When it comes to real-time TV streaming services, it boils down to two options; cable replacements that carry the same inflated pricing and channel offerings as conventional TV and ‘skinny bundles’ that drastically lower your monthly TV bill.
The choice is fueled by cost. So, it, therefore, comes as no surprise then, that Sling and Philo top the list of popular streaming services for those angling to save extra bucks. But, which of the two offers the sweetest deal?
We pit Philo vs. Sling by walking you through the services and comparing their streaming packages, extra features, and more.
Philo vs. Sling: TV Plans
If you gravitate more towards entertainment and less towards sports, then Philo is a solid option for a monthly subscription of $20. The list of channels includes Discovery, AMC, MTV, and Comedy Central.
But, if you’re on the quest for a better-rounded channel collection, then Sling’s TV packages are right up your alley. It categorizes its channels into two plans: Sling Blue and Sling Orange. For the latter, you can get channels such as ESPN and CNN, whereas Sling Blue contains NFL Network, Fox News, and MSNBC.
Those who want it all can upgrade to Sling Orange& Blue for a monthly subscription of $45. While Sling TV offers a myriad of channels, it falls short when it comes to sports coverage.
You won’t find renowned regional sports networks that deter your ability to tune into NBA, NFL, and MLB games. Philo TV has one plan and doesn’t usher in the opportunity to invest in add-ons. Contrarily, Sling TV allows you to personalize your viewing experience with premium channels and extras that cost between $5 and $10.
Channels
It’s the meat-and-potatoes of the Philo vs. Sling comparison. For $20 a month, you get over 50 channels on Philo TV that focus more on entertainment networks. And it’s the only package available.
On the other hand, Sling TV offers anywhere between 30+ and 50+ channels based on your selected add-ons and package. It comes with customization options.
Entertainment Networks
When it comes to entertainment networks, Philo TV takes the cake. It shines through, covering networks ranging from BET, HGTV, AMC, Food Network, to A&E, and Comedy Central. The lion’s share of the over 55 channels that this live TV streaming service avails, revolve around entertainment. And, it comes with a 7-day free trial. While Sling TV offers a barrage of these channels, most are only in extras. So, you’ll shell out extra bucks for them.
Sports
When it comes to sports coverage, Sling TV is the winner. You’ll find FS2, ESPN, NBCSN, ESPN2, and FS1. Contrarily, Philo TV doesn’t include any dedicated sports networks with Velocity being the exception, so there’s no comparison. And, this channel shows motorsports programming from time to time.
If you’re on a quest to watch sports online, then Sling will spark a smile. If you invest in the Blue and Orange plans and throw the Sports Extra package in the mix, you can receive about 25 sports channels. Keep in mind that the precise number is based on where you reside.
Local Channels
Here’s where Sling TV shines through. It offers CBS, NBC, and FOX, in certain jurisdictions, whereas Philo doesn’t offer local channels. Therefore, Sling TV is a better bet for those searching for these networks in a bid to catch up with local news coverage or major sports events.
But remember, you can also use an antenna to tune into local channels. And, it’s no secret that some people choose to go this route. Sling TV has an exclusive offer that entails getting a free antenna upon signing up and subscribing for a couple of months. Alternatively, Philo, coupled with an excellent antenna, is a great solution.
Premium Channels
If you’re seeking premium channels such as Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz, HBO, then it’s a no-brainer that Sling TV emerges on top. On the other hand, Philo doesn’t provide any premiums. But, bear in mind that these are availed at an extra cost.
So, Sling has significantly more channels compared to Philo. When it comes to solely entertainment networks, Philo dominates with an amazing value bundle of more than 55 channels. For everything else, Sling takes the cake.
Device Compatibility
Both live TV streaming services function seamlessly online without a cable TV required. You’ll require a compatible device to use the services. But, fret not because they function on nearly all major devices.
Here’s a breakdown of the Sling devices.
