Philo vs Sling: Best Streaming Service Compared
Choosing between Philo and Sling can be crucial for viewers who want the best streaming experience. Both are great for those cutting the cable, offering diverse shows and good deals. By looking at their features, prices, and user experiences, we can see which one fits different tastes and budgets best.
Philo has over 70 channels, focusing on entertainment and lifestyle. It’s cheap at $25 a month, great for young people or anyone on a budget. Plus, with Philo, you don’t have to worry about DVR space; it’s unlimited.
Sling, on the other hand, has over 50 channels, including sports and news. Its top plan is $40 per month and has channels like ESPN for sports fans. Sling offers a 50-hour DVR to start, with an option to upgrade for more space.
Philo doesn’t have live sports channels, a big difference from Sling. But its simple use and low price make lots of customers happy. According to surveys, 75% prefer Philo for its affordability and clear content offer. Around 60% pick Sling for its live sports.
Market studies show that Philo draws younger viewers looking for cheap entertainment without live sports. Sling appeals to a wider audience with entertainment and live sports. This makes it fit for families with varied tastes.
When it comes to cost, Philo is the top choice for those watching their spending. But if live sports are a must-have, and you want more channel variety, Sling is worth the extra cost. Both offer great streaming, work with many devices, and give a good user experience. Whether you pick Philo or Sling, you’ll find a service that suits your needs.
Philo and Sling TV
Philo and Sling TV are popular in the streaming world, perfect for those leaving cable behind. Philo began in 2017 and quickly became known for being affordable, at $25 monthly. It’s great for fans of lifestyle and entertainment, not so much for sports and news watchers.
Sling TV started in 2015 and is a big name for live TV streaming. Starting at $40, it offers Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and a combo package. You’ll find a wide variety of channels, including sports and international options. Add-ons are available from $6 to $11 a month.
Looking at DVR and internet needs, Sling and Philo are different. Sling gives you 50 hours of DVR for free, with a paid upgrade available. Philo offers unlimited DVR without extra charges. For Sling streaming, you’ll need at least 5 Mbps on mobile and 25 Mbps on TV.
Choosing the right service means looking at what each offers. Philo and Sling TV cater to different tastes and budgets. They’re both great for anyone wanting to cut the cord and still enjoy plenty of channels.
Pricing Comparison
When looking at streaming TV, the price matters a lot to users. Our review shows a big difference in cost when comparing Philo and Sling. This is key in finding the best value and affordability.
Philo Pricing
Philo is known as a budget-friendly choice. It has a single plan for $25 a month after a free trial of 7 days. It’s great for fans of entertainment and lifestyle channels, with over 70 channels included. Philo also offers unlimited DVR storage for a year, making it even more appealing.
Sling TV Pricing
Sling TV has more options, starting at $40 a month. You can choose between Sling Blue and Sling Orange at $46, or get both for $61 a month. With deals for new users, prices can drop to $23 and $30.50 at first. Sling TV covers 27 of the top 35 cable channels, catering to various tastes. It’s flexible, allowing for custom packages that include lots of sports and local channels.
| Service | Monthly Price | Promotional Price (First Month) | Trial Duration | Number of Channels | DVR Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philo | $25 | – | 7 Days | 70+ | Unlimited (12 Months) |
| Sling TV Blue | $46 | $23 | – | 40+ | 50 Hours |
| Sling TV Orange | $46 | $23 | – | 30+ | 50 Hours |
| Sling TV Orange & Blue | $61 | $30.50 | – | 45+ | 50 Hours |
Channel Lineup: Philo vs Sling
When comparing live TV streaming, it’s key to know what channels Philo and Sling TV offer. Each service meets different needs by offering unique channels.
Channels Offered by Philo
Philo focuses on lifestyle and entertainment, bringing channels like AMC, MTV, and Comedy Central to your screen. But, it lacks sports channels, which might not please sports fans. Here are some channels on Philo:
- AMC
- MTV
- Comedy Central
- History
- Discovery Channel
Channels Offered by Sling TV
Sling TV serves a wide audience with its diverse channel choices. There’s ESPN for sports lovers, CNN for those keen on news, and more for different tastes. This makes Sling TV great for families with varied interests. Check out these Sling TV channels:
- ESPN
- CNN
- HGTV
- Disney Channel
- Fox News
Choosing between Philo and Sling TV comes down to what you like to watch. Philo is top for entertainment and lifestyle fans. Sling TV, on the other hand, offers a wide range including sports and news. This choice makes Sling suitable for those wanting variety.
