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If you're tired of paying equipment fees and dealing with limited provider options, it might be time to ditch your traditional cable service. And you're not the only one with streaming on your mind. The rise of live TV streaming services is here, and Philo is a great option for new cord cutters. Not only can you cut costs, but you can keep the things you love about cable -- including DVR.

It can be overwhelming to find the best live TV streaming service for you, but one of our favorites for affordability and simplicity is Philo. Philo is a premium streaming service that offers live TV, but also doesn't break the bank. In fact, the price tag comes in at $40 less than its competitors like YouTube TV and fuboTV -- these services start at $65/mo. and $70/mo., respectively.

Here we'll be giving you an extensive overview of Philo to make sure it's the right fit for you. After all, everyone's different. We'll go over all their best plans, pricing, and the channels it offers so you know everything you need before you take the plunge. 

How Much Does Philo Cost? 

One of the best parts about Philo is its price. Subscribers have access to more than 60 channels and unlimited cloud DVR storage for only $25/mo.

Philo offers its services without a contract. So if you find that Philo is not the best fit for you and your family, there's no obligation or unexpected fees. You're free to find what will work for you. 

What Plans Does Philo Offer?

As we stated above, Philo is a simple service and offers one, practical plan, with the ability to include a couple of add-on offers to your package. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from your package with Philo:

It is important to note that while Philo does offer unlimited cloud DVR storage, you can only keep your recordings for 30 days, otherwise, they will expire. So, make sure you don't fall too behind on your favorite tv shows! It's also good to keep in mind that Philo does not offer parental controls, which is something to keep in mind if you are looking to restrict certain titles.

What Top Channels Does Philo Have?

Philo TV packages offer subscribers the ease of a simple cable plan, but with a much lower price tag. Not to worry though, the cost doesn't mean you're missing out on your favorite channels. In fact, Philo channels are very similar to what you'd find in your traditional TV package. Philo has: 

Top news channels such as BBC America, and BBC World News.

Kids channels such as TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Animal Planet.

Other top channels such as A&E, AMC, CMT, Cooking Channel, Discovery Channel, DIY Network, Food Network, Game Show Network, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, and more.

Unfortunately, Philo doesn't have access to local live channels and is sparse on sports channels, making it a no-go for live sports lovers. However, Philo's lineup is still well-rounded and excellent for those wanting to simplify their entertainment. 

For those still wanting more from their package, Philo also has a few add-on options to upgrade their subscribers' access to entertainment channels. While it doesn't compare to other live TV streaming services, Philo beats them out in price every time.

Can You Watch Local Channels with Philo?

Unfortunately, Philo doesn't carry any local channels. If you are someone who really values having access to local networks, you may want to look elsewhere for live TV streaming or invest in a digital HD TV antenna. However, if you simply want access to live entertainment channels like Animal Planet, A&E, AMC, CMT, Discovery Channel, Food Network, and HGTV, you're looking in the right place.

What Add-ons are Available with Philo?

Philo offers two excellent add-on packages for those who want more premium entertainment with their TV package. These additions are great for college students, young couples and families, alike.

Philo partners with both Epix and Starz to bring you more premium originals and movies at an affordable upcharge through your Philo subscription. Each add-on comes with three premium channels for both Epix (Epix, EpixHits, and Epix2) and Starz (Starz, Starz Kids and Family, and Starz Encore). There is also a movie add-on with a variety of channels for film lovers, including MGM and Reelz.

Our Final Take

Philo is one of the most affordable services out there right now, especially for those who are looking for the biggest bang for the buck. With Philo's inexpensive price, viewers are certain to be satisfied with their well-rounded channel list, unlimited DVR capabilities, and add-on plans. It can also keep the entire family happy by allowing for streaming on up to three devices at a time with up to 10 personalized profiles, from just about anywhere.

At the end of the day, Philo is one of the lowest-cost live TV streaming services right now and we think it could be a great fit for basic entertainment. It could also be the right fit for college students or young couples just looking for a well-rounded list of channels to view in the evenings after class or work. Either way, you can't beat the price per channel value as compared to their competitors like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.