With the rise of streaming services, many people have found themselves shifting away from traditional cable TV in favor of more flexible, budget-friendly options.

Among the various choices available, two platforms that have gained significant attention are Philo and FuboTV. Both offer live TV streaming, but they cater to different types of viewers, with distinct strengths and weaknesses.

Whether you’re a sports fan or just looking for affordable entertainment options, this comparison will help you decide which service is best suited to your needs.

Overview

Before diving into the specifics of each service, it’s important to understand what Philo and FuboTV bring to the table in terms of their overall offerings.

What is Philo?

Philo is a live TV streaming service primarily aimed at people who want to cut the cord without sacrificing their favorite entertainment and lifestyle channels. It offers a streamlined selection of channels, making it an affordable alternative to traditional cable TV, especially for those who aren’t as interested in sports or local programming. Philo’s low price point and simplicity are its major selling points.

Founded in 2010, Philo initially began as a service that focused on offering entertainment and lifestyle channels without the hefty price tag associated with traditional cable packages. Over time, it has evolved into a more robust service, offering around 70+ channels. However, it deliberately excludes high-cost categories like live sports and local news channels.

What is FuboTV?

FuboTV, on the other hand, offers a more expansive live TV experience that includes a comprehensive lineup of sports, news, and entertainment channels. It is widely regarded as one of the best streaming services for sports fans, as it includes a broad range of live sports coverage. FuboTV’s platform is built around the idea of providing a complete cable TV replacement, offering users access to not only sports but also a wide variety of other content, such as movies, news, and children’s programming.

Unlike Philo, FuboTV doesn’t shy away from including popular local channels and major sports networks. With its larger selection of channels and features, it is priced higher than Philo but still remains a competitive option compared to traditional cable TV.

Features Comparison

When comparing Philo and FuboTV, one of the most important factors to consider is the range and variety of features that each service provides. Both platforms offer live TV streaming, DVR functionality, and multiple device support, but the specifics can differ greatly.

1. Channel Lineup

Philo’s channel lineup is relatively simple and includes the types of channels that many people are looking for, but with a focus on entertainment, lifestyle, and family-friendly programming. Philo’s base plan includes over 70 channels, such as AMC, HGTV, Food Network, and Comedy Central. These are channels that are typically found in basic cable packages but often lack the live sports and news that some viewers may want.

For instance, Philo is a great option if you’re a fan of shows on channels like Discovery, MTV, or History Channel. However, it doesn’t carry any major sports networks like ESPN, NBC Sports, or NFL Network, which could be a dealbreaker for sports enthusiasts.

FuboTV, by comparison, offers a much more expansive channel lineup. Its base plan includes over 235 channels, including sports channels like ESPN, NFL Network, and NBA TV, along with news channels like CNN and MSNBC, entertainment channels, and kids’ programming. FuboTV also includes local channels in many regions, which is an important advantage for users who want to stay up to date with local news and events. This makes FuboTV a well-rounded service for users who want a broad selection of live TV programming.

In short, Philo is perfect for those who enjoy entertainment and lifestyle content, while FuboTV is better suited to viewers who want a wide variety of programming, including sports and local channels.

2. Sports Coverage

Philo’s sports offerings are minimal. If you are a big fan of live sports, Philo may not be the right choice for you. It does offer a few channels related to sports, such as beIN Sports Xtra, but it doesn’t have access to major sports networks or live coverage of events like the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, or the World Cup. This is a big limitation for viewers who want to watch sports in real time.

FuboTV, on the other hand, is one of the top choices for sports enthusiasts. It is often touted as one of the best streaming services for live sports. It offers extensive coverage of major sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports. In addition to live sports channels, FuboTV also offers sports documentaries and replays. If you’re a sports fan who enjoys watching a wide range of events live, FuboTV is a much better option than Philo.

3. DVR and Cloud Storage

Both Philo and FuboTV offer DVR functionality, allowing users to record live TV shows for later viewing. However, the specifics of their DVR capabilities differ.

Philo offers unlimited cloud DVR for all subscribers, meaning you can record as much content as you want without worrying about storage limits. This is one of Philo’s major selling points, especially since it’s available in the base plan without any additional cost.

FuboTV also offers cloud DVR, but it is subject to limitations depending on the plan. The standard DVR feature is available in the base plan, but higher-tier plans provide increased DVR storage and enhanced features, such as the ability to store recordings for longer periods.

4. Streaming Devices and Accessibility

Both Philo and FuboTV are compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming boxes (such as Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV), smartphones, and tablets. Both services also support web browsers, allowing you to stream on a computer.

Philo’s simple interface makes it easy to navigate across devices, which is great for users who want a hassle-free experience. The service also allows for multiple simultaneous streams, meaning you can watch different shows on multiple devices at once.