Local Channels Availability
Sling TV gives a great bonus by offering local channels like NBC and Fox in some places. This feature makes it a top choice for viewers who want local news and events. But, Philo focuses more on cable networks and doesn’t offer local channels, which might not be ideal for everyone.
| Service | Available Local Channels |
|---|---|
| Sling TV | NBC, Fox (in select markets) |
| Philo | N/A |
For people who love local TV, choosing the right service can really depend on where they live. Sling TV’s local channels provide a way to watch major networks in certain markets. Philo doesn’t have local channels, which means you can’t get those broadcasts with them.
Sports Channels and Coverage
Choosing the right sports streaming service is key for fans. They want to follow their favorite events live. We compare Philo and Sling TV’s sports offerings here. This will help you pick the service that meets your live sports needs best.
Philo Sports Channels
Philo mainly offers entertainment. It gives subscribers over 70 live channels and a big on-demand library. This library has more than 70,000 movies and shows. Philo doesn’t focus on live sports channels. If you’re looking for sports, you might find Philo’s options limited. It prefers entertainment channels like AMC+, not live sports.
Sling TV Sports Channels
Sling TV shines in sports programming. It lets subscribers watch many sports channels. These include ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports with its Sling Blue and Sling Orange packages. The sports coverage costs $40 a month for one package or $55 a month for both. This makes a great deal for sports fans. Plus, Sling TV gives new subscribers a 50% off their first month. This makes it an attractive choice for watching live sports.
Features and Add-Ons
When you’re looking into your streaming options, it’s vital to know about streaming service features and add-ons Philo and Sling TV offer. Philo keeps things simple but effective, letting viewers add premium channels like Epix and Starz to their package. It’s an easy way for users to upgrade their experience without getting lost in options.
Sling TV takes a different path, offering a customizable viewing experience. It has a variety of sling TV features, allowing users to pick from several add-on packages. You can choose sports extras, international channels, and upgraded DVR services. This makes it easy for viewers to create an entertainment package that’s just right for them.
| Feature | Philo | Sling TV |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Channels | Epix, Starz | HBO, Showtime, Starz, Epix |
| Sports Channels | Limited (Yoga Channel) | ESPN, NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network |
| International Channels | N/A | Various packages including Mexican, European, Asian and more |
| DVR Capability | Unlimited, saves for 30 days | 50 hours included, 200 hours with upgrade |
Both services have impressive streaming service features but shine in different areas. Philo is great for users who love simplicity and premium channels. Sling TV, however, offers a lot more options for customization. This shows how each service works to meet the varied tastes of their audience.
User Interface and User Experience
Philo and Sling TV each offer unique user interfaces and experiences. They cater to different viewer tastes.
Navigating Philo
Philo is known for its user-friendly design. It’s simple and easy to navigate. This makes it perfect for viewers who want a straightforward streaming experience.
The interface is consistent, whether you’re using a Roku or a web browser. Philo supports up to three streams at once and offers 1080p quality. This ensures a comfortable viewing experience on various devices.
Navigating Sling TV
Sling TV offers a more complex interface with lots of customization. It might take time to get used to, but it’s great for viewers who like to personalize their setup.
Sling TV’s customizable features allow for a tailored viewing experience. It’s also compatible with many devices, making it flexible and convenient.
DVR Capabilities
Viewers love streaming services with DVR because they can record and save all they like. Philo leads by offering unlimited DVR storage. Users can keep their recordings for up to a year. This means they can save lots of shows, movies, and sports events without worrying about space.
Sling TV gives you 50 hours of DVR space in its basic package. But you can choose to get more space for an extra fee. This option lets users adjust their DVR settings based on how much they watch and need.
Here’s a simple comparison of the DVR features of these two services:
| Feature | Philo | Sling TV |
|---|---|---|
| DVR Storage | Unlimited for up to 1 year | 50 hours (base package), upgradable |
| Simultaneous Recording | Unlimited | Dependent on storage plan |
| Ad-Skipping | Yes | Yes (with upgraded DVR) |
Philo lets you record every episode of a series, so you never miss anything. Sling TV users also enjoy easy access to their recordings, depending on their DVR plan. Both services offer great DVR options. They’re perfect for anyone who values convenience and lots of recording space.
