Philo Review 2025: Why Cord-Cutters Love This Affordable Streaming Service

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In a world where cutting the cord has become more common than ever, affordable live TV streaming services continue to gain traction. While traditional cable and streaming subscriptions are nearly neck and neck in cost these days, some platforms still manage to offer serious savings. That's where this Philo review comes in. If you're looking to downsize your cable bill without sacrificing your favorite entertainment channels, Philo might be the perfect fit.

This Philo review breaks down what you get for your money, from the service's channel selection and pricing to add-ons, features, and whether it's worth your subscription in 2025.

What Is Philo?

Philo was founded in 2010 by Tuan Ho and Nicholas Krasney and has grown into a go-to choice for those who want a simplified, budget-friendly approach to live TV streaming. While other services like Sling and Fubo stack their packages with sports and premium content at higher price points, Philo takes a different approach. It focuses on entertainment, lifestyle, and reality TV — all without the high cost.

Subscribers get access to more than 75,000 titles on-demand, with thousands of shows and movies available to stream any time. You can even curate your own library using Philo's unlimited cloud DVR, which saves recordings for up to 12 months. It's an ideal solution for those who want an easy way to catch up on shows without worrying about data caps or expiration dates.

How Much Is Philo?

Philo keeps things simple with one flat-rate plan: $28/month for 70+ live channels, unlimited DVR, and access to on-demand content

New users can take advantage of a seven-day free trial to explore the platform before committing. So if you're wondering, "is Philo free?" — not it's primary service, but the free trial gives you a full week to try before you buy. Philo also has 110+ free channels for non-paying members. This doesn't include channels you might be looking for like MTV, OWN, A&E, and more, but some of the channels are definitely worth checking out.

Philo was originally exclusive to Roku but is now available on a wide range of platforms including Samsung TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and most mobile and browser-based devices.

Philo Channels and Add-ons

Philo's channel lineup focuses on entertainment over sports or news. It includes fan-favorite networks like AMC, BBC America, Comedy Central, HGTV, MTV, Lifetime, Hallmark Channel, Food Network, and more. It also includes AMC+ and horror streaming service Shudder totally free of charge, offering more for less. This makes it a popular pick for viewers who are into reality TV, dramas, and lifestyle programming.

As of 2025, Philo includes over 70 live channels, and while you won't find major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, or Fox, it offers affordable add-ons to expand your content:

• MGM+ for $7/month
• STARZ for $11/month

You can see a full list of their add-on options on the Philo website. 

And since MTV's standalone app was discontinued, Philo has become a go-to spot for watching shows like RuPaul's Drag Race and other reality favorites.

Does Philo Have Local Channels?

No — Philo does not carry local broadcast channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, or Fox. If local news or regional sports are important to your household, you may want to supplement Philo with an HD antenna or consider an alternative streaming service that includes local coverage.

Is Philo Free with Amazon Prime?

No, Philo is not free with Amazon Prime, and it's not available as an add-on through Prime Video. However, you can download the Philo app on Amazon Fire TV devices and stream directly that way — just like you would with any other platform.

Is Philo Worth It?

At just $28/month, Philo is one of the most cost-effective live TV streaming services out there, especially for households focused on entertainment rather than sports or local news. Subscribers can create up to 10 user profiles per account, and stream on up to three devices at once — great for families or shared accounts.

Its on-demand library includes over 75,000 titles, and the unlimited DVR ensures you never miss an episode. Unlike many competitors, Philo's DVR storage doesn't cap your recordings or cut them off after 30 days. And since the service works on nearly every major device, you can stream whether you're at home or traveling.

Philo has also made moves to broaden its content offerings. Philo offers 100+ free channels outside of the paywall — so even non-subscribers can check out free content.

The interface is also intuitive and user-friendly. While it emphasizes its on-demand catalog, Philo's live section lets you jump into what's currently airing with ease. The homepage is streamlined and beginner-friendly — no overwhelming menus or complicated navigation here.

Right now, the only rival to Philo's affordable pricing is DIRECTV STREAM with its new Genre Packs. The MyEntertainment pack is just $39.99/month and offers a number of channels, including the Disney Bundle for free, which includes Hulu, Disney+, and Max.

In short, Philo prioritizes quality over quantity, delivering the channels many viewers actually want to watch instead of stuffing the lineup with filler content. It's one of the most affordable ways to get access to a wide range of entertainment programming without sacrificing modern features like DVR, multi-device support, or a clean user experience.

How to Cancel Philo

Canceling your Philo subscription is simple and hassle-free. Just log into your account on the Philo website, navigate to the Account section, and select Cancel My Account under your subscription settings. There are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can stop service at any time.

If you're in the middle of a free trial, be sure to cancel before the trial period ends to avoid being charged.

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