What is Philo TV? Here's everything you need to know about the low-cost TV streaming service

• Philo TV is a live and on-demand TV service that offers 60-plus channels with no contract for just $20 a month after a 7-day free trial.
• A Philo TV subscription includes major networks like AMC, Food Network, and Nickelodeon, but no local channels.
• Philo subscribers have unlimited DVR and access to Android, iOS, or Fire tablet apps for watching anytime and anywhere. 
• You'll need a working high-speed internet connection and one of a list of compatible devices, which includes a Roku, Apple TV, or supported browser on a Mac or PC. 

Philo is one of the best live TV streaming services you can sign up for on a budget. It lets you cut the cord to watch popular channels with just an internet connection and a smart TV or mobile device —  no ugly satellite dishes or pricey cable bills required. 

And best of all, Philo is cheaper than all of its direct competitors. Though there are some networks missing to help keep the costs down, the service is an excellent choice for cord cutters looking to save money.

Below, we've broken down all the ins and outs of Philo, including how much it costs, what channels it includes, and what devices you need to stream it. 

What is Philo?

Philo is a budget-friendly live TV streaming service that grants you access to tons of TV channels through an internet connection without the fuss of a cable box, satellite dish, or long-term contract. Subscribers can catch news, sports, dramas, sitcoms, and reality shows as they go live.

There are over 70 channels on Philo, and the list includes popular networks like AMC, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, Food Network, HGTV, Nickelodeon, TLC, and VH1. It's a pretty impressive lineup for the money, but some viewers may find its selection lacking compared to more expensive live TV services like Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, or YouTube TV.

Most notably, Philo is missing local stations like ABC and NBC, and it doesn't have big cable news or sports networks like CNN and ESPN.  

How much does Philo cost?

Philo starts at $25 a month for over 70 channels with unlimited DVR space for one year (recordings are automatically deleted after 12 months of storage) and support for three simultaneous streams. That's less than half the cost of most competing services, making Philo an incredible bang-for-your-buck option. You can also cancel at any time, because Philo doesn't lock you into a contract. 

Once you're subscribed, you can expand the service by tacking on add-ons for even more content. Here's what Philo offers in addition to its base service:

• MGM+ for an additional $6 a month
• Starz for an additional $10 a month
• Movie & more add-on for an additional $3 a month

How to watch Philo

Philo, just like every other streaming service, is available on a variety of platforms. That includes most smart TVs, smartphones, and web browsers. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with any gaming consoles.

Here's what devices support Philo:

• Android TV
• Android smartphones
• Apple TV
• Fire tablets
• Fire TV
• iOS
• Roku
• Samsung TVs

Can I watch Philo for free?

Philo offers a free seven-day trial for first-time subscribers. It's a great way to give the service a try before committing to a membership, and you can cancel anytime. Otherwise, Philo doesn't offer any free plans.

Is Philo worth it?

For only $25 a month, Philo is well worth the money if you're a reality TV, drama, or lifestyle programming fan. Whether you're a sucker for Lifetime movies, AMC dramas, Investigation Discovery series, or Food Network cooking competitions, the service has the programming you're looking for — and your kids can catch cartoons on Nickelodeon with the same subscription. 

However, if you're searching for a service to get your local news, favorite broadcast shows, and sports, you'll want to look elsewhere. As enticing as its low price is, Philo lacks the networks to truly satisfy viewers with those interests.