Device Compatibility and Streaming Quality
Both Philo and Sling TV work well on many devices. They support iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. So, no matter what device you use, you can have a great watching experience.
Compatible Devices for Philo
Philo is available on a variety of devices, like smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming sticks. This wide support makes it easy for users to watch their favorite shows wherever they want.
Compatible Devices for Sling TV
Sling TV also supports a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV. This makes accessing your favorite content easy and convenient.
Streaming Quality Comparison
Both Philo and Sling TV offer HD streaming. This means you can watch shows and movies in high quality. However, Sling TV might buffer when lots of people are online, which is why a fast internet connection is important for smooth streaming.
If you want better quality, both services offer 4K content on compatible TVs. While Philo keeps its focus on consistent HD quality, Sling TV adds features like HDR and Dolby Vision for even better visuals. But remember, you need the right device and content to use these features.
Free Trials and Promotions
For those considering streaming service trials, Philo and Sling TV offer great deals. Philo has a seven-day free trial. It lets potential subscribers try over 70 live channels, streaming on three devices, and a 365-day unlimited DVR.
Sling TV, on the other hand, offers a 50% discount for the first month. This makes its starting price very appealing to budget-conscious users. Sling TV provides 27 of the top 35 cable channels, adding great value.
Here’s a look at the free trials and subscription costs:
| Service | Free Trial | Subscription Cost (Monthly) | Promotions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philo | 7 days | $25 | – |
| Sling TV | – | Starts at $40 | 50% off first month |
Philo’s seven-day free trial lets users fully experience its service. Meanwhile, Sling TV’s discounts make it a budget-friendly option. Choosing the best fit depends on what you’re looking for in streaming services.
Final Verdict: Which is the Better Option?
Choosing between Philo or Sling depends on what you like to watch and how much you want to spend. Philo shines for those who love affordable and entertaining shows. It offers a simple, budget-friendly package perfect if you don’t care much for sports or local TV.
Sling TV, meanwhile, caters to those who prefer a mix. You can tailor it to your tastes with a variety of channels, including sports and local options, across different packages. But, remember that premium sports channels now cost more. This is similar to what companies like Comcast are doing with local sports.
In the end, picking the right service is all about what matters to you. Philo wins for a pocket-friendly and fun experience. However, if you want a wide range of channels, including sports and local news, then Sling TV is the way to go. It offers more choices but might be pricier. Think about what you value in a streaming service to make the best decision for you.
FAQs
What are the main differences between Philo and Sling TV?
Philo is known for its affordable plans, focusing on entertainment and lifestyle channels. These plans start at a month. Sling TV has packages from per month. It includes sports and news channels.
Sling offers more choices and is great for people with different tastes.
How do the pricing plans of Philo and Sling TV compare?
Philo has one plan for a month. Sling TV’s options start at monthly. Sling lets you add more channels and often has deals for new customers.
This makes Sling’s pricing more flexible.
What channels are available on Philo and Sling TV?
Philo includes lifestyle and entertainment channels such as AMC, MTV, and Comedy Central. Sling TV offers a wider variety. It has ESPN, CNN, and local channels in some areas.
Sling also has extra add-ons for specialized content.
Does Philo or Sling TV offer local channels?
Sling TV provides local channels like NBC and Fox in certain areas. Philo doesn’t have local channels, focusing on cable networks instead.
Which service offers better sports coverage?
Sling TV is the go-to for sports fans. It has ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports. Philo doesn’t include sports channels, sticking to entertainment.
What add-ons are available for Philo and Sling TV?
Philo’s add-ons include premium channels like Epix and Starz. Sling TV has a variety of add-ons. These include sports extras, international channels, and more DVR space.
This allows for a more custom viewing experience.
How user-friendly are the interfaces of Philo and Sling TV?
Philo’s interface is simple and easy to use. Sling TV offers detailed customization. This can be a bit much for new users. But it’s great for those wanting their setup just right.
What are the DVR capabilities of Philo and Sling TV?
Philo lets users record shows with unlimited DVR storage for up to a year. Sling TV gives 50 hours of DVR space in its base package. You can pay more for extra space.
What devices are compatible with Philo and Sling TV?
Both services work on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. They stream in HD. But, Sling TV might need strong internet to avoid buffering during busy times.
Do Philo and Sling TV offer free trials or promotions?
Philo offers a seven-day trial to new users. Sling TV sometimes has promotions. These might include discounts early on or free premium channels for a while.
