When it comes to choosing a streaming service, there’s no shortage of options available. Among the many, Philo and Paramount+ stand out as two solid choices, each catering to different audiences.

So, which one is right for you? Whether you want a simple TV service with a focus on entertainment, or a broader streaming experience with live sports and network content, both services bring something to the table.

Let’s break down the differences in a detailed comparison of Philo vs. Paramount+.

Overview of Philo

Philo is a live TV streaming service that offers a streamlined selection of entertainment and lifestyle channels. Founded in 2017, it focuses on keeping things simple, offering fewer channels than some of the bigger live TV services, but at a significantly lower price. It’s an ideal option for those who want an affordable way to watch entertainment TV without the bells and whistles of a full cable package.

The key selling points of Philo are its affordable pricing, entertainment-focused lineup, and unlimited cloud DVR storage. However, if you’re a fan of local news, live sports, or big-name channels like ESPN, Philo might not be the best fit for you.

Overview of Paramount+

Paramount+, on the other hand, is a comprehensive streaming platform that offers a blend of on-demand content, live TV, and sports. It is owned by Paramount Global and features content from a wide array of networks, including CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, and Comedy Central, along with movies from Paramount Pictures. It also offers live sports coverage, including NFL games, and broadcasts live local CBS content.

With its mix of live TV, exclusive originals, and sports coverage, Paramount+ tries to offer something for everyone. It’s a more well-rounded service compared to Philo, especially if you’re into live sports, network TV, or enjoy a variety of entertainment.

Features Comparison

Let’s dive into the core features of both services to help you understand their differences more clearly.

1. Channel Lineup

• Philo: Philo offers a curated selection of around 70+ live channels. It focuses primarily on entertainment and lifestyle content, with channels like HGTV, Food Network, Comedy Central, MTV, A&E, and Hallmark Channel. If you’re a fan of reality TV, scripted shows, or lifestyle content, Philo is a strong contender. However, it lacks news, sports, and local broadcast channels like ABC, NBC, and CBS.
• Paramount+: Paramount+ offers a much broader and more diverse lineup. You get access to CBS programming, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, and more. Additionally, Paramount+ offers live local CBS broadcasts in most areas, giving it an edge over Philo for those who want to watch local news, events, and network shows. Furthermore, if you’re a fan of live sports, Paramount+ covers NFL games, March Madness, UEFA Champions League, and Copa Libertadores.

2. On-Demand Content

• Philo: While Philo is mainly geared towards live TV, it also offers a decent selection of on-demand content. You can watch movies, TV shows, and episodes from various channels. However, compared to Paramount+, the on-demand library is somewhat limited, especially in terms of exclusives and original programming.
• Paramount+: Paramount+ excels in the on-demand content department. It offers access to Paramount Pictures’ movie library, CBS shows (both past and current), exclusive Paramount+ originals, and a broad collection of Nickelodeon shows. You’ll find a variety of on-demand content that spans multiple genres, including family-friendly, drama, comedy, and documentaries.

3. Live TV and Sports

• Philo: Philo is a live TV streaming service, but its offerings are limited in terms of live sports and news. While you get a variety of entertainment channels, you won’t be able to catch major live sports events or local news. Philo is not for sports enthusiasts, as it doesn’t carry sports networks like ESPN, TNT, or regional sports channels.
• Paramount+: Paramount+ offers a robust selection of live sports, especially with its NFL coverage and live streams of CBS Sports. Whether you’re into football, soccer, or basketball, Paramount+ provides a diverse mix of live sporting events, making it a solid choice for sports fans. It also includes live local CBS broadcasts in most areas, which is a big plus for those who want to keep up with news or popular network shows.

4. Device Support

• Philo: Philo is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, and web browsers. You can stream on three devices simultaneously with a single account, making it suitable for families or households with multiple users.
• Paramount+: Paramount+ supports streaming on multiple devices, including smart TVs, streaming boxes, smartphones, and gaming consoles. It also offers offline downloads for mobile devices (in the ad-free Premium tier). Paramount+ supports up to three simultaneous streams on most plans, though the exact number may vary by location.

5. DVR and Storage

• Philo: Philo stands out for its unlimited DVR storage, which allows you to record as many shows as you want without worrying about running out of space. This is especially helpful if you want to catch up on multiple shows or sports events. Philo keeps your recordings for up to 30 days, giving you plenty of time to watch at your own pace.
• Paramount+: Paramount+ also includes cloud DVR features, but its storage is more limited compared to Philo. Depending on the plan, you can store a limited number of recordings. The free-tier users have to deal with ads, while the ad-free Premium plan offers a better viewing experience and offline download options for some shows.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing is one of the most important factors when choosing a streaming service. Let’s compare the costs of Philo and Paramount+.

