Sling TV vs. Philo

If you're shopping for an affordable streaming platform, Sling TV and Philo are two of the best options. Both services offer a good range of live and on-demand content, with basic packages priced under $35/mo.

However, even though they're similar in terms of price, there are some notable differences between the two platforms. In this Sling TV vs. Philo review, we'll explore the pros and cons of each streaming service and explain which one might be right for you.

Compare Sling TV vs. Philo plans

Which streaming service is right for you?

In many ways, Sling TV and Philo are quite similar. For starters, they're both budget-friendly streaming services with live and on-demand programming. Also, the majority of their channels are in the entertainment, lifestyle, and reality sectors, rather than news or sports.

However, there are several key differences between Sling TV and Philo -- and these disparities can help you determine which is best for you. For example, Sling TV is better suited for sports fans and people who want to host TV or movie watch parties. In contrast, Philo is the right pick for people who prefer to record shows rather than watch them live. 

Below, we've broken down Sling TV vs. Philo in terms of user experience, personalization, extra features, and more. Read on to discover which platform is right for you based on these factors.

User experience

Sling TV

It's easy to watch Sling TV at home or on the go, thanks to its easy-to-use mobile app and long list of supported devices. You can download the Sling TV app on Android and iOS mobile phones and tablets, Fire TV, Android TV/Google TV, Chromecast, and Roku streaming media sticks, and smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, and others. On top of that, you can watch TV shows and movies on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge web browsers, Facebook devices (including Oculus and Portal), and some Xbox gaming models.

Philo

Philo isn't as compatible with as many devices as Sling TV, but it's still available on a good number of services. You can download the Philo app on several types of devices, including Android phones, tablets, and TV/Google TV, iPhones, iPads, and Roku. You can also watch on a range of other platforms, including Fire TV, all sorts of web browsers, and Chromecast.

Personalization

Sling TV

With Sling TV, you can set up a list of favorite channels and schedule season recordings of your favorite shows. Once you've started watching programs on the platform, you will receive personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits. If you have children at home, you can set up parental controls to block inappropriate content.

If you choose the Sling Orange package, you can stream on one device at a time. However, if you're on the Sling Blue package, you're free to stream on up to three devices simultaneously. Unfortunately, Sling TV does not allow you to set up different user profiles on the same account.

Philo

Philo allows you to save current and upcoming programs to your DVR. Your recordings will be kept for a year, with unlimited storage space. The service doesn't provide you with any tailored content suggestions, but it allows you to browse new and trending programs from its home page. There are no parental control settings available with Philo at this time.

As a Philo subscriber, you can stream content on three devices at once. Even better, you can create up to 10 user profiles on a single account. Each profile has its own login, recorded programs, and watch history. If you're wallet-conscious, you can split the monthly costs of Philo with friends or family, with each person having their own profile.

Extras

Sling TV

• Chat and watch content with friends with Sling Watch Party

• Add-on bundles starting at $6/mo.

• Free plan available

If you'd like to watch TV shows, movies, and special events with loved ones across the country, the Sling Watch Party feature is a great way to do it. It lets you video chat with up to three other people while you catch up on your favorite programs together.

Sling TV also allows you to mix and match add-on channel packages to create a custom lineup that appeals to your interests. For example, you can purchase a basic package (either Sling Orange, Sling Blue, or Sling Orange + Blue) and add the News Extra for $6/mo., which includes HLN and BBC World News.

Interestingly, Sling TV also provides a limited amount of free content through its Sling Free plan. With this option, you can access thousands of live and on-demand TV shows, movies, and more. It's a great starter option if you aren't sure about investing in a paid plan.

Philo

• Unlimited DVR capacity

• Wide range of entertainment and lifestyle channels

• Upgrade your subscription to include movie channels for $3/mo.

Aside from its affordable monthly price, the highlight of Philo's service is its unlimited DVR storage. You can record as many movies and TV shows as you'd like, and they'll remain on your DVR for one year.

If you're a fan of entertainment, lifestyle, and reality content, then Philo may be the right pick for you. Most of Philo's 60+ channels fall within this genre, giving subscribers access to Animal Planet, Comedy Central, Food Network, Hallmark Channel, MTV, TLC, and more.

Similarly, if you're a movie buff, you can take advantage of Philo's add-on channels to get access to current and classic films. Movie packages range from $3/mo. to $9/mo. and include popular channels like Epix, MGM HD, Reelz, Sony Movies, Starz, and many others.

Disadvantages

Sling TV

Depending on where you live, you might get some local channels with Sling TV -- but you won't get them all. As a result, you won't be able to watch some big sporting events, awards shows, or primetime TV shows. In comparison to Philo, Sling TV has less DVR storage, fewer channels, and a higher price point.

Philo

It's a similar story with Philo. In exchange for a low subscription fee, you won't get access to any sports, news, or local channels. This may not matter to you, but it's important to note. Philo also lacks a few other features, including 4K streaming and offline viewing.

Our final take

In short, Sling TV and Philo are both wallet-friendly streaming services with a robust library of live and on-demand content (although Philo offers more channels).

If you're trying to pick between the two, keep in mind that Sling TV has an edge when it comes to sports and local channels. It's also better for anyone who wants to host virtual watch parties with friends or family.

On the other hand, Philo will be a better choice if budget is a concern -- especially if you take advantage of the multiple user profiles and share the subscription costs with family and a few friends.