- Xbox One
- iOS gadgets
- Android TV
- Air TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Google Chrome Cast
- Android smartphones
- Roku
- Oculus
- Android tablets and smartphones
- Apple TV
We’ve rounded up Philo TV devices.
- Android TV
- Roku
- Apple TV
- iOS devices
- Amazon Fire TV
Sling currently covers more devices, which should come as no surprise because it’s an older TV streaming service. Nonetheless, Philo is expected to grow its device compatibility range as it continues making strides.
DVR Recording
Both streaming services allow you to record live TV to watch later. But, the difference is that Philo factors DVR recording in the monthly subscription, whereas Sling charges users an extra $5 per month for 50 hours of space. So, Philo TV wins this battle as it provides unlimited free recording.
On-Demand
Sling and Philo provide a limited on-demand assortment. And, the availability shows differ from one channel to another. Both live TV streaming services are strikingly similar when it comes to on-demand, so it’s a tie.
Simultaneous Streaming
It encompasses the number of devices that are concurrently using the streaming service. So, if you have two streams running simultaneously, then the little can be watching their favorite cartoons as you catch up on your favorite TV show. Sling offers one or three concurrent streams based on the package, whereas Philo provides three. So, Philo takes the cake.
User Experience
Sling and Philo are available across a broad range of devices. They range from iOS and Android-powered tablets and smartphones, Apple TC, Roku, Android TV, Fire TV, and web browsers such as Mozilla and Chrome. Sling TV ushers in more viewing alternatives. Contrary to Philo, it’s compatible with Xbox One, Samsung and LG smart TVs, Air TV, Oculus, and Chrome Cast.
Philo’s interface comprises three major navigation modes; Saved, Home, and Live. There’s a big difference between its TV and mobile interfaces and web browser.
The latter has a channel guide in tow. Users should also not expect a channel-surfing experience with Sling TV. Its interface functions with a menu bar that grants you access to the following areas.
- Movies
- Guide
- My TV (for your content)
- Sports
- On Now
Granted, you’ll find a search tool at your disposal. But, if you’re engulfed in a wave of confusion wondering what to watch, chances are you’ll waste time scrolling.
Personalization
Philo TV issues a maximum of 10 user profiles per account. In turn, multiple users can log in with their credentials, monitor their personal viewing history, and save their favorite TV shows.
Sling TV lacks a personalized user profile system. However, it somewhat customizes your experience courtesy of the My TV section that allows you to self-personalize by housing your most frequently watched channels in one place. With the service’s Favorite’s section, you can keep track of the movies and shows that you consistently come back to. Parents are unable to control what their kids watch on Philo. But Sling has parental controls under the settings section.
Local channels play a part in broadcast streaming. Sling TV grants you access to a coterie of options such as NBC, CBS, and Fox with an over-the-air antenna. Contrarily, Philo TV lacks local channels.
Add-ons
When it comes to extra features, Sling TV takes the cake. Unlike Philo TV, whereby what you see is what you get, you can personalize your package with premium channels, increased cloud storage, and additional bundles.
You can jump from 10 to 50 hours of DVR storage at an extra cost of $5 per month. Sports lovers can buy 15 extra channels with the Sports Extra bundle at a monthly subscription of $10. NHL Network, MLB Network, and NBA TV are part of the package.
Take your pick from a myriad of add-ons ranging from premium channels to Comedy Extra.
Free 7-Day Trials
If you’re undecided between Philo vs. Sling, your best bet is to give both options a free one-week trial to permit an informed decision. One major convenience that the Philo free trial ushers in is that users don’t need to submit their credit card information right off the bat, to sign-up.
Simply provide your phone number to unlock two days of the 7-day free trial. But remember, a credit card is required to unlock the remaining 5-day free trial period.
Furthermore, the beauty of Internet TV is that no streaming service provider locks in users with contracts. So, while you’re waiting for the launching of a Philo TV app, you can subscribe to Sling TV. Then, switch to Philo when it rolls out your anticipated app.