Cutting the cord on traditional cable no longer means sacrificing access to popular TV channels. Streaming services like Philo and Sling give you live and on-demand programming for a fraction of the cost.
But with two seemingly similar budget options to choose from, which service should you subscribe to? This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences between Philo and Sling TV across critical factors like pricing, channel lineup, ease of use and more.
A Quick Background
Before diving into the details, let‘s briefly introduce Philo and Sling TV.
Philo launched in 2017 as one of the chearest legal streaming services on the market. It‘s named after Philo Farnsworth, the inventor of electronic television. Philo costs a flat rate of $25 per month for over 60 popular entertainment and lifestyle channels.
Sling TV debuted in 2015 as Dish Network‘s live streaming service. It aimed to replicate the traditional TV experience at an affordable online price. Sling offers multiple base packages and add-ons, with prices starting from $35 per month. Customers can personalize their channel selection.
Now let‘s compare Philo and Sling‘s features head-to-head.
Pricing and Packages
The first major difference is how Philo and Sling structure their plans and pricing.
Philo keeps things simple with one package at $25 monthly for over 60 channels. This means you get Philo‘s full channel lineup at a predictable price.
In contrast, Sling TV takes an a la carte approach. You start with a base Orange ($35 per month) or Blue ($35) package with around 30 channels each. From there, you can add extra channel packs like Comedy Extra, News Extra and more for between $6 to $11 per month.
The benefit of Sling‘s model is customization – you only pay for the channels you really want. But it also means your bill can vary widely month-to-month. Certain add-ons like DVR service ($5 per month) further increase costs.
All said, Sling‘s starting price is higher than Philo‘s. But Philo‘s one-size-fits-all $25 fee keeps things simple.
Channel Lineup and Content
When it comes to channel selection, Philo and Sling differ significantly.
Philo focuses mainly on entertainment and lifestyle programming. This includes popular cable channels like MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Discovery, Nickelodeon and BBC America. In total it offers over 60 channels.
What Philo lacks is sports coverage and local broadcast stations. So cord cutters who want to watch live NFL games, for example, would need to look elsewhere.
Sling TV casts a wider net in its channel lineup. Depending on your base package and add-ons, you can access:
- Sports channels like ESPN, FS1, NFL Network
- News outlets like CNN, Fox News, MSNBC
- Local broadcast stations in select markets
- Kids and entertainment genres
- 50+ channels in total across packages
Sling also lets you supplement your channel list by integrating content from other streaming platforms like Prime Video or Showtime.
In summary – Philo has fewer overall channels but packs the most popular entertainment and lifestyle networks. Sling offers more flexibility to add sports, news and other genres à la carte.
Ease of Use
Both streaming services aim to make accessing content quick and seamless. But there are some differences in their platform interface.
Philo earns top marks for user experience thanks to an intuitive, clutter-free interface. Your most watched channels appear front and center. It also intelligently highlights trending and timely shows.
First-time cord cutters often find Philo very straightforward to navigate. But the tradeoff is there are fewer options to customize the look and channel order.
Sling TV provides more personalization settings for rearranging channels and menus to your liking. But the interface itself feels slightly more outdated next to slick platforms like Philo.
On-demand content also blends together with live TV in Sling‘s interface. So it can take more effort to locate the content you want compared to Philo‘s layout.
Supported Devices
When it comes to cross-device compatibility, Philo keeps pace with Sling. You can enjoy both services across:
- Smart TV platforms like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV
- iOS and Android mobile devices
- Web browsers like Chrome, Edge and Firefox
Sling expands device support even further – also integrating with Xbox consoles, LG and Samsung smart TVs and Oculus VR headsets.
So Sling inches ahead for those wanting to stream across gaming platforms and virtual reality. But Philo covers the most common streaming devices, offering reliable access.
DVR and On-Demand Library
For features that let you save and replay content, Philo holds a significant edge.
Philo offers unlimited DVR storage as standard. You can record an endless library of shows and movies to watch within 30 days. No upgrading to extra storage required.
Sling TV starts more modestly with 50 hours of DVR storage for an extra $5 monthly. You can expand to 200 hours for additional fees. But it still can‘t match Philo‘s unlimited capacity.
Both services let you skip ads on DVR recordings. And each keeps saved content for up to 30 days.
Philo also wins when comparing on-demand programming libraries. It grants full access to current seasons and over 40 previous seasons of popular cable shows. From reality staples like Chopped to AMC‘s The Walking Dead, Philo continually impresses.
While decent, Sling‘s on-demand catalog feels comparatively thin next to competitors like Philo and Hulu. You may hit limitations accessing newer episodes.
Simultaneous Streams
Do you share streaming access across family members or roommates? If yes, then Philo provides the superior experience.
Philo allows 3 concurrent streams per account – meaning 3 people can be watching different Philo content simultaneously. Whether enjoying programs in separate rooms or on the go, it‘s seamless.
In contrast, Sling Orange limits you to just 1 stream. Sling Blue and combined Orange & Blue packages allow up to 3 streams. But still, Philo matches or outperforms Sling here.
For larger households, Philo‘s 3 streams ensure no one misses out on must-see TV moments when sharing one login.
Who Should Choose Philo or Sling?
With the major differences covered, what‘s the verdict? Here‘s a quick rundown of which cord cutters Philo and Sling suit best:
Philo is ideal for:
- Cost-conscious subscribers – $25 per month
- Households sharing one login – 3 streams
- Entertainment/lifestyle fans – strong channel lineup
- Generous DVR storage – unlimited space
Sling TV better serves:
- Sports enthusiasts – access to ESPN, NFL Network
- News junkies – CNN, MSNBC, Fox News
- Customization-lovers – add channel packs
- Broad device access – games consoles, VR
In the end, it‘s about aligning your viewing priorities with the right package. Philo keeps it simple and affordable with fewer channels. Sling appeals through greater personalization across more genres.
Start Your Free Trial Today
Give both streaming platforms a spin with extended risk-free trials:
- Philo – 7 days free
- Sling TV – Special offer of 50% off your first month
Experience Philo and Sling‘s channel selections, interfaces and streaming quality before paying.
Choose the service matching your personal preferences – from price to sports coverage and everything between. Cut costs without sacrificing access to cable‘s most popular channels.
