Philo Review – Channels, Pricing, Free Trial, and Much More

philo review

This guide provides a complete Philo Review covering channels, pricing, and instructions for app installation on streaming devices.

Philo is a well-known Legal IPTV Service offering over 60 channels for $20/month. Additionally, new users can avail of a 7-Day Free Trial.

This live TV service includes entertainment, news, family, kids, and various other channels at an affordable monthly rate.

Philo is a suitable choice for those interested in Streaming Local Channels Without Cable.

The company describes its service on the official website as:

“Live and on-demand TV. 60+ Channels. $20/month. Unlimited DVR. No contract.”

Philo is a live TV streaming service providing live entertainment, news, family, kids, and other channels at an affordable monthly rate.

Philo can be installed on various devices including the Amazon Firestick, Fire TV, Fire TV Cube, Roku, and more.

For Android devices like the MECOOL Box, NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast with Google TV, and other Android TV Boxes, Philo is available on the Google Play Store.

Philo – Google Play Store

Live TV services or IPTV, offer live TV channels scheduled over the internet, requiring a stable internet connection, a streaming device like an Amazon Firestick or Roku, and a streaming service subscription.

Viewers can enjoy news, sports, sitcoms, and entertainment channels on a cost-effective subscription-based service, eliminating cable complexities.

TROYPOINT TIP: For optimal Live TV choices, consider a top-rated IPTV Service.

Philo Review

philo review

Philo is a good choice for a straightforward, quality live TV service at an affordable price.

Founded in 2009 at Harvard University, this San Francisco startup has amassed an estimated 50,000-subscribers over nine years.

While the current total subscriber count is undisclosed, the CEO reported an 11 percent monthly growth in active customers during 2019.

In April 2019, Philo revealed partnerships with advertising firms to enhance its ad program, with ongoing efforts to broaden its channel lineup.

Philo is compatible with a variety of streaming devices, including the Firestick/Fire TV, favored by cord-cutters.

Overall, Philo caters to cord-cutters seeking affordable access to sports, movies, news, and kids’ content with a competitive monthly subscription.

We have listed Philo in our top selections of Best Firestick Apps and Best IPTV Services.

Philo Channels

With over 60 channels available for $20/month, Philo also extends a 7-Day Free Trial to new users, as shown in the image below.

philo channels

Below is the complete list of channels:

NOTE: Channel lineups and additional packages are subject to updates.

Entertainment

  • A&E
  • AMC
  • American Heroes Channel
  • aspireTV
  • AXS TV
  • BET
  • BET Her
  • CLEO TV
  • CMT
  • Comedy Central
  • Crime + Investigation
  • Destination America
  • Discovery Channel
  • Discovery Life
  • FYI
  • Game Show Network
  • getTV
  • Great American Country
  • Hallmark Channel
  • Hallmark Drama
  • Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
  • HGTV
  • IFC
  • INSP
  • Law&Crime
  • Lifetime
  • LMN
  • Logo
  • Motor Trend
  • MTV
  • MTV Classic
  • MTV Live
  • MTV2
  • Oprah Winfrey Network
  • Paramount Network
  • PeopleTV
  • REVOLT
  • Sundance TV
  • Tastemade
  • TLC
  • Travel Channel
  • TV Land
  • TV One
  • UPtv
  • VH1
  • Vice
  • WE tv

News

  • BBC America
  • BBC World News
  • Cheddar
  • Newsy

Educational

  • Animal Planet
  • Cooking Channel
  • DIY Network
  • Food Network
  • History
  • Investigation Discovery
  • Science Channel

Kids

  • Discovery Family
  • Nick Jr.
  • Nickelodeon
  • Nicktoons
  • TeenNick

Refer to the Philo Website for a complete channel list and more information.

In addition to the 60+ channels, Philo also offers additional add-ons for those wanting exclusive access to Epix and Starz content.

philo addons

The Epix add-on is an extra $6/month. This includes Epix, Epix hits, and Epix2 offerings.

The Starz add-on costs $9/month. It features Starz, Starz Encore, and Starz Kids & Family offerings.

You’ll notice that the majority of these channels and add-on packages are catered to those wanting entertainment, family, news, kids, and educational categories.

If you’re a sports fan looking for options to Watch the NFL Online or channels such as ESPN, Fox Sports, or College sports networks, we recommend a service like fuboTV.

Just like Philo, fuboTV is also offering a 7-Day Free Trial. For more information on fuboTV, see our detailed review below.

fuboTV Review

If your live TV provider offers no over-the-air TV networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and PBS, you can install an OTA antenna.

There are also solid free apps for local channels such as VUit or Locast.

