In today’s world of streaming, choosing the right service can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Two popular choices—Philo and STARZ—offer distinct experiences that cater to different types of viewers.

Philo, known for its budget-friendly pricing, delivers a mix of live TV channels focused on entertainment and lifestyle content. It’s ideal for those looking to cut the cord and enjoy live TV without breaking the bank. However, its lack of local channels and sports may leave some viewers wanting more.

On the other hand, STARZ is a premium streaming service with a strong focus on high-quality original series and movies. While it lacks live TV channels and sports, STARZ excels in offering exclusive shows like Outlander and Power, making it a top pick for those who crave on-demand, premium content.

Its pricing is also competitive for a premium service, but it may not meet the needs of viewers who prefer a more traditional TV experience.

Ultimately, the choice between Philo and STARZ depends on what you’re looking for in a streaming service. If you’re after an affordable live TV experience with a variety of entertainment channels, Philo could be the way to go. But if you’re more interested in premium movies and exclusive shows, STARZ may be the better fit.

This guide will help you weigh the pros and cons of both services, so you can make the right choice for your entertainment needs.

Philo Overview

Philo is a relatively new player in the world of streaming services, designed with budget-conscious consumers in mind. It offers live TV and on-demand content for a fraction of the price of traditional cable or more extensive streaming services like Hulu or Sling TV.

Philo’s claim to fame is its ability to provide 60+ channels of entertainment and lifestyle programming, including popular options like AMC, Discovery, and Comedy Central, all at a low cost. However, Philo does not include local channels (ABC, NBC, etc.) or sports channels, which can be a dealbreaker for some.

Philo’s core appeal lies in its simplicity and affordability. It doesn’t come with a huge channel list full of sports, news, or local content, which means it can focus on delivering the entertainment channels viewers want for a fraction of the price. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind missing out on live sports or local news, Philo’s focus on affordable, high-quality content can be a solid choice.

STARZ Overview

On the other hand, STARZ is a well-established premium cable and streaming service that offers a mix of movies and original series. Unlike Philo, STARZ is not a live TV service. Instead, it is an on-demand platform with a heavy focus on premium content like movies and original TV shows.

If you’re a fan of high-quality original series like “Outlander” or “Power,” then STARZ has a lot to offer. It also has an extensive movie library, making it appealing to movie lovers.

STARZ can be purchased on its own, or as an add-on to other streaming services like Hulu or Amazon Prime Video. This flexibility allows you to choose the subscription model that works best for you, especially if you’re already subscribed to services that offer STARZ as an add-on.

However, while STARZ offers great on-demand content, it lacks live TV channels, sports programming, and local channels.

Features Comparison

1. Content and Channel Lineup

One of the most significant differences between Philo and STARZ is the type of content they offer. Let’s break down the core offerings of each.

Philo:

Philo focuses on providing entertainment and lifestyle channels. It includes 60+ channels in its base package, offering a mix of programming from major cable networks. Some of the popular channels include:

• AMC
• Comedy Central
• Food Network
• HGTV
• Nickelodeon
• Discovery Channel

Philo’s library is primarily focused on entertainment, reality shows, and lifestyle content. The service does not include live sports channels or local networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, etc.), which could be a downside if you’re looking for comprehensive live TV coverage.

STARZ:

STARZ offers on-demand access to a vast library of movies and original content. Unlike Philo, it does not provide a live TV experience. However, it offers a wide range of premium movies and TV series, many of which are exclusive to STARZ. Some of its most notable shows include:

• Outlander
• Power
• American Gods
• Raising Kanan
• Black Sails

Additionally, STARZ has a solid movie library that includes new releases, classics, and popular films across various genres. This makes it an ideal service for movie lovers and fans of high-quality original series. But while it excels in movies and shows, it lacks live channels, sports, and local news networks.

2. Streaming and On-Demand Content

Philo:

Philo is a live TV service that offers a limited but curated selection of channels. However, it does provide an extensive on-demand library of shows and movies. For many users, this makes Philo feel like a hybrid between live TV and traditional streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.

Philo’s DVR feature is one of its standout features. It offers unlimited cloud DVR storage for recorded shows and movies, allowing you to watch your favorite content whenever you want. This is a significant advantage for people who prefer a flexible viewing experience.

STARZ:

STARZ, being an on-demand service, does not focus on live TV at all. Instead, it is geared toward users who prefer to watch content whenever they want, with no need for scheduled programming. Its on-demand content includes a vast array of movies, as well as exclusive STARZ original series.

While STARZ does not offer DVR functionality, its on-demand model means you can watch content whenever it fits into your schedule. The trade-off is that you won’t get access to live broadcasts, which could be a downside for some viewers.

3. Simultaneous Streams and Device Compatibility

Philo:

Philo allows you to stream on up to three devices at the same time. This makes it a solid option for families or households with multiple viewers. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more. Philo also has mobile apps for iOS and Android, so you can watch your content on the go.

STARZ:

STARZ allows for up to four simultaneous streams, making it slightly more generous than Philo in terms of device flexibility. Like Philo, STARZ is available on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, gaming consoles, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV. It also has mobile apps for iOS and Android, ensuring that you can enjoy your content wherever you are.

In terms of compatibility, both Philo and STARZ cover most major devices. However, Philo’s range of supported devices may be slightly more limited in certain regions, particularly when it comes to gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.