FuboTV supports similar devices but also offers additional features, such as more simultaneous streams, depending on the plan. FuboTV’s interface is also more complex due to the large number of channels and features, which might require a bit more time to get used to.

Pricing Comparison

When it comes to pricing, there is a noticeable difference between Philo and FuboTV. Philo is designed to be an affordable option, while FuboTV is positioned as a more premium service. Let’s take a closer look at how the pricing compares.

Philo Pricing

Philo’s pricing is straightforward and budget-friendly. The base plan costs $28 per month, which provides access to over 70 channels and unlimited DVR. This makes Philo one of the most affordable live TV streaming services available. There are no hidden fees or complicated pricing tiers, making it easy for users to understand exactly what they are getting for their money.

Philo also offers a free 7-day trial, which allows users to test the service before committing to a subscription.

FuboTV Pricing

FuboTV’s pricing is more complex, reflecting the wider selection of channels and features it offers. The service offers several tiers, with the base plan starting at $74.99 per month for over 235 channels. This price increases depending on the add-ons and additional features you select. For example, if you want to access premium sports channels or additional DVR storage, you’ll need to upgrade to higher-tier plans, which can cost upwards of $85 to $95 per month.

While FuboTV is significantly more expensive than Philo, it’s important to consider that you’re paying for a much broader selection of channels and sports coverage.

Conclusion on Pricing

If budget is your primary concern and you don’t need sports or extensive programming, Philo is the clear winner. For just $28 per month, it provides a solid range of entertainment and lifestyle content, with the added bonus of unlimited DVR.

However, if you’re willing to pay more for a complete live TV experience, especially if sports and local channels are important to you, FuboTV is a worthy choice, albeit at a higher price point.

Customer Support Comparison

Customer support is an essential aspect of any subscription service, and both Philo and FuboTV offer support, though with differing levels of satisfaction among users.

Philo Customer Support

Philo’s customer support is generally seen as satisfactory, but not exceptional. Users report being able to get in touch with support via email or live chat, though some have expressed frustration with response times and the effectiveness of solutions. For example, a few customers have complained about delays in resolving issues or getting refunds.

That said, many users appreciate the simplicity of Philo’s service, meaning that they don’t often have to deal with technical problems in the first place. Given its straightforward setup and pricing model, Philo users generally encounter fewer support issues compared to more complex services.

FuboTV Customer Support

FuboTV, due to its more complex offerings, tends to have a more involved customer support experience. In general, customers report a higher level of satisfaction with FuboTV’s customer support, especially given the higher pricing tier. FuboTV provides support via phone, email, and live chat, and many users find the staff to be responsive and helpful.

However, as with many premium services, FuboTV’s customer service isn’t always perfect. Some customers have reported long wait times during peak hours, and there are occasional issues with billing or account management. Still, FuboTV’s customer service tends to be rated higher than Philo’s overall.

Pros and Cons

Philo

Pros:

• Very affordable, especially for non-sports fans.
• Includes over 70 channels, with a focus on entertainment, lifestyle, and family content.
• Unlimited DVR storage.
• Easy to use with a simple, intuitive interface.

Cons:

• No major sports coverage.
• Lacks local network channels, which may be an issue for some users.
• Some customer support complaints, especially regarding response time.

FuboTV

Pros:

• Extensive channel selection, including sports, news, and local networks.
• Great option for sports fans with live coverage of major leagues.
• Multiple tiers and add-ons provide flexibility.
• Strong customer support.

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to Philo.
• More complex interface and setup.
• Some regional restrictions on local networks and sports coverage.

Conclusion

Choosing between Philo and FuboTV depends largely on what you’re looking for in a streaming service. If you’re on a budget and don’t care much about sports, Philo is an excellent option, offering a simple and affordable way to access a variety of entertainment and lifestyle channels. It’s especially good for viewers who are looking to cut costs without sacrificing a decent channel lineup.

On the other hand, if you’re a sports fan or someone who needs a broader range of channels, including local news and live sports, FuboTV is the better choice. Though it comes at a higher cost, it provides much more extensive coverage, making it worth the investment for those who want a complete live TV experience.

In the end, Philo is perfect for those who don’t want to break the bank, while FuboTV caters to users willing to pay more for a more comprehensive offering.

FAQs

Is Philo cheaper than FuboTV?

Yes, Philo is significantly cheaper, starting at $28 per month compared to FuboTV’s $74.99 base plan.

Does Philo offer sports channels?

No, Philo has limited sports coverage and lacks major sports networks.

Is FuboTV good for sports fans?

Yes, FuboTV is one of the best streaming services for sports, offering extensive live sports coverage.

Can I record shows on both services?

Yes, both Philo and FuboTV offer cloud DVR, but Philo offers unlimited storage in its base plan, while FuboTV has limited storage unless you upgrade.

Does FuboTV offer local channels?

Yes, FuboTV offers local channels in many regions, but availability can vary depending on your location.