Streaming services have become popular alternatives to traditional cable TV, offering a range of channels at lower prices. In this landscape, Sling TV and Philo stand out as two popular, affordable options. If you’re considering one of these services, it’s essential to understand their features, channel lineups, pricing, and user experiences.
This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one best suits your needs.
Table of Contents
Overview of Sling TV and Philo
Sling TV was one of the first live TV streaming services, launched in 2015. It offers two primary packages, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, along with various add-ons to customize your lineup. Sling TV is well-regarded for its flexibility, letting users mix and match options to tailor their subscriptions.
Philo debuted later, in 2017, with a mission to offer affordable streaming without the typical price tag associated with live TV. Philo focuses on lifestyle and entertainment channels, leaving out sports and local news, which helps keep its costs low.
Channel Lineups
Sling TV and Philo differ significantly in the channels they offer. Understanding these lineups will help determine which service aligns with your viewing preferences.
Sling TV Channels
- Sling Orange ($40/month) includes over 30 channels, such as ESPN, CNN, AMC, and Disney Channel. It’s ideal for sports fans and families with young viewers.
- Sling Blue ($45/month) has over 40 channels, including Fox, NBC, Bravo, and FX, making it great for general entertainment and news.
- Sling Orange + Blue ($60/month) combines both packages, offering around 50 channels, including sports, news, and entertainment.
- Add-Ons: Sling TV offers add-on packages starting from $6/month. Options include Sports Extra, News Extra, Comedy Extra, and more, allowing you to expand your channel lineup.
Here are Sling TV channel list.
Philo Channels
- Single Package ($28/month): Philo’s package includes over 70 channels, mainly focused on lifestyle and entertainment, such as AMC, HGTV, Comedy Central, and Hallmark. Philo omits sports and local channels, catering to viewers looking for entertainment without news or sports.
- Add-Ons: Philo offers a few premium add-ons like Starz and Epix, but its options are limited compared to Sling’s diverse add-ons.
Verdict: If you want sports or news, Sling TV is the clear winner. If you’re primarily interested in entertainment and lifestyle content, Philo’s extensive offering might be perfect for you.
Pricing Comparison
Both services are budget-friendly, but their pricing structures differ.
Sling TV:
- Sling Orange: $40/month
- Sling Blue: $45/month
- Sling Orange + Blue: $60/month
- Add-Ons: Starting from $6/month
Philo: $28/month for a single package with over 70 channels.
Verdict: Philo is the more affordable option, offering a broad channel lineup at a single low rate. Sling TV provides more flexibility, especially for those willing to pay for extra channels.
User Experience and Interface
Sling TV Interface:
Sling TV’s interface has improved over the years but can still feel a bit cluttered, especially with multiple add-ons. Sling has an on-demand library and lets you filter channels by categories, which can help users navigate the interface. However, some users report that Sling’s UI can be slow or challenging to navigate on certain devices.
Philo Interface:
Philo’s interface is clean, user-friendly, and intuitive. It organizes content by categories such as “Top Shows” and “Continue Watching,” which makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. Philo’s focus on simplicity resonates well with users who prefer a straightforward viewing experience.
Verdict: Philo’s interface is more user-friendly and streamlined, while Sling’s customization options can add complexity.
Streaming Quality and Device Compatibility
Sling TV Quality and Compatibility
Sling TV offers streaming quality up to 1080p on supported devices and a stable experience on most popular streaming platforms, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and gaming consoles like Xbox. However, Sling’s service sometimes experiences minor buffering, especially on slower connections.
Philo Quality and Compatibility
Philo also offers HD streaming at 1080p and performs well across various devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android and iOS devices.
Verdict: Both services offer comparable streaming quality.
Cloud DVR and Recording Options
DVR functionality is a significant factor in choosing a streaming service, especially for users who want flexibility in watching content on their schedules.
- Sling TV: Includes 50 hours of free cloud DVR storage, with the option to upgrade to 200 hours for an additional $5/month.
- Philo: Offers unlimited DVR storage for up to a year at no extra charge.
Verdict: Philo is the better choice for DVR storage, offering unlimited capacity and long storage duration. Sling TV’s DVR option is decent but limited unless you pay extra.
Simultaneous Streaming
Simultaneous streaming capabilities matter for households with multiple viewers.
Sling TV:
- Sling Orange: Allows one stream at a time.
- Sling Blue: Allows three simultaneous streams.
- Sling Orange + Blue: Allows up to four streams, combining both plans.
Philo: Allows three simultaneous streams on any device.
Verdict: Sling Blue and Sling Orange + Blue offer more flexibility for larger households, but Philo’s single package allows for three streams, making it more straightforward.
On-Demand Libraries
Both Sling TV and Philo offer on-demand libraries, though they vary in size and selection.
- Sling TV: Has a modest on-demand library, mainly limited to the channels included in your package. Some channels offer only recent episodes, and the catalogue isn’t as extensive as dedicated streaming services.
- Philo: Offers a more comprehensive on-demand library with past episodes of popular shows from its lineup, which can be appealing for viewers interested in binge-watching.
Verdict: Philo edges out Sling with a larger on-demand library for entertainment and lifestyle shows.
Sports, News, and Local Channels
If sports and news are essential to you, consider Sling TV.
- Sling TV: Offers ESPN, Fox Sports, CNN, MSNBC, and access to some local channels (availability depends on your location). Sling also includes regional sports channels with specific add-ons, which can appeal to fans of live sports.
- Philo: Lacks sports, news, and local channels altogether, as it focuses on entertainment and lifestyle content.
Verdict: Sling TV is the better option for sports and news enthusiasts. Philo’s limited offering is best for viewers who don’t need live sports or local channels.
Pros and Cons Summary
Here are the pros and cons of both streaming services.
Sling TV
Pros:
- Flexible packages with various add-ons
- Good sports, news, and local channel options
- Wider device compatibility
- Three to four simultaneous streams available (depending on the plan)
Cons:
- More expensive than Philo
- DVR storage is limited, unless you pay extra.
- Cluttered interface at times
Philo
Pros:
- Affordable single package with over 70 channels
- Limitless DVR storage at no extra charge
- User-friendly and streamlined interface
- Strong on-demand library for entertainment shows
Cons:
- No sports, news, or local channels
- Limited device compatibility
