Philo vs DIRECTV Stream

There are plenty of streaming options to choose from. Philo and DIRECTV Stream are two of the more intriguing options. Both provide live TV streaming service highlighted by network TV channels. However, there are some key differences between Philo and DIRECTV Stream. Let’s take a look at what these two live TV streaming services are really all about.

DIRECTV Stream: A live TV streaming service with familiar network TV channels and a wide variety of packages.

Philo: A live TV streaming service with network TV channels at an affordable price

What's the Difference Between DIRECTV Stream and Philo?

Philo is more affordable than DIRECTV Stream. Philo is cheaper because it doesn’t provide news, sports, and local channels. These are generally the most expensive channels for carriers, and that expense gets passed on to viewers like us — so when they’re left out, we get lower prices.

DIRECTV Stream is comparably comprehensive, but also comparably expensive. Though DIRECTV Stream costs more than Philo, it offers more live streaming channels. If you’re interested in watching sports, news, and local content, then you’ll probably favor DIRECTV Stream over Philo.

You can record up to 500 hours with DIRECTV Stream cloud DVR service, but only if you pay extra; in an entry-level package, the cap is just 20 hours. Philo provides unlimited DVR storage, but only lets you keep recordings for 30 days.

DIRECTV Stream offers three packages, whereas Philo only has one main bundle. The basic Philo package provides more than 60 channels. You can also opt for the add-ons in the form of Epix and Starz for $6 per month and $9 per month more, respectively. The options are a bit more complicated with AT&T, but there are plenty of DIRECTV Stream bundles with lots of channels, including premium networks like Starz.

What You Can Watch on DIRECTV Stream vs. Philo?

Philo provides some of the most popular network TV channels. As of this writing, Philo provides more than 60 channels. Examples of Philo channels include:

• A&E
• AMC
• BBC America
• TLC
• MTV
• VH1

That’s a lot of good stuff! Philo will give you a lot of great entertainment. Just keep in mind that it’s missing sports, news, and local channels. Philo customers can add Epix and Starz for an additional fee.

DIRECTV Stream also provides network TV channels. But, unlike Philo, DIRECTV Stream's channel lineup includes sports, news, and local channels. The DIRECTV Stream “Entertainment” package provides 65+ channels, including major networks like ABC and NBC, sports channels like ESPN, and news channels like CNN. There are also plenty of entertainment channels, like BET, Disney Channel, TNT, and USA.

DIRECTV Stream’s “Choice” package includes 90+ channels including HBO Max and additional sports channels, plus:

• ESPN U
• ESPNews
• FS1
• FS2
• The Olympic Channel

DIRECTV Stream’s packages also offer regional sports networks (RSNs). For example, if you’re in New York, you can use DIRECTV Stream to watch the Yankees on YES online.

Each of DIRECTV Stream's packages has its own unique channel lineup, and you’ll get more channels with each step you take up the price tier. If this seems overwhelming, don’t worry: Our DIRECTV Stream channel list breaks down these bundles nicely.

How Much Will You Spend on DIRECTV Stream vs. Philo?

Philo is more affordable than DIRECTV Stream. Philo costs $25 per month, and the company has done a good job of avoiding huge price hikes. (DIRECTV Stream has not been as successful in this department.) Since there’s no contract to sign, you can watch, cancel and restart Philo livestreams whenever you want. If you want to add Starz to your Philo subscription, it will tack on an extra $9 to your monthly bill. You can also add Epix for $6.

DIRECTV Stream is more expensive than Philo. We think this price difference makes sense because DIRECTV Stream provides streaming sports, news, and local channels, which are unavailable on Philo. The DIRECTV Stream Entertainment package provides over 65 channels for $69.99 per month. More bundles and options can increase your channel count to more than 140 — and your bill to well over $100 per month. You can pay extra for premium channels and services, including HBO Max.

The price differential is clear. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide: Do you want to pay more and get every kind of channel with DIRECTV Stream, or are you willing to give up certain types of channels to save money with Philo?

DIRECTV Stream vs. Philo Which Should You Choose?

If you want to watch TV network channels at a low price, Philo is the best choice for you. If you want to watch sports, news and local channels, DIRECTV Stream is the better of the two live streaming services for you.

If you simply want to be entertained with cable network channels that show movies, shows, reality TV, and more, then we think you’ll be happy with Philo’s offerings. If you’re not extremely interested in sports, news, and local content — and if you’re primarily concerned with the cost of streaming video services — then we think you should opt for Philo. Philo provides plenty of content at a very affordable price.