Philo vs. DIRECTV STREAM: Which Should Cord-Cutters Choose?

If you’re curious about different streaming services, then you may be considering price versus quantity. Now your search has brought you here: the fork in the road between Philo’s low costs and DIRECTV STREAM’s massive selection of channels and on-demand titles. It’s a tough choice, and we know exactly how you feel if you’re struggling to decide between the two. In this comparison guide, we’ll show you what you can expect from each service and how they stack up against each other.

Philo and DIRECTV STREAM Side by Side

We get it. Choosing between two streaming services or skinny bundles requires looking at the fine print, and that’s no small task. So put down that pen and paper — here’s an easy overview of how Philo compares to DIRECTV STREAM’s basic package.

DIRECTV STREAM Reigns Supreme in Channel Selection

Without any upgrades, Philo offers over 60 channels and more than 60,000 on-demand titles. That compares well with DIRECTV STREAM’s basic package, which offers over 65 channels and more than 40,000 on-demand titles. DIRECTV STREAM offers local broadcasting channels, however, while Philo does not.

If you’re looking for a large selection of live TV channels, DIRECTV STREAM is the way to go. In its top package, DIRECTV STREAM offers over 140 live channels, access to local and regional sports broadcasts, and premium channels such as HBO Max, SHOWTIME, Starz, and Cinemax. The expansive selection comes with a heftier price tag though.

DIRECTV STREAM Offers Greater Value With Robust Packages

We’ve said this once and we’ll say it again: Philo’s low monthly price is hard to look away from, especially since it offers favorite channels such as Discovery, Food Network, BET, Paramount, and TLC. It also offers a referral program: You can get a discount on your bill for successfully referring a friend. Value, however, isn’t just what’s on the price tag.

DIRECTV STREAM’s costs are noticeably higher, but the service offers a greater amount of content. DIRECTV STREAM offers four different packages: ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE, ULTIMATE, and PREMIER. Each package offers access to local channels, and the three higher tiers provide access to regional sports channels for no extra cost.

If local channels or regional sports channels aren’t important to you, then Philo may present a better value than DIRECTV STREAM’s starter package. You get more bang for your buck with DIRECTV STREAM’s three higher tiers, but that buck is certainly larger.

Philo Has the More Optimal User Experience

Our review of Philo and our DIRECTV STREAM review go more in depth about each service’s interface. Generally, both are easy and straightforward to use, but Philo beats out DIRECTV STREAM in usability. It takes a second to get used to, but Philo prompts you to build a personalized feed by saving shows, so the outcome is a taste-based feed specific to your user profile. Philo offers 10 profiles that can be used simultaneously on three different devices. Compatible devices for Philo include Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV,  Android TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Windows, Sony Smart TV, and Vizio Smart TV. It’s not currently compatible with gaming consoles.

Neither service has kids’ profiles, but both have parental controls that are easy to set up. DIRECTV STREAM offers only one user profile, and it’s not always compatible with gaming consoles and smart TVs.

It’s still easy to navigate and reminiscent of traditional TV guides, so DIRECTV STREAM may be the better choice if you want familiarity.

DIRECTV STREAM Scores More Points for Sports

If you’re a sports fan, then DIRECTV STREAM is, hands down, the champ. Since Philo doesn’t offer local channels, regional sports channels, ESPN, or TNT, the winner for the sports category goes to DIRECTV STREAM in a landslide victory.

DIRECTV STREAM’s basic package doesn’t offer a ton of sports options outside of local broadcasting and ESPN, but there are plenty of upgrade opportunities suitable for any sports fan. Certain package tiers include regional sports networks, college sports networks, MLB Network, NBA TV, and the NHL Network. DIRECTV STREAM also offers an NFL Sunday Ticket package. It’ll cost a pretty penny, but you won’t miss a minute of NFL content — perfect for all-in, die-hard football fans.

The Verdict: Philo vs. DIRECTV STREAM

After adding up all the points and taking a thousand-foot view of these services and their offerings, DIRECTV STREAM seems to be the more favorable option in channel selection, value, and sports content. The price may not be doable for all budgets, however, so a skinny bundle like Philo presents a more accessible option.

When it comes to decision time, your choice will ultimately boil down to your priorities as a user. What’s more important to you and your household? If you want a great selection of titles and channels for the price of five lattes a month, then you should opt for Philo. If you’re a sports fan who wants the opportunity to add premium channels and watch local TV, then go with DIRECTV STREAM. You can’t go wrong either way!