Philo is a budget-friendly live TV streaming service focusing on entertainment and lifestyle networks, positioning itself as a 'cable-lite' alternative by excluding expensive sports and news. It currently ranks #21 in Grossing for US Entertainment. The service has recently pivoted to a hybrid model, offering a robust free ad-supported tier alongside premium subscriptions, with its 1-year Unlimited DVR serving as its primary competitive differentiator.
Product velocity
Unknown
Daily rank 🇺🇸
#94
▼32Entertainment · free
Sentiment
4.8
68k reviews
Nemesis
Frndly TV
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
For Budget-conscious TV viewers looking for a cable-alternative that focuses on entertainment and lifestyle networks without the high cost of sports or news-heavy bundles.
Key features
Cloud-based recording storage that saves content for up to a year with ad-skipping capabilities.
Access to 120+ live channels, movies, and shows without requiring an account or credit card.
Supports up to 10 personalized profiles per account with individual watch history and recommendations.
Allows up to 3 simultaneous streams across mobile, desktop, tablet, and TV devices.
Optional subscriptions for additional content like STARZ, MGM+, and Hallmark+.
How much does it cost?
Philo utilizes a low-cost, entertainment-focused subscription model combined with a 'top-of-funnel' free ad-supported tier to lower barriers to entry and compete with traditional cable.
Velocity
Who built it?
User Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Review voice lately leans frustrated. Users appreciate content variety and cable alternative, but report excessive ads.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Content Variety
- Cable Alternative
Unlock 1 more frustration theme, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Philo: Shows, Movies & Live TV
How's the Entertainment market?
The rivals identified
By Frndly TV
The most direct competitor focusing on a low-cost, sports-free, lifestyle and family-oriented live TV bundle.
PlutoTV: Stream Free Movies/TVContender
Tubi: Movies & Live TVContender
Paramount+ContenderTThe Roku ChannelContenderUnlock the deeper market read.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Philo: Shows, Movies & Live TV
Where is it heading?
The SWOT
- Industry-leading 1-year Unlimited DVR
- Strong value-based pricing ($25/mo)
- Robust free tier for user acquisition
- Strategic premium bundles (HBO Max/AMC+)
- Introduce an ad-free premium tier
- Improve app performance on legacy hardware
- Integrate more FAST local news partners
- Expand ROW8 movie rental integration
Unlock 4 critical frictions, 4 market threats and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeReport last updated