Philo Pricing

Philo offers one simple pricing tier:

• $28 per month: This gives you access to 70+ channels and the unlimited DVR feature. Philo is an affordable option for those who only care about entertainment, reality TV, and lifestyle programming, without breaking the bank on cable. Note that Philo doesn’t have any premium plans, and its pricing is consistent across all users. However, it doesn’t include sports, news, or local broadcasts.

Paramount+ Pricing

Paramount+ offers two main pricing tiers:

• Essential Plan ($7.99 per month): This plan includes access to CBS content, on-demand shows, and live sports. It also has some ads, so it’s not completely ad-free. This plan is great for those on a budget who want access to CBS programming and live sports.
• Premium Plan ($12.99 per month): The Premium plan removes ads (except for live TV), provides access to exclusive CBS shows, local CBS broadcasts, and offers the ability to download content for offline viewing. This plan is ideal if you want a more comprehensive, ad-free experience.

Customer Support Comparison

Good customer support is crucial when it comes to streaming services, and both Philo and Paramount+ have their strengths and weaknesses in this department.

Philo Customer Support

Philo offers 24/7 email support and a robust help center for users. However, some users report slow response times and difficulty resolving issues. Common complaints include poor customer service when it comes to billing, account issues, or technical difficulties. There’s also been some feedback about customers being charged for free trials.

Paramount+ Customer Support

Paramount+ has 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, and phone support. Despite offering multiple channels for assistance, many customers have reported poor experiences with support. Issues such as unhelpful agents, slow response times, and unresolved technical problems have been common. Furthermore, there are many complaints about streaming quality and app bugs.

Pros and Cons

Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of each service.

Philo

Pros:

• Affordable: $28 per month for 70+ channels.
• Unlimited DVR storage: Keep all your favorite shows without worrying about space.
• Simplicity: Easy-to-use interface with a straightforward channel lineup.
• No long-term commitment: No contracts, cancel at any time.

Cons:

• Limited channel selection: No news, sports, or local broadcasts.
• Basic live TV: If you need a full cable replacement, Philo might not satisfy your needs.
• No premium content: Missing out on exclusives and major networks.

Paramount+

Pros:

• Comprehensive content: Access to CBS programming, sports, original content, and a wide range of movies.
• Live sports: Watch NFL games, soccer, and other live events.
• Local CBS broadcasts: Available in most areas.
• Offline downloads: Available in the Premium plan.

Cons:

• Higher cost: More expensive than Philo, especially with the Premium plan.
• Ad-supported: The Essential plan has ads, which some users find disruptive.
• Customer support issues: Many customers report unhelpful support and slow response times.

Conclusion

So, which service should you choose? The decision between Philo and Paramount+ largely depends on your priorities.

• If you’re looking for an affordable, no-frills streaming service that offers a simple, entertainment-focused experience, then Philo is the better option. It’s a great value if you just want to watch shows and movies from channels like HGTV, MTV, Food Network, and more. However, if you care about live sports, local news, or premium channels, Philo won’t be able to provide those.

• On the other hand, if you want a broader content library, live sports, and access to CBS programming, then Paramount+ is the way to go. It’s a more well-rounded service that offers a mix of live TV, on-demand content, and sports coverage, but it’s slightly more expensive and comes with more complexity. If you want to watch the NFL, local CBS news, or enjoy exclusive CBS shows, Paramount+ provides these features.

At the end of the day, your choice will depend on what you value most in a streaming service—affordability and simplicity, or a more comprehensive and diverse selection.

FAQs

What channels are available on Philo?

Philo offers 70+ channels, including MTV, Comedy Central, Food Network, and HGTV, but lacks live sports and local broadcasts.

Does Paramount+ have a free trial?

Yes, Paramount+ offers a 7-day free trial for both its Essential and Premium plans.

Can I watch local news on Philo?

No, Philo does not offer local news broadcasts or major network channels like ABC, NBC, or CBS.

How many streams can I watch simultaneously on Paramount+?

You can stream on three devices simultaneously with Paramount+, depending on your plan.

Is Philo worth it for sports fans?

No, Philo does not offer major sports networks like ESPN or FS1, making it unsuitable for sports enthusiasts.