Report updated Apr 4, 2026
Philo: Shows, Movies & Live TV
v8.8.1Budget-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.
What Is Philo: Shows, Movies & Live TV?
Launched Nov 14, 2017
Updated Apr 2026
What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
What are the 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+.
What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
“Recent user voice shows a frustrated sentiment. Users appreciate content variety and cable alternative, but report excessive ads and app stability and performance.”
What Users Love
I like the app. It has a lot of shows I love that I can’t find anywhere else.
I’m enjoying my old shows I had to subscribe to get METV it’s worth it
Canceled cable for this so happy I did
I like having the app because it is cheaper than cable
Pain Points
Having such a high monthly subscription fee and still having nonstop ads in shows is absolutely ridiculous.
5-6 minutes of ads every 5 minutes of show you watch is absurd!
The app will consistently drop service, an hour long show will take two to get through with the amount of stopping it does.
After every episode I watch the app freezes and I have to close it or redownload it
High confidence · 67.6K reviews available
How is it ranked?
| Chart | Rank | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Grossing | #23 | ▼2 |
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Industry-leading 1-year Unlimited DVR
- Strong value-based pricing ($25/mo)
- Robust free tier for user acquisition
- Strategic premium bundles (HBO Max/AMC+)
Cons
- Significant technical instability and crashing
- High ad frequency on paid tiers
- Lack of support for older iOS devices
- No local news or sports content
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Introduce an ad-free premium tier
- Improve app performance on legacy hardware
- Integrate more FAST local news partners
- Expand ROW8 movie rental integration
Market Threats
- Frndly TV's lower-priced lifestyle bundle
- Rapid expansion of free services like Pluto TV and Tubi
- Direct-to-consumer consolidation (e.g., Disney/Hulu)
- Rising content licensing costs
Who competes with Philo: Shows, Movies & Live TV?
The Nemesis
Why it's a threat
- +
Users are happier — sentiment 45/100 vs 32
- +
Kids Mode
Contenders
Major free streaming alternative offering a massive library of on-demand content and live entertainment channels.
Zero-Fee Streaming
Offers live local CBS and a deep library of entertainment content that overlaps with Philo's network focus.
Live Sports Streaming
Peers
The primary indirect competitor for general entertainment and binge-watching time.
Personalized Recommendations
Major entertainment rival focusing on family-friendly and franchise-driven content.
Content Bundling
Direct rival for premium drama and movies, also integrated as a high-tier bundle option within Philo.
Live Multiview
Focuses on the same lifestyle and unscripted niche as Philo's core channel lineup.
What are the key takeaways?
Philo: Shows, Movies & Live TV is a frustrating entertainment app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 4.8/5 rating from 67.6K reviews, it frustrates many users from users. Users particularly appreciate content variety, though excessive ads remains a common concern.
Best 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.
How much does it cost?
Model: freemium
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.