4. User Interface and Experience

Philo:

Philo’s interface is praised for being clean and easy to navigate. It has a user-friendly design that makes it simple to find and watch your favorite channels or shows. Many users appreciate Philo’s simple, no-frills approach, as it focuses on getting you to the content you want without any unnecessary distractions.

The DVR feature is also easy to use. It allows you to record shows, and since there’s no limit on storage, you never have to worry about running out of space. Philo also offers a “Favorites” section, where you can add your go-to channels for quick access.

STARZ:

STARZ’s user interface is also straightforward, though it’s more focused on on-demand content. Its layout is simple, with easy-to-navigate categories like movies, TV shows, and original content. Some users have noted that it can take a bit of time to find specific shows or movies due to the lack of advanced search features. However, once you find the content, the experience is seamless.

The interface is available across a wide range of devices, which means you can enjoy a consistent viewing experience whether you’re on a smart TV or a mobile device.

Pricing Comparison

Philo

Philo is one of the most affordable streaming options available. Its pricing is straightforward, with just one basic plan available. Philo costs around $28 per month, which includes 60+ channels. This pricing makes Philo one of the best options for those looking to cut the cord without breaking the bank. The service also offers a free trial, so you can test it out before committing.

Philo’s pricing:

• $28 per month for 60+ channels.
• Unlimited cloud DVR storage.

This price point is significantly lower than many other live TV streaming services, such as Hulu + Live TV or Sling TV. However, the trade-off is that you get fewer channels, and there are no local channels or sports networks.

STARZ

STARZ has a more traditional pricing model for premium streaming services. The standalone STARZ streaming service costs around $10.99 per month, which gives you access to its library of movies and original content. However, if you’re looking to bundle STARZ with another service (such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV+), you can typically find deals that offer a discount.

STARZ’s pricing:

• $10.99 per month for access to movies and original series.
• Available as an add-on to other streaming services.

STARZ’s pricing is very competitive for a premium service, especially considering the high-quality content it offers. However, since it does not include live TV or sports, it may not be suitable for everyone.

Customer Support Comparison

Customer support is another important factor to consider when choosing between Philo and STARZ. A good support system can make all the difference when you encounter issues with your account or experience technical problems.

Philo:

Philo’s customer support is often cited as a weak point. Many users have reported poor customer service experiences, including long wait times, unclear communication, and difficulty resolving issues. For example, some customers have reported being charged after canceling their subscriptions, and others have had trouble getting in touch with a support representative.

Philo does have an online help center and a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section, but for the most part, users rely on email or live chat for support. Some customers have also reported difficulty navigating the website and understanding the terms of service.

STARZ:

STARZ generally has better customer support than Philo. Many users have found it easier to get in touch with a support representative, and the support team is typically helpful and responsive. STARZ offers email, phone, and live chat support, which makes it easier to get assistance when needed.

Additionally, STARZ has a comprehensive FAQ section on its website, which can help you find answers to common questions. However, some users have reported that STARZ’s support can be slow at times, particularly if you are trying to resolve a technical issue.

Pros and Cons

Philo

Pros:

• Affordable pricing at $28 per month for 60+ channels.
• Unlimited cloud DVR storage.
• User-friendly interface and easy navigation.
• Great for families, with the ability to stream on up to three devices simultaneously.
• A good selection of entertainment and lifestyle channels.

Cons:

• No local channels or live sports.
• Limited device support in some regions.
• Customer support issues, particularly with cancellations and hidden charges.
• No premium movies or high-end original series like those offered by STARZ.

STARZ

Pros:

• High-quality movies and original series.
• Affordable pricing at $10.99 per month for premium content.
• Flexible pricing with add-on options available through other services.
• Allows for up to four simultaneous streams.
• Available on a wide range of devices.

Cons:

• No live TV channels, sports, or local news.
• Smaller content library compared to other premium services like Netflix or HBO Max.
• Limited to on-demand content; no DVR functionality.
• Can be more expensive when added to other streaming services.

Conclusion

Choosing between Philo and STARZ ultimately depends on what you value most in a streaming service. If you’re looking for an affordable live TV service with a large number of entertainment and lifestyle channels, Philo is an excellent option. It offers a broad selection of channels at a fraction of the cost of more extensive live TV services, although it lacks sports and local channels.

On the other hand, if you prefer high-quality on-demand content, particularly premium movies and original series, STARZ is the better option. While it doesn’t offer live TV or sports, its library of movies and original series like “Outlander” and “Power” is unparalleled, especially for fans of premium content.

In the end, Philo and STARZ are both solid choices, but they cater to different audiences. Philo is for those who want a budget-friendly live TV experience, while STARZ is ideal for viewers who want premium on-demand content. If you have the budget, using both services together could be a great way to get the best of both worlds.

FAQs

Does Philo include live sports or local broadcast channels?

No, Philo does not offer live sports or local channels like ABC or NBC.

Can I stream on multiple devices with STARZ?

Yes, STARZ allows streaming on up to four devices at the same time.

Which service offers DVR storage or recordings?

Philo offers unlimited cloud DVR storage, while STARZ is an on-demand service with no DVR functionality.

Is either service a full replacement for cable TV?

Neither service fully replaces cable TV, as Philo lacks sports and local channels, and STARZ does not offer live TV.

How do I know which is cheaper for me?

Philo is cheaper for live TV but lacks premium content, while STARZ is an affordable option for premium movies and original series.