Philo Review – Pricing

Philo prides itself as one of the most affordable Live TV streaming services available today.

It offers over 60 channels for only $20 a month, making it a good bargain for cord-cutters who are not too picky with their entertainment selections.

Having only one $20/month subscription plan available is a plus.

As mentioned above, there are two add-on packages available for an additional $6/month or $9/month, depending on your selection.

Signing up for the 7-day free trial is also unique. Subscribers simply have to enter their phone number or email to sign up.

If you’re not satisfied with the service for any reason, you can cancel at any time without any obligations.

Philo Review – Highlights

  • 7-Day Free Trial
  • 1 package plan
  • Over 60 channels
  • $20/month subscription, no contract
  • 3 devices allowed for simultaneous streaming
  • Cloud DVR recording for 30 hours worth of content
  • Compatible with all popular streaming devices
  • Stereo audio
  • Estimated 30-second live delay
  • Less than 5 seconds in channel switching time

Philo Screenshots

Philo Review – How to Register

Prior to using the Philo service, you will need to register for an account. Currently, they are providing a 7-day free trial for new users.

To access the Free 7-Day Trial, utilize the link below:

Philo Free 7-Day Trial

Proceed with the following quick steps to create a Philo account.

1. Sign up for a Philo Account if not already complete.

2. Once on the Philo website, input your email under “Start your subscription.” Then click on Get Started.

Once on the Philo website, input your email under "Start your subscription." Then click on Get Started.

3. Enter your payment details as required. Then, tap on Subscribe.

Next, enter your required payment details. Then click on Subscribe.

4. Following this, you’ll see a screen indicating that Philo has sent an email link. Alternatively, you can input a code.

This screen will then appear letting you know that Philo sent an email link to your email. However, you can enter a code instead.

5. Enter the code received via email and select the arrow.

Enter the code received via email and click the arrow.

That’s it! You have now successfully signed up for a Philo account.

Important Note: Remember, failure to cancel your subscription within 7 days will result in being charged for the service.

You willYou will receive a confirmation email after registering with your account information. It is advisable to save this information as you will need it when logging in. Check out our guides below on how to install the Philo app on Firestick/Fire TV, Android, Roku, and iPhone.

How to Install Philo on Firestick/Fire TV:

Philo can be easily installed on Firestick/Fire TV devices. For this guide, we will be using an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. The same process is applicable to all Fire TV devices.

1. On the home screen of your Firestick/Fire TV, locate and hover over the search icon on the left side of the menu.

2. Type in “Philo” and select the first option that appears.

3. Click on the Philo TV app under Apps & Games.

4. Press on “Get” to begin the installation process.

5. Wait for the Philo TV app to finish installing.

6. If you prefer to, click on Open. In this instance, it is recommended to hold down the home button on your remote.

7. Once the menu appears, click on “Apps.”

8. Hover over the Philo TV app and choose “Move.”Hover over the Philo TV app and select Move

9. Place the Philo TV app wherever you prefer and click the OK button.

Place the Philo TV app wherever you prefer and click the OK button.

10. Launch Philo TV

Launch Philo TV

11. That’s it! When launching Philo TV you can either Sign in or choose Start free trial

That's it! When launching Philo TV you can either Sign in or choose Start free trial

How to Install Philo on Android

Philo is available as an application to install on Android TV devices. In the example below, we are installing on an NVIDIA Shield.

However, this same process works on all Android devices including stock Android TV Boxes. Follow this quick guide below to install it on any Android device.

1. On the home screen of your Android device, locate and select the Google Play Store.

On the home screen of your Android device, locate and select the Google Play Store.

2. Click the search icon on the top right.

Click the search icon on the top right.

3. Enter “philo” in the search bar and click Search.

Enter “philo” in the search bar and click Search.

4. Click Philo.

Click Philo.

5. Click Install.

Click Install.

6. You can open the app if you prefer. However, we suggest returning back to the home screen of your Android device.

You can open the app if you prefer, but we suggest returning back to the home screen of your Android device.

7. Click the plus icon (+) to add apps to your Favorites.

Click the plus icon (+) to add apps to your Favorites.

8. Select Philo.

Select Philo.

9. Hold down the OK button and click Move.

Hold down the OK button and click Move.

10. Place this app wherever you prefer within your list.

Place this app wherever you prefer within your list.

11. That’s it! You have successfully installed Philo on your Android TV device.

That’s it! You have successfully installed Philo on your Android TV device.

Philo Review – How to Install on Roku

Philo is also available to install on Roku devices as well. Follow this quick guide below to install on any Roku device.

1. On the home screen of your Roku device, scroll down and click Search.

On the home screen of your Roku device, scroll down and click Search.

2. Enter in “philo” within the search bar

Enter in "philo" within the search bar

3. Scroll to the right and select Philo 

Scroll to the right and select Philo 

4. Click Add channel

Click Add channel

5. Wait for Philo to be added to your channels.

Wait for Philo to be added to your channels.

6. Click OK

Click OK

7. Return back to the home screen on your Roku device and locate the Philo app

Return back to the home screen on your Roku device and locate the Philo app

8. Click the star icon (*) on your remote and select Move channel

Click the star icon (*) on your remote and select Move channel

9. Move the Philo app wherever you prefer on your Roku channels list

Move the Philo app wherever you prefer on your Roku channels list

10. Launch the Philo app

Launch the Philo app

11. That’s it! When launching Philo TV on your Roku device, you can either Sign in, Sign up, or Sign up with RokuPay

That's it! When launching Philo TV on your Roku device, you can either Sign in, Sign up, or Sign up with RokuPay

Note: We have included Philo within our list of Best Roku Channels.

How to Install Philo on iPhone

1. Open the Apple App Store and select Search on the bottom menu

Open the Apple App Store and select Search on the bottom menu

2. Enter “Philo tv” within the search bar

Enter "Philo tv" within the search bar

3. Locate the Philo app and select GET

Locate the Philo app and select GET

4. Click Install

Click Install

5. Wait a few seconds for the Philo app to install

Wait a few seconds for the Philo app to install

6. Click Open to launch the Philo app

Click Open to launch the Philo app

7. Philo TV will launch

Philo TV will launch

8. That’s it! You have successfully installed Philo on your iPhone.

That's it! You have successfully installed Philo on your iPhone.

Philo Review – Features & Details

philo

This section of our Philo Review touches on the interface, user experience, streaming quality, DVR, and more.

User Interface

There’s no complicated user interface within Philo.

I was able to navigate on all menu items (Home, Live, Guide, Saved).

It presents interesting choices on the Home section.

Since I have experienced using other IPTV services with more channels, I’ve felt that there’s nothing really new with these options at all.

philo user interface

In addition, there are no customized recommendations on what programs can suit subscribers’ preferences.

It’s something that’s a drawback for a Live TV service.

One interesting feature that I can commend Philo for is its option to have users mark their favorite channels with the heart icon.

This is something that some IPTV services do not offer.

On the downside, there are hardly any dates listed on the schedule within the Guide.

Streaming and Picture Quality

Philo requires at least 13 Mbps to support HD streaming needs.

In my case, the 200 Mbps internet connection was enough to assess whether there will be lags when streaming on a reliable network.

I find the streaming and picture quality acceptable for cord-cutting purposes.

Its 720p resolution for most programs is already worth the monthly price.

Philo supports up to three multiple streams on different devices, maintaining at least 13 Mbps is necessary.

Any connection slower than that may limit multiple streaming and result in constant buffering.

For more information on Internet speed and what you need to know for streaming purposes, I suggest viewing our guide below.

What is Good Internet Speed? Everything You Need to Know

Cloud DVR Functionality

Although users can only record for a total of 30 hours of programming, Philo doesn’t delete your recordings unlike other services such as YouTube TV that doesn’t have a cap on the number of hours but erases content after nine months.

I tried using this feature and was impressed by it.

Recording TV shows that were previously aired over two weeks ago was a breeze.

I also didn’t encounter any issues when replaying shows that have been aired in the last 72 hours.

Philo Review – Bottom Line

Similar to other inexpensive IPTV services, with Philo, you only get what you pay for.

This means limited channels, no add-on options, lower DVD recording hours, no parental controls, and no sports and local programming.

However, for cord-cutters who only want a mix of lifestyle and entertainment channels for less than half the price of more popular IPTV services, then Philo can be a top choice.

For our final review score, TROYPOINT gives the Live TV service a rating of 4/5 stars.

4 out of 5 Stars

 

Philo Review FAQ

What is Philo?

Philo is a live TV streaming service available for installation on streaming devices such as the Amazon Firestick, Android, Roku, and more to watch Live TV.

What channels does Philo have?

Philo offers numerous channels to choose from for live viewing.

The popular channels include AMC, A&E, Discovery, Hallmark, HGTV, Paramount Network, History Channel, Nickelodeon, and many more.

How much does Philo cost?

Philo costs $20 per month and comes with over 60 live channels.

There are also additional add-on packages available.

What devices can Philo be installed on?

Philo is available for installation on tons of devices including the Amazon Firestick which is the most popular streaming device available.

Users can also download on Android and more.

Is Philo Legal?

Yes.

Philo is a verified service and 100% legal to use.

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