but it’s still disappointing in some respects.
When the service first launched, you could only stream Philo your web browser, iOS and Android (browser only), and Roku devices. Recently, though, Philo added support for the 4th gen and later Apple TV, as well as Amazon Fire TV and a dedicated Android app.
Still, Philo doesn't have gaming console apps and lacks apps for smart TVs.
No parental controls
This has been a bit of a contentious point for some Philo users. Although most of Philo's channels are overall family-friendly, its lack of parental controls means some R-rated content can slip through.
Our Verdict – The Best Alternative To Philo
If you’re interested in a low-cost alternative to Philo, we’d recommend either Sling TV Orange or Blue. Both of these services have much better channel selections at a comparable cost to Philo, even though you have to pay extra for a DVR.
Our top overall pick
Our top overall pick for the best alternative to Philo is YouTube TV. Though it will cost you a bit more, it has reasonably good platform support, a fantastic DVR, and a 3-device simultaneous streaming policy.
Hulu + Live TV is also a viable choice if you are interested in a Hulu video-on-demand subscription as well as live TV, and its platform support is better than YouTube TV.
Outliers
Finally, fuboTV is a good choice if you love sports – but beyond sports coverage, it’s hard to justify the higher price point of the service. And if you're only signed up for Philo to get Discovery's dozen or so networks (like me), Discovery+ may be a no-brainer alternative.
Other Great Streaming Services
We've already covered Hulu + Live TV as a great alternative to Philo, especially for the local channels. But you might want to consider keeping Philo and adding in some supplemental services that can shore up its weaknesses.
Two great options: Disney+ and ESPN+. Disney+ offers a plethora of high-quality, exclusive Disney-owned content, such as Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, while ESPN+ is a great option for live sports like UFC.
Sam Cook • Author
Sam Cook is a full-time content strategist by day, a part-time freelance content writer since 2015. In another life, he was a high school English teacher for nearly a decade. Based in sunny New Orleans, he writes long-form educational content on technology, including Insurtech, Fintech, HRtech, and content streaming.
Davan Hamilton • Editor
Davan Hamilton is an editor and writer based in Jacksonville, FL. Holding a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, her writing spans a wide range, from essays on film criticism and analysis to surreal poetry. Now, she works for Flixed as an editor, continuing to ignore the list of passion projects she’s accumulated. When she’s not glued to her computer, you can find her building endless amounts of Lego sets, binge-reading manga, or playing with (fighting